"You say your journey is a long one, sirs; no man travels a long journey without an urgent purpose. Especially is this true on an occasion like this."
Jack, who could see no good likely to result from appearing mysterious, replied frankly and promptly:
"We are bound for Caracas, though it may not be well for every idle ear to catch the word."
"Right, sir. Who would you see in Caracas?"
"President Castro."
"Then your journey will be in vain, for the President is unavoidably kept away from the capital. You might have traveled much quicker by rail."
"Possibly. But as you say the President is not in Caracas, that would not have helped us. Can you tell if Minister Bowen is at the capital?"
"If he is, he would hardly be accessible at this time. Come, strangers, throw off your cloak of reticence and let us be frank with each other. My name is José Pelado, and having lived several years in your country, I am free to confess I have imbibed some of your Yankee spirit."
Our Americans immediately gave their names, adding that it was to obtain assistance in securing the freedom of a companion that they were on their way to the capital.
"I expected something of this kind. It is fortunate that you have come thus far without molestation, and I will assure you you cannot go as far on your next stage without falling into the hands of the guerilla hordes that infest the jungles. But, pardon me for keeping you from the rest and food that you must need. Partake of such refreshments as I can offer you, then we will discuss the situation."