"Who are you?" inquired Matt, seating himself on one of the low stools with which the room was supplied.
Four pairs of eyes were turned on him blankly, then three pairs swerved to the largest and heaviest man of the lot, who appeared to be the leader.
"No sabe," said this individual.
Matt had picked up a little Spanish while he was in Arizona, but he did not feel that it was sufficient to enable him to hold an extended conversation with the rescued men.
"Unlimber your Spanish, Glennie," said he, "and translate it as you go along. I know something of the lingo, but not enough."
Thereupon the following passed between the ensign and the spokesman for the five, all being translated as the conversation proceeded:
"Who are you?"
"We come from Valparaiso, Chili, but have been at Sandy Point (Punta Arenas) in the strait for a week."
"What is your business?"