"Good! then I shall bring it with me to-morrow morning. Has that steamer gone to Acauhtzin yet?"
"This afternoon it departed, Señor. It will return in two days with the fleet."
"I hope so, Don Miguel, but I am not very certain," replied Tim, significantly. "His Excellency Gomez does not seem very sure of the fleet's fidelity either."
"There are many rumours in Tlatonac," said Maraquando, impatiently. "All lies spread by the Opposidores—by Xuarez and his gang. I fear the people are becoming alarmed. The army, too, talk of war. Therefore, to set all these matters at rest, to-morrow evening his Excellency the President will address the Tlatonacians at the alameda."
"Why at the alameda?"
"Because most of them will be assembled there at the twilight hour, Señor. It is to be a public speech to inspire our people with confidence in the Government, else would the meeting be held in the great hall of the Palacio Nacional."
"I would like to hear Don Franciso Gomez speak, so I and my friends will be at the alameda."
"You will come with me, Señor Correspoñsal," said Miguel, politely; "my daughter, niece, and sister are also coming."
"The more the merrier! It will be quite a party, Señor."
"It is a serious position we are in," said Maraquando, gravely; "and I trust the word of his Excellency will show the Tlatonacians that there is nothing to be feared from Don Hypolito."