The regulars were ready for service; the volunteers thought they were, but knew better a few weeks later.

Time and again orders for embarkation were received, only to be revoked upon rumors of ghostly warships reported off some distant portion of the coast.

Spain was playing her old game of _manana_ at the expense of the Americans, and inducing her powerful enemy to refrain from striking a blow by means of terrifying rumors skilfully circulated through the so-called "yellow journals" of the great American cities, which readily published any falsehood that provided a sensation.

At length, however, the last bogie appeared to be laid, and one week after the Riders reached Tampa a rumor of an immediate departure, more definite than any that had preceded it, flashed through the great camp: "Everything is ready, and to-morrow we shall surely embark for Santiago.".