Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/154

 in the pay of the Spanish Government, and that she has been successful in learning some of the secret plans and plots of the Cuban filibusters in this city. She is now on her way to Port Tampa aboard the Florida limited, and I should judge it is their intention to proceed from Key West at once to Havana."

"Their intention? Did the Spanish officer accompany her?"

Barker nods. "He looked as if he was right out of the hospital; his head was bandaged. Perhaps some of the Cuban sympathizers had it out with him. However, that episode is closed, for the present at least. And now for Cyrus Felton. I shall take him directly to the Tombs, and according to our compact he will be invisible to any of the newspaper fraternity. Will you come with me to the St. James while I nab the bird?"

Ashley starts. He has for a moment forgotten the catastrophe that is about to overcome Cyrus Felton. He looks at his watch. "I am overdue at the office," he says. "But say, Barker, I had an engagement to lunch with Felton and Miss Hathaway at 1 o'clock. Can't you put off the arrest until to-morrow?"

Barker shakes his head. "Not a minute," he replies, emphatically. "I have delayed long enough. If you intended to lunch with the fair Miss Hathaway you will have an opportunity to do so just the same and your presence will doubtless be appreciated in her tremendous confusion. If you can't come with me I will drop round at the office and see you later."

"All right, then. Do the job in as gentlemanly a manner as possible," grins Ashley.

Barker nods and walks rapidly toward the St. James, while Ashley boards a Broadway car and rolls downtown.

The detective saunters up to the hotel office desk, writes the name "Cyrus Felton" on a bit of cardboard, and, passing it to the clerk, inquires: "Is that gentleman in?"

"No, sir; gone. Left an hour ago."

"When will he return?"

"Well, that's rather beyond me," smiles the clerk.