She rose from her chair. I thought she was going to break down, but she managed to retain her composure.
"If you will allow me, I think I will retire to my cabin," she said.
I rang the bell for the steward and inquired what state-room had been set aside for the lady. He informed me, and I immediately begged permission to conduct her thither. She bade her uncle good-night and we set off together. When she reached the door she turned to me.
"I feel sure you will be sorry some day for the part you have played to-night," she remarked. "Why should you wish to take us away from the country in which we were so happy, and for which we have done so much?"
"For the simple reason that I am not my own master," I replied. "I am a paid servant, and must do as I am ordered."
She heaved a heavy sigh, and then, without another word, turned and entered the cabin. I thereupon returned to the saloon to find that Fernandez had left it and had gone on deck. I discovered him upon the bulwarks opposite the smoking-room entrance. He had just lit a cigar, and was doubtless meditating on his position. The yacht was cleaving her way through the water, and already the lights of La Gloria lay far behind us.
"What are you thinking of, General?" I inquired as I took my position alongside him.
"I was thinking how I could manage to outwit you," he replied.