CHAPTER XX
OFF TO SANTIAGO
"Ah, Senor Hamilton, I will be most happy to do all in my power for you," remarked Don Ferdinand Hondora, the Spanish lawyer, when he had read slowly through the letter of introduction from the law firm of Blake & Carrington, which epistle Dick handed him. "Most happy to oblige you. You do me an honor to call on me thus, and to-morrow—or manana—as we Spaniards say—manana, I shall be most happy to set on foot an inquiry to locate the Valdez family."
"Can't you do anything to-day?" asked Dick, who was used to business being attended to promptly.
"To-day, my dear Senor Hamilton? To-day?" and the lawyer looked surprised. "Why, already I am in my office later than I ever stay. It is unusual that I am here to this hour. It just happened so by accident. No, nothing can be done to-day. Perhaps to-morrow—or the next day"
"Why not to-day?" asked Dick, bluntly. "I am willing to pay"
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