The Marques laughed, or tried to laugh, as if Hall had just made one of
the funniest remarks ever heard in San Hermano. "That's what he is," the
Marques laughed, "a man who dreams by day. Very good, Senor Hall.
Excellent."
Hall got out of the car, helped Jerry to the street. "Thank you again
for picking us up," he said. "And do something about your driver before
he starts driving into people in his sleep."
The car was in gear and on its way down the street before the Marques
could make his answer heard.
"What was so funny about your crack?" Jerry asked.
"I'll tell you tomorrow. Are we still friends?"
"Stop it, Matt. Just leave me alone tonight."
"Sure," he smiled. "Sleep on it. But please to keep the mouth shut,
yes?"
"I'm going to my room, Matt."
"May I phone you in the morning?"
Jerry ran into the hotel without answering. Hall stood in the street for
a moment, watching the receding crowds in the Plaza. They started to
become a blur in his heavy eyes. He entered the lobby. Souza was going
over a bill with two guests. Hall nodded to the night clerk, then went
into the small bar of the Bolivar to have a drink while Souza got rid of
the strangers.
Only one of the four tables in the bar room was occupied. Androtten and
a San Hermano coffee dealer sat at this table, three open copper
canisters between them. The Hollander was driving a hard bargain for two
types of Monte Azul bean.
"Mr. Hall," he smiled, "delighted to see you healthy again. Delighted as
hell."
"Healthy again?"
"Damn rumors have been spread about the hotel that you were ill, Mr.
Hall. Not seriously as hell, I hope? Why don't you join us? Mr.
Rendueles has been trying to make a deal with me on some fairly choice
bean."