*****
When Riego opened his eyes again it was with a start. There were voices—smothered voices—some men were in the shop! Riego lay still and listened.
"We will attack the gringo camp to-night—just before dawn," a smothered voice was saying. "Alva has three hundred men and more. They can easily surprise and destroy these eighty Americans, and so can seize their horses and ammunition."
"But the patrol?" It was Pascual's voice that whispered the question. Riego's heart turned sick. He recognized the voice of Lorente in the terrifying reply:
"Pacheco and a picked few will knife the patrol at the ford, then Alva's men will cross, and approach the camp up the ravine."
"To-morrow morning?" Pascual's voice asked.
"Yes, just before dawn."
There were approaching steps on the street.
A customer entered. Riego heard Lorente departing—heard the customer inquire the price of a saddle, and go out.
It must be done now—now while Pascual was alone, and he could speak to him! The next moment Riego stood before his brother.