"
"Of a surety--yes!" Senor Ramo hastened to put in. "I am a stupid to
blurt out my news so, but I did not think! I ask a thousand and one
pardons."
"It doesn't matter," said Jack. "We had to know sometime. The
sooner the better. We must get busy."
"Always busy--you Americans!" murmured the Spaniard. "If I can be of
any service, Senor Kembull--"
"You can take us, to where those sailors are that were picked up by
your vessel, if you will," interrupted Jack. "I'd like to hear their
story, and find out exactly where the Ramona went down. That is, if
it is true that she completely foundered."
"Why, if I may ask?"
"Because, this is only the beginning. There may be a chance of
saving some--our folks--if, by any possibility they reached some of
the smaller islands. I must see those sailors."
"They will most likely remain aboard the Boldero--the vessel on which
I arrived," spoke Senor Ramo. "They lost everything but the clothes
they wore. Doubtless you could see them on the steamer."
"Then I'm going with you!" cried Cora. "I can't wait, Jack!" she
pleaded, as he looked a refusal at her. "I must go!"
"Oh, poor mamma and papa!" half sobbed Bess, for they were now in the
seclusion of the ladies' parlor. "Oh, what will become of us?"
"You mustn't give way like this!" objected Jack. "Now, if ever, is
the time to be brave. There is lots to be done!"
Jack was coming into his own again.
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