"Send directly Don Ramón Sandias to the governor of Concepción, to warn him to be upon his guard."

Don Gregorio bowed, and retired laughing.


[CHAPTER XXIV.]

A DISAGREEABLE MISSION.

Instead of taking a few hours of repose, Don Tadeo, as soon as he was alone, seated himself at a table, and began to send off orders.

Several hours had passed away thus; the morning was advanced, and Don Tadeo had despatched all his couriers. At this moment Don Ramón Sandias appeared.

"Well, Don Ramón," Don Tadeo said in a friendly accent, "you are still among us."

"Yes, Excellency," the senator replied.

"Have you cause to complain, Don Ramón?" asked Don Tadeo.