‘It is not well, senor,’ he said, ‘so to requite our hospitality.’
‘It is the first we have heard of it,’ said Brion. ‘May I ask, senor, does it extend to supplying us with some things of which we stand in need—fresh meat and water among others?’
‘If I say no, senor, you will seize these things by force, is it so?’
‘The answer, I am afraid, senor, is that we shall.’
The Spaniard considered gravely.
‘Bien está,’ he said at last. ‘We will supply you then all you want, and without delaying. I go, senor, to make the instant provision.’
He bowed profoundly, and drew on his rein.
‘Why wouldn’t the hidalgo fight?’ said Russe discontentedly as they rode back.
‘I wouldn’t answer for him yet,’ said Brion.
The General received their report with a grumph, which might have meant satisfaction or incredulity. He bided his time, it seemed. On the following day the new pinnace was launched; and the day after, having in the meanwhile heard or seen nothing of the Spaniards, he marched a considerable company some four miles into the country, to discover, if he might, the reason of the delay; when, failing to obtain any sort of report or satisfaction, out of revenge for the bad faith kept, he fired all the woods thereabouts—which Brion thought privily a mean and senseless action—and so returned to the fort, which he fired also, thereafter re-embarking all his force in preparation to sail the next morning, which was done.