373“I am no more a loyal Imperialist,” he announced, with a gruesome contortion of the mouth.
“Nor a live deserter for long,” said Régules. “Quick, what’s the news at Querétero?”
“Carrai, my news and more will jolt out if I open my mouth. Eh, mi coronel,” he added to Driscoll, “you’ve taught this barbarous gait to the Republic too, I see?”
“Better obey orders,” Driscoll warned him gently.
“But there’s no need of hurry, señores. Not now, there isn’t.”
“You mean the Imperialists have whipped Escobedo, that––”
“Not so fast, mi general. If they had, wouldn’t I want you to hurry, for then there’d be a conquering Empire waiting for you?”
“Colonel Driscoll,” said Régules, “fall back a step. I’m going to kill this fellow now.”
“As you wish, general. But he’s got something to tell.”
“Then por Dios, why doesn’t he?”