The girl smiled. “Of course; and the change that came over him was truly startling. His face went white with rage, and his voice trembled as he accused me of being a spy, and of having tricked him. I was actually afraid at first that he was going to order poor little me arrested and put in irons. It was a great relief to me when he apologized.” Hawley smiled. “You made him apologize?” Virginia nodded, and her blue eyes twinkled. “When he was through with his violent outburst,” she said demurely, “I decided that it was my turn to become indignant. I told him haughtily that I didn’t see why he should make such a fuss just because my curiosity had got the best of me. I complained tearfully that I was sorry now that I had consented to come to his horrid old prison, and that I had been through jails in my own country, which I found much more interesting. I guess my words and my manner must have satisfied him at length that I had not recognized the prisoner, for, after he had asked me a few questions, he suddenly became very remorseful for his rough treatment, and begged me to forgive him. Later on, when we were good friends again, I inquired of him carelessly as to the identity of the man I had seen in that cell, and he informed me glibly that he was a political agitator named Pedro Velasquez, who had been in captivity for the past fifteen years. He was even ingenious enough to tell me that the poor fellow had gone out of his mind, and had hallucinations that he was President Felix. I smiled at this and replied that there certainly wasn’t much resemblance between the prisoner and President Felix as I remembered him, which was literally true.” The Camera Chap bestowed upon her a look of frank admiration. “You’re a wonder, Miss Throgmorton!” he declared impulsively. “I don’t know any girl who could have handled the situation more cleverly. I suppose,” he added anxiously, “you told your father of your discovery?” Miss Throgmorton shook her head. “No; I decided that it wouldn’t do to tell dad a word about it. He thinks so highly of Portiforo that I felt sure that he would only laugh at my story, and tell me that my imagination had got the best of me. Besides, I had to consider Captain Reyes. I was afraid that if I told my father of my visit to the prison he might mention the matter to President Portiforo, and thus get Captain Reyes into trouble. I haven’t confided my secret to anybody except yourself and Señora Felix. By the way!” she exclaimed. “Speaking of the señora reminds me that I have a message for you from her. She told me to assure you that she has the greatest confidence in your ability and discretion, but she wishes to urge upon you the necessity of being most careful. On no account must you attempt to see her at her father’s house. The place is watched by spies all the time. If for any reason you should wish to communicate with her, she suggests that it be done through me.”