"Because I have executed his orders, as they are with me."
"That is true."
"Viva Dios! I was obliged to employ stratagem to induce them to follow me here."
"Why did you not bring them in at once?"
"I should be very sorry to do so, at least for the present. They are cool and steady naval officers, whose smile, under all circumstances, resembles a grimace, so close do they keep their lips. The free-and-easy manner of our worthy associates," he added, "might possibly displease them."
"But when the master arrives?"
"Oh, then the affair will rest with him alone."
At the same moment a sharp whistle was heard outside, and the gamblers sprang up as if they had received an electric shock. Ramirez bent down to the two men.
"Here he is," he said; "I shall be back directly."
"Where are you going?" one of the strangers asked, sharply.