"How can we get it?" Segador asked. "There is no time."
"There is time," Lavandero said, evenly. "Duarte is preparing a passport and papers for Hall. Diplomatic. He will travel as Victor Ortiz Tinoco, official courier of the Mexican Government."
"When did he start on the papers?" Hall asked.
"A few hours ago. He thought you might want to make the trip."
"Why didn't you tell me before this?"
Lavandero's face softened. "My dear friend," he said, "what you are undertaking is no minor task. The complications are enormous. If you are caught, you face much legal trouble at the very least; death by violence, if the fascists catch you first. You are under no obligations to this Republic. I had to hear it from your lips first."
"When can I start?"
"In two hours. You will have to give me your passport, so that I may have the picture copied for the Ortiz Tinoco papers. Segador's idea is the right one. He will drive you to the San Martin airport tonight. The Mexican Embassy is ordering the tickets. I will leave you with Gonzales and Segador to work out the rest of the details."
"Good. Here is my passport."
"The Republic will always be grateful to you, Compañero Hall." Lavandero stood up and started for the door. Hall accompanied him.