“How in the name of all that’s wonderful did you all get together again and how did you beat me here?” demanded the captain.
Dick explained his arrival in a few words, and then Shirley took up the story.
“But we had no idea of the Yucatan was here,” said Dick.
“I landed not fifteen minutes ago,” replied the captain. “Of course a train runs faster than a boat, which is the reason you are here ahead of me. Now I guess you had better return aboard with me.”
“We’ll go to the consulate first,” declared Dick. “The others are probably still there.”
“Good idea,” replied the captain. “I was on my way there now.”
He led the way, and the others followed.
But when they reached there they learned, much to the disappointment of both girls, that neither the consul nor any of the others were about.
“Consul Harrington and his visitors accompanied General Seauterey and a squad of soldiers,” a clerk explained. “They left not fifteen minutes ago.”
“Too bad,” declared Captain Anderson. He turned to the girls. “Will you remain here or come aboard?” he asked.