ully to his feed, and saw to his
watering. For Jim was determined that his horse should not be beaten by
the Spaniard's. He knew that the latter's horse must be an unusual
animal. It was not a short race, instead, one of two hundred miles that
lay before them on the morrow.

That evening the American boys presented a better appearance than they
did at breakfast. It was a pretty scene that evening in the long dining
room. The snowy table lit by light of candles and set with ancient
silver brought from Spain. The young Senorita was seated at her
brother's right, and on the other side were James Darlington and his
brother Joseph. As to the impression she made upon them, we will say
nothing, as this is not a romance, but they had a merry and delightful
evening.

Their host and the young Senorita were much interested in hearing of the
adventures of the boys in Mexico, especially that part that referred to
the rescue of the Senorita Cordova from the hands of Cal Jenkins and his
gang. I do not know that The Frontier Boys told it with any less fervor
because the eyes of the young girl, seated opposite, were fixed intently
upon them. It appeared that their host knew of the Senor Cordova, who
was a man of prominence in his country, though he had not actually met
him. So there was one more bond of sympathy between the Senor Sebastian
and James and Jo Darlington.

CHAPTER XVII

ON BOARD THE SEA EAGLE

Let us now turn our interest and attention for a time to the cruise of
the Sea Eagle, under the guidance of that redoubtable free-booter,
Captain Broom. It was a mystery to the three who watched the ship turn
to the South, what her port could be. We will soon be in a position to
solve that problem.

No sooner had the Sea Eagle cleared the cove than Captain Broom went to
his cabin to go over his spoils which he had taken from the frontier
boys. He placed all the belts upon the table, took up one, and with a
keen knife slit the first pouch. A large heavy Spanish coin rolled out
and then clinked down upon the table.

The Captain's eyes glistened. "By Gosh!" he exclaimed, "it was worth
while rounding up those fellows. They must have struck it rich down in
Mexico. I bet the boys will be tickled to death to get their share." For
whatever crimes and shortcomings Captain Broom could be charged with,
at least he always divided fairly with his crew. Thereby he held their
loyalty. It was not all policy, either, for there was a s