Jack shrugged his shoulders. He was a youth of few words, and saw no reason to waste breath on such obstinacy. All the same, he held to his opinion. Don Rafael or no Don Rafael, the three war-ships and their crews were not to be trusted. In spite of his refusal to believe in such treachery, it seemed as though Don Miguel also had his doubts on the subject. "I will see the President about this you speak of, Señor. It is as well that all things should be guarded against." "There is one other thing that should be guarded against," said Jack, gravely. "Doña Serafina and your niece are some distance from the city, at your estancia. As there may be a war, the country will not be safe. I suggest that you, Señor, should ride out and escort them back." "I am afraid I cannot leave the city at this juncture." "Then let me go, Señor," said Jack, eagerly. "In any event, I will have to see the railway works; they are near your estancia, you know. Let me ride over to-morrow, and I will bring them back with me." "It is too much honour, Señor," replied Maraquando politely. "Still, if you can spare the time----" "Oh, that will be all right, Señor. It is settled, then, I will go to-morrow." "I am your debtor, Don Juan, and accept the offer with a thousand thanks. But your friends----" "Oh, we will look round Tlatonac," said Tim, putting up his pocket-book, wherein he had been making notes; "and if you will but introduce me to the President, Señor Maraquando, I shall take it as a favour. It will be useful to me in my letters to Europe." "I am at your service, Señor Corresponsal. His Excellency will have much pleasure in receiving you, I am sure. Bueno!" "That settles you, Tim," said Duval, in English "Philip can go with you, unless he prefers to remain with Doña Eulalia. But Peter?" "Oh, send him after butterflies!" Duval thought this a good idea, and, turning to Don Miguel, explained how anxious Peter was in pursuit of insects. Could Don Miguel send him beyond the city in charge of some one, to hunt for beetles? Maraquando reflected for a moment, and thought that he could do so. There was an Indian named Cocom, who would attend to Don Pedro. Unfortunately, he spoke no English. "Never mind," said Jack, easily, "when my friend is hunting the wily butterfly, he speaks to no one. All I desire is that he should have a guide, so that he be not lost." "Bueno! I will see that Cocom goes with Don Pedro to-morrow." Jack called Peter from his interesting conversation with Eulalia, and explained matters. The doctor was quite agreeable, and wanted to go at once to the yacht, in order to get his paraphernalia ashore. This ardent desire, however, was not gratified at the moment, as they could scarcely take leave of their courteous host in so cavalier a fashion. "By the way, Jack," said Philip, at this moment, "are we to stay on board the yacht during our stay here?" "By no means. We will go to my house." "What! are you a landed proprietor, Jack?"