"When was that—today?"
"This very morning, colonel."
"Far from hence?"
"About twenty leagues. They have already crossed the Rio del Norte."
"Already! How many are there? Do you know."
"Count the sand grains in the desert, and you will know."
"God!" said the colonel; "it is impossible. The Indians cannot assemble in such numbers in the course of a day. Your fears have deceived you."
"Fears!" said Pablito, laughing derisively. "Fear is very well for you who live in towns; in the wilderness we have no time to make her acquaintance."
"Well, then, how are they coming?"
"Like a tornado, burning and pillaging as they come."