Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/233

 Spanish have been checkmated through treachery in some quarter, and he is not enchanted with the glimpses he has obtained of the manner in which his subordinates conduct a campaign.

An officer enters the room with a dispatch and the captain-general reaches impatiently for the missive.

"Caspita!" he growls, as he glances over the contents. "Murillo at least is alive to what is transpiring under the very noses of my generals. I wish that I had more like him." Then to the officer: "Send Gen. Velasquez to me at once."

As the latter answers the summons, Truenos hands him the dispatch, with the query: "Has the supply train left for Santiago?"

"It left last night, your excellency."

"It must be stopped. As you will see by Murillo's dispatch, the rebels have learned of the train's departure and a courier is now en route from Santiago to notify that infernal El Terredo. If that courier is not intercepted, the supply train must be recalled or held. The dispatch contains a description of the rebel messenger. Now, then, to action."

Truenos unfolds a large map of the island, and as he runs his finger along the line which indicates the railroad, another dispatch is handed in. The captain-general tears it open and reads:

"Reported that El Terredo is encamped near Jibana, with a large force of insurgents.

Alvarez."

"Ah, remarks Truenos. "This is dated Cadoza. And Cadoza," he consults the map, "is less than a dozen miles from Jibana. Bueno! For once matters are dovetailing to my wishes. The courier cannot reach Jibana before nightfall, and when he does Alvarez shall arrest him. Let the supply train proceed, Velasquez, and immediately wire Alvarez to arrest the rebel messenger at or below Jibana. Send the description of the young man given in Murillo's dispatch and have Alvarez wire back that he understands. Quick! There is no time to be wasted."

It is to be an exciting night at Jibana.