Young Glory and the Spanish Cruiser Part 32

"To propose certain terms to him."

"He will refuse."

"Let him. At least, you have no right to do so for him. Recollect that my friend, Manuel, has you all in his power still."

"Senor, no one will harm you; you are free to pa.s.s to Lieutenant Tyler's room. I believe you know where it is."

"Yes."

Through the close ranks of the American seamen Juan threaded his way, smiling pleasantly at the scowling faces and threatening looks he saw on all sides of him.

"I can afford to smile," he said to himself, "for I hold all the tricks in my hand!"

CHAPTER XIV.

JUAN AND LIEUT. TYLER--WHAT YOUNG GLORY DID.

Lieutenant Tyler knew what was happening.

He had been roused from sleep a few minutes before Juan made his appearance, and he was busily getting into such parts of his uniform as he had discarded before lying down.

"You are a bold man!" he said to Juan, "to present yourself to me on such a mission."

"I claim no credit for audacity, senor. The merit of the plot lies with my friend, Manuel."

"Well, what have you to say?"

"Very few words. The s.h.i.+p is in our power."

"Your treacherous comrade has obtained possession of the magazine, you mean?"

"It is the same thing. I will tell you my terms."

"Terms!"

"Yes, terms!" a.s.sured Juan, haughtily. "Every dog has his day, as I believe an English proverb says. It was yours yesterday. It is ours now.

You must release the Spanish prisoners."

"Never!"

"And hand back the s.h.i.+p," Juan went on, without noticing the interruption, "to Captain Moret."

"And if I decline?"

"I make the same answer as I made just now. We shall blow up the s.h.i.+p.

If we can't obtain our cruiser again, at least we can prevent it from being of any use to you, and we will sacrifice our lives gladly for such a purpose."

"This is insanity."

"Call it what you please, senor. I call it patriotism."

The responsibility now thrown on Lieutenant Tyler was great, and he had but a short time in which to decide, for Manuel told him he was to hasten matters.

Up and down the room strode the lieutenant.

"Surrender the s.h.i.+p!" he muttered. "An eternal disgrace if I do, and death for all if I don't. What am I to do? This is terrible, terrible!"

"You answer, senor. Be quick!"

"I am in your power. You have broken your words, given as officers and gentlemen----"

"All is fair in war."

"And," continued the lieutenant, "by foul treachery you have gained an advantage. I cannot doom all my men to death. Senor, I must----"

"Refuse your terms!" cried a familiar voice, as the door was thrust open, and without a particle of respect Young Glory rushed in.

"One word and I'll kill you!" shouted the boy, as he held a pistol at Juan.

Lieutenant Tyler and Juan were both amazed.

"May I speak?" asked the latter, insolently.

"Yes, so long as you make no noise."

"My young friend, I have made a great error. I really believed that Lieutenant Tyler commanded this s.h.i.+p. I must ask pardon for the mistake into which I have fallen--I must indeed."

"Sir, I hope you don't suppose me guilty of any disrespect," asked Young Glory of the lieutenant.

"No, no, but I am surprised."

"I must excuse myself, sir. I heard what had taken place before on my way here. I saw this man enter, and I have listened to all that has been said."

"Eavesdropping is a habit of yours!" sneered Juan.

"For which your friend thought to punish me, but found out his mistake.

I threw him over to the fishes," said Young Glory, coolly.

"Wretch! I will avenge him," cried Juan.

"Quiet! quiet," said Young Glory, calmly, pointing very significantly to his six-shooter, "you seem to forget that you are in great danger."

"I am in none," answered Juan, instantly. "Lieutenant Tyler, this farce must end. My comrades will be impatient for my return. You were about to give an answer when this fellow thrust himself in."

"Yes, yes," said the lieutenant, sadly. "There is no escape, Young Glory. This man--traitor as he is--has the right to exact terms from me."