newcomer had entered the harbor.

None were surprised at early dawn to observe the Sea Eagle riding
quietly at anchor well toward the inner shore of the harbor, and some
two and one-half miles distant.

Alongside of the Sea Eagle was a boat of nondescript appearance, the one
they had seen the night before, and it was evident that the masters of
the two ships had business of importance in hand.

"By Jove, old fellow," cried Berwick, addressing Jim, "you were right
after all. It is her, all right. We had better be getting ready."

"Better go fully armed," advised the professor. "You know that they are
a pretty tough lot."

"Tough enough," agreed Berwick, "but I think we can take care of
ourselves. I am not afraid to tackle anyone except that fiend of a
Mexican. He is so little and slippery that I never feel quite safe when
he is around."

"I think we have seen the last of him," put in Tom.

"Perhaps," doubted Berwick, "but I don't believe it. He's got more lives
than a score of cats."

"Will you need any help from the crew or myself?" asked the professor.

"No," replied Jim, "I think we can take care of the situation, and
beside," he laughed, "someone will have to look after this yacht or
Broome will be getting away with her."

"He will have a jolly good time doing it," asserted the professor. "By
the way, Mr. Berwick, you might attach a hose to the boiler so we can
give them a warm reception if they try to come on board."

"What are your plans, Jim," the professor asked.

"First and foremost to see that the compact for the surrender of their
prisoner, the Senorita, is carried out. Beyond that I must be guided by
circumstances."

"While Captain Broome is ashore with his men may be your opportunity to
get back your ship."

"I have that in mind, but any move now before she is free would add to
the peril of the young girl."

While they had been talking, the long-boat had been lowered and was now
alongside the gangway.

"All aboard," directed Jim.

Each member of the party was armed with a rifle and a revolver. It took
but a moment for the five to get into the boat. Jim and Juarez took the
oars.

"Where are you going to land, Jim," asked Berwick, who had taken the
tiller. "It won't do to venture very close to the Sea Eagle."

"The first point where we can find a landing place on the north shore.
They will hardly see us at this distance."

"Just over here is a good place," suggested Tom, indicating a