He clapped his hands, and four peons entered with lighted candelabra. So soon as the saloon was lit up, the young officer perceived the General and his aides-de-camp standing up in the vault. A criado brought a ladder to the trap, and the Mexicans ascended—half-pleased, half-ashamed.
"Gentlemen," the insurgent continued, "you are free. Any other in my place would, doubtless, have profited by the bad position in which you were, to impose on you conditions far harder than those I demanded of you; but I only understand a fair fight, steel against steel, chest against chest. Go in peace, but take care, for hostilities have begun between us, and the war will be rude."
"One word before separating," said the General.
"I listen, Caballero."
"Whatever may be the circumstances under which we may meet at a later date, I shall not forget your conduct of this day."
"I dispense you from any gratitude on that account, General; the more so, because if I acted thus it was for reasons entirely strange to you."
"Whatever be the motive of your conduct, my honour urges me to remember your conduct."
"As you please; I only ask you to remember our conditions."
"They shall be punctually carried out."
The Jaguar, upon this, bowed to the General; the latter returned his salute, and, making a sign to his officers to follow him, left the room. The young Chief listened attentively to the sound of the retiring footsteps, and then drew himself up.