eight o’clock
Dick and I unhesitatingly decided to take the Cherub 's advice , and leave Ropes behind . He was engaged in getting the car ready , and would no doubt be disappointed to hear that he was to be temporarily abandoned ; but he would see the wisdom of such a course , and might be trusted to guard my interests . As for Dick , he might turn his back on the proceedings in Seville without danger , for he posed only as the employer of a man who had found the bomb ; besides , as I suggested without glancing at Pilar , he could come back in a few days in case he were wanted to give evidence . Thus it was settled ; at eight o'clock we had said good-bye to Pilarcita and the Cherub , softening the farewell with a hopeful `` _ au revoir _ '' ; and with Ropes staring disconsolately after us , we flashed out of the Plaza de San Fernando . I drove , with Dick beside me , for there was no longer need for subterfuge . Carmona knew me for what I was , and I could help Monica more by defying him than by playing the old waiting game , of which I was tired . It seemed strange to be racing across country again in the car , after those fevered days in Seville .