The landlord appeared astonished, and stared at Harper with bewildered incredulity, until Nettie Harding, who was quick‐witted, laughed, and the bronze grew deeper in Appleby’s cheeks. Harper, however, was by no means disconcerted. “Well,” he said naively, “out of compliment to your father I’ll worry through another one. You see, it may be quite a long while before we get a meal again.” They sat down, and while Appleby said very little Harding talked tactfully of England and America, and made no allusion to anything that concerned Cuba. Harper seconded him ably, for there was, as usual with his countrymen, no diffidence in him; and Appleby wondered whether there was any reason for Miss Harding’s curious little smile. Then when the fruit was removed Harding closed the door and took out his cigar case. “Take a smoke. Miss Harding does not mind!” he said. Appleby made excuses, but Harper laid the cigars the landlord had supplied them with on the table. “You’ll try one of these,” he said. “I think they’re good.” Harding lighted a cigar, and then it seemed to Appleby that a change came over his attitude, though he also fancied that Miss Harding had expected it. “They are,” he said. “You got them cheap?” There was no mistaking the significance of his tone, and Appleby straightened himself a trifle. Still, he felt he could not well rebuke the man whose dinner he had just eaten. “Isn’t that a little beyond the question, sir?” he asked quietly. “I don’t quite know that it is. I’m going to talk now, and it may save time and worry if I put it straight. What’s the matter with the Sin Verguenza?” “Busted!” said Harper. “Smashed up a company of cazadores, and lit out. Nobody’s going to worry over them.” “Which is why you are here?” “You’ve hit it right off,” said Harper. “If you feel inclined to tell me anything more I’ll listen.” Appleby, who resented the man’s tone as much as he was astonished at it, was about to observe that he felt no inclination to trespass further on his host’s patience, but he fancied there was a warning in Nettie Harding’s eyes, and Harper did not wait for him. He at once launched into an ornate account of the affray, and discreetly mentioned their present difficulties. Harding listened gravely, and then turned to Appleby. “I have a Spanish sugar grower to visit, and you will excuse me, but I would like to see you again before you leave the hotel,” he said. “Anyway, it wouldn’t be quite safe for you to take the road just now.” He went out with his daughter, and when they were in the patio the girl looked at him. “You have got to do something for them,” she said quietly. “Yes,” said Harding, with a little nod, “I am going to. As it happens, it will suit me.” It was an hour later when they came back, and as the light was fading Harding bade the landlord bring a lamp before he sat down, and turned to Appleby and Harper, who were somewhat anxiously waiting him.