"That is extraordinary; yet I remember having sent a courier express to the Governor of Sonora to inform him of this death, and announce to him at the same time that the choice of my countrymen had fallen on me to take his place."
"It is probable, then, either that your courier did not obey his orders, or was assassinated on the road."
"I fear it."
"So that you, sir, are now captain of the colony of Guetzalli?"
"Yes, sir."
"You are very young to occupy so difficult a post."
"Colonel," de Laville answered with a slight hauteur, "we Frenchmen do not measure men by age or height."
"It is frequently wrong; but no matter, that does not concern me. With whom have I the honour of speaking?"
"With Don Carlos de Laville."
The colonel bowed.