CHAPTER XVIII
A DESPERATE UNDERTAKING
A gigantic success had indeed been scored for America by Admiral Deweyand his fleet, and it need scarcely be mentioned that east and west,north and south, he was a hero throughout the States. For the moment theinterest of the nation was transferred to another sphere; the China seasclaimed the earnest attention of all. Indeed, when fuller details wereto hand, it was more and more apparent that the action in Manila Bay hadbeen of the utmost importance; and before proceeding to detail thedoings of Hal, it will be as well to describe the situation moreprecisely.
One would have thought, considering the importance and valuecommercially of the Philippines, that Spain would have strained everynerve to bring their defenses to a pitch of perfection which would havedefied the might of America. But this was not the case, for just as theUnited States was deficient in men ashore, so was Spain hopelesslyobsolete with regard to her sea-power. Though war had been expected formany months, and, indeed, had been imminent, no effort had been made tosupply the Philippines with a modern fleet. Admiral Montojo, the sailorwho commanded in the China seas, had but a poor squadron of vessels todepend upon, and it will be scarcely believed that, of the nine whichsailed under his orders, one at least was unable to put to sea, for thesimple and deplorable reason that her boilers were worn out and wouldnot raise the necessary steam. Of the others, all may be described asobsolete in defenses and in armament. Whereas Admiral Dewey boasted of afleet of six up-to-date ships, heavily armored, and with steelunder-decks, in the case of the cruisers, which would give ampleprotection to the engines, the Spanish vessels had little more than thiniron plates to depend upon. In fact, in all that goes to make a fleetefficient and dangerous the Spanish ships were wanting. The Americanships hopelessly outmatched Admiral Montojo's command in speed,protection, and gun-power.
The last mentioned, though not touched upon before, was not the least inimportance, and here again Spain showed herself quite obsolete. Her gunswere, almost without exception, old and practically useless. Inaddition, ancient and fairly modern cannon were placed in ships side byside--a terrible mistake, and one destined to cost their crews dear whenthe time for fighting came, for the task of selecting and supplying thevarious forms of shell and powder would be no light one.
Nor was it merely in point of fleets and armaments that the Spaniardsfailed. Knowing his ships to be hopelessly outmatched, it is a matterfor wonder that the admiral did not sink them in the bay, after havingremoved all the guns and stores. Had he done so, he would have joinedforces with the commander of the troops stationed in the environs ofManila, and with him could have given a decided check to the Americanswhen they attempted to land. Again, failing this, he might havewithdrawn with all his ships to the numerous creeks which cut betweenthe Philippines, and, lying hid there, might have sallied out at anymoment, and taken Admiral Dewey unawares, thereby doing good service forking and country.
However, we have seen that he chose to set his face to the enemy, andone can only admire the courage of the man, and of all those who helpedhim during the engagement with the Americans. Defeat was certain, anddeath not improbable.
Indeed, when full details came to hand, it was only wonderful that anyhad escaped with their lives, for the Spanish fleet was taken unawares.Only half of the ships had steam up at the moment, while three were inthe hands of the dockyard staff, undergoing repairs. Those that wereready steamed out to the open water, and formed in line of battle acrossthe opening of Cavite Bay. As they took up their positions, AdmiralDewey and the American fleet swerved and ran down the line.
Twice did the fleet pass along the Spanish line, and by then the _ReinaCristina_, the flagship, was in flames, and had lost some fifty of hercrew in killed, while the greater number were wounded. The other shipshad fared as badly, and had been riddled with shell. Indeed, while theAmerican fleet had been struck in all some dozen times, the _ReinaCristina_ alone had been pierced by more than seventy missiles. By thetime Admiral Dewey had passed down the line for the fifth and last time,the Spanish ships were burning and sinking in all directions.
Seeing that all was lost, Admiral Montojo, who had, after the fire onboard the flagship, transferred his flag to a small cruiser, gave ordersthat all who were able were to scuttle their ships and abandon them. Thecommand was reluctantly carried out, the wounded being taken ashore andplaced in the villages, while the uninjured marched for Manila, bearingwith them their arms and the breeches of their more or less uselesscannon.
Having thus put out of action Admiral Montojo's whole fighting force,the Americans drew off for breakfast, and, having refreshed themselves,steamed into Cavite Bay in two lines. Here they met with littleresistance, and in a very short while had silenced the shore batteries.When at last they drew off for the night, the naval arsenal at Cavitewas in their hands, all the shipping within the harbor was in flames,while the town of Manila itself lay under their guns. Indeed, the mightof Spain was broken in the seas which surrounded the Philippine Islands.But there the victory stopped, for by this time the American fleet wassadly short of shell and powder, and in addition there were no troops athand to invade the island. Consequently, as the Spanish commanderrefused to surrender, Admiral Dewey found himself in a dilemma, in whichwe will leave him for the moment, while Hal Marchant and his doingsclaim our attention again.
Three days after landing at Key West he went aboard the _Hudson_ again,and in due course stepped upon the deck of the flagship, the _New York_.
"How's the youngster?" asked his naval friend, shaking Hal by the hand.
"Doing well, I am glad to say. But he'll be in hospital for a month."
"And by then this war will be over," was the answer. "Our troops aregetting into fighting order away over in the States, and before longthey will be sailing for Cuba. Then I fancy two weeks will settle theDons."
"And what is to happen in the meanwhile?" asked Hal.
"That's not easy to answer right now. The Philippines are going to be abother, and may even delay the invasion of Cuba, for it seems that thenatives there have made up their minds to be free of Spaniards andAmericans too. That, of course, is clearly out of the question, and Ibelieve a part of the force prepared for Cuba will be sent to the Chinaseas. You see, Cuba will be freed and given independence, but with thePhilippines it is a different matter. Up to this we Americans have heldaloof from foreign conquest, but now it is necessary that we should havesome possession in the East, for it is there that trouble with othernations is likely to arise in future. So, no doubt, we shall just go forthese insurgents tooth and nail, till they think better of it and acceptus as their masters.
"Another matter also is engaging our attention. Everyone in the fleethas to be precious spry, for Admiral Cervera has sailed with a Spanishfleet from Cadiz, and some say has already left St. Vincent for theseseas. I need not tell you that Admiral Sampson hopes to catch him, andis disposing his vessels so as to watch all the approaches to Cubanwaters. If we fall in with the hostile fleet, there will be a generalaction, and I tell you, sir, that the Amurricans will win. At any rate,you won't find a single commander who will strike his flag.
"In the meantime, and while we are keeping an eye open for Cervera, weare to make an attack upon San Juan, which, I dare say you know, liesvery close to Cuba. It is a most important station, situated on thecoast of Puerto Rico, one of the Caribbean Islands, and if in ourpossession would be an excellent base at which to concentrate our forcesfor the invasion of Cuba. If Cervera were to slip in there, his gunboatswould make things very hot for us. Hillo! Time's up. I ought to havebeen on the bridge ten minutes ago. So long, Marchant, and let us hopethat we have some fun to look forward to."
He nodded gayly to Hal, and ran up on to the bridge, lookingparticularly smart and sailor-like in his white suit and hislinen-covered cap.
Hal paced up and down the deck for some time, closely observing theother vessels. Then he dived down to the gunroom to consult the papers.Already he felt quite at home, and like
one of the officers, for he hadbeen made an honorary member of the mess, and was in receipt ofsufficient remuneration to pay his way. Indeed, by a friendlyarrangement, he had been engaged as guide, in the not unlikelyeventuality of a party of sailors being landed at Santiago. And so longas he remained on the ship, this arrangement was to be in force; but hehad been careful, when accepting the post, to stipulate that, should anopportunity occur for him to land at Cuba, he was to take it at once,promising that he would return at the earliest moment, if it werepossible, and if not, that he would transfer his services to the troopswhen they landed to invade the island.
"I've had orders from the commodore to make things agreeable to you,"said the paymaster of the ship, soon after Hal came aboard. "Somehow, heseems to fancy that you're mad keen to slip ashore, and if that is thecase, you're to go when you like. Up till then, you'll be ready to landand show the boys round at any moment. In return there's free rationswith the officers, and so much allowed for extra tobacco and the like.If you do slip ashore--and I think you won't, because it is the kind ofthing that a madman would do--then you've got to promise to come back tothe ship as soon as you can, or to fall in with the troops. Now, do youjump at it or not?"
"The terms will suit me very well," Hal answered readily, only toothankful to feel that he was no longer a guest, but had some right onthe ship.
And now for many days nothing of importance occurred. As predicted bythe lieutenant, a bombardment of San Juan was attempted, but withnegative results, and thereafter the fleet, sailing under the orders andflag of Admiral Sampson, patrolled the seas in and about Cuba, keepinga bright and anxious look-out all the while for the appearance ofAdmiral Cervera's warships.
Occasionally trifling engagements took place, and the Dons, looking fromtheir forts, seldom failed to spy one or more of the blockading fleet inthe offing. But no real success worthy of the name was gained on eitherside. An attempt on the part of the Americans to cut the cables wasfrustrated by the Spanish, who in this and in other engagements provedthat a few, at least, of those who garrisoned the island were efficient.On the whole the Dons scored, but not to any marked degree. Then anevent occurred which altered the plans of America, and caused Hal onceagain to run into danger.
"We've had news that Cervera sailed with his fleet from St. Vincent,"said his friend the lieutenant one day, coming forward with a messagejust received on the flagship by semaphore. "The Spanish admiral hauledup his anchors and got the steam turned on somewhere about April 28th.Since that he's been lost. No one has so much as a notion where he'sbeen, and I tell you the whole American fleet has been watchin'. Now thetale comes that the _Maria Teresa_--that's the flagship--and three othercruisers, with three destroyers that were built for the Dons some timeago by Britishers over in England, have hoodwinked the whole lot of us,and have slipped safely into Santiago. Mind you, it is not likely, butit's possible--quite possible; though, how on earth he managed to getthrough, without being discovered, is more than I can guess."
"Then I suppose that Admiral Sampson will order his fleet to Santiago?"said Hal.
"So, young man; you'll be a naval expert before you've left us. We'reright now for the place, and I should fancy that Havana will be left inthe cold."
"I'm very glad you are returning to my part of the island again," saidHal in tones of pleasure, "Now I shall have a chance of slippingashore."
"That you may," was the reassuring answer. "If Cervera's fleet is reallythere, we shall be doin' somethin', you may be sure. Most likely therewill be a landin', but it's too early to say for certain. When it doescome along, though, my promise is a promise, and I'll stick to it andgive you a helping hand."
Hal had to be satisfied with this, and spent the hours that intervenedbefore the _New York_ reached the neighborhood of Santiago in wanderingaimlessly up and down the deck, wondering all the time what had happenedat the hacienda during his long absence.
Even when the green-clad hills of Eastern Cuba were in sight he wasstill far from his object, for as yet there was nothing more thanrumor--rumor which too often misleads or deliberately lies--to show thatthe Spanish fleet had arrived. Evidence there was already to hand whichshowed that Admiral Cervera had sailed straight from his station in theCape Verde Isles to Martinique, and from there to Curacoa. From thatmoment he had been lost. Rumor, as has been said, described his arrivalin Santiago, and, indeed, the news was published in Spain, thegovernment at Madrid declaring it to have been received direct by cablefrom Cuba. But it is not well always to believe the report of an enemy,for this might, after all, be only a simple and harmless _ruse deguerre_. And so for many days the American fleet under Sampson patrolledthe seas, while Admiral Schley, who had also come upon the scene withanother fleet of proud vessels flying the Stars and Stripes, sailedalong the southern coast, reconnoitering every harbor.
"I can't get to the bottom of these Dons," said Lieutenant Samuel K.Billing in grumbling tones one day, as the _New York_ lay to on theocean, slowly drifting along the coast. "Here we are, longin' to knowwhat's happened to Cervera, and just doin' nothin'. And how are we toobtain information? I guess that a bold course would suit the casebetter than anything. Just sail right in to a close range, so as tosearch the whole of Santiago with our glasses."
"That does sound the most sensible course," Hal agreed. "At any rate, itwould save all this unnecessary delay, and would keep the Americanpeople in better humor. They must be very anxious for stirring news awayin the States."
"So they are. But look here, Marchant; if Cervera is really in there,why does he not make a rush at us? That is what leads me to doubtwhether he's in the island, or, rather, in the harbor; for if he wereanchored in Santiago Bay, and just took the trouble to send out hisdestroyers, why, we should be most uneasy."
This, indeed, was the argument used by many. If Cervera--who was knownto have three British-built destroyers with him--were really inSantiago, why, then, did he lie hidden and skulking in there? Why did henot take advantage of his strong position, and of the uncertaintycovering his whereabouts, to steal out at night and fall upon theAmerican ships which patrolled the open sea? A bold man with suchpossibilities before him, and with such obvious advantages, might welldo much for the country he served, and wreak havoc in the ranks of theenemy's fleet. What did it mean to one acquainted with the nobleprofession of a sailor? Risk? Yes, certainly; but imagine what glory andwhat honor if success were to crown his efforts! Choosing some denselydark night, and with all lights carefully dowsed, the commander of oneof those low, rakish-looking destroyers might easily run from theharbor, dash amongst the enemy, and discharge torpedoes right and left.What if the bag were only one proud ship each night? It would still bea fine result, and the loss of confidence amongst the Americans, evenwith their iron nerves, would be an advantage to the Spaniards in futureconflicts, for nothing tells upon the fighting qualities of a force,whether on land or at sea, like constant harassing tactics, and fear ofattack which comes only when it is least suspected, and so suddenly asto make retaliation impossible.
In spite of all the possibilities, there was not so much as a move fromthe harbor, and even when a transport, laden with coal, was held up justoutside and within shot of the batteries on Morro Castle, there was nosign of help, and no destroyers ran out to attack the American ships.
And yet, incredible though it may seem, Cervera had reached Santiago asearly as May the 18th, though it was not till the end of the month, whenAdmiral Schley and his consorts made a reconnaissance in force, that itwas definitely decided that the long-lost fleet was there. Day after dayhe had been lying hidden behind the promontory, with steam always up,and yet undecided how to act, and never venturing to leave the harbor.Truly a policy that was scarcely likely to win honor and possessions forhis country!
It was a day of excitement and high hope when at last Cervera'swhereabouts was known to the American fleet.
"George! But now it will be a game!" exclaimed Lieutenant Billing indelight. "Marchant, there'll be a chance for you yet. W
ait till we'vewhopped this fellow to pieces, and then you shall go ashore."
"But how will you whop him?" asked Hal. "You have him safely in theharbor, I'll allow; but to reach him is another matter."
"That it is, and I ought not to have talked about knocking him topieces. But I meant this. There he is, and there he'll stay. Do youfollow? We're goin' to put a cork in the bottle."
"A cork? But how?"
"Like this," the lieutenant explained. "Santiago, as you must knowmighty well, has got a long, narrow channel leadin' to the sea. Well,the water is not extraordinarily deep, and I reckon that a ship sunksheer across the opening would act as a bung. We can't get in, as you'vementioned. It isn't exactly the kind of job an admiral would fancy, forthere are mines placed everywhere in the fair way, to say nothing of theguns linin' the sides."
"Yes, they've mines, I know," Hal interposed, with a smile, rememberinghis own experience.
"So you do, young fellow. I was forgettin'. Well, we don't take kindlyto the notion of walking straight in, so, if the gate is shut tight, itwon't matter at all to us. But to the Don it will. He'd be just like afly in a bottle, and he'd be as much ours as if he sailed out rightaway, and got knocked to pieces with our shells."
"Yes, I can see that," Hal agreed. "Once he allows himself to be shutin, he will be out of the game altogether. He will be harmless to you,and a dead loss to his own side. In fact, the Spanish fleet will ceaseto exist."
"Put very nicely, and that is the case," the lieutenant answered. "Butnow, about this bung. Lieutenant Hobson will put it in position. He's akind of specialist in naval construction, and this bottlin' game is hisplan from the very beginnin'. I can tell you that he's a very finefellow."
"Why, it will be a most risky undertaking!" exclaimed Hal. "To block theopening efficiently, the ship will have to be sunk close under thebatteries. It will mean certain death for all."
"Well, it may," was the answer. "It is frightfully risky, I'll allow;but it is not certain death. You see, the darkest night will be chosen,and every man will be wearin' a life-belt, and will have a raft closehandy to swim to. Supposin' the guns do go off, the chances are that noone will be hit. But those torpedoes will be precious nasty, I'll agree.They'll kill if anything does. Yes, now that I come to look into thematter more closely, I'm inclined to fall in with you, young Marchant.It is bound to be very risky; but then, Hobson is a fine, gallantfellow!"
He spoke in tones of the utmost pride, and well he might, for theofficer to whom he referred, though only twenty-eight years of age, hadalready attained to no mean reputation in his profession. And who but abold and resolute man could have volunteered for such an undertaking asthat proposed? Surely no weakling could expect to carry it out, whilefor a coward to attempt to take part in it, and, more than all, to leadwhat was no better than a forlorn hope, was ridiculous, and utterly outof the question.
Lieutenant Hobson had a fine spirit, and a glance at his face wassufficient to show the class of man he was. "I leave myself withoutanxiety in the hands of Almighty God," he wrote, when setting out forthe war, and he entered upon this hazardous and all-important enterprisein the same condition of tranquil and absolutely fearless confidence.
"Yes, he must be a plucky beggar," Hal agreed. "I wonderwhether--er--er--er----" He became suddenly silent and thoughtful.
"Well, what is it?" the lieutenant exclaimed.
"I was wondering whether I could go with Hobson," Hal said quietly. "Yousee, it would be doing something for the cause, and for my bread andbutter, and it would give me the opportunity for which I have beenlonging, and enable me to reach the island."
"Yes, and of bein' shot," the lieutenant answered sharply. "Say,Marchant, don't you do somethin' that's mighty silly. All the volunteersthat go with Hobson will be made prisoners as sure as eggs. They'll runa chance of bein' shot as well. Now, if you were captured with them,that rascal of a sweep--what's his name? d'Ar--d'Arousta; yes, that'sthe fellow--would spot you at once, and then--click! It would be all upwith Mister Marchant, I reckon."
"It might," Hal replied thoughtfully; "but I'll take my chance. Will youhelp me to join as one of the volunteers?"
"Why, man alive, you're just askin' too much," the lieutenant answeredhotly. "When volunteers were called for, how many do you think steppedout? Every mother's son aboard the whole combined fleet! Every one ofthem, I tell you, and a precious fine hullabaloo they're kicking up too,now that the matter is settled. You see, only seven boys are wanted, sothere's that same number walking about just now as proud as peacocks.And there's hundreds more, officers and men, who are sayin' all that'sblack, and grumbling atrociously. Seven is the number, young Marchant,and you'd better remember it."
"I will, and I'll be the eighth," said Hal in the same quiet voice."Look here, Billing, I'm very anxious to get ashore. Will you, like agood fellow, contrive to get me included in the expedition?"
"I'll try, and I can't say more than that," was the answer, given withobvious reluctance and hesitation. "Tell you what it is, Marchant. Forone of your country, you're one of the best fellows I know. I've taken afancy to you, and now you've the cheek to ask me to help to get youkilled! That is playing the wrong game."
"Nonsense! It is not so bad as that," Hal replied, with a smile. "All Iask is that you will help to get me aboard Hobson's ship. I'll managethe rest."
"Well, I'll see." The lieutenant nodded and walked away, leaving Halsunk in a brown study.
"It seems a chance," he said thoughtfully--"a chance in a hundred. Everyday out here I get more anxious about the hacienda, about the safety ofMr. Brindle and Dora. I've promised to fight with the Americans, and nodoubt I shall have to run many risks. This is a big one, but not greaterthan that which I took when escaping from the island. In that case, myknowledge of Santiago helped me to get away safely, and I see no reasonwhy it should not aid me in reaching the land and stealing into theforest without being observed. They say that every foot of the coast iswatched, but it is more likely that all eyes will be fixed in thedirection of the harbor entrance, where the ship is being sunk; so thata single individual might easily evade the sentries. Yes, I know theharbor, and will willingly take the risk. The job now is to makearrangements to go, and if the worst happens, and I am refusedpermission, I will slip overboard and swim to the vessel selected as thebung, and climb aboard her as best I can."
That an attempt to close the entrance to the harbor of Santiago wasabout to be made was already public property in the American fleet, andeveryone watched the preparations for the event with the greatestinterest. Lieutenant Hobson, with a large force of men, was busilyengaged upon a big tramp collier, the _Merrimac_, which was destined tobe sunk across the entrance. For this purpose, a row of ten miniaturetorpedoes was fitted along the port-side of the steamer. They were eachloaded with eighty-two pounds of gunpowder, and were connected by meansof wires with a battery placed on the bridge. Pressure upon a simplebutton would fire them, and, it was hoped, would blow such a hole in thevessel's side that she would sink immediately.
Then their duties were carefully assigned to the seven men. Two weretold off for the engine-room, and the remainder were to be on deck. Atthe critical moment steam was to be turned off, and the fore and afteranchors cut away from their lashings and dropped. Then the sea-cockswere to be opened wide, and the wheel lashed. By that time all but onewould have dived overboard, and would have swum to the dinghy, which wasto be towed behind the ship, and would contain life-belts and rifles.
And then would come the final act. Hobson, the last upon the ship, wouldpress the button and explode the torpedoes, and follow his men into thewater. All were to be dressed in underclothes only, with revolvers andammunition strapped round their waists in waterproof belts.
"It's the finest thing that was ever thought of," said LieutenantBilling enthusiastically, a few hours before the attempt was to be made."If it does not succeed--and I tell you that that's likely--it willdeserve to be remembered. I guess that the Dons will concentrate everygu
n on the _Merrimac_, and though it will be dark at the time, theirsearchlight will help the shootin'. So every one of the boys will haveto run the chance of being shot. Are you still anxious to go?"
"I am," Hal answered, with determination. "I have thought the matterover, and have fully made up my mind to risk it. If Hobson and his menundertake it cheerfully, why should not I?"
"That just depends on the stakes," the lieutenant replied with a slysmile. "You see, our boys will be doin' somethin' for their country.They will be patriots, you understand. Now, with you it's different. Youare wantin' to get ashore to see how your friends are doin'. I supposethey are particular friends. Anyway, the attraction must be verystrong."
"It is," Hal murmured. "But what have you arranged?"
"Just this. I'm sure to go aboard the _Merrimac_ with orders before theevenin' is done. I'll take you along too, and when you are there youmust just manage for yourself, and, whatever happens, Hobson must neverknow."
"He shall not," Hal answered readily. "I'll hide away, and when we reachthe channel, I will swim for land, leaving the others to make for thedinghy."
"Well, I hope it'll come out as rosy as that," the lieutenant replied."Now, you get right down into my cabin; you'll find two bundles there,tied to a belt. One's a revolver and cartridges; the other is food.You'll want both. No more now, young fellow. I am not going to have anythanks for helping you to get killed. Here's good luck to you."
He shook Hal heartily by the hand, and then hurried away. As for thelatter, he at once followed the instruction given him, and then,carrying the two parcels, went to his own cabin.
"I'll make all ready for a swim," he murmured, turning the contents of adrawer on to the carpet.
There were some thin cotton suits, and he at once selected a coat andthe lightest pair of trousers, tearing these across at the knees, so asto make them like football knickers. Then he threw off his outerclothes, and having donned the ones he had just selected, put on his ownsuit over them. A minute later he was ready, the belt attached to hiswaist and out of sight, and the parcel of food beneath his coat.
Just as dusk was falling, a marine came to call him, and on ascending tothe deck he found the lieutenant waiting. They at once went over theside into a cutter, and were rowed across to the _Merrimac_.
"There she is," whispered Lieutenant Billing, as her enormous hull hovein sight. "Good luck, Marchant! Just you slip aboard after me, and lookround for yourself. So long to you."
"Right; I know what to do. Good-by, and thank you very much."
Hal stretched out his hand, and gripping the lieutenant's, pressed itwarmly. Then he clambered up the swaying rope ladder on to the deck. Bythis time night had fallen, and as it was necessary to have no lightsburning, the ship was in darkness from stem to stern. Hal at oncecrossed the deck, and, feeling his way along the engine skylights, cameto a wide, open companion way. He slipped down the stairs, and at oncefound himself in a small saloon. Then his fingers touched a handle, and,turning it, he entered a small cabin, through the unshaded porthole ofwhich he caught a glimpse of distant lights, twinkling faintly from theships of Admiral Sampson's squadron.
"This will do for me," he murmured in tones of satisfaction. "I'll liehere till the hour for action arrives."
He sat down and kept a watch out to sea. Occasionally he heard footstepsoverhead, and once the low murmur of voices, evidently from men lyingalongside in a boat. But soon all was quiet, save for a low gratingsound which now and again reached his ear, and told him that the stokerswere at work. Hour succeeded hour, and still he remained in the cabin,though he was becoming more and more restless and troubled, for the_Merrimac_ did not move. At last, when midnight was past, her anchorwas hove up, and she steamed away for Santiago, her departure havingbeen delayed, as all was not ready for the enterprise at the appointedtime.
Hal at once sprang to his feet, and, having seen that his revolver waswell secured, and the parcel of food tied to his belt, he pulled off hisouter clothes and stood up in the thin cotton ones which he hadselected. But, after all, he was to be disappointed, for suddenly therewas the panting of machinery, and a low black hull rushed past, leavinga trail of fiery sparks behind it.
"_Merrimac_, ahoy!" someone hailed. "Admiral's orders that you put aboutat once and drop anchor over the old moorings. The dawn will breakwithin an hour."
The torpedo boat at once sheered off, and as he watched from hisporthole, Hal saw her swing round with a rush that sent her swaying anddipping into the oily sea.
"Off till to-morrow," he murmured. "Very well, it is disappointing; butI must make the best of it, and as I am here in a comfortable cabin,why, I shall stay here. I have grub with me, and there are blankets onthe bunk. I'll just see what can be done with the door."
He fumbled at the handle, and discovered a key and a latch, which hefastened. Then he lay down on the settee, and covered himself with arug. A few moments later he was asleep, worn out by the excitement ofanticipation, and by the long vigil which he had kept.
When he awoke, the sun was going down, and another day was almost gone.
"Now for it!" he exclaimed. "I'll just indulge in a meal, and will thenprepare for a swim."
He undid the parcel, ate heartily of biscuit and meat, and, aftercarefully reconnoitering, popped into the saloon, and obtained a drinkfrom a small filter. Then he locked himself in the cabin again, andpacked up the remains of the food. A few hours later the moorings werequietly dropped, and in trying silence the _Merrimac_ steamed away forSantiago upon as adventurous an expedition as was ever contemplated.
Under the Star-Spangled Banner: A Tale of the Spanish-American War Page 18