"Yes, Senor, unfortunately we have had visitors--on one occasion; and that visit may very possibly--now that you come to mention it--have had something to do with the disappearance of Senor Montijo and his family. It occurred some three weeks ago; and the visitors consisted of an officer of cavalry and a dozen troopers. He--the officer--enquired for Don Hermoso; and, when told that he was absent from home, demanded the keys of Don Hermoso's desk, which he compelled me to surrender. And when I had handed over the keys, the officer sat down at the desk and spent nearly three hours in going through the whole of Senor Montijo's private papers, some of which he took away with him." "Did he make any remark, or say who he was?" demanded Jack. "No, Senor; neither the one nor the other," answered Calderon. "How long have you been in Don Hermoso's service?" demanded Jack. "For eleven years and--let me consider--yes--for eleven years and nine months, Senor. And I owe to Don Hermoso everything that I have," answered Calderon. "And I suppose you are fully in Don Hermoso's confidence?" asked Jack. "I believe so, Senor," answered Calderon; "I doubt very much whether he has any secrets from me. I know, for instance," dropping his voice almost to a whisper, "that the yacht _Thetis_, which is understood to be your property, really belongs to him. I also know that she brought out from England a large consignment of arms, ammunition, and stores for the use of the insurgents, and that the consignment was landed in the Laguna de Cortes; and I am fully aware that Senor Montijo is actively sympathetic with the insurgents--as is every member of his family and household, down to the meanest stable boy or labourer in the fields." "In that case," said Jack, "the probability is that the papers which the unknown cavalry officer took away with him were of a more or less compromising character, eh?"