"You may leave that to me," he said. "I assure you that before he left England Colonel Saltero was convinced of your good faith. I shall arrange that it is he who will meet you at Braxa to receive the cartridges."
"But won't you be coming with us?" asked Guy.
Congosta shook his head. "I must stay in London," he answered regretfully. "It is General Almaida's wish. Should our party win it is necessary that there should be someone here to obtain recognition from your government."
"Quite so," said Tony; "quite so." He lighted himself a cigarette, and took a couple of thoughtful paces up and down the hall. Guy did not speak again, but watched him with a strained apprehension that showed itself visibly in his face.
"Tell me," said Tony, coming back to where Congosta was standing. "Could you get a message through to any one in Portriga?"
Congosta looked faintly surprised. "I cannot say. It is possible. It would depend perhaps upon what part of the town they were in." He paused. "Why do you wish to know?"
"I am a little bit anxious about a friend of mine," said Tony frankly. "He has been running a motor company in Portriga for the last two years, and from what he has told me I am afraid that he has made one or two rather awkward enemies—business enemies, you know. They are not the sort of crowd to miss a chance like this, and just in case he was in difficulties, I should like him to know that the Betty was coming to Braxa. Then if he wanted to slip out of the country quietly he could."
Congosta accepted the explanation in what appeared to be perfectly good faith.
"I understand," he said. "You shall give me your friend's name and address, and then if our people can reach him you may be sure that he will get your message."
Tony walked across to the writing-table and seated himself in the chair.