"I mentioned Ventana because I was told he took some part of the
insurance on his own account," he explained. "But he was a member of
Baring's copper syndicate, and, indeed, was spoken of as a mining
engineer of high repute. Believe me, I was not jumping to conclusions
on that account."
"I know him to be a very bad man," said Elsie, slowly. Her face was
white and her eyes downcast. It was evident that the sudden
introduction of Ventana's personality was distressing to her, but
Courtenay, preoccupied with the dastardly attempt made to sink his
ship, did not observe this feature of a peculiar discussion.
"Bad! In what sense, Miss Maxwell?" he asked unguardedly.
"In the most loathsome sense. He is evil-minded, vicious, altogether
detestable. If Mr. Baring knew his character as I know it, Ventana
would not be allowed to enter his office."
"Pedro Ventana?" interrupted Christobal. "Is he a half-caste, a tall,
brown-skinned man, who affects an American drawl when he speaks
English--a man prominent in Santiago society and in mining circles
generally?"
"Yes," said Elsie.
"That is odd, exceedingly so.
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