"Fifty miles, or thereabouts, and now that this war is on the tapis, I expect the works will have to be abandoned. Failing this railway, the only way to get to the second capital is by water. So, you see, communication between the two towns is not so perfect as it might be." "And thus offers good opportunities to Don Hypolito to make things nasty for the Government." "There's no doubt of that, provided Don Hypolito can secure the allegiance of the navy." "The navy!" said Peter, in surprise. "You don't mean to say, Jack, that Cholacaca has a navy?" "A very good one, as South American navies go. They have three war-ships, named respectively, _The Columbus_, _The Cortes_, and _The Pizarro_, all first-class vessels. The Government has also sent to England for two torpedo-boats, which are expected out shortly." "Then, if Don Hypolito commands the navy, he can do what he likes." "Not exactly. Tlatonac is well fortified, and the war-ships would have to keep well out of the range of the guns." "Any army worth mentioning?" "Yes; a capital army for this part of the world. Mostly Mestizos, you know; and, if needs be, I dare say the Government can secure the forest Indians as their allies. Fools if they do. No wise man trusts an Indian. That holds good of governments also, I take it." "Judging from your opal story," said Philip, reflectively, "it seems to me that this Indian business depends on the stone." "No doubt. If Don Hypolito secures Dolores and her opal, the Indians, out of sheer superstition, will side with him against the Government. In that case, they are too near Tlatonac to be pleasant." "And what are the plans of this Don, if you please," asked Tim, who was scribbling shorthand notes in his pocket-book. "Hum! you'll have to ask Xuarez about those, and then he won't tell you. So far as I can judge, he will win over the navy to his side, establish his head-quarters at Acauhtzin, and make things unpleasant all round. With the navy of three, he can blockade Tlatonac." "What about the torpedo-boats?" "They, no doubt, are on their way out from England. If the war-ships can stop them, they certainly will." "Torpedo-boats are unpleasant things to handle." "Yes; I don't suppose the war-ships will try force. Those in charge of the two torpedo-boats won't know of the disaffection of the navy; so possibly their commander will be decoyed on board the ships, and the rebels can place their own men in charge of the torpederas." "In that case," said Philip, after a pause, "it would be as well to use this yacht to warn them before they enter the harbour." "My dear Philip, if you tried on that game, the rebels would send a war-ship after you, and _The Bohemian_ would be knocked to bits." "Not if she gets a start. I'll back her speed against the whole Cholacacan navy. When _The Bohemian_ has all her furnaces going, she is like a streak of greased lightning."