f I could go with you--"

"That's it," broke in the Senor, "if you and your brothers will
accompany us, we all could be quite safe."

Jim was complimented by this confidence, and was very loath to hesitate,
but his obligations to the professor compelled. He must first refer the
matter to him. Then an idea occurred to Jim, another course was
suggested.

Would the Senor's party go on board the Storm King, and when again at
sea seek a transfer to some passing merchant ship bound for San
Francisco?

The plan well appealed to the Senor, and now the best method of getting
on board the Storm King was considered.

While they were talking, as the darkening atmosphere indicated, a storm
was brewing, and appeared likely to break very shortly over the hills
and bay. The trip by land would be tedious indeed, particularly for the
Senorita. The dinghy would carry but three, and Jim thought, too, that
every minute lost would prejudice his chances for the recovery of the
Sea Eagle. One object of his trip had been accomplished, the rescue of
the Senorita. Now his thoughts turned to the Sea Eagle which at that
moment was doubtless upon the ocean and headed for Cuba. At least he
knew its destination.

The thought occurred to Jim. Why not make use of the lugger on which
they now were? Suggestion was promptly followed by action. Under Jim's
direction the anchor was quickly raised, the patchwork sail was trimmed
and made secure. If the approaching storm held off a bit they could make
the run to the Storm King in short order.

With the relaxation from the intense anxiety of the hours just passed
through, the party was indeed a happy one. Even their Nemesis, the
villainous Mexican, was forgotten. The Senor and Berwick--the latter was
at the helm--found subjects to discuss of mutual interest.

The Senorita, meantime, told Jim of her experience on board the Sea
Eagle, where she had been for some time a prisoner, and he related very
modestly some of the efforts he had made to rescue her.

It was beyond the dinner hour, but that fact was forgotten. The
Senorita, however, was thirsty.

"Was there possibly water on board to drink?"

Jim offered to investigate. He had seen through the hatchway in the dim
region of the hold a cask or two. He climbed down a broken ladder to
institute a search. The first cask when struck with his boot gave out a
sound indicating that it was empty. But there was dimly seen another
cask farther aft. Even near