sensational manner, the reason for the decidedly queer actions of
Mr. Alcando.

For some time longer the chums sat and talked. But as the day
waned, and the supper hour approached, they were no nearer a
decision than before.

"Let's let it go until morning," suggested Blake.

"I'm with you," agreed Joe. "We can think better after we have
'slept on it.'"

Joe was later than Blake getting up next morning, and when he saw
his chum sitting out in a hammock under a tree in the farmyard,
Joe noticed that Blake was reading a book.

"You're the regular early worm this morning; aren't you?" called
Joe. "It's a wonder some bird hasn't flown off with you."

"I'm too tough a morsel," Blake answered with a laugh. "Besides,
I've been on the jump too much to allow an ordinary bird the
chance. What's the matter with you--oversleep?"

"No, I did it on purpose. I was tired. But what's that you're
reading; and what do you mean about being on the jump?"

"Oh, I just took a little run into the village after breakfast, on
the motor cycle."

"You did! To tell that Spaniard he could, or could not, go with