you, save Suarez and myself, understand Spanish."

The captain produced from a large wallet a paper which he read slowly,
dwelling long upon those passages containing detailed instructions:

HEADQUARTERS OF THE INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT AT CUBITAS.

TO CAPTAIN DYNAMITE,
Boston, Massachusetts, U. S. A.

GREETING:
When, with the assistance of a power higher than mortal endeavor, you
shall have safely brought your expedition within the lines of the
enemy's ships, proceed with all possible dispatch to that point on the
coast mutually agreed upon by us at our last meeting. There, should a
kind and just Providence so will it, you will find your landing
covered by five hundred men under Captain Morgan, who is your friend.
From him you will receive any necessary further instructions. May our
just cause shield you from harm and bring you safely through your
dangerous mission to the arms of your friends who kiss your hand.

(Signed) BETANCOURT.
GOMEZ.

"You know those names, my friends," said Dynamite, after reading the
order. "In their name and in ours, out of the fullness of our hearts, I
give you our toast--Viva Cuba Libre!"

The men sprang to their feet and raising their glasses while their eyes
shone with the fever of excitement, shouted:

"Viva, viva, Cuba libre!"

"I thought so," said Harry, as the sound died away.

"What does that lingo mean?" asked Bert.

"It means 'hurrah for free Cuba,'" answered Harry.

CHAPTER VII

IN THE DANGER ZONE

Harry was awakened the next morning by the clanking of heavy chains,
rumbling of iron trucks, banging of doors, creaking of cordage, and the
hoarse shouts of men. Above the unusual din the voice of the captain
rose deep and resonant. Harry sat up in his bunk in wonderment. The
usually quiet and methodical ship seemed to have in an instant been
transformed into what to the ear might easily resemble an iron foundry.
The noise also aroused Bert and Mason.

"What's our friend the buccaneer up to now?" queried Mason, rubbing his
sleepy eyes.

"The sooner we get on deck, the quicker we shall find out," answered
Harry, jumping from his bunk and beginning to dress hurriedly.

"Sounds to me suspiciously like a pirate chief and his blood-thirsty
crew preparing to board an unsuspecting ship," said the irrepressible
Midget, as he poke