Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/222

 Barker over shrewdly—"I should like to do you a service, and may. What do you say to becoming my orderly?"

Barker's eyes flash. He appears to deliberate for a moment, and finally says: "I would like nothing better."

"Good! To-morrow, then, will see you enrolled as a soldier of Spain!"

CHAPTER XXXIX.

ASHLEY TAKES THE FIELD.

The big, white moon that rolls through "heaven's ebon vault" and pales the glow of the southern cross looks down upon two young people on the veranda of El Quinta de Quesada. They have retired to the shadows for purely healthful reasons, of course, as a baleful influence is attributed to the direct rays of the tropic moon.

"You leave Santiago to-morrow?" asks Juanita, in tones of real regret.

"At the first streak of daylight," Ashley replies, lighting the inevitable Cuban cigar.

"And when shall we see you again?"

"Ah, quien sabe? I attack Spanish quite boldly now you see. As a matter of fact, I have no definite idea as to when I shall return. Sniffing the battle afar off has become monotonous. I am impatient to hear the rattle of musketry and the swish of the machete."

"You will not expose yourself!" cries the senorita.

Ashley laughs softly. "I shall not lead any desperate charges," he says. "For my position demands a show of neutrality, no matter how much I may sympathize at heart with the patriots. There is fighting all along the line between here and Havana, and I want a chance to describe a Cuban battle from personal observation. Besides, I like a good fight, and I shall probably itch to sail in and help the under dog, if said dog happens to be on the same side as my sympathies."

"But when such a chivalrous feeling seizes you,