Removing his hat, the Major bowed low and smiled.
“Does he speak the truth?” bluntly asked General Yozarro, turning to Bambos. The face of the American flushed at the slur, but he held himself in hand.
“He does; he remained at my request,” said General Bambos with a nod.
“There were others who took part in this crime; one of them was Captain Guzman of your staff, General.”
“I need not assure you, General, that it was without my knowledge; I disavow what he did and will reprimand him; if Your Excellency demands it, I will have him shot.”
“Not much!” muttered Major Starland, loud enough for all to hear; “is that the way you reward one of your bravest officers, General Bambos?”
“I rule in Zalapata without the aid of los Americanos,” was the freezing reply.
“And without the aid of common gratitude and decency,—that is evident.”
“I will take the matter into consideration,” said General Yozarro, whose brain was not nimble enough to decide the simplest question off-hand. “At present, I do not demand the death of Captain Guzman, but I thank you for your words, General, which is only one of the many proofs I have received of your disinterested friendship.”