his immediate care to see that such notification had the
right of way over the Panama cable.

"I have information," began the dictator slowly, "that two men
suspected of connection with an insurgent _junta_ have been arrested.
As to their nationality, I have received no details. Certainly, no
American citizen has been seized with my consent. The affair appears
grave, and shall be investigated. Your excellency realizes the
necessity of vigilance. The revolutionist forfeits his nationality."
He spread his hands in a vague gesture.

"Mr. Robert Saxon," retorted the minister, "should hardly be a
suspect. The fact that he was not a guest at my legation, and for the
time a member of my family, was due only to the accident of my absence
from the city on his arrival yesterday."

With sudden bustle, the machinery of the Palace was set in motion. Of
a surety, some one had blundered, and "some one" should be condignly
punished!

It was a very irate gentleman, flushed from unwonted exertion in the
tropics, who was ushered at last into Saxon's room. It was a very much
puzzled and interested gentleman who stood contemplatively studying
the direct eyes of the prisoner a half-hour later.

Saxon had told Mr. Pendleton the entire narrative of his quest of
himself, and, as he told it, the older man listened without a question
or interruption, standing with his eyes fixed on the teller, twisting
an unlighted cigar in his fingers.

"Mr. Saxon, I am here to safeguard the interests of Americans. Our
government does not, however, undertake to chaperon filibustering
expeditions. It becomes necessary to question you."

There followed a brief catechism in which the replies seemed to
satisfy the questioner. When he came to the incident of his meeting
with Rodman, Saxon paused.

"As to Rodman," he said, "who was arrested with me, I have no
knowledge that would be evidence. I know nothing except from the
hearsay of his recital."

Mr. Pendleton raised his hand.

"I am only questioning you as to yourself. This other man, Rodman,
will have to prove his innocence. I'm afraid I can't help him.
According to their own admissions, they know nothing against you
beyond the fact that you were seen with him last night."

Saxon came to his feet, bewildered.

"But the previous matter--the embezzlement?" he demanded. "Of course,
I had nothing to do with this affair. It was that other for which I
was arrested."

The envoy laughed.

"You punched