A yell of derision came from the other boat, and at the same instant something heavy whizzed past Nat’s head, almost striking him. It fell in to the water with a splash.
“They threw something at me, an iron weight, or a rock, or something,” exclaimed Nat as the sailboat, still going at the same rapid rate, vanished in the darkness. “What do you make of such conduct?”
“I don’t know what to think,” rejoined the professor. “I was inclined to believe at first that the sailors of that craft were merely careless. But the throwing of that weight puts a different complexion on the matter. It looks as if they deliberately tried to wreck us.”
“It does,” agreed Nat; “the whole thing is very mysterious. I’m sure I don’t know why any inhabitant of Santa Rosa should wish us harm.”
But further discussion of the matter was cut short by the necessity of arousing the boatmen, who were still stupid from fright. This was accomplished at last, and the boat was sent whizzing through the water again.
They were landed at a tumble-down wharf, and as the tide was out they got the full benefit of the odors inseparable from a South American town. Both, however, were too intent on the work in hand to waste much thought on this.
The professor, who spoke Spanish, as did Nat after a fashion, inquired the way to the consulate, and a ragged mestizo volunteered to escort him thither. But to their disappointment, when they reached the building, which served both as a dwelling and an office, the consul’s assistant informed them that he was not expected for an hour or more. They were invited to wait, however.
Professor Grigg, who was tired, gladly accepted the invitation, and sank into a comfortable chair. But sitting still didn’t much appeal to Nat.
“I guess I’ll stroll about the town a little and meet you here later,” he said to the professor after a few moments.
“Very well, my lad. But be careful,” was the reply.