“Do you know him?” asked Jim in turn.
“A little,” replied the professor, dryly. “He tried to work off some of his little tricks on me, but I wasn’t to be caught napping. Do you happen to know a particular friend of his, one called Manuel?”
“Ugh!” broke in Berwick. “Don’t speak of that incarnation of wickedness or I shall begin to smell brimstone. I’d rather contend with his satanic majesty, himself.”
The professor made no comment, but asked, “Have you any plans?”
“Nothing definite,” answered Jim, “except to get to the place where the girl is to be returned and see that the bargain is carried out.”
“Good!” agreed the professor. “That is the first step, of course. Now, if you want us, I and my boat are at your service.”
Jim sprang to his feet. “Oh, thank you!” he exclaimed enthusiastically, “we shall be ever indebted.”
“Don’t mention it,” returned the professor. “I have a little score to settle with Broome, myself. I have reason to think he is after me. In some way he has found out about the mine and the map that I have and he is ready to resort to any measures to get possession of it. So you think San Matteo is the place appointed?”
“I feel sure of it.”
“Where are you stopping?” continued the professor.