A man swung sharply past him in the darkness. Dick was caught by the other’s erect carriage, plainly that of a military man.
“Too tall for a Mexican,” muttered Dick. “I’ll have a look at him.”
He followed. Under a dim street light half a block away the man paused to light a cigar. The flare of the match lighted up his features.
“Von Blusen!” exclaimed Dick. “I’ll bet he is mixed up in this in some way. I’ll follow him.”
Taking pains to avoid being discovered, he set out on Von Blusen’s trail.
CHAPTER XXIV.—FLIGHT.
When Mrs. Sebastian entered the room where Shirley and Mabel were held prisoners, followed by Captain Von Blusen, she immediately addressed her fellow conspirators.
“This,” she said, indicating the German officer, “is Captain Von Blusen, a German naval officer. He informs me that he is seeking, for his government, a naval base on the Pacific. In return for this the German government will pay handsomely.”
“In that event,” replied the Mexican, who it now developed was none other than Miguel Martinez, “we may do business. Take a seat, señor.”
Von Blusen did so, and for the first time his eyes fell upon the two girls.