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"Be pleased to consider it your own. Now, if you will follow me to the library, I will explain the mission I wish you to undertake." The boys followed without a word, but as they passed up the stairs Billie muttered under his breath: "Did you notice, boys, that this house backs right up against Santiago's?"
Then, on Sunday, the 17th of July, one week after the firing of the last shot, and two weeks after the destruction of Cervera's ships, at precisely noon, the red and yellow banner of Spain was lowered forever from over Santiago's municipal palace, and the glorious stars and stripes proudly flung to the breeze in its place.
If only it had occurred to her to hide her left hand after taking off the ring! But she could not have foreseen this. For the first time she inclined to believe in the Countess de Santiago's supernatural power. Could it be that this scene had pictured itself in the crystal? Could it be that now in a moment something dreadful would happen?
"On the Rio Grande is all I can tell you. Do you remember Don Rafael?" At mention of the name the expression on Santiago's face changed again, this time to one of fiercest rage. "Don Rafael!" he cried. "Don Rafael! Now I know you! You are Don Rafael. That is why I should kill you!"
Meanwhile, Catalina had grown up one of the prettiest girls of the village, and Santiago's parents had died, leaving her a handsome dowry and the use of the farm until it should be claimed by Santiago. "One dark and rainy night Santiago returned to his home, broken down in health and profoundly weary of life. Catalina receives him, and is amazed at his changed appearance.
Ruthven Smith asked. And then she put it into his head to to " The girl stopped short, appalled. What had been put into the jewel expert's head? What precisely had he come to Valley House to do? "He has come to find the blue diamond!" the answer flashed into her brain. Madalena de Santiago's eyes were as piercing as they were beautiful.
"Tied up at home, most likely. An American among Americans would hardly feel like traveling around with a hand organ and a monkey," was Don's emphatic reply. Upon arriving at Santiago's residence they were told that Strong had been there earlier in the evening and seemed much disappointed at not finding them at home. "Did he leave any word?" asked Billie of the portero.
Nelson Smith should be silent, for her remark about the Countess de Santiago's beauty showed that she had met the lady; but to any one who had turned a critical stare upon her then, her expression must have seemed strange. She had an unseeing look, the look of one who has become deaf and blind to everything outside some scene conjured up by the brain.
It was at her door, and jumping out of bed she could hardly believe a clock on the mantelpiece which said half-past ten. "Who is it?" she asked, timidly, fearing that the Countess de Santiago's voice might answer; but a man replied: "A note from a gentleman downstairs, please, and he's waiting an answer." Annesley opened the door a crack, and took in a letter.
They were happily reassured by his description of the strength of Santiago's fortifications, and his assertion that the Spaniards would put up a good fight before surrendering them; for they had been inclined to think and speak contemptuously of the enemy who they feared would yield without a struggle. So the greater part of the night was passed.
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