“This is a great life, Syd,” he cried joyously to his companion standing by him on the quarter-deck. “Who of us thought ten hours ago that this evening would see us bound for South America.” The next morning Captain Taylor and Mr. Penfield sat at the cabin table, reading and discussing the import of the lengthy written instructions from the Navy Department and admiral. Phil stood by, pencil and paper in hand, ready to write down the plan these experienced officers were about to draw up. Each of the high-ranking officers read the letters carefully, weighing every word. Then Mr. Penfield waited for his superior to speak. “This promises to be a very delicate business, Penfield,” the captain commenced. “The insurgents are said not to be very strong at present, but it seems they are receiving arms from the United States, which has greatly embarrassed our relations with the government of the republic. Official telegrams from the minister, our representative, report the insurgents a lawless band led by an outlaw called Ruiz. The minister fears if the city should be captured much valuable foreign and American property will be destroyed by the rebels, who cannot control their soldiers. This state of affairs may involve our country seriously. In upholding the Monroe Doctrine it will insist on a policy of non-interference by foreign governments, but where neutral property is destroyed, due to the weakness of the government of Verazala to control these internal disorders, restitution to the injured must be guaranteed by our government.” “I can read in the tone of the letter,” said Mr. Penfield, speaking slowly and deliberately, “a purpose to uphold the government through this rebellion.” “Yes,” answered Captain Taylor, “our policy has always been, in dealing with these rebellions, to uphold the government. If the rebels win the upheaval is very disastrous to our moneyed interests and harmful to our friendly relations with the citizens of the republic. Our country believes, and justly, that it is a crime to change the government through bloodshed, and has ever counseled the honest use of the ballot-box to obtain the most popular candidate for president. But, as this system of suffrage does not appeal to the people here, who place the military before all else, it is our duty to do what is in our power to assure the defeat of this rascal Ruiz; but we must do it so cleverly that the insurgents will never know that our government was unfriendly to them.” “Then what is your plan, sir?” asked Mr. Penfield, much mystified. “Our government,” answered the captain, decidedly, “having taken the side of the present government of the republic, it is our purpose to see that the rebels receive no aid from the outside world.” “You do not mean that we shall actually aid the government?” asked Mr. Penfield. “Our letter there,” pointing to the mass of correspondence on the table, “enjoins the strictest neutrality.” The captain laughed.