large waves to roll up against the beach,
threatening to break the cables by which the barges were moored to the
shore. Don Cornelio cast glances of fear upon that mighty ocean that,
but a few hours before, had come so near engulfing him within its dark
depths.

While he sat with his face turned seaward, his eye fell upon the figure
of a man who was passing from the spot where the groups were scattered
downward to the beach. This man having approached the place where the
barges were moored, for some moments appeared to be occupied with them,
as if looking to their security. This was Don Cornelio's first
impression on seeing the figure bending over the cables; but the moment
after, the blade of a knife glancing in the man's fingers, was revealed
by a flash of lightning; and this gave a sudden turn to the captain's
thoughts.

"What is he about to do?" inquired he of Costal, at the same time
pointing out the individual so mysteriously occupied about the barges.

"_Carrambo_! he is cutting the cables!" cried the Indian, springing to
his feet, and rushing towards the boats, followed by Don Cornelio.

On drawing nearer the beach, both recognised, under the pale reflection
of the foaming waves, the Marshal himself--Don Hermenegildo Galeana!

"Ah! Captain Lantejas, it is you!" cried the Marshal as they
approached. "Good. I want you to lend me a hand here in cutting these
hawsers: they are hard as iron chains."

"Cut the hawsers!" echoed the astonished captain. "And what, General,
if we are compelled to retreat before a superior force?"

"That's just what I wish to provide against," replied Don Hermenegildo,
laughing. "Some people fight but poorly when they know they may run
away; and I wish our people to fight well."

Don Cornelio saw it was no use to attempt remonstrance with the
chivalric Galeana, and both he and Costal went to work to assist the
Marshal in his daring design.

"All right, comrades!" cried Don Hermenegildo, as soon as the three
hawsers were parted; "it only remains for us to get the signal rockets
out of the boats, and then let them go to sea of themselves."

So saying, the energetic leader stepped aboard one of the barges, seized
hold of the rocket case, and, assisted by Costal and Don Cornelio,
carried it on shore. Then, giving each of the boats a shove from the
beach, the Marshal had the satisfaction--not shared by the Captain,
however--of seeing all three of them the next moment carried