"I am sure the Notary will dispense the justice of the Republic," the shepherd said.
"Hombre! This is very serious," Bustamente the Notary whispered. It was a loud stage whisper. "We must consider our decision with careful seriousness, Juan Antonio." He stepped outside of the hut.
Hall could hear his discussion with the shepherd. "The one who claims to be of us," the Notary said, "he does not talk like an enemy of Don Anibal, Mayhissoulrestinpeace. How does the other talk?"
"I do not know. He tried to speak in Euzkadi. It is not his tongue."
"It is, in a sense, suspicious then. But we must not be hasty. Justice begins in the village." The phrase was Tabio's.
"What are we to do, Señor Notary?"
"The laws of the Constitution of the Republic guarantee justice to all suspects, Juan Antonio. Please tell me all you know about the two officers."
He listened to the simple recital of the facts. "Ay, it is as I have observed, amigo. There is much to be said on both sides. If they were Germans or fifth columnists, perhaps they would have shot you first. On the other hand, since neither of us has ever seen a Cuban uniform, how can we tell? And if they are ours, why did they drop from the sky into the middle of a flock of sheep?"
"It is very deep, Señor Notary."
"Let us talk softer, Juan Antonio. Perhaps they can hear us inside."