My luck is good in truth, for it has been one of the great
sorrows of my life that you have so often escaped me, renegade. Be sure
that this time there shall be no escape.'
'I know well that there will be no escape for one or other of us, Juan
de Garcia,' I answered. 'Now we play the last round of the game, but do
not boast, for God alone knows to whom the victory shall be given. You
have prospered long, but a day may be at hand when your prosperity shall
cease with your breath. To your errand, Juan de Garcia.'
For a moment he sat silent, pulling at his pointed beard, and watching
him I thought that I could see the shadow of a half-forgotten fear creep
into his eyes. If so, it was soon gone, for lifting his head, he spoke
boldly and clearly.
'This is my message to you, Thomas Wingfield, and to such of the Otomie
dogs with whom you herd as we have left alive to-day. The Captain Bernal
Diaz offers you terms on behalf of his Excellency the viceroy.'
'What are his terms?' I asked.
'Merciful enough to such pestilent rebels and heathens,' he answered
sneering. 'Surrender your city without condition, and the viceroy, in
his clemency, will accept the surrender. Nevertheless, lest you should
say afterwards that faith has been broken with you, be it known to
you, that you shall not go unpunished for your many crimes. This is the
punishment that shall be inflicted on you.
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