"I don't think we shall have much use for them," said Herrick putting away his weapon and sitting down. "I think we may talk now that these preliminaries are ended. Will you not be seated Señor Manuel."
"In my own house!" exclaimed the Spaniard between his teeth but sat nevertheless.
"Quite so; I have to ask you pardon for that. But you see my friend, I must stand if you do, and I am tired. You might use that pretty little weapon in your pocket."
"I may do so yet," said Santiago with an ugly look.
"Possibly. All the same I would point out that your intention has its disadvantages. In the first place I am a good and a quick shot. In the second as my shot or yours would summon the police, you might get into trouble."
"The police can do nothing to me."
"If you attempt to kill me I think they can do a lot. We are not in Mexico now, Señor Santiago. Come, let us talk sensibly. I am sure you must see that I am in a position to dictate my own terms. You will not find them hard I assure you always provided--"
"Provided what?"
"That you did not murder Colonel Carr. If you did, I fear--I fear I shall be obliged to hand you over to the police. We have a prejudice against people being killed in this country, Don Manuel."
"Oh, curse your fine speeches!" growled the Don. "I did not kill Carr if that is what you are driving at." He paused and cast a look at Joyce. "I see that you have got the better of me. If that white-livered cur had held his tongue--however I must make the best of a bad job. Come, if I answer your questions freely and frankly will you promise not to inform the police of what I tell you?"