"Unfortunately, the chances are a hundred to one that, if he came, he would bring an aide with him, as he did to-day. What should we do then?"
"Take the aide to the island with us," I replied promptly. "One more prisoner would make little or no difference to Silvestre."
Next morning I was the recipient of an invitation from the President to dine at the palace on the Thursday following. Needless to say, I hastened to accept, and in due course presented myself at his Excellency's magnificent abode. I was met in the hall by the aide-de-camp who had breakfasted with us on board the yacht, and by him was conducted to the great drawing-room where the President and his niece were receiving their guests. Some thirty or forty people were present, among the number being General Sagana and Madame, and their two fair daughters, who welcomed me like old friends. The President took the General's wife in to dinner, while, for some reason best known to them, I was permitted the honour of escorting the Señorita.
"So you have not grown tired of Equinata yet, Señor Trevelyan?" said my fair companion, as we made our way in our turn along the stately hall in the direction of the dining-room.
"On the contrary, I grow more charmed with it every day," I replied. "Who could help liking it, when its citizens are so hospitable to strangers?"
"Before you praise us, remember that you set us a charming example," she continued. "It will be long before I forget the pleasant morning we spent on board your yacht. I can assure you that my uncle also looks back on it with the greatest pleasure."
"I trust it may not be the last time he will visit her," I answered, with more truth than is usually attachable to an idle compliment.
The room in which we dined was a magnificent apartment, furnished with a grandeur that gave it an almost regal dignity. The President's chef was evidently a treasure, for the dinner could scarcely have been excelled. During its progress the President addressed himself on several occasions to me, and invited me to accompany him on a visit to some celebrated copper mines in the neighbourhood, also to a review of the troops which was to take place in the Great Square in a week's time. As may be supposed, I was quick to accept both invitations.
"And at the end of the week there is to be a grand ball at the Opera House," the Señorita continued, when her uncle had finished speaking. "It is in aid of the convent of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and is one of our recognized gaieties of the year. I wonder if we shall be able to persuade you to be present?"
"I shall be more than delighted," I replied. "That is, of course, provided I am not compelled to leave Equinata in the meantime."