"I have information," began the dictator slowly, "that two men suspected of connection with an insurgent _junta_ have been arrested. As to their nationality, I have received no details. Certainly, no American citizen has been seized with my consent. The affair appears grave, and shall be investigated. Your excellency realizes the necessity of vigilance. The revolutionist forfeits his nationality." He spread his hands in a vague gesture. "Mr. Robert Saxon," retorted the minister, "should hardly be a suspect. The fact that he was not a guest at my legation, and for the time a member of my family, was due only to the accident of my absence from the city on his arrival yesterday." With sudden bustle, the machinery of the Palace was set in motion. Of a surety, some one had blundered, and "some one" should be condignly punished! It was a very irate gentleman, flushed from unwonted exertion in the tropics, who was ushered at last into Saxon's room. It was a very much puzzled and interested gentleman who stood contemplatively studying the direct eyes of the prisoner a half-hour later. Saxon had told Mr. Pendleton the entire narrative of his quest of himself, and, as he told it, the older man listened without a question or interruption, standing with his eyes fixed on the teller, twisting an unlighted cigar in his fingers. "Mr. Saxon, I am here to safeguard the interests of Americans. Our government does not, however, undertake to chaperon filibustering expeditions. It becomes necessary to question you." There followed a brief catechism in which the replies seemed to satisfy the questioner. When he came to the incident of his meeting with Rodman, Saxon paused. "As to Rodman," he said, "who was arrested with me, I have no knowledge that would be evidence. I know nothing except from the hearsay of his recital." Mr. Pendleton raised his hand. "I am only questioning you as to yourself. This other man, Rodman, will have to prove his innocence. I'm afraid I can't help him. According to their own admissions, they know nothing against you beyond the fact that you were seen with him last night." Saxon came to his feet, bewildered. "But the previous matter--the embezzlement?" he demanded. "Of course, I had nothing to do with this affair. It was that other for which I was arrested." The envoy laughed. "You punched cows six years ago. You cartooned five years ago, and you have painted landscapes ever since. I presume, if it became necessary, you could prove an alibi for almost seven years?" Saxon nodded. He fancied he saw the drift of the argument. It was to culminate in the same counsel that Steele had given. He would be advised to allow the time to reach the period when his other self should be legally dead. Mr. Pendleton paced the floor for a space, then came back and halted before the cot, on the edge of which the prisoner sat.