Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/322

 form of Cyrus Felton has been reverently conveyed aboard.

A sort of council of war is being held on the quarter-deck of the yacht, participated in by Van Zandt, Navarro and Capt. Beals. The master of the Semiramis looks inquiringly at the insurgent leader as he utters the words quoted above.

"For me personally there is but one course," replies Navarro. "I must land somewhere in the night and make my way to Gen. Masso's camp. That will not be a difficult matter. It is your own situation that I am considering. The American man-of-war, is she still in the harbor?"

Capt. Beals shakes his head. "She sailed an hour ago for Key West, for supplies and instructions. She will not return for at least two days."

Navarro's face grows grave. "Then you are not safe from molestation even in this vessel and under that flag," he says, pointing to the red, white and blue floating from the masthead. "Without a man-of-war to protect you, the Spaniards, knowing that El Terredo is aboard, will search your yacht, possibly confiscate her and subject you to no end of annoyance, even though they should not find El Terredo. They respect no flag, no emblem, no rules of civilized nations, unless they are absolutely compelled to by superior force. You saw how they treated the American flag above the consul's own residence. There are now three Spanish gunboats in the harbor. Within the hour I fear your yacht will be surrounded."

"Then there is but one thing to do," promptly replies Van Zandt. "Capt. Beals, have steam got up at once and weigh anchor. We will follow the America to Key West."

There is silence on the quarter-deck for a few moments. Miss Hathaway has retired to her former stateroom immediately upon setting foot upon the yacht, and Barker is intently watching the shore from the bridge. For the time being Van Zandt and Navarro are alone. Suddenly the former breaks the silence.

"You are not a Cuban," he says. "Why are you en