Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/256

 young lady, he shall not lack verisimilitude through any neglect on my part."

"A thousand thanks, Miss Carter," says Ashley, when the clothes are finally tied in a big bundle and given into his possession.

"Isn't this too much?" demurs the young lady, glancing at the gold coin which he places in her hands.

"Not a bit," replies Jack. "If it is"—he glances around, sees that papa Carter has disappeared, and snatches a kiss from the young lady's red lips—"if it is, will you permit me to balance the debt?" he finishes. Miss Carter blushes furiously, but she does not reprove the audacity. Good-looking young men, alas, are few in Jibana.

Half an hour later Ashley turns the bundle of apparel over to Navarro and receives the latter's warmest thanks. "At what time do we start?" Jack inquires.

"At daybreak. You will need a few hours' rest before then."

"I can use them all right. But suppose Alvarez' men come nosing around after their absent leader?"

"They will not find him. Follow me and I will lead you to our camp for the night. I shall send with you as a guide a man who knows the country well."

With the dawn the little party is under way. Ashley stares in astonishment at the metamorphosis that has been effected in the person of Carlos. And as Carlos raises his veil and returns Jack's stare with a glance in which amusement is mingled with blushing diffidence, the newspaper man laughs outright.

"I told you he would look the part to perfection," remarks the elder Navarro, as he comes forward to say adios. "Take good care of him, Ashley, mi amigo. He is very dear to me."

"For your sake I will guard him with jealous care," replies Ashley. "Good-by, Navarro. I hope to see you again before many days."

"Most heartily do I echo the wish. But who can say what the future has in store?" murmurs the insurgent leader. He watches the little cavalcade until it disappears