"As we left the Spaniard," continued the mate of the Mary Parker, "the wretches on board hooted and jeered at us. We heard some of them propose that they should have some rifle practice on us, but this was rejected, because it was too merciful a death. Five days we passed beneath a burning sun, suffering cruel thirst and hunger. Of twenty men who went on the raft, but nine remain."
"Poor creatures!"
Captain Miles was silent. The horrors to which he had listened had affected him deeply, it was some moments before he spoke.
"Tell me, if you can, the name of the ship that captured you."
"It was a Spanish cruiser, the Cristobal Colon."
"The Cristobal Colon! That name will stick in my memory, my friend, until I have revenged you and your shipmates. Do you think it's likely that the Spanish cruiser is in these waters now?"
"Yes, I heard enough while I was aboard of her to make me think so. Her mission is to prey on American commerce."
"We will catch her."
"It's not easy. She does her work, then dashes into the harbor of San Juan and finds safety."
"We shall find a way, never fear."