"Yes. She's a gun-boat. She's the Nashville, and I was aboard her for two years."
"A good boat, Bill?"
"A very smart craft."
It was not long before the captains of the Nashville and the Brooklyn were exchanging compliments. The skipper of the gun-boat came aboard the cruiser, and a long conference took place.
"So you'd heard of the Cristobal Colon, then?" said Captain Miles.
"Yes," answered Captain Long, of the gun-boat. "It was on her account I was ordered here. Admiral Jackson thought I might be able to help you. More than one ship has arrived in the gulf reporting a severe chase. She's doing great damage as a commerce destroyer, and the admiral says she must be checked."
"It's all very well for Admiral Jackson to talk that way," said Captain Miles, impatiently; "but just let him come here. He wouldn't be able to do any more than I'm doing."
"Of course, if she won't stir outside of San Juan it's difficult for us to act."
"Yes."
"What's to be done? A ship-load of wretches like that should not be at large. They're no better than wild beasts."