“It’s a big banana center, isn’t it?” Ken remarked to make conversation.
“Exports have increased enormously,” Mr. Ferendez told him. “You should have an interesting visit there.”
“Oh, we’re not on a pleasure trip,” War disclosed. “The fact is, we’re on our way to the Last Chance mine, and are going by way of Santa Marta.”
“The Last Chance mine! You’re heading into the mountains?”
Jack and Ken were flashing War warning signals, considering it unwise to reveal their plans, even to a friendly stranger. The younger Scout, however, failed to take the hint.
“To Emerald Valley,” he went on. “Appleby Corning, the engineer at the mine, sent for us. He was supposed to meet us at Cartagena, but didn’t. So we’re going on to the mine.”
“But why go by way of Santa Marta?” the plantation owner asked with a puzzled frown. “Bogota is considered the gateway.”
“We thought we might run into Mr. Corning at Santa Marta. He’s supposed to have friends there.”
The plantation owner made no comment. His very silence, however, troubled the Scouts.
“Do you know Mr. Corning?” Jack finally inquired.