“Egad, you have me there, excellency. ’Tis a question of point of view, I’m thinking. But you’ll never tell me the lad pretended one thing and did another. I’ll never believe you like that milksop Chaves better.”
“Must I choose either a fool or a knave?”
“I doubt it will be no choice of yours. Juan Valdez is an ill man to deny what he sets his heart on. If the lady is willing—”
“I shall give her to the knave and wash my hands of her. Since treason thrives she may at last come back to the palace as its mistress. Quien sabe?”
“Less likely things have happened. What news, Rodrigo?” This last to the messenger, who at that moment appeared at the door.
“Colonel Onate attends, señor.”
“Show him in.”
Onate was plainly puzzled at the summons to attend the governor, and mixed with his perplexity was a very evident anxiety. He glanced quickly at O’Halloran as he entered, as if asking for guidance, and then as questioningly at Megales. Had the Irishman played Judas and betrayed them all? Or was the coup already played with success?
“Colonel Onate, I have sent for you at the request of Governor Megales to set his mind at rest on a disturbing point. His health is failing and he considers the advisability of retiring from the active cares of state. I have assured him that you, among others, would, under such circumstances, be in a friendly relation to the next administration. Am I correct in so assuring him?”
Megales pierced him with his beady eyes. “In other words, Colonel Onate, are you one of the traitors involved in this rebellion?”