"Oh, I keep good watch, especially at present, for the month is drawing nigh which the Comanches call so audaciously the Mexican moon. I should not be sorry, if they dared to meddle with us, to give them a lesson which would be profitable for the future."
"I share your views entirely. Redouble your vigilance, and all will be well."
"Have you no other orders to give me?"
"No."
"Then I will withdraw. You know, captain, that you intrust the internal details to me, and I must be everywhere in turn."
"Go, lieutenant; let me not keep you."
The old soldier saluted his chief, and retired with a friendly nod to the capataz, who followed him with the peons and baggage mules.
The count led his guests to the apartments kept for visitors, and installed them in comfortably-furnished rooms.
"Pray rest yourself, Don Sylva," he said; "you and Doña Anita must be fatigued with your journey. Tomorrow, if you permit me, we will talk about our business."
"Whenever you like, my friend."