Hardy saw he was in a bad hole. "There's some truth in what you said," he admitted, trying to crawl out. "He has fought for America. And I'm willing to do the right thing by him."
"You will?" yelled Uncle Henry, wheeling close to him.
"If I get this place, I'm willing to give him a good bonus," Hardy continued.
Uncle Henry leaned forward, all eagerness. "How much?" he cried.
"Say, five hundred dollars," the loan shark generously offered.
"I knew there was a ketch in it!" Uncle Henry said, and rolled back in the shadows of the alcove.
Lopez had been listening intently. Now he stepped up to Hardy and said: "Señor Santy Claus, now I understand why it is so 'ard for your country to get ze soldier. In Mexico, ze soldiers would take all ze money and give ze people a bonus ... per'aps." He puffed his cigarette. "I am done wiz you." He turned abruptly to Lucia. "Now I shall come to you."
She started.
"You love my frand, Señor Jones?"