"It isn't far across to
the Bahama Banks."
"True. That's the route of our underground--our undersea--
railroad. As you probably know, there is a venturesome countryman
of yours who carries our despatches by that way. He devised the
scheme, to keep us in touch with our friends in New York, and he
has done us great service. He comes and goes in a small boat, but
how or when nobody knows. The Spanish patrols are on the lookout
for him, and there's a price on his head, so you won't find it
easy or safe to cross. Beware that you are not mistaken for him."
"Do you mean that we may go?" Branch eagerly inquired.
The general hesitated, whereupon O'Reilly spoke up: "For my part,
I'll agree to come back if you so desire."
Gomez shook his white head. "No! You came to find and to save your
fiancee, and you volunteered to serve with us while you were doing
so. We have no desire to keep any man against his will. Some one
must escort Miss Evans, who is our guest. Why not you two? She has
every confidence in you, and if she chooses to risk this
enterprise rather than wait until we can guarantee her an easier
trip we shall not restrain her. I shall see that you reach the
coast safe and sound; beyond that you must trust in God."
Branch was immensely relieved; he joined volubly in O'Reilly's
thanks and became careless of his arm, which no longer appeared to
pain him.
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