"Hold on!" exclaimed Jack, laying a cautioning finger on his sister's
lips. "It won't do to make such rash statements, and draw such
damaging conclusions--in such a loud voice, Sis," and he whispered
the last words. "These walls are very thin, you know, and these
Spanish gentlemen are very punctilious on points of honor. I don't
want to be called on to fight a duel on your behalf."

"Oh, Jack, how can you! Such a poor joke!"

"Not a joke at all, I assure you. Now let's have the whole
story--but in here," and Jack drew his sister and Inez into the room
of the Spanish girl, Walter following. Bess and Belle had gone into
their own apartments a little before, and had not heard, the talk.

"Just in time," murmured Jack, as he closed the door, having a
glimpse of a servant coming along the corridor. "Now, what is it,
Inez?" and, after a quick glance about the ransacked apartment, he
gazed at the girl.

"My papairs--for my father--zey are gone!" With a tragic gesture she
pointed to the opened valise.

"Was your room this way when you came in?" asked Walter, who rather
imagined he was gifted with amateur detective abilities.

"Just like this--yes, Senor Jack."

"Never mind the senor. Just plain Jack will do. And where were the
papers?"