“It is in our minds to get the trading schooner and give pursuit,” Ruiz told him.
“That is a worthy idea!” Sergeant Gonzales declared. “Too long have these bloody pirates infested our shores. Meal mush and goat’s milk! Let us go forward!”
“Are you seeking to take command of this expedition?” Don Audre Ruiz demanded, hotly. “This is a private rescue party of caballeros, I would have you know, and not a detachment of the Governor’s men! We have small love for the Governor!”
“Though I wear his uniform, I say the same thing,” Sergeant Gonzales declared. “But I am after pirates! I care not who commands, so that I get a chance at a pirate with my trusty blade! Ha! When I meet a pirate face to face—”
“Spare us your boasting!” Don Audre said.
“Boasting?” shrieked the sergeant. “Boasting? Perchance you would like to cross blades with me in answer to that insult?”
“You are safe in making the challenge, knowing that I would not stoop to do so,” Don Audre said.
“And you are safe in refusing, having the ability to hide behind your gentle blood!” the sergeant returned.
“Señor—”
Sergeant Gonzales urged his mount closer to that of Don Audre, but the expression in the sergeant’s face had changed peculiarly, and his countenance did not show rage.