Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/352

 "My countrymen may not have taken Monterey yet, but if they have not it is simply because they have not arrived," Henderson returned. "We are well situated here; we can wait till they come."

"I will return in an hour to drag down that caricature of a base flag," Roberto threatened, his face growing dark with anger.

"I'll hang your father in your sight at the first shot you fire," Henderson declared.

"My father's life must not stand between me and my duty to my country," Roberto said. "But if you venture any further indignation upon his person, then I swear I'll burn you like a toad!"

"I wouldn't expect anything less from a coward in the coat of a soldier, who would murder a woman for a public show and a private jealousy," Henderson returned. "Now, get out of here!"

Roberto closed his mouth on useless words of retort. He had not lived long, but long enough to understand when there was no more to be said. As he passed through the gate Simon crowded close to his stirrup.

"Take me with you, your grace!" he implored. "That savage Don Gabriel"

"You can serve me better here," Roberto cut his plea. "Tell those monkeys who are marching around with guns that I am coming back in an hour with two hundred men. I will hang every one of them to a tree that stands against me with a gun. Tell them this; fill them with a fear that will make them run."