“Ah,” remarks Truenos. “This is dated Cadoza. And Cadoza,” he consults the map, “is less than a dozen miles from Jibana. Bueno! For once matters are dovetailing to my wishes. The courier cannot reach Jibana before nightfall, and when he does Alvarez shall arrest him. Let the supply train proceed, Velasquez, and immediately wire Alvarez to arrest the rebel messenger at or below Jibana. Send the description of the young man given in Murillo’s dispatch and have Alvarez wire back that he understands. Quick! There is no time to be wasted.”
It is to be an exciting night at Jibana.
CHAPTER XLI.
THE MEETING AT CADOZA.
It is something like ten miles to Cadoza, another and smaller railway town, and Ashley arrives about noon. There is no American hotel here. Instead, a lazy Cuban keeps a shiftless hostelry to which only necessity would drive a man. A party of soldiers are gathered at the inn and the yard is filled with their horses.
Ashley tethers his horse at a spot which he can overlook, as Rozinante is an animal that would tempt a man even more upright than a soldier in time of war. As he gives the bridle an extra hitch, a hand is dropped on his shoulder and a familiar voice whispers:
“Jack Ashley, by all that’s holy!”
Ashley turns and cries out:
“Hello, Barker, old man! Where’d you get your uniform?” surveying the detective’s distinctly military attire.
“Hist!” cautions Barker, glancing over his shoulder. “Buy a drink at the hotel and then ride up the road a piece. I’ll join you there.” Saying which the detective walks away and Ashley enters the hotel.