Spain's loss was 600 human lives, 1200 prisoners, and six ships, valued at $12,000,000; while that of the Americans was one man killed and three wounded, all on the _Brooklyn_, together with a few trifling injuries to the _Brooklyn_, _Iowa_, and _Texas_.
And Ridge Norris, from the deck of the little _Speedy_, had been a spectator of the whole affair from beginning to end.

Thrilled with such excitement as he had never before known, he had seen ship after ship wearing the proud colors of Spain driven helplessly to the beach by the withering blasts of Yankee gunnery, until all were destroyed.
Never before had our young American been so proud of his country and his countrymen.

Now his wonderful day was to be crowned with a great honor; for, no sooner was it certain that the _Colon_ had surrendered, than a message from the flag-ship bade the _Speedy_ return with all haste to Siboney and land the army officer whom she had brought out, that he might convey the glorious news to General Shafter and the men in the trenches before Santiago.
"That's you, old man!" cried Ensign Comly, "And I envy you your present job a heap more than I did the one you were undertaking the last time we set you ashore." So back past the blazing wrecks of Cervera's squadron and on to Siboney dashed the despatch-boat.

The transport from which Ridge had been rescued that morning still lay in the harbor, and her Captain, hailing the _Speedy_, eagerly asked for news; but none was given him, and he was treated to a contemptuous silence that caused him to grow more purple-faced than ever.
As Ridge was rowed ashore he directed Ensign Comly's attention to a large steam-yacht painted lead-color in imitation of the war-ships, but flying a Red Cross flag, that had evidently just arrived.
"She looks a little like Rollo Van Kyp's _Royal Flush_," he said; "but what is her name?
G-r-a-y--Gray man?
Gray mare?
Oh no, _Gray Nun_.
Queer name for a yacht, isn't it ?" "Yes; and those nurses on her deck don't look a bit like nuns," replied Ensign Comly.

"Believe I'll make a call if we lie here this evening, for I understand that some of the nicest girls in the country have enlisted under the Red Cross since you chaps were sent to Santiago." "Wish I could join you," sighed Ridge; "only I haven't spoken to a girl in so long that I shouldn't know what to say.".