"I have written four letters to the British consul," returned Jack, "and no answer has come."
"Well?"
"Well, sir, I am afraid he has never received the letters."
"Why?"
"Because my name is well known to him, and he would have replied. I have referred him to the chief banker of the town, who can readily identify me through my signature. I wish them to communicate with my father, and, in a word, to show the authorities how utterly ridiculous and preposterous is the charge against us in spite of appearances."
Jack's earnestness caught his attention.
"They would never dare to keep letters back."
"Money has tempted them, I feel assured."
"Whose money?"
"The money of a spy—a fellow-countryman of ours, who has interest in keeping me out of the way."