moment. The fellow had pluck, and that was one certain passport to the
revolutionist's favor.

"On the contrary, it would distress me exceedingly. Let us reserve that
bulletin as a regrettable possibility in the event that less drastic
measures fail."

"Which means, I infer, that you have need of me before I pass by the
Socratic method," he suggested, still with that pale smile set in
granite "I shall depend on you to let me know at what precise hour you
would like to order an epitaph written for me. Say the word at your
convenience, and within five minutes your bulletin concerning the late
governor will have the merit of truth."

"Begad, excellency, I like your spirit. If it's my say-so, you will live
to be a hundred. Come the cards are against you. Some other day they may
fall more pat for you. But the jig's up now."

"I am very much of your opinion, sir," agreed Megales.

"Then why not make terms?"

"Such as--"

"Your life and your friends' lives against a graceful capitulation."

"Our lives as prisoners or as free men?"

"The utmost freedom compatible with the circumstances. Your friends may
either leave or remain and accept the new order of things. I'm afraid it
will be necessary for you and General Carlo to leave the state for your
own safety. You have both many enemies."

"With our personal possessions?"

"Of course. Such property as you cannot well take may be left in the
hands of an agent and disposed of later."

Megales eyed him narrowly. "Is it your opinion, on honor, that the
general and I would reach the boundaries of the State without being
assassinated?"

"I pledge you my honor and that of Juan Valdez that you will be safely
escorted out of the country if you will consent to a disguise. It is
only fair to him to say that he stands strong for your life."

"Then, sir, I accept your terms if you can make it plain to me that you
are strong enough to take the city against General Carlo."

From his pocket O'Halloran drew a typewritten list and handed it to the
governor, who glanced it over with interest.

"These army officers are all with you?"

"As soon as the word is given."

"You will pardon me if I ask for proof?"

"Certainly. Choose the name of any one of them you like and send for
him. You are at liberty to ask him whether he is pledged to us."

The governor drew a pencil-mark through a name. O'Halloran clapped his
hands and Rodrigo came into the room.

"Rodrigo, the governor