"I would have word with your captain," he said to the sentinel at the
door.
"He's in thar," said the soldier, pointing to the door of the
headquarters' room. Perez, who was walking to and fro, turned at the
opening door and respectfully greeted the parson.
"Are you the captain of the armed band without?"
"I am."
"You have certain gentlemen in confinement, I have heard. I came to
see you on account of an extraordinary report that you had threatened
to inflict a disgraceful public chastisement upon their persons. No
doubt the report is erroneous. You surely could not contemplate so
cruel and scandalous a proceeding?"
"The report is entirely true, reverend sir. I am but waiting for a
certain Hessian drummer who will wield the lash."
"But man," exclaimed the parson, "you have forgotten that these are
the first men in the county. They are gentlemen of distinguished birth
and official station. You would not whip them like common offenders.
It is impossible. You are beside yourself. Such a thing was never
heard of. It is most criminal, most wicked. As a minister of the
gospel I protest! I forbid such a thing," and the little parson fairly
choked with righteous indignation.
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