en light during the night, and had
hauled round from the eastward, in consequence of which the _Santa
Catalina_ was then heading due north, close-hauled upon the larboard
tack, with hardly enough motion through the water to give her steerage-
way. The object which was exciting so much interest among the Spanish
officers was a schooner broad on our weather-beam, about eight miles
distant, and consequently hull-down from the deck. She was steering
about west-north-west, and appeared to have every stitch of canvas
packed upon her that her crew could spread, including square-sail,
topgallant, topmast, and lower studding-sails, which was not at all
surprising, considering that the wind was light and dead fair for her.
It was apparent enough to me, however, that the Spaniards did not like
the look of her.

I was greeted with great cordiality by the little group as I made my
appearance on deck; the kindest hopes were expressed that I had passed a
comfortable night, and I was promptly invited to take breakfast with the
skipper in his cabin. These compliments being duly paid and
acknowledged, Captain Calderon remarked:

"We have been looking at that schooner yonder, and wondering who and
what she can be. Schooners--unless they happen to be British cruisers,
French privateers, or piratical craft--are seldom to be met with about
here; and, though we ought to have nothing to fear from the second
variety I have named, I have, to speak the plain truth, no very great
desire to meet with either of the three."

"Perhaps she is an American from one of the islands, bound up into the
Gulf," I suggested.

"Hardly that, I think," answered Don Felix. "Tell me, did you ever see
an American trader with such a beautifully cut suit of canvas as that
fellow spreads?" thrusting the glass into my hand as he spoke.

I applied the instrument to my eye, taking a good long steady look at
the distant vessel; and when I had completed my examination I was forced
to admit that I had never seen a trader, American or otherwise, with
such a handsome suit of canvas, or with everything so snug and ship-
shape about her rigging as was this craft. "Still," said I, "I am
disposed to think her American from the enormous spread of her yards,
which you have doubtless noticed. But if, Don Felix," I continued, "you
are really anxious to ascertain the fellow's intentions, why not wear
round on the opposite tack? That will at once make him declare himself;
f