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, 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. I am answered," he exclaimed scornfully.
"And what is the price of patriotism these days, colonel?"

"Sir!" The colonel laid his hand on his sword.

"I was merely curious to know what position you would hold under the new
administration."

O'Halloran choked a laugh, for by chance the governor had hit the nail
on the head. Onate was to be Secretary of State under Valdez, and this
was the bait that had been dangled temptingly under his nose to induce a
desertion of Megales.

"If you mean to reflect upon my honor I can assure you that my
conscience is clear," answered Onate blackly.

"Indeed, colonel, I do not doubt it. I have always admired your
conscience and its adaptability." The governor turned to O'Halloran. "I
am satisfied, S