Part 15 (2/2)

”Give them a hail.”

”Ahoy there! s.h.i.+p ahoy!”

”Who are you?”

”Faith, an' it's Dan Daly's squadron arrivin'!”

From the cruiser came a burst of laughter. Evidently the people there had recognized the Irishman's voice.

The boats were nearer to the cruiser than they appeared to be, and a few minutes after this talk they were alongside the Brooklyn.

Instantly Dan Daly bounded up the gangway.

”Dan Daly!”

”Yes, sir,” answered Dan, saluting. ”It's back I'm glad to be.”

”And I'm very glad to see you, Daly,” answered Captain Miles, for it was he.

There was a crowd of officers standing around him. Late though it was, they were mostly on deck, for the light shown near the sh.o.r.e had excited their curiosity, and for a long time past they had been watching it, and discussing its meaning.

”It's some friends of mine below, sir. It's meself wants to ask 'em aboard.”

”Do so.”

”Arrah! an' ye'd betther be steppin' up lively, ye spalpeens. It's the skipper himself's waitin' to see ye.”

Not a word of this speech did any of the Spaniards understand, but Young Glory instantly translated it for their benefit.

One after another they slowly filed up the gangway.

There were not less than forty of them, and it may be imagined that their appearance created a great sensation.

”Spaniards!” cried Captain Miles. ”Why, it's a regular army.”

”Widout arms, Yer Honor,” said Dan. ”It's meself has their guns and swords.”

”This is most extraordinary, and what's this?”

”I report myself returned, sir.”

”Young Glory!”

The skipper staggered back a few paces, he was so astounded.

”There are about forty rifles and as many cutla.s.ses in the boats below, sir.”

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