“You are very kind,” Virginia said faintly, flashing him a grateful smile; “but, of course, I could not dream of taking you away. I must try to wait until my father has finished his speech. I wish he was first on the list, but I am afraid----” “I shan’t mind it at all,” her escort cut in eagerly. “In fact, I shall be delighted to accompany you.” And his eagerness was not feigned, for he was glad to exchange the terrors of the postprandial oratory for the pleasure of a boat ride and automobile jaunt with this pretty girl. “Well, if you insist,” said the latter, “let us try to leave as unobtrusively as possible. I think the trip home will do me good.” They left the table so quietly that few noticed their departure; but a few minutes later, as they were stepping toward the port gangway, Reyes became aware of a hand placed on his shoulder, and, turning, learned that Gale had followed them out. “A word with you,” the reporter whispered. “It is of the utmost importance.” The frown which came to the other’s face showed that he resented this intrusion, but something in Gale’s manner caused him to draw back and allow Virginia to go on alone. “What is it?” he demanded sharply. “I must say, señor, that I am beginning to grow very weary of this confounded interference----” “Where are you going?” the _News_ man cut him short. “Tell me quickly: Has she fooled you into going away with her?” “Fooled me!” The Baracoan’s frown deepened into a scowl. “I do not understand,” he said haughtily. “Miss Throgmorton is feeling indisposed and I am taking her home.” To his astonishment and indignation, Gale received this with an ironical laugh. “I guess it is about time to open your eyes,” he said. “I am wise now to the whole game.” He whispered a few words in the army officer’s ear. What he said caused the latter to give a start of surprise. “This is astounding!” Reyes muttered. “Are you sure?” “Of course I am not sure,” the reporter replied. “But you’ll see that I am right.” Virginia, noting her escort’s absence from her side, turned at the head of the gangway, and a worried look came to her face as she saw with whom he was talking. “The launch is waiting for us, Captain Reyes,” she called out impatiently. “Are you ready?” The Baracoan hesitated a moment. Then, with sudden decision, he whispered a few words to Gale, stepped to the girl’s side, and assisted her down the ladder. As they got into the boat, Gale followed them. “Guess I’m going ashore, too,” the reporter said, with a grin. “I have some business which needs my immediate attention.” Virginia glanced at her escort’s face. She observed with concern that he did not seem to resent this intrusion. CHAPTER XLI. A BOLD ATTEMPT.