Then, craning his neck forward, he whispered, sharply:

“Pedro! Pedro Escarillaz!”

In an instant, the sentinel halted, turning his head.

“If money will do you any good, Pedro Escarillaz, come here.”

Quick as a flash, the soldier’s rifle flew to his shoulder.

Then, reconsidering, he walked slowly toward the grove.

“Who called?” he asked.

“Men who have money,” answered Juan. “If you happen to be hungry, you will be glad that we have called you.”

Hal felt thunderstruck.

“Is this Cuban crazy?” he wondered, hardly knowing whether to run or stand his ground.