Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/286

 "Is everything well with the others?" Pablo inquired.

"Very well."

"And the young lady is tranquil?"

"She is as placid as if death had not come near enough to breathe in her face so lately."

"Well, there is news," said the old man calmly, his voice as dry as his lean face. "Roberto is not dead; he is on his feet again with nothing worse to show than a cut forehead."

"I thought the grape-shot took him, I saw him on the ground," Felipe said.

"No, it was a soldier struck him down with the butt of his gun when he gave the command to fire on the people. A hundred eyes saw it done. That man is a hero, though the blow he gave his general laid him flat and saved his skin. The grape-shot passed over him like a swarm of bees, but the man who struck him was killed."

"It must be that Roberto has been reserved for a rope," Felipe said. "I would not interfere with Providence; let him live."

"His day is approaching. It is true that the Americans have taken Monterey. Their general is marching into the South with cavalry."

"So it is true? Gabriel and Helena will leap at this news."

"Also, soldiers are coming from San Diego to reinforce General Garvanza and defend the pueblo. Don Abrahan has put down his quarrel with his son, the governor is united with them, all to make