“I am an Officer in the Army, señor,” he answered at length, “but I am also a Mariposan. I am not fool enough to deny that there is much in what you say. We have made many mistakes and we cannot afford many more.”

“Then you certainly cannot afford the greatest mistake of all,” El Diablo insisted, “to accept help and money from outside interests who are essentially at variance with the free spirit and desire for personal liberty that is the rightful heritage of every Mariposan.”

The Colonel bent forward in his seat.

“If you mean what I think you mean, señor, such a step is not contemplated by El Supremo.”

“If you tell me that in all good faith,” El Diablo said, “then I must reply that you have been hoodwinked. General Alejo does contemplate accepting Communist aid for Mariposa. That, as you know, was why I placed myself at the head of those sections of the community who are prepared to fight such a decision. We hope this may be settled peacefully, but if not, we are not afraid to die for the country we belong to.”

For a moment the two men stared across the room at each other and then the soldiers rose to their feet.

“I will convey your message to El Supremo,” the Colonel announced.

“And I will come to the Palace tomorrow afternoon,” El Diablo announced, “but not until four o’clock as we must permit General Alejo to finish his siesta.”

There was laughter at this small joke and then El Diablo made a gesture with his hands towards the handkerchiefs that had bandaged the eyes of the three men and which now lay on the table.

“I am sure that these would be more comfortable if you adjusted them yourselves, gentlemen,” he said politely.

The three soldiers bound their eyes and then El Diablo opened the door and let in the guards. There were two to help each Officer down the steps to where their horses were waiting.

El Diablo watched them go, not moving until he saw them climb the terraces that led to the pass, moving in single file, followed by a dozen of his men who would escort them for several miles on their homeward way.

Then, as he turned from the doorway, he found Skye waiting for him.

“I don’t trust them,” she cried at once.

The frown that had been between his eyes vanished.

“Are you concerned for my safety?” he enquired with a whimsical smile.

“There is something behind all this,” she insisted. “Why should Alejo suddenly be so considerate?”

“He is short of money,” El Diablo answered briefly. “They are in arrears with the Army pay and the Minister of Finance resigned a week ago. That is why I was certain that he would soon approach me.”

“But you are not really going to Jācara tomorrow afternoon?”

“Of course.”