beating heart.

"The Ramona--a thousand pardons that I am the bearer of ill-tidings
--the Ramona was shipwrecked!" 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.

"Bad news?" chorused Jack and Walter together.

"Yes, Senor Kembull," again mispronounced the Spaniard, "I deeply