ree.

As for me, I have learned much at _The Pleiad_. The Spaniard's
systems are infamous--a fact that has been terribly impressed upon
me. I shall lose my home in _The Pleiad_, but this is the last of
the mysterious "four days." It will be better and safer for me to
follow the fortunes of the war after this, from the side of the
Defenders.

A dangerous step, but I shall take the chance of the sail, even if
you decide that your part is too uncertain. In any case be very
sure to destroy this letter. If it should fall into the hands of
Rey's innumerable agents,--I'm afraid I shouldn't come back from
the party. There is operating in the city as well as in _The
Pleiad_ as perfect a system of espionage as one would encounter in
the secret service of a formidable nation.

Safely secreted in the forecastle during the early afternoon, you
could not fail to hear, some hours later, a signal tapped on the
deck forward. This signal would come after supper, when it was
dark, and everything propitious as possible. The sailing party
would be divided at this time, say half on deck and half below.
The signal--three double taps--"tap-tap ... tap-tap ...
tap-tap"--given sharply, unmistakably, with a heavy cane or
something of the kind.

Emerging from the forecastle (with a look and a command behind, as
if to your hidden compatriots), it would seem that you would have
the occupants of the cabin rather neatly at your mercy. If the
affair there were attended by luck, and managed quietly enough,
you might continue and surprise the deck party, but let us not
rely too far upon fair chances. There is a strong flavor of danger
about the _coup_ at best. I do not consider here any aid which I
_may_ render; so that you are one against eight--three white men,
three (?) Chinese, and two women.

I have reasons for helping you.

You seem to want this meeting, and I believe war is imminent. Let
me impress upon you: Take every precaution; think out every
possible step before joining action. Senor Rey is a cultivated
criminal. Sorenson may prove dangerous. Framtree looks big enough
to laugh--if he is cornered. The Chinese are Chinese.

I am writing at crazy speed. You should have this by noon, and
lose no time after that. Oh, yes, the _Savonarola_ carries two