Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/262

 watch. "And Guerra? Where was he to receive the dispatches?"

"At the ball."

"Quick! Pen and paper," requests Jack. And as Don Quesada hurries away to comply the young man murmurs: "There is only one chance in a thousand, but I must take it."

When the stationery is brought Jack inquires: "In what form were the dispatches sent?"

"In a plain envelope, such as you have there."

"Good." Jack writes hurriedly a few moments, passes what he has written over to Don Quesada, and commanding simply, "Copy that," busies himself over another letter.

Don Quesada follows the directions without question, but as he writes a little of hope comes into his pale face, and he looks admiringly at Jack, with the remark: "Can you do it?"

"Quien sabe? It's a desperate chance." Jack glances approvingly at the letter which the Don has sealed, places it in his pocket and then addresses and seals the second letter, which he gives to the Cuban president.

"You must leave here at once. Where is Don Carlos?"

"He is here."

"He must accompany you. You must make your way with all haste as secretly as possible to Santiago and go aboard the United States cruiser America. This letter will explain all, and make you welcome. Once under the stars and stripes you will be safe when the storm breaks."

"But my daughter!" cries the Don, suddenly recollecting the beautiful Pearl of the Antilles. Jack's eyes grow tender, and, gripping the older man by the hand, he says proudly, as their eyes meet.

"Don Quesada, I love your daughter. I will answer for her safety with my life. And now, I'm off. Remember—to Santiago at once. Adios!"

And without waiting to ascertain how his declaration of love affects the father of his loved one, Jack springs into the saddle and clatters away.