“Well, that settles it,” stated the other man.
“How much did you offer to pay him?” asked Talbot.
The man stared. “None of your business,” he replied.
“They’re askin’ twenty dollars a head,” volunteered one of the interested spectators.
“Exactly. You see,” said Talbot to us, “we got here a little too early. Our bargain was for only fifteen dollars; and now this worthy citizen has made a better rate for himself.”
“You should have had the bargain immediately registered before the alcalde, señor,” spoke up a white-dressed Spaniard of the better class, probably from the castle.
“I thank you, señor,” said Talbot courteously. “That neglect is due to my ignorance of your charming country.”
“And now if you’ll move, young turkey cock, we’ll just take our boat,” said another of the claimants.
“One moment!” said Talbot Ward, with a new edge to his voice. “This is my boat, not yours; my baggage is in it, my boatman is on the ground. That he is forgetful has nothing to do with the merits of the case. You know this as well as I do. Now you can acknowledge 35 this peacefully and get out, or you can fight. I don’t care a continental red copper which. Only I warn you, the first man who makes a move with anything but his two feet will be shot dead.”
He stood, his hands hanging idly by his sides, and he spoke very quietly. The four men were not cowards, that I’ll swear; but one and all they stared into Ward’s eyes, and came individually to the same conclusion. I do not doubt that dancing flicker of refraction–or of devilment–was very near the surface.