"'And you will join them?' I added.
"'No, not yet,' he said, with an expressive shrug; 'I am more needed
elsewhere; here--in New York. There is money to be raised, arms and
ammunition to be procured, sympathies to enlist, influence to gain.
Later, I will see Alejandro, and the beautiful _Sylph_.'
"'The what?' I asked, rising excitedly.
"'The _Sylph_--the _Sylph_--queen of vessels! Senor Robson's yacht.
Senor Robson--the tall handsome fellow who was with us at the Spa. You
know him.'
"'Know him? Of course I know him! Robson? Robson a filibuster?
Impossible!'
"'Why so?' asked the Cuban coldly.
"'Hell, man!' I said, 'don't you realize what it all means?--certain
failure, disgrace, death! My God, what folly!'
"'Never, never!' shouted Villasante, waving his arms. 'Glory awaits
them! The plaudits of the world! The embraces and blessings of a freed
people! Laurel wreaths shall crown their brows! Poets shall chant their
praises! History will render them immortal! Oh, what an opportunity is
theirs! And everything has been most carefully planned. 'Twas Robson's
own idea. A picked lot of men, with rifles and ammunition. He to command
the vessel; Menendez to assume the lead on landing. Their destination,
co-operation with the patriots on shore, supplies--everything has been
arranged for.
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