Prev | Current Page 315 | Next

Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander), 1862-1919

"The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi"

"
"I knew that Henry would find a way! I knew it!" Paul was murmuring to
himself.
"What of these maps, Don Francisco Alvarez?" said the Governor General.
The bold and flexible Spaniard quickly recovered himself.
"Maps do not mean anything," he said. "Any military officer provides
himself with them whenever he can. He need not he at war with a country to
secure them."
"No, not in the case of ordinary maps, but here we have plans for an
attack upon the settlements in Kaintock. I find noted by the side of one
station in your handwriting: 'Could be destroyed easily with two cannon.'
It is obvious that you have exceeded your authority. How much further you
have gone is to be seen."
"Your Excellency, I protest against"--began Alvarez, but at that moment
the door was opened and Lieutenant Diego Bernal appeared upon the
threshold.
"What is this interruption? How dare you?" exclaimed the Governor General.
But the little Catalan was never more thoroughly master of himself. His
uniform was never more resplendent, and the lace at throat and sleeves
never fuller. He bore himself, too, with the utmost dignity because he
knew that he was about to make an announcement of the utmost importance.
Moreover, he was a favorite with Bernardo Galvez.


Pages:
303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327