should happen
to these Englishmen while they are in the city, their comrades will most
fearfully avenge themselves upon us. They have left us no room to doubt
what will happen in such a case, and they are the kind of men who will
carry out their threats to the very last letter. Therefore, see to it,
my friend, that steps are taken to prevent your soldiery from
interfering with or molesting them in any way. For, should anything
untoward happen, you will be held responsible. Now, I have warned you.
See to it!"

"_Bueno_! senor alcalde, you are my superior, and since those are your
orders, I will obey them," answered Don Manuel. "Nevertheless," he
continued, "if the Commandant were well enough to take the command, I
know what he would do. He would arrest and imprison these audacious
strangers, and defy their comrades to do their worst. Moreover, senor,
I should not like to be in your shoes when the news of this disgraceful
business reaches the ears of his Excellency the Viceroy."

And, so saying, he bowed with exaggerated politeness to George and the
alcalde, and with a fierce twist of his moustache strode swaggeringly
out of the room.

CHAPTER NINE.

HOW GEORGE VISITED THE HOLY INQUISITION AT SAN JUAN.

"A good man, in many respects; a very excellent man, indeed," observed
the alcalde, nodding toward the door by which Don Manuel had just
quitted the apartment, "and admirable in the position which he occupies.
As a soldier merely, he is all that one could possibly desire, brave to
recklessness, and an admirable leader. But after all he is only a
soldier fighting is his trade, but he knows nothing whatever about
diplomacy; he does not understand that there is not only a time when men
should fight but also a time when, if they are wise, they should
forbear. It is a fortunate thing for us all, illustrious senor, that I
and not he happens to be in authority at the present juncture; and I beg
that you will not permit his cavalier-like behaviour to influence you in
the slightest degree. And now, noble Capitan, if you have quite
completed your business here, I will point out to you the way to the
Inquisition, for time is pressing, and I am most anxious that no
untoward accident shall occur to interfere with or delay your business
in San Juan. And--I know not what may be the nature of your errand with
the Holy Office, but, if I may be permitted to offer a suggestion, I
would very strongly advise--nay more, I