Much different would their feelings have been had they known all that frightened little Francesca had overheard that they were to be secretly slain, as soon as their usefulness in the swindle was past.
Rather late into the night the young engineers sat up, talking in such low tones that even Nicolas, squatted on the ground beside a smaller fire, could not hear what they were saying. He would not have understood, anyway, as the young engineers were talking in English.
It was very late when the young engineers turned in that night.
It was eight in the morning when Nicolas aroused them.
"Is the stranger back in your tent, Nicolas?" Tom inquired, as soon as his eyes were open.
"No, senor."
"Well, I'm not astonished. I didn't really expect him to return."
Tom and Harry were quickly astir, and ready for breakfast. Nicolas served them carefully, as always.
"We're not through much too early, anyway," Tom murmured. "Here come Don Luis and his artful shadow."
The touring car stopped, at a little distance from camp. After the two passengers had alighted the chauffeur drove on two hundred yards further ere he drew up to wait for them.
"Good morning," hailed Don Luis, cordially. "I see you are waiting for us."