"I cannot go into all ze details of ze politics, for I know zem not,"
went on the Spaniard. "All I painfully know is zat my father was
thrown into prison, and our family and home broken up. My mother and
I came to New York--to relatives, but alas! my, poor mother died. I
was left alone. I was desolate.
"I had learned to make lace, and my friends thought I could sell it,
so I began to make zat my trade. I thought I could save enough to go
back to my father, and the beloved island--perhaps to free him."
"How did you hope to do that?" asked Cora.
"Because, in New York, I found one of his political party--himself an
exile, who gave me what you call documents--I know not ze term--"
"Evidence?" suggested Belle.
"Zat is it. Evidence! I have evidence, zat would free my father, if
I could get it to him. But I fear to send it by mail, for it would
be taken--captured by his enemies."
"It's rather complicated--isn't it?" suggested Cora.
"Yes, Senorita--more so even zan I am telling you. Of myself I know
but little, save zat if I can get ze certain papairs to my father, he
might go free. But how am I to go to Sea Horse Island, when I have
not even money to buy me food to keep from starving? I ask you--how
can I? And yet I should not trouble you wiz my troubles, Senoritas."
"Oh, but we want to help you!" declared Cora, warmly.
"Surely," added Belle.
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