I WILL NOT be drafted as if
I had no will of my own, and rot in a barrack while others enjoy life.
Neither will you if you have the spirit of a Pardo and are worthy to be
the friend of Roldan Castanada. So--I fly. Do you understand?--and you
go with me. We will dodge these servants of a tyrant government the
length and breadth of the Californias. When the danger is over for this
year we will return--not before. Now, you will ask me to go to my room
as soon as possible after you have given me some supper, for I am tired
and want sleep. You also will take a nap. When all is quiet I shall call
you and we will start."
Adan had listened to this harangue with bulging eyes and tongue rolling
over his teeth. But Roldan never failed to carry the day. He was a born
leader. Adan's was the will that bent; but his talent for good
comradeship and his quiet self-respect saved him from servility.
In appearance he was in sharp contrast to the slender Roldan, of the
classic features and fiery eyes. Short, roly-poly, with a broad, good-
natured face, his attire was also unmarked by the extreme elegance which
always characterised Roldan. In summer he wore calico small-clothes, in
winter unmatched articles of velvet or cloth, and an old sombrero
without silver.
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