The strap was drawn up to another hole.
"Now, Catala, stand back," commanded Unzar, "and count three slowly. At the word 'three,' Señor Arillaga, we begin. You understand."
"I understand."
"Ready…. Count."
"One."
Felipe and Unzar each put his right hand grasping the knife behind his back as etiquette demanded.
"Two."
They strained back from each other, the full length of their left arms, till the nails grew bloodless.
"Three!" called Lopez Catala in a shaking voice.