“Halt there!” thundered the voice of Quackenboss; “halt! another step, and I’ll plug you with a bullet.”
“What’s thet? plug, he sez?” screamed Rube, leaping to the front. “Geezus Geehosophat! yu’ll plug ’im, eh? Yur durned mulehead, if ’ee shoot this way, it ’ll be the last time yu’ll ever lay claw to a trigger. Now then!” and Rube stood with his rifle half raised to the level, and threatening to raise it still higher.
At that moment, the lightning gleamed; I saw the sentry with his piece also at a level.
I well knew the accuracy of his aim; I trembled for the result.
In my loudest voice I called out—
“Hold, Quackenboss! hold your fire! we shall wait till some one comes;” and as I spoke, I caught both my companions, and drew them back.
Whether it was the commanding tone of my voice, which the ranger had heard before, or whether in the light he had recognised my features, I saw him, before it darkened, lower his piece, and I felt easy again.
But he still obstinately refused to let us pass.
Further parley was to no purpose, and only led to an exchange of rather rough compliments between Quackenboss and my two companions; so, after endeavouring to make peace between them, I stood still to await the chance of some one of the guard coming within hail.
Fortunately, at that moment, a ranger, somewhat the worse for aguardiente, appeared in the direction of the piazza.