He was a young man of about Pepés own age, twenty-five. His complexion had the hale tint of one who followed the sea for a profession. Thick dark eyebrows were strongly delineated against a forehead bony and broad, and from a pair of large black eyes shone a sombre fire that denoted a man of implacable passions. His arched mouth was expressive of high disdain; and the wrinkles upon his cheeks, strongly marked notwithstanding his youth, at the slightest movement, gave to his countenance an expression of arrogance and scorn. In his eyes in his whole bearing you could read that ambition or vengeance were the ruling passions of his soul. His fine black curling hair alone tempered the expression of severity that distinguished his physiognomy. With regard to his costume, it was simply that of an officer of the Spanish navy.
A look that would have frightened most men told the impatience with which he endured the examination of the coast-guard.
An end to this pleasantry! he cried out, at length. What do you want, fellow? Speak!
Ah! talk of our affairs, answered Pepé, that is just what I desire. Well, in the first place, when those two fellows of yours return with my cloak and lantern which
they are cunning enough to make a seizure of you will give them your commands to keep at a distance. In this way we can talk without being interrupted. Otherwise, with a single shot of this carbine, which will stretch you out dead, I shall also give the alarm. What say you? Nothing? Be it so. That answer will do for want of a better. I go on. You have given to my captain forty onzas ? continued the carabinier, with a bold guess, making sure that he named enough.
Twenty, replied the stranger, without reflecting.
I would rather it had been forty, said Pepé. Well, one does not pay so high for the mere pleasure of a sentimental promenade along the shore of the Ensenada. My intervention need be no obstruction to it provided you pay for my neutrality.
How? asked the unknown, evidently desirous of putting an end to the scene.
Oh, a mere bagatelle you have given the captain forty onzas .
Twenty, I tell you.
I would rather it had been forty, coolly repeated the carabinier, but say twenty, then. Now I dont wish to be indiscreet he is a captain, I am nothing more than a poor private. I think it reasonable therefore, that I should have double what he has received.
At this extortionate demand the stranger allowed a bitter oath to escape him, but made no answer.
I know well, continued Pepé, that I am asking too little. If my captain has three times my pay, of course he has three times less need of money than I, and therefore I have the right to triple the sum he has received; but as the times are hard, I hold to my original demand forty onzas .
A terrible struggle betwixt pride and apprehension appeared to be going on in the bosom of the stranger. Despite the coldness of the night the perspiration streamed over his brow and down his cheeks. Some imperious necessity it was that had led him into this place some strange mystery there must be since the necessity he was now under tamed down a spirit that appeared untamable. The tone of jeering intrepidity which Pepé held toward him caused him to feel the urgency of a compromise; and at length plunging his hand into his pocket he drew forth a purse, and presented it to the carabinier.
Take it and go! he cried, with impatience.
Pepé took the purse, and for a moment held it in his hand as if he would first count its contents.
Bah! he exclaimed, after a pause, Ill risk it. I accept it for forty onzas . And now, señor stranger, I am deaf, dumb, and blind.
I count upon it, coldly rejoined the unknown.
By the life of my mother! replied Pepé, since its not an affair of smuggling I dont mind to lend you a hand for as a coast-guard, you see, I could not take part in anything contraband no, never!
Very well, then, rejoined the stranger, with a bitter smile, you may set your conscience at rest on that score. Guard this boat till my return. I go to join my men. Only whatever happens whatever you may see whatever you may hear be, as you have promised, deaf, dumb, and blind.
As he uttered these words the stranger sprang out of the boat, and took the road leading to the village. A turning in the path soon bid him from the sight of the coast-guard.
Once left to himself, Pepé, under the light of the moon, counted out the glittering contents of the purse which he had extorted from the stranger.
If this jewel is not false, muttered he to himself, then I dont care if the government never pays me. Meanwhile, I must begin to-morrow to cry like a poor devil about the back pay. That will have a good effect.
Chapter Three The Alcalde and his Clerk
Then life began to appear in the village. The dark shadows of the fishermen were seen upon the stair-like street, descending to the mole; and the first beams of the morning lit up their departure. In a few minutes the little flotilla was out of sight; and at the doors of the cottages the women and children only could be seen, appearing and disappearing at intervals.