``It's come,'' he said.``We've been in it since dinner-time, and we've got a whole night's work cut out for you.'' He was laughing with excitement, and paused for a moment to gain breath.``I'll tell you the worst of it first.Mendoza has sent word to Alvarez that he wants the men at the mines to be present at the review to-morrow.He says they must take part.He wrote a most insolent letter.Alvarez got out of it by saying that the men were under contract to you, and that you must give your permission first.Mendoza sent me word that if you would not let the men come, he would go out and fetch them in him self.''
``Indeed!'' growled Clay.``Kirkland needs those men to-morrow to load ore-cars for Thursday's steamer.He can't spare them.
That is our answer, and it happens to be a true one, but if it weren't true, if to-morrow was All Saints' Day, and the men had nothing to do but to lie in the sun and sleep, Mendoza couldn't get them.And if he comes to take them to-morrow, he'll have to bring his army with him to do it.And he couldn't do it then, Mr.Langham,'' Clay cried, turning to that gentleman, ``if I had better weapons.The five thousand dollars I wanted you to spend on rifles, sir, two months ago, might have saved you several millions to-morrow.''
Clay's words seemed to bear some special significance to Stuart and MacWilliams, for they both laughed, and Stuart pushed Clay up the steps before him.
``Come inside,'' he said.``That is why we are here.
MacWilliams has found out where Burke hid his shipment of arms.
We are going to try and get them to-night.'' He hurried into the dining-room, and the others grouped themselves about the table.
``Tell them about it, MacWilliams,'' Stuart commanded.``I will see that no one overhears you.''
MacWilliams was pushed into Mr.Langham's place at the head of the long table, and the others dragged their chairs up close around him.King put the candles at the opposite end of the table, and set some decanters and glasses in the centre.``To look as though we were just enjoying ourselves,'' he explained, pleasantly.