And he seemed likely to be successful, too, for the cry appeared to please the crowd.
"Yes, yes, kill 'em!" swelled the muttering shout.
And a moment later some one, perhaps Ignacio himself, flung a heavy stone at the Americans.
It sailed over the heads of the mob, and struck one of the sailors a glancing blow on the forehead.
It made an ugly wound, and blood flowed.
The sight seemed to please the crowd.
"Por dios!" they laughed. "Good for them! Keep it up!"
Perhaps the sight of blood enraged them; but at any rate, their hostility became more evident. They shook their fists and muttered savagely.
And all the while Ignacio's voice chimed in.
"Kill 'em! Kill 'em!"