David felt sure that he was the most luckless of all persons. So far, about everything had gone wrong. But there must be a turning-point somewhere. It was strange how a single misunderstanding could cause so much confusion. To make matters worse, regardless of what happened he had to accept the situation in apparent good humor, for he dared not assert himself too strongly. If there had been trouble, he would have been blamed, fairly or unfairly; that had been, almost invariably, his experience. Rather than take a single chance at spoiling this opportunity of a lifetime he would suffer in silence. But when the day came, as it surely would, when he had won his spurs, he would demonstrate that he could direct affairs as well as obey the orders of others. He had wanted to thrash Rogers; and the American Consul should at least have been told that his duties did not include meddling in other people’s business. As for the gruff captain of the _Aguila_--he should receive his dues when the time came; Mr. Rice would of course make him regret his rude conduct toward his guest. When David reached his hotel his indignation was still at the boiling point. He must relieve his mind to someone and that person, unfortunately, was the owner of the hotel, for he happened to be the first one he chanced to meet. He told him the whole episode from beginning to end omitting none of the details. The man listened attentively until the recital was finished. Then he grunted, with an amused expression on his face. “Hum! I think he did right in not taking you. His orders were clear.” “Yes, but how about the letter? He said he was leaving in two hours and then went in half an hour.” “There may have been a reason for the change. If you knew his boss you would not blame him for being careful. Las Palmas is a notorious place. Everyone who can, avoids it. Those who are there are slaves--they are afraid to leave. Rice has the reputation of being the worst character in the country.” “That’s very interesting,” David retorted. “I am very glad to hear it because I had the idea that all ranch life had become tame and commonplace. It will be great to see a real place--I can hardly wait to get there.” “And how are you going to get there?” the Brazilian asked with a smile. “That is the question just now; but, once there, I guess I can look out for myself.” “You can’t walk. It is many, many kilometers away. And the ranch boats, you say, will not be back in a long time.” “Right! Still, I will find a way.” “Let me assure you that you will not. Now listen. You do not know how lucky you are to have escaped that outfit at Las Palmas----” “And next,” David interrupted, “you will be saying that there is a boat out of here for New York soon and I had better take it.” The hotel man looked sheepish. “I thought so,” David continued. “Save yourself any further trouble on my account. You take care of your business and I’ll tend mine. Please remember that.”