young millionaire. "When those men find out that your son is not—er—not as—" Dick hesitated. He did not wish to embarrass the father by referring to him as poor.
"Do not be afraid to speak it, senor," said Mr. Alantrez, with a sad smile. "Poverty and I have been close friends, of late, though we were not always such. I am poor, and I am glad, for now the scoundrels may the sooner return my son to me. If there was but a fast boat to be had, we would give chase to them. But there is none to be secured without much money, and I, alas, have none. So I must wait; but it is hard! My poor boy!"
Dick's face shone with a sudden light, and his eyes brightened. He took a step forward.
"Would you like to get a boat, and take a cruise after those men who have your son?" he asked.
"Ah, senor, it would give me the utmost happiness! But why ask me? I can get no boat."
"Yes, you can," cried the young millionaire. "I wonder I didn't think of it before. My yacht, the Albatross, is at your disposal, Senor Alantrez! If you will be my guest we'll get up steam at once, and trail after those villains! I'd ask nothing better than to run them down!" and Dick's eyes sparkled with righteous anger. "They tried to injure me, and I'd be glad of a chance to get back at them. Come, senor, we'll start at once, if you are ready, and I think we can overtake the Princess, though she has a good start."
