"As you see, Senor Don Pedro, the two Tejanos are old acquaintances of
mine. I met them not in Texas, but the United States--New Orleans--
where we had certain relations; I need not particularise you. Only to
say that both the gentlemen left me very much in their debt; and I now
wish, above all things, to wipe out the score. I hope I may count upon
you to help me!"
There could be no mistaking what he meant. Anything but a repayal of
friendly services, in the way of gratitude; instead, an appeal to the
gaol-governor to assist him in some scheme of vengeance. So the latter
understood it, as evinced by his rejoinder--
"Of course you can, Senor Colonel. Only say what you wish done. Your
commands are sufficient authority for me."
"Well," said Santander, after an interval apparently spent in
considering, "as a first step, I wish you to give these gentlemen an
airing in the street; not alone the Tejanos, but all four."
"_Caspita_!" exclaimed the governor, with a look of feigned surprise.
"They ought to be thankful for that."
"They won't, however. Not likely; seeing their company, and the
occupation I want them put at."
"Which is?"
"A little job in the _zancas_!"
"In which street?"
"The Calle de Plateros. I observe that its stones are up."
"And when?"
"To-morrow--at midday. Have them there before noon, and let them be
kept until night, or, at all events, till the procession has passed. Do
you quite understand me?"
"I think I do, Senor Colonel. About their _jewellery_--is that to be
on?"
"Every link of it. I want them to be coupled, just as they are now--
dwarf to giant, and the two grand gentlemen together."
"_Bueno_! It shall be done."
So closed the curious dialogue, or, if continued, what came after it did
not reach the ears of Florence Kearney; they who conversed having
sauntered off beyond his hearing. When he had translated what he heard
to Cris Rock, the latter, like himself, was uncertain as to what it
meant. Not so either of their prison companions, who had likewise
listened to the conversation outside--both better comprehending it.
"_Bueno_, indeed!" cried the dwarf, echoing the gaol-governor's
exclamation. "It shall be done. Which means that before this time
to-morrow, we'll all four of us be up to our middle in mud. Won't that
be nice? Ha! ha! ha!"
And the imp laughed, as though, instead of something repulsive, he
expected a pleasure of the most enjoyable kind.