been found, entered Don Hermoso's sanctum
they discovered him in close conference with the aforesaid dust-stained
stranger, who proved to be a Cuban half-breed named Jorge Carnero. This
man, Don Hermoso explained, was the bearer of a letter from Senor Marti,
the leader of the revolutionary movement in Cuba, calling upon Don
Hermoso to assist him in a serious difficulty that had most unexpectedly
arisen. It appeared, according to Marti's letter, that the Junta
established in New York had, with the assistance of certain rich and
sympathetic Americans, collected an enormous quantity of arms,
ammunition, and stores of every description, which they had shipped on
board a shallow-draught steamer named the _James B. Potter_, with the
intention of having them landed in Mulata Bay, some fourteen miles to
the westward of Bahia Honda. Everything had gone admirably with the
arrangements, up to a certain point: the steamer had succeeded in
getting to sea without being stopped; a pilot was on board who was
perfectly acquainted with the dangerous coast where the landing was to
be effected; and every possible contingency in connection with the
landing and prompt conveyance inland of the munitions had been provided
for, when, at the very last moment, it had been discovered that the
Spanish authorities were perfectly aware of the whole scheme, and had
laid their plans for a torpedo boat to pounce upon the ship at the very
moment when, two days later, the steamer would appear off the coast and
enter the bay at which the landing of the munitions was to be effected.
The messenger, Jorge Carnero--whose absolute fidelity to the cause of
Free Cuba Marti guaranteed--was the man who had discovered the
Spaniards' knowledge of the expedition and their arrangement for
quashing it at the psychological moment; and he had been sent on to
Montijo, as bearer of Marti's letter asking for help, in order that he
might personally give Don Hermoso all the information possible. Marti's
only hope was that Senor Montijo might be able to dispatch his yacht to
intercept the _James B. Potter_, and warn her of the danger that lay
ahead, thus saving the ship and cargo from what must otherwise be
inevitable capture. "That," said Don Hermoso, in conclusion, "is the
story, Jack. The question now is: Can you devise any plan by which this
terrible disaster to our cause may be averted, and the cargo saved to
us?"

"When, do you say, is this steamer timed to arriv