ith you and give a signal."

Dan was astounded.

"An' is it by mesilf I'm to go?"

"That's exactly what it is, Dan. You're old enough to be trusted alone,
you know."

"But you?"

"Oh, I have work on shore. Never mind me."

"It's more danger ye're runnin' your head into."

"Trust me to get it out again. Now, don't interrupt me. I've a letter to
write."

Dan busily employed himself with the whisky whilst Young Glory was
writing his letter.

"Here it is."

"An' who's it for?"

"Captain Miles."

"Our skipper?"

"He's the only Captain Miles I know. Now, Dan, it's very important that
that letter should reach Captain Miles as soon as possible. You
understand me?"

"Yes, an' if it's to be done I'll do it."

"That I know. Now, to start you."

The two men left the hut. The boat was moored immediately opposite, and
in it were a pair of sculls.

Young Glory would not allow a moment to be wasted. He unhitched the
painter and pushed off the boat. Then, having seen Dan start on his
dangerous mission, he went back to the hut.

CHAPTER IV.

YOUNG GLORY AND CAPTAIN RUIZ CALDERON--IN THE
CAMP OF THE PATRIOTS.

The project Young Glory had conceived was incredibly bold.

If he had told Dan what it was, the Irishman would have done his best to
dissuade him from it.

But Young Glory instead of changing his mind, became more fixed in his
purpose as the time flew by.

"I don't see why it should fail," he said to himself, as he sat
listening intently. "Ah! there he is. Well, the die is cast, or will be
in a few minutes, anyway. I'll go through with it to the end."

He passed his hand through his thick golden curls which his sombrero had
hitherto concealed. Then he hurriedly went out and posted himself behind
a large tree a few yards from the hut.

Nearer and nearer came the noise that had attracted his attention. A
horseman was approaching at a rapid rate, that was clear.

"Captain Calderon for certain," said Young Glory to himself. "There
won't be any time to see, so I must assume it's he and take my chances."

It was so dark that he could not see the horseman, though he knew he
must be very near by the sound. Then, suddenly, out into the road he
sprang.

"Halt!" he cried in ringing tones, "or I will put a bullet into you."

The horseman seemed astounded. Many men could have dashed by regardless
of consequences, but this man reined in his steed instantly, drawing the
animal back on its haunches.