The governor exchanged looks with his officers.
"Thank you, Zapote," said he; "I am pleased with you. Your conduct has been that of a loyal Mexican. Return to your post, and be doubly vigilant."
"You may rely on my comrades and me, colonel. You know, we do not exactly love the Indians," said Tonillo, who saluted and left them.
"You see, señores," said the governor, "that the situation grows more critical every minute. We will lose no more time in deliberation. You may go."
"One moment," said the major; "I have a piece of advice to give before we separate."
"Let us hear it, old friend."
"No precaution must be omitted in the perilous circumstances which surround us. We are here in an out-of-the-way place, far from any speedy and efficacious support. We may have to sustain a siege in the presidio, and run the risk of being starved out. I propose that a vessel be immediately despatched to the governor general of the state, to apprise him of our critical position, and to request reinforcements; for it is impossible, with our scanty forces, to hold out long against the invasion."
A profound and solemn silence followed this speech.
"What do you think of Major Barnum's advice?" said the colonel to his officers.
"We agree to it," said one of them, speaking in the name of the others; "and we think it ought to be put into execution without delay."