“We are not insurgents and we did not destroy the dispatch boat,” is the reply. “The pleasure yacht Semiramis of New York, Van Zandt owner, was in collision with the Pizarro in the harbor of Santiago. The Pizarro stood directly in our course, notwithstanding our signals that we proposed to pass to port. We should have gone aground if we had not fouled her. We did not stop, as the Semiramis was badly stove and subsequently sunk, as you have seen. Further, our officers and crew and the passengers are without exception American citizens. As such, I appeal to the commander of an American vessel for protection.”
“And you shall have it,” murmurs Captain Meade under his breath. To the Spaniard he says: “Present my compliments to his excellency, Admiral Sanchez, and say that the commander of the America finds upon investigation that the officers and crew of the late steamer Semiramis are American citizens, who claim the protection of the American flag; that her captain and officers maintain that the destruction of the Pizarro was an accident for which they are in no wise responsible. Therefore I am constrained to decline to grant the courteous request of his excellency.”
The Spanish officer bows respectfully and continues: “His excellency also desired to convey to the commander of the United States cruiser America the information that among the persons lately on board the sunken steamer was one Cuban rebel, denominated El Terredo, whom his excellency has every reason to believe has sought refuge on board this ship. He respectfully requests that said El Terredo be delivered to the representative of his majesty’s ship.”
Captain Meade’s eye strays over the little group, but before he can speak Navarro steps forward and says in English: “I have been designated as El Terredo, but I am an American citizen.”
“I can testify to that statement,” supplements Ashley.
Captain Meade waves his hand. “That is sufficient. Inform his excellency that all of the persons picked up in the boats from the lost steamer are American citizens. As such, I cannot surrender them.”
Again the officer bows, and his errand performed, he salutes and returns to the boat. What will be the effect of his report? Will Admiral Sanchez resent with force Captain Meade’s decision, or will he gracefully bow to the inevitable? The latter apparently, for a few moments after the officer ascends the side of the man-of-war the Spanish flag is dipped in salute to the America and the Infanta Isabel steams slowly back in the direction of Santiago.
“Again is Providence on the side of the heaviest guns,” murmurs Ashley, as he walks over to where Barker is leaning against the rail, and claps him on the back. “John, I am powerful glad to see you,” he declares heartily.
“I don’t know whether I can say the same or not,” rejoins the detective, sulkily. “For a man whose infernal meddling with affairs that did not concern him nearly cost me my life, you appear pretty cool and unconcerned.”
“My dear friend,” says Ashley, “if I had not been at Jibana half a dozen days ago you would never have forgiven yourself for the part you played as a soldier of Castile. Do you know who Don Carlos was?”