Yet, if Hal looked cool, his appearance was far from expressing his feelings.
He fully realized that never before had he been in such a critical situation.
In fact, with such a foe as Vasquez, who, under the circumstances could not be placated, there was little hope that the American could escape with his life.
Senor Vasquez drew out a cigar, lighted it, and puffed slowly for some time before he began to speak.
Yet, while thinking, his brow grew blacker.
“Senor Maynard,” he finally blurted out, “are you not ashamed to be an American?”
Hal turned eyes that were wide open with surprise upon the man pacing the floor before him.
“Ashamed of being an American?” he repeated. “Senor Vasquez, are you training for a humorist? How can any American live without finding life one long thrill of pride that he is part and parcel of the Stars and Stripes?”
“Bah!” retorted Vasquez, impatiently. “Shall I tell you what your greatest fault is?”
“If you care to.”