"The British would have arrived here before you, as you are well aware, had not trading vessels, which I have under charter, at gravest risk drawn you away from certain wreck."
Billings raised his eyebrows.
"Commodore, in plain words, you are engaged in a piece of filibustering. The United States is not back of such a movement as this."
The Commodore paced away savagely, then turned.
"Colonel Mendoza, possession is nine points of law, and I have possession. Demonstrate a better right than mine; and maintain it, if you can!"
The Spaniard, stooping, raised a heavy trapdoor. He threw it back. Iron-barred windows lighted a chamber beneath. Mounds of powder were heaped around everywhere.
"Commodore Billings, we are standing over the powder-magazine of this fort."
"So I perceive, Señor Mendoza."
The señor looked coolly at the other.
"Well, perceive this." From his pocket he drew a taper, used for lighting cigaritos, ignited it and held it up.