"You, Senor?" demanded an incredible, drowsy voice.

"Yes; it's I—-Reade."

"A thousand pardons, Senor!"

"So this is you, Nicolas?"

"Yes, Senor."

"What are you doing here?"

"The negro got away from me."

"I know that, but—-"

"I could not help it, Senor. I assure you I was not careless."

"I never knew you to be careless, Nicolas."