XI.
THE MASQUE BALL AT TIRAVAYA.
It was the night of the annual masque ball at Tiravaya, a summerresort a few miles from Arequipa. The hall was crowded with dancers;many gentlemen were in Cavalier costume, with swords clanking at theirsides. Others were in helmets, gorglet and breastplate, to representPizarro's conquerors of Peru. Many of the ladies wore quaint costumesand rich attire of the court of Ferdinand and Isabella, while a fewwere attired in grotesque costumes. Felicita was dressed as a princessof the court of the ancient Incas, with a head dress of the richplumage of tropic birds. I was dressed in the Highland garb ofScotland.
I soon discovered Felicita by the rosebud in her hair. We took part inthe grand march and in nearly all the dances. The soft strains of themusic and the gayety of the picturesque throng in the brilliantlylighted room made the hours pass quickly and it was soon time forunmasking. After the general greeting was over, we proceeded to thedining room where an elegant repast was served. The supper beingfinished, the music struck up again as the wine was being served. Justthen I observed Rodrigo for the first time, and noticed that he wasintently watching me. I called Felicita's attention to him and sheseemed to be frightened. She wanted to return home, but I assured herthere was no danger; we were among friends. She replied that I was notfamiliar with Spanish hatred, and that he would sooner or later insultme. I had known for more than three months, that he had proposed toFelicita and been refused. I also knew he was a gambler and lived onhis chances at the faro table. Being an expert and without any senseof honor, even to one of that profession, he was seldom unsuccessful.I had never mentioned to Don Julian or Felicita his manner of life.
An American, who unfortunately got under the influence of wine,proposed a toast to Peru, to which we all responded by raising ourglasses. Another toast was given to the United States which received asimilar response. Toast followed toast in quick succession. I merelyraised my glass as I had no desire to drink any more, and knowing thelong distance before me, I was on the point of calling for Chico tohave our horses in readiness, when I heard my name called and foundthat I was requested to make a speech. I arose and congratulated thecompany present for the pleasant time we had passed, and the happymanner in which everything had been conducted by our host. All roseand gave him three cheers.
Don Rodrigo then stepped to the center between both tables, and askedeveryone present who denounced the British government for its actionin the Huascar affair, to stand up. I knew the insult was meant forme. I refused to stand, as also did two of my British friends. Afterthey were seated Felicita again pleaded with me to leave, but I couldnot do so with honor then, and had I done so, I would have been heldin contempt afterwards. Don Rodrigo came to where I was seated andaddressing himself to me said:
"I observe that you refuse to condemn the action of the Britishgovernment. Of course you are a Britisher, but I must say that theaction of your government was of the most cowardly nature, and anyonewho upholds such actions deserves the name of coward; in fact, anyonewho allows himself to be ruled by the Queen of Great Britain must beanything but a brave man."
I cannot describe the thoughts that ran through my brain. I stood likeone paralyzed. I could neither move nor speak, but I was consciousthat everyone was looking at me and seemed to enjoy my discomfiture.Felicita placed both hands on my right arm and looked pleadingly in myface. I could see everything quite plainly, but I was bereft of allpowers. Then by a valiant effort I recovered myself. Bending down, Itold Felicita to remain and not be alarmed.
I arose and went to where Don Rodrigo stood. I was calm and collected."Don Rodrigo," I said, "I came here by invitation, and when I acceptedhad no thought of being insulted. Neither do I believe that our hostor the gentlemen present intended that I should be. You have withoutprovocation on my part, insulted my Queen and called her subjectscowards. The country that gave me birth never produced cowards and Iwant to convince you that I am not an exception." With this I dealthim a terrific blow in the face.
He fell heavily to the floor and all was confusion. Men leaped ontables and chairs. Cries of "Down with the foreigner!" were heard onevery side. Then my British friends came over to where I stood, one ofthey saying, "Good, Jack, the coward deserved it! Let us stand side byside and show them how the Queen's subjects can defend themselves!"
I can see him now, his auburn hair disarranged and partially hangingover his forehead, his blue eyes sparkling with indignation, his righthand holding a revolver. The other said, "There are only three of usbut we will show them how Britishers can fight," at the same timedrawing his Colt's. I had also pulled my gun, anticipating the worst,when the American drew near and said: "Jack, I know nothing of yourQueen or country; I am an American, but you did right, and what Iwould do under similar circumstances. I will stand by you, although wehave little chance against such odds."
By this time Don Rodrigo had been assisted to his feet, blood all overhis face. The uproar ceased for a few minutes, as the crowd waswithout a leader. The blow had told with effect--two front teeth weregone and both eyes were discolored, caused, I think, by him coming incontact with the floor. In a few moments cries of "Down with theforeigner," again commenced. We knew it threatened our lives, but whenthey looked down the barrels of four revolvers they knew it alsothreatened some of their lives.
Springing on a chair, I asked them to listen to me. I told them thatthe quarrel they had witnessed had been sought by Don Rodrigo againstme; and I asked why others should suffer? Let him finish his quarrelwith me now or at any other time he chose--I would always meet him,and surely gentlemen such as I knew them to be would not so far forgetthemselves as to endeavor to overcome us, who had never done themharm?
This appeal was effective. Don Rodrigo had been washed, and never didI see a face with such devilish and malignant expression. I was youngand strong, with quite a knowledge of the art of self defense, and Iwatched him very closely lest he should draw a knife.
Presently he said that he would be the judge of time and place andmanner of meeting me, and that I would yet remember Don RodrigoGarcia. I did not answer and he walked out of the hall. I drankseveral glasses of wine with those who, but a few moments before, werecrying for revenge. I found Chico near me, and could hardly refrainfrom laughing when I discovered that he had armed himself beforeleaving Arequipa with a great navy revolver he found in my room. I amsatisfied had an attack been made on us, Chico would have done hispart, provided he had found a way to use the revolver. I am satisfiedhe never saw one before he came to Arequipa.
I told him to get the horses ready and my friends remained near toprevent any treachery. However, we were not molested on the way home.Felicita begged me to watch Don Rodrigo. "I know," she said, "thatman's nature. He will watch you always, and while he will not attackyou alone, he will pay others to inflict some injury on you."
Don Julian was waiting and had hot cocoa ready for us. We bothconcluded that we would better tell him what had happened lest he heara wrong version from others. They were determined that I should spendthe remainder of the night in their house, but I concluded it wouldappear cowardly. So, I bade them good night and, with Chico following,perfectly happy over the few dollars I had given him, I reached homein safety.
I thought much about the affair at Tiravaya and determined to watchDon Rodrigo closely. A week later Don Julian informed me he was goingto Aacna on business. He would be gone several days, but Felicitawould stay here. Fatal mistake.
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