"Not one. Why?"
"I wanted to see the time. We ought to get into the tributary by about half-past one. There's plenty of time."
General Carabaño had been very quiet since the boat left the jetty. But while Will talked to Ruggles, he had been speaking in a low tone to Machado.
"You shall rue this, Señor Machado," he said fiercely.
"Excellency, I am not to blame."
"You expect me to believe that? Could these villains have committed this outrage upon me without your help?"
"They stole into the house, Excellency----"
"What were you about?"
"I was at my instrument, according to your instructions, Excellency. They came in when I was taking the telegram to you."
"That is a lie," said Azito, with a grunt.