“What do you propose to do?” asked Sydney excitedly. “I wish we could fight her for them.” “No, that we couldn’t do; but we are surely justified in instructing them before the battle, and during the battle too, for we can satisfy our conscience by the plea of self-defense,” answered Phil, regarding closely a six-inch gun near him. “Look at their guns; they are the very latest pattern and have two telescope sights each. These men in but a short time could be trained to use those guns in a way that will insure a victory.” “In training these men to fight a successful battle,” Sydney returned, thoroughly interested, “we shall also help the government to keep in control of the country. Do you know for what reason we were sent to the insurgent camp?” “To find out their strength, of course,” answered Phil promptly. “Yes, but why did our government wish this information? The reason has just occurred to me. Some of the foreign governments wish to give the insurgents the power of belligerents. This the United States does not desire, for it will give them an opportunity to blockade La Boca with their navy and thus ruin our shipping with that port. Our merchant vessels, and also those of foreigners, may be seized at the will of these outlaws, and this situation would be disastrous. La Fitte and Company have a powerful backing in two countries of Europe.” “Syd, I believe you have hit the nail on the head. Why couldn’t I have thought of that?” exclaimed the lad, proud of his companion’s sagacity. “Then, there’s all the more reason,” Phil added, “why we should do our utmost to see that these insurgent war vessels never have an opportunity to blockade La Boca.” “That’s exactly it,” answered Sydney promptly, “and as we are due in Rio Grande in two days more we should start right in now.” O’Neil was sent for and told of our lads’ plans. The boatswain’s mate was greatly delighted. “Give me two days, sir,” he cried excitedly, “and they’ll make a hundred per cent. of hits on the insurgent hulks.” The three Americans walked down to the battery deck. The crew were at quarters. Each division was going through the drill at their guns in a perfunctory manner. “Look at ’em,” scoffed O’Neil, “like a gang of Italian roustabouts on a New York dock.” “After this drill is over, O’Neil,” Phil confided, “you get a group around you and try to interest them; then get them at the gun and explain how it should be done. You must poke fun at them in order to catch their interest. Then we shall see that Captain Garcia sees you. That ought to open his eyes and make him want to see more. Do you see?” “That I do,” exclaimed the sailor, “and you have hit the character of these dagos as if you’d always lived among ’em.” Phil and Sydney strolled quietly up the ladder and entered the captain’s cabin. Captain Garcia was quite willing to be drawn into conversation, and our lads diplomatically led the topic up to the possibilities in the coming engagement.