"I don't see that it makes much difference," retorted Jack, grimly, "if The Pizarro can fight two torpedo boats and an armed cruiser she is a mighty clever ship. I look upon The Pizarro as lost."
"So do I, Juan," replied Rafael, with a sad expression flitting across his face, "she was my ship, you know. I am sorry that it falls to my lot to sink her."
"Perhaps she will surrender."
"Not while she is commanded by De Galvez. He was my first lieutenant, and is as obstinate as the devil. Dios! There is noon. We have not much time in which to make our adieux. Go up and see Dolores, mi amigo, but return by two o'clock."
Jack gladly took advantage of the permission and had a long interview with Dolores, who wept bitterly at the idea of parting with him again. She was already low-spirited, through having comforted Eulalia, and now that her own lover was going away broke down entirely.
"Promise me you will take the greatest care of yourself, querido."
"My dearest, I will ask Rafael to wrap me in cotton wool. But, indeed, cara, you need not fear. I will be as safe on board The Montezuma as in Tlatonac."
"But you will be gone many days."
"A week at the most. If we succeed in sinking The Pizarro we will steam north to meet the other war-ships, and try our luck with them."
"I will pray for you, Juanito, and I will look after the beetles of Don Pedro."