I dragged the stiffening Gato to his feet, and, my breast against his back and my arms locked round his body, turned him to the crowd. An inability to credit the senses held them dumb at first. They looked from one to another, horror in their eyes. His Majesty was calmly observing; then he spoke in the awed silence, and his voice carried grief and pity.
“You have called for Gato. Behold him! The gods have long, swift arms for those who strike at your king and you, O my people!”
A groan swept over the multitude; it passed, leaving a stillness inconceivably impressive.
“You wished to see Gato; you have seen him. You demanded him; you shall have him.” He gave me an order.
I raised Gato aloft, and started toward the gate, where the soldiers were massed. In a loud voice the king cried:
“Unfaithful soldiers of the king, take your leader!”
I hurled Gato down among them. The heavy body struck something,—I did not see what. Lentala was standing between the soldiers and the gate. Neither Christopher nor Mr. Vancouver was anywhere visible. The people, including the soldiers, were smitten deeply.