erstands all the
circumstances of the case, and let him confer with his Excellency Don
Silvio as to the steps necessary to secure the satisfaction of the
English senor's demands."

The Governor considered the matter for a few seconds, and then turned to
George.

"There is a suggestion for you, senor, and a very excellent one, I think
I may permit myself to say. How does it commend itself to you?"

"How far is it from here to Panama, and how long will it take your
messenger to traverse the distance?" demanded George.

"By the Gold Road the distance is a trifle over forty miles, and a well-
mounted messenger can cover it in six hours," answered Don Sebastian.

"So that if he were dispatched at once he could execute his mission, and
be back here in Nombre to-morrow evening?" suggested George.

"_Madre de Dios_! Is the man mad?" ejaculated Don Sebastian, throwing
up his hands. Then he turned hastily to George. "Ten thousand pardons
for my involuntary exclamation," he apologised; "but I fear you scarcely
realise what travelling in this country means. Upon his arrival in
Panama, my messenger would imperatively need rest, and by the time that
he has refreshed himself it will be too late to see the Governor. Then,
to-morrow, it may be nearly or quite mid-day before he can obtain
audience of his Excellency; and by the time that the conference is over
and my messenger has secured the required information, it will be
altogether too late for him to start upon the return journey. Thus I do
not think we can possibly expect him back before the afternoon of the
day after to-morrow. You agree with me, senor, I am sure."

"No, senor, I do not," retorted George. "I can see no cause at all for
such delay. Upon his arrival in Panama, let your messenger proceed at
once to the Governor's house and demand an immediate interview. Let him
explain that the matter is in the last degree urgent and pressing, and
let him take whatever further steps may be necessary to secure prompt
attention. And then let him transact his business. There will be
plenty of time for him to rest and refresh himself when that is done.
And to-morrow, if everything has been satisfactorily arranged, he can
start at dawn, and be here again shortly after mid-day."

"_Carramba_! With all submission, senor, what you propose is
impossible. No man could possibly do it," exclaimed Don Sebastian,
throwing up his hands.

"But why not, man, why not?" persiste