“It is a fearful risk, Martella. You are a good deal braver than I thought; I accept your offer; but you have no acquaintance with the ladies; they will not come away with you.”
“You can write me a few lines to hand to the American Señorita that will explain it all to her.”
Major Starland had a feeling that it was hardly right to allow this simple hearted fellow to sacrifice himself in this manner. He turned to Captain Guzman, who was silently smoking a cigarette.
“What do you think of it?”
“It is the only plan that will succeed and there is no certainty that it will not fail. But let it be tried.”
“Will the captain of the guard obey a verbal order which it is proposed to say is sent by General Yozarro?”
Martella lifted his shoulders.
“If he refuses we shall be no worse off than before.”
“We shall not, but you’re likely to be. However, here goes!”
He whipped out his note book and hastily penned the few lines that have already been revealed.