Cliffe nodded agreement, and Gomez changed the subject.
"I have been thinking," he said. "If you are resolved to see the President, Señora Herrero, wife of the alcalde, whom you have met, would take care of the señorita while you are away. They are people of some importance, and she would be safe with them."
This struck Cliffe as a good suggestion, and when Gomez accompanied him to the alcalde's house the matter was arranged with Evelyn's consent. The next morning Cliffe set off with a relay of mules and three or four days later was received by the President at a little town among the hills. Nothing was said about business until he had rested and dined, and then he sat with his host on a veranda half hidden by bougainvillea, looking down on the dim littoral that ran back to the sea.
President Altiera differed from his secretary. He looked more of an autocratic soldier than a diplomatist. There was a hint of brutality about him, and Cliffe thought he would rather use force than guile. The man had a coarse, strong face, and his eyes were stern, but he was rather reserved than truculent.
"Señor," he said, "since I understand you were determined to see me, it is an honor to welcome you, and my house and self are at your command. I imagine, however, that neither of us often wastes much time on compliments."
"My excuse is that I find one does best by going to headquarters when any difficulties arise. It seemed possible that your secretary might smooth down my remarks before transmitting them."
"And you do not wish them smoothed down," Altiera dryly suggested.
"I think it best that we should understand each other."
"That is so. What do you wish to understand?"
"When I may expect the sealed grant of the concessions."