"I am aware of that, Mr. Darrin," replied the consul smiling.
"But the paper in question is one that it would greatly embarrass
the United States to have fall into improper hands. That is my
only excuse for having cautioned you so particularly."

Seaman Rogers was waiting at the door. He saluted when Ensign
Darrin appeared, then fell in a few paces behind his officer.

A short distance away a carriage stood before the door of a private
banker. A woman of perhaps thirty came out through the doorway,
carrying a small handbag.

Seeming almost to rise from the ground, so suddenly did he appear,
a ragged Mexican bumped violently against the woman.

There was a scream, and in a twinkling the ragged Mexican was
in full flight, carrying the handbag as he ran.

"After that rascal, Rogers!" cried Dave Darrin, aghast at the
boldness of this daylight robbery.

"Aye, aye, sir, and with a hearty good will!" called back Rogers,
as both sailors started in full chase.




CHAPTER XIV

A "FIND" OF A BAD KIND