“I was thinking of Don Ferdinand, Dad,” said Jack. “And so were you, I could tell. I wonder now whether Ramirez is really mixed up with the Don’s failure to keep his appointment with us today?”
“I’d say he was,” said Frank. “Remember that telegram spoke of ‘important developments’.”
Mr. Hampton nodded. “Yes, and that’s why I thought it would be wise for Cornell to trail those two rascals. But I can’t help wishing that Bob hadn’t gone.”
“Well, it’s too late to be mended now,” said Jack, practically. “There. Ramirez and Ramon also have reached the stairway. There, they have started down. It’s a good thing Bob and Captain Cornell were so situated that they managed to get down first. It certainly will make matters easier for them.”
Mr. Hampton nodded. “Yes, and a good thing they got away when they did, for, see, the crowd is beginning to subside at last.”
The boys gazed below them at the stands. Many still shouted, but large sections were desisting and beginning to sink back into their seats. As for Estramadura, the matador, he had disappeared. The corpse of the slain bull likewise had been removed while their attention was otherwise engaged, without their having been aware of what was transpiring in the arena.
“Now I expect this other matador, the Mexican, Juan Salento, will have his chance to show his prowess,” said Mr. Hampton. “Well, I suppose we may as well see it out. We’d have a hard time leaving now, anyhow, for once the next bull fight begins it would be much as our lives would be worth to try to pass in front of these fellows in making our way to the exit.”
They resumed their seats, and Jack leaning over the parapet behind them searched the ground far below for signs of his companions or their quarry but without success. The exit was hidden from his view. Then he turned back to Frank and seeing the latter’s woe-begone expression he burst into a laugh.
“Brace up, old thing,” he said, slapping Frank on the back. “I feel just as bad about being left behind as you. But what must be, must. We’ll have our chance yet, never fear. I feel in my bones that something is going on that spells action for us.”