morning sun. Also it is
next to the men's bathroom, and therefore will be handy for your bath,
night and morning. Now, there are water, soap, and towels; if you
require anything else, shout for Antonio, and he will bring you whatever
you want. Breakfast will be ready in a quarter of an hour."

CHAPTER SEVEN.

DON SEBASTIAN ALVAROS THREATENS TROUBLE.

"Second breakfast" in the West Indies is the equivalent of luncheon in
England, except that the former is perhaps the more elaborate meal of
the two; when therefore Jack, escorted by Carlos, entered the fine, airy
dining-room, it at once became evident that he was about to sit down to
a very substantial repast, for which he was not at all sorry, as the
long journey had given him a most excellent appetite. Moreover, he had
by this time recovered the equilibrium which had been so seriously
disturbed by his first sight of Senorita Isolda, and had again found the
use of his tongue; it was therefore a very gay and happy quintette that
arranged itself around the well-furnished table. Jack was of course by
this time on almost as intimate terms with Don Hermoso as he was with
Carlos, and he presently discovered that the ladies were disposed to
treat him rather as an old friend than as a new acquaintance; and he
told himself that his visit to Cuba promised to be one of the most
pleasant experiences of his life.

The meal over, Don Hermoso excused himself, as there were naturally many
matters demanding his earliest attention after his long absence from
home; while the Senora had her household affairs to attend to. Carlos
therefore took the task of entertaining Jack upon himself, with his
sister as chief assistant, and proposed a ride, as there were many
charming spots in the neighbourhood that he wished his friend to see.
The horses were accordingly ordered, and the three young people,
despising the usual afternoon siesta, set off, taking a path which led
upward through a wild and most picturesque ravine, down which a mountain
stream brawled and foamed, the murmurous tumult of its waters mingling
musically with the sough of the wind in the multitudinous trees that
clothed the hillsides, and imparting a most welcome sensation of
coolness to the atmosphere. They rode at a foot pace, first because
they were in no hurry, and secondly because the path was narrow and
rough, there being room only for two riders abreast; Carlos therefore
led the way, with Jack and Dona Isolda