“I haven’t the slightest idea,” Jimmy said, “but does it matter? I found out from the Harbour Master that you had left for Montevideo yesterday so, having come so far, I thought I might as well see you before I went back. To tell the truth I didn’t think you would have the sense to clear out when the shooting started.”

“Jimmy – I can’t think for the moment. Say it all again! El Diablo’s men have – taken the Palace and the town?”

“And everything else as far as I can make out. They told me at the airfield that the townsfolk had risen in support of the bandit’s gang. I always told you that Alejo had a precarious hold on public opinion.”

“But if this is true – he must go back at once. Anything might happen if he is not there.”

“If who is not there?” Jimmy asked. “In Heaven’s name, what are you talking about?”

“Don’t you understand – El Diablo is here on this yacht!”

“Good God!” Jimmy stared at her.

“He was wounded,” Skye explained, “so I brought him to Montevideo to see a surgeon. He’s all right – or at least he will be in a few days, but we cannot wait for that. He must go back at once. He will have to direct things from the yacht if he cannot be moved.”

“Look here, Skye, have you gone mad?”

“Yes, if you like,” Skye smiled.

“But this man El Diablo is a bandit, a revolutionary. What the hell do you know about him?”

“Much more than you think,” Skye answered. “Jimmy, don’t let’s argue. You have to help me – you must. El Diablo is the only man who can save Mariposa. I will tell you all about it when there is time – but now the great thing is to get him back there. They cannot manage without him. They are only children and they will be lost – without a leader.”

“If you think I am going to help a revolutionary Mariposan bandit you are much mistaken. Nor are you for that matter. You can put this man ashore and let him fend for himself. You are not going to be mixed up in it and I most certainly am not.”

“Oh yes, you are!” Skye’s voice was quiet. “Listen, Jimmy, I know what I am talking about. El Diablo will make Mariposa a decent country if he gets the chance and you need not sneer at him for being a bandit – or a Mariposan for that matter. He is British – as British as you and I are – but he doesn’t know that I know it.”

“British!”

“Yes. His real name is Guy Tremayne.”

“Guy Tremayne!” Jimmy ejaculated. “I don’t believe you. You are making this up.”

“It’s true.”

“Good Lord! Guy Tremayne! I know all about him.”

“Do you?”

“But are you certain? Did he tell you that was his name?”