While revivifying operations are under way Van Zandt hears a startled exclamation at his elbow. It comes from El Terredo, who is gazing upon the marble countenance of Miss Hathaway with astonished and troubled eyes.
Without replying to Van Zandt’s questioning look, El Terredo picks up his mustachios from the sand and again affixes them to his face. Then he turns calmly to Van Zandt.
“The third of your party? I was told there was an old gentleman.”
“He is dead. Killed at the first fire,” Van Zandt tells him, and he leads the way into the house.
As the two men look upon the body, which has not been disturbed by the troopers, El Terredo shudders, and murmurs: “My God, what does all this mean?”
“It means much to me,” replies Van Zandt, gravely, as he takes from the dead man’s person a packet of papers.
Without speaking El Terredo steps to the sofa and assists Van Zandt to bear the remains from the house.
The body is laid in the bow of one of the boats, reverently covered, and preparations are made for the return to the Semiramis. When all but himself and the rescuing party from the cafe have embarked Van Zandt turns to El Terredo, who, with folded arms, is gazing abstractedly toward the law-and-order deserted city. “You are going with us, are you not?” he asks.
“No; I shall remain here.”
“Your safety lies with yonder yacht.”