"And thou art Miguel.

So thou wouldst murder a man for a few pesos!" he said, pointing to the knife which the desperado had hurriedly hid in his jacket, "and callest thyself a Californian!" "'Tis only an Americano--a runaway, with some ill-gotten gold," said Miguel, sullenly, yet with unmistakable fear of the old man.

"Besides, it was only to frighten him, the braggart.

But since thou fearest to touch a hair of those interlopers--" "Fearest!" said Pereo, fiercely, clutching him by the throat, and forcing him against the wall.

"Fearest! sayest thou.