“Why did you keep him locked up so long?  Why didn’t you try him?”

“Ah!  For that I shall inquire also.  I shall conduct investigations in that respect as well.  I am inform’, ’owever, that the w’at you call jodge is seeck.”

“We’ll look into that later.  We’re here now to arrange for Mr. Anthony’s release.”

“The alcalde will be please’ to accommodate at the earlies’.  I myself shall see to it.  To-morrow—­”

“There will be no to-morrow about it,” Mrs. Cortlandt exclaimed, positively.  “If you cannot arrange the bail yourself, my husband will take up the matter with the Zone Government, and Colonel Jolson will call upon the President of the republic within an hour.  He is waiting word from us now.”

Senor Ramon Alfarez became suddenly galvanized.  He broke into effusive apologies for even so small a delay as had already occurred.  He had not understood the matter to be so urgent, it seemed; but the wishes of his distinguished guests were his law, and perhaps he might hasten the wheels of progress if he tried.  While, to be sure, no power was vested in him, and his willing hands were most miserably tied, nevertheless he would so far exceed his authority as to promise instant freedom to the prisoner.  There were, of course, certain details to be observed, the necessity of which filled him with unspeakable regret; but if he might be excused—­He hastened forth to set in motion the proper machinery, and while he was absent Kirk told his story.  It left the woman white-lipped and incoherent, and roused even the icy Cortlandt to genuine wrath.

“Of course,” the latter said, “Alfarez will prove by his men that it’s all imagination on your part, and that your injuries were sustained at the time of your arrest.  He’ll assume a righteous indignation and start a Spiggoty investigation.  You see, his father is the Governor of Panama Province and one of the strongest men in the republic, so Ramon will probably make good his position.  Even so, you may recover damages.”

“I don’t want damages,” Kirk replied.  “I want to get that Dago out alone some time.”

“For Heaven’s sake, don’t think of it!” Mrs. Cortlandt exclaimed.  “All the American influence on the Isthmus wouldn’t help you then.  Fifty men would perjure themselves to convict you, and if you succeeded in getting our government to interfere in time, Ramen has fifty other men who would lie to any extent to injure an American.”

“No.  That method doesn’t work here,” her husband agreed.  “You’re lucky to escape so easily.  He will arrange bail, never fear, and you will probably not come to trial.  I doubt if you will ever hear anything more of the matter, provided you keep from further trouble.  He’ll never forgive you, of course, but that won’t matter to you.”

The first part of Mr. Cortlandt’s prediction was soon proved true, for the sick alcalde recovered sufficiently to appear on the scene within half an hour.  Then, after much signing of official documents and certain other formalities, Kirk Anthony walked out of the Colon jail in company with his friends.