I understand yon have been looking
for me. I am, senor, yours to command." The big Irishman brought
his heels together and gave a mocking military salute.
The governor's first thought was that he was a victim of
treachery, his second that he was a dead man, his third that he
would die as a Spanish gentleman ought. He was pale to the eyes,
but he lost no whit of his dignity.
"You have, I suppose, taken the palace," he said quietly.
"As a loan, excellency, merely as a loan. After to-morrow it will
be returned you in the event you still need it," replied
O'Halloran blandly.
"You expect to murder me, of course?"
The big Celt looked shocked. "Not at all! The bulletins may
perhaps have to report you accidentally killed or a victim of
suicide. Personally I hope not."
"I understand; but before this lamentable accident happens I beg
leave to assure myself that the palace really is in your hands,
senor. A mere formality, of course." The governor smiled his
thin-lipped smile and touched a bell beside him.
Twice Megales pressed the electric bell, but no orderly appeared
in answer to it. He bowed to the inevitable.
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