Page:Civilization and barbarism (1868).djvu/374

330 carrying out your plan, and I am interested, that those who can and ought to do it, should restrain you in time.'
 * "'Don Domingo, you will force me to take measures.'
 * "'And what matters it?'
 * "'Severe ones.'
 * "'And what matters it?'
 * "'You do not understand what I mean.'
 * "'Yes, I understand—to shoot me, and what matters it?'

"Benavides looked at me as if fascinated; and I protest that he could not see on my countenance any sign of boasting. I was inspired at that moment by the spirit of God. I was the representative of the rights of all, which were about to be trampled on. I saw in the countenance of Benavides symptoms of appreciation, of compassion, of respect, and I wished to respond to this movement of his soul.

"'Sir,' I said, 'do not defile yourself with crime. When you can tolerate me no longer, banish me to Chili; in the mean time, remember that I must labor to restrain you, if possible, from the precipice over which ambition and unbridled passion are hurrying you,' and then I took my leave.

"Some days afterwards I was again summoned to the Governor's house.


 * "'I have been convinced that you have received letters from Salta and the encampment of Brinuela.'
 * "'Yes, sir; and I was preparing to bring them to you'
 * "'I knew the papers had arrived, but I was ignorant,' he added angrily, 'that you wished to show them to me.'
 * "'I had not made a fair copy of the representation I had made, with which to accompany them. Your Excellency has both now.'