“That I bring the American Señorita to him without delay.”
“Where is the General? I am expecting him any hour.”
“You know I am one of the firemen on the gunboat; it lies against the shore where we stopped last night when the Señoritas were brought here.”
This was the critical moment. If Captain Navarro had learned of the desertion of Martella, the life of the latter was not worth a moment’s purchase, but in reality he knew nothing of it. The Captain, well aware of the ferocious temper of the Dictator, stood in as abject awe of him as did every other citizen of Atlamalco. But as the two conversed, the wits of the officer gradually returned to him.
“Where is the escort of the Señorita?”
“Standing before you.”
“You do not come alone?”
“I do—”
“But how is it the General himself does not come?”
“Perhaps the Captain would like to put that question to General Yozarro.”