Jake played with his food, and Dick had not much appetite, although he partook of the dishes set before him, because he wanted an excuse for occupying the table until Kenwardine had finished. The latter showed no anxiety to get away and now and then kept the steward waiting while he studied the menu. Dick, who envied his coolness, thought it indicated one of two things: Kenwardine knew he was beaten and was philosophically resigned, or had some plan by which he hoped to baffle his pursuers. Now and then Dick looked at Don Sebastian inquiringly, but the Spaniard answered with an enigmatic smile. In the meantime, the passengers went away to pack or get ready for a run ashore, and at last the saloon was empty except for Dick's party and Kenwardine. Then Don Sebastian crossed the floor and bowed to the latter. "It would be a favor if you will take a glass of wine with us," he said. "Certainly," said Kenwardine, getting up, and Don Sebastian, who gave an order to a steward, led the way to a corner table where they would not be disturbed. "You were, perhaps, surprised to see us, senor," he resumed, when the others joined them. "I was," Kenwardine admitted. "Still, I suppose I ought to have been prepared for something of the kind." Don Sebastian bowed. "One may understand that as a compliment?" "Perhaps it is, in a sense. But I certainly did not expect to meet Mr. Fuller. We are told that his people mean to preserve a strict neutrality." Jake colored. "I'd have stood out if you had kept your dago friends off my partner. That's what brought me in; but I'm still trying to be as neutral as I can." "Senor Fuller has informed us that he means to see you get fair play," Don Sebastian interposed. "Well, he has my thanks for that, and my sympathy, which I think he needs," Kenwardine rejoined with a twinkle. "There's no doubt that he owes Mr. Brandon something, and I flatter myself that he rather liked me. It must have been embarrassing to find that he couldn't be friends with both. However, you had better tell me what you want. My clothes are not packed, and I must land as soon as possible, because I have some business to transact to-night." "I am afraid you will be unable to do so," Don Sebastian said politely. "Why?" "The explanation is rather long, but, to begin with, you no doubt know I was ordered to watch you." "I must admit that I suspected something very like it." "The President imagined you might become dangerous to the neutrality of the State, and I learned enough to show that he was right." "What did you learn?" Don Sebastian smiled. "I will be frank and put down my cards. I would not do so, senor, if I thought you could beat them."