“Just to have the pleasure of potting me as per schedule.... Any fear that you have been followed to-night, old friend?”
“None, señor. The soldiers at the estancia believe you are many miles away. Moreover, I have put good wine on the table.”
“Who is in charge there? Captain Gomez?”
“No, señor, a stranger. El capitan went back to Cartagena. He nearly wept when he saw his boots. You had split them.”
“You gave the consul my letter?”
“I dropped it in his box, señor. I thought that was wiser.”
“So it was. I should have remembered that. What of the lady?”
“The lady you married, señor?”
“Of course. You wouldn’t have me interested in some other lady on my wedding day, you old reprobate?”