"Take my word for it, colonel, that Valentine is not a fool," said Santosa, lightly. "He is very young."
"Have you nothing to say for me?" asked the slim lieutenant, good-naturedly.
"You know what I think of you all," replied Santosa, without heat. The conversation was carried on in Portuguese, and now ran into angry surmises as to the President's reason for placing Hemming in command.
It was close upon midnight when Hicks awoke. He straightened himself in his chair and blinked at Santosa, who alone, of the whole mess, remained at table.
"You have had a little nap," said the Brazilian.
Hicks looked at him for awhile in silence. Then he got to his feet, and leaned heavily on the table.
"I'll walk home, old tea-cosey. Tell your nigger to give my gee something to eat, will you?"
"You do not look well, my dear Valentine. You had better stay here until morning," said Santosa.
Hicks swore, and then begged the other's pardon.
"Am I drunk, old chap? Do I look that way?" he asked.