“Think we should make certain Father Francisco is all right before we go?”
“A good idea,” Ken nodded. “Quakes are old stuff to him, I guess. But at his age a little excitement might bring on a heart attack. Let’s go back to say goodbye.”
The outside mission door stood wide open. Meeting no one, the two Scouts went down the deserted corridor to pause hesitantly at the entrance to the library.
Evidently, the elderly missionary had not expected them to return. His back was toward them. He was searching rapidly through the miscellaneous papers which cluttered the table.
“It’s over, I guess,” Jack remarked in a purposely loud voice. “No great damage done.”
Startled, Father Francisco turned around quickly. “Oh, yes, yes,” he said, almost vaguely.
“Is anything wrong, Father?” Ken inquired, aware that the missionary seemed gravely disturbed.
“The old Portuguese manuscript,” Father Francisco muttered. “Did either of you pick it up when you went to ring the bell?”
“Why, no,” answered Ken.
“It was lying on the table when we left,” Jack added.