Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/188

 the recollection of his last conversation with Mrs. Harding—"I was only too glad to do it. But what is the latest news from the seat of war?"

Capt. Nunez' eyes light up with enthusiasm. "Glorious!" he says. "Gen. Masso has just achieved a victory over 3,000 Spanish troops in the Puerto Principe District. El Terredo is receiving constant additions to his forces and the outlook was never brighter. It is to equip El Terredo's army that these arms and ammunition will be used."

"El Terredo?" inquires Van Zandt. "Is he not attached to the Pearl of the Antilles?"

"He has been up to within a week, but is now on shore duty. By the way, senor," remarks the Cuban commander, casting a glance over the deck of the Semiramis, "you have a magnificent yacht, and I doubt not she is as speedy as she is handsome."

"Speedy!" breaks in Don Manada. "She is as swift as the wind! She sailed away from the America, the fastest cruiser in the United States Navy, and as for the Infanta Isabel—poof! She snaps her fingers at her!"

Capt. Beals approaches the group at this moment and is introduced to the Cuban captain.

"I think, sir," he says to Van Zandt, "if we are to transfer our cargo it would be advisable to waste no time. There is no knowing when a Spanish gunboat will show up."

This advice is manifestly so timely that no time is lost in following it. The two hulls are laid side by side, the smoothness of the water permitting the operation in safety and hundreds of brawny arms are quickly at work transferring the cargo from the Semiramis to the Pearl.

At last the work is completed and Van Zandt looks inquiringly at Don Manada.

"Will you continue with the yacht or accompany the cargo on board the Pearl?" he asks.

The Cuban emissary hesitates. "If I might add to the already heavy debt of gratitude I owe you"

"Oh, that's all right," interrupts Van Zandt. "So you will remain with us. I am glad of your company.