“What is to be done?” exclaimed Virginia, in a tone of deep concern. “Poor Señora Felix! I fear that all her brave efforts to save her husband have been in vain. Now that Portiforo knows that the press of the United States is aware of his secret, he will take no chances. In order to avert discovery he will resort to desperate measures.” “The situation is pretty bad,” Hawley admitted. “Still, it might be worse, I think. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since I met Gale last night, and I believe I’ve hit upon a way of lulling Portiforo into a sense of false security.” “What is it?” the girl demanded eagerly. “I understand, from what Gale told me last evening,” the Camera Chap explained, “that Portiforo invited him to dinner for the double purpose of finding out how much he knew, and denying vehemently that there was any truth in the rumor. Now, my idea is that if Gale can be made to believe that Portiforo spoke the truth--that there is absolutely nothing in the rumor of President Felix’s confinement in El Torro, he will wire his paper to that effect, the _News_ will publish the story, knocking the supposed lie on the head; the story will be cabled back to San Cristobal, and Portiforo will be satisfied that he has nothing to fear from the press of the United States.” “But how are we going to make Mr. Gale believe Portiforo’s denial?” Virginia queried. “He doesn’t believe it now. He was arguing with father about it at the breakfast table this morning. He said that Portiforo was very crafty--that he couldn’t fool him, but that he intended to keep right on until he got the proof.” “And what did Mr. Throgmorton say to that?” Hawley inquired, greatly interested. “Dad got angry and said that he had given Mr. Gale credit for having more sense. He asserted that Portiforo was a most estimable gentleman, and the best president that had ever ruled over Baracoa, and that this preposterous rumor about Felix was a base slander concocted by the enemies of the present administration. Dad asked Mr. Gale about his visit to El Torro fortress. It seems that Mr. Gale went all through the prison the other day, on a pass from the minister of war. Dad wanted to know how he had been treated there. Mr. Gale said that he had been received very cordially, that Captain Reyes had taken him all over the prison, and that he had discovered nothing to confirm his suspicions.” “Then he didn’t see the cell with the covered door?” Hawley remarked. “Evidently not; at least, he didn’t mention it. Still, he is far from satisfied. He argued with father that the prison officials knew he was coming, and could easily have removed President Felix before he got there. So you see, Mr. Hawley,” Virginia pointed out, “we would have a hard time trying to make him believe that there is nothing in the story.” The Camera Chap smiled. “I think I have found a way of convincing him,” he said quietly. “In order to carry out my plan, Miss Throgmorton, I shall need your assistance.”