Senor Vasquez changed color and hesitated.
That was enough to show observant Hal that his “bluff” had a chance of winning.
“If he did not tell you that,” resumed the American, “go back and cane your agent for a sleepy fellow. Senor Vasquez, if you meant to wrest the money from me by force, you should have employed a better agent.”
Maynard’s manner was so cool and convincing that for a moment the Spaniard was staggered.
“Ha!” he cried, suddenly. “Whatever you have done with the money, you have not had chance to send it out of Cuba, and your last chance to do that is gone. Perhaps you will conclude to tell me where the money is.”
“Assuredly not,” rejoined Hal, stoutly.
“Now, if I were to make a few remarks about you to the crowd which surges about this carriage, do you know what would happen to you?”
“Certainly,” replied Hal. “I should be in danger of being killed.”
“Do you feel like taking the risk?”
“If you were scoundrel enough, senor, I should be compelled to take it.”