"Far from well, my lad," was the answer, in a weak voice. "Are we off Belize?"
"Not yet, sir, but we are drawing close."
"We are close enough so that we can read the second half of our sealed orders."
The captain lifted a hand and removed from the breast pocket of his coat a sealed envelope, which he handed to Matt.
"Open it, Matt," said he, "and read it aloud."
The young motorist paused.
"Captain," said he, "wouldn't Cassidy be the right man for carrying out the work that brought us into these waters? He is the mate, you know, and I think he expects——"
"Cassidy is here to obey orders," interrupted the captain. "Cassidy has a failing, and that failing is drink. No man that takes his liquor is ever to be depended on. As long as I'm around, and can watch him, Cassidy keeps pretty straight, but if I'm laid up at Belize, as I expect to be, I prefer to have some one in command of the Grampus whom I can trust implicitly. Read the orders."
Matt tore open the envelope and removed the inclosed sheet.
"On Board U. S. Cruiser Seminole, at Sea.
"Captain Nemo, Jr.,
"Submarine Grampus."Sir: Acting under orders from the Secretary of the Navy, I have the honor to request that the Grampus lend her aid to the rescue of United States Consul Jeremiah Coleman, who has been sequestered by Central American revolutionists, presumably under orders from Captain James Sixty, of the brig Dolphin, who is now a prisoner in our hands. Mr. Hays Jordan, the United States consul at Belize, will inform you as to the place where Mr. Coleman is being held. This is somewhere up the Rio Dolce, in a place inaccessible to even gunboats of the lightest draught, and it is hoped the Grampus may be able to accomplish something. Present this letter to Mr. Jordan immediately upon reaching Belize, and be guided in whatever you do by his knowledge and judgment. I have the honor to remain, sir,
"Your most obedient,
"Arthur Wynekoop, Captain Cruiser Seminole."