“Are your parents in?” they heard the general ask Louis, and the next minute he came hurriedly into the room, apologizing for having called at such a late hour, and expressing himself overjoyed at meeting so many of his friends at one time.
The general was an exquisite in the matter of dress, and wore black mustachios that were so long and stood out so prominently that he gave a person the idea of a walking cross. Although he was much undersized, yet those who knew him never gave the matter of his height any thought, for he was a most courageous and pugnacious personage. Both Carl and Louis had seen him facing an enemy, and had marvelled at his quickness and his dexterity. They had been present on the Pilcomayo, which he once commanded, when the captain had fought a duel with a naval officer who was much his superior in physique, yet who had been in the hands of the little man as a mouse in the paws of a kitten. They had also seen him lead the famous cavalry charge in Lima, and sweep right into a battery of guns, sabring the artillerists until all the pieces were silenced. When they thought of these things, Captain Matajente, as they always called him to one another, appeared as a giant, rather than a dwarf, which he was in reality.
“Had we known that you were in the city, general, we should have sent you an invitation on behalf of Rosita,” said Mr. Dartmoor.
“I know you would, and I am delighted that I happened in. The fact is I came from Lima only on the last train.”
“Are you going to remain long?”
“Only over night,” he replied. “I came to listen in detail to some remarkable adventures; as remarkable, I am sure, as any that ever happened to three young men; and I came also, Mr. Dartmoor, to introduce my cousin, Anton Cisneros, a resident of Huari, who has journeyed to the coast on a business trip.”
“I should be delighted——”
Mr. Dartmoor was cut short by the entrance from the hallway of a tall, dark-featured Peruvian, clad in a long poncho and wearing heavy top-boots, who was presented to those who were in the parlor.
“Rosita,” whispered Bella Caceras, “I believe that Harvey has returned. Look at the general. Don’t you notice a twinkle in his eyes? And what is Louis waiting out in the hall for? I hear voices, Rosita! I tell you, it’s your brother!” and the vivacious Peruvian girl darted from the room. A second later she gave a little scream of delight, then was heard to say: “I knew it! I knew it! Rosita, come here!”
“Ah! the little minx has spoiled my surprise!” said General Matajente to those in the parlor. “Harvey, come in and bring your friends!”