iling from Cherbourg for New York the following
morning, took a fast express from New York for San Francisco, and then
sailed immediately for Samoa, he could not fail to be in time for the
_Bella Cuba_. But the important thing was to find an excuse to account
for his being there when the _Bella Cuba_ arrived.

He was not, luckily for his present plan, supposed to know for what parts
the yacht had been bound; therefore, if he went to Samoa to visit his
friend the French Consul, who had once really invited him to do so, even
Virginia need not suspect his motive. His opportune appearance might pass
merely as a rather odd coincidence.

If the _Bella Cuba_ took away a fugitive on board, the authorities at New
Caledonia would not remain idle. They would at once wire to Sydney of a
convict's escape, and the telegram would be sent on to Samoa from there.
A description of the yacht would be given, and inquiries would be made.
But those inquiries! It was because of them that Loria was ready to make
so strong an effort to be there in time. Without him, the fugitive from
justice might be allowed to escape, despite the extradition treaty. With
him, Loria thought that he saw a way to make the detention of the
prisoner sure, and that without showing the hand he played.

He had not lost many hours in indecision. As soon as he had made up his
mind what to do, he wired to find out if there were still a berth to be
had on board the New York bound ship sailing from Cherbourg next day.
Even if he had been forced to travel in the steerage he would have gone,
though he keenly disliked physical hardships; but he was fortunate, and
obtained a good cabin for himself. As soon as this matter was arranged he
left for Cherbourg; and next day, on board his ship, gazing across the
tumbled gray expanse of sea, he thought of Virginia on her little yacht,
and smiled. About this time, perhaps, the _Bella Cuba_ was steaming
boldly from Sydney Heads, bound for New Caledonia--on what strange,
desperate errand, who could tell? The girl's heart was beating high with
hope, no doubt. How little she guessed that, half across the world, a man
was setting forth to defeat her plans, even if they attained success!

CHAPTER XII

STAND AND DELIVER!

The Marchese Loria had always been lucky in games of chance. In this
biggest game of all Fortune still stood behind him and, with a guiding
finger, pointed out the cards to play.

There were no delays in his