“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 desires you to carry a message to Colonel Onate. He is writing it now. You will give Colonel Onate my compliments and ask him to make as much haste as is convenient.” Megales signed and sealed the note he was writing and handed it to O’Halloran, who in turn passed it to Rodrigo. “Colonel Onate should be here in fifteen minutes at the farthest. May I in the meantime offer you a glass of wine, Dictator O’Halloran?” At the Irishman’s smile, the Mexican governor hastened to add, misunderstanding him purposely: “Perhaps I assume too much in taking the part of host here. May I ask whether you will be governor in person or by deputy, señor?”