He had, probably, received from his chief strict injunctions in this respect, for he confined himself to answering yes or no to all the questions that were addressed to him.
On the next day, before sunrise, Zeno Cabral at last gave the order, so impatiently expected by the Montoneros, to raise the camp; then, when all the men had mounted, the chief called Captain Quiroga to him.
The old officer, whose eyes had been continuously fixed on his commandant, immediately ran to the call.
Zeno Cabral was one of those decided people who have a horror of long speeches.
"Don Sylvio," said he to his subordinate, "certain reasons, which it would be useless to explain, necessitate my entrusting the squadron to you."
"What, general!" cried he; "You have scarcely returned, and you leave us already?"
"It must be so. While we are here, there are occurring in the towns yonder strange things, which it is my duty to watch. I have pointed out to you the route to be followed. Perhaps I shall rejoin you sooner than you think."
"God grant it, general."
"Thank you; good-bye for the present and keep up your spirits."
"Are you setting out alone, general?"