"True; but that doesn't prove you to be our leader while poor Mathias is in the hands of the Philistines."
"Bah!" replied Toro, impatiently. "Someone must command while Mathias is away."
"Then there are others who should command here in his absence in preference to those who are new comers."
"Who are they?"
"You haven't far to look," returned Tomaso, drawing himself up haughtily; "myself, for instance."
Toro burst into a loud and derisive laugh.
"You?" he said, contemptuously.
"Yes, I."
"Why, I have led a band of gallant fellows years ago—a band of thrice our strength; aye, and what is more, I have led them to victory again and again—to victory and fortune."
"Your lucky star has not been in the ascendant since you have deigned to honour us with your company," said Tomaso.