From behind a pile of rocks nearly opposite them sprang a thin, gaunt man. He ran down to the water's edge, saluted his chief and stood at attention.
"Come here, Mateo," commanded Ganza.
Without hesitation the man waded into the inlet and swam to the rope ladder which dangled over the side. This he seized and climbed on deck, where, dripping with water, he again faced his master and saluted him.
"Tell me, Mateo," said Ramon Ganza, "where is it, beneath this boat, that the mine has been planted?"
"Fourteen feet from the stern, Capitan."
"And is it powerful enough to destroy the ship?"
"To make it in small pieces, Capitan—an' ten ship like it, if ten ship were here."
"Very nice. You know what time the mine is to explode?"
"At eleven o'clock, Capitan, unless you come ashore to countermand the order."