One day the father did not open his shop at all. It was closed in honor of the great American festival, Riego heard him explain grimly to a follower of Lorente, who questioned. And Riego heard the follower of Lorente laugh scornfully as he strode away.
There being no work that day, Pascual and Riego set out together to explore the yet farther reaches of America.
But they had not gone far past the square where loomed the several American stores when they sighted a crowd in a grove of big trees, and heard voices shouting and hands clapping as if in great joy. A number of gringo soldiers were roving about. Two were coming leisurely toward them across the green.
Riego wanted to press forward to see and hear, but his brother jerked him by the sleeve, exclaiming:
"It is the Americans' great feast-day, the Fourth of July. Come away!"
"But father says we are Americans now. Why can't we go and hear what they are saying?" Riego's voice had risen in his eagerness.
The approaching soldiers stopped and looked at him, and Riego's heart stopped, too.
But the taller of the soldiers saluted him in fine fashion, and addressed to him words of courteous welcome:
"Don Pedro de Alvarado-Rain-in-the-Face-Sitting-Bull, for such as thou art is the picnic! Welcome to our city!"
Riego understood the gesture of invitation. He thanked the courtly soldier, and walked proudly forward, followed by his brother.