It was necessary that they should do so. For they were the only prisoners who were allowed perfect freedom. The fact of their walking about would not alarm the sentries, and so strolling carelessly along in small groups, not less than six Spanish naval officers were within reach of the sentries who were guarding the magazine. Manuel gave the signal. It was a faint whistle, but quite audible to ears that had waited anxiously for the sound. Each man knew what to do, for all the details were prearranged. Juan sprang at the nearest sentry. Manuel dashed past him and flew at the throat of the second sentry. Juan and another officer seized the first sentry without the least difficulty. The man was taken completely by surprise, and not being able to resist, he was instantly disarmed. The second sentry gave more trouble. He had had some time in which to resist the Spanish officers. Swiftly he raised his rifle to his shoulder to shoot down his foes, but agile as a panther, Manuel sprang under the rifle, striking it up as he rose. Bang! The weapon exploded, but the shot did no harm. Instantly three Spaniards threw themselves on the sentry, tearing his rifle from his hands, and taking his cutlass from his side. "Hold him fast!" shouted Manuel, as he made for the magazine. "That shot will arouse the entire ship, and there is no time to be lost!" "If they attack?" "Shoot them down. Keep them in check for two minutes. That is all I ask!" It was no time to waste in talking. If this desperate plot was to succeed, it must be carried out instantly. Already Manuel was at the magazine. He took a key from his pocket. "They've not changed the locks, so this must fit. Ah!" he said, as he inserted the key. "I thought so. Victory! Victory! We've played a bold game and won!" Like lightning Manuel darted into the magazine, and without allowing a second to elapse he took a carefully prepared fuse from his pocket, lit it without delay, and placed it on a shelf, which was destitute of explosives. "Now let them come!" he said, with a look of triumph on his swarthy face. "They must agree to my terms, or we'll die together." There was a great rush outside. The sailors had rushed from all parts, and some of the American officers had also been drawn to the spot. "Treachery! Treachery!" cried the sailors. "Shoot them down!" shouted an officer. Instantly a dozen six-shooters were raised. A crisis had arrived. Then Juan stepped forward. "One moment, gentlemen," said he, speaking very politely, and in soft tones. "You do not seem to understand the position of affairs." "We know you are traitors." Juan smiled. "It is not worth arguing such a point. Let us get to business. You propose to kill us?" "Unless you surrender at once." "Senor, you don't understand how matters stand. We are not in your power; it is you who are in ours." "What!" A loud cry of derision burst forth.