"Is he young?"
"He is sixty; but as active as if he were only twenty."
"Very good; proceed."
"Is that important?"
"Very important. But not worth fifty ounces, for all that."
"The Yaquis, Mayos, and Seris have allowed themselves to be seduced, and have entered the Confederation. They have taken up again their old plans of 1827—you remember, at the time of their great revolution?"
"Yes; go on."
"The first expedition the Chief of the Confederation means to undertake is the capture of the Real de Minas."
"I am aware of it."
"Yes; but do you know, Captain, that the Indians have spies even among the garrison; that all is ready for the attack, and that the Papazos intend to surprise you within the next two days?"