“Were you with Captain Maurel when we ambushed them near Tampico?”
“I can’t remember,” said Tiburcio tentatively.
“If you will hurry down to this court martial, perhaps you will remember better. Go, and I’ll leave you.”
“Not quite so fast, Rodrigo. You forget that your devoted rescuer is penniless.”
169“So am I, I tell you. We’ll both have to go to work, Don Tiburcio.”
“What’s the lay? Tell me.” The humorist’s tone was unmistakable.
Rodrigo looked about him in the dark. “Listen,” he whispered, “there’s a bullion convoy out of San Luis before long, but–you shall hear no more unless it is agreed that I am to meet them first.”
“Of course, hombre! How else could I threaten to expose them for contributing to the rebels?”
“Bien, it’s next week. You will meet them this side of Valles, some time Thursday or Friday.–Now I’m off. Adios.”
“Stay. You’ll find your horse down by the river. The administrator is waiting with it. And Rodrigo, don’t you want your pistol? Be more careful another time, and keep it loaded.”