Quien sabe?"
"Less likely things have happened. What news, Rodrigo?" This last
to the messenger, who at that moment appeared at the door.
"Colonel Onate attends, senor."
"Show him in."
Onate was plainly puzzled at the summons to attend the governor,
and mixed with his perplexity was a very evident anxiety. He
glanced quickly at O'Halloran as he entered, as if asking for
guidance, and then as questioningly at Megales. Had the Irishman
played Judas and betrayed them all? Or was the coup already
played with success?
"Colonel Onate, I have sent for you at the request of Governor
Megales to set his mind at rest on a disturbing point. His health
is failing and he considers the advisability of retiring from the
active cares of state. I have assured him that you, among others,
would, under such circumstances, be in a friendly relation to the
next administration. Am I correct in so assuring him?"
Megales pierced him with his beady eyes. "In other words, Colonel
Onate, are you one of the traitors involved in this rebellion?"
"I prefer the word patriot, senor," returned Onate, flushing.
"Indeed I have no doubt you do.
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