"Well, say to-morrow morning," suggested Tony. "That will give us time to get on board first."
By now all Congosta's headache and exhaustion seemed magically to have vanished.
"My friend!" he ejaculated fervently, "my dear Sir Antony! You may yet be of the truest service to my unhappy country."
"But look here!" broke in Guy, who had also risen from his chair and was gazing from one to the other of them. "This is all very well, but what on earth's the use of it? Even if we got to Portriga you don't suppose we should have the faintest chance of being able to do anything!"
"I don't like looking too far ahead," said Tony. "It shows a lack of trust in Providence."
Congosta wheeled round excitedly to Guy. "Señor!" he exclaimed. "I assure you that you may yet save Livadia." He turned back to Tony. "You have seen this morning's paper? You know the truth about what has happened?"
"I have seen the Daily Mail," said Tony guardedly.
"So! That is right, what they have written, but there is later news." He thrust his hand into his breast pocket, and dragging out some papers, selected a crumpled cable form, which he opened with shaking fingers. "Even now General Almaida is in Portriga. He holds the whole town south of the river."
"Do you mean that you're in communication with them?" demanded Guy. "I thought all the wires had been cut."
"We were not without our preparations," returned Congosta with a vindictive smile. "The way is still open. It will not be closed so long as General Almaida is undefeated."