The Holly chieftain., 1905-09-15
CHAPTER x.
A Little Cuban Beauty.

PAulon WIFI regard 10 Otnef nOtelS
than the one on the Prado, since in
all probability Senior Roblado will con
duct his little company thither upon
landing: and however happy Jack
might be to sleep under the same roof
as the fair maid of Scotia, he realizes
that such thing may involve dis
covery, and set back their plans.
Smithers appears to hesitate, as
though revolving something in his
mind.
Il might risk it," he says, softly.
Come, sing out what you think"
urges Jack.
let me give the driver an address,"
continues Job, as though he has de-
cided.
So their route is changed, and pres
emily they plunge into another street,
where new scenes attract attention.
All Sin smiles to see the familiar signs
of Chinese laundries, while Jack pokes
his head out to watch the most
astonishing delivery of fresh milk on
record, the COW being driven to the
door Of each customer, and the quanti-
~
no question as to its purity.
Noticing their tOrtuous course,
Jack is beginning to show some curl
osity with regard to their destination,
whereupon Smithers proceeds to ell
tighten him in manner that only
serves to whet the appetite of Travers
for mystery.
II am going to the house of friend
who will welcome you, because he IL
under obligations to me. More than
this l cannot say Just now, but in
time may tell you a strange story con.
cerning my former adventures in this
mad town. All ask is, that should
you at any time. while under this
friends roof notice anything that
strikes. you as singular, you will make
no remark"
Of course Jack at once promises.
though the fact remains that his curl
osity has been more than ever aroused
by Jobs words.
Suddenly the vehicle brings up; they
have arrived at their destination.
Remain seated little until l see
my friend and tell him of your com
ing"
So saying the agent springs out and
passes some words in Spanish with
the driver
Jack sees him open a door in a
high wall, and is struck with the fact
that Smithers appears to be quite at
home
Presently he appears again. No
one could tell from his solemn face
whether he carries good news or bad;
at q funeral or wedding the sphinx
would appear the same.
Its all right, sir. Driver drop the
luggage; and here's an extra bit of
silver for the delay"
Once beyond the door In the wall,
Jack finds himself in garden. Flow
ers gleam amid the green foliage, and
their rich fragrance scents the air.
Come, this is something like Paradise,
only for the everlasting fleas that in
habit the scndy soil and persist in
making life miserable for the stranger
within the gates.
Smithers takes him into the house
with familiarity that proclaims his
acquaintance with the place. A few
black servants fit about, but no mas
ter appears. Jack is a poor hand at
asking questions. and prefers to wait
until 1t is his comrades pleasure to
lift the curtain. At meal time they
will doubtless be made acquainted
with the kind owner
All Sin has given over the luggage
to a couple Of stout blacks, who ap-
pear to be dressed in something like
livery. Really they must have hap,
pened into the palace of a nabob
Smithers must have had swell ac-
quaintances when in Havana. Per-
haps his name is not Smithers at all
that might be name assumed for the
the purpose Of hiding his identity
Can the strange story he has half
promised to tell have some connection
with this land of paradise? One can
easily imagine any romantic tale when
surrounded by such an atmosphere.
Jack has changed his garb and
made himself look quite attractive;
like some men, he has the knack of
doing 1t, with figure Apollo might
envy, thick curly hair, and a careless
way Of knotting the flowing tie that
somehow or other attracts admir,ng
glances, especially from female eyes.
Just now Jack is not caring a plea
yune about any damsel on earth other
than Jessie Cameron.
Perhaps that ID Just why Fate pleas
es to bring him In contact with a
counter irritant