The Reliance proved to be a very slow vessel, and it was days before the city of Colon was sighted.
At the entrance to the Panama Canal, Colon is a very picturesque city. Since work on the canal was begun, bringing thousands of Americans to the country, it has been more or less metropolitan in character, at the same time retaining its South American atmosphere.
Shirley and Mabel looked about with wonder as they made their way through the dirty narrow streets toward the hotel. This, however, they found to be strictly up to date in all respects, and they were soon installed in comfortable quarters.
Several hours later, Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton left the hotel, announcing that they were going to pay their respects to General Fullaway. They were back several hours later and informed Shirley, Mabel and Dick that they were to dine with the general in his quarters that night.
The girls were naturally excited at this prospect, and spent most of the day in the purchase of suitable garments. Dick, as well as Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton, also purchased more clothing to take the place of what had been lost when they were set adrift from the Yucatan.
General Fullaway had already heard the story from the captain of the Yucatan, but supper over, he desired to hear it once more from his guests.
Mr. Willing related their first meeting with the German commander, who had introduced himself as Henry Bristow when they had first met. He told of the experience aboard the Yucatan while the vessel was tied up at Jacksonville.
“You did wrong not to let the men take him, no matter who they were,” was General Fullaway’s verdict.
“I realize that now,” said Mr. Willing, “but who could have suspected such a gigantic plot?”
“It was a gigantic plot,” agreed the general, “and was carried out excellently. It must have been well planned.”