Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/289

 Jack Ashley stands upon the threshold, a smile upon his face.

With a glad cry Juanita runs to him and takes both his hands. "I was expecting you," she says, simply.

"Thank you. And you?" asks Ashley, turning to Father Hilario.

"I bore your message. I did not expect you," replies the priest, regarding the young man with mingled wonder and admiration.

"Then you must have a more flattering opinion of the security of Cuban jails than I. And now, senorita, tell me how you come to be in this unhappy position."

The story is brief, but interesting.

"Five minutes after you left me in the ball-room at the palace," narrates Juanita, "Isabel came to me and declared that we should leave for Santos. She explained that Captain Huerta and his men were going to Santos at once, and would escort us, and that the ride would be enjoyable after the heat and excitement of the ball. At the mention of Captain Huerta I know I looked displeased, and Isabel remarked disagreeably: 'Perhaps you would prefer the escort of Mr. Ashley.' I replied that I should certainly prefer it to that of Captain Huerta, and she declared that you would not be likely to offer it, as"

"As what?" asks Ashley, as Juanita pauses in confusion.

"She gave me to understand that you had proposed to her that night and that she had refused you."

"And you believed her?"

"I don't know what I believed. But I agreed to Isabel's proposition and we left for Santos at once. On our arrival there we were set upon by a party of men. All I remember is being lifted from the volante by Captain Huerta. Then I fainted, and when I recovered consciousness I was in the church, alone with Captain Huerta. He told me that he loved me. I replied that I hated him, and when he attempted to put his arm around me I struck him in the face. Then he swore frightfully and told me I would regret the blow. 'My father' I began. 'Your father is a fugitive,' he sneered. 'You are