box; the problem still unsolved
is to find some one to carry it as far as Holyhead, to see it placed on
board the steamer, and instantly return to town. Will you be he? Will
you leave to-morrow by the first train, punctually obey orders, bear
still in mind that you are surrounded by Cuban spies; and without so
much as a look behind you, or a single movement to betray your interest,
leave the box where you have put it and come straight on shore? Will
you do this, and so save your friend?"

"I do not clearly understand ..." began Harry.

"No more do I," replied the Cuban. "It is not necessary that we should,
so long as we obey the lawyer's orders."

"Senorita," returned Harry gravely, "I think this, of course, a very
little thing to do for you, when I would willingly do all. But suffer me
to say one word. If London is unsafe for your treasures, it cannot long
be safe for you; and indeed, if I at all fathom the plan of your
solicitor, I fear I may find you already fled on my return. I am not
considered clever, and can only speak out plainly what is in my heart:
that I love you, and that I cannot bear to lose all knowledge of you. I
hope no more than to be your servant; I ask no more than just that I
shall hear of you. Oh, promise me so much!"

"You shall," she said, after a pause. "I promise you, you shall." But
though she spoke with earnestness, the marks of great embarrassment and
a strong conflict of emotions appeared upon her face.

"I wish to tell you," resumed Desborough, "in case of accidents...."

"Accidents!" she cried: "why do you say that?"

"I do not know," said he, "you may be gone before my return, and we may
not meet again for long. And so I wished you to know this: That since
the day you gave me the cigarette, you have never once, not once, been
absent from my mind; and if it will in any way serve you, you may
crumple me up like that piece of paper, and throw me on the fire. I
would love to die for you."

"Go!" she said, "Go now at once! My brain is in a whirl. I scarce know
what we are talking. Go; and good-night; and oh, may you come safe!"

Once back in his own room a fearful joy possessed the young man's mind;
and as he recalled her face struck suddenly white and the broken
utterance of her last words, his heart at once exulted and misgave him.
Love had indeed looked upon him with a tragic mask; and yet what
mattered, since at least it was love--since at least she was commoved at
their divisi