The uncertainty was of scarcely an instant.

The open slit above the door was a perfect conveyer of sound, and a voice pierced the silence.
It was the voice of Juan Cateras, vibrant with anger.
"You sleepy swine," he ejaculated fiercely, "and is this the way you keep watch?
Come out of that!" the command punctuated by the scuffling of feet.

"Damn you, Silva, but I will teach you a lesson for this when I return.

Now go to the hut and stay there until I come.

This is a matter where Mendez shall name the penalty.