Like lightning Manuel darted into the magazine, and without allowing a second to elapse he took a carefully prepared fuse from his pocket, lit it without delay, and placed it on a shelf, which was destitute of explosives.
"Now let them come!" he said, with a look of triumph on his swarthy face. "They must agree to my terms, or we'll die together."
There was a great rush outside.
The sailors had rushed from all parts, and some of the American officers had also been drawn to the spot.
"Treachery! Treachery!" cried the sailors.
"Shoot them down!" shouted an officer.
Instantly a dozen six-shooters were raised. A crisis had arrived. Then Juan stepped forward.
"One moment, gentlemen," said he, speaking very politely, and in soft tones. "You do not seem to understand the position of affairs."
"We know you are traitors."
Juan smiled.