ut that's pretty
hopeless. Honorario, can we possibly find someone who is loyal to the
governor and who knows the island?"

Honorario thought it over. "In such a case," he replied, "there is only
one way to be sure. It is, you understand, a matter of family. Among San
Luzians, the family is first and all else is after. So, I think we
should see the nephew of the governor. He is _el capitan_ Ricardo
Montoya, who is deputy of police for the western part of the island."

Captain Ricardo Montoya was young, capable, and alert. Honorario found
him in the police headquarters in central Calor and invited him to join
the boys for coffee at a nearby cafe.

Rick looked the officer over as he entered the restaurant, and he liked
what he saw. Montoya was built like a middleweight fighter, and his
white uniform was spotless. He was lighter in complexion than most San
Luzians, but even the wisp of mustache on his upper lip couldn't
conceal the firmness of his face.

He greeted them courteously, in good English. "_A sus ordenes, senores._
This Honorario says you wish to speak with me?"

"We place ourselves in your hands, Senor _Capitan_," Rick said quietly.
"Because you are the governor's nephew and a police official, we must
assume that you are completely loyal to him."

The officer's brilliant dark eyes flashed. "It would be a grave insult
to assume otherwise, senor. He is the brother of my father."

"Good," Rick said. "No insult was intended. I think we had better tell
you the entire story, then we can discuss what must be done." He started
at the beginning, with the arrival of Balgos at Spindrift, and ended
with the day's events.

"You have cast much light on what has happened," the captain stated. "I
am grateful. Now, senores, you must not believe I have been idle. I had
already discovered how my uncle was kidnaped. It was clear that some
military element was involved, but I rejected the idea of revolution.
The motive puzzled me. It is puzzling no longer, thanks to you. Also,
while I suspected Guevara, there was no proof. My suspicion, you
understand, was based on his character."

"Have you any idea where the governor was taken?" Scotty asked.

"I have now," Montoya said grimly. "The best possibility--and about the
only place we have not looked--is Casa Guevara."

The boys exchanged glances. "Then we ought to make up a party of loyal
people and invade the place," Rick stated.

"No. If I know this man Guevara, any suc