not returned during the night, and knowing
the customs of the country, he had spent a half-hour in investigating
by channels known to himself. He learned, at the end of much
questioning and cross-questioning, that the senor, together with
another gentleman evidently also an _Americano del Nordo_, had passed
the street-door late in the evening, with military escort.

Mr. Partridge hastened to his legation at a rate of speed subversive
of all Puerto Frio traditions. In Puerto Frio, haste is held to be an
affront to dignity, and dignity is esteemed.

The Hon. Charles Pendleton listened to his subordinate's report with
rising choler.

His diplomacy was of the aggressive type, and his first duty was that
of making the protecting pinions of the spread eagle stretch wide
enough to reach every one of those entitled to its guardianship.

Saxon and Rodman had the night before entered the frowning walls of
the Palace through a narrow door at the side. The American minister
now passed hastily between files of presented arms. Inside, he learned
that his excellency, _el Presidente_, had not yet finished his
breakfast, but earnestly desired his excellency, _el ministro_, to
share with him an alligator pear and cup of coffee.

In the suave presence of the dictator, the minister's choler did not
cease. Rather, it smoldered while he listened perfunctorily to
flattering banalities. He had struck through intermediary stages; had
passed over the heads of departments and holders of portfolios, to
issue his ultimatum to the chief executive. Yet, in approaching his
subject, he matched the other's suavity with a pleasantness that the
dictator distrusted. The dark face of the autocrat became grave until,
when Mr. Pendleton reached the issue, it was deeply sympathetic,
surprised and attentive.

"I am informed that some one--I can not yet say who--wearing your
excellency's uniform, seized an American citizen of prominence on the
streets of Puerto Frio last evening."

The President was shocked and incredulous.

"Impossible!" he exclaimed with deep distress; then, again:
"Impossible!"

From the diplomat's eloquent sketching of the situation, it might have
been gathered that the United States war department stood anxiously
watching for such affronts, and that the United States war department
would be very petulant when notification of the incident reached it.
Mr. Pendleton further assured his excellency, _el Presidente_, that it
would be