When Alvarez read the paper he frowned, and then cursed under his breath.
It was written in plain letters and its meaning was plain, also. It stated
that Bernardo Galvez, the Governor General at New Orleans, had learned
that his brave and loyal captain, Don Francisco Louis Philip Ferdinand
Alvarez, held in his possession four prisoners from Kaintock, persons of
daring, whose presence in Louisiana might be of great significance.
Therefore His Excellency, Bernardo Galvez, Governor General of Louisiana,
commanded his trusty and loyal captain, Don Francisco Louis Philip
Ferdinand Alvarez, to bring the aforesaid four prisoners, from Kaintock,
to New Orleans at once.
"At once!" repeated Alvarez angrily to himself. "That means not next week
but now, and I am compelled to obey. To refuse or to evade would make a
breach too soon."
He sent for Braxton Wyatt and told him of the letter. The renegade was
startled, but he counseled immediate obedience from motives of policy.
"How could Galvez have known?" said Alvarez. "How could the news have
reached New Orleans so soon?"
"Perhaps the priest has told," suggested Wyatt.
"No, that is impossible. He came from up river, and I am glad to say that
he left again in his canoe this morning.
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