"Only two things."
"Let me hear the first."
"The Juarists, it is said, are advancing by forced marches on the ciudad. They are only three days' journey distant—at least, so it is reported."
"The news is rather probable. The enemy must at this moment be concentrating his forces. What next?"
López burst into a laugh.
"Why are you laughing, animal?" don Jaime asked him.
"It is the second piece of news I heard that makes me laugh, mi amo."
"Is it very funny?"
"Well, you shall judge. It is said that one of the most formidable guerillero chiefs of Benito Juárez was found this morning killed by a knife in a room at the rancho of the Palo Quemado."
"Oh, oh!" said don Jaime, smiling in his turn, "And do they say how this unfortunate event occurred?"