A SPANIARD'S LOYALTY Both officers sprang to their feet at the startling announcement that the eagerly awaited but long delayed transports were in sight, and Admiral Sampson extended his hand to Ridge, saying: "Go back to Santiago and your duty, my boy.

I will convey your report concerning the meeting with Garcia to General Shafter." Then all hurried to the deck, and in another minute the great war-ship had started eastward to welcome the troops, while the Spanish launch, which had been hastily dismissed, was heading towards Santiago Bay with every member of the party she had brought out still on board.
"What is about to happen ?" asked one of the Spanish officers, in bewilderment.
"The ships bringing the American army have been sighted," replied Ridge, who saw no reason for withholding information that must soon be known to every one.
Upon this there was great excitement in the launch, which was pressed to its utmost speed, that the news might be carried to Admiral Cervera and General Linares as quickly as possible.
At his own request, Ridge, in company with Lieutenant Navarro, was permitted to carry it to the General, who said, quietly: "Very good, gentlemen; and now, since the time for action has arrived, I will assign you to the important duty of patrolling the coast, from which you will bring to me, at Sevilla, earliest word of any attempted landing by the enemy.

You will act independently, but in co-operation with Captain del Rey, who is already scouting in the neighborhood of Guantanamo with his company of cavalry.

It is supposed that the landing will be made there, but--as Heaven only knows what these Yankees may do--we must watch every possible point." Nothing could have suited Ridge better than this; and a few minutes later, with Santiago left behind, he and his companion were galloping in the direction of the Morro, from whose lofty walls they would be able to command a vast sweep of ocean and coast.

Already were its garrison crowding tower and battlement to gaze wonderingly at the American fleet coming from the eastward.