Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/232

 "But if a courier were to leave on the early morning train, could he not reach Jibana in season to find Emilio?"

"Perhaps. It will take several days for the supply train to make the trip, but it will also take us too long to find a trustworthy messenger."

"Do you not consider me trustworthy?"

"You!" cries Quesada, looking at the slender youth in astonishment.

"Yes, Don Manuel; I will be the courier."

"No, no; I cannot permit it. What would Emilio say?"

"He will be too overjoyed to see me to think of scolding you. There is no danger. Simply the discomfort of the journey. I will start in the morning."

Against his better judgment, Quesada consents, and as Carlos throws open the study door the vision of Mrs. Harding flits by.

Over the teacups half an hour later Isabel tells Don Quesada that, if there is a conveyance to be easily procured at Santos, she believes she will run into Santiago for a day's shopping. And Quesada informs her smilingly that if she cares to arise with the sun she may find a conveyance in waiting, as Carlos is going to the city on business and will undoubtedly be charmed with her society on the short journey.

At Havana on the morning of the 8th of April.

With contracted brows and frowning face, the captain-general of Cuba scans a mass of official documents that lie upon his desk. Gen. Truenos is plainly displeased with the condition of affairs on the island. When he sailed from Cadiz it was to "put down the rebellion in three months," as the Spanish press boastfully asserted, but Truenos realizes that it is not now a matter of weeks or months, but of years, ere the red and yellow of Spain will wave again unchallenged over the gem of the Antilles.

In the meantime, Gen. Truenos gathers from the papers before him that some of the matured plans of the