``While recognizing that this kind of speculation happens periodically -- most recently in August 2007 -- those who deal with Washington on a regular basis say authorities aren't taking it lightly.''

To say ''those who deal with Washington'' is a bit removed from talking about whether American authorities are taking the rumors seriously, but U.S. officials are doing everything possible trying not to look like they are fomenting the rumors. The article later cites State Deparment officials who say they are ''aware'' of the reports.

Gross and Robles avoided being manipulated by players interested in spreading or squelching rumors by interviewing a wide variety of experts in the United States, Cuba and abroad -- and citing them. ''It comes down to the strength of your network and the solid relations that you have been able to build,'' said Gross. ``You also rely on your own experience about what makes sense.''

It helps that the two are veteran Cuba hands. Gross, who will be leaving the paper next month, has the additional perspective of having been a managing editor at the Herald.

JUST A POSSIBILITY

So what is really happening to Castro? Gross and Robles gave a believable possibility: ``Government sources in Cuba have said that Castro remained in control as recently as October, even making calls and barking orders to high-level officials. Sources on the island this week said Castro's recent absence was because he was exhibiting memory loss and incoherence.''

They let Jaime Suchliki, director of the University of Miami's Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies, add the final perspective: ``I would tend to think there is something here. Whether he is ill or getting better in a few days, who knows? We will have to wait and see.''

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