one suddenly mad
at the recollection of his past sufferings. "Before the villain could
aim a second shot in my direction, the most wonderful thing happened
that, I believe, could ever have occurred. Yes, Senor Capitano, I
declare to you, it was the most wonderful thing, now that I recall it
again in speaking to you, that I have ever heard of in all my life. Ay,
so wonderful and providential, that it would seem incredible to me were
I not certain by this very occurrence, which has brought it home to me,
that there is a Power above which watches over us and preserves us from
danger, no matter how imminent that danger may be, and when the help of
man is of no avail; a Power, too, that as frequently punishes the wicked
in the very act of their wickedness, as happened in this case."

At that moment, the sentry who always stood on guard without the door of
the sick bay entered the cabin, and saluting Captain Farmer, said the
first lieutenant wished to speak to him; whereupon the captain,
apologising for having to absent himself at such a critical point, at
once withdrew, saying that he would not be long away.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

"A DIOS!"

"I can quite believe you, senor," said Captain Farmer on his return
after a very brief interval, resuming the thread of the discourse as if
no interruption had occurred. "Pray continue your story. I am dying to
know what happened to checkmate that scoundrel of a mate as he was going
to take another shot at you, thus defeating the design of the murdering
ruffian."

"Without doubt, Senor Capitano, I will tell you," replied the Spaniard,
drawing a long breath as he recommenced his yarn. "As the villain Gomez
cocked and raised the revolver again--for I could see him plainly from
the light of the ship's lantern flashing on the barrel--Dios! I
perceived under the sheet of the foresail, which was flapping loosely
about, for we were becalmed and the vessel was drifting aimlessly as she
pleased, the mutineers taking no heed of anything but their accursed
drink--I perceived, I say, a steamer approaching, end on and going
apparently at full speed. I could have shouted out to warn the men on
the forecastle, for the gag had been miraculously removed from my mouth,
as I have told you, only a minute or so. But, Carramba, I would not
have lifted my voice to have saved them, had I possessed a hundred
mouths; for, I thought of my brother and his wife and child, and I
exulted at their com