"Yes," a colonist remarked, "the communications are becoming so difficult that nothing can be sent by land."
"Can the Indians be stirring?" a merchant asked anxiously, on hearing the observation.
"Oh!" the stout commandant interrupted, "There is no danger; the last lesson they received was rude, they will remember it a long time, and not dream of invading our frontiers for many a day to come."
An almost invisible smile played round Don Torribio's lips.
"In case of an invasion, do you consider them capable of seriously troubling the colony?"
"Hum!" Don Antonio answered, "Take them altogether they are poor scrubs."
The young man smiled again in a bitter and sinister manner.
"Excellency," he said, "I am of your opinion; I believe the Indians will do well in remaining at home."
"I should think so," the commandant exclaimed.
"Señorita," Don Torribio said, turning to Doña Concha, "would it be too great a favour to ask you to sing that delicious air from the Black Domino which you sang so exquisitely the other evening?"