Solado was speaking when Nick Carter first heard any of the conversation, and what he said was of personal interest to the detective.
“Now we know who that man is who pretended to be Marcos,” were Solado’s words, bitten off with a spitefulness that told how viciously in earnest he was, “the thing to do is to get him out of the way.”
“Permanently?” asked Miguel, in a languid tone.
“Permanently,” came the quick assent. “We can’t afford to have an interfering individual like him disturbing us when we are planning for the welfare of our beloved country, Joyalita.”
“Solado!” interrupted Miguel.
“Well?”
“You would oblige me if you were not quite so much of a humbug.”
“Your highness?” spluttered Solado, his tone indicating that he was much scandalized.
“You know what I mean, Solado,” was the imperturbable response. “Don’t be so confoundedly diplomatic. Call a spade a spade, and don’t try to fool either yourself or me.”
“I don’t understand——”