aloft, watching, talking, and comparing notes about what a peaceful time
it seemed and how strange a contrast to the excitement of the previous
day and night.

"It's too good to be true, my lads," said the skipper quietly, as the
afternoon glided by. "We have made such a splendid run that it isn't
reasonable to expect fortune will favour us much farther."

"Ah, you think that?" said Don Ramon, who came up rolling a fresh
cigarette.

"Yes, sir, I do. In another hour we shall be round that headland, and
in sight of Velova if the mate keeps us clear of that long reef of rocks
which guards the bay."

"Ah, and then you think Villarayo will be waiting for us with his men?"

"Oh no," said the skipper; "I can't say for certain, but I should doubt
whether he has found out as yet that we are gone. I feel certain now
that he would not stir till all his reinforcements had reached him."

"That is right," said the Don eagerly, "and even then--I know our people
well--they will fight bravely twice, but it is very hard to move them
again. But you spoke as if you _were_ in doubt. What is it you
expect?"

"I expect, sir, that as soon as we get round that headland we shall see
the gunboat waiting for us, and ready to open fire. And once she gets
well within range--"

Reed stopped. "Yes, what then?" cried Don Ramon eagerly. The skipper
shrugged his shoulders. "What can we do, sir, with my schooner crowded
up like this?"

"Fly," said the Don, with his eyes flashing. "Of course; there is
nothing else to be done. But if they have decent men to work that gun,
one well-placed shot or shell will wreck my rigging, and we shall lie
like a wounded bird upon the water."

The Don looked fixedly in the skipper's face for some moments before
giving him a short nod and turning away to light his cigarette.

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.

NO BURGESS ABOARD.

But the skipper's forebodings were needless. As they sailed round the
headland it was through a sea of golden light. There lay Velova with
every window flashing in the late afternoon sunshine. Small coasting
vessels were at anchor, boats were putting out to sea to reach the
fishing-grounds; and, save that through the glass a few figures could be
seen about the little fort with its flagstaff flying the national
colours, and the rough earthworks could be made out mounting a few small
guns, all was calm and peaceful.

"There, captain," cried Don Ramon triumphantly, "what do yo