Part 3 (1/2)
”You had better come and see what he wants first.”
The Venezuelan gave way with a shrug, and walked by Will's side to the tent, at the door of which Mr. Jackson was standing.
”Senor Machado,” said the Chief, who was always scrupulously polite to the Spaniards on his staff, ”I shall be glad of your a.s.sistance. These hors.e.m.e.n will be here in a few minutes, and I want you to remain here as a witness of what pa.s.ses. Mr. Pentelow will remain also. We shall then have one of their own countrymen and one of mine, a useful precaution, you will agree.”
Senor Machado smiled his a.s.sent. Mr. Jackson knew that, in dealing with revolutionaries in Venezuela, foreigners, and even peaceable natives, were, as he put it, between the devil and the deep sea. If he should be suspected of giving aid or countenance to the rebels he would be hauled over the coals by the Government. If he refused such aid he might be held in durance or perhaps attacked by the rebels. Whichever party proved victorious in the struggle would refuse to make good any loss he might sustain, while if either could foist upon him any charge of a.s.sisting the enemy he would lose all his property, and suffer imprisonment or fine. No evidence would probably be of any immediate avail if matters were brought to extremities; but it would be useful to have such evidence to lay before the British consul.
”You left a man at the cabin to call you if any message comes through?”
said the Chief.
”a.s.suredly, senor; I think always of my duty.”
”That's right. Just keep within easy reach. Here's a cigar.”
Machado strolled up and down, smoking energetically. Will shot a glance at him. The man was a good telegraphist, and he had nothing against him; but he was not quite pleased to know that he had been so affable with Jose.
Mr. Jackson sat down at the door of the tent, and began to discuss with Will the entries the latter had made in his note-book.
”I think we look pretty easy,” he said. ”Still waters run deep.... Ah!
here they are.”
CHAPTER IV--SIMPLE SUBTRACTION
The cavalcade came at a walk into the compound. They were a very nondescript troop: men of all ages, tall and short, stout and thin, variously clad, but all wearing high riding-boots and a green feather in their sombreros. There were more of them than Will had supposed, numbering nearly fifty. The greater part of the troop halted when they came to the tree, but two rode forward, the first a thick-set man with bushy black eyebrows and heavy moustache. He pulled up within a few feet of Mr. Jackson, and making a military salute, said--
”Good-evening, senor.”
Mr. Jackson got up and returned the salutation. Will stood at his side, and the telegraphist remained a little in the rear.
”I introduce myself, senor, as Captain Felipe Espejo, of the army of General Carabano, liberator of Venezuela, and in his name I have the honour or requesting that you will of your great courtesy furnish my troop with refreshments.”
”Do me the favour to enter my tent, Senor Capitan,” said Mr. Jackson pleasantly. ”No doubt you are weary after your ride.”
The Captain hesitated for a moment, darting a glance around. Then he dismounted, and leaving his horse with his orderly, followed Mr. Jackson into the tent. Will entered after him, and Machado stood in the entrance.
”Be seated, senor,” said Mr. Jackson, offering him a cigar. ”I am of course aware of the excellent custom of your country, which never refuses refreshment to the traveller, and speaking for myself and my staff, it would give us the greatest pleasure to entertain you and your men. But you will see, I am sure, that I am placed in a somewhat awkward position.”
”Explain yourself, senor.”
”I think I am right in believing that the n.o.ble liberator has not yet a.s.sumed the reins of government? In that case any voluntary service to you on my part, even though dictated solely by courtesy, is likely to be sadly misconstrued by the present Government, is it not? I am responsible for the interests of the Company employing me to build this railway, and I must take care that no action of mine shall prejudice them. You will agree, then, senor, that I cannot undertake to provide refreshment for so large a party as yours unless formal demand is made, which, backed by the armed force at your distinguished disposal, would undoubtedly exonerate my Company from all responsibility.”
”You express yourself admirably, senor,” said the visitor with a smile.
”May I compliment you on your command of our language? As to a formal demand, I oblige you with the greatest pleasure. I demand now, formally, that you supply my troop with food.”
”That is sufficient, Senor Capitan,” said Mr. Jackson, returning the smile. ”Pentelow,” he added in English, ”go and see to this. Don't be long.... I was about to have my own evening meal,” he went on in Spanish, ”and if the caballero would honour me by sharing the repast, I shall be delighted, though I fear it may not be so excellent in quality as the caballero is accustomed to.”
The Captain cordially accepted the invitation. He felt that things were going extremely well. Mr. Jackson summoned his servant, and ordered him to lay for four. Machado was edging away, but Mr. Jackson called him into the tent.
”You will join us this evening,” he said. ”Senor Machado, telegraphist on my staff.”