"Then what would?" snapped the veedor. "Beastly savages, not to know the worth of money!"
Felipillo was silent. Rogelio watched him anxiously for a time, then sat in a study. Finally he exclaimed: "Boy, I have it! These Cañares chafe under the yoke of Tavantinsuyu, not so?"
Felipillo nodded.
"Aha! Bueno! Bueno!" said the veedor, rubbing his hands. "We'll offer them freedom."
"We, Señor?"
"I, dolt; I, myself! I'll promise it them."
"Thou, Señor! They will know better."
"Bah! We can lie a little. But why not I?" Rogelio became suddenly pompous. "Thou knowest not my standing at home, boy. A letter from me to the Colonial Council, or to his Majesty, would have weight, let me tell thee. But as I say, we can promise."
"It will not answer," said Felipillo, positively. "Moreover, they are like to be free, now, without anybody's leave."
The veedor's jaw sagged again. He studied heavily, and presently looked up. "Felipillo, I'll tell thee what will effect it,—license of rapine!—liberty to plunder the natives hereabouts after we have marched! By the sacrament, I can promise them they shall have that, for a surety!"