He thrust the man backward with a mighty shove, put out his foot, and
Menocal went over it. But the West Indian did not touch the floor. Henry
caught him by the neck and waist, and, with a great heave, lifted him high
above his head. He held him there a moment, and then said gravely to
Monsieur Francois Eugene Gilibert:
"Shall I cast him through yonder window, or put him back in the chair in
which he was sitting before he came to us uninvited?"
Monsieur Gilibert looked longingly at the window--he was a man of strength
and dexterity himself--and he admired great strength and great dexterity
in others--but motives of prudence and humanity prevailed.
"Put him back in his chair," he said.
Henry walked all the way across the room and gently put the half-stunned
man in a sitting position in his chair. A roar of applause shook the room
at this remarkable performance, and Monsieur Gilibert was not the slackest
among those who cheered. Never before had the Inn of Henri Quatre
witnessed such an extraordinary feat of strength. Lieutenant Diego Bernal
sprang to his feet and again seized Henry's right hand in both of his.
"Senor," he exclaimed, "it is an honor to me to deem myself your friend!"
Alonzo Menocal arose from his chair and came across the room.
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