Brandon of the Engineers

"I didn't suggest that he wished to injure Brandon. He might have meant

to dope me."

Don Sebastian smiled. "That is so, but on the whole I do not think it

probable. Do you know of anybody whom your friend has harmed?"

Jake decided to tell him about Oliva. He was now convinced that Don

Sebastian knew more than he admitted and that his interest was not

unfriendly. Besides, there was somehow a hint of authority in the

fellow's thin, dark face. He showed polite attention as Jake narrated the

events that had led to Oliva's dismissal, but the lad imagined that he

was telling him nothing he had not already heard.

"The motive may have been revenge, but as Señor Brandon was stabbed that

ought to satisfy his enemy. Besides, these people are unstable; they do

not even indulge in hatred long. Do you know if your comrade has taken

any part in political intrigue?"

"It's most unlikely; he would make a very poor conspirator," Jake

replied.

"Then have you heard of any señorita, or perhaps a half-breed girl who

has taken his fancy?"

"No," said Jake. "Dick is not that kind."

He thought Don Sebastian had been clearing the ground, eliminating

possibilities to which he did not attach much weight, and waited with

interest for his remarks.

"Well," said the Spaniard, "I think you and the man, Payne, should watch

over your friend, but it might be better if you did not tell him you are

doing so or ask him any questions, and I would sooner you did not mention

this interview. If, however, anything suspicious happens again, it might

be an advantage if you let me know. You can send word to me at the

hotel."

"Not at Kenwardine's?"

Don Sebastian gave him a quiet glance, but Jake thought it was keenly

observant and remembered how, one night when a messenger entered

Kenwardine's patio, Richter, the German, had stood where he obstructed

the Spaniard's view.

"No," he said, "I should prefer the hotel. Will you promise?"

"I will," Jake answered impulsively. "However, you seem to suggest that I

should leave my partner to grapple with this thing himself and I don't

like that. If he's up against any danger, I want to butt in. Dick's no

fool, but there are respects in which he's not very keen. His mind's

fixed on concrete, and when he gets off it his imagination's sometimes

rather weak----"

He stopped, feeling that he must not seem to censure his friend, and Don

Sebastian nodded with a twinkle of amusement.

"I think I understand. There are, however, men of simple character and no

cunning who are capable of going far and sometimes surprise the friends

who do not know them very well. I cannot tell if Señor Brandon is one of

these, but it is not impossible. After all, it is often the clever man

who makes the worst mistakes; and on the whole I imagine it would be

wiser to leave your comrade alone."