"'My heart is full of grief for you. Notwithstanding the heavy guard
maintained around the house the Spaniards succeeded last night in
seizing Juanita and have taken her to prison. She is charged with aiding
the rebels. Come to me at once that we may plan together to effect her
escape or rescue.'"

"Spaniards got Missee Juanita?" shouted Washington, who had listened
eagerly while Suarez read. "I guess I go to cap'n."

The negro made a flying leap for the rail and in another instant would
have dived into the sea toward the shore. Morgan was too quick, though,
and seizing him by the collar dragged him back to the deck.

"Never was such a mucher at guessing," murmured the negro.

"What do you say to putting the boy ashore and letting him join
O'Connor?" asked Morgan. "He knows the country and might be of much
assistance to that stubborn man in his dangerous journey."

"Please, Misser Suarez, sah, lemme go after Cap'n Dynamite. He and
Missee Juanita need George Wash Jenks."

The negro dropped on his knees as he pleaded with the mate.

"And we will go with you, Washington."

It was Harry who spoke, and the men turned to him in astonishment.

"You do not know the danger, my boy," said Suarez, quietly.

"We'll chance it. We owe Captain Dynamite a big debt. If there is a
chance to help him in his trouble it is our duty to do so."

"It is a question whether you would help or hinder him."

Suarez was undecided. While he bore the boys no malice he had always
chafed at their presence on the ship. No interest in them as individuals
would have caused him to oppose their wishes. His thoughts, hopes,
desires, and ambitions were all Cuba's. The fate of the three boys whose
lives meant nothing to the cause, was nothing to him. Deep down in his
heart he would be glad to rid the ship of them. But he feared the wrath
of his chief. He walked the deck in silence for a few minutes and then,
as if speaking to himself he said:

"If any one should take one of the boats and make the shore during the
night, their escape might not be discovered until daylight."

As he finished speaking, George Washington Jenks beckoned to Harry, and
together they made their way silently down to the main deck.

CHAPTER X

INTO THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY

Harry called Bert and Mason and explained the situation to them. Both
were eager to accompany the expedition on shore. Washington was busy
forward when the boys joined him. He had gathered a