Villa sprang to his feet, entirely forgetful of the wound in his side.
“Do you mean to tell me,” he said, “that a revolution has already begun?”
“Exactly!”
“Who started it?”
“Gen. Felix Diaz, they say. Up here, the garrison has joined the revolution. Gen. Sanchez was on his way to take command when the revolution broke out. He failed to reach here in time. He is now attacking the city with a thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry.”
“Who is in command of the revolutionists?”
“I do not know for sure; but one of the chief actors is called Don Carlos, while Don Rafael seems to have a lot to say.”
For several minutes Villa stood silent, turning the matter over in his mind and seemingly undecided as to the course he should pursue. Then he suddenly straightened himself and looked Billie squarely in the eye.
“The revolution is wrong,” he said. “President Madero is the friend of the peon. I shall stick to him no matter what happens. Come, it is time I was acting.”
He took a step up the stairs and by the light of the candle drew back a bolt and opened the trap door. Then he stood aside for Billie to pass.