The captain bowed, without speaking.
"The Spanish colonies," continued M. Hebrard, "are already beginning to feel the germs of revolutionary fermentation. Some devoted and enterprising men, yourself among others, have gone into the cities and towns of Mexico."
"All this I know; a truce to flattery."
"They have seen the zealous patriots, who are, however, but ill prepared as yet for the revolution we ardently desire."
"Ill prepared indeed," cried Tom Mitchell.
"But overtopping all others is a man who has immense influence with the Indian races. You know him."
"Ah, ah!" exclaimed Tom; "You mean Dolores, the priest."
"I mean no other. He is the only man upon whom we can count. We must enter into serious relations with him."
"For what purpose?" asked the outlaw.
"In order that when the hour comes he may be ready to raise the standard of revolt," cried the other, "and ready to draw the population after him against Spanish despotism."