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Again they were obliged to show their papers and passports, now vised by representatives of both the English and French navies, but this formality being over they were given a cordial welcome. Uncle John and Ajo decided to go ashore for the latest news and arrived in the city between nine and ten o'clock that same evening. They found Calais in a state of intense excitement.
"The launch we have is the faster, and the trip will show our good faith, if nothing more." "Then make ready to start at once," said Ajo, "and I'll dress and go along." Carg hurried away to give orders and the boy ran to his stateroom. Five minutes later they were away, with four sailors to assist in the capture of the fugitives in case they were overtaken. It was a fruitless journey, however.
"In what way?" inquired Patsy, with interest. "We might all make a trip to Barbadoes, Bermuda and Cuba. Brazil is said to be an interesting country. I'd prefer Europe, were it not for the war." "Oh, Ajo, isn't this war terrible?" "No other word expresses it.
The day grew dry and hot. A fragrant wind blew through the pass. Cactus flowers bloomed, red and yellow and magenta. The sweet, pale Ajo lily gleamed in shady corners. Ten miles of travel covered the length of the pass. It opened wide upon a wonderful scene, an arboreal desert, dominated by its pure light green, yet lined by many merging colors.
"Foreigners," said Uncle John weakly. "Human beings," said the boy. Patsy marched over to Ajo and gave him a sturdy whack upon the back that nearly knocked him over. "The spirit of John Paul Jones still goes marching on!" she cried. "My boy, you're the right stuff, and I'm glad I doctored you." He smiled, looking from one to another of the three girls questioningly.
I married my wife. I bought land. It is near Ghent. I am, as you have guessed, a person of great importance." "Ah; an officer, perhaps. Civil, or military?" inquired Ajo with mock deference. "Of better rank than either. I am a citizen." "Now, I like that spirit," said Uncle John approvingly. "What is your name, my good man?" "Maurie, monsieur; Jakob Maurie. Perhaps you have met me in New York."
"Well," said Jones, seating himself facing them and softly rubbing his lean hands together to indicate his satisfaction at this warm reception, "it's a long, long story and I may as well tell it methodically or you'll never appreciate the adventurous spirit that led me again to New York the one place I heartily detest." "Oh, Ajo!" protested Patsy.
And did he learn anything from us?" "He did most of the talking himself," replied Uncle John, looking after Le Drieux with a puzzled expression. "Of course he is not a jewel merchant." "No," said Patsy, "he's a detective, and I'll bet a toothpick to a match that he's on the wrong scent." "He surely is. Unfortunately, we cannot warn Ajo against him." "It isn't necessary, Uncle.
During the evenings he gave them practical demonstrations of the application of tourniquets, bandages and the like, while Uncle John and Ajo by turns posed as wounded soldiers.
"You see," explained Miss Patsy, "he has nothing else to do but jump heart and soul into this case, so Ajo will be able to command his exclusive services, which with some big, bustling lawyer would be impossible." Luncheon was over before Arthur finally appeared, looking somewhat grave and perturbed. "They won't accept bail," he reported.
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