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.
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