"As for that, we are very busy are we not, honorable judge?" the Jefe replied with lazy insolence.
"We are very busy," the judge yawned into Henry's face.
"Too busy for a time," the Jefe went on. "We regret that not to-morrow nor next day shall we be able to try and rescue your Gringos. Now, a little later…"
"Say next Christmas," the judge suggested.
"Yes," concurred the Jefe with a grateful bow. "About next Christmas come around and see us, and, if the pressure of our affairs has somewhat eased, then, maybe possibly, we shall find it convenient to go about beginning to attempt to raise the expedition you have requested. In the meantime, good day to you, Senor Morgan."
"You mean that?" Henry demanded with wrathful face.
"The very face he must have worn when he slew Senor Alfaro Solano treacherously from the back," the Jefe soliloquized ominously.
But Henry ignored the later insult.
"I'll tell you what you are," he flamed in righteous wrath.
"Beware!" the judge cautioned him.