ill learn from them," Don Sebastian remarked. "I think we
will try the _telegrafia_ first."

There was no time for questions and Dick jumped out as the launch ran
alongside the steps. Don Sebastian stopped him when he reached the top.

"In Santa Brigida, nobody runs unless there is an earthquake or a
revolution. We do not want people to follow us."

Dick saw the force of this and started for the telegraph office, walking
as fast as possible. When he looked round, his companion had vanished,
but he rejoined him on the steps of the building. They went in together
and found nobody except a languid clerk leaning on a table. Don Sebastian
turned to Dick and said in English, "It will be better if you leave this
matter to me."

Dick noted that the clerk suddenly became alert when he saw his
companion, but he waited at a few yards' distance and Don Sebastian said:
"A man came in not long since with a telegram. He was short and very dark
and probably signed the form Vinoles."

"He did, senor," said the clerk.

"Very well. I want to see the message before it is sent."

"It has gone, senor, three or four minutes ago."

Don Sebastian made a gesture of resignation, spreading out his hands.
"Then bring me the form."

Dick thought it significant that the clerk at once obeyed, but Don
Sebastian, who stood still for a moment, turned to him.

"It is as I thought," he said in English, and ordered the clerk: "Take us
into the manager's room."

The other did so, and after shutting the door withdrew. Don Sebastian
threw the form on the table.

"It seems we are too late," he said.

CHAPTER XXV

THE WATER-PIPE

Dick sat down and knitted his brows as he studied his companion. Don
Sebastian was a Peninsular Spaniard and in consequence of a finer type
than the majority of the inhabitants of Santa Brigida. Dick, who thought
he could confide in him, needed help, but the matter was delicate. In the
meantime, the other waited with a smile that implied that he guessed his
thoughts, until Dick, leaning forward with sudden resolution, picked up
the telegram, which was written in cipher.

"This is probably a warning to somebody that the vessel will not call at
the ports in the advertised order," he said.

"I imagine so. You guessed the captain's plan from what you heard outside
the room?"

"Not altogether, but it gave me a hint. It looks as if you recognized me
when I was standing near the lifeboat."

"I did," said Don Se