"
Paul regarded him steadily. Bold man as he was, the Spaniard's eyes fell
at last.
"We can give no such promise," said Paul. "I think that the reasons why we
should go on to New Orleans are exceedingly strong."
"Ez fur me," said Long Jim, "I ain't ever been fond uv goin' back on my
own tracks until I git good an' ready."
"I merely came here to give you a chance," said Alvarez, still addressing
himself to Paul. "Do you think that a few woodsmen can stand in the path
of Spain? Do you think that a great ancient monarchy can be held back by
stray settlers?"
"You seem to be afraid of it yourself," said Paul who was regarding him
closely.
A flush, despite himself, came into the Spaniard's cheeks, and it was
partly of anger because a boy had read his mind so well. It was not a
thing to be endured.
"I repeat that I came merely to give you a chance," he said. "Whatever you
may suffer you can now bear in mind that you are the cause of it. Come,
Luiz, I have wasted too much time."
He walked out followed by the soldier, but Francisco Alvarez had known
before entering the prison that his offer would be declined. He merely
wished to clear away any light burden that might rest on his conscience,
before proceeding with another plan that he had in mind.
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