"Only one?" said Dominique.
"Yes; but he is the more formidable of the two; the one whose life you so clumsily saved, Dominique."
"Good; I know him," the young man answered, "he had better look out."
"And don Melchior?" the count asked.
"He will not trouble us," don Jaime answered, with a singular accent. "So, my dear friends, watch attentively, and do not allow yourselves to be surprised."
"If necessary we will make Leo Carral and our servants help us."
"That will be more prudent; and perhaps you would act wisely by lodging them in the house."
"We will attend to that."
"Now let us part, I have business at the palace. Good-bye for the present, my friends."
They separated. Don Jaime entered the palace and proceeded to the President's cabinet. The usher knew him, and raised no difficulty about letting him pass. Miramón was listening to the reports several scouts made him touching the enemy's movements. Don Jaime sat down and waited patiently till the President had finished his examination. At length the last scout completed his report and withdrew.