Their respect for grim English laws and customs was bred in the bone—since the days when the Great Armada was destroyed by Providence and British valor, these people of the Iberian peninsula have seldom desired to pick a quarrel with Albion.
So, upon hearing what Owen had to say, they looked at each other fearfully and then eyed the doors and windows as though half expecting to see the officers representing good old English law bursting upon the scene.
Naturally a cock fights best upon his own ground, and this is particularly true of Spaniards as a people.
Handicapped by their presence under a flag that was known to be more friendly toward the Americans than any other among the Powers, they found their claws cut.
A hasty council of war was entered into.
Self preservation is the first law of nature, and they were clamorous as to the means to be employed that would best insure his safety.
No matter how wretched the cur, he has the same inherent love of life that nature gives to the finest created creature.
Several times Don Porfidio attempted to take the reins and drive, but a spirit of communism was rampant, and the others would yield to no dictation.
At other times perhaps they would give ready heed to all he had to say, since he occupied a high position in the councils of Spain; but just now all were on a common level and it was a case of life and death they had to settle.
At length it was decided.