The Doomswoman: An Historical Romance of Old California Read online

  VIII.

  Monterey danced every night and all night of that week, either atAlvarado's or at the Custom-house, and every afternoon met at theraces, the bull-fight, a merienda, or to climb the greased pole,catch the greased pig by its tail as it ran, or exhibit skill inhorsemanship. Chonita, at times an imperious coquette, at others,indifferent, perverse, or coy, was La Favorita without appeal, andthe girls alternately worshipped her--she was abstractedly kind tothem--or heartily wished her back in Santa Barbara. Estenega rarelyattended the socialities, being closeted with Alvarado and Castro mostof the time, and when he did she avoided him if she could. The pirateshad fled and were seen no more; but their abrupt retreat, as describedby Chonita, continued to be an exciting topic of discussion. Therewere few of us who did not openly or secretly approve of Estenega'sJesuitism and admire the nimbleness of his mind. The clergy did notexpress itself.

  On the last night of the festivities, when the women, weary with theunusually late hours of the past week, had left the ball-room earlyand sought their beds, and the men, being at loss for other amusement,had gone in a body to a saloon, there to drink and gamble and set fireto each other's curls and trouser-seats, the Departmental Junta met insecret session. The night was warm, the plaza deserted; all who werenot in the saloon at the other end of the town were asleep; and afterthe preliminary words in Alvarado's office the Junta picked up theirchairs and went forth to hold conclave where bulls and bears hadfought and the large indulgent moon gave clearer light than adamantinecandles. They drew close together, and, after rolling the cigarito,solemnly regarded the sky for a few moments without speaking. Theirpurpose was a grave one. They met to try Pio Pico for contempt ofgovernment and annoying insistence in behalf of his pet project toremove the capital from Monterey to Los Angeles; Jose Antonio Carilloand Reinaldo Iturbi y Moncada for conspiracy; and General Vallejo forevil disposition and unwarrantable comments upon the policy of theadministration. None of the offenders was present.

  With the exception of Alvarado, Castro, and Estenega, the membersof the Junta were men of middle age, and represented the talent ofCalifornia,--Jimeno, Gonzales, Arguello, Requena, Del Valle. Theirdark, bearded faces, upturned to the stars, made a striking set ofprofiles, but the effect was marred by the silk handkerchiefs they hadtied about their heads.

  Alvarado spoke, finally, and, after presenting the charges in dueform, continued:

  "The individual enemy to the government is like the fly to the lion;it cannot harm, but it can annoy. We must brush away the fly as avindication of our dignity, and take precaution that he does notreturn, even if we have to bend our heads to tie his little legs. Ido not purpose to be annoyed by these blistering midgets we are metto consider, nor to have my term of administration spotted with theirgall. I leave it to you, my compatriots and friends, to advise me whatis best to do."

  Jimeno put his feet on the side rung of Castro's chair, puffed a largegray cloud, and half closed his eyes. He then, for three-quarters ofan hour, in a low, musical voice, discoursed upon the dignity of theadministration and the depravity of the offenders. When his brethrenwere beginning to drop their heads and breathe heavily, Alvaradopolitely interrupted him and referred the matter to Castro.

  "Imprison them!" exclaimed the impetuous General, suddenly alert."With such a Governor and such a people, this should be a land whiteas the mountain-tops, unblemished by the tracks of mean ambitionsand sinful revolutions. Let us be summary, although not cruel; let noman's blood flow while there are prisons in the Californias; but wemust pluck up the roots of conspiracy and disquiet, lest a thousandsuckers grow about them, as about the half-cut trunks of ourredwood-trees, and our Californias be no better than any degeneratecountry of the Old World. Let us cast them into prison without furtherdebate."

  "The law, my dear Jose, gives them a trial," drawled Gonzales. Andthen for a half-hour he quoted such law as was known in the country.When he finished, the impatient and suppressed members of the Juntadelivered their opinions simultaneously; only Estenega had nothingto say. They argued and suggested, cited evidence, defended anddenounced, lashing themselves into a mighty excitement. At length theywere all on their feet, gesticulating and prancing.

  "Mother of God!" cried Requena. "Let us give Vallejo a taste of hisown cruelty. Let us put him in a temascal and set those of his Indianvictims who are still alive to roast him out--"

  "No! no! Vallejo is maligned. He had no hand in that massacre. Hisheart is whiter than an angel's----"

  "It is his liver that is white. His heart is black as a black snake's.To the devil with him!"

  "Make a law that Pio Pico can never put foot out of Los Angeles again,since he loves it so well--"

  "His ugly face would spoil the next generation--"

  "Death to Carillo and Iturbi y Moncada! Death to all! Let the poisonout of the veins of California!"

  "No! no! As little blood in California as possible. Put them inprison, and keep them on frijoles and water for a year. That will curerebellion: no chickens, no dulces, no aguardiente--"

  Alvarado brought his staff of office down sharply upon a board he hadprovided for the purpose.

  "Gentlemen," he said, "will you not sit down and smoke anothercigarito? We must be calm."

  The Junta took to its chairs at once. Alvarado never failed to commandrespect.

  "Don Diego Estenega," said the Governor, "will you tell us what youhave thought whilst the others have talked?"

  Estenega, who had been star-gazing, turned to Alvarado, ignoring theJunta. His keen brilliant eyes gave the Governor a thrill of relief;his mouth expressed a mind made up and intolerant of argument.

  "Vallejo," he said, "is like a horse that will neither run nor backinto his stall: he merely stands still and kicks. His kicking makesa noise and raises a dust, but does no harm. In other words, he willirritate, but never take a responsibility. Send him an official noticethat if he does not keep quiet an armed force will march upon Sonomaand imprison him in his own house, humiliating him before the eyes ofhis soldiers and retainers.

  "As for Pio Pico, threaten to fine and punish him. He will apologizeat once and be quiet for six months, when you can call another secretsession and issue another threat. It would prolong the term of hissubmission to order him to appear before the Junta and make it anapology with due humility.

  "Now for Carillo and Reinaldo Iturbi y Moncada." He paused a momentand glanced at Chonita's grating. He had the proofs of her brother'srascality in his pocket; no one but himself had seen them. Hehesitated the fraction of another moment, then smiled grimly. "Oh,Helen!" he thought, "the same old story."

  "That Carillo is guilty," he said aloud, "is proven to us beyonddoubt. He has incited rebellion against the government in behalf ofCarlos Carillo. He is dangerous to the peace of the country. Iturbiy Moncada is young and heedless, hardly to be considered seriously;furthermore, it is impossible to obtain proof of his complicity. Hisintimacy with Carillo gives him the appearance of guilt. It would bewell to frighten him a little by a short term of imprisonment. He isrestless and easily led; a lesson in time may save his honored housefrom disaster. But to Carillo no quarter." He rose and stood overthem. "The best thing in Machiavelli's 'Prince,'" he said, "is theauthor's advice to Caesar Borgia to exterminate every member ofthe reigning house of a conquered country, in order to avoid futurerevolutions and their infinitely greater number of dead. Do not letthe water in your blood whimper for mercy. You are not here to protectan individual, but a country."

  "You are right," said Alvarado.

  The others looked at the young man who had merely given them thepractical advice of statecraft as if he had opened his chest anddisplayed the lamp of wisdom burning. His freedom from excitement inall ordeals which animated them to madness had long ago inspiredthe suspicion that he was rather more than human. They uttered not aprotest. Alvarado's one-eyed secretary made notes of their approval;and the Junta, after another friendly smoke, adjourned, well pleasedwith itself.

  "Would I sacrifice my co
untry for her a year hence?" thought Estenega,as he sauntered home. "But, after all, little harm is done. He is notworth killing, and fright and discomfort will probably cure him."