Part 27 (1/2)
”Unquestionably; no cause remains for further secrets between us.”
”Then I may say that some hours ago, when you stood where you are now standing, discussing this question with me, my eyes were resting on General Yozarro.”
”You astonish me, Captain; be more explicit.”
”I knew when he sailed out of sight around the bend in the river, that he would not go far. He did not. He ran to the southern bank, lowered his sail, and pulled the boat so far under the overhanging vegetation that neither you nor your friends noted it. Knowing where to look, I was more fortunate. The General signalled to me to come to land, so that he and his men could attack you.”
”Why did you not do so? Yet it would have been your death warrant to have made the attempt.”
”That was not the reason why I did not go to him; I had given the General one opportunity, and was too impatient with him to provide a second. But, more than that, you had my parole.”
”True; I had forgotten that. May I ask what you think General Yozarro's plan is?”
”He does not understand why I refused to obey his signal, and there will be a hot quarrel over it when we meet. He expects me to return, sooner or later, for he must know that the purpose of yourself is to reach Zalapata with the Senorita, after which I shall be at liberty to return to Atlamalco. I shall, therefore, find him not far from where I saw him a few hours ago.”
”I beg to renew the a.s.surances of my distinguished consideration, Captain,” said the American, saluting and pa.s.sing back to the cabin.
The ma.s.sive Dictator of the Zalapatan Republic was puffing and striding to and fro over the short length of the cabin, the point of his scabbard t.i.tillating against the floor, for his steps, though of moderate length for an ordinary man, were long for a person of his build. His face was redder than ever, and it was clear that he was agitated over some great question that was wriggling through his brain.
When he wheeled and faced the American, he whipped off his plumed hat and sagged down upon the lounge at the side of the cabin. It creaked but held.
”Pardon me, General, you seem disturbed in mind,” remarked the young officer, drawing up a stool and seating himself opposite.
”I _am_ disturbed, Major; nothing in all the world could have happened to cause me greater regret.”
”You refer to the affair of last night; I cannot see that you have any concern with that.”
”Captain Guzman was involved with you.”
”If you are so afraid of offending General Yozarro, you can easily disavow the act of your officer, though he deserves all praise for what he did.”
”Be a.s.sured that I shall disavow his crime in the strongest terms, and, if General Yozarro demands it, the Captain shall be severely punished.”
”The other day, when you were talking with him and me, you were hot for war against Atlamalco.”
”True, but since then I have received a great light.”
The amazed American waited to catch a ray himself, but it came not and he said:
”I delivered your message to General Yozarro yesterday.”
”And he received it graciously?”
”Most graciously; there was no hint about sending me back to you from the muzzle of one of his cannon; he begged me to a.s.sure you he would have your complaint investigated and would do his utmost to meet your demands.”
”What I might have expected from my n.o.ble compatriot!” exclaimed the Dictator with greasy unctuosity; ”I was sure of it.”
”But you did not look for such magnanimity, when in council with Captain Guzman and me. May I ask to what is due this marked change of sentiment on your part?”