hville's course was changed, and she steered straight for the
harbor of San Juan.

The men were all excited now. It was a desperate mission upon which they
were bound, and they knew it. The enterprise affected men differently.
Some of the sailors looked stern and determined. Dan Daly smiled the
first time for a week.

As for Young Glory, he was in his element.

The Nashville had now entered the harbor, quite regardless of the guns
or the forts. Captain Long held these antiquated weapons in contempt.

Rapidly his eye scanned the horizon.

"Young Glory was right," he exclaimed; "the Cristobal Colon has sailed
from Porto Rico."

He ordered the ship put about, and the Nashville was once more steaming
towards the ocean, when a startling sight met all eyes.

The Cristobal Colon hove in view. She was steaming into the harbor,
coming towards the Nashville.

Everyone knew what it meant. There was no possibility of escape. The
Spaniard barred the way to the ocean, and there was no passing her.

Cruiser against gun-boat! That was the situation.

It was to be a fight against odds!

CHAPTER IX.

THE FIRST SHOT--A HOT FIGHT.

Instantly all was excitement on the Nashville.

Captain Long saw how serious matters were.

Single-handed he had to fight against the Spanish cruiser, for it was
certain that the Brooklyn could give no assistance.

"My lads!" he said, "the odds against us are terrific. All the more
reason why we should fight bravely. Let us show the Spaniards to-day
what Americans can do."

"Hurrah! Hurrah!" answered the crew, and a ringing cheer went up.

The men knew no fear, and strong hearts count for much in a sea fight.

"Clear the decks for action!" was the order now.

Everything movable was instantly carried away. The decks were stripped
bare.

"You have your wish now, Dan," said Young Glory.

"Yes, faith, it's all the fightin' I'll want. Begorra, but it's glad I
am I came."

Dan went away and Young Glory was alone.

On the deck of the ship stood Young Glory, ready for the fight, with his
eyes on the Spanish cruiser.

Proudly the American flag flew, and when the men saw the Stars and
Stripes waving in the breeze, they realized that they had something to
die for.

The Spaniard was coming slowly along now.

The gun-boat had slackened speed, but had not changed its position.

Captain Long was discussing the situation with his lieutenant, and the
men at the guns were busily doing