"Once get into the magazine, you can't fail." "I knew you would say so. The Americans love life even more than we do, and placed in such a dilemma, there can't be any doubt what their choice will be." "None!" Young Glory was fairly amazed at the boldness of the scheme, which was of an entirely different nature to anything he had suspected. He determined to hear the end of the story, for it was clear that the two Spaniards had not yet finished. "And when do you propose to put this scheme into operation, Manuel?" "To-night!" "So soon?" "What use in waiting?" "None, if all is ready." "It is. The men all know their appointed posts. The instant I give the word the sentries will be seized, and the rest will follow." "And once more the ship will be ours." "Yes, yes." "For that I would do much. The plot will succeed, Manuel. I can see victory in the air." "And I can't," muttered Young Glory, turning half round towards the two men. "On the contrary, gentlemen, I see nothing but failure. Go on talking till I've seen Mr. Tyler. Then I think the laugh will be all on our side. Ha, ha!" "Silence!" Young Glory stared aghast. A man, a Spanish naval officer was bending over him, holding a stilletto close against his breast. "I shall not hesitate to kill if you utter a sound," said the Spaniard, "for the happiness of four hundred men depends on your silence!" CHAPTER XIII. FORTUNE FAVORS YOUNG GLORY--CAPTURE OF THE MAGAZINE. Young Glory felt that he was powerless. He knew that the threat of the Spaniard was not an empty one, and that he would not hesitate to plunge his dagger into the young sailor's breast in case the slightest resistance was attempted, or the least sound was uttered. The man must have been keeping watch whilst his two comrades talked, so as to secure them from interruption. "You threaten me," said Young Glory, quietly, hoping to conciliate the Spaniard. "Take care," answered the latter, pressing the dagger a little closer; "I warned you not to speak." "And I do not disobey you so far as making a noise is concerned. I only ask the meaning of this." "You know." "Perhaps. I also know that you are a prisoner on this ship, and that it is dangerous for you to kill me." "Not so dangerous as to let you go. You have heard every word that passed between my friends, and have their secret and their lives in your hands. I need say no more to justify myself." The Spaniard tapped lightly on the boat, and instantly Juan and Manuel rose. They walked round to the other side. "You here!" they cried, seeing their brother officer. "Yes, and caramba! but it would have gone hard with your plot, but for me. You seemed to forget that you are not the only people on this ship. Look!" He pointed to Young Glory as he spoke. They were astounded. "Then he's heard what we said?" "Every word, Juan." "It means ruin."