The Flag of Distress Part 29

"Has the vision shown that I'm to be a sharer in these fine things?"

"It has; and you shall be. But only in proportion as you may prove yourself worthy."

"_Por Dios_! I'll do my best. I have the will, if you'll only instruct me in the way."

"I'll do that. But I warn you, 'twill need more than will--strength, secrecy, courage, determination."

"_Desayuno, senores_!"

This from one of the domestics announcing the chocolate served.

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

MYSTERIOUS COMMUNICATIONS.

A few moments suffice the ruined gamblers for their slight matutinal repast. After which, a decanter of Catalonian brandy and gla.s.ses are placed upon the table, with a bundle of Manilla cheroots, size number one.

While the gla.s.ses are being filled, and the cigars lighted, there is silence. Then Calderon calls upon his guest to impart the particulars of that visionary revelation, which promises to give them, at the same time, riches and revenge.

Taking a sip of the potent spirit, and a puff or two at his cigar, De Lara responds to the call. But first leaning across the table, and looking his confederate straight in the face, he asks, in an odd fas.h.i.+on--

"Are you a bankrupt, Faustino Calderon?"

"Of course I am. Why do you put the question?"

"Because I want to be sure, before making known to you the scheme I've hinted at. As I've told you, I'm after no child's play. I ask again, _are_ you a bankrupt?"

"And I answer you I _am_. But what has that to do with it?"

"A good deal. Never mind. You _are_ one? You a.s.sure me of it?"

"I do. I'm as poor as yourself, if not poorer, after last night's losses. I'd embarked all my money in the Monte concern."

"But you have something besides money? This house and your lands?"

"Mortgaged--months ago--up to the eyes, the ears, crown of the head.

That's where the cash came from to set up the bank that's broke-- breaking me along with it."

"And you've nothing left? No chance for starting it again?"

"Not a _claco_. Here I am apparently in my own house, with servants, such as they are, around me. It's all in appearance. In reality, I'm not the owner. I once was, as my father before me; but can't claim to be any longer. Even while we're sitting here, drinking this Catalan, the mortgagee--that old usurer Martinez--may step in and turn--kick us both out."

"I'd like him to try. He'd catch a Tartar, if he attempted to kick me out--he or anybody else just now, in my present humour. There's far more reason for us to fear being pulled out by policemen, which makes it risky to stay talking. So let's to the point at once--back to where we left off. On your oath, Faustino Calderon, you're no longer a man of means?"

"On my oath, Francisco de Lara, I haven't an _onza_ left--no, not a _peso_."

"Enough. Now that I know your financial status, we will understand one another; and without further circ.u.mlocution I shall make you a sharer of the bright thought that's flashed across my brain."

"Let me hear what it is. I'm all impatience."

"Not so fast, Faustino. As I've already twice told you, it's no child's play; but a business that requires skill and courage. Above all, fidelity among those who may engage in it--for more than two are needed.

It will want at least four good and true men. I know three of them; about the fourth I'm not so certain."

"Who are the three?"

"Francisco de Lara, Manuel Diaz, and Raphael Rocas."

"And the fourth, of whom you are dubious?"

"Faustino Calderon."

"Why do you doubt me, De Lara?"

"Don't call it doubting. I only say I'm not certain about you."

"But for what reason?"

"Because you may be squeamish, or get scared. Not that there's much real danger. There mayn't be any, if the thing's cleverly managed. But there must be no bungling; and, above all, no backing out--nothing like treason."

"Can't you trust me so far as to give a hint of your scheme? As to my being squeamish, I think, De Lara, you do me injustice to suppose such a thing. The experience of the last twenty-four hours has made a serious change in my way of viewing matters of morality. A man who has lost his all, and suddenly sees himself a beggar, isn't disposed to be sensitive.

Come, _camarado_! tell me, and try me."

"I intend doing both, but not just yet. It's an affair that calls for certain formalities, among them some _swearing_. Those who embark in it must be bound by a solemn oath; and when we all get together, that shall be done. Time enough then for you to know what I'm aiming at. Now, I only say, that if the scheme succeed, two things are sure, and both concern yourself, Faustino Calderon."

"What are they? You can trust me with that much, I suppose?"

"Certainly I can, and shall. The first is, that you'll be a richer man than you've ever been in your life, or at least since I've had the honour of your acquaintance. The second, that Don Gregorio Montijo will not leave California--that is, not quite so soon, nor altogether in the way he was wis.h.i.+ng. You may have plenty of time yet, with opportunities, to press your suit with the fair Inez."

"_Carramba_! Secure me that, and I swear--"

"You needn't set about swearing yet. You can do that when the occasion calls for it; and, I promise, you shall have the opportunity soon. Till then I'll take your word. With one in love, as you believe yourself, that should be binding as any oath; especially when it promises such a rich reward."

"You're sure about Diaz and Rocas?"

"Quite so. With them there won't be need for any prolonged conference.

When a man sees the chance of getting sixty thousand dollars in a lump lot, he's pretty certain to act promptly, and without being particular as to what that action is."

"Sixty thousand dollars! That's to be the share of each?"

"That, and more, maybe."

"It makes one crazy--even to think of such a sum!"

"Don't go crazed till you've got it; then you may."

"If I do, it won't be with grief."