t he will do
when we have got him and his safely out of the convict ship. I imagine
that he will be anxious to return to his own place and take care of his
property, if he can. But, if not, he can always find safety in
Jamaica."

"Y-es," assented Don Ramon doubtfully; "that is of course all right, so
far as it goes. But the chances are that Alvaros' next move will be to
procure the confiscation of Don Hermoso's property, and secure its
possession to himself. Now, just let us consider that point for a
moment. Should that happen, what will poor Don Hermoso do?"

"I know what I should do in such a case," said Jack. "I should return
to my property, and if Alvaros happened to be in possession of it--well,
it would be so much the worse for Alvaros, that's all! I tell you, Don
Ramon, that in the struggle which is just now beginning in this island,
it is the bold, strong men who are going to `come out on top', as the
Yankees say; and in the course of the next month or two the Spanish
Government will have its hands so full that it will have no time to deal
with individuals."

"Yes," said Don Ramon with decision, "I believe you are quite right
there, my young friend, and probably the most daring policy will be the
safest for all Cubans to pursue. Yes, there are possibilities in that
idea of yours, I believe; but I must think it over at greater leisure
than I have to spare for it just now. Meanwhile, it will manifestly be
very advantageous for Don Hermoso to know precisely how affairs stand,
and what are the latest developments, before he attempts to return to
his home. I will therefore-- By the way, how long do you anticipate
that it will take you to effect the rescue?"

"Quite impossible to say," answered Jack. "The _Maranon_ will no doubt
keep the Cuban coast close aboard until she gets as far east as, say,
Cavana Point, and then steer about midway between Great Inagua and
Hayti, keeping to the southward of all the banks, and so passing into
the open Atlantic, probably `taking her departure', in the navigator's
sense of the term, from Cape Viejo Francais, on the northern coast of
Hayti, and striking thence, as straight across as she can go, to
Fernando Po. It is my intention to go to sea to-morrow, or next day,
perhaps, and lie in wait for her; after which I shall follow her at a
sufficient distance to avoid arousing the suspicions of the captain, and
pounce upon her at the first favourable opportunity that pres