d then another arose and briefly
remarked that he fully concurred in what his compatriot had so well
said, until nearly, if not quite, all had expressed approval.

"Very well, senors," responded George, when at length he found that no
one had anything to add, "I am willing to accept your collective
assurance that the citizens of San Juan as a whole are guiltless of all
participation in, or approval of, the treacherous and unjustifiable
attack upon my countrymen of which I complain; therefore it follows that
the local representatives of the Spanish Government are the responsible
parties, and it is with them that I must settle the account. As I have
already informed you, I am here to demand the fullest and most ample
reparation for the outrage of which I complain, and for all loss and
damage attendant upon it; and I ask you, do you think it in the least
degree probable that the Viceroy will peaceably concede my demands? If
he will not, I shall exact them by force of arms; and in that case I
warn you all that it will be very difficult, if not indeed impossible,
for me to discriminate between public and private property; it will
therefore be for you, senor"--bowing to the alcalde--"to use your best
efforts to induce the Viceroy and those under him to arrange an amicable
settlement with me; for otherwise it may be necessary for me to, among
other measures, bombard your town!"

"Nay, nay, senor; not that, not that, I pray you!" exclaimed the
alcalde, starting to his feet in great agitation. "Think, most
Illustrious, think of the many innocent lives, of the women and
children, who must inevitably perish if you resort to such a bar--such
a--an--extreme measure as that which you threaten."

"I do think of it, senor alcalde," answered George; "but I think also of
my fellow-countrymen who died here as a consequence of Spanish
treachery, and also of those others who are at this moment lying captive
and pining in your dungeons; and the latter thoughts render me
inflexible. I will not fire a single shot at your town if I can help
it; and it must be your task, senor, to so conduct matters and represent
them to the Viceroy, that it shall be unnecessary for me to resort to
such an extreme measure."

"I will gladly do my utmost, most noble senor, to carry out such
instructions as you may be pleased to give me," answered the alcalde.

"That is well," said George. "I want you to convey to the Viceroy--by
the way, where is the Vic