"Is anything extraordinary happening, my dear Don Ruiz?" he asked, in a mellifluous voice.
"I have as yet received but very imperfect information about the grave events that threaten us; but if you will kindly follow me, you will soon learn all."
"Be it so, my dear sir—I am at your service;" and he followed Don Ruiz to the saloon, where Doña Marianna, the Marquis, and José Paredes were already assembled.
"Why, what can be the matter, my dear señor?" the senator asked, as he entered; "I confess that Don Ruiz has startled me."
"You will be more startled when you know the events. But sit down, pray," the Marquis answered, and then said to the majordomo, "you have your information from a good source?"
"I can assert that all I have told you is true, mi amo. The Papazos have allied themselves with I know not how many other tribes of ferocious pagans, and we may expect to see them burst upon us at any moment."
"¡Caspita! that is serious," the senator said.
"Much more than you suppose; for the Indians are this time resolved to expel the white men for ever from Sonora, and establish themselves in their place," answered Paredes.
"Oh, oh," Don Rufino said, "they are undertaking a rude task."
"Laugh if you like, but it is so."