"I think so also, Juan. If so, we will chase the war-ship in the vessel of Don Felipe."
"But I have given her to the Junta, for political, purposes."
"Bueno! that is so. But when my father returns from the Palacio Nacional, I am certain he will request you, in the name of the Republic, to start for Acauhtzin before noon."
"In order to demand the surrender of Xuarez," said Jack, clenching his fist; "those rebels will not do that; but if Dolores is there, I will save them the trouble of answering, by man-handling Don Hypolito till he'll be fit for nothing but his bed."
"Dos pajaros al un golpe," replied Rafael, significantly. "Dolores and Xuarez being the birds, you, mi amigo, the stone. Ah!" he added, as the bell in the cathedral tower chimed the hour, "there is eight o'clock. I think it will be as well, Señores, to have something to eat."
"I couldn't eat a thing," said Jack, abruptly, as they descended the staircase to the patio.
"That is wrong, Juan. You will need all your strength to regain Dolores."
"Where are the ladies?" asked Philip, anxious to see Doña Eulalia.
"They are not yet up, Don Felipe! Nor do I wish to disturb them, for they are worn out with sorrow."
On hearing this, Philip agreed that it would be better to let them rest, and accepting Rafael's invitation, they sat down to a hastily spread meal. In the middle of it, Don Miguel, followed closely by the ubiquitous Tim, entered the patio.