"Well, this is the revenue cutter Saline, which I have the honor to command."
I understood the situation in a flash, my heart leaping in fierce anticipation.
"Mr. Smith, assist the lady to a chair, and have the steward bring a glass of wine. Now, sir, are you ready to answer."
"I am; we were prisoners on board the Sea Gull. It is a long story, envolving a will, in which the master of that vessel was interested. We escaped in a small boat last evening, and have been floating about since."
"The Sea Gull? Do you remember the name, Mr. Smith?"
"No, sir; perhaps a description—"
"A schooner-rigged steam yacht," I explained briefly, "clearing from New Orleans for Santiago."
The two exchanged glances.
"I begin to see light," said the Captain calmly. "I think the Sea Gull must have originally sailed as the Mary Somers. Do you happen to know, sir, where she was really bound, and the nature of her cargo?"
"I do; Spanish Honduras, with munitions of war."