He waited and watched until he saw a light flash up three times far out on the stormy waters, which was the signal agreed upon to announce the safe return of the yawl.
Then with a sigh he turned away.
His business was now to enter San Juan.
It must prove one that would necessitate great caution and considerable endurance on his part, for since the bombardment of the ports by the American fleet as a bluff intended to disclose the presence of Cervera's squadron in West India waters the Spanish authorities had taken extraordinary precautions to guard every avenue of approach to the capital.
Roderic did not doubt his ability to enter without discovery—he had not frequented the cafes, the Spanish Club, and taken many horseback rides through the suburbs of San Juan in company with Georgia without gaining a thorough knowledge of the ground that promised to be of great advantage to him now.
Putting his best foot forward he soon struck a military road over which he had spun many times behind a good horse.
He could in an hour's time catch glimpses of the many lights that marked the city.
The sight caused him considerable satisfaction, for he knew destiny had in store for him events of considerable importance connected with San Juan.
And doubtless she was there—that simple fact had in it the elements calculated to thrill his very heart to its core.