"Señores," the Governor continued, "I have received from the Mexican Government orders to lay on the rich merchants of this town a war tax of sixty thousand piastres in cash. As you are aware, Señores a soldier can only obey. Still, I had taken on myself to reduce this contribution by one-half, desiring, as far as in me lay, to prove to you up to the last moment, the interest I take in you. You would not understand me; I am vexed at it, but nothing is now left me save obedience. Here is the order," he added, as he took a paper from the table and unfolded it, "it is peremptory; still, I am ready to grant you five minutes to make up your minds; but when that period has elapsed, I shall be compelled to do my duty, and you are sufficiently well acquainted with me, Señores, to know that I shall do it at all hazards." "But, General," the old merchant hazarded, "your Excellency will permit me to observe, that the sum is enormous." "Nonsense, Señores; there are thirty of you--it only amounts to two thousand piastres per head, which is only a trifle to you. I made you an offer to knock off half, but you were not willing." "Business has been very flat for some years, and money is becoming excessively scarce." "To whom do you say that, Don Lionel? I fancy I am better aware of that fact than anybody else." "Perhaps if you were to grant us a delay of a month or a fortnight, by collecting all our resources and making enormous sacrifices, we might manage to scrape together one-half the amount." "Unfortunately, I cannot even grant you an hour." "In that case, General, it is impossible." "Nonsense! I feel certain that you have not reflected. Besides, that is no affair of mine: in asking you for this money, I carry out the orders I have received, it is for your to judge whether you will consent or not. I, personally, am completely out of the affair." "Really, General," the old merchant continued, deceived, in spite of all his craft, by the Governor's tone, "really, it is impossible for us to pay the smallest amount." All bowed in affirmation, supporting the remarks of their spokesman. "Very good," the General continued, still in a coolly mocking tone, "that is clearly understood, then. Still, you will not, I trust, render me responsible for the consequences which this refusal may entail on you." "Oh, General, you cannot suppose that!" "Thanks. You heard, Captain?" he added, turning to the officer, who was standing motionless by the door; "order in the detachment." "Yes, General." And the officer quitted the room. The merchants gave a start of terror, for this mysterious order caused them to reflect seriously, and their anxiety became the greater, when they heard the clang of arms in the patios, and the heavy footfalls of approaching troops. "What is the meaning of this, General?" they cried in terror, "Can we have fallen into a trap?"