“A bullet will kill a white man just as easily as it will a black,” Ramirez retorted. “You have no chance. I may lose some of my men, but in the long run we will be too many for you.”
“Well, if you’re so sure of that, why do you waste your time talking,” responded Benton. “Why don’t you come and wipe us out?”
“Because there is a better way,” was the answer. “There is no need of any of us being killed. I come to offer terms to you.”
“And what are those terms?” asked Benton, seeking to lead the rascal on.
“In the first place, I will spare your lives,” began Ramirez.
“That’s sweet of you,” interposed Benton. “What else?”
“And I will give you a part of the treasure,” went on Ramirez. “I will give you passage on my boat to San Domingo and there leave you free to go where you will. I swear this on my honor.”
Benton laughed.
“Your honor,” he repeated with withering contempt. “Why, you lying, thieving, murderous halfbreed, you don’t even know the meaning of the word. Within five minutes after we had surrendered, you would have cut our throats, laughing all the while at the fool Americanos who were so easily cheated. I know you from top of your head to the sole of your foot, and you’re scoundrel clear through.”
Ramirez flew into a fury.