tess faithfully carried
out the wishes of her friend.

"It was Jack's proposition," explained Warrenia; "he seems never able
to get over that absurd fancy of his boyhood that we are really
brother and sister, when in fact we do not bear the slightest relation
to each other. I wanted him to use my name, but he is so stubborn he
wouldn't agree to it. You know there is some similarity in our names,
but he said it would be much more convenient for me to take his."

"There are several good reasons why you should do so," said the
Senorita with a meaning smile; "one of which is that you will grow
accustomed to it."

"But what advantage is there in that?"

"It will come easier when you _do_ make the change."

"I can't pretend to misunderstand you, but I am sure that will never
take place; neither Jack nor I has such a thought."

"How do you know what his thoughts are?"

"Would he not have told me long ago?"

"Hasn't he done so?"

"Not so much as by a hint. It has really been as brother and sister
between us. He has always accepted that relation and so have I."

"You give no reason why it should not soon assume a tenderer and
closer nature; I believe it will; I shall be delighted."

"Ah, my dear Manuela, I know your heart, but we of the North do not
make love as you of the tropics. One of these days, Jack will meet the
right woman."

"I believe he met her years ago."

"Meaning me, but you are mistaken."

"How is it with _you_?"

"I am still heart free. I won't deny that I have met one or two with
whom I was pleased, but it was nothing more."

"Because your love has gone elsewhere; it went long ago; you may think
I am mistaken, my darling Warrenia, but you will soon find I am not."

Then both laughed, kissed and talked of other things.

CHAPTER IV.

General Fernando De Bambos, President and Dictator of Zalapata, had
summoned one of the most momentous councils of war in the history of
the Republic. Those present were our old friend, Major Jack Starland,
who was a guest of the General, and Captain Alfredo Guzman, Chief of
Staff. The other leaders sulked because they were not invited to the
conference, but General Bambos dared not trust them with the important
matters that were oppressing his ponderous brain and had troubled him
for weeks.

The meeting was held in the upper room of the east wing of the palace,
safely removed from eavesdroppers, two armed guards on the outside of
the door adding to