Сердца трех / Hearts of Three

The case had gone through as prearranged. He had kept the little old judge away from his mescal all day, and had been rewarded by having the judge try the case and give judgment according to program. He had not made a slip. The six peГіn s, fined heavily, were ordered back to the plantation at Santos. The working out of the fines was added to the time of their contract slavery. And the Jefe was two hundred dollars good American gold richer for the transaction. Those Gringos at Santos, he smiled to himself, were men to tie to.

True, they were developing the country with their henequen plantation. But, better than that, they possessed money in untold quantity and paid well for such little services as he might be able to render.

His smile was even broader as he greeted Alvarez Torres.

�Listen,’ said the latter, whispering low in his ear. �We can get both these devils of Morgans. The Henry pig hangs to-morrow. There is no reason that the Francis pig should not go out to-day.’

The Jefe remained silent, questioning with a lift of his eyebrows.

�I have advised him to storm the jail. The Solanos have listened to his lies and are with him. They will surely attempt to do it this evening. They could not do it sooner. It is for you to be ready for the event, and to see to it that Francis Morgan is especially shot and killed in the fight.’

�For what and for why?’ the Jefe temporized. �It is Henry I want to see out of the way. Let the Francis one go back to his beloved New York.

’

�He must go out to-day, and for reasons you will appreciate. As you know, from reading my telegrams through the government wireless – ’

�Which was our agreement for my getting you your permission to use the government station,’ the Jefe reminded.

�And of which I do not complain,’ Torres assured him. �But as I was saying, you know my relations with the New York Regan are confidential and important.’ He touched his hand to his breast pocket. �I have just received another wire.

It is imperative that the Francis pig be kept away from New York for a month if forever, and I do not misunderstand Señor Regan, so much the better. In so far as I succeed in this, will you fare well.’

�But you have not told me how much you have received, nor how much you will receive,’ the Jefe probed.

�It is a private agreement, and it is not so much as you may fancy. He is a hard man, this Señor Regan, a hard man.