“I’ve some doubts,” Dick answered dryly, and was told that he was connected with the Adexe wharf.
“What about the coal for the Fuller irrigation works?” he asked.
“The tug and four lighters left last night,” somebody answered in Castilian, and Dick imagined from the harshness of the voice that one of the wharf-hands was speaking.
“That is so,” he said. “Has she returned yet?”
“No, señor,” said the man. “The tug——”
He broke off, and there was silence for some moments, after which a different voice took up the conversation in English.
“Sorry it may be a day or two before we can send more of your coal. The tug’s engines——”
“Has she got back?” Dick demanded sharply.
“Speak louder; I cannot hear.”
Dick did so, but the other did not seem to understand.