"Not the Flag itself."
"But, in some way, you wanted me to turn against my comrades—to serve you and your friends at the expense of the United States Government."
"Yes," assented Tomba. "But do not think to deceive me. It is too late now to save yourself by promising what I would have wanted of you."
"I don't intend to serve you and your rascal friends at any price—at least, I haven't yet come to that decision," Hal added, in a more conciliatory tone. "However, I am curious."
"Curiosity can do you no good now," retorted Tomba softly, with a shrug of his shoulders.
"What part is Draney playing with you brown-skinned men?"
Tomba again shrugged his shoulders, this time more mockingly.
"Señor Draney serves the same cause that I do," laughed the Filipino.
"And what cause is that?"
"His purse."