“I scarcely expected to find you here, either,” the Camera Chap replied quietly. “Might I inquire what you are doing so far away from Park Row?”
“I’m not down here on business,” the other replied. “I was so busy covering the street cleaners’ strike last summer that I didn’t have time to take a vacation then, so the boss is giving me a few weeks now. I thought I might as well run down here and visit my old friend, the American minister.”
“Oh, an old friend,” Hawley repeated, glancing at the girl.
“Yes, I have had the honor of knowing Minister Throgmorton for a long time, and when he was appointed to this position he was kind enough to extend me a standing invitation to come to Baracoa and be his guest. As you say, it’s a long way from Park Row, but I am having a great time.”
Hawley looked at him searchingly, but said nothing.
“And now, how about yourself, old top?” the News man demanded. “Tit for tat, you know. What particular bunch of trouble has brought you down this way? Haven’t come to lead a revolution, have you?”
“Scarcely,” the Camera Chap replied, smiling. “It is a curious coincidence, but I, too, happen to be here on a leave of absence. I haven’t had a vacation in three years, so I figured that the paper owed me a holiday.”
“What made you select Baracoa?” Gale demanded suspiciously.
“Why not?” the Camera Chap rejoined. “I’ve always had a hankering to visit South America. Some people prefer going to Europe, but I’ve always believed in seeing our own hemisphere first.”
Gale was not satisfied by this answer. “Brought your camera along with you?” he inquired abruptly.