“Señor Mareno has escaped,” the naval officer told the lads; “he is now on board a foreign war-ship and as he is a political refugee, we cannot demand him. General Barras knows all, and will give the concessions to the American syndicate. The minister of course knows nothing of how close he was to being summarily ordered home. General Barras was in such a rage when he learned of the perfidy of Mareno, his trusted friend, that I believe if he had been arrested, the president would have ordered his execution.” “Have you heard that Ensign Lazar has resigned?” questioned Sydney in his turn. Captain Garcia was soon told the story of the court martial and of Lazar’s desertion. “We shall see that he doesn’t prosper here,” replied the Spaniard determinedly; then with genuine regrets he bid them farewell and joined the president, who was about to leave the ship. After Captain Garcia had gone our two lads lapsed into silence. Their thoughts dwelt upon the stirring events of the last few weeks. What a relief and happiness it was to feel that their energy and foresight had been repaid and a result pleasing to their countrymen had been achieved. “The captain desires to see Midshipmen Perry and Monroe,” the captain’s orderly announced, his face beaming as he spoke to Phil. “I knowed you were not guilty, sir; every mother’s son of us forward were hoping you’d not be punished.” Phil thanked the marine, tears of gratitude springing to his eyes, while the two midshipmen arose to obey their captain’s summons. Captain Taylor awaited them in his cabin. “I have just finished reading the proceedings of Mr. Perry’s court martial,” he began, shaking both boys by the hand, “and I could but marvel at the wickedness of Ensign Lazar: I had believed he was an example of honor and efficiency. The actions of both of you have been worthy of the best traditions of American naval officers. You, Mr. Perry, were willing to stand convicted of this military crime rather than make charges against an officer which were conclusive in your own mind but which might have been considered recriminating in the mind of the court.” “There was nothing else to do, sir,” Phil replied, his face flushed with pride. “I did disobey the order and my one defense was that I did it to save the good name of our minister.” “Sir, the officer of the deck reports the signal to get under way is about to be hoisted by the admiral,” the orderly informed the captain. “Very good, orderly,” Captain Taylor answered, and then turning again toward the midshipmen, who had moved toward the door to go to their station: “Gentlemen, you may ever consider me ready to help you in your ambitions in the service. If there is aught I can do for you, let me know; your services here can only be rewarded in such ways: official recognition is denied you.” “Well! What is it?” the captain exclaimed, reading the look in Phil’s face.