Evening star., 1936-06-14

yours; ours are always political. 1t S
extremely fortunate you failed to get
in touch with your American au-
thorities."
Why" asked Trent, color haring
in his cheeks. Il was going to ask you
to take me to them. Why shouldn't |
see the Ambassador"
Whoever seized Catuca took her
for definite purpose. Which do you
want to do-help her or play into her
captors' hands?"
Help her, Of course, get her out of
here and never come back Tell me
what it's all about Make it simple"
"Hurrying isn't going to help unless
we think first, interposed Don Jaime.
Here's my guess as to what the kid
nappers must be shooting at. Prompt
notification of the American authori-
ties resulting in terrific international
scandal. Keep the whole thing quiet.
and the girl has chance. Let it break.
and there's no telling what might hap
pen to her"
You really believe that?" cried
Trent. and was puzzled at receiving no
immediate answer.
He looked around to find every eye
fixed not on himself but on the seated
youth. The boys father leaned for
ward and spoke with an intensity that
set the air to qulvering. "Pepito, my
son, you have heard. Do you know
anything? l command you to answer
am your father. Choose now between
this home, such as it has become, and
the world outside our affection. An
swer or 60"
Pepe raised luminous eyes to his
fathers face; then his head and shoul-
ders suddenly dropped forward. He
rose, made a pitifully uncertain ges-
ture of farewell and started toward the
door. They watched him leave in a
silence so profound Trent hesitated
long before he dared break it.
"Nadito, forgive me, but we're los
ing precious time. What's the first
thing to be done?'
Get in touch with the girls mother,
prevent her upsetting the apple cart.
When is your boat supposed to sail?"
Trent looked wildly about for a
clock, then glanced at his watch.
Good heavens, an hour ago.
Then she's probably on shore"
said Nadito, Strengthening abruptly.
racing around crazier than you
mot chance" said Trent. you
don't know Mrs. Bullitt 1t would
never occur to her to sit up waiting for
Kathie. I'd. be willing to bet she's been
in bed and asleep for hours"
Good" said Nadito, IF true AS
suming you're right. the first thing
is to send her radio explaining that
you and Catuca were left behind and
there's nothing to worry about since
you can beat the boat by air to Kings
ton. Fortunately our telephone is still
connected. Let's do it now"
The message sent. he and Trent ac-
companied by Don Jaime and the
silent Guillermito left the house and
piled into the waiting taxi. Minutes
later they arrived at the residence Of
the Commissioner of Police, who
showed little annoyance at being
reused and less surprise at the tale
they had to tell. Taking Trent in his
own car along with two Sergeants, he
drove to the spot in the Desamparados
marked by the loose cobblestone. The
sergeants separated and walked around
to the rear of the block. Having ex-
planned his plan, the Commissioner
approached the door directly in front
Of him and posted his four companions
at the two next on either side.
when raise my hand, he ordered.
Together they pounded on the five
doors, three Of which opened almost
simultaneously. By chance Trent was
in charge of one of these and was
promptly dragged into a dim interior
by woman. She was angry at all the
noise, and turned on him with voluble