Part 19 (1/2)

Cora, Bess and Belle, with Inez, whose head had stopped aching, came down about four o'clock, dressed for a stroll. There was to be a band concert in one of the public park--the first in several days.

As they went up to the desk to leave their keys, they saw standing talking to the clerk a very stout man, at the sight of whom Inez drew back behind Cora.

”It is him--him again,” she whispered.

”Who?”

”Zat man--Senor Ramo--I do not like zat he should see me.”

”Oh, you mustn't be so timid,” declared Jack's sister. ”He won't harm you.”

”No, but my father--”

”I think you are mistaken, Inez!” went on Cora. ”At any rate, he has seen us--he remembers us as from having come out on the same steamer with us,” for Senor Ramo was now bowing, and is smile spread itself over his oily and expansive countenance.

”Ah, Senorita Kembull!” he misp.r.o.nounced. ”I am charmed to see you again. Also the Senoritas Sparrow--er--I am so forget--I know it is some kind of one of your charming birds--ah!--Robinson--a thousand pardons! I am charmed!” and he bowed low to the twins.

Then his eyes sought the face of Inez, but he showed no recognition, though the significant pause indicated that he expected also to address her. Clearly, if he had seen her on the steamer coming from New York, he did not remember her. There was a questioning look in his eyes.

Inez pinched Cora's arm, and murmured something in her ear. Cora understood at once. Inez did not wish to meet this man, for reasons of her own. He might, or might not, be of the political party opposed to her father, and he might, or might not, have had a hand in placing Senor Ralcanto in prison. Of this Cora could only guess, but there was no mistaking the fear of Inez.

Cora thought of the easiest way out of it. This was to allow Inez to a.s.sume the character she had been given--that of a maid.

”Inez, I think I left my fan in my room--will you please get it for me?” requested Cora, at the same time giving the Spanish girl a meaning look.

”Yes, Senorita,” was the low-voiced answer, as Inez glided from the foyer.

Senor Ramo seemed to understand. He turned, once more, with a smile to Cora.

”And when may I have the pleasure of paying my respects to your honored mother?” he asked, ”and to Senora--er--Robinson, and your father?” he inquired of the twins. ”I have but just arrived, after a most stormy pa.s.sage, from Barbados. Truly I thought we were lost, but we managed to weather the hurricane.”

”And we are hoping our folks did, too,” said Cora. ”We have heard nothing of them since they sailed on the Ramona, nearly a week ago.

Did your steamer hear of that vessel, Senor Ramo?” she asked, eagerly.

”The Ramona did you say?” he inquired, and there was that in his manner which sent a cold chill of fear to the hearts of the motor girls.

”Yes,” answered Cora, huskily. ”Oh, has anything happened? Have you heard any news? Tell me! Oh!” and she clutched at her wildly beating heart.

”The Ramona--a thousand pardons that I am the bearer of ill-tidings--the Ramona was s.h.i.+pwrecked!” said Senor Ramo. ”We picked up some of the sailors from it! Ah, deeply do I regret to have to tell you such news!”

CHAPTER XV

A SEARCH PROPOSED

”Cora, what's the matter? Has this man--?”

It was Jack who spoke, as he suddenly entered the rotunda of the hotel, with Walter, and saw his sister faintly recoiling from the shock of the news brought by Senor Ramo. Jack had a bit of fiery temper, and it had not lessened by his recent nervousness. Then, too, he seemed to have caught some of the Spanish impetuosity since coming to Porto Rico.

”Hush, Jack!” begged Belie. ”It is bad news,” and there was a trace of tears in her voice.