“Ah, Señor Hal. Such talk! But how will you know what the Coronel Goncalves is doing when you are no more, eh? You won’t, Señor!” Suddenly the little man’s face twisted in a maniacal smile. “I want that gold at Pembertons’, si? I shall get it and no one shall be alive to know! Cada qual por si e Deus por todos!” he added.
Joaquim touched Hal’s hand affectionately as the guards pushed him past with their bayonets.
“He say ‘each for himself and God for us all,’ Señor. I thought you like to know.”
“Sure, thanks, Joaquim,” Hal muttered breathlessly. “Looks as if we’re going to be separated, huh. Well, over the river and so long, old top!”
“Adios, Señor Hal! Adios!”
Whatever became of Joaquim, Hal never knew. Suffice to say, he never again saw the kind-hearted and faithful Indian.
CHAPTER XXXIII
RENAN!
The guards marched Hal to a hut not far from the river trail and with a push thrust him into the gloomy interior. Suddenly he felt a hand reach out and touch his shoulder.
“Keen, as I live!” cried a familiar voice.
Hal looked down, his eyes becoming accustomed to the dimness, and saw the smiling face of Rene Carmichael.