"What is this?" the general exclaimed; "And what can be the meaning of this disturbance?"
At this moment the shouts grew louder, and the detachment of Comanche warriors appeared debouching by the Calle de la Merced, and marching in good order, and at quick step, upon the palace. On seeing them the general could not restrain a start of surprise.
"The Indians again!" he said; "How can they dare to present themselves here? They must be ignorant of the arrival of the dragoons. Such boldness is incomprehensible."
He let the curtain fall, and turned away. The soldier whom the captain had announced to him stood before him, waiting the general's pleasure to question him. The general started on perceiving him. He was pale; his uniform was torn and stained with mud, as if he had made a long journey on foot through brambles. The general wished to clear up his doubts; but, just as he was opening his mouth to ask the man a question, the door flew back, and several officers, among whom was Captain Don Lopez, entered the room.
"General," the captain said, "make haste! You are expected in the council hall. The Indians have come for the answer you promised to give them this morning."
"Well! Why this startled look, gentlemen?" the general said, severely. "I fancy the town has not yet been set on fire. I am not at the orders of those savages, so tell them that I have no time to grant them an audience."
The officers gazed at the general with a surprise they did not attempt to conceal, on hearing these strange and incomprehensible words.
"Good, good," Captain Lopez said, roughly, "the town is not yet fired, 'tis true; but it might be so, erelong, if you went on in this way."
"What do you mean?" the general asked, as he turned pale. "Are matters so serious?"
"They are most serious. We have not a moment to lose, if we wish to avoid heavy disasters."