"This fellow," said he, addressing L'Isle, but still speaking
Portuguese, "has three fine mules in his stable. I shall need a great
many beasts to carry corn to Elvas, and will apply to the _Juiz de
Fora_ to embargo them among the first."
The innkeeper turned as pale as his golden skin permitted at the bare
suggestion. The French had made a similar requisition on him four
years ago, and when he followed his cattle to reclaim them after the
required service, he got only sore bones and a broken head for his
pains.
"You may do as you please in that matter," said L'Isle, throwing on
the table half the sum demanded, and leaving their host to swallow his
anger, and take it up, if he pleased.
The muleteer, having come in for the baggage, on finding out the
nature of the controversy, now poured out a flood of vociferous
eloquence on the extortioner, denouncing him as a disgrace to the
nation, and no true Portuguese, but a New Christian, as might be seen
in his face; and he was urgent with Shortridge to let him show him the
way to the house of the _Juiz de Fora_ without loss of time.
L'Isle's commanding air and contemptuous indifference overawed the
innkeeper quite as much as Shortridge's threats.
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