Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/258

 "But where? To find out what?"

"To the plaza, the garrison. Maybe some soldier drinking"

"Everything is closed—cantinas, all. At eight o'clock the doors were locked; everybody was driven from the streets. But they are not asleep in this pueblo tonight. In every house they sit waiting for the dawn."

"They are eager to see her die!"

"No, they pray that pity will move Roberto. They do not want her shot. It was the plea of the people that moved the governor until he would have pardoned her and set her free. Her youth excused her; she was misled by the Yankee who already had paid the price. And so Roberto, in his rage, becomes the tyrant. Would to God we had the cannon, Gabriel!"

"Will you lend me your knife, Felipe?"

"My rifle, too, if you need it."

"Only the knife. If I fail to come back before daylight, ride away and save yourself, my good friend. All will be at an end."

"Why should I stay here, like a groom, keeping company with horses, when there is the work of a man to be done?" Felipe demanded, the hurt of being left behind in his voice.

"You have risked too much for me, a stranger, already. I can't ask you to risk more."

"If you do not come back, Gabriel, I will hate my life. The horses will be as safe here alone as if I stood at their heads. We will leave them