Their approach had evidently attracted the owner of the estate, for Ronie had already seen a small, wiry-framed man, of a very dark complexion and dashing dress, coming, toward them. He now stopped to allow them to come forward, saying in a tone of apparent friendliness:
"Good-morning, señors," somewhat to their surprise speaking in their language.
"You must have taken an early start, señors."
"It is because our journey is a long one, señor," replied Jack, who acted as spokesman. "Our horses are tired, and we would bespeak for them food and rest at your hospitality."
"Dismount, gentlemen. My men will look after them, while I entertain you."
While Jack and Ronie did as they were told, a couple of peons appeared on the scene, to lead the tired animals away, as the hospitable planter requested his visitors to follow him to his favorite morning retreat under one of the beautiful shade trees standing in his yard within sight of his house. If he had shown a friendly spirit in his tone so far, his next words, as the three sank upon the rustic benches encircling the tree, showed that he was not free from concern in regard to the character of his early callers:
"You say your journey is a long one, sirs; no man travels a long journey without an urgent purpose. Especially is this true on an occasion like this."
Jack, who could see no good likely to result from appearing mysterious, replied frankly and promptly:
"We are bound for Caracas, though it may not be well for every idle ear to catch the word."
"Right, sir. Who would you see in Caracas?"
"Then your journey will be in vain, for the President is unavoidably kept away from the capital. You might have traveled much quicker by rail."
"Possibly. But as you say the President is not in Caracas, that would not have helped us. Can you tell if Minister Bowen is at the capital?"
"If he is, he would hardly be accessible at this time. Come, strangers, throw off your cloak of reticence and let us be frank with each other. My name is José Pelado, and having lived several years in your country, I am free to confess I have imbibed some of your Yankee spirit."
Our Americans immediately gave their names, adding that it was to obtain assistance in securing the freedom of a companion that they were on their way to the capital.