"George! That is most uncomfortable to think of!"
"We had a precious near squeak for it," continued Hal; "and now you ask how it concerns me. I am going back to the island, and, if I find that all is secure at the hacienda, I shall join the invading forces."
"Just to make matters even, I suppose?" laughed the officer. "I can easily follow you. These Dons have given you and the youngster a warmish time, and have roused you into a temper. You Britishers have the reputation of being as easy-going as possible, and of being able to put up with a heap; that is, up to a certain point. After that, we all know that the old bull-dog nature comes to the fore, and then there's going to be trouble. And so you've got to that point? Well, I am not a morsel surprised, for there are few who would stand what you have gone through, and forget in a hurry. In fact, I reckon that the majority would have failed to come through at all. There's no doubt that you youngsters were in an almighty mess. Say, sir, what was the name you mentioned?"
"Hal Marchant."
"Ah! So that is it. Well, sir, I'm pleased to meet you. I'm Billing; Lieutenant aboard the New York. Lieutenant Samuel K. Billing."
He held out his hand, which Hal took and shook with enthusiasm.
"And so you have decided to join the boys?" continued the officer. "It's the kind of thing that a lad of your sort would do, and I don't suppose that you'll have much difficulty about the matter. But in case you have, apply to me. I haven't forgotten how you came to the fore and helped to dowse the magazines aboard the poor old Maine, and, if I can, I'll do something to repay you. Come, think the matter over right now."
He motioned both the lads to seats, and threw himself into another opposite.
"There," he said pleasantly. "Now, fire away."
"You have asked me how you can help us," said Hal, after some moments of silence. "It is very kind of you, and if you will arrange to have us landed somewhere near Santiago, we shall be most grateful to you."