Part 32 (1/2)
”To propose certain terms to him.”
”He will refuse.”
”Let him. At least, you have no right to do so for him. Recollect that my friend, Manuel, has you all in his power still.”
”Senor, no one will harm you; you are free to pa.s.s to Lieutenant Tyler's room. I believe you know where it is.”
”Yes.”
Through the close ranks of the American seamen Juan threaded his way, smiling pleasantly at the scowling faces and threatening looks he saw on all sides of him.
”I can afford to smile,” he said to himself, ”for I hold all the tricks in my hand!”
CHAPTER XIV.
JUAN AND LIEUT. TYLER--WHAT YOUNG GLORY DID.
Lieutenant Tyler knew what was happening.
He had been roused from sleep a few minutes before Juan made his appearance, and he was busily getting into such parts of his uniform as he had discarded before lying down.
”You are a bold man!” he said to Juan, ”to present yourself to me on such a mission.”
”I claim no credit for audacity, senor. The merit of the plot lies with my friend, Manuel.”
”Well, what have you to say?”
”Very few words. The s.h.i.+p is in our power.”
”Your treacherous comrade has obtained possession of the magazine, you mean?”
”It is the same thing. I will tell you my terms.”
”Terms!”
”Yes, terms!” a.s.sured Juan, haughtily. ”Every dog has his day, as I believe an English proverb says. It was yours yesterday. It is ours now.
You must release the Spanish prisoners.”
”Never!”
”And hand back the s.h.i.+p,” Juan went on, without noticing the interruption, ”to Captain Moret.”
”And if I decline?”
”I make the same answer as I made just now. We shall blow up the s.h.i.+p.
If we can't obtain our cruiser again, at least we can prevent it from being of any use to you, and we will sacrifice our lives gladly for such a purpose.”
”This is insanity.”