“Well,” he said, “have you written your message for Captain Mayne?”

“It is here.  The Catalina’s mate is waiting.”

Alvarez turned to the secretary.  “My order was that the patron should come.”

“That is so, senor.  I sent him word.”

“The man told me his wife lived in the town and he was starting back,” Kit interposed.

“The patron has a house here,” Alvarez replied.  “We will see the man.  But first send an order to the guard to let nobody go out.”

He waited for a minute after the secretary went off and then beckoned Kit, who followed him downstairs and into the arcade.  When they reached it Kit stopped and Alvarez turned to him with a meaning smile.  There was nobody on the bench.

“It looks as if my order was sent too late,” Alvarez remarked.  “You had better tell me exactly what happened?”

Kit complied and Alvarez sent for the guard and asked:  “How did you know the sailor was the Catalina’s mate?”

“He told me he was, senor.  Afterwards, when Don Cristoval did not come back, he said it was not important and he would not wait.”

Alvarez dismissed the man and shrugged as he turned to Kit.  “The plotters are clever, but they made a mistake.  The fellow was too modest; he ought to have said he was the patron.  Well, we must try to find him, although I expect we are late.  Now give me the message for Captain Mayne.  It looks as if our antagonists knew its importance.”

Kit gave him the envelope and went back to Adam’s room.

CHAPTER VII

ADAM RESUMES CONTROL

Although the shutters on the balcony window were open, no draught entered the small, bare room and the heat that soaked through the thick walls was nearly intolerable.  There was not a sound in the presidio and a drowsy quietness brooded over the dazzling town.  It was two o’clock in the afternoon, and the citizens were resting in their darkened houses until the sun got low and work and intrigue began again.  Adam and Kit, however, had been talking for some time when the former, leaning back in a big cane chair, frowned at his nephew.  His thin face was wet with sweat, but he shivered and his hands shook.

“You can quit arguing; I’ve got to go,” he said.  “I don’t get much better, anyhow, and can’t stand for lying off when there’s a big job to be done.”

“I believe I could see the job through,” Kit answered quietly.

Adam’s dull eyes sparkled.  “You might; I guess you’re anxious to try your powers, but so long as I can get about I’m in command.”

“It’s doubtful if you can get about,” Kit insisted.

“I’m going to try.  You’ll have a quiet mule ready when it’s getting dark, and I’ll ride out of town; then, if the saddle shakes me, I’ll go in a hammock.  You can cut out your objections.  The thing’s fixed.”