anchor, but to cruise about until the customs officers should board him,
and tell him whether it would be safe to land.

He could see that the town was in a state of ferment, and that the
inhabitants were running about from place to place.

After waiting a little while he thought it unsafe to land, and determined
to go to the town of Omoa, where he knew the government forces were in
possession.

He had travelled about four miles from Puerto Cortez when he sighted the
_Lucy B._

He decided to wait for her, and find out from her how matters stood in
Puerto Cortez.

Suddenly, when about half a mile away, the _Lucy B._ fired on the _Rover_.

Captain Reed instantly ordered the engines to be stopped, and brought the
vessel to a standstill; but before the sailors had time to carry out his
orders, another shot was fired at him.

Soon after the vessel was boarded by General Reyes, of the Nicaraguan
government, and six of his followers.

He examined the ship's papers, and though finding them in order, still had
the ship searched from end to end, declaring that the _Rover_ was carrying
arms and ammunition to the rebels in Puerto Cortez.

When his search was over, and nothing had been found, Captain Reed