"With your permission," said he, and hurriedly broke the seal, and read the missive.
"Aha!" he exclaimed; "Four hundred and fifty men! I did not expect so strong a reinforcement."
"The general feels greatly concerned for the presidio," said Don Torribio; "he will spare no sacrifice to retain it."
"¡Vive Dios! caballero, with such help I care as much for the Indians as for a bundle of straw."
"It seems to me that they will not arrive a whit too soon," said Don Torribio, with a sneer.
"¡Canarios! It is just in time; but now we shall have some fun."
"I hope so," said the other, while an indescribable smile curled his lips.
"And your men?" asked the governor.
"Will be here in an hour, at the latest."
"To what corps do they belong?"