"That is if The Pizarro will let them pass her," said Duval, meaningly. "I see she is cruising constantly up and down."
"Do you think, Don Juan, she is waiting for the arrival of the torpederas?" asked the Colonel, anxiously.
"I am sure of it, Colonel. Don Miguel informed me that the torpedo-boats had started from England. Xuarez, who has his spies in England, also knows this, and sent The Pizarro south with a twofold object: to dictate terms to the Republic, and intercept the torpederas."
"He failed in the first, however," observed Philip, hopefully.
"True! but he may not fail in the second."
"One moment, Señores," said the Colonel, earnestly, "The Pizarro dare not stop the torpedo-boats—they could sink her in no time. She has no defence against them—no nets, for those were left at Tlatonac when the fleet went north."
"All the more reason that Xuarez should capture the torpedo-boats," retorted Jack, hotly. "The Pizarro will not try force, mi Colonel! No; the torpederas left England before war was proclaimed; therefore, those in charge know nothing of the disaffection of the fleet, of the rebellion of Xuarez. If they meet The Pizarro, they will stop when she signals; their commanders will go on board in blissful ignorance, and be either seduced to the cause of Xuarez, or retained as prisoners of war. In either case, the torpederas, taken by surprise, will be captured, and accompany The Pizarro to the north."
"True! What you say is true, Señor! Santissima! What ill-fortune!"
"The torpederas must be warned!" exclaimed Philip, quickly. "I will speak to His Excellency, and offer the services of my yacht to the Republic. If my offer is accepted, I will get steam up on The Bohemian, and stand out to sea at once. Cruise up and down till I see the torpederas, and then warn them of their danger."
"Yes, and be chased all the time by The Pizarro."