"It is my duty to prevent this fratricidal war, if possible," replied Ignatius, mildly. "I have spoken with Xuarez, and have persuaded him to send me hither with a message of peace."
"And that message?"
"Cannot be spoken here, my son. Let us go to the Palacio Nacional!"
"By all means, my father. Will you not ride thither. One of my officers will give you his horse."
Three or four of the officers at once dismounted, and begged Padre Ignatius to mount; but he refused their offers gently with a wave of his hand.
"No, my children. I will walk thither. Ride on, Excelencia I will be with you soon."
"But The Pizarro, Padre!"
"Will lie off there till my message is delivered and the answer given. If the terms are accepted, one gun will be the sign; if refused, two guns, and the war-ship will return to the north."
"Ah!" said Gomez, with a meaning smile, as he turned his horse's head towards the gate, "they are afraid to trust themselves in the lion's mouth."