The Free Rangers: A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi

by Joseph A. Altsheler

  CHAPTER XI

  THE SPANIARD'S OFFER

  The afternoon passed without incident in the log prison save another andvery welcome visit from Luiz, who brought water and some cloth bandages tobe used on Paul's shoulder. Henry and Long Jim, familiar with hurts,dressed it carefully and skillfully. Paul's healthy blood would quickly dothe rest.

  "It will be stiff a little for three or four days," said Henry, "butyou'll forget in a week that you ever had it."

  Then he turned to Luiz.

  "We'd like to thank you," he said, "I know you don't understand our words,but maybe you take our meaning."

  Luiz nodded violently, smiled at the boy, and then held out his hand inquite an American fashion. His face expressed not only understanding butgratitude as well. Henry, of the acute eye and retentive mind, took asecond look. Then he remembered.

  "The man whom the buffalo was about to gore and run over!" he exclaimed."Well, I am glad I was there to help you, and it seems that a lucky chancehas made us a friend."

  He took the proffered hand and shook it heartily. When Luiz had gone heexplained to the others.

  "He is surely a friend," he said, "and we have certainly had a piece ofgood fortune."

  But Long Jim instantly demurred.

  "Henry," he said, "you're a smart fellow, but you're talkin' real foolish.It wuz your good heart that done it. Ef it hadn't told you to help himwhen that mad bull wuz about to run over him an' gore him an' trample himclean out uv sight in the earth, he wouldn't a-been here now, grinnin' atyou an' with the gratitude oozin' out uv him all over."

  Just before the sunset the door was opened again and Braxton Wyatt thrustin his hateful face. Behind him stood four Spanish soldiers.

  "I hope you are enjoying yourselves," he said with irony.

  "We'd rather be here, as we are, than be in your place, having done whatyou have done," exclaimed Paul passionately.

  Wyatt paled a little, but instantly recovered himself.

  "A bear can growl a lot when it's in a trap but growling doesn't help itout," he said airily.

  "We kin do more than growl. We've got sharp teeth, too, ez you ought toknow," said Tom Ross, the man of few words.

  "I'll admit that you have had some successes in the past," said Wyatt,smiling maliciously, "but your time is done. We are the victors, andyou'll never get out of this."

  The four as if by common consent turned their backs upon him and did notutter another word. The renegade understood the contempt expressed bythose four silent backs, and the willful flush broke through the tan ofhis face. He had never hated them more bitterly.

  "Come you, Henry Ware," he said roughly, "Captain Alvarez wishes to askyou some questions."

  "I wouldn't go, Henry," said Long Jim. "I wouldn't hev a word to say tothat Spaniard or to this white Injun either."

  "He will go, whether willingly or unwillingly," said Braxton Wyatt. "I'vemen enough here to drag him."

  "I will go willingly, Jim," said Henry addressing himself to his comraderather than to the renegade. "It cannot do any harm, and it may help."

  "Yes, it is wiser," said Paul.

  "So long, boys," said Henry. "I'll be back pretty soon."

  He stepped out, calmly ignoring the existence of Braxton Wyatt, and placedhimself in the center of the little group of soldiers. His mannerindicated clearly that he would make no attempt to escape, and, armedthough the four soldiers were, and unarmed though their captive was, theybreathed four simultaneous sighs of relief. Henry Ware, boy though he was,with his great height and powerful shoulders, chest, and limbs, was atruly formidable figure.

  Braxton Wyatt turned the key noisily in the huge padlock that held thedoor.

  "There," he said, "I think we've got that cattle securely fastened in thepen!"

  Henry knew that the insulting words were intended for his ear, but he gaveno sign of hearing them. He stood expressionless, awaiting the word to thesoldiers to march. Braxton Wyatt quickly gave it. He was angrier thanever, because he could not stir Henry Ware, whom he hated most of all, toopen anger.

  The march led straight to the Chateau of Beaulieu, across well-trimmedsward, and Henry's alert eye took in everything, the pretentious house, sounlike anything erected by his own people in Kentucky, the lowoutbuildings, and the occasional gleam of a uniform.

  But Henry did not observe at this moment with any eye to the escape ofhimself and his comrades. His condition of mind was spiritual and he felta satisfaction for which he could not have accounted if he had tried. Hefelt sure that his friends and he would escape. He did not doubt it evennow, when only one of the five was free in the woods out there. The springsun was setting in great clouds of red and gold fire, a pleasant coolnesswas coming over the heated landscape, and every building, fence, and treewas touched by a soft but vivid light.

  Braxton led the way into the house and into a great room, where FranciscoAlvarez sat in a high chair, keeping state like a feudal lord. He wavedhis hand and the soldiers withdrew. Then he said to Braxton Wyatt:

  "I wish to speak alone, absolutely alone, to Senor Ware, and I must askyou to leave us for a little while."

  Braxton turned on his heel, his anger but half concealed, and the Spaniardsmiled to himself, Francisco Alvarez was a wily man, a reader of the mindsof others, and he did not object to the present displeasure of Wyatt.

  But he said nothing until the renegade was gone. Henry, meanwhile, hadquietly taken his seat in a cane chair. He was not of any mind to stand inthe presence of this man who bore himself as if he were master ofeverything by right divine.

  Francisco Alvarez observed the act and understood its meaning. He smiledagain to himself. He had not misjudged the youth, and it confirmed him inthe plan that had come suddenly into his cunning mind.

  "Senor Ware," he said, veiling his voice and speaking with a velvetycourtesy that was unusual in him, "I have brought you here to tell youfirst that I repent my act to-day, by which I placed your comrade's lifein seeming danger. I was hasty, but I had been goaded greatly, and it maybe, too, that I was influenced by the sinister advice of one who hates youand your friends in a manner almost beyond belief. Besides, the swordsmanhad orders not to slay."

  Henry Ware looked at him in great surprise. Five minutes ago he would nothave dreamed it possible that he could hear such a speech in such a tonefrom Francisco Alvarez. He waited to see what it meant. Alvarez regardedhim in a sort of kindly contemplation, as a man would look upon a youthfor whom he had benevolent plans.

  "We have been enemies so far," he resumed in his winning tone, "you andyour comrades against myself and my people. But I have learned one thing,and I am confirmed in it by the opinion of others; boy as you are, you arethe strongest and most dangerous of the five who oppose me; you are theleader."

  The words, although true, were those of compliment and flattery, and Henryfelt the touch of poison in the silky tone. He stiffened himself slightlyas if he would resist a danger, unknown as yet, but all the more to bedreaded on that account. He still remained silent.

  "Yes, you are the strongest and the one most to be feared," continuedAlvarez musingly, "I am not saying it to flatter you, but because it is amatter that I have weighed well for reasons pertaining to statecraft.There sentiment or personal liking cannot count. I have plans, largeplans, in regard to this country. I suppose that every ambitious man whocomes here has them. How can he help it when he sees so vast and fertile aland inhabited only by savages? My plan, I believe, is right, inaccordance with probability and justice. You, Senor Ware, are arepresentative of a race that has crossed the mountains into a newregion. You have there, in Kaintock, thin and feeble settlements that mustsoon be crushed."

  Henry spoke for the first time, but he showed no excitement, although hisheart had begun to beat faster.

  "I think you are wrong, Captain Alvarez," he said. "The settlements inKentucky have already driven back some formidable forays, and they growstronger every day."

  "Forays of savages only. What could they d
o if a force of white men, apowerful force, armed with cannon came?"

  "But will they come?" asked Henry pointedly.

  "Ah, I see you are clever," said Alvarez, still smiling. "You and theother youth, Cotter, are educated, and you must realize the truth of whatI say. Yes, that force will come. Your Eastern colonies are about to bedefeated by the King of England. You are rebels, and there is no place fordefeated rebels but the depths of the wilderness. Spain has beencoquetting with these colonies, but she will come back to the side of theEnglish monarchy where she belongs. The monarchies must stand togetheragainst all rebels."

  "How do you know that Spain will help England to fight us?" asked Henry.

  Alvarez smiled once more, but the smile now, instead of being merelywinning, was superior.

  "It is a long distance from here to Europe," he replied, "but news maycome even into the depths of the woods. I have many friends in Spain,friends near the court, who inform me whenever the wind changes."

  Henry did not like that superior smile. It was a mistake of FranciscoAlvarez, a mistake that many strong men make, to assume a patronizingmanner even for a moment in the presence of another who was also strong.Henry's intuition at once put him on guard at all points.

  "I have heard," he said, "that Bernardo Galvez, the Spanish GovernorGeneral at New Orleans, is no friend of the British power. But why do youdiscuss these things with me or tell me of them?"

  "It is because I have considered you and recognize your worth," repliedAlvarez slowly. "Why rush on to destruction with the foolish rebels? No,do not speak! Pay good heed to what I say. There is more passing on thiscontinent than you think. Great events are about to occur. I do not speakmerely of the war between the rebels--or, if you prefer it, theAmericans--and the English, but of another change.

  "Spain is seated at New Orleans near the mouth of the Mississippi, whichflows through a larger area of fertile and temperate country than anyother river in the world. The waters of hundreds of navigable streamsconverge there, and it must become the rival of London and Paris. What canQuebec, Boston, New York, or Charleston be to New Orleans? Can Spain giveup such a site and such a vast and fertile territory as Louisiana? Never!And here is the greatest opportunity in the world for strong men! Comewith me! Bring your friends with you! We need such as you! I offer you acareer that could not even enter your dreams in the woods of Kaintock!"

  A deep, red flush overspread Henry's face.

  "Do you think that we could fight against our own people," he exclaimed."Do you think that we are made of such stuff as that miserable renegade,Braxton Wyatt?"

  Alvarez did not flinch. His words had been delivered with extraordinaryemphasis, and they carried the ring of his own conviction. His great planpossessed him, and he saw before him an instrument of which he could makegood use.

  "I do not ask you to go against your own people," he replied. "Remain inLouisiana. Great work can be found here for you and your friends. Andwhere Kaintock is concerned another way could be made. It is far from theEastern colonies, divided by mountains, the forest, and Indians. Wherecould they find a better friend to whom to turn than the King of Spain?And they will surely need a powerful friend!"

  Henry gazed at him in amazement, and yet he felt a certain respect for thescope and largeness of the man's plan, repellent though the plan was tohim. He saw that Alvarez was not an ordinary man, that he was one withwhom the people for whom he cared would have to reckon. But he was notafraid, nor was he tempted for a moment by the promise of a glitteringfuture that Alvarez held out to him. He felt an immense indignation, buthe was still master of himself, and he replied quietly.

  "I could not leave my own people, nor would any of my comrades. The air ofLouisiana does not suit us. We are accustomed to a colder climate. Wefeel, too, that Kaintock can take care of herself. Nor is it sure that theEastern colonies will be crushed by the King. But, should they be,Kentucky would never desert them to join Spain."

  Alvarez frowned, and his temper began to rise. Henry was showing morefinesse and more knowledge of the world and its events than he had thoughtpossible in one just come out of the woods.

  "By entering my service, by becoming a lieutenant of mine, you have all togain and nothing to lose," he said, resuming his customary tone ofsuperiority.

  Henry instantly felt the change of manner and resented it.

  "I could not dream of accepting such an offer," he said, "but, if Ishould, I'd merely take the place that you've already given to BraxtonWyatt, a renegade. He thinks it is his, and you have made him think it ishis. If you do not keep faith with him how could I believe that you wouldkeep faith with me?"

  The dark blood of anger flushed the Spaniard's face. He half rose from hisseat and then sat down again.

  "I have made you an offer," he said, "one that any youth or young manshould be proud to accept, and you insult me by saying that you doubt myfaith. You are a child, a backwoodsman, and an ignorant fellow!"

  "I am not ignorant about some things of importance," replied Henry calmly,"but, if I were low enough to be tempted by your offer, I should still bewise enough to know that a man who plots against his own superior officercould not be trusted by me." "What do you mean?" asked Alvarez, paling fora moment.

  "Is it not true that by fair or foul means you expect shortly to succeedBernardo Galvez as Governor General of Louisiana?"

  The Spaniard's hand flew to his sword hilt. Such things as these were notto be known by everybody. But Henry met his gaze steadily, and the handfell away from the sword-hilt. He had gone too far already. He was sorrythat he had turned the professional swordsman loose on Paul--it had beenan unwise deed--and another act of violence in a single day was unworthy aman of his self-control. No, a new and better plan came suddenly into hismind.

  The two sat for a few moments gazing steadily at each other. Alvarez wasin the higher chair, and that gave him the physical advantage, but thelook of the fearless youth was like the sharp sword that cuts scornfullythrough the maze and web of intrigue and trickery. Alvarez was forced toturn his gaze aside, and his soul was full of tumult and anger because hehad to yield. The new plan that he had conceived in regard to this daringboy now seemed a peculiarly happy thought. Henry's pride and spirit mustbe broken, and he, Francisco Alvarez, was the man for the task.

  He clapped his hands and a soldier entered. He sent a message by him andseveral more came, accompanied by Braxton Wyatt. Alvarez motioned Wyatt toa seat.

  "Senor Wyatt," he said in his slow, precise English, "I have been having atalk with your friend, your former friend here, and I find him to be asunworthy as you have described him to be. I offered only kindness tohimself and his friends. I chose to believe that they had been merelyfoolish, misled by ignorance, but his reply has been only to insult me andto blacken you."

  The renegade did not seek to conceal the joy that shone in his eyes. Hehad been in fear when he was sent out of the hall, in fear lest Alvarezhad some plan by which he would suffer, and now it was obvious thatnothing had been changed.

  "It is his character," said Wyatt. "He is vicious and the truth has neverbeen in him."

  Henry did not know what all this talk meant, but he refused to noticeBraxton Wyatt. His manner indicated that the renegade had ceased to exist,and it made Wyatt furious.

  "You tell the truth," continued Alvarez, "but he is dangerous, too, as youtold me, a strong, wily fellow, and I shall not take any chances on hisescape. See, I am providing against it."

  A soldier entered, bearing balls and chain, and Alvarez pointed to Henry.The youth sprang to his feet. He knew that this was intended as anindignity, and his mind rebelled.

  "Put them on him," said Alvarez, and the soldiers approached. Henry hurledthe first back and then the second, but the others were about to flingthemselves upon him in a heap, when a voice from the door cried:

  "Stop!"

  It was not a loud voice, but one full of dignity and command, and thesoldiers instantly fell back.

  A tall man, robed in bla
ck, and with a thin face, smoothly shaven andaustere, stood in the doorway. The eyes, usually benevolent and kindly,sparkled with indignation, and one hand was uplifted in rebuke.

  "Father Montigny!" said Henry, under his breath.

  "Who says 'stop!' here, where I command?" Alvarez exclaimed, and then hepaled at sight of the priest. The Spaniard was a bold man, but he wishedno conflict with Holy Church.

  "I said 'stop,'" replied the priest with calm dignity, advancing into theroom. "Francisco Alvarez, you were about to perform a deed unworthy ofyourself, one that you would have cause to regret. There is no war betweenLouisiana and Kaintock. What right have you to put this youth in chains?"

  He took a step further, and the rebuking hand was still uplifted. Thesoldiers shrank back and more than one crossed himself. Yet they wererelieved, as Father Montigny had interfered with a task that they did notlike.

  "I have the utmost respect for Holy Church," replied Alvarez, though itcost him an effort to utter the words, "but I am in command here and allmilitary affairs fall under my jurisdiction. This young man is a dangerousspy and plotter from Kaintock, one who has used force against us. He andhis comrades seized one of our boats and that was an act of war."

  "He is a good youth," said Father Montigny. "He and his comrades did me agreat service. I know that his motives are good, and I will not see himtreated in such barbarous fashion."

  The face of Alvarez darkened. This was more than he could stand.

  "I am the judge in these matters," he replied, "and I tell you, FatherMontigny, that you must not interfere. Your order, the Capuchins, are inpower now at New Orleans, as I know, but the Jesuits may come back. Ishould favor their returning."

  "It is not a question of Capuchin or Jesuit," replied Father Montignysternly, "and you, Francisco Alvarez, should know it. It is a question ofyou and what you are doing here. You need not make any threats against me.I care for none of them, but Bernardo Galvez, the Governor General at NewOrleans, shall know of what is passing at Beaulieu."

  The face of Alvarez contracted into a terrible frown. Nevertheless hefeared the unarmed priest. He was helpless against him and he feared,too, that if he persisted Father Montigny would quickly learn of other anddeeper matters. He broke into a short and by no means hearty laugh.

  "Perhaps I was going rather far," he said, "but this youth has provoked mebeyond endurance. Take away those things, Gaspar."

  The Spaniard whom he indicated took the irons, and Henry sat down again inhis chair. The threatened ignominy had stung him deeply and he said underhis breath: "I thank you, Father Montigny." Then Alvarez ordered Henry tobe taken away, also.

  Henry arose without resistance, and walked from the hall with thesoldiers. As he passed, Father Montigny put his hand on his shoulder andsaid: "I am your friend, my son."

  Henry said nothing but gave him a look of deep gratitude as he walkedproudly out.