While Don Aníbal listened to these words, with his arms crossed on his chest, and head thrown back, a smile of imperceptible meaning played around his lips.
"I fancy," he said ironically, "that you attach greater importance to your dignity of alcade than it really possesses, my master; but I have not come here to discuss with you. Will you, yes or no, let me pass?"
"Why do you not try to force a passage?" the cacique said.
"I am going to do so."
"Try it."
Without replying, Don Aníbal turned to the leader of the escort.
"Lieutenant," he said to him, "order your men to fire on that scoundrel."
But the old officer shook his head.
"Hum!" he remarked, "What good would that do us? It would only cause us to be killed like asses. Do you imagine that man to be alone?"
"Then you refuse to obey me?" the hacendero said with concentrated passion.