For the service Billy
had rendered them they wished to express their gratitude. It found
expression in the form of Planter's punch. As they consumed this Billy
explained to the strangers why the customs men had detained them.
"You told them you were leaving to-night for Santo Domingo," said Billy;
"but they knew that was impossible, for there is no steamer down the
coast for two weeks."
The one whose features seemed familiar replied:
"Still, we _are_ leaving to-night," he said; "not on a steamer, but on a
war-ship."
"A war-ship?" cried Billy. His heart beat at high speed. "Then," he
exclaimed, "you are a naval officer?"
The young man shook his head and, as though challenging Billy to make
another guess, smiled.
"Then," Billy complied eagerly, "you are a diplomat! Are you our new
minister?"
One of the other young men exclaimed reproachfully:
"You know him perfectly well!" he protested. "You've seen his picture
thousands of times."
With awe and pride he placed his hand on Billy's arm and with the other
pointed at the one in the Panama hat.
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