"My property is at your disposal," smiled Don Luis. "I shall feel assured that you will not go many miles from here."
The remark covered the fact that Montez had all avenues of escape so well guarded that the young engineers simply could not escape by flight.
Good nights were exchanged, and the visitors, smiling politely, departed.
"Now, why on earth did you talk to Don Luis in that fashion?" Harry demanded, as soon as they were alone. "You know, well enough, that not even the certainty of immediate death would make you accede to his rascally wishes."
"I'm afraid I don't know anything of the sort," Tom drawled. "On the contrary, we may help Montez sell out to the American visitors."
Harry gasped.
"Tom Reade, are you going crazy?"
"Not that I've noticed."
"Then what are you talking about?"
"Harry, I'm tired, and I think you are."