"Not at all, señor; I remain with my husband and son," said Mrs. O'Hagan firmly.
"Perhaps the señor will command otherwise," suggested Mollendo, who was not accustomed to domestic opposition.
From that moment Mrs. O'Hagan was his determined enemy. Mr. O'Hagan hurriedly explained that he would discuss the matter with his wife in private. He found an opportunity of doing so later in the day, when a corner of the ruins had been prepared for their accommodation. He pointed out that she would be unable to make the long and rapid marches which irregular warfare entailed. Her presence, and the necessity of protecting her, would be a source of weakness, possibly of disaster. Mrs. O'Hagan recognised this, and after a time reluctantly agreed to accept Señora Mollendo's hospitality.
"But I must take Tim with me," she said.
Mr. O'Hagan stroked his chin.
"The boy won't like that," he remarked.
"It will be for his good," she replied. "Surely you admit that fighting with these desperadoes is not fit work for a boy of his age."
"As to that, there are many here no older. Age doesn't count in these matters. He is perfectly healthy; he may be very useful to me, and the experience will be invaluable to him."
"Am I to lose both of you?" cried the lady, much troubled. "If it were for our own country I might endure it, like many another poor woman; but to think of you throwing away your lives for this miserable country--oh! it is too much."
Mr. O'Hagan was inclined to yield the point; but while he was still hesitating, his wife, dashing the tears from her eyes, suddenly forestalled him.