This was the last boat I could get for two or three
weeks that would land me in the U. S. A. I put up at the Alcazar
Grand for the night. It was then too late to secure passage, but
I fully intended to do so the first thing in the morning. There
was a concert and dance at the hotel that night, and I went in to
look on for awhile. I ran across a friend, an engineer who was on
the job with me up in the hills a few months ago. He is also an
American, a chap from Providence, Rhode Island. Connected with the
consular service now. He was with a small party of Americans,--am
I boring you?"
"No, no,--get on with it," urged Captain Trigger.
"Several of them were sailing on this ship, and they were having
a little farewell party. That, however, has nothing to do with the
case. I left them at midnight and went up to my room. Now comes
the part you will not believe. During the night,--I sleep very
soundly,--some one entered my room, rifled my pockets, and got away
with everything I possessed, except my clothes and the five-dollar
gold piece I have carried ever since I left home,--as a lucky coin,
you know. He--"
"How did he happen to overlook your lucky coin?" inquired the
Captain sarcastically.
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