"It is his Don Juan," responded the lady, graciously. It was a mere figure of speech; but Jack was secretly amused to think how alarmed Peter would be hearing of such an offer.
"Oh, this war, Señor Americano; this terrible war! How I fear it."
"Do not be afraid, Señora. We will protect you."
"Oh yes; I am sure of that. But my nephew, Señor? Don Rafael! He is much angered."
"At the war?"
"Santissima, no! At his ship, which still sails up and down in front of Tlatonac. What does it mean, Señor?"
Jack turned in the direction indicated by her fan, and saw a large ship far out on the wrinkled sea.
"Is that The Pizarro? I did not know," he said in some perplexity. "I understood she had departed to Acauhtzin."
"My cousin says it is The Pizarro," interposed Dolores at this moment; "and we know not why she stays."
"I notice she keeps well out of the range of the fort guns," muttered Jack, anxiously. "Hum! it is curious. Perhaps she is sent by Don Hypolito to carry off Doña Dolores."