Page:Lost with Lieutenant Pike (1919).djvu/299

 sergeant and escort him and his men to join you at Santa Fe."

The lieutenant bit his lip and fidgeted. He was of two minds; but one thing was certain: he could not get rid of these Spanish without a big fight. And the worst of that would be, that he was an invader and had broken the law.

He did not hesitate long.

"I shall not yield to force, sir," he said. "We are American soldiers and prepared to defend ourselves, as you have seen. However, in consideration of your courteous attitude I am disposed to go with your escort to His Excellency, and give him the explanation that is due from one friendly nation to another. But I must leave two of my men here, to receive the sergeant and reassure him; otherwise, I promise you, he will not come on without a fight, except by direct orders from me."

"That is agreed, señor," bowed the officer. "And we may consider the matter very happily settled. You have my respectful thanks."

The lieutenant's eyes fell upon Stub.

"Tell Stout to send Corporal Jackson in to me." He spoke to the Spanish officer. "I will instruct my men to permit yours to approach, and would suggest that you inform your company we are willing to receive them as friends, if their actions so warrant."