"Buenos Dias, Señores," said Maraquando, as the young men arose from their meal. "I have news." "Of Doña Dolores, Señor?" "Yes, Don Felipe. Sad news! Alas! there is no doubt of it. She is on board _The Pizarro_." "How is this, my father?" asked Rafael, as Jack resumed his seat with a visage of despair. "A fishing-boat came into the port late last night, and the men reported that they had passed a skiff containing a man and a veiled woman, making for _The Pizarro_." "Dolores!" sighed Jack, sadly; "but then, Señor Maraquando," he added, with reviving hope, "it might have been Marina." "No, Señor. Marina was here when Padre Ignatius told us the boat was taken. I fear it is true. My poor niece has been decoyed away by that accursed zambo, and carried to the war-ship. Now she is on her way to Acauhtzin--to the rebel Xuarez." "Cheer up, old fellow!" cried Tim, thumping Jack on the shoulder, with a heavy but kindly fist. "We'll have the colleen back soon. We're all going to fight the rebels this day." "What's that, Tim? _The Bohemian_----" "Hold on, Jack! Don Miguel is speaking; he'll tell you all!" "Señor Felipe," said Maraquando, removing his sombrero with suave courtesy; "in the name of the Republic of Cholacaca, I have to thank you for the offer of your ship, and to inform you that the Junta gladly accepts your aid with a thousand thousand thanks." "The pleasure is mine, Señor," said Philip, courteously. "The Junta, Don Felipe," resumed Don Miguel gravely, "desire to know if you can leave Tlatonac by noon." "Certainly, Señor. By noon _The Bohemian_ will steam northward. Are you to be of the party, Señor?" "I regret to say I am not, Señor. His Excellency is pleased to consider that I will be more useful by his side. The message to Xuarez will be delivered by Don Alonzo Cebrian, the Intendante of the province of Xicotencatl. He will be accompanied by Colonel Garibay, my son Don Rafael, Captain Velez and about twenty soldiers. Can your vessel hold such a company, Señor." "Oh yes. If they don't mind a little discomfort, Don Miguel. _The Bohemian_ is rather small for such a number." "Fortunately, the voyage will not take long," added Jack, thankfully. "With myself and you, Philip, the number tots up to twenty-six passengers." "Twenty-seven, Jack," interposed Tim, quickly "I'm not going to miss the fun." "But your business, Tim," remonstrated Philip, in alarm, afraid lest Fletcher's fighting propensities should cause trouble at Acauhtzin. "Well, isn't this my business, sir? Interview with the rebel leader! It's a fine article I'll get out of that same, Philip." "Right you are, Tim. I'll be glad of your company. But Peter?" "We'll leave him behind, to look after the ladies." "Don Miguel," said Jack, who had been thinking deeply, "is the boat of Señor Felipe to sail under the English or the Cholacacan flag?" "Under the flag of the opal, Señor."