“It was indeed. He secured just the news we needed and which gives us a perfect knowledge of the old fellow’s plans.”
“How long do you think he will await the return of his scout?”
Instead of replying, the lieutenant turned the question over to Mendez. Perhaps the latter was impatient with the continued complimentary allusions to himself, for without looking at either of the men, he answered:
“Dunno.”
“Nor does any one else. If I were to give a guess, however, I should say two hours at least, and perhaps longer. Let me see.”
The officer took out his watch, the face of which could be plainly seen in the bright light.
“It is exactly ten o’clock. If I am right in my surmise, he will make no move before midnight.”
“Ain’t right—you wrong,” interjected Mendez, to the amusement of his companions.
“Well, why didn’t you say so before? Now, Mendez, give your guess.”
“Wait one—two—three hours.”