"Nonsense!" cried Farquharson. "Our ships will batter this ramshackle to pieces in ten minutes." Barcelo exploded a tremendous, "Huh!" then added, "No need keeps you here. The casemates are at your disposal." "Perdition on your folly!" from the angry Englishman. "Why, man, I've faced death a score more times than you have fingers and toes, you insufferable ass!" "Another word, and I'll clap you in irons!" was Barcelo's threat. Turning to the women he said, "It is time for the señoras to seek safety below." "I shall remain here," from Señora Valentino. "I shall stay, also," announced the Colonel's wife. "Señoras, I insist that you go below--and at once! Orderly, take these ladies down immediately. As for you," turning to the men, "you can suit yourselves. Stay, if you will--if your noses itch for powder smoke." Farquharson glowered at the Colonel, but did not speak. The surprised civilians hurriedly grouped themselves against a parapet. The flagship stood in to the sheltered lea of the harbor. As a thing alive she ran. At each onward bound she raised her forefoot clear, then plunged nose-deep into the churning spray. Her bulging canvas gleamed against the distant background. The Admiral and his officers were on the quarterdeck. Marines and man-o'-war's men swarmed aft. "Make ready!" called Barcelo. Each cannoneer stood by the priming of his piece, a lighted fuse spluttering in his hand. "Fire!" shouted the Colonel, in voice so carrying that it reached the city square. The old cannon mouths belched response. Sheets of flame and smoke darted into the empty air. Over town and rolling land awoke a thousand echoes. The fort shivered to its venerable foundation. Across the harbor ricocheted the heavy shots, dotting a path straight to Fairbanks's ship. A school of flying fish these shots might have been, moistening their fins now and then, to show that water was their element. They dropped below the surface, as seeking rest, short of their destination a hundred yards. "Elevate the muzzles of the guns!" yelled Barcelo. "Quick! the levers. Swing them in place! Bear down! Bear down, I tell you! Bring props. Now, get to work! Load again!" Swabbers labored with might and main. Powder carriers came stumbling through the clinging smoke. Sinewy arms strained under the iron shot. Seizing a ramrod, with his own hands the sooty and perspiring Colonel worked shoulder to shoulder with his men. Signal flags arose, fluttered, fell, on the Admiral's vessel. Sailors swarmed through the rigging, like flies. Sails shortened, as by magic. Under lessened speed she swung until her length paralleled the water-front. "Up with the white flag, Colonel Barcelo! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! For God's sake, give the order!" cried Farquharson. "She's ready for a broadside." As he spoke he ran to the flagstaff. The consuls, storming and demanding, followed him, and made as if to lower the colors.