ry's diplomatic
representatives; but the President means to run no risks. We cannot, for
example, have it claimed that we allowed a foreign power to buy a coaling
station and use it as a base for raids on merchant ships."

"Have the Germans bought the Adexe wharf?"

Don Sebastian shrugged. "_Quien sabe?_ The principal has not a German
name."

"Isn't Richter German?"

"Richter has gone. It is possible that he has done his work. His friend,
however, is the head of the coaling company."

"Do you think Kenwardine was his partner? If so, it's hard to understand
why he let you come to his house. He's not a fool."

The Spaniard's dark eyes twinkled. "Senor Kenwardine is a clever man,
and it is not always safer to keep your antagonist in the dark when you
play an intricate game. Senor Kenwardine knew it would have been a
mistake to show he thought I suspected him and that he had something to
conceal. We were both very frank, to a point, and now and then talked
about the complications that might spring from the coaling business.
Because we value our trade with England and wish to attract British
capital, he knew we would not interfere with him unless we had urgent
grounds, and wished to learn how far we would let him go. It must be
owned that in this country official suspicion can often be disarmed."

"By a bribe? I don't think Kenwardine is rich," Dick objected.

"Then it is curious that he is able to spend so much at Adexe."

Dick frowned, for he saw what the other implied. If Kenwardine had to be
supplied with money, where did it come from? It was not his business to
defend the man and he must do what he could to protect British shipping,
but Kenwardine was Clare's father, and he was not going to expose him
until he was sure of his guilt.

"But if he was plotting anything that would get your President into
trouble, he must have known he would be found out."

"Certainly. But suppose he imagined he might not be found out until he
had done what he came to do? It would not matter then."

Dick said nothing. He knew he was no match for the Spaniard in subtlety,
but he would not be forced into helping him. He set his lips, and Don
Sebastian watched him with amusement.

"Well," said the latter, "you have my sympathy. The senorita's eyes are
bright."

"I cannot have Miss Kenwardine mentioned," Dick rejoined. "She has
nothing to do with the matter."

"That is agreed," Don Sebastian answered, and leaned forward as he a