He still remained silent.
"Yes, you are the strongest and the one most to be feared," continued
Alvarez musingly, "I am not saying it to flatter you, but because it is a
matter that I have weighed well for reasons pertaining to statecraft.
There sentiment or personal liking cannot count. I have plans, large
plans, in regard to this country. I suppose that every ambitious man who
comes here has them. How can he help it when he sees so vast and fertile a
land inhabited only by savages? My plan, I believe, is right, in
accordance with probability and justice. You, Senor Ware, are a
representative of a race that has crossed the mountains into a new
region. You have there, in Kaintock, thin and feeble settlements that must
soon be crushed."
Henry spoke for the first time, but he showed no excitement, although his
heart had begun to beat faster.
"I think you are wrong, Captain Alvarez," he said. "The settlements in
Kentucky have already driven back some formidable forays, and they grow
stronger every day."
"Forays of savages only. What could they do if a force of white men, a
powerful force, armed with cannon came?"
"But will they come?" asked Henry pointedly.
"Ah, I see you are clever," said Alvarez, still smiling.
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