Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/296

 The general frowns. "Come with me," he says; "I will furnish to you the necessary papers and you may proceed without interruption to Santiago. The cruiser America sails for Key West to-morrow. You must take passage on her. I do you a service, Senor Ashley, and I do it gladly, as I have a friendship for you. But I warn you that any delay in leaving Cuba may subject you to much annoyance, to use no harsher term. The government suspects you of secretly aiding the insurrection."

"The government is mistaken."

Murillo glances at Juanita, and smiles ironically. "Senor Ashley," he says, "I am not so easily deceived. The instrumentality that saved the senorita from annoyance is the same instrumentality that placed the traitor Quesada in his present safe retreat. But what I as a man might applaud, I cannot as a loyal adherent to Spain condone; nor would the government take a sentimental view of the matter. You will see the wisdom of my advice. Come." And Murillo leads the way from the church.

Before he leaves the scene of his new-found happiness Jack Ashley presses warmly the wrinkled hands of Father Hilario. "Father, you're a brick," he says, and adds solicitously: "Will not Captain Huerta seek to revenge himself upon you?"

"I fear him not," replies the priest, raising his head proudly. Then, placing the hand of Juanita within Ashley's, he lays a hand on the head of each, and in a voice choked with emotion says:

"My children, I have sinned for your sake, but I trust that God will condone the offense. Heaven bless and keep you and when you are happily sheltered in your northern home think sometimes of Father Hilario, of the little church of San Pedro."

Imprinting a kiss upon the brow of the Cuban girl, the aged priest turns away and sinks upon his knees before the crucifix over the altar.

It requires but a few minutes for General Murillo to make out the necessary passports and as he hands them to Ashley, he remarks: "You will follow my advice?"

"I will follow it to Santiago, at least, general."