"I shall cross to Liverpool to-morrow and take the White Star steamer for New York—unless something occurs to change my plans."
"Then you are compelled to go to New York?"
"Only as a means of reaching my ultimate destination."
"Which is——"
He lowered his voice.
"Porto Rico."
"But, the danger—that is a Spanish stronghold, and we are at war with Spain."
"Already troops are ordered to land there—perhaps General Miles is on the way. With the fall of Santiago our efforts are to be concentrated about San Juan. A portion of the work falls upon my shoulders—that is all. Besides, I naturally want to be in at the death, as do all ardent fox hunters in the chase."
"I wish, cousin, you would give up so dangerous a calling. Surely you are as well fitted for other pursuits in which your life would not be at stake."