d at
Caracas.

"I am so accustomed to revolutions," said he with a grin and shrug,
"that I should die of weariness in your noble country, but here I
shall have all that my heart craves."

"It has much that look," replied Major Starland, as he shook him by
the hand, after compelling him to accept a generous _douceur_ from
himself and Miss Starland.

Returning from this digression, the small boat was kept under careful
survey until it returned from the _General Yozarro_. Some feared that
a musket shot might be fired at the seamen, for the Atlamalcan is
hot-headed and reckless, and the fully loaded saluting gun was kept
pointed.

"If I have to fire again," grimly said the mate, "I shall send the
ball through her boiler, and sink the whole gang."

Fortunately the necessity did not arise. The most prominent form on
the tug was that of Captain Ramon Ortega, standing in front of the
pilot house on the upper deck. Pistol in hand, his watchfulness no
doubt prevented any treacherous act, for all who knew him knew his
unflinching sense of honor and his personal bravery. When the peril
passed, he put away his weapon and stood with hands thrust in the
side pockets of his light jacket.

Up went the hand of Miss Starland and she fluttered aloft her
handkerchief.

"I see no reason why he should not recognize me as a friend _now_,"
she explained to the Major at her side.

The other saw her and lifted his hat and bowed low. Jack Starland did
the same and called a cheery good bye to him.

"He is the foremost gentleman of the Atlamalcan Republic, and
Senorita Manuela will secure a prize in him."

"No greater than he will secure in her; but what is to become of
them?"

"Of whom?"

"Their boat is so injured that they are helpless."

"No doubt General Yozarro will be able to float another loan big
enough to provide his navy with a new screw; until then, he may limp
along as best he can."

At this moment, Mate Horton came forward with the same question.

"We might tow them down to Zalapata, even with General Bambos on
board, but I am not impressed that it is my duty. Let them drift with
the current and they will bump up somewhere. It is well that they
should have a few hours for meditation. Besides, they have the tender
and catboat and can send ashore for help, if they need it. No; I shall
have nothing more to do with the gang; they must look out for
themselves."

Captain Winton emitted a resounding blast from the whist