But the seeds of doubt had been sown nevertheless. The
youth, Paul, and his comrade Henry, also, had spoken with singular
earnestness. Moreover, Francisco Alvarez was an ambitious man, and
Bernardo Galvez also believed him to be unscrupulous. If he aimed at the
place of Governor General and the commitment of Spain to an alliance with
England, it was a daring thing to do.
Bernardo Galvez was sorely troubled and he looked from Alvarez to the five
and then back again. Alvarez sat smiling. His look was that of one who was
right, who knew that he was right, and who knew that others knew it.
Oliver Pollock sitting by the big window, close to the five, was also
watching shrewdly in order that he might draw from all this coil some
capital for the patriot cause.
"In any event," said Bernardo Galvez at last, speaking slowly, as if he
carefully considered each word, "you were wrong, Don Francisco, to expose
this youth to such an encounter. If, as you say, it was merely a little
sport, then the sport was ill-chosen and ill-timed. Whether that or
another was your purpose, it reflects upon your judgment and sense of
humanity."
He paused, and Alvarez flushed darkly, but he was still master of his
supple self.
"Your words are none too severe, Your Excellency," he said.
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