"That man is a traitor," General Cobos said.
"I do not believe it," Miramón at once replied: "I am sure of the person who sent him to me."
At this moment the bushes were parted, and a man appeared. It was López, the guide. His face was calm, his eye bright, his step confident. He approached the President, stopped at two paces from him, saluted, and waited till he was spoken to.
"Well?" Miramón asked.
"I have advanced to the very crest of the heights, Excellency," he replied. "I have distinctly seen the bivouac of the Puros. They do not suspect your presence, and I believe that you can act."
"Then they have not posted a line of sentries on the heights?"
"No, General."
"Good! Lead me to the entrance of the path, for I must examine the ground before I arrange my plan of attack."
López picked up his gun and hat.
"I am ready," he said.