It was empty now and black, but at the far end, as at the end of a tunnel, the Rambla blazed and roared and the crowds swung past like a procession.
"It is best that we should separate here," said Lopez Baeza, "if you have no further instructions." "Touching the matter of those ships," Hillyard suggested.
"Senor Fairbairn has it in hand." "Good.

Then, my friend, I have no further instructions," said Hillyard.
"I agree with you about Ramon.

I will go first." He shook hands with Baeza, crossed the road and disappeared into the mouthway of an alley which ran up the hill parallel to the Rambla.

The alley led into another side street, and turning to the right, Hillyard slipped out into the throng beneath the trees.

He sauntered, as idle and as curious as any in that broad walk.