She made
barely enough to live on, by selling her laces, and since reaching
Chelton the day-before, she had not sold a penny's worth. Her money
was exhausted, and she was nearly on the verge of fainting when she
applied at the Kimball home. Cora's mother had seemed interested in
the lace, which really was beautifully worked, and while showing it
on the porch, the girl had overheard the mention of her home island.
The rest is known to the reader.
"And so I am so silly as to faint!" said Inez, with a little tinkling
laugh. "But I faint in good hands--I am so grateful to you!" she
went on, warmly, her olive checks flushing.
"And you want to go to Sea Horse Island?" asked Belle.
"I want--Oh! so much, Senorita. But I know it is a vain hope. But
you are good and kind. If you could take zese papairs wiz you--and
manage to get zem to my father--he could tell you how to help him.
For it is all politics--he had committed no--what you call crime--not
a soul has he wronged. Oh, my poor father!"
"And these papers?" asked Cora. "'What are they?"
"I know not, Senorita. I am not versed in such zings. A fellow
patriot of my father gave them to me."
"Have you them with you?" asked Bess.
The girl started up in bed, and clutched at her breast. A wild look
came over her face.
"I had zem in New York--I bring zem away wiz me. Zat man--he is ze
enemy of my father and his party.
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