Page:Lost with Lieutenant Pike (1919).djvu/314

 "His Excellency Don Joaquin del Real Alencaster, Governor of the Province of New Mexico," Lieutenant Bartholomew announced. "I have the honor to present Lieutenant Don Mungo-Meri-Paike, of the American army."

Lieutenant Pike bowed; the governor bowed, and spoke at once, in French.

"You command here?"

"Yes, sir." The lieutenant answered just as quickly.

"Do you speak French?"

"Yes, sir."

"You come to reconnoiter our country, do you?"

"I marched to reconnoiter our own," replied Lieutenant Pike.

"In what character are you?"

"In my proper character, sir: an officer of the United States army."

"And the man Robinson—is he attached to your party?"

"No." The governor's voice had been brusque, and the lieutenant was beginning to flush. But it was true that the doctor was only an independent volunteer.

"Do you know him?"

"Yes. He is from St. Louis."

"How many men have you?"