Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/380

 "I consider your life," Roberto said. "As for my own"

"My life! Ivalue honor above life. Die like a man before you accept these terms!"

"I have passed my word," Roberto said sullenly, resentful of his father's arraignment.

"I have not!"

"Peace, Don Abrahan!" Henderson commanded.

"Peon!" the old man raged at him furiously; "only death can command my tongue!" He lifted his arm as if he held a sword. "Charge—to the rescue!" he shouted.

The officer at the gate dashed back to his men, who sat straining in the expectation of action. In a moment they were charging toward the open gate.

Henderson advanced his pistol until it touched Roberto's hair. He put out his hand toward Helena, not daring to remove his eyes a moment from the man whom he held under sentence of death.

"Go to Doña Carlota—run!" he said. "Roberto, if they pass the gate!"

"They stop!" said Felipe. "It is well for you, Don Abrahan!"

"Charge!" Don Abrahan shouted, sweeping his long arm as if he struck with a sword.

"They are turning—they are leaving!" said Helena, who had not retreated a step at Henderson's command.