Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/243

 "It will be done, Mr. Gonzales."

"I have been a free man all my life," the old man proudly declared, stretching his long arms wide, like an old eagle exulting in the freedom that still was his. "No man lives until he is free. Do you go to meet the Americans, Felipe, you and your friend?"

Felipe explained in as few words as could cover the situation, what had set the two of them upon the road that day.

"We have come seeking refuge, and the counsel of your wisdom in the dangerous hours that are before us," Felipe said, throwing the whole matter before his ancient friend for his judgment.

"This is a place where no enemy of my friends can find his way," said the old man, with such quiet, simple declaration of loyalty that made Henderson's heart quicken to hear.

"I told my friend I would lead him to such a place," Felipe said.

"Do they follow you?"

"Not yet, Pablo. We must go back tonight and break the hornets' nest."

Felipe told the old man of Helena's situation, arranging for her to hide there under his protection, also, if it should become necessary.

"Gabriel is going back tonight to take her away from them, let it be Don Abrahan, the soldiers or the devil who is shutting her up behind barred windows, and I am going with him, to load his pistols, if nothing more."