Once more the Tartar was under way. She was nearing the end of her
strange cruise, for she was headed for San Juan--the blue harbor of
San Juan. Seated on deck, in an easy chair, was a Spanish gentleman,
about whom Inez fluttered in a joy of service. It was her father.
He had, after many failures, made his escape from Sea Horse Island in
a small boat, and had lived, for some time on the little coral rock,
hardly worthy the name islet. He had almost starved, but he was
free. Then his privations became too much for him, and he hoisted
his signal for help. He would even have welcomed a Spanish party, so
distressed was he.
But his own daughter--and friends--came instead. And, had he but
waited a few weeks, he need not have so suffered in running away from
his prison. The papers Inez had secured would have brought about his
freedom from the unjust charge.
"But we have him anyhow!" cried Jack, "and a good job it was, too!"
"Isn't Jack just splendid!" murmured Bess to Cora. "He is so well
again!"
"Yes, the trip, in spite of its hardships, has worked wonders for
him."
"And I suppose we'll have to go back North again soon," remarked
Belle. "Papa's business here is practically finished."
"Yes, we are going back to civilization, without smugglers and
mutineers,"' said Mrs. Kimball.
"Oh, I rather liked them, they were sort of a tonic," laughed Mrs.
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