any sort with the
Government. If I thought that there was the least likelihood of that--"

"My dear chap, there isn't," interrupted Carlos. "We are one of the
oldest and most influential families in Cuba; and the Spaniards know
perfectly well that to meddle with us would be to make a very serious
mistake. So do not allow any idea of that kind to worry you in the
least. You will stay on here just as long as you like; and the longer
you stay the better we shall all be pleased. Besides, there is going to
be a rising here before long, and then you will have an opportunity to
witness several very interesting things."

Two days later Captain Alvaros again presented himself; but this time,
instead of entering the house in his usual free and easy manner, he
enquired for Don Hermoso and, upon learning that that gentleman was in
his office, sent in a formal request for a private interview. He was at
once admitted, and found Don Hermoso seated at a large writing table,
which was strewed with account books and papers. The Don accorded his
visitor a courteous if somewhat stiff welcome, and, having requested him
to be seated, enquired in what way he could be of service--for this
formal visit had somehow suggested to Don Hermoso the idea that Captain
Alvaros desired to borrow money from him.

"Such a visit as this from me, Don Hermoso, can have but one object, and
I think you will have no difficulty in guessing what that object is,"
replied Alvaros, with a somewhat embarrassed laugh.

"Pardon me, Senor," answered Don Hermoso; "you credit me with a much
larger measure of perspicacity than I can lay claim to. To be perfectly
frank with you, I cannot conceive why you should desire a private
interview with me, unless--how shall I put it?--unless--you find
yourself in a position of temporary pecuniary embarrassment; and in that
case I should have thought that--"

"Senor Montijo," exclaimed Alvaros, starting to his feet indignantly,
"do you wish to insult me?"

"Certainly not, Senor," answered Don Hermoso blandly. "Pray be seated,
and dismiss from your mind at once any such unworthy suspicion. Why
should I desire to insult you? But if I am mistaken in my guess as to
the object of your visit, would it not be best for you to state your
business with me explicitly?"

"I will, Senor," answered Alvaros. "To be both explicit and brief,
then, I have called upon you this morning for the purpose of demanding
the hand of your dau