The third trial was a grand success--sturdy British muscle had conquered over the forces of Nature, and Roderic knew they were off. He waited and watched until he saw a light flash up three times far out on the stormy waters, which was the signal agreed upon to announce the safe return of the yawl. Then with a sigh he turned away. His business was now to enter San Juan. It must prove one that would necessitate great caution and considerable endurance on his part, for since the bombardment of the ports by the American fleet as a bluff intended to disclose the presence of Cervera's squadron in West India waters the Spanish authorities had taken extraordinary precautions to guard every avenue of approach to the capital. Roderic did not doubt his ability to enter without discovery--he had not frequented the cafes, the Spanish Club, and taken many horseback rides through the suburbs of San Juan in company with Georgia without gaining a thorough knowledge of the ground that promised to be of great advantage to him now. Putting his best foot forward he soon struck a military road over which he had spun many times behind a good horse. He could in an hour's time catch glimpses of the many lights that marked the city. The sight caused him considerable satisfaction, for he knew destiny had in store for him events of considerable importance connected with San Juan. And doubtless _she_ was there--that simple fact had in it the elements calculated to thrill his very heart to its core. About this time there arose features connected with the case that temporarily drove these sweet reflections out of his head. They were of a most disagreeable nature. It began to rain. This might signify a drizzle in a more northern clime, but such a thing is almost unknown in Porto Rico. When the clouds open there it means a deluge. The boys in blue who were in the trenches at Santiago could tell some pretty tall stories of tropical downpours, and how in the rainy season a cloud appearing no larger than one's hat can spread over all the sky and fairly soak the earth. Roderic had anticipated this--indeed, his preparations had been made with just such a ducking in prospect. He took his medicine in a philosophical spirit such as only a traveler in many strange lands learns to cultivate. Every step brought him nearer the city, and once he was soaked through it was impossible to become any wetter, so why complain? Besides, this deluge might serve to his advantage, since in all probability the guards stationed along the military road would naturally seek refuge in their shelter huts, and leave the way clear. This was what actually occurred. Spanish system lacks many sterling elements that make the German and British armies so thorough in their duties. Roderic after a miserable tramp through mud and water finally brought up at the city gates an hour before midnight.