“And if my brother doesn't win?”
“I may never have an opportunity to present you to him. We mustn't be squeamish about this matter, Miss Ruey. If Ricardo doesn't turn the trick, he may go the way of his father, unless he can manage to get out of the country.”
She was silent a minute, digesting this grim alternative. “And you?” she queried presently. “What will happen to you? As I understand it, you are existing now under a temporary license.”
“I shall endeavour to leave also—with dignity. I can always land a pretty good job back home, and wherever I'm superintendent the next best job belongs to Billy. The Lord is our shepherd; we shall not want.”
“As I understand it, then, Caliph, Ricardo hopes to win his revolution when he strikes the first blow.”
“I think so. I dare say Ricardo hopes to take Sarros by surprise, bottle the city garrison up in the cuartel and the government palace and there besiege them. Having secured nominal control of a seaport, he can import arms and ammunition; also he can recruit openly, and at his leisure hunt down the outlying garrisons. The Sarros crowd doesn't suspect his presence in Sobrante, and by a quick, savage stroke he should be able to jerk this one-horse government up by the heels in jig time—particularly since the citizenry feel no loyalty toward the Sarros régime and are only kept in subjection through fear and lack of a leader. I'm going to play Ricardo to win, if he isn't killed in the opening row, for I'm certain he'll lead his men.”
“I dare say he is greatly like his father—not afraid to die for his country,” she replied presently. “I am glad to be here when he takes that risk.”
“Oh, but you mustn't be here,” Webster protested.
“Why?”
“Because there'll be street fighting—probably of a desperate character, and I understand your countrymen go rather war-mad and do things not sanctioned by the Hague tribunal. If there's a steamer in port at the time I'll put you aboard her until the issue is decided. She'll have to remain in port because while the fighting goes on she cannot load or discharge.”