The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water Part 40

"Right. But how are we going to find it?"

"I'll try some of these natives. Some of 'em must speak English."

After two unsuccessful attempts, Mr. Willing was successful in his quest.

Half an hour later they were in the presence of the American Consul, Mr.

Edwards, to whom they explained the matter.

"What are they, a band of robbers?" asked d.i.c.k.

"I should say they are probably revolutionists," replied the consul.

"The situation here is peculiar. All factions are at war with each other. The latest so-called patriots are followers of Carranza, and I happen to know are without funds. If they can't pay their men they will lose them. I wouldn't be surprised if they were the ones who had captured your daughters."

"Well, what are we going to do about it?" demanded Mr. Willing.

"To tell the truth, there isn't much we can do. Officially, I am powerless. The United States hasn't recognized the Carranza faction, and for that reason I cannot call on its agents officially. However, I can pay a personal call upon Senor Jorge Hernandez. He may know something."

"Then let's get busy at once," cried d.i.c.k.

"I don't suppose you care to pay this ransom, Mr. Willing?" asked the consul.

"I'll pay it if I can't get my daughter back any other way. If she is in danger I shall pay it anyhow."

"I am sure that she is in no danger of violence," returned the consul.

"They would not harm an American at this crisis. All they will do is to hold her in the hope that eventually you will pay. I would advise against paying the ransom at once."

"I shall follow your advice, sir," said Mr. Willing. "You know more about these brutes than I do."

"Then we shall call on Hernandez," said the consul. "Come."

He called a cab, and all were soon at the home of Senor Hernandez, who Consul Edwards explained, was one of the foremost of the revolutionists in western Mexico.

Senor Hernandez received them cordially, and expressed surprise at the story Mr. Willing related. He even called his wife into consultation.

"If our party is concerned in this matter I am not aware of it," he told them. "I shall make inquiries, and if I find it is true, someone shall pay dearly."

"Oh, some of your fellows have captured them all right," declared d.i.c.k angrily. "I wouldn't be surprised if you know all about it."

"Sir!" exclaimed the Mexican, drawing himself up.

"Mr. Stanley!" exclaimed the consul. "You forget yourself!"

Even Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton apologized to the Mexican for d.i.c.k's outburst.

"Say no more about it, senors," was the suave reply. "Youth is always hot-headed, you know."

"I didn't say it because I am hot-headed," declared d.i.c.k. "I said it because I mean it."

Hernandez gazed at the others with an air of wounded dignity.

"If I am to be insulted, I shall not continue the interview longer," he said.

"The boy meant no harm, senor," said the consul. "He is just angry, that's all."

"Then, I shall speak more with you if he is excused," was the reply.

The consul looked at d.i.c.k.

"You had better go outside," he said. "You have already made trouble enough."

d.i.c.k was on the point of making an angry retort, but checked himself.

"Very well," he said. "I shall wait for you without."

He left the room, and went out on to the street, where he stood gazing first this way and then that while he waited for the appearance of the others.

A man swung sharply past him in the darkness. d.i.c.k was caught by the other's erect carriage, plainly that of a military man.

"Too tall for a Mexican," muttered d.i.c.k. "I'll have a look at him."

He followed. Under a dim street light half a block away the man paused to light a cigar. The flare of the match lighted up his features.

"Von Blusen!" exclaimed d.i.c.k. "I'll bet he is mixed up in this in some way. I'll follow him."

Taking pains to avoid being discovered, he set out on Von Blusen's trail.

CHAPTER XXIV.-FLIGHT.

When Mrs. Sebastian entered the room where Shirley and Mabel were held prisoners, followed by Captain Von Blusen, she immediately addressed her fellow conspirators.

"This," she said, indicating the German officer, "is Captain Von Blusen, a German naval officer. He informs me that he is seeking, for his government, a naval base on the Pacific. In return for this the German government will pay handsomely."

"In that event," replied the Mexican, who it now developed was none other than Miguel Martinez, "we may do business. Take a seat, senor."

Von Blusen did so, and for the first time his eyes fell upon the two girls.

"Miss Ashton! Miss Willing!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"We are prisoners," replied Shirley bitterly.

"Why?" demanded the captain.

"Held for ransom," replied Shirley.