"Hold, Quackenboss! hold your fire! we shall wait till some one comes;"
and as I spoke, I caught both my companions, and drew them back.
Whether it was the commanding tone of my voice, which the ranger had
heard before, or whether in the light he had recognised my features, I
saw him, before it darkened, lower his piece, and I felt easy again.
But he still obstinately refused to let us pass.
Further parley was to no purpose, and only led to an exchange of rather
rough compliments between Quackenboss and my two companions; so, after
endeavouring to make peace between them, I stood still to await the
chance of some one of the guard coming within hail.
Fortunately, at that moment, a ranger, somewhat the worse for
aguardiente, appeared in the direction of the piazza.
Quackenboss condescended to call him up; and after a crooked palaver, he
was despatched to bring the corporal of the guard.
The arrival of the latter ended our troubles, and we were permitted to
reach the piazza without further hindrance; but as we passed the stern
sentry, I could hear Rube mutter to him--
"Ee durned mulehead! ef I hed ye out upon the parairas, wudn't I!
Wagh!"