Our turn will come soon.

Steady!" A turn of the hull--we were under way at half speed--brought the land on the port bow just then.

The moon suddenly emerged from behind the clouds, and we who were nearest the port, distinctly saw a long, black object fade into the obscurity of the coast almost directly under Morro Castle.
"She's escaped!" groaned "Stump." "It's the torpedo boat, and she is safe again." As if to prove the truth of his words the guns on the "New Orleans" and "Massachusetts" became silent; then word was sent below to "secure." Our first action was disappointing, but there was little grumbling.

We knew full well that momentous events were bound to occur before long.
The following morning, shortly after daybreak, the torpedo boat "Porter" steamed alongside.

Her coming created some excitement, and the "Yankee's" crew promptly lined the railing.
"What's that object on the deck ?" asked "Stump," pointing to a long brass cylinder lying abaft the after conning tower.
"It's a torpedo, but not like those used in our navy," replied "Hay." Captain Brownson leaned over the end of the bridge and waved his hand to Lieutenant Fremont, the "Porter's" commander.