p, it was
found that her machinery had been tampered with, so that it became
impossible to send her. It was then decided to send the gunboat; but
when she in turn attempted to move it was discovered that she also had
been disabled. And finally, to cut my story short, it was discovered
that the engines of Captain Morillo's ship had also been so effectually
tampered with that she cannot move. Thus, you see, at a very critical
moment, we find ourselves absolutely helpless; and unless something can
be done, and that instantly, the cargo will be landed, with the
deplorable result that an armed rebellion will break out in the island,
and incalculable mischief will ensue."

"Yes," assented Jack thoughtfully; "I must confess that such a result
seems not improbable."

"Not improbable!" ejaculated the General; "my dear sir, it is absolutely
certain! We have the very best of reasons for knowing that, once the
insurgents find themselves possessed of arms, they will lose not a
moment in making a determined effort to throw off the yoke of Spanish
rule, and the island will be at once plunged into all the horrors of
war. Now, my dear Senor Singleton, it is in your power to avert those
horrors, if you will!" ("Precisely!" thought Jack; "I could have bet
that the old boy was leading up to this.") "You see exactly how we are
situated. That American ship and her cargo must be seized; yet we have
no ship available with which to effect the seizure. You, on the other
hand, have a ship that is in every way admirably adapted for the
service, and you have steam up; you can leave the harbour at a moment's
notice, if you choose--"

"Pardon me, General," interrupted Jack; "I understand exactly what you
are driving at: you want me to lend you this yacht for the purpose of
conveying a party of soldiers or sailors to--to--"

"Mulata Bay," interpolated the General.

"Yes," continued Jack, "to Mulata Bay, to seize an American ship which,
you say, is smuggling a cargo of contraband-of-war into the island!
But, my dear sir, has the very extraordinary nature of your request yet
dawned upon you? Do you recognise that you are asking me, a private
English gentleman, to mix myself up in a quarrel with which I have
absolutely nothing to do, and the rights and wrongs of which I do not in
the least understand? Why should I interfere with an American ship,
even though she be engaged, as you suggest, in affording aid and
encouragement to the revolut