But tell me, when you
have found Miss Varona, what then?"
"Why, I'll bring her out."
"How? Do you think you can walk into any seaport and take ship?
You will be tagged and numbered by the authorities. Once you
disappear into the manigua, you will be a marked man."
"Well, then, I'll marry her right there. I'm an American citizen--
"
"Don't build too much on that fact, either," the doctor warned.
"Spanish jails are strong, and your country has never compelled
that respect for its nationals which other countries insist upon."
"Perhaps! But the first thing is to find Miss Varona and learn
that she's safe. I don't much care what happens after that."
Alvarado nodded and smiled. "Good! What would this world be
without sentiment? It loves a lover. I like your spirit and I hope
soon to have the pleasure of again seeing you and meeting your--
wife."
O'Reilly flushed and stammered, whereupon the good Cuban patted
him on the shoulder. "Come and see me when you get back, and bring
me news of Tomas. Now, adios, compadre."
"Adios, senor! I am deeply grateful!"
O'Reilly had no difficulty in securing passage direct to Neuvitas
on the English steamer Dunham Castle, and a few days later he saw
the Atlantic Highlands dissolve into the mists of a winter
afternoon as the ship headed outward into a nasty running sea.
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