“Teresa, it is for you to answer,” said the gondolier.
“Then I will answer!” she exclaimed, her dark eyes flashing fire. “Not if he were king of all America would I consent!”
“You have had your answer, Nicola Mullura!” cried Reggio, in satisfaction.
“And it seemed good and hot,” chuckled Buckhart.
“Have it as you like!” snarled Mullura. “These men will soon overpower you. Your resistance will simply make them all the more furious.”
“Let them come on,” said Tortora; “but see that you come at their front. My knife found your shoulder a while ago. Next time, if the saints are with me, it shall find your black heart!”
“They are going to rush in a moment, Brad!” breathed Dick. “They are getting ready.”
“I’m ready, too,” declared the undaunted Texan. “I’ll guarantee that I’ll crack one head, at least, with this table leg!”
Dick was right. Mullura spoke to his companions in low tones. They gathered themselves, and with a yell, they came charging up the stairs.
“Whoop!” roared Buckhart. “Wake up snakes and hump yourselves! Now there will be doings!” The fighting Texan seemed in his element. His face glowed with a sort of fine frenzy.