The Governor heaved a sigh when he had finished, as if a burden had suddenly dropped from his shoulders.
“How long since he gave this to you, Juan?”
“About fifteen minutes before I entered this room, your Honor.”
“Did it take you fifteen minutes to get up the stairs?”
“I am an old man, your Honor, but am yet spry. When the Plunger left, I was called to your private study, where Señor Guillermo Gonzales wished to speak to me. If your Honor cares, I will tell you everything he said. First, he sent a message to you, which I have not had an opportunity until this moment to deliver. He told me to say to you, that though the President has returned to consciousness he desires to be left alone that he may write a full account of his past, provided he remembers.”
“Very well, Juan,” replied the Governor. “I will not interrupt his Excellency. And as for you telling me all the scientist said to you, there is no necessity for you telling anything, except the message you have just delivered.”
“Since the ‘Plunger’ came, I feel it my duty to tell you that Señor Gonzales cautioned me to guard you closely; to allow no one to pass into the house without you knowing the person and giving your consent. That trouble is brewing in the city, and your life would be threatened,” said Juan.
“It is certainly kind of him and others to be so interested in my welfare. I am least concerned about my own safety. I have a strange presentiment that I will not be harmed. It is the safety of the people, the great multitude around us, Juan, about whom I am concerned. Rest assured, good man, I will protect my people, no matter what the cost.”
“But, dear papa, the people would not be able to protect themselves, if you were gone. Dear papa, do not court danger,” cried Catalina.
“That child! She makes me afraid, your Honor. I wish she were more like my own little granddaughter,” said Juan, stepping closer to the marble statue and further from the child.