So Jack explained the situation to Don Ferdinand, adding that they were staying at the Hamilton Hotel on the American side of the River, with Mr. Hampton and Mr. Temple. He urged that Don Ferdinand, if he intended to return across the River, call on those two older men—both of whom were friends.
“Tonight I cannot, Jack,” said Don Ferdinand. “I am staying with friends who expect me. This is their car. But tomorrow I shall give myself the pleasure of calling upon you.”
“Good,” said Jack. “But”—as an afterthought—“come to the hotel before three o’clock tomorrow afternoon, as we all would like to come back here to see the bull fight.”
The old Don agreed to do so. Then with a bow all around, he gave the word to his chauffeur, and the latter pulled out into the street, backed and headed for the International Bridge.
Jack stood at the curb, gazing thoughtfully after the departing car.
“Now I wonder what brought him here, and I wonder about this mysterious Mr. Ramirez,” he said.
He had told Bob and Frank before dinner about the mysterious events transpiring at Don Ferdinand’s mine and about the latter’s disappearance. Captain Cornell likewise knew. So Jack’s remark was understood.
“Well, we’ll find out tomorrow,” said big Bob, stretching. “Come on, lads. Let’s saunter a bit and take in the sights. There’s a hot dog stand just ahead here, and I’m hungry enough to eat a kennel. That little bounce seems to have given me an appetite. Step up, me byes, and order your dogs, with mustard or without.”
CHAPTER VIII.
“IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS.”
Sleepy-eyed still after their late hours of the night before, the boys met at a belated eleven o’clock breakfast in the dining room of the hotel next morning. While they were dressing the Sunday morning church bells had been ringing in their ears. At the table, Bob reported that his father and Mr. Hampton had departed to attend church services.