run over so long
a list of articles furnished, and items of trouble given, that L'Isle,
who was annoyed at the interruption of an agreeable conversation with
Lady Mabel, was about to pay him in full to get rid of him, when
Shortridge peremptorily interfered. The demand was extortionate and
aroused his indignation. Perhaps he looked upon the fellow as usurping
a privilege belonging peculiarly to the commissary's own
brotherhood. He abused the man roundly in very bad Portuguese, and
insisted that L'Isle should pay him but half the sum.

The innkeeper, a dark, sallow man, with a vindictive countenance,
glared on him as if fear alone withheld him from replying with his
knife. When he found his tongue, he began to answer with a bitterness
that was fast changing into uncontrollable rage; but the commissary,
who was a master in the art of bullying, cut him short.

"This fellow," said he, addressing L'Isle, but still speaking
Portuguese, "has three fine mules in his stable. I shall need a great
many beasts to carry corn to Elvas, and will apply to the _Juiz de
Fora_ to embargo them among the first."

The innkeeper turned as pale as his golden skin permitted at the bare
suggestion. The French had made a similar requisition on him four
years ago, and when he followed his cattle to reclaim them after the
required service, he got only sore bones and a broken head for his
pains.

"You may do as you please in that matter," said L'Isle, throwing on
the table half the sum demanded, and leaving their host to swallow his
anger, and take it up, if he pleased.

The muleteer, having come in for the baggage, on finding out the
nature of the controversy, now poured out a flood of vociferous
eloquence on the extortioner, denouncing him as a disgrace to the
nation, and no true Portuguese, but a New Christian, as might be seen
in his face; and he was urgent with Shortridge to let him show him the
way to the house of the _Juiz de Fora_ without loss of time.

L'Isle's commanding air and contemptuous indifference overawed the
innkeeper quite as much as Shortridge's threats. So, sweeping the
money into his pocket, he went out hastily to find a safe and secret
hiding place for his mules.

"Pray," said Lady Mabel to L'Isle, while they were waiting for their
horses, "what is a New Christian?"

"The explanation of the term does not tell well in the history of the
country," said he. "When Ferdinand and Isabella expelled the Jews from
Spain, ma