And so the day slipped by, and the sun began to sink just as they glided into a narrow sheltered estuary, which, as far as they could make out, ran like a jagged gash inland; and an hour later the schooner was at anchor behind a headland which completely bid them from the open sea. "There," cried Poole, turning to the middy, who was sweeping the forest-clad slopes on either hand, "what do you think of this?" "Lovely!" cried Fitz enthusiastically, forgetting all his troubles in the wondrous tropic beauty of the golden shores. "Come on, then. I don't know what Andy has got us for supper, but it smells uncommonly good." "Supper!" said the middy, in tones of disgust. "Why, you can't leave a scene like this to go and eat?" "Can't I?" cried Poole. "Do you mean to tell me that you are not hungry too?" "Well, no," said Fitz, slowly, closing the glass; "I don't think I can. I didn't know how bad I was until you spoke." CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE. A TROPIC RIVER. Strict watch was set, no lights were shown, and a quiet, uneventful night was passed, the boys sleeping so hard that it was with some difficulty that they were awakened, to start up wondering that it was day. "Why," cried Fitz, "I feel as if I had only just lain down." It proved, though, that they had each had nine hours' solid sleep, and after a hasty breakfast, preparations were made for ascending the river. The men were armed, the largest boat lowered, and Fitz hung about watching eagerly all that was going on; but, too proud to ask questions, he waited to see how matters would shape themselves. As he expected, Poole came to him after a time, and in answer to the middy's questioning looks said eagerly-- "The Don's hacienda is right up this river somewhere, and the dad is going up in a boat with about half the lads, to see how the land lies, while old Burgess stops at home and takes care of the _Teal_. And I suppose he will have to take care of you too, you being a prisoner who don't take any interest in what we do. What do you think?" "Think? That I shouldn't do any harm if I came with you, should I?" "Well, I don't know," said Poole, with mock seriousness. "You wouldn't like to come too with me?" Fitz looked at him blankly. "It's going to be quite an expedition. The lads are going to have rifles and plenty of ammunition; revolvers too. I am going to have the same, because there is no knowing what sort of fellows we may meet. But, as the dad says, if they see we are well-armed they won't meddle with us. In these revolutionary times, though, every one is on the rampage and spoiling for a fight. Pity you can't go with us." Fitz was silent.