When the bell rang Dick and his companions went to the saloon. There were not many passengers, and the room was nearly empty, but as they entered Dick saw Kenwardine at the bottom of a table. He glanced up as he heard their footsteps, and with an abrupt movement turned his revolving chair partly round. Next moment, however, he looked at Dick coolly, and after a nod of recognition went on with his dinner. Don Sebastian indicated a table between Kenwardine and the door, and they sat down.
Jake played with his food, and Dick had not much appetite, although he partook of the dishes set before him, because he wanted an excuse for occupying the table until Kenwardine had finished. The latter showed no anxiety to get away and now and then kept the steward waiting while he studied the menu. Dick, who envied his coolness, thought it indicated one of two things: Kenwardine knew he was beaten and was philosophically resigned, or had some plan by which he hoped to baffle his pursuers. Now and then Dick looked at Don Sebastian inquiringly, but the Spaniard answered with an enigmatic smile.
In the meantime, the passengers went away to pack or get ready for a run ashore, and at last the saloon was empty except for Dick’s party and Kenwardine. Then Don Sebastian crossed the floor and bowed to the latter.
“It would be a favor if you will take a glass of wine with us,” he said.
“Certainly,” said Kenwardine, getting up, and Don Sebastian, who gave an order to a steward, led the way to a corner table where they would not be disturbed.
“You were, perhaps, surprised to see us, señor,” he resumed, when the others joined them.
“I was,” Kenwardine admitted. “Still, I suppose I ought to have been prepared for something of the kind.”
Don Sebastian bowed. “One may understand that as a compliment?”
“Perhaps it is, in a sense. But I certainly did not expect to meet Mr. Fuller. We are told that his people mean to preserve a strict neutrality.”
Jake colored. “I’d have stood out if you had kept your dago friends off my partner. That’s what brought me in; but I’m still trying to be as neutral as I can.”