Don Alonzo tore the message of the Republic in twain, and cast the pieces at the foot of the dais whereon Xuarez was seated.
"So be it!" he cried, turning his back, "War!"
"Hold!" said Xuarez, in a voice of thunder. "You came, Señores, under the protection of the English flag. You go with the opal banner flying at your masthead. Such a precaution was useless. I am not a barbarian to fire on a flag of truce; but you—you, Señores, are cowards to thus distrust an honourable foe."
Before the Intendante could speak, Philip sprang forward, and faced the speaker.
"The fault, Señor, if fault it be, is mine. The vessel in which we came is English, and, therefore, flies the English flag. In the port, I hoisted the opal banner, to show that these gentlemen were on board, and had come on a mission from the Junta."
"An excellent explanation!" sneered Hypolito, frowning; "but untrue!"
"Señor!"
"Untrue, I say! You thought I would fire on your ship! You looked on me as a barbaric foe! You mistrusted me!"
"And who would not?" said Jack's deep voice savagely, "who would not mistrust one who makes war on women?"
"Be quiet, Jack."