"Has Colonel Florés left?"
"No, not yet."
"Keep him here till tomorrow, no matter by what pretext."
"Why so?"
"Let me alone: you shall know. And now prepare to sustain an attack from the Indians: if my presentiments do not deceive me, it will be warm."
"What makes you suppose that?"
"Certain information I picked up for myself, and other still more important I obtained from Curumilla. So try to prevent the Mexican colonel leaving the camp, but do not let him suspect he is watched."
"It shall be done. You know that I trust to you for the precautions to be taken?"
"Externally, yes; but do you watch that the lines are not forced."
The greatest animation prevailed in the camp. Armories and smiths were busily working with feverish ardour to place weapons, carts, and gun carriages in working condition. On all sides joyous shouts and bursts of laughter could be heard; for these worthy adventurers had regained all their gaiety, now that there was a prospect of fighting; that is, of dealing and receiving blows.