“You do me too much honor, excellency. Neither in person nor by deputy, I fear. And, as for the glass of wine—with all my heart. Good liquor is always in order, whether for a funeral or a marriage.” “Or an abdication, you might add. I drink to a successful reign, Señor Dictator: _Le roi est mort; vive le roi!_” The Irishman filled a second glass. “And I drink to Governor Megales, a brave man. May the cards fall better for him next time he plays.” The governor bowed ironically. “A brave man certainly, and you might add: ‘Who loses his stake without striking one honest blow for it.’” “We play with stacked cards, excellency. Who can forestall the treachery of trusted associates?” “Sir, your apology for me is very generous, no less so than the terms you offer,” returned Megales sardonically. O’Halloran laughed. “Well, if you don’t like my explanations I shall have to let you make your own. And, by the way, may I venture on a delicate personal matter, your excellency?” “I can deny you nothing to-night, señor,” answered Megales, mocking at himself. “Young Valdez is in love with your daughter. I am sure that she is fond of him, but she is very loyal to you and flouts the lad. I was thinking, sir, that—” The Spaniard’s eye flashed, but his answer came suavely as he interrupted: “Don’t you think you had better leave Señor Valdez and me to arrange our own family affairs? We could not think of troubling you to attend to them.” “He is a good lad and a brave.” Megales bowed. “Your recommendation goes a long way with me, señor, and, in truth, I have known him only a small matter of twenty years longer than you.” “Never a more loyal youngster in the land.” “You think so? A matter of definitions, one may suppose. Loyal to the authorized government of his country, or to the rebels who would illegally overthrow it?” “Egad, you have me there, excellency. ’Tis a question of point of view, I’m thinking. But you’ll never tell me the lad pretended one thing and did another. I’ll never believe you like that milksop Chaves better.” “Must I choose either a fool or a knave?” “I doubt it will be no choice of yours. Juan Valdez is an ill man to deny what he sets his heart on. If the lady is willing—” “I shall give her to the knave and wash my hands of her. Since treason thrives she may at last come back to the palace as its mistress. _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, señor.” “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?