"What do you say?"
"A thing of which I am certain."
"But, my dear fellow, whoever those enemies may be, I have nothing to fear from them. My papers are all regular, my grant is clearly and carefully registered. I have not only the authorisation, but also the support of the government. I only act by formal orders, and, therefore, fear nothing."
"Brother," Valentine answered sententiously, "when you have to deal with Mexicans, you must always apprehend treachery. I have known them many a long year, and unfortunately know also what dependence is to be placed in them."
"You startle me."
"No, I warn you, that is all. It is your duty to be constantly on your guard."
"Do you know that, before Heaven, I am responsible for the lives of all these brave fellows intrusted to me?"
"That is why I advise you to be prudent, and not to trust in any one. There are two men above all whom I recommend you to distrust."
"Their names?"
"Don Antonio Pavo, and Colonel Don Francisco Florés."