an opportunity to take Jack on one side for a moment and ask him whether he had yet fixed a date for his departure from the island. "A date for my departure?" echoed Jack. "Certainly not, Senor. On the contrary, it is my intention to make quite a long stay here, and see Cuba from end to end. It is even possible that I may decide to purchase a property on the island, and try my luck as a tobacco planter." "I fervently trust not, Senor, for your own sake," said Alvaros. "Permit me to offer you a little friendly advice. Cut short your visit, and leave Cuba at once. I advise you, as a friend, to do so." "Indeed!" said Jack. "And why, pray? Of course you have some good reason for offering me this advice, Senor Alvaros?" "Yes," answered Alvaros, "I have; and it is this. Cuba is in a most unsettled state at present. She is seething with rebellion, and all strangers are regarded with the utmost suspicion by the Government. Nothing would be easier than for you to find yourself involved in one of the numerous conspiracies which we know to be brewing; and, once involved, you would find it exceedingly difficult, if not absolutely impossible, to extricate yourself. Therefore take my advice, and go forthwith. It is good advice; for I tell you plainly that you are not wanted here!" "Thanks!" answered Jack coolly. "I am very much obliged to you, Senor Alvaros, for the friendly feeling which has prompted you to give me what I suppose you wish me to understand as a `warning'. But I must tell you candidly that I believe you are taking a very exaggerated view of the danger--if danger there be, which I greatly doubt. But, danger or no danger, I shall still carry out my original plans; and if danger should come--well, I daresay I shall be quite able to take care of myself." So that was no good! The Spaniard had feared that it would not be of much use to attempt to frighten an Englishman; and so it had proved. Well, there were other ways, and those must be tried. After Alvaros had left, that night, and the family had separated, Jack accompanied Carlos into the room of the latter, and related what had passed between the Spanish officer and himself, asking Carlos for his opinion upon the subject.