“That sounds Spanish,” said my father. “Then they do not propose to reimburse us for all that we have done, or to find us another settlement?”
“No, no, no,” cried the colonel, angrily; “our orders are to go—to evacuate the settlement at once.”
“That would be a painful task if we had to submit.”
“Submit!” said the colonel, angrily. “Surely, Bruton, you would not advocate such a plan after all that we have done?”
My father made no reply, but turned to look thoughtfully at the Spanish ship, while the colonel seemed to be raging with anger.
“You will be present at the meeting, of course?” he said.
“Yes,” said my father, quickly; “I have come on purpose. We must have this peaceably settled if possible.”
“Good heavens!” cried the colonel. “Ah, here is the General,” he cried, as the quiet, grave, benevolent man came up, dressed in a very shabby uniform, whose gold lace was sadly frayed and tarnished. “Hark here, sir; Captain Bruton talks of a peaceful settlement of this difficulty.”
“Indeed!” said the General, frowning; and I looked at him eagerly, as I recalled that he it was who had been spoken of as the leader of our expedition. “Well, we shall see.”
“And very shortly too,” said Colonel Preston, warmly, “for here they come.”