If the good father,
too," added the soldier, reverently bowing to the friar, and
devoutly crossing himself, "would consecrate the barricadoes with
his blessing, and put up a few crosses and relics and images of
saints, I think they might withstand all the power of infidel
enchantments."
"They doubtless would be of great avail," said the friar.
The governor now placed his arm akimbo, with his hand resting on the
hilt of his Toledo, fixed his eye upon the soldier, and gently wagging
his head from one side to the other.
"So, friend," said he, "then you really suppose I am to be gulled
with this cock-and-bull story about enchanted mountains and
enchanted Moors? Hark ye, culprit!- not another word. An old soldier
you may be, but you'll find you have an older soldier to deal with,
and one not easily outgeneralled. Ho! guards there! put this fellow in
irons."
The demure handmaid would have put in a word in favor of the
prisoner, but the governor silenced her with a look.
As they were pinioning the soldier, one of the guards felt something
of bulk in his pocket, and drawing it forth, found a long leathern
purse that appeared to be well filled. Holding it by one corner, he
turned out the contents upon the table before the governor, and
never did freebooter's bag make more gorgeous delivery. Out tumbled
rings, and jewels, and rosaries of pearls, and sparkling diamond
crosses, and a profusion of ancient golden coin, some of which fell
jingling to the floor, and rolled away to the uttermost parts of the
chamber.
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