"I make the same answer as I made just now. We shall blow up the ship. If we can't obtain our cruiser again, at least we can prevent it from being of any use to you, and we will sacrifice our lives gladly for such a purpose."
"This is insanity."
"Call it what you please, senor. I call it patriotism."
The responsibility now thrown on Lieutenant Tyler was great, and he had but a short time in which to decide, for Manuel told him he was to hasten matters.
Up and down the room strode the lieutenant.
"Surrender the ship!" he muttered. "An eternal disgrace if I do, and death for all if I don't. What am I to do? This is terrible, terrible!"
"You answer, senor. Be quick!"
"I am in your power. You have broken your words, given as officers and gentlemen——"
"All is fair in war."
"And," continued the lieutenant, "by foul treachery you have gained an advantage. I cannot doom all my men to death. Senor, I must——"