at I have been observing. I won't tell you
what I have discovered--"

"No. That is unnecessary," whispered Mrs. Gould, once more averting her
head.

"It is. Except one little fact, that your husband does not like me.
It's a small matter, which, in the circumstances, seems to acquire a
perfectly ridiculous importance. Ridiculous and immense; for, clearly,
money is required for my plan," he reflected; then added, meaningly,
"and we have two sentimentalists to deal with."

"I don't know that I understand you, Don Martin," said Mrs. Gould,
coldly, preserving the low key of their conversation. "But, speaking as
if I did, who is the other?"

"The great Holroyd in San Francisco, of course," Decoud whispered,
lightly. "I think you understand me very well. Women are idealists; but
then they are so perspicacious."

But whatever was the reason of that remark, disparaging and
complimentary at the same time, Mrs. Gould seemed not to pay attention
to it. The name of Holroyd had given a new tone to her anxiety.

"The silver escort is coming down to the harbour tomorrow; a whole six
months' working, Don Martin!" she cried in dismay.

"Let it come down, then," breathed out Decoud, earnestly, almost into
her ear.

"But if the rumour should get about, and especially if it turned out
true, troubles might break out in the town," objected Mrs. Gould.

Decoud admitted that it was possible. He knew well the town children
of the Sulaco Campo: sullen, thievish, vindictive, and bloodthirsty,
whatever great qualities their brothers of the plain might have had.
But then there was that other sentimentalist, who attached a strangely
idealistic meaning to concrete facts. This stream of silver must be kept
flowing north to return in the form of financial backing from the great
house of Holroyd. Up at the mountain in the strong room of the mine
the silver bars were worth less for his purpose than so much lead, from
which at least bullets may be run. Let it come down to the harbour,
ready for shipment.

The next north-going steamer would carry it off for the very salvation
of the San Tome mine, which had produced so much treasure. And,
moreover, the rumour was probably false, he remarked, with much
conviction in his hurried tone.

"Besides, senora," concluded Decoud, "we may suppress it for many days.
I have been talking with the telegraphist in the middle of the Plaza
Mayor; thus I am certain that we could not have been overheard. There
w