Brandon of the Engineers

Jake nodded. "You have already warned Brandon that he might be in some

danger in the town."

"That's so. Since then, I reckoned that they were getting after him

here, but we were more likely to hold them up if they didn't know we

knew. That's why I called out to show I thought it was Pepe who was in

the shack."

"Very well," said Jake. "There's nothing more to be done in the meantime,

but you'd better tell me if you find out anything else."

Payne went away and when Dick came in Jake took him into his room and

indicated the blotter.

"Have you torn off the top sheet in the last few days?"

"I don't remember doing so, but now I come to look, it has been torn

off."

"What have you been writing lately?"

"Orders for small supplies, specifications of material, and such things."

"Concrete, in short?" Jake remarked. "Well, it's not an interesting

subject to outsiders and sometimes gets very stale to those who have to

handle it. Are you quite sure you haven't been writing about anything

else?"

"I am sure. Why do you ask?"

"Because, as you see, somebody thought it worth while to steal the top

sheet of your blotter," Jake replied. "Now perhaps I'd better tell you

something I've just learned."

He related what Payne had told him and concluded: "I'm puzzled about

Oliva's motive. After all, it could hardly be revenge."

"No," said Dick, with a thoughtful frown, "I don't imagine it is."

"Then what does he expect to gain?"

Dick was silent for a few moments with knitted brows, and then asked:

"You have a Monroe Doctrine, haven't you?"

"We certainly have," Jake agreed, smiling. "We reaffirmed it not long

ago."

"Roughly speaking, the Doctrine states that no European power can be

allowed to set up a naval base or make warlike preparations in any part

of America. In fact, you warn all foreigners to keep their hands off?"

"That's its general purport; but while I support it patriotically, I

can't tell you exactly what it says. Anyhow, I don't see what this has to

do with the matter."

"Nor do I, but it seems to promise a clue," Dick answered dryly. He

frowned at the blotter and then added: "We'll leave it at that. I've some

vague suspicions, but nothing to act upon. If the thing gets any plainer,

I'll let you know."

"But what about Payne? Is he to hang around here nights with his gun?"

"No," said Dick, "it isn't necessary. But there'd be no harm in our

taking a few precautions."

He stretched his arms wearily when Jake left him, for he had had a tiring

day and had now been given ground for anxious thought. He had not

troubled much about Oliva while he imagined that the fellow was actuated

by a personal grudge, but his antagonism began to look more dangerous.

Suppose the Adexe coaling station was intended to be something of the

nature of a naval base? Munitions and other contraband of war might be

quietly sent off with fuel to fighting ships. Richter, the German, had

certainly been associated with Kenwardine, who had made an opportunity

for telling Jake that they had disagreed. Then suppose the owners of the

station had learned that they were being spied upon? Dick admitted that

he might not have been as tactful as he thought; and he was employed by

an influential American. The Americans might be disposed to insist upon a

strict observance of the Monroe Doctrine. Granting all this, if he was to

be dealt with, it would be safer to make use of a half-breed who was

known to have some ground for hating him.