“Marshall and Morrison are there, I am thankful to say,” he murmured. “Lazar will have to reckon with two wide-awake men.”
“Mr. Perry,” Captain Taylor said a few moments later in his cabin, where Phil had gone in answer to his summons, “I have just received a message in cipher from the Navy Department. It is of grave importance. One which so closely concerns our government that we must needs spare no effort to ascertain the truth. The State Department have reason to believe that affairs here are not as represented by official despatches from the minister. You have already unmasked one villain, and undoubtedly it was he who has misled the minister in his estimates of the strength of the insurgents. I do not think it advisable at this time to report to Washington the perfidy of Juarez. Our minister believes, as I do, that as we have the arms it is better to say nothing at present. Juarez of course has deserted and may be in the insurgent camp. Or, still more likely, he sailed in the American steamer this morning for Panama. We must have, as soon as possible, reliable information as to the strength of the rebellion. It is this intelligence that I wish you to get from the insurgent camp.”
Phil listened attentively to the captain’s lengthy explanation and instructions. His pulse beat fast. Here was an opportunity he had longed for, dreamed of. It was now really true. He was going to the camp of an army. He would see war.
“The details I shall leave to you,” the captain continued, smiling at the distinct delight in the lad’s face. “Do not be too impetuous. Remember it is hazardous work, and of such a peculiar character that you may be deprived of your right as a neutral. Mr. Monroe, I am sure, will wish to go with you, and I think you should have one other.”
“May O’Neil go along, sir?” asked Phil, attempting to conceal from the quiet captain his boyish excitement.
“Yes, certainly,” assented the captain amusedly. “You seem to like O’Neil.”
“Like him, sir,” cried he, in admiration, “why he is the finest type of American sailorman I have ever met.”
“I am glad you have so much discernment,” the captain said smilingly; “it is rare at your age. That is also my opinion of him.” He reached down, and from his desk, took up a sheet of oiled paper, with an engraving at the top and the seal of the United States across its face.
“I believe,” he said generously, “that he would rather have this at your hands than mine. Give this to boatswain’s mate O’Neil.”
Phil ran from the cabin in joyful haste, after thanking the captain as if he himself had received the promotion.