Arriving at Merida, the official made a number of inquiries and then learned that the wife of Ditini was living, as had been said in the cablegram, on the outskirts of Merida with her eight children. It was said that Ditini had deserted her, leaving her practically penniless.
“If Ditini is anywhere around I think I can make sure of it by letting his wife think that I must collect an old debt or throw her out of her home,” said the Yucatan official. “Then, if he has brought money, or if he is expected to come with money, she will probably promise to pay.”
It did not take the crowd long to reach the place where Señora Ditini lived with her many children, and while the boys kept out of sight in a grove of bushes the Yucatan official proceeded to put his trick into execution. He was gone the best part of half an hour, and when he came back his face showed his satisfaction.
“I tricked her very nicely,” he declared. “I made her believe that she must pay me an old debt of four years’ standing. She said she knew nothing of it, but would find out about it to-night. And she said further that she would surely have the money with which to pay by to-morrow morning. That proves to me that Antonio Ditini is either here or will arrive some time to-night.”
The place was rather an isolated one, and, not to be discovered by any children or servants, the crowd drove away. Then the automobile was secreted in a nearby woods, and all went back to remain on guard.
Slowly the hours went by until night came on. They saw no one except two old Mexican servants and three or four children of various ages. Then, however, as it grew darker, they saw a man come up a side trail on horseback. He was a small, dark-skinned fellow dressed in Mexican costume.
“I’ll wager that’s Ditini,” said the Yucatan official. “I’ll go to the house and make sure. If I want your assistance I’ll call you.”
He walked rapidly toward the building and soon disappeared within. Ten minutes followed, the waiting boys growing more anxious every second. Suddenly angry words arose and they heard a woman cry out in dismay. Then followed two pistol shots. A moment later they saw a side door of the house burst open and the Mexican who had gone in but a short while before came rushing out, running towards where he had left his horse tied to a post.
“It’s Ditini!” gasped Fred.
“He must have shot Captain Astora!” came from Andy.