"Oh, this is a case of 'Hasta manana!'" said Brace, somewhat relieved.
"They can wait," returned Winslow hurriedly. "It's too big a thing to rush into without looking round. You know what it means? Either Todos Santos is in rebellion against the present Government of Mexico, or she is independent of any. Her present Government, in any event, don't represent either the Republic of Mexico or the people of Todos Santos—don't you see? And in that case WE'VE got as good a right here as any one."
"He speaks the truth," said Ruiz, grasping a hand of Brace and Winslow each; "in this we are—as brothers."
"God and liberty!" ejaculated Martinez, in turn seizing the other disengaged hands of the Americans, and completing the mystic circle.
"God and liberty!" echoed a thin chorus from their host and a few loungers who had entered unperceived.
Brace felt uneasy. He was not wanting in the courage or daring of youth, but it struck him that his attitude was by no means consistent with his attentions to Dona Isabel. He managed to get Winslow aside.
"This is all very well as a 'free lunch' conspiracy; but you're forgetting your parole," he said, in a low voice.
"We gave our parole to the present Government. When it no longer exists, there will be no parole—don't you see?"
"Then these fellows prefer waiting"—
"Until we can get OUTSIDE help, you understand. The first American ship that comes in here—eh?"