“Indeed? Careful there, soldier! Your hand may be itching to grasp a pistol, but there is a sure cure here for the itch!”
The Indian slipped like a shadow toward a window.
“Stop!” the caballero commanded. “I have need of you, gentile. You are a brave man to refuse these soldiers information. See if you are brave enough, now, to turn them into helpless slaves. There are thongs in the corner, I perceive. Get them, and fasten the hands of that nearest soldier behind his back!”
“Now by all——” Cassara began.
“Swear not, sergeant! It amuses me to have this done. It was information you desired, I believe, and I am going to give it you, also ask some in return.... Fasten those bonds well, gentile!... I understand, sergeant, it was you came dashing along El Camino Real with word that I was to be taken, dead or alive?”
“I had that pleasure, caballero!”
“Um! And by what right——?”
“By right of order from his excellency, caballero. Your description came down the highway along with news of the uprising you had planned. Captain Fly-by-Night, eh? Swindler, gambler, thief! If the saints spare me and place me before you with naked blade in my hand——!”
“You had that privilege once, I believe!”
“Hah!”