"I looked at the Colonel in surprise."
"'You were seeking for me, Don Gregorio? I assure you that I was close to you, and very easy to find.'"
"'It seems not. But here you are—that is the main point; and I care little where you were, or what you were doing. Do you think about making any lengthened stay at San Estevan?'"
"'No, Colonel,' I answered at once, 'my affairs are settled; I intend to start at an early hour tomorrow, and I have just come to say good-bye, and thank you for the hospitality you have shown me during my stay at the Presidio.'"
"'Good!' he said eagerly, 'that is all for the best but,' he added, recollecting himself, and taking my hand in a kindly way, 'do not suppose that it is my desire to see you depart that makes me speak thus.'"
"'I am convinced of the contrary,' I remarked with a bow."
"He continued,—'You can, Stronghand, do me a great service, if you will.'"
"'I am at your command.'"
"'This is the matter,' he said, at once entering on the business. 'For some days past, the most alarming reports have been spreading through the Presidio, though it is impossible to find out their origin.'"
"'And what may they be?' I asked."