The Valiant Runaways [63]
that you had fled to escape the
conscription. Well, I am glad you did, for you have saved the day for
me. But it is time you were in Monterey, for you've got the face of the
leader of men, and the sooner your education begins the better. Will you
come with me? Your father will not refuse."
The blood was pounding in Roldan's ears, but he managed to reply calmly
that he would go.
He was then presented to General Castro, a man of fine military bearing,
with classic features, but dark and stern. His eyes were as sombre as
Alvarado's: doubtless both knew that their day would be short, their
great gifts wasted in this far-away land, as remote from the great
civilisations where lasting reputations are made as had it been on
another planet.
He shook Roldan warmly by the hand, but he did not smile.
"Yes," he said, "it will be a pleasure to train you; and as you are
young and malleable you will adapt yourself to the new order of things
when it comes. Both Alvarado and I will write to your father; I am sure
he will send you to us in Monterey."
And then they graciously dismissed him.
As the boys left the battlefield they came upon Hill, who was sitting on
a hillock eating a sandwich. When Roldan had told his story the American
replied:
"Shake! Rolly, you've got a heap o' genius, but you've got a durned
sight more luck. You'll git there--one way or nother--if the skies fall.
And I wish ye luck, I do for a fact."
"Don Jim," said Roldan, gravely, "have you another sandwich? We are
very hungry."
End
conscription. Well, I am glad you did, for you have saved the day for
me. But it is time you were in Monterey, for you've got the face of the
leader of men, and the sooner your education begins the better. Will you
come with me? Your father will not refuse."
The blood was pounding in Roldan's ears, but he managed to reply calmly
that he would go.
He was then presented to General Castro, a man of fine military bearing,
with classic features, but dark and stern. His eyes were as sombre as
Alvarado's: doubtless both knew that their day would be short, their
great gifts wasted in this far-away land, as remote from the great
civilisations where lasting reputations are made as had it been on
another planet.
He shook Roldan warmly by the hand, but he did not smile.
"Yes," he said, "it will be a pleasure to train you; and as you are
young and malleable you will adapt yourself to the new order of things
when it comes. Both Alvarado and I will write to your father; I am sure
he will send you to us in Monterey."
And then they graciously dismissed him.
As the boys left the battlefield they came upon Hill, who was sitting on
a hillock eating a sandwich. When Roldan had told his story the American
replied:
"Shake! Rolly, you've got a heap o' genius, but you've got a durned
sight more luck. You'll git there--one way or nother--if the skies fall.
And I wish ye luck, I do for a fact."
"Don Jim," said Roldan, gravely, "have you another sandwich? We are
very hungry."
End