"Then the señor is a friend of the president's?"
"If we meet his soldiers, they will let me pass."
"The soldiers are not the worst. There are the rurales; men without shame, who shoot and ask no questions. However, we will see if I can find porters, if the señor will wait until the afternoon."
Kit distrusted the fellow and thought he had an object for putting off the start. He had been warned that the Meztisos sympathized with the rebels, and imagined that his party's safety depended on its speed. But he did not want to look impatient, and, imitating the other's carelessness, sat down and lighted a cigarette while he pondered. To begin with, he suspected that the patron would prevent his meeting any of the president's soldiers who might be about, and it would be prudent to finish his business and get back to the ship before Galdar knew he was in the woods. His men claimed to be American citizens and Mayne knew where he had gone, but the latter's statements might be doubted if the party disappeared. It was known that Askew was engaged in a risky trade and the captain's story would look more romantic than plausible.
Kit saw he must depend upon his own resources and presently noted that a man was leaving the village. The fellow kept behind the group in the street as far as he could and moved quickly. There was something stealthy about his movements and when he looked back, as if to see if Kit were watching, the latter got up.
"Stop that man," he said.
"But he is going to his work, señor," the patron objected.
"In this country, one does not work while the sun is high," said Kit, who rather ostentatiously pulled out his pistol. "Call him back!"
The patron shouted and the man returned, but Kit kept his pistol in his hand.
"Nobody must leave the pueblo until I start," he said. "I want porters and am willing to pay."