It was after seven o’clock when Mrs. Sebastian, Martinez and his wife reentered the room.
“We have had no reply from your fathers as yet,” said the former. “However, we did not really expect one. It is to be hoped for your sakes that they leave the money to-night.”
“I don’t believe they will,” replied Shirley quietly.
“So much the worse for you then.”
At this moment a native boy came in and announced that the American consul was without, accompanied by two strangers, and that he desired immediate communication with Señor Hernandez.
“Well, they are on the trail,” said Martinez, with a laugh. “I wonder what the consul would think if he knew that Hernandez and Martinez were one and the same person. Well, I shall see the consul. You be very quiet in here, for you know how sounds carry in this house.”
Mrs. Sebastian nodded, and Martinez, alias Hernandez, made his way from the room.
He returned an hour later with a smile on his face.
“I’ve thrown them off the track, all right,” he said gleefully. “I was startled for a moment, though. There was a little whipper-snapper with the two Americanos—Señor Stanley is his name—and he accused me of knowing the whereabouts of the prisoners. I denied it, and Consul Edwards rebuked him and sent him from the room.”
At this moment there came footsteps running rapidly down the hall, and a moment later Captain Von Blusen burst in excitedly.