"Yes, realised by Jack," assented the engineer, good-humouredly. "If Don Hypolito gets beaten, and things go on as now, I will have plenty of work."
"Much virtue in 'if,'" quoted Philip, smiling.
"It is certainly difficult to foresee the end. Still, Gomez has the army."
"And Don Hypolito has the navy. It's pretty even, I think."
"The combat will be decided by us four," said Tim, conceitedly, "and we'll fight on the side of Jack's choosing."
"Then we will assist the Government. I don't want to help Xuarez to marry Dolores, and get the Harlequin Opal."
"It's my opinion that the war has nothing to do with the Harlequin Opal," said Peter, decisively. "If the Indians have got it, the Indians will keep it."
"Unless I'm within stealing distance of it," replied Jack, promptly. "No; whatever comes and goes, I'm determined to get that opal. It belongs to Dolores."
"And Dolores belongs to you. You are an unselfish person, Jack."
Duval laughed good-humouredly at Philip's mild protestation, and began to talk of other things. Tim went down to the saloon to arrange his notes; Peter turned in, and the symposium broke up without further conversation.