If this story should seem extravagant to any of my readers, I can only refer them to some one of the many published accounts of the Spanish-American War. They will find that many delicate and tenderly nurtured girls were forced to endure dangers and privations compared to which Rita's adventures seem like child's play.

L. E. R.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTERPAGE
I.Threatening Weather[11]
II.The Storm Bursts[23]
III.On the Way[33]
IV.The Camp among the Hills[54]
V.To Margaret[77]
VI.In the Night[93]
VII.Camp Scene[110]
VIII.The Pacificos[130]
IX.In Hiding[142]
X.Manuela's Opportunity[163]
XI.Captain Jack[176]
XII.For Life[190]
XIII.Meetings and Greetings[200]
XIV.Another Camp[216]
XV.A Foregone Conclusion[233]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE
"Rita Montfort drew her dagger and waited"[Frontispiece]
In the Garden[21]
"The famished child looked from the biscuit to the glowing face"[43]
"'Hush!' said the young girl. 'Sit still'"[104]
"'Was such a hat ever seen in Paris?'"[147]
"'I throw open the door and step back, my heart in my mouth'"[172]
"Now again it was a ride for life"[205]
"The patients idolise her"[237]