When General Yozarro saw the young woman in the laughing, happy company, he took off his hat, bowed low and said with his old-time obsequiousness:
“The pain of this meeting is turned to delight by the sight once more of your beauteous countenance and your charming self.”
Looking him in the eyes, she measured her words:
“Que V. se atreva á dirigirse á mi, es el mayor insulto de mi vida.”
The face crimsoned as if from the sting of a whiplash across the eyes, and those of the bystanders who understood the words, broke into a thrilling murmur of applause. General Yozarro tried to hide his repulse by turning to Major Starland:
“I have come aboard this vessel at your command; what do you desire of me?”
“Your sword.”
The Dictator meekly drew the blade from its scabbard and extended the hilt toward the American, who recoiled.
“I refuse it; keep it; and take with you the remembrance that the most dangerous thing mortal man can fool with is an American.”