It came in an unfortunate time, just when they prayed for fair weather, since it was Roderic's design to be put ashore on the coast of Porto Rico not many miles from San Juan, before the little steam yacht entered the fortified harbor. The situation had been carefully studied by Owen, and his plans altered to conform to the new arrangement of affairs. There was a pretty good chance that the Sterling Castle would put into San Juan ere attempting to run the Havana blockade. In fact this was almost a certainty, since she carried as passengers those who were desirous of landing on Porto Rico soil. This being the case it was reasonable to suppose that Jerome and his Spanish allies would take advantage of the first opportunity to warn the officials at the capital regarding the presence of a Yankee secret agent on board Cleo's yacht; and that the entry of the Dreadnaught into the fortified harbor where Admiral Sampson's guns had played havoc earlier in the game would open a system of annoying espionage, even if it did not result in a bold search for the spy. There was one way to avoid this. He must go ashore secretly and enter San Juan by the backdoor. His acquaintance with the city and its surroundings would serve him in good stead, as must also his knowledge of the Spanish character and language. Roderic had his bold plans all arranged and was therefore a little annoyed when fickle Nature threatened to interfere with their smooth sailing. If the tropical storm had only held off another hour all would have been serene. They had had glimpses of Porto Rico's fair shores during the last few hours, and Roderic might have landed in comfort. Two things restrained him--the lack of suitable transportation facilities to the capital, and the presence of Spanish soldiers scattered along the shore, and revealed through the glasses. Night was absolutely necessary for the successful carrying out of his plans, and even then there had been danger from discovery on account of the moon. The storm obviated this, while it bred new perils of its own. Roderic decided to risk it. Delay meant more danger for Cleo, since every hour spent upon that coast in a gale of wind, during the hurricane season of the year was tempting Providence. Once he was off their hands he could run away from the coast or else make for the shelter of San Juan harbor, which would surely not be refused any friendly craft on such a wretched night. So Roderic made all his preparations and transformed himself into a dark visaged Spaniard. Cleo looked him over carefully, and tried her best to appear satisfied, though there was a haunting gleam of dread in her blue eyes, and her lips trembled, despite all attempts to show a resolute front. She knew what risks he was taking for his country.