Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/201

 Just now he is scowling at the party of four near by, who are making merry apparently at the expense of the two young men.

"As I said before," observes Ashley, "if you will kindly translate the remarks of yonder chaps it will afford me considerable satisfaction to call them to order. Ah, if I could only tell them in Spanish what I think of them in English," he adds, recollecting an old opera-bouffe jest.

Ashley's acquaintance is evidently making an effort to keep his temper, but his resentment is apparent in the flash of his eyes and the red spot in each cheek.

"By Jove!" suddenly reflects Ashley, "perhaps our military friend understands English. I'll try him." Then to the apparent leading spirit of the quartet, who has just delivered himself of a sally that vastly amuses his companions, Ashley leans over and drawls: "Pardon me, senor, am I the subject of your mirth?"

The Spaniard may understand, but he makes no sign. The quartet set down their glasses and stare at the self-possessed young man who has risen and walked to their table and whose mild blue eyes run over the party in calm inquiry. And the young man notes that the time-killers for many tables around have ceased their chatter for the moment and are watching curiously the progress of the colloquy.

"I have reason to suspect," goes on Ashley, "that you are making a beastly nuisance of yourself, and unless you are anxious for a good American thrashing I would advise you to keep a civil tongue from now on. If you don't understand that I'll knock it through your head in short order."

The reply is a volley of red-hot Castilian, but Ashley is saved the trouble of attempting to comprehend it. For at this moment a long arm reaches by him and the Spanish captain is dealt a slap across the mouth that transforms his teeth for an instant into castanets.

Then there is confusion. The quartet spring to their feet and one of them seizes a bottle. But Ashley grips the uplifted arm with a wrist of steel and remarks in tones