Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/284

254 and sat down on a rattan bench to await developments. Soon they heard' voices coming from one of the rooms overlooking the veranda, the blinds of the windows being closed to shut out the glaring sunshine.

"An interruption, Ponprè," said a deep voice, in Spanish. "We shall have to postpone the business."

"I cannot wait any longer," was the answer; and Ben felt certain it was Alfredo Ponprè who was speaking. "You know Barnabas Moval wishes the will. If you—"

"You have the document handy?" demanded the first speaker.

"Yes."

"And it was signed by Garabella?"

"Yes."

"How did you obtain it?"

"That was my affair, Señor Rousana. I have it, and by this, you or Moval can obtain possession of that mine—"

"Hush, Ponprè, remember the old saying, that walls sometimes leak. We will talk further after I have finished with these intruders. I know not what has brought them here. Sit down till I have interviewed them."