“I have, caballero!”
“Do you blame me, then, for having you trussed up? I value my life, sergeant, and at present I value my liberty. There are things to be done.”
“And there are things to be undone, thanks to your treason—things that will cost scores of good lives!”
“Indeed?... Put him on his stool now, gentile, and see that his great legs are fastened to it.... Careful, sergeant! My trigger finger shakes with nervousness this night!”
“Your heart will quiver with fear before you die, caballero.”
“We grow tragic, eh? Now, sergeant, since you are safe and comfortable, I am at your service in the matter of granting information. You wished to know where the hostiles have their camp, I believe? It is on the Fernandez rancho, sergeant, five miles beyond the mission.”
“It is likely you speak the truth.”
“However, I am speaking the truth, sergeant. The camp is where I have said. Gentiles and disloyal neophytes are gathering there every hour, as they are gathering near San Luis Rey de Francia and at other points along the coast.”
“You are bold to say it? And what do you here with a price on your head, caballero?”
“I came to seize the presidio, sergeant. I have accomplished that, I believe.”