“I shall tell José that I saw this man open a wallet with a lot of money in it. José will see that he plays cards. You do not know José.”
“You’re sure you can do it?”
She squeezed his arm. “Of course. I do not like you to be worried. If you take his gun then you will have nothing at all to fear, eh?”
“No, I shall have nothing at all to fear.” He said it almost wonderingly. It seemed so simple. Why hadn’t he thought of it before? Ah, but he had not known before that the man did not carry his gun. Take the man’s gun away from him and he couldn’t shoot. That was logical. And if he couldn’t shoot there was nothing to fear. That was logical too. The essence of all good strategy is simplicity.
He turned to her. “When can you do this?”
“This evening would be best. José does not like so much to play cards in the afternoon.”
“How soon this evening?”
“You must not be impatient. It will be some time after the meal.” She hesitated. “It will be better if we are not seen together this afternoon. You do not want him to suspect that we are friends.”
“I can play bridge with Kuvetli and the Mathises this afternoon. But how shall I know if it is all right?”
“I will find a way to let you know.” She leaned against him. “You are sure that you are not angry with me about José’s revolver?”