Brandon of the Engineers

"Up the mole, señor," one answered breathlessly.

"It is all you will learn from them," Don Sebastian remarked. "I think we

will try the telegrafia first."

There was no time for questions and Dick jumped out as the launch ran

alongside the steps. Don Sebastian stopped him when he reached the top.

"In Santa Brigida, nobody runs unless there is an earthquake or a

revolution. We do not want people to follow us."

Dick saw the force of this and started for the telegraph office, walking

as fast as possible. When he looked round, his companion had vanished,

but he rejoined him on the steps of the building. They went in together

and found nobody except a languid clerk leaning on a table. Don Sebastian

turned to Dick and said in English, "It will be better if you leave this

matter to me."

Dick noted that the clerk suddenly became alert when he saw his

companion, but he waited at a few yards' distance and Don Sebastian said:

"A man came in not long since with a telegram. He was short and very dark

and probably signed the form Vinoles."

"He did, señor," said the clerk.

"Very well. I want to see the message before it is sent."

"It has gone, señor, three or four minutes ago."

Don Sebastian made a gesture of resignation, spreading out his hands.

"Then bring me the form."

Dick thought it significant that the clerk at once obeyed, but Don

Sebastian, who stood still for a moment, turned to him.

"It is as I thought," he said in English, and ordered the clerk: "Take us

into the manager's room."

The other did so, and after shutting the door withdrew. Don Sebastian

threw the form on the table.

"It seems we are too late," he said.