"It is hard to say. In the meanwhile, I think there is something you need." He took a large automatic out of his desk, slipped a clip of bullets into its grip, and handed the gun and a small box of cartridges to Hall. "If we could only prove to Don Anibal before it is too late that Ansaldo ..."
"How?"
"We must find a way. In the meanwhile, stay alive for the next few days. I have friends. They will watch for your safety. Souza, others. They will bring you my messages. And be careful in cafés."
Chapter nine
The American Embassy sent a well-dressed young attaché to call for Hall in the morning. He arrived in a low-slung yellow sedan, introduced himself as Orville Smith, snubbed everyone in sight, and relaxed only when he and Hall were well out of sight of the camp. "They said that you sure hung one on," he said pleasantly and, Hall realized, with even a touch of admiration.
"Must have been something I ate," Hall answered.
"Glad you turned up intact, old man. Might have led to some amusing complications. If the major had called five minutes later, this would have appeared on the front page of El Imparcial this morning."
He gave Hall a galley proof of a news story. Missing American Writer Believed Victim of Communists. Missing since yesterday ... last seen leaving hotel ... On Wednesday, at American Embassy party, Hall had discussed Red threats to his safety, told publisher of Imparcial that giant Red assassin had followed him day before ... Embassy officials described Hall as author of book on experiences on H.M.S. Revenger ... The missing American failed to phone or keep appointment made with publisher of Imparcial in connection with Soviet threats ... Feared abducted and killed.
"What do you make of it?" Hall asked.