"Time will show you that, sir. In the meantime, since we cannot live here, what do you expect us to do?"
"I have said nothing about your not living here," uttered Don Luis, looking astonished. "You are very welcome to all that my poor house affords."
"Thank you; but we can't live here, just the same."
"And why not, caballeros?"
"Because we shall henceforth be on the most wretched sort of terms with the owner of this house."
"There is no need of that, caballeros. You will, I think, find me extremely courteous. My house is open to you, and there is no other place that you can go."
"Nowhere to go but out," mimicked Harry Hazelton, dryly.
"You will find yourselves unable to get out of these hills," Don Luis informed them, politely, though with an evil smile. "You may decide to leave us, and you may start at any time, but you will assuredly find yourselves stopped and brought back. You simply cannot leave me, caballeros, until I give my consent. Remember, no king could rule in these hills more absolutely than I do. No one may enter or leave this part of the state of Bonista without my consent."
"As to that, of course we shall know more later, Don Luis," Tom returned. "However, we cannot and shall not remain longer as guests in your house."
"I trust you will consider well and carefully on that point," retorted the Mexican.