Cora thought of the easiest way out of it. This was to allow Inez to
assume 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 passage, 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