I'll see you rot in hell before I'll play Judas."
The words rang like a bell through the room, not loud, but clear
and vibrant. There was a long instant's silence after the
American finished speaking, and as his eyes swept from one to
another of the enemy Bucky met with a surprise. On Colonel
Onate's face was a haggard look of fear--surely it was fear--that
lifted in relief at the young man's brave challenge. He had been
dreading something, and the dread was lifted. Onate! Onate! The
ranger's memory searched the past few days to locate the name.
Had O'Halloran mentioned it? Was this man one of the officers
expected to join the opposition when it declared itself against
Megales? He had a vague recollection of the name, and he could
have heard it only through his friend.
"Was Juan Valdez a member of the party that took the rifles from
Lieutenant Chaves and his escort?"
Bucky laughed out his contempt.
"Speak, sir," broke in Chaves. "Answer the governor, you dog."
"If I speak, it will be to tell you what a cur I think you."
Chaves flushed angrily and laid a hand on his revolver. "Who are
you that play dice with death, like a fool?"
"My name, seh, is Bucky O'Connor.
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