It would be impossible to describe the joy on board the loyalist ships at this successful termination of the contest. Rafael and Jack went on board _The Iturbide_ to receive the congratulations of Pedraza for their success, and the officers of _The Zuloaga_ also hastened to participate in the general joy. The large state-room of the cruiser was one mass of excited men, drinking champagne, and wildly embracing one another. This victory would surely damp the enthusiasm of the rebels, and raise that of the loyalists to fever pitch. Don Hypolito had now but two ships of war, and these could not surely stand before the valour of _The Iturbide_, with her two torpedo-vessels. The _vivas_ were deafening, and Rafael, as commander of the boat which had sunk _The Pizarro_, was nearly stifled by the embraces of his brother officers. As soon as the excitement had somewhat subsided, all went on deck, and _The Iturbide_ stood in to the shore with the idea of seeing how matters stood in the rebel camp. Flying the Opal flag, lest the forts should open fire on one of their own vessels, the cruiser turned her lights on to the beach, and saw that it was lined with the rebel forces, all under arms. The noise of the firing and the flashing of the lights had attracted the attention of those on shore, and fearing that an attack was contemplated by the enemy, those rebels encamped in front of Janjalla were now on the alert. No one could understand the reason of this sea-fight, as it seemed quite impossible that the torpederas could have arrived from Tlatonac in so short a period. The general in command of the troops of Xuarez did not know what to think, and had to wait till dawn before he could make up his mind what course to pursue. As the lights of _The Iturbide_ struck the distant town, a long line of walls, surmounted by a crowd, leaped out of the darkness. The search-lights from the forts were flashed on to the ships, and those in Janjalla recognising the Opal flag, cheered vociferously. They saw three boats, each flying the ensign of Tlatonac, and no _Pizarro_. Then they guessed what had occurred, and were glad accordingly. The rebel soldiers on the beach stamped and swore with rage as they saw their loss, but being without boats could do nothing save parade under arms till dawn, so as to be prepared against a possible attack by the victorious loyalists. "Bueno!" cried Captain Pedraza, who had his night glass up. "There is one good thing, mis amigos, the Opal flag still flies over the town, so as yet it holds out." "What is next to be done, Comandante?" asked Jack, who was standing near with Rafael. "We must wait till dawn, Señor Americano, and then find out if the reinforcements have arrived at Janjalla. Afterwards we will steam back to Tlatonac, and if possible meet the _Cortes_ and _Columbus_ coming back. In any event, we must go to Tlatonac to report this victory to the Junta." "Shall you land these two hundred troops?" "Caranto! Why not?"