“And fidelity to the death!”
“To the death.”
“Bueno! But we must take an oath to that effect. After which, you shall know what it’s for. Enough now to say it’s a thing that needs swearing upon. If there’s to be treason, there shall be perjury also. Are you ready to take the oath?”
They signify assent unanimously.
“To your feet, then!” commands the chief conspirator. “It will be more seemly to take it standing.”
All four spring up from their chairs, and stand facing the table.
De Lara draws a dagger and lays it down before him. The others have their stilettos too—a weapon carried by most Spanish Californians.
Each exhibits his own, laying it beside that already on the table.
With the four De Lara forms a cross—Maltese fashion, and then standing erect, Diaz opposite, Rocas and Calderon on either flank—he repeats in firm, solemn voice, the others after him:
“In the deed we this day agree to do, acting together and jointly, we swear to be true to each other—to stand by one another, if need be, to the death; to keep what we do a secret from all the world; and if any one betray it, the other three swear to follow him wherever he may flee, seek him wherever he may shelter himself, and take vengeance upon him, by taking his life. If any of us fail in this oath, may we be accursed ever after. Amen!”