"Another act finished and the curtain dropped, but one looks forward to the next with confidence," he said.
"It might have opened better if you had kept the leading part," Grahame replied, and added meaningly: "You could have kept it."
"That is possible," Don Martin agreed. "But it might not have been wise. I fought for peace, and I was satisfied when it was secured."
"Still, I don't see why you left," Cliffe interposed. "Is Castillo strong enough to rule your people?"
"We must give him an opportunity; if he has some failings, his intentions are good. No rule is free from faults, and when it is autocratic a possible claimant for the chief post is a danger to the State. All who love change and turmoil fix their hopes on him."
"Do you mean to live in Cuba?"
"Yes. I have some skill in organization and a little money left, and friends wish me to help in the development of a new sugar estate. It is not very far from Valverde, and one hears what is going on." Don Martin paused and spread out his hands. "If all goes well, I shall grow sugar, but if it happens that my country needs me I will go back again."
Walthew changed the subject, and presently Evelyn and Grahame strolled forward to the bow. There was moonlight on the water, and the Enchantress steamed smoothly up the glittering track while the foam that curled about her stern shone with phosphorescent flame.
"I wonder where that path is leading us?" Evelyn said.
"Toward the dawn," Grahame answered. "There's glamour in moonlight and mystery in the dark, but we're moving on to meet the sunshine."