He began to slip up on the Spaniard, and with all his faculties aroused Roderic was able to carry this part of his programme out to perfection. The streets were far from deserted--in places even crowds could be seen, doubtless eagerly discussing the great events overhanging San Juan, with an American army landed on Porto Rico soil--for by this time the dreadful news had come of Santiago's fall and the total destruction of Cervera's fleet, so that Spanish respect for Yankee valor was rising fast--first Dewey, then Sampson and last of all Shafter, to be followed by Miles. Owen was now but three paces behind the couple, and could almost hear what they said, though their voices were exceedingly low. His former diagnosis of the case was strengthened by a closer survey--in height, and figure Julio's companion was exactly a counterpart of Georgia--add to this the peculiar little individualities such as usually mark a woman's personality and the fact that this man had once before come between them, what fault could be found with Roderic for suspecting? Well, the time had come for action. That miserable gauze had baffled him long enough, and he was determined to know the worst, Julio to the contrary. Before the Spaniard could guess what was in the wind Roderic had darted to the side of the girl, while his eager hand reached out and seized upon her veil in a ruthless grasp. He heard her give a little scream as though terrorized at his boorish act. For this Owen, being chivalrous by nature of the blood that had descended from Irish kings, hated himself most earnestly--nevertheless this feeling did not prevent him from following out the design that actuated his movements, even as it had become a very part of his existence. Though the fate of nations hung in the balance, yes, even should his own life pay the penalty for his rashness--and this is by all odds the highest stake a man can play--he was resolved to settle this question once for all. So he snatched away the veil. He no longer breathed--in that dread moment when his hopes of a whole future hung in the balance he seemed actually to have been changed into stone. So Lot's wife must have been petrified as she turned to look back at the burning city. When Roderic's eyes fell upon the face that had been concealed by the veil they discovered rare beauty that was now stamped with alarm, although some show of spirit flashed from the great midnight eyes as indignation struggled with maidenly fear. But, praise be to Heaven, the girl though so beautiful as to vie with his Georgia, was a stranger! His demon was laid! For that at least, thanks. And now the consequences of his daring act must be boldly met. Apologies, however profuse, do not count for much with hot blooded Spaniards, with whom an insult demands a blow. Knowing this Roderic fully counted on prompt action on the part of the ex _toreador_.