At the consulate they could find no trace of Dick.
“What can have happened?” demanded Mr. Willing anxiously.
“Oh, he’ll turn up,” declared the consul. “We’ll wait.”
They sat down to await the return of Dick, meanwhile talking over what was best to be done.
Meantime, Dick, on the trail of Captain Von Blusen, was having troubles of his own. He had approached too close behind the German, and the latter had realized he was being followed.
Rounding a corner, the German officer stopped abruptly. As Dick swung around the corner he recognized him instantly and struck out with his fist. The blow caught Dick on the side of the head and he went down.
He was up in a moment, however, and grappled with his opponent. In this sort of fighting the German was no match for Dick, but he finally succeeded in breaking the latter’s hold, and took to his heels.
Dick ran after him.
Unconsciously the German took the direction from which he had just come, and not stopping to think that he might be followed, had thus betrayed the rendezvous. He ran straight to Hernandez’ home, as we already know, and Dick recognized it.
Captain Von Blusen entered by the back door, and there Dick stopped. He had seen enough to tell him just how the situation stood, and realizing that he could accomplish little himself and that haste therefore was essential, he hurried back to the consulate.