He had no difficulty in discovering the place of business of Senor Juan Cordovo, and on sending in his card and the letter of introduction, was at once shown into an inner office.  He was received with grave courtesy by the merchant, who, on learning that he did not speak Spanish, touched a bell on his table.  A clerk entered, to whom he spoke a few words.

The young man then turned to Frank, and said: 

“I speak English, sir.  Senor Cordovo wishes me to assure you that all he has is at your disposal, and that he will be happy to assist you in any way that you may point out.”

“Please assure Senor Cordovo of my high consideration and gratitude for his offer.  Will you inform him that I intend to cruise for some time among the islands, and that I desire to obtain the services of an interpreter, speaking English and Spanish; and if he possesses some knowledge of French, so much the better.”

The reply was translated to the merchant, who conversed with the interpreter for two or three minutes.  The latter then turned to Frank.

“I have a brother, senor, who, like myself, speaks the three languages.  He is at present out of employment, and would, I am sure, be very glad to engage himself to you as your interpreter.”

“That would be the very thing,” Frank said.  “Does he live in the town?”

“Yes, senor.  I could fetch him here in a few minutes if Senor Cordovo will permit me to do so.”

The merchant at once granted the clerk’s request.

“Will you tell Senor Cordovo,” Frank said, “that I do not wish to occupy his valuable time, and that I will return here in a quarter of an hour?”

The merchant, however, through the clerk, assured Frank that he would not hear of his leaving, and producing a box of cigars, begged him to seat himself until the arrival of the interpreter.  He then said something else to the clerk, and the latter asked Frank if he wanted any supplies for the yacht, as his employer acted as agent for shipping.

“Certainly,” Frank said, glad to have the opportunity of repaying the civility shown him.  “I require fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, sufficient for twenty-five persons.  I shall also be glad if he will arrange for boats to take off water.  My barrels and tanks are nearly empty, and I shall want a supply of about a thousand gallons.”

While the clerk was absent, Frank, with the assistance of the signal book, kept up a somewhat disjointed conversation with the Spaniard.  The clerk was, however, away but a few minutes; and returned with his brother, an intelligent-looking young fellow of seventeen or eighteen.  He did not speak English quite as well as the clerk, but sufficiently well for all purposes.  Frank asked him his terms, which seemed to him ridiculously low, and a bargain was forthwith arranged.

“Will you ask Senor Cordovo if any other English yacht has been here during the past three weeks or a month?  I have a friend on board one, and I fancy that she is cruising out here also.”