A MEETING AT THE NIPA BARRACKS
It was only for a moment.
Then, without answering Hal's remark, the Filipino clutched at the white man's arm, shoving him out into the rain. The native followed.
Just then a cochero with an empty quilez drove up. With instant presence of mind Vicente Tomba, as the dandy had called himself, held up his hand.
It was all done in an instant, and native and white friend were driving away through the gusts of rain.
"Wonder who our friends are?" Noll remarked curiously.
"We know that one of them calls himself Vicente Tomba," replied Sergeant Hal.
"But he spoke of having us picked out for something, and he seemed almost peevish because we didn't suit him," smiled Noll.
"I can't imagine what it is," replied Hal, undisturbed. "It couldn't be anything in the high treason line, anyway."
"Why not even that?" demanded Sergeant Noll.