The two friends were in a flutter, and, tarrying only long enough to partake slightly, they hastened to their lookout. They waited and looked for a considerable time, but saw nothing of the stranger in whom they were so much interested.
When it had become wholly dark, they passed to the living apartment, which was moderately illuminated by the lamp. The gloom outside would continue until the moon appeared, when the light would be as vivid almost as mid-day.
Suddenly some one knocked on the door. The peculiar sound showed that it was not a servant claiming admission. Señorita Estacardo sprang up, turned the key and drew open the massive structure for a few inches. Then she recoiled at sight of the soldier in the blue jacket standing before her, bowing low with hat in hand.
After his “buenas noches,” he uttered the amazing words:
“I have come for the American Señorita.”
“Who are you?”
He stepped softly inside, pushed the door shut and placed his finger to his lips as a warning for them to be cautious. The young women were frightened by his presumption, and the Señorita was about to command him to leave, when, bowing low, he handed a slip of paper to her.
“It is for the other Señorita,” he explained.
The wondering young woman took the paper and handed it to her friend, who had come forward. Moving a little aside, so as to stand under the lamp, she saw her name pencilled on the outside in a familiar handwriting, and unfolding the slip, she read:
“You can trust the bearer fully; he is our friend; do exactly as he tells you, and do it quickly, for there is not a moment to lose.