"I do not laugh, my worthy friend; still, I do not believe the Indians capable of attempting so mad an enterprise."
"In the first place, I am not your friend, señor," the majordomo said, roughly; "and next, it is probable that when you have seen the Indians at work, your opinions about them will be considerably modified."
The senator pretended not to notice the bitterness contained in this remark, and replied, lightly—"I never saw any wild Redskins, and Heaven preserve me from doing so. Still, I strongly suspect the inhabitants of this country of making them more formidable than they really are."
"You are wrong to have such an opinion, my friend; and if you remain any time with us, will soon have proof of it," the Marquis said.
"Are you going to remain here, exposed to the attacks of the pagans, papa?" Doña Marianna asked with terror.
"We have nothing to fear from the Indians," the Marquis replied. "The rock on which my hacienda is built is too hard for them. They will break their nails before they can pull out a single stone."
"Still, father, we cannot be too prudent," Don Ruiz observed.
"You are right, my son; and as I do not wish your sister to retain even a shadow of anxiety, we will immediately place ourselves in a position of defence, though it is unnecessary. During the grand insurrection of 1827, the Indians did not once attempt to approach El Toro, and I greatly doubt whether they will attack it this time."
"Mi amo," Paredes replied, "believe me, do not neglect any precaution; this insurrection will be terrible."
"Come, come," Don Rufino asked, "tell me, Señor Majordomo, who the person is that informed you so well?"