"Well, we will think that over, my man," interrupted O'Connor. "How long had you been listening at the window?"
"Listening! O, sir, far be it from me to listen at the window of our esteemed consul."
"You weren't very far from it just now."
"I had just discovered my error, sir, and was about to retrace my steps——"
"Having heard all that you wished," O'Connor broke in.
"I hope the gentleman is jesting. I should be grieved indeed if he held so evil an opinion of me."
"Please consider yourself grieved. Now, Mr. Wyman, I should like to still further impose on your hospitality. This gentleman, I believe, is very anxious to serve me—is that not true, Mr. Friday?"
"Oh, quite true, sir; it shall be my pleasure; but the name, sir, is not Friday—it is Villamonte."
"Mr. Wyman, can I trouble you for a short piece of rope?"
The consul left the room and returned with a piece of clothes-line about three feet long which he handed to O'Connor.