Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/335

 sought refuge on board this ship. He respectfully requests that said El Terredo be delivered to the representative of his majesty's ship."

Captain Meade's eye strays over the little group, but before he can speak Navarro steps forward and says in English: "I have been designated as El Terredo, but I am an American citizen."

"I can testify to that statement," supplements Ashley.

Captain Meade waves his hand. "That is sufficient. Inform his excellency that all of the persons picked up in the boats from the lost steamer are American citizens. As such, I cannot surrender them."

Again the officer bows, and his errand performed, he salutes and returns to the boat. What will be the effect of his report? Will Admiral Sanchez resent with force Captain Meade's decision, or will he gracefully bow to the inevitable? The latter apparently, for a few moments after the officer ascends the side of the man-of-war the Spanish flag is dipped in salute to the America and the Infanta Isabel steams slowly back in the direction of Santiago.

"Again is Providence on the side of the heaviest guns," murmurs Ashley, as he walks over to where Barker is leaning against the rail, and claps him on the back. "John, I am powerful glad to see you," he declares heartily.

"I don't know whether I can say the same or not," rejoins the detective, sulkily. "For a man whose infernal meddling with affairs that did not concern him nearly cost me my life, you appear pretty cool and unconcerned."

"My dear friend," says Ashley, "if I had not been at Jibana half a dozen days ago you would never have forgiven yourself for the part you played as a soldier of Castile. Do you know who Don Carlos was?"

"I know he, or she, was a woman."

"Oh, you do?"

"Yes; and if you had shown yourself after the scrimmage, instead of sneaking off to Santiago, I might have told you of my discovery."