“I guess Uncle Sam is strong enough to command respect,” said Anthony.

“Well, I know the circumstances now, and I’ll go straight to Weeks.  He can arrange your release without trouble.  If you were an Englishman, I’d have you out in no time, and you’d collect handsome damages, too.  This boy will.”

True to the consul’s prediction, a little later the Jamaican was led out of the cell, and from the fact that he was not brought back Kirk judged that the British intervention had been effectual.  But it was not until the next morning, the second of his imprisonment, that the cell door opened once more, this time to admit the portly figure of John Weeks and the spruce person of Senor Ramon Alfarez.

“What’s all this trouble about?” inquired the former in none too amiable a tone.

Kirk told his story as briefly and convincingly as he could.  But when he had finished, the consul shook his head.

“I don’t see what I can do for you,” he said.  “According to your own declaration you resisted a police officer.  You’ll have to take your medicine.”

Alfarez nodded agreement.  “Quite right!” said he.  “He did terrible ’avoc with my men, t’ree of which is now on the ’ospital.”

“But why don’t they try me or let me get bail?  I want to get out.”

“You’ll be tried as soon as they get around to it.”

“Look here!” Kirk showed the marks his assailants had left upon him.  “Will you stand for that?  I’ve been here two nights now without medical attention.”  “How about that, Alfarez?”

The commandant shrugged his shoulders.  “If he require a doctor, one shall be secure’, but he is not severely injure.’  I ’ave explain the frightful indignity to the honor of my person, yes?  As for me, pooh!  It is forget.”  He waved his hand gracefully and smiled sweetly upon his fat visitor.  “It does not exist.  But the brave soldiers of mine!  Ah!  Senor Wick, they lofe me, they cannot forget the honor of el comandante.  So!  When the prisoner is decide to insurrect, who can say those gallant soldier don’ be too strong?  Who can blame for making roff-’ouse?”

“I guess you ain’t hurt much,” said Weeks, eying his countryman coldly.  “You didn’t get any more than was coming to you.”

“I won’t stand for this,” cried the prisoner, hotly.  “The English consul got that nigger boy out, and I want you to do the same for me.”

“You don’t understand.  I’ve got business interests in this country, and I can’t dash about creating international issues every time an American gets locked up for disorderly conduct.  How long do you think I’d last with these people if I did that?”

“Are you really afraid to do anything?” Kirk inquired, slowly.  “Or is it because of our row?”

“Oh, there’s nothing personal about it!  I can’t afford personal feelings in my position.  Really, I don’t see where you’re so much abused.  You assaulted a government officer and resisted arrest.  If you got hurt it’s your own fault.  Of course I’ll see that you have a fair trial.”