Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/237

 supply train which is on its way from the capital to Santiago. Truenos, you know, is shifting his headquarters to the latter city."

"Then the supply train has already left Havana?"

"Presumably. The rebels at the Santiago end of the line got wind of the shipment, and have sent Don Carlos to put El Terredo onto the fact."

"Don Carlos!" repeats Ashley, with a start that Barker does not notice; "and what disposition will you make of the prisoner?"

Barker shrugs his shoulders. "He will probably be honorably shot."

"Unhappy youth!" murmurs Ashley.

"It is rather tough," remarks Barker, coolly. "But it is the fortune of war."

Ashley's forehead is wrinkled in thought. "I'd like to take a hand in the fun to-night," he remarks carelessly. "I've been journeying through the desert for more than three days, with not a sign of adventure. I don't suppose it would do for me to show myself to Alvarez. How many men has he with him?"

"Twenty, including himself."

"Does he intend to take the entire command with him to hold up the train?"

"No; the affair is to be transacted in the quietest manner. Alvarez, myself and four more men are to leave the hotel about 9 o'clock—the train is due at Jibana at 10—and proceed down the track a mile or so. A few swings of the lantern and the train will stop, Don Carlos be removed and the train signaled to go ahead. If the arrest were made publicly, word might get to El Terredo, and the government's plans for a safe passage of the supply train would be frustrated."

"Your business completed at Jibana, I suppose you will push directly on to Santiago?"

"Yes, and you?" queries Barker.

"I shall probably follow at a respectful distance. I have been stopping at the Hotel Royal in Santiago, and you will probably find me there if I am in the city."

"How is Felton looking?" asks the detective.