It was but a moment before they were confronted by Samuel Barker, the rascally lawyer who had helped them to defraud Robert Sherwood out of the greater part of his money. Barker was a tall, thin man, with a long, hooked nose, and cruel gray eyes that winked and blinked constantly. He smiled hypocritically as he extended to each a cold, clammy hand. "Delighted, gentlemen," he said, in a high, squeaky voice. "I did not expect you back so soon. What news do you bring?" "We have him caged again," growled Mazenas. "But we had considerable trouble in doing it," he added, in Spanish. "I am glad to hear that he is once more back in prison. He must not again escape. In fact, it would be far better were he entirely out of the way." The peculiar tone in which Samuel Barker uttered the words made both of the Spanish officers start. Mazenas was particularly disturbed. "You speak as if there were great need of precaution," he cried. "And there is, gentlemen, there is." "Why?" "Less than two hours ago I received a letter from Santiago, from my partner, and in that letter he states that Thomas Herringford, who was Robert Sherwood's lawyer, has met this Howard Sherwood, and is now doing all in his power to get at the bottom of this business. No doubt Howard Sherwood is about to push his claim to the uttermost, and----" He paused. "And the quicker we get him out of our way the better," finished Captain Nocolo, bluntly. He had little of the outer polish of his two companions. "It would--ah--assist us very materially if young Sherwood did not appear as a claimant," returned Samuel Barker, dryly. "In your case it would be killing two birds with one stone," said the captain, turning to Lieutenant Mazenas. "For if Sherwood gets out again, it is likely that he'll persuade the fair Estella to elope with him." At this the lieutenant swore roundly. "We must effectually dispose of him, that is apparent. The question is, how is it to be accomplished?" There was a brief silence as the trio looked at each other. The thoughts of all were busy; but it remained to the rascally lawyer to make an acceptable suggestion. "Prisoners confined in dungeons frequently grow despondent and take their own lives," he remarked. "Now, if some fine morning it was discovered that this Sherwood had taken poison----" "Just the thing--and so easy!" cried Captain Nocolo. "Barker, you are a man of infinite resource. He shall be so discovered--eh, Mazenas?" "I agree," replied the lieutenant. "But how shall the poison be administered?" "Poison is often taken with food. I have with me some that might be placed in soup, or coffee, or even water," said Samuel Barker. "Let us have it," whispered Lieutenant Mazenas, hoarsely. "What is it--a powder?" "Exactly. Pour it in any liquid, and it will seem to disappear. But it will be there--never fear, it will be there," and the rascally lawyer smiled grimly.