he Spaniard had feared that it would not be of
much use to attempt to frighten an Englishman; and so it had proved.
Well, there were other ways, and those must be tried.

After Alvaros had left, that night, and the family had separated, Jack
accompanied Carlos into the room of the latter, and related what had
passed between the Spanish officer and himself, asking Carlos for his
opinion upon the subject.

"I will tell you, Jack, just exactly what I think," answered Carlos,
after considering the matter for some few minutes. "You must know that
Captain Alvaros made our acquaintance about a year ago, at a ball given
in Havana by the Capitan-General of the island. After that he contrived
to meet one or more of us on frequent occasions; and finally he
requested the Padre's permission to visit us. We none of us
particularly liked him; but it is not altogether wise policy to offend a
Spaniard, especially if he happens to be an official, in these times,
and so the Padre rather reluctantly gave his consent, and Alvaros
accordingly called here occasionally. While we have been away, however,
it appears that the man has somehow contrived to get himself posted at
Pinar del Rio, which, as you are aware, is not very far from here; and I
learn that since then his calls have been so frequent as to have become
a thorough nuisance. Now, from what my sister tells me, I have a
suspicion that Alvaros is anxious to contract a matrimonial alliance
with our family--which, I may tell you at once, Jack, he will not be
permitted to do; and my belief is that the fellow simply cannot endure
to see another man in Isolda's society, and that is why he wants you to
go. But of course you won't; and I am very glad indeed that you made
that quite clear to him. He was evidently trying to scare you off what
he apparently chooses to consider his preserves; but if he knew you as
well as I do, Jack, he would understand that it needs a good deal more
than the vague hints of a captain of Spanish infantry to frighten you.
Now, my advice to you is to take no notice whatever of the beggar, and
if he tries it on again--well, just repeat what you said to-night.
And--perhaps it will be better not to mention the matter, at all events
just yet, to the Padre, or in fact anyone else."

"All right, old chap," answered Jack; "you may trust me. But, look
here, Carlos, I hope that my presence in this house is not going to
involve any of you in trouble or difficulty of