There seemed to be a number of them, and not far away could be seen a blue and white flag flying from a small staff.
The engines were stopped, and a boat officered by Lieutenant Duncan, and carrying "Hay" as interpreter, went ashore.

"Hay" had spent several years in the West Indies and was thoroughly familiar with the Spanish language.

As he was unique in that respect on board the ship, he often did duty as interpreter.
The boat landed in a little cove.

After parleying for a while, one of the landing party was seen to wigwag.

A few moments later the boat returned, bringing three Cubans, one of whom was the Cuban governor of Matanzas.