‘To-day. This very day, Señor.’
‘And by the hand of this famous captain of your troop?’
‘Si, Señor.’
‘Where is your captain now?’ Elbert asked at random.
‘In Arecibo—have no fear. The Señor will be welcomed by el capitan Ramon, himself, who put the bullet in the head of the chief of the bandits, Monte Vallejo!’
Elbert struggled with his own composure.
‘I do not understand about your captain’s bullet—if Monte was already taken captive—surely he—’
‘This very day!’ exclaimed the rurale. ‘It was so, Señor—a most charming thing! The great Vallejo had many wounds at the time—many wounds, but would not fall. Laughing, he stood unbound—his head uncovered, trying to light with wet fingers a second cigarette that would not burn—’
‘I did not hear about the first. Please, not so fast,’ said Elbert. ‘My Spanish is of the book—not so fast, please—’
‘Ah, Señor, your Spanish is quite—Castillano, quite. The Spanish of el capitan Ramon is like that, also—’