"Very well," the President conceded. "Though it will cause me some embarrassment, I make another offer. You shall have the grant in a month."
"A month is too long to wait."
Altiera rose and stood with his brown hand clenched upon the back of his chair and his brows knitted. It seemed to cost him an effort to maintain his self-control, and Cliffe saw that he had pressed him hard. For all that, he did not mean to yield. He had gone farther than was prudent, and knew when to stop.
"You understand what you risk by your exactions?" Altiera asked menacingly.
"Señor Gomez made that plain. I have no security for the money already paid, except your honor."
Altiera bowed.
"Though the situation is difficult and you make it worse, I believe your confidence is not misplaced. Well, since one or two of my ministers must be consulted, I cannot give you an answer for a week; but the country is healthful in this neighborhood, and you may be interested in studying its resources. My house is at your disposal, and your comfort will be provided for while I see what can be done."
It took Cliffe a minute or two to make up his mind. He would rather have gone back to Valverde at once; but he felt that he must finish his business before returning. Although he had some misgivings, he agreed to stay.
In reaching his decision he thought Evelyn safe with the alcalde; but he had not reckoned on the cunning of Secretary Gomez.