"Ah!" said Jack. "That does not allow us very much time, does it? Of course, by leaving here this evening, and spending the night in Pinar del Rio--by which means we could catch the first train to Havana to- morrow morning--we should be enabled to get to sea in very good time to intercept the _James B. Potter_ somewhere in the Strait of Florida; and it may be advisable for us to arrange our plans accordingly, although I am afraid our proceeding to sea to-morrow will revive and greatly strengthen all the Spaniards' former suspicions of us, especially if the _James B. Potter_ should afterwards fail to turn up at her rendezvous at the appointed time. Still, if necessary, we must risk that, rather than permit the ship and cargo to be captured. Do you happen to know where the torpedo boat is lying that is to effect the capture?" he demanded, turning to Carnero. "Yes, Senor," answered Carnero; "she is torpedo boat Number 19, and she is lying in Havana harbour, from which she is to sally forth at the proper moment and conceal herself behind one of the cays lying just to the westward of Mulata Bay, where she will await the approach of the American ship." "A very pretty scheme, and one that is exceedingly likely to succeed--if we do not interfere," commented Jack. "Are there any other Government vessels in Havana harbour?" he asked, turning again to Carnero. "Yes, Senor, certainly," answered Carnero. "There are two others: the _Tiburon_ gunboat, and the cruiser _Infanta Isabel_." "Any steam tugs, or craft of any kind, capable of taking a few soldiers on board and running them round to Mulata Bay?" demanded Jack. "Yes, Senor," answered Carnero, "there is the _Ballena_; but she is at present hauled up on the slips for repairs, and her boiler is out, so she need not be considered." "And are those which you have named all that the Government has at its disposal?" persisted Jack. "Yes, Senor," answered Carnero. "There are, of course, trading steamers sailing out of Havana, which the Government might requisition, in case of need; but--now, let me consider--yes, it happens that on the day after to-morrow not a single steamer will be in port; and the first that may be expected is due to arrive at midnight of that day." "Good!" exclaimed Jack. "Then I think I can see my way. We will do better than go out to intercept the American, Don Hermoso; we will render it impossible for either of those three Government craft to go out of harbour on that day. But when the authorities find their three steamers disabled, they may take it into their heads to throw a few soldiers on board a sailing craft of some sort and send her out to endeavour to capture the _James B. Potter_; therefore you had better send word to the people who are to receive the goods that, while they need not fear a warship of any kind, they had better be prepared to fight a few soldiers, if necessary."