Part 62

"I told you not to risk all the money," said the elder. "If you had listened to me----"

The younger approached José and timidly touched his arm.

"What! It's you?" he cried, turning and feigning surprise. "Does your brother accept my proposition?"

"He won't do it. But if you would lend us something, as you say you know us----"

José shook his head, shifted his position, and replied:

"Yes, I know you; you are Társilo and Bruno; and I know that your valiant father died from the club strokes of these soldiers. I know you don't think of vengeance----"

"Don't concern yourself with our history," said the elder brother, joining them; "that brings misfortune. If we hadn't a sister, we should have been hanged long ago!"

"Hanged! Only cowards are hanged. Besides, the mountain isn't so far."

"A hundred against fifty for the bûlik!" cried some one passing.

"Loan us four pesos--three--two," begged Bruno. José again shook his head.

"Sh! the money isn't mine. Don Crisóstomo gave it to me for those who are willing to serve him. But I see you are not like your father; he was courageous. The man who is not must not expect to divert himself." And he moved away.

"See!" said Bruno, "he's talking with Pedro; he's giving him a lot of money!" And in truth José was counting silver pieces into the palm of Sisa's husband.

Társilo was moody and thoughtful; with his shirt sleeve he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Brother," said Bruno, "I'm going, if you don't; our father must be avenged!"

"Wait," said Társilo, gazing into his eyes--they were both pale--"I'm going with you. You are right: our father must be avenged!" But he did not move, and again wiped his brow.

"What are you waiting for?" demanded Bruno impatiently.

"Don't you think--our poor sister----"

"Bah! Isn't Don Crisóstomo the chief, and haven't we seen him with the governor-general? What risk do we run?"

"And if we die?"

"Did not our poor father die under their clubs?"

"You are right!"

The brothers set out to find José, but hesitation again possessed Társilo.

"No; come away! we're going to ruin ourselves!" he cried.

"Go on if you want to. I shall accept!"

"Bruno!"

Unhappily a man came up and asked:

"Are you betting? I'm for the lásak."

"How much?" demanded Bruno.