They became larger still, and in the failing light Hillyard was just able to distinguish that they wore the grey uniform of the Guardia Civil.
"Let us pray," said Medina with a note of anxiety in his voice, "that they do not become curious about our fishing-boat out there!" As he spoke the two horsemen halted, and did look out to sea.

They conversed each with the other.
"If I were near enough to hear them!" said Jose Medina, and he suddenly turned in alarm upon Hillyard.

"What are you doing ?" he said.
Hillyard had taken a large.38 Colt automatic pistol from his pocket.

His face was drawn and white and very set.
"I am doing nothing--for the moment," he answered.

"But those two men must ride on before it is dark and too late for me to see them." "But they are of the Guardia Civil," Jose Medina expostulated in awed tones.
To the Spaniard, the mere name of the Guardia Civil, so great is its prestige, and so competent its personnel, inspires respect.
"I don't care," answered Hillyard savagely.