“It’s just a precaution,” Jake declared. “There’s really nothing the matter, but he thought it would be better to keep out the strong light.”
“Ah!” said Dick, who was not deceived, and was silent for the next few moments. Then he resumed in a rather strained voice: “Well, let’s talk about something else. Where’s Don Sebastian?”
“I haven’t seen him since lunch, but he spent the morning interviewing the British authorities.”
“Do you think he told them to send after Kenwardine?”
“No,” said Jake with a twinkle, “I rather think he’s put them off the track, and although he had to give them a hint out of politeness, doesn’t want them to know too much. Then there’s only an old-fashioned cruiser here and I understand she has to stop for a guardship. In fact, Don Sebastian seems to imagine that Kenwardine is safe so long as he keeps off British soil. However, an official gentleman with a refined taste in clothes and charming manners called at our hotel and is coming to see you as soon as the doctor will let him.”
Next morning Dick saw the gentleman, who stated his rank and then asked a number of questions, which Dick did not answer clearly. He was glad that his bandaged head gave him an excuse for seeming stupid. He had done his part, and now Kenwardine could do no further harm, it would be better for everybody if he got away. After a time, his visitor observed:
“Well, you seem to have rendered your country a service, and I expect you will find things made smooth for you at home after our report upon the matter has been received.”
“Ah!” said Dick. “It looks as if you knew why I left.”
The gentleman made a sign of assent. “Your Spanish friend was discreet, but he told us something. Besides, there are army lists and London Gazettes in Kingston.”
Dick was silent for a few moments, and then said: “As a matter of fact, I am not anxious to go home just yet.”