The visitor could speak English, as was soon learned when he came over the rail, saying as he did so:
“Where is the captain?”
“I suppose I’m in charge,” Ned replied. “This craft was chartered by the fathers of my companions to be used at their winter home in Florida. The crew were washed overboard during a gale and the steamer nearly wrecked. We managed to get her off and have come in here under sail. Will you kindly tell me where we are?”
“This is the port of Havana.”
“And we are in Cuba!” Vance cried as if in alarm.
“That is not so very far from home,” the officer replied with a smile. “A sail of less than a hundred miles will bring you to Key West.”
Then he questioned them further regarding the craft, and on taking his departure promised to send the boys an interpreter.
“Do not pay him more than $2 a day, and if, while making your repairs, there should be any dispute arise, come directly to me. I shall be pleased to render you all the assistance in my power.”
“If the man whom you send can bring us a boat at a reasonable price it will be a favor,” Ned said. “All our tenders have been carried away.”
“I will see that it is done,” the man replied, and then, with many expressions of friendliness, the official took his departure.