were to do that it would make all the difference,
and be like turning the scale to Don Ramon's side."

"Yes, my boy," said the skipper, "and here he is;" for the Don suddenly
appeared, mounted upon a sturdy mule, cantering towards them, with his
steed making very light of the rugged stony ground, and stopping short
close up to the group in response to a touch upon its rein, when its
rider sprang lightly to the ground, looking as wiry and fresh as the
beast he rode, in spite of the labours of the night.

"Ah, my friend! Welcome!" he cried. "And you too, my braves. Now," he
added joyously, his eyes sparkling with excitement, "have not my brave
fellows worked? Are we not ready for the enemy when he comes? What
have you to say? There are the guns! Tell me, are they well-placed?
You who have brought them know so much. If they are not right, tell me
what to do, and it shall be done."

"I would not alter anything now," said the skipper gravely.

"Why not, if they, are wrong? There is time, and plenty, for my scouts
are far enough away, and the enemy is not in sight."

The skipper was silent, but his eyes were not idle, and he seemed to be
examining every disposition closely.

"He does not speak," continued Don Ramon. "Then you, my young English
officer; you come from a ship with guns, what have you to say?"

"I was wondering," said Fitz, flushing, "not about the guns, for they
seem well-placed, but whether the enemy could come down that little
valley up yonder or get round by the rear."

"No, no, no," cried the Don exultantly. "Velova can only be reached by
this pass, which my guns command. There is no other way--by land--but
there is the sea."

"And the gunboat?" said Fitz.

"Ah-h, yes, the gunboat!" cried the Don, with his face convulsed, as he
clenched his hands. "The gunboat--yes. It is the key to the
Presidency."

"No," said the skipper suddenly, "I would change nothing, Don Ramon. As
far as I know, your position is magnificent."

"Hah!" cried the Don, with his face smoothing once more, and his eyes
lighting up with pleasure. "But you think my grand, my beautiful and
perfect little guns that you have brought me are well-placed?"

"Capitally," said the skipper sincerely. "But they are not perfect,"
said the Don, with a peculiar smile, as he keenly watched the skipper
the while. "There is one thing wanting."

"Surely not," cried the skipper angrily. "I saw them packed myself, and
I can an