"Wait outside; we may want you," he said and turned to Walthew after dismissing the fellow. "The messenger must have been suspicious and our men have blundered. It was very dark and he came upon them suddenly. One was shot as he seized the mule and the messenger escaped before they could mount, but he was forced to turn back."
"Could he pass them by making a round?"
"It is not likely. There is this road and the other, with thick forest between, and both are guarded. The man must wait for daylight, and I do not think he will reach Rio Frio. We may turn this to your advantage, but it needs thought."
He sat down and lighted a cigarette, and Walthew waited in silence until he looked up.
"It is possible that Gomez will offer your comrade his liberty in exchange for information he can use against Don Martin."
"Grahame will give him none," Walthew answered emphatically.
"Then I imagine he is in some danger. You would take a risk to rescue him?"
"Of course!"
"Very well. Gomez is waiting for instructions and probably knows that the messenger is a foreigner. I suggest that you impersonate him. The guards will let you pass, and Gomez will, no doubt, receive you alone. Then you must try to extort an order for your friend's release."
"I'm a pretty good shot," said Walthew meaningly. "I might get him covered before I begin."