This bribe closed the matter, and it was arranged that the check should be dated a month hence.
“I take that precaution, señor, and I tell you plainly that if you talk to any one of our little arrangement, the check will be stopped. I require secrecy,” Gaunt said bluntly.
“Which I will gladly give—at such a price,” Alvarez added under his breath.
After the South American had left, the discussion was resumed, and it was late when the party broke up.
“You think that we can be ready in a fortnight?” Gaunt asked of Armstrong.
“Yes. I shall go to Newcastle in the morning. I shall let it be understood that I have entered the service of San Salvador, and Alvarez must back me up. If he does so, I can go on working without arousing any suspicion,” the latter answered.
“That is an excellent idea. You must not come to my house again. Captain Drake had better take up his quarters at an hotel, and you can communicate with him. I shall not be surprised if the Baron keeps a pretty close watch on my movements,” the millionaire remarked.
When Drake and Gaunt were alone, neither of them showed any inclination for bed. The former was silent for a while, for he was trying to devise a means of reconciling Lady Mildred to her husband, while Gaunt was thinking of his wife.
“I am sure that Lady Ethel will be your friend. She will do all that she can to bring her sister back,” Drake said suddenly.
“You believe that?” Gaunt answered incredulously.