"Begad! I couldn't. The rebels cut the telegraph wires some days since. The last message was that you and Doña Dolores had come back safely. Ah, my boy," cried Tim, slapping Jack on the shoulder, "didn't I sing 'Glory Hallelujah,' when I heard that same. But, I knew you'd turn up again all safe." "I didn't know it myself!" replied Jack, grimly "it was touch and go, I can tell you." "Dioul! You must tell me all about it. But hold your noise, Jack, and don't be lamenting for Philip. If you returned, so will he." "I fervently hope so," said Jack, gloomily; "but I own that I feel doubtful. Are the wires cut on both sides of the town?" "No! glory be to the saints. I can still telegraph to England by the wires going south, but I expect them to be cut every minute, so I'm hard at work sending all the news I can." "Did you see the fight last night?" "Did I not! Whow, my boy! I guessed what was up, but till the dawn we weren't quite sure of the trouble. Begad! _The Pizarro's_ gone anyhow." "Yes. But the other warships and transports are due to-night." "Then we'll have another fight," said Tim, coolly; "wasn't I wishing I was on board a torpedera! There's a heap to talk about, Jack; how you escaped from that infernal Xuarez, and how you sank _The Pizarro_. I want to wire about that same right away." "First I must see what the General desires. Oh, here is Garibay. A thousand greetings, Colonel." "What, Señor Juan! Ah, mi amigo, how pleased I am to see you safe once more. I deemed you were dead." "Dios! He is a merry corpse, Señor," said Tim, turning his head. "Where's the General?" "Within yonder house of the Jefe Politico. You also, Señor Correspoñsal, does he desire to see." "I am at the service of Señor Gigedo. Know you, Comandante, what he desires to speak of?" "It is that you will convey the glorious news of our naval victory to your gran'diario." "Dios! That will be done within an hour. I but waited to find out all particulars from Don Juan." "Oh! I can tell you everything," said Jack cheerfully, "I was on board _The Montezuma_ with Don Rafael, and it was her torpedo which sank _The Pizarro_." "Viva los Torpederas," shouted Garibay, who was greatly excited over this unexpected victory.