“The deal went through tonight,” he said. “Everything is the way I wanted it. Ten million dollars, Lopez!”
“Twenty million pesos!”
“It means more than that, Lopez. Dollars are safer than pesos. Yes, I can obtain the ten million dollars any time I want them. But after that—”
“You think they will know?”
“Not yet. Not for a while. But I am worried, Lopez. If I proceed quickly, all may be well. On the contrary, that might be a grave mistake. It is best to wait.”
“But not to wait long, senor.”
“No — not too long. Wait, to see if they know. If they do not know, we can act quickly and surely.”
“What of this man named Powell?”
“I can avoid trouble with him, Lopez. That is part of my plan. I have arranged negotiations so that I deal with only one man. That is Hendrix, the principal one of the financiers.
“I can handle Hendrix. That will avoid complications with Powell. Unless Powell learns of the others—”
“You mean if he should learn of Ballou. Eh, senor?”
“Not Ballou alone,” said Legira. “Those others, who are with Ballou. There is nothing to worry about so long as Ballou seems to be an individual by himself. But if his connections are discovered — well, it may spoil all, Lopez.”
“Could you not watch Ballou, senor?”
“I cannot move, Lopez. Surely, you must understand that. It is like a scales. A balance with Ballou and Powell. Either one could spoil the balance. That would end everything. Fortunately, Powell is watching me and is not concerned with Ballou—”
The ring of a bell interrupted Legira’s speech. The consul stared at his secretary. From below came the sound of Francisco’s footsteps as the servant answered the door. Then the heavy tread ascended the stairway. Lopez went to meet the servant.
The secretary’s dark visage registered excitement when Lopez returned to the room. Legira looked at him questioningly.
“It is Pete Ballou, senor,” declared Lopez. “He is down the stairs. He has a wish to see you.”
“Tell Francisco to bring him up here,” ordered Legira in a low whisper. “Come back here right away, Lopez. Tell Francisco to be slow.”
The secretary nodded. He left to dispatch the servant. He returned, and Legira gripped him by the shoulder.
“They suspect already!” hissed Legira. “Stay here, Lopez. Listen, from behind the closet door. You understand?”
Lopez nodded and hurried to the hiding place. Alvarez Legira looked about him nervously. Then, with a sudden shrug of his shoulder, he calmly resumed his chair and lighted a fresh cigarette.
He was staring reflectively at a cloud of tobacco smoke when the footsteps of two men sounded from the stairs.
CHAPTER IV
THE SHADOW SEEKS
FRANCISCO entered the room where Alvarez Legira was seated. He stood aside to allow another man to enter. Legira looked up placidly toward his visitor.
The arrival was a man of middle height, stocky in build, and well dressed. His countenance was puzzling. It gave the appearance of frankness, despite the fact that the blue eyes had a steely glint.
Only the lips of the smooth-shaven face carried a warning to those who might observe them closely. Those lips were smiling, as in greeting, but the corners carried a peculiar twist that belied the expression of friendliness.
Pete Ballou was shrewd, but disarming. In this, he formed a marked contrast to Alvarez Legira, whose sallow face, thin lips, and pointed mustache denoted an intriguing nature.
Ballou, not waiting for Legira’s welcome, sat in the chair which Lopez had vacated. Francisco, at a sign from his master, walked from the room and went downstairs.
Legira surveyed his visitor with a steadfast stare. The South American gave no sign that might have indicated either interest or curiosity regarding his visitor’s purpose here. Ballou’s smile hardened on his lips. A short, gruff laugh betrayed his true nature.
“You want me to talk first?” he questioned.
Legira shrugged his shoulders, almost imperceptibly.
“All right,” declared Ballou. “I’ll talk. What’s more, I’ll make it quick. I’m going to put it straight from the shoulder. I’m here to talk about the ten million you swung tonight.”
“Ten million?”
Legira’s smooth, purring tone indicated a curious interest, as though he wondered to what the words “ten million” might refer.
“Yes,” grunted Ballou. “The ten million dollars. Big money for the crowd down in Santander. Big money — if they get it.”
Legira raised his cigarette holder to his lips and gave a series of short, quick puffs. His face was as placid as ever. He expressed no surprise.
“You’re smooth enough,” declared Ballou, with a chuckle. “There’s no use trying to dodge me, though. I’ve got the whole lay, Legira. You’re all set to get ten million dollars. Any time you want it, any way you want it.
“Pretty smart — but not smart enough. I’m telling you, now, that it’s not going to do you a bit of good.”
Legira remained inscrutable.
“Play dumb if you want,” continued Ballou. “Play dumb, but listen. I’m going to give you a break. Fifty-fifty.”
“Fifty-fifty?”
“Yes. Five million to you; five million to me. Your business is yours; my business is mine. There’s the proposition!”
“I HAVE requested no proposition,” said Legira suavely.
“Why stall?” Ballou’s question was a harsh one. “You’re in a tough spot, Legira. I’m showing you a good way out. Listen to me — we’ve put you where you can’t move. Savvy?
“You’ve raised ten million dollars, very nicely. But the people that are giving it to you aren’t so dumb. This bird Powell has been watching you all along. I guess I’m not telling you news when I say that.
“If he sees anything phony about you, he’ll tell those bankers that are putting up the dough. He’s their investigator. One bad report from him, and the deal will be off!”
“Very interesting,” observed Legira calmly.
“You’re foxy,” said Ballou. “You know we don’t want to tip off Powell any more than you do. Because if you don’t get ten million, we can’t get it. But if it comes to a pinch, we’ll queer your game right at headquarters by letting Powell get wind of us. Just remember that!”
“Thank you,” commented Legira.
“Powell won’t get wise,” resumed Ballou. “You won’t tell him; we won’t tell him. You’re going to get that ten million dollars. Right. But after you get it, we’ll take it away from you. You’re the only man who can get it, and we’re going to watch you all the time.
“But if you bungle it, by waiting too long, there’ll be nothing in it for any one. So we’re giving you a break. Take the ten million, and be quick about it. Pass over half, and keep the rest. What do you say?”
“You have spoken words that interest me greatly, Mr. Ballou,” remarked Legira. “One word in particular was most noteworthy.”
“What was that?”
“The word we. Just what do you mean by we, Mr. Ballou? I should be glad to learn the names of some of your associates.”
An angry, defiant expression came over Ballou’s face. For a moment the visitor appeared about to lose his temper. Then he smiled, in ugly fashion.
“You’re working for some one else, aren’t you?” he demanded.
“I represent the official government of Santander,” said Legira proudly.
“All right, then.” Ballou’s smile broke into a harsh laugh. “I represent the unofficial government. Let it go at that.”
“I recognize none but the official.”
“Why be a fool, Legira?” quizzed Ballou. “They’re all alike, down in Santander. Out for what they can get. Graft — that’s the big word. Same as it is everywhere in South America—”