"I'm mighty sorry. If you wish, I'll apologize in person to Miss
Torres."
At this Herara cried out in horror; then, after a brief colloquy with the father, he rose stiffly, saying: "I offer no words from my friend. For the present he does not believe, nor do I. Inquiries will be institute, of that be assured. If you have deceived—if your intentions were not of the most honorable"—the head of the Herara Business College glared in a horrible manner—"you will have occasion to regret those foolish jokes."
Kirk tried to explain that his present regrets were ample for all time, but, bowing formally, the visitors withdrew, leaving him to revile anew the name of Allan Allan.
When the black boy returned, foot-sore but cheerful, his appearance was the signal for an outburst that left him disconsolate and bewildered. He apologized over and over for his little error, and tried to reinstate himself by announcing, with a confidence he was far from feeling, that this time he had identified the elusive Chiquita beyond the peradventure of a doubt. This welcome intelligence did much to make Kirk forget his wrath.
"What's her name?" he inquired, eagerly.
"Fermina, sar."
"Are you sure?"
"H'entirely. But it will not h'avail to be courting of those ladies,
Master h'Auntony."
"Is there more than one?"
"Two of they—sisters—very rich. They h'occupy the 'ouse h'adjoining
Senor Torres."