Brandon of the Engineers

Dick frowned, for he saw what the other implied. If Kenwardine had to be

supplied with money, where did it come from? It was not his business to

defend the man and he must do what he could to protect British shipping,

but Kenwardine was Clare's father, and he was not going to expose him

until he was sure of his guilt.

"But if he was plotting anything that would get your President into

trouble, he must have known he would be found out."

"Certainly. But suppose he imagined he might not be found out until he

had done what he came to do? It would not matter then."

Dick said nothing. He knew he was no match for the Spaniard in subtlety,

but he would not be forced into helping him. He set his lips, and Don

Sebastian watched him with amusement.

"Well," said the latter, "you have my sympathy. The señorita's eyes are

bright."

"I cannot have Miss Kenwardine mentioned," Dick rejoined. "She has

nothing to do with the matter."

"That is agreed," Don Sebastian answered, and leaned forward as he added

in a meaning tone: "You are English and your life has been threatened by

men who plot against your country. I might urge that they may try again

and I could protect you; but you must see what their thinking you

dangerous means. Now I want your help."

Dick's face was very resolute as he looked at him. "If any harm comes to

the liner, I'll do all I can. But I'll do nothing until I know. In the

meantime, can you warn the captain?"

Don Sebastian bowed. "I must be satisfied with your promise. We may find

the key to the telegram, and must try to get into communication with the

steamer."

They went down stairs together, but the Spaniard did not leave the office

with Dick, who went out alone and found Bethune and Jake waiting at the

end of the line. They bantered him about his leaving them on board the

ship, but although he thought Jake looked at him curiously, he told them

nothing.

When work stopped on the Saturday evening, Jake and Dick went to dine

with Bethune. It was getting dark when they reached a break in the dam,

where a gap had been left open while a sluice was being built. A

half-finished tower rose on the other side and a rope ladder hung down

for the convenience of anybody who wished to cross. A large iron pipe

that carried water to a turbine, however, spanned the chasm, and the

sure-footed peons often used it as a bridge. This required some agility

and nerve, but it saved an awkward scramble across the sluice and up the

concrete.