Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/314

 his depression and fear at recognition of his former mayordomo. "So, you also return to humble me."

"Would I return to exalt you, small tyrant, slavemaker, oppressor of the poor?" Felipe asked, speaking in Castilian, that all assembed might understand.

A murmur and a movement passed through the crowd. It was as if men stretched in their bonds, lifting their heads again in hope.

"You, that came a beggar and left a thief!" Don Abrahan said, a flush of deep resentment spreading in his thin face.

"Here is the judge, here he stands!" said Felipe, laying his hand on the cannon.

Again the movement; again the murmur, that seemed now almost a cry. Don Abrahan gathered dignity out of his wrath, turned his back on Felipe as on one unworthy and low.

"Don Gabriel, what is your pleasure with me?" he asked.

"Send to the pueblo, or where he is to be found, for your son," Henderson said. "If soldiers or others accompany him, they must not approach within a mile of this place. Give him to understand that plainly. The moment this particular of my orders is ignored, I'll fire on your house. More than that, you, personally, will be held responsible."

"I cannot answer for him, Don Gabriel. He may refuse to parley, he may ignore a command