? By Jove, this is an interesting country!"

Carlos laughed rather bitterly. "Yes, it is, isn't it?" he responded.
"And it has come to this under Spanish rule. That fellow knew perfectly
well that, in accepting Alvaros' commission, he was incurring absolutely
no risks whatever, beyond such small personal danger as was involved in
his attack upon a sleeping man, and that is not much, as a rule. But
the incident goes to show what a vindictive and unscrupulous scoundrel
that fellow Alvaros is. I must tell the Padre about it to-morrow, for
it is evident that the man means mischief, and we must all be on our
guard. The worst of it is that we can take no overt steps in the
matter; for, as our friend Panza hinted, if we were to go to the
authorities with a statement of what has occurred, and lodge a complaint
against Alvaros, we should only be laughed at. The Spanish Government
protects its own people pretty effectually; but Cubans and foreigners
have to take care of themselves as best they can."

"Nevertheless," said Milsom, "I should advise Jack to put the matter
into the hands of our Consul at Havana, who is not at all the sort of
fellow to stand any nonsense. He would doubtless communicate promptly
with the Capitan-General, informing him of what has happened, and giving
him very clearly to understand that he will be held responsible if,
after receiving such information, anything is allowed to happen to
Jack."

"Yes," assented Carlos, "that might be a good plan, perhaps. But I
would suggest that you decide upon nothing until we have had a talk with
the Padre to-morrow. Let us hear, first, what he thinks of the affair.
Meanwhile, Jack, I think you need not apprehend any further molestation
to-night, and certainly none from Panza; after swearing that oath he
will not again raise his hand against you. But, to make assurance
doubly sure, I will rouse Pedro and instruct him to mount guard under
the veranda for the remainder of the night, and to turn loose the two
bloodhounds. Then woe betide any stranger who attempts to approach the
house!"

On the following morning, after first breakfast, Carlos and Jack
followed Don Hermoso into his office, where the former informed his
father of the incident of the preceding night, and of Milsom's
suggestion that the matter should be placed in the hands of the English
Consul, to be dealt with as that official might deem fit. Don Hermoso
was of course, as might be expected, mo