Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/320

 beardless youth, with flashing black eyes, who looks about him and remarks: "Well, my merry men, the victory is ours, but where are the Americans?"

"Coming," sings out Van Zandt, from the upper air. "We will be with you in a minute." And as he turns to Louise that young lady proceeds to faint in his arms. It is a logical reaction from the strain which she has borne with wonderful fortitude.

By this time the boats from the Semiramis have arrived, and in them enough fighting Yankees to handle twice their number of Spanish soldiery. A ladder is placed against the consul's house and the besieged are assisted to earth, one unconscious and the other with an arm tied up.

While revivifying operations are under way Van Zandt hears a startled exclamation at his elbow. It comes from El Terredo, who is gazing upon the marble countenance of Miss Hathaway with astonished and troubled eyes.

Without replying to Van Zandt's questioning look, El Terredo picks up his mustachios from the sand and again affixes them to his face. Then he turns calmly to Van Zandt.

"The third of your party? I was told there was an old gentleman."

"He is dead. Killed at the first fire," Van Zandt tells him, and he leads the way into the house.

As the two men look upon the body, which has not been disturbed by the troopers, El Terredo shudders, and murmurs: "My God, what does all this mean?"

"It means much to me," replies Van Zandt, gravely, as he takes from the dead man's person a packet of papers.

Without speaking El Terredo steps to the sofa and assists Van Zandt to bear the remains from the house.

The body is laid in the bow of one of the boats, reverently covered, and preparations are made for the return to the Semiramis. When all but himself and the rescuing party from the cafe have embarked Van Zandt turns to El Terredo, who, with folded arms, is gazing abstract