"Dioul! You must tell me all about it. But hold your noise, Jack, and don't be lamenting for Philip. If you returned, so will he."
"I fervently hope so," said Jack, gloomily; "but I own that I feel doubtful. Are the wires cut on both sides of the town?"
"No! glory be to the saints. I can still telegraph to England by the wires going south, but I expect them to be cut every minute, so I'm hard at work sending all the news I can."
"Did you see the fight last night?"
"Did I not! Whow, my boy! I guessed what was up, but till the dawn we weren't quite sure of the trouble. Begad! The Pizarro's gone anyhow."
"Yes. But the other warships and transports are due to-night."
"Then we'll have another fight," said Tim, coolly; "wasn't I wishing I was on board a torpedera! There's a heap to talk about, Jack; how you escaped from that infernal Xuarez, and how you sank The Pizarro. I want to wire about that same right away."
"First I must see what the General desires. Oh, here is Garibay. A thousand greetings, Colonel."
"What, Señor Juan! Ah, mi amigo, how pleased I am to see you safe once more. I deemed you were dead."
"Dios! He is a merry corpse, Señor," said Tim, turning his head. "Where's the General?"