The whole night passed thus. At sunrise, calmness was somewhat re-established, although everyone preserved his arms, and remained at his post.
Don Zeno Cabral, who had left more than four hours to reconnoitre, had not returned. Don Eusebio did not know what to think of this long absence, which began seriously to disquiet him.
Several aides-de-camp, dispatched by him to seek for the Montoneros, had returned without bringing news either of him or his detachment.
In the meanwhile, an officer entered, leant towards the ear of the governor, and murmured some words which he alone heard.
Don Eusebio started and turned rather pale, but immediately recovering himself:
"Captain," said he, to the officer, "sound the order to saddle, and let all the squadron of Don Zeno Cabral mount horse. We will go and make a reconnaissance out of the town, in order to reassure the population by proving that danger no longer exists."
The order was immediately executed; the Montonero left the town at a trot.
General Don Eusebio Moratin, mounted on a magnificent black horse, and dressed in a uniform covered with gold embroidery, rode at its head.
The crowd, scattered through all the streets, saluted the partisans as they passed with hearty exclamations.
The Montonero appeared rather to execute a military promenade, than to be setting out to make a reconnaissance.