and the Isla de Pinos,
with its three curiously shaped mountains, lying on the horizon. The
white sails of a few coasting craft gleamed pearl-like here and there,
just discernible at that distance, and Jack searched the watery expanse
for some sign of the _Thetis_; but she had vanished. Doubtless she was
on the other side of Cape San Antonio by this time, and therefore well
on her way round to Havana. Being thus reminded of the existence of the
yacht, Jack was suddenly inspired with a brilliant idea, which he
promptly communicated to Carlos.

"Look here, Carlos, old chap," he exclaimed, "if the yacht is not likely
to be required for other service just at present, why should not we all
take a cruise in her round the island and over to Jamaica, from whence
we might even go on to some of the other islands? I am sure that the
trip would do your mother and sister a vast amount of good. Have you
ever been out of Cuba, Senorita?"

"Never," answered Dona Isolda. "I was born here, and, less lucky than
Carlos, was also educated here; so that I know nothing whatever about
the great outside world, save what I have read of it in books. Havana
is my conception of a great and handsome city, so you may guess how
ignorant I am, and how intensely I should enjoy seeing other places. Do
you think, Carlos mio, that Senor Singleton's suggestion is possible of
realisation?"

"It may be," answered Carlos, a little doubtfully. "Everything will, of
course, depend upon what news may come from the Junta. I know that the
Padre has placed the vessel unreservedly at their disposal--rather
unwisely, I think--and I shall be very much surprised if they do not
make the fullest possible use of her. But, of course, if she is not
likely to be required for a month or two, I think it would be an
admirable plan for us all to go for a cruise in her. It would tend to
avert suspicion from her, too, for I am pretty certain that it will not
be wise to leave her lying idle in Havana or in any other of our
harbours. I will mention the matter to the Padre at the first
favourable opportunity."

"I am sure it would do Mamma a vast amount of good," remarked Senorita
Isolda; "and it might also have the effect of putting a stop to the
visits of Senor Alvaros, who is fast becoming an unendurable nuisance."

"Indeed! In what way?" demanded Carlos sharply.

"Why," answered Senorita Isolda, "we are never free from him. He rides
over here three or four tim