Monsieur Francois Eugene Gilibert did not love the Spanish, although he
did like Lieutenant Diego Bernal, who was a Catalan and therefore, in the
opinion of Monsieur Gilibert, almost a Frenchman. Neither did he like the
passing of New Orleans from the French into the hands of the Spanish,
although trade was as good as ever at his Inn of Henri Quatre, despite the
narrow Spanish rule, which was not to his taste. It was perhaps one half
his love of freedom and one-half his objection to the rule of Spain that
made him look with friendly eyes upon any far wanderers from Kaintock.
He strolled to the table and greeted Lieutenant Bernal, who returned his
greeting pleasantly and gave the names of the five.
"They come from Kaintock," said the lieutenant, significantly, "and they
do not like Francisco Alvarez."
"Ah," said Monsieur Gilibert, who also spoke English. "I do not love that
man Alvarez. He is the enemy of the French."
"Not more than he is of Kaintock," said the Lieutenant. Then he turned to
the five and said:
"I did not bring you here merely to hear words. I wish something to drink
for my friends, kind Monsieur Gilibert. The inn has rum of both New
England and Barbadoes, Spanish and French wines. Now what shall it be?"
He turned to the five, and as they answered, one by one, the eyes of the
young Spanish lieutenant opened wider and wider in astonishment.
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