Angel's pleasure was so pronounced that Dyker for a moment feared—though it would have made small difference—lest the cadet make to the entire company a public announcement of his promise. He need not, however, have worried. Rafael was wholly used to these legal fictions and to the etiquette that imposed their formal observance; his delight took the shape of an order for another pair of drinks, and, those dispatched, he leisurely got upon his little feet.
"Now," said he, "I go. I hava da businesses."
He smiled wisely at the concluding word.
Wesley also rose.
"I'll have to be getting along myself," he remarked.
"Ah, but you can stay eef you feel like," said Angel. "I maka you know deesa mens."
"Thanks. I do know most of them," replied Dyker, nodding to two or three of the nearby cadets as he spoke. "But I have some business, too. These are busy times with me."
They both made their way to the saloon's side door.
"Goin' so soon?" chorused some of the habitués as Angel moved among them.
He nodded, smiling cheerfully.