"You root-digging beast!" exclaimed the Englishman through his shut teeth. He aimed a blow with his fist at the chieftain's head. Yoscolo ducked to one side. A blanket fell from behind over the Captain's face and shoulders. A strong embrace pinioned his arms and carried him up many stairs, his muffled shouts not sounding above the shuffle of accompanying feet. Soon Farquharson was pushed through an entrance. Yoscolo gave quick orders in the Indian tongue. His men bound the Englishman hand and foot, and removed the blanket from his head. He found himself in a large room lighted by a lantern. Several rude benches lined the walls, while dried grass in a corner where blankets lay marked the sleeping place of Indians or of lower-class Mexicans. "Bring a settee for the Captain," said the leader, with mock politeness. "He must be weary after his recent exertion." His men complied. "More comfortable now, amigo?" when Farquharson was seated. "Well, then, let's to business. I've not much time to spend with you." Farquharson paid no attention to him. "Perhaps you do not understand. Is it so? Well, listen now. Captain Farquharson, you promised me the value of a hundred thousand pesos in English gold notes the day the next new moon was born. That day was yesterday. The gold notes are in your hands, not mine. Your word is a lie." The Indian was speaking in very fair English. The Captain did not reply. "You waste my time," speaking now in Spanish. "I have much to do and cannot trifle. You have in Monterey, in the hands of the English consul, the value of one hundred thousand pesos in gold notes. So you have said. Place the money in my hand and I'll turn my loyal subjects in the interior valleys to your cause. My word is true." "Take away these cords. Allow me to go free; then, come with me to the consul's, and there we'll consider what you say." The Indian shook his head. "Captain Farquharson never leaves this room alive unless the money is paid first." "The British consul will not pay you the money unless I am with you." "Fear not, Captain. I'll take chances on getting the money." Farquharson laughed in spite of his bonds. "Nonsense, Indian!" "Nonsense or not, give me an order, leaving blank the name of payee; stamp it with your seal--I found it in your pocket just now--and I'll collect the money. In two hours from that time you will be free." "I must take time to decide what I'll do." "There is only one thing for you to do." "Let me free, so that I may decide the more quickly." A voice called through the door. Without replying to Farquharson, Yoscolo made a quick gesture. The others gagged the prisoner with a scarf-end, and blindfolded him with a piece of silken sash. The door was opened. A whispered conversation followed, then he heard the heavy tread of Yoscolo descending the stairs. The men placed the Captain on the bed.