For he began a conversation with the sergeant. And he did not take the trouble to whisper what he had to say, though one would have thought he would not care to have so villainous a plot known to any one.
The officer in charge of the Americans was sitting near them with his own sword lying in his lap. And Ignacio crept over to him.
"Jose," said he, "Jose Garcia, listen to me."
"What is it?"
"Jose, have you been paid your wages for the last six months?"
The soldier gazed at Ignacio in astonishment.
"Carramba! What's that to you?"
"Nothing, Jose, except that you need money, don't you?"
It was evident from the look that came over the Spanish soldier's face that the answer he made was sincere.
"Santa Maria!" he cried. "Yes! Why?"