“Garcia has designs against your daughter, all his pretensions about desiring to benefit her are a part of his scheme.  He is a deep dyed villain, a man capable of any crime.”

“How do I know you are not one of his agents?”

“It wouldn’t stand to reason that, if I were his Agent, I would denounce him.”

“That might be a part of his purpose.”

“I warn you against the man; take nobody’s advice; keep your daughter under your own special care.”

“Why have you such an interest in my daughter?” demanded the old smuggler, abruptly, and again he fixed his eyes keenly on the detective.

“I am against Garcia, whatever his schemes may be; and now that I’ve warned you, I’ve nothing more to say; do as you choose, I owe you nothing, nor do you owe me anything; you can believe what I have told you, or doubt it, just as you choose, but remember I have warned you!”

The detective started to leave the cabin, when the old man called him back and asked: 

“What is your name?”

“My name is Ballard.”

“Where are you from?”

“Cuba.”

“Will I see you again?”

“You may; but let me tell you one thing, if you wish me to remain your friend, tell no man that I warned you against Garcia.  I propose to hang around the coast for awhile.”

“For what purpose?”

“To circumvent the villain Garcia.  I may stand you in good need when you least expect it, if you permit me to be your friend.”

CHAPTER XIII.

Without another word the detective departed from the cabin; a little distance across the sand he saw a figure.  He recognized Renie and went toward her.

“I did not know you,” said the girl.

“You may not know me the next time we meet.”

“This is wonderful.”

“I am a detective, I have made a study of the art of disguise; my success and my safety ofttimes depend upon my skill in changing my appearance at a moment’s notice; but now, let me thank you for saving my life!”

“Saving your life!”

“Yes.”

“It was for me you put your life in jeopardy.”

“No, no, I am carrying out my own designs.”

“You saved me from that man Garcia!”

“And you saved me from being hanged by those men.”

“You will leave the coast now?”

“Leave the coast?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I reckon not.  I’ve just got down to business.”

“You will be discovered; you will be in worse peril as the Government detective than you were as the supposed assailant of my father.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“And you will remain?”

“I will remain.”

“You invite your doom.”

“Well, well, I’ve often done the same thing before; I am in the way of duty.  Renie, understand me, I am your friend.  I will risk anything to guard you from evil, but it is my duty to break up this gang of smugglers, and I shall do my duty at any cost!”