CHAPTER XXI.

ESTELLA IS INTRUSTED WITH AN IMPORTANT MISSION.

Estella saw her father leave the house by the side exit and stride down to the stables. In a few minutes he appeared on one of his favorite steeds, and rode off at full speed in the direction of Jiguani. He went alone, and what his mission was to that distant city she could not surmise.

Soon after the general had departed, Cara came to her young mistress to comfort her as best she could. But Estella was now more low-spirited than ever. She went to her room, and, throwing herself upon the bed, wept as if her heart would break.

"It is all over!" she moaned. "They will order him shot at sunrise!"

"Perhaps not," said Cara, soothingly. "Tomasso says that he cannot be executed until he has had a trial."

"Where is Tomasso now?"

"I sent him off to watch Lieutenant Mazenas and Captain Nocolo," replied the maid. "I thought you would wish it."

"It was thoughtful, although I cannot see how it will do any good," said Estella, drearily.

"It is my opinion that they will take Señor Sherwood's life, if not by fair means, then by foul."

"They are capable of it, I verily believe," sighed Estella. "Oh, that I might do something to save him!"

"Why not go to the prison governor; he will surely listen to your plea and delay Señor Howard's trial," urged Cara.

This was a new idea, and it appealed to Estella. She knew the family of the governor well, and they had always been the best of friends.

"I will go!" she declared, and as evening was falling, she and Cara set out on horseback, accompanied by two of the plantation servants, heavily armed, so that Estella might not again fall into hostile hands.

The road to the governor's home, a fine residence in the heart of Marambo, was heavy, and consequently their progress was slow. Arriving at the house, they learned that the official had just retired to catch a few hours sleep before overseeing the labor of securing the prison against the expected attack of the insurgents, who, however, had withdrawn in the direction of Jiguani.

Aroused from a nap, the governor was not in the best of humor, yet he listened patiently to what Estella had to say.

"It is strange that you should come in behalf of this American spy," he said, when Estella had concluded. "But, if I remember rightly, you have been living in America for two years, and that may account for your extraordinary interest in the young American. But I cannot see what I can do. Sherwood is to have a hearing in the morning."

"You will see that no harm befalls him in the meantime?"

"No harm can come to him unless he inflicts it on himself. He is in solitary confinement."

"At what time will the hearing take place?"

"At eight o'clock to-morrow morning."

"And where, pray?"

"Most likely at the Council Hall on the plaza. There is no place at the prison."

"Can I be present?"

The governor hesitated.

"Yes; but you must not interfere with the proceedings."

This ended the interview, and the governor again sought his bed immediately. Not quite reassured that all would go well, Estella turned away from the house, and with Cara and her servants started to return to her father's plantation.

The night was dark and the oppressive, sultry air proclaimed that a violent tropical storm was approaching. Occasionally fitful luminous flashes to the westward showed where the lightning was already playing.

The distance to the plantation was about half covered when one of the men, who rode in front, suddenly called a halt.

"There is a body of horsemen ahead--to the left," he whispered, in his Spanish patois. "I cannot tell whether they are friends or foes."

"How many?" asked Estella.

"At least half a hundred, and all heavily armed."

Estella's heart began to beat quickly. It was not likely that the troops stationed around Marambo were out so far. It must be a body of rebels!

"Are any of them on the road?" she whispered.

"No. I fancy they heard us coming and took to the brush and woods."

"Perhaps they will allow us to pass without molestation," suggested Cara. "That is, if we go on as if we had not seen them."

The servant shrugged his shoulders and looked at Estella.

"Well, we cannot remain here in the dark," said the young mistress. "Lead on, Coji, but hold your gun in readiness."

The two servants went on, and Estella and Cara kept close behind them. A hundred yards were passed, and they began to think themselves safe, when a tall, dark figure rose out directly in front of them.

"Who comes?" shouted a commanding voice, and in the dim light they saw the glint of a rifle barrel.

"Spain!" shouted one of the servants, ere Estella could warn him.

"Caramba!" muttered several voices, and in a trice the little party was surrounded.

They were told to hold up their hands or they would be shot.

"What is the meaning of this outrage?" asked Estella, as she came forward.

Before any reply could be made a lighted lantern was held up that the party might be inspected. Then the leader of the rebels, for the horsemen were nothing less, approached Estella.

"We are sorry, madame," he said, in excellent Spanish, "but I am afraid we will have to detain you for at least twenty-four hours."

"And why?" she asked, much startled.

"It were better not to ask questions. If you will go with us quietly I will promise you that no harm will befall you."

"You are insurgents, then?"

"Yes."

"You are about to attack Marambo?"

"I told you not to ask questions," was the quick response and now the tone was sharper. "Marco, take three men and lead the horses of these people to the hollow I mentioned," went on the commanding officer, turning to the tall fellow who had called out the challenge.

"This is a strange proceeding, but I presume we must submit," said Estella.

Had she not dreaded the time lost, it would not have alarmed her to be held a prisoner by the rebels.

As they moved away from the road the commanding officer rode up beside her and entered into conversation. She learned that he was Captain Hugo Martinez, of the Second Cuban Cavalry. He was a thorough gentleman, and treated Estella with every courtesy possible under existing circumstances. He asked her about herself, and was much surprised when she expressed a strong sympathy for the insurgents.

"It is a pity your father is not equally patriotic," he said. "It might save him much trouble."

"I suppose you will attack our plantation very soon," said Estella, with a shudder.

"No; we have more important work on hand," and then Captain Martinez bit his black mustache as if realizing suddenly that he had said too much.

"You refer to a premeditated attack on Marambo," went on Estella. "Well, if that city is to be taken I trust it will be taken quickly."

"You do?" he asked, in astonishment

"Yes."

"And why, señora?"

Estella blushed before replying. Then she glanced up boldly at him.

"I have a very dear friend who is in the prison there. He is to be tried to-morrow morning as a spy, and he will most likely be shot. If the city falls into your hands he may escape."

"And who is your friend?"

"Mr. Howard Sherwood, an American newspaper correspondent."

"Ah! I have heard of him. And you wish him rescued? It shall be done!"

"Oh!" Estella gave an exclamation of joy. "Then I am right--you intend to attack the city this night."

"Hush! not one word, for there are Spanish spies about," warned Captain Martinez. "You--ah--I half fancy I can trust you, señora--on your friend's account."

"You can trust me," whispered Estella. "Try me and see. I will do anything to aid in the liberation of Howard Sherwood. I will confess to you--he is my lover!"

"He should be a happy man to have so beautiful a sweetheart," said the captain, gallantly. Then his eyes lighted up suddenly. "You say you will do anything to help us? That means a great deal, in such times as these."

"Put me to the test, and see if I fail you," returned Estella, her spirits rising. "I am for Cuba, no matter what my father may say or do."

"Bravo!" he cried. "Come with me. Socran, release the lady's horse. She will accompany me," he added to the man in front.

The cavalryman released his hold, and Estella and the rebel captain rode off side by side, to a hut that had been hastily constructed in the heart of the dense wood.

Here they were met by several other officers, and Estella was introduced to them and vouched for by Captain Martinez.

Once inside of the hut a long conference was held between the beautiful girl and three of the rebel leaders. Then to Estella was given a packet of documents, which she hid in her bosom.

"Remember the password to-night is 'Machete,'" said Captain Martinez. "The moment you get inside the city barracks, deliver the packet to Captain Umberto. That will be all."

"But you must be guarded in your movements," put in another of the rebel leaders. "The discovery of that packet by the Spanish authorities would mean the overthrow of all our plans, and most likely your death."

"I will be careful," responded Estella. "Not only for your sake, but for my own--and for dear Howard's," she added, under her breath.

In another moment she was riding off alone, in the lonely darkness, and in the face of the oncoming storm.

It was a desperate mission to undertake, but she thought not of her peril, only of her lover and his fate, should she fail to save him.