iding your
first footsteps in your search for the lost ones. When you return to
Havana, call upon Don Ramon Bergera, whose house is in the Calle del
Ignacio, immediately opposite the mansion of the Capitan-General. He is
a great friend of Don Hermoso, and--although I believe quite unsuspected
by the authorities--an ardent sympathiser with the insurgents; he is
also preternaturally clever in obtaining information of all kinds, and
solving mysteries. Introduce yourself to him; tell him all that you
know of the matter, and all that I have told you; and be guided by him.
And with his skill and your courage, Senor Singleton, I trust that all
may even yet be well with my honoured friend and patron and his family.
Now, here comes your train, Senor; so I will bid you good-bye, and wish
you the best of good luck. Should it be necessary for you to
communicate with me at any time, it will be advisable to do so by
special messenger; for there is only too much reason to suspect that
letters are often scrutinised during their passage through the post
office. Now you will have to be quick if you wish to get your ticket;
so _adios, Senor! Hasta mas verle_."

The sun's last rays were gilding the walls of the Morro and the Cabana
castles when Jack stepped out of the train at Havana Central Station
that evening; but the residence of Don Ramon Bergera was close at hand,
and the young Englishman determined to call, there and then, in the hope
of finding the Don at home. He was fortunately successful; and five
minutes later he found himself in the presence of a fine, distinguished-
looking man, with piercing black eyes that seemed to look one through
and through. Jack was favourably impressed at once, for there was a
look of strength, moral as well as physical, and of straightforwardness,
about the man who faced him, that very powerfully appealed to the simple
honesty of the Englishman, as also did the frank, open-hearted courtesy
of his reception.

"Pray be seated, Senor Singleton," said Don Ramon, placing a chair for
his visitor; "I am very glad to make your acquaintance. Allow me to
offer you a cigar and a glass of sangaree; the latter will refresh you,
for you look hot, tired, and dusty, as though you had just made a
journey."

"I have," said Jack, gratefully accepting the proffered refreshment; and
availing himself forthwith of the opening afforded by Don Ramon's
remark, he proceeded to tell the whole story of the mysterious