"So, as you value your future prospects, get me aboard the _Speedy_, before it shall be too late." "All right," answered the young naval officer.

"I'll risk it for your sake.

So here goes." Once on board the despatch-boat our young trooper placed the whole situation in a few words before Captain Boldwood, who no sooner comprehended it than he ordered his little ship headed up the coast with all speed.
"It will be almighty rough on the Admiral," he said to Ridge, "if Cervera comes out while he is away, after all his careful planning and weeks of weary waiting." "What do you mean ?" "Only that Admiral Sampson has chosen to-day, of all days, to come down here for an interview with General Shafter, and we were sent ahead to make things ready for him at Siboney.

He was to have followed us within half an hour; but perhaps we can turn him back in time.

At any rate, we'll do our best." So the little _Speedy_ flew back over the way she had just come, displaying from her masthead as she went a string of gay bunting that read: "The enemy's ships are escaping.".