Part 36 (1/2)
”I do not think-a I know what de senor mean. If he speak-a litt'l plainer, mebbe I ondarstan'.”
”Sit down, Mazaro.”
The Spaniard took a seat at the table.
”Now,” said Frank, quietly, ”order what you wish to drink, and I will pay for it. I never drink myself, and I never carry much money with me nights, but I have enough to pay for your drink.”
”De senor is ver' kind,” bowed Manuel, and he ordered a drink, which was brought by a villainous-looking old woman.
Frank paid, and, when Mazaro was sipping the liquid, he leaned forward and said:
”Senor Mazaro, you know Rolf Raymond?”
”Si, senor.”
”And Colonel Vallier?”
”Si, senor.”
”And the Queen of Flowers?”
”I know of her, senor; I see her to-day.”
”You know more. She has disappeared, and you know what has become of her.”
It was a chance shot, but Frank saw it went home.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE QUEEN IS FOUND.
Mazaro changed color, and then he regained his composure.
”Senor,” he said, smoothly, ”I know-a not what made you t'ink dat.”
”I do not think; I know.”
”Wondareful--ver' wondareful,” purred the Spaniard, in mock admiration.
”You give-a me great s'prise.”
Frank was angry, but he held himself in restraint, appearing cool.
”Your face betrayed it.”
”Ah! Dat show yo' have-a ver' gre't eye, senor.”
”You do not deny it?”