"You must notice after you leaf Acajulta dthe volcano 'Yzalco'; it ees acteef, as you say; it ees all fire by dthe dark of dthe night. And in dthose bay off La Libertad and Puenta Arenas you must look at dthose devil-feesh—ach schrecklich; dthey haf terrible great vings vhat dthey wrap around vhat dthey eat."
"You speak almost as if you would not be there to point them out on the spot," says Mrs. Steele, smiling as we pass the Trocadero and draw up at the station.
"Qvite right! I am advise by a friend to stay and zee dthe Dthursday bull-fight—I dthink I must."
He helps us out of the carriage without noticing my unspoken amazement or Mrs. Steele's incredulous, "What nonsense."
"I vill put you in dthe train and then come back to zee your dthings come." He leads the way to the "special" standing with snorting engine on the furthest track. He seats us and is gone again. A servant brings in our effects and the Baron follows.
"Madame," he says, dropping into the seat behind Mrs. Steele, "I haf arrange to haf dthis man zee you to the ship—he spik leedle English and I am told gude off him as sairvant. I haf give him all direction—he vill take gude care off you and you vill reach San Miguel in gude time, as I promeese."
"But when are you coming?" I say.
"I come not back to San Miguel." He speaks to Mrs. Steele and does not meet my look. "I haf telegraph to Panama for my yacht. I vill vait here till she come."
"But I don't understand, Baron; this is very sudden, isn't it?" Mrs. Steele looks greatly astonished.
"Not so fery! Dthis train go soon; I must zay gude-bye. Here ees dthe leedle carve spoon from Escuintla you zay you like. I haf had much plaisir to know you, Madame. Gude-bye!" He holds out his shapely white hand and Mrs. Steele takes it warmly.