“You risked your life for Pino. Why now do you wish to take it? Think of his importance to Venezuela, of the happiness he will bring his country, and think what his loss would mean to your own father.”
“My father!” exclaimed Roddy. “What has my father to do with this?”
The two Venezuelans looked at each other in bewilderment, and then back at Roddy sternly and suspiciously.
“Are you jesting?” demanded General Pulido.
“Never been more serious in my life,” said Roddy.
The two officers searched his face eagerly.
“It is as Pino says,” exclaimed Pulido, with sudden enlightenment. “He is telling the truth!”
“Of course I’m telling the truth!” cried Roddy fiercely. “Are you looking for a duel, too?”
“Tell him!” cried Pulido.
“But Mr. Forrester’s orders!” protested Colonel Ramon.