Part 40 (1/2)
”If I had known your plans at the beginning, I'd have acted differently,” Cliffe said
Altiera gave hilance
”Senor, I do not think you are justified in charging us with a want of candor, because there is evidence that you have not been quite honest with us Our erous ene at your hotel in Havana, where the senorita Cliffe helps him in an attempt to escape observation”
”I do not know the man,” Cliffe protested with a puzzled air
”Then it is strange that we should have caught ayou a note fro by fencing, senor”
Cliffe frowned
”I've just got to say that I've never, to e, met Don Martin
What was the note about?”
”We will talk of that later In the meanwhile, I understand you have decided not to let me have the money that we need?”
”Not without a written proned and handed to ht Unless you consent, I must start for Valverde at once”
Altiera pondered for a fewhis brows
”You are, no doubt, anxious to rejoin your daughter,” he said slowly
”Perhaps I had better tell you that she is not at Valverde”
”Not at Valverde!” Cliffe exclaione?”
”I cannot tell you”
Cliffe clenched his hand, but would not let his alarm master him He suspected treachery and knew that he must be cool
”Your secretary assured me that Miss Cliffe would be safe with the _alcalde's_ wife; I shall hold him responsible Why did she leave Valverde?”
”It see, and set off to rejoin you
This is most likely, but it is said in the cafes that she ran aith the senor Gomez”
Cliffe looked up with his face set and an ominous sparkle in his eyes
”That is a lie!”
”Personally, I think so; but having soe of the sex, I would not care to predict what a roht do”
”Get on with your tale!”
Altiera regarded Cliffe calmly