“We know him, but not because we want to,” said the old man between tightly drawn lips. “He’s lately happened—to come here....”
“Now you’re holding back something, Mr. Pemberton. And there’s absolutely no need to. Nothing you say shall be held against you.” He laughed gently. “I mean it, even if my uncle is on the government’s side. I know that in some mysterious way you people are connected with the revolutionary movement here. You wouldn’t know Goncalves from Adam if you weren’t.”
Felice, who had been standing silent throughout this recital, suddenly put her hand on Hal’s arm.
“You are right about us, Mr. Hal,” she said. “We are sort of connected with Ceara’s side. That is....”
“Ceara’s a patriot and devoted to the Cause,” said the old man suddenly. “Goncalves is a sneak and is in the Cause for greed rather than patriotic motives. I’ve suspected that right along. Also he wants power.”
“We meant it when we said that we thought he was inhuman for what he tried to do to you,” said Felice angrily. “We told him so too! But he would go to any ends to get the rest of the munitions through. He wants to start fighting. He’s jealous of Ceara—he’s jealous of my....”
“Your brother, huh?” Hal interposed. “Wasn’t that what you were going to say?”
Felice and her grandfather nodded.
“I don’t know why we let you know so much,” she said, trying to smile.
“You know why?” Hal asked. “Because you know in your heart I’d rather help than anything else. Besides I promised I’d be loyal, didn’t I? Well, I mean it. And I can understand how people all alone like you are can mix up with the Cause as you call it. You have nothing else to do in this wilderness. Also, I understand now how your brother could get into it. It’s a wonder he didn’t get into worse mischief than this with so much time on his hands.”