"Fool!" shouted Uncle Adan, as he dashed down the veranda steps and ran toward the stables. "And the forest answered 'fool!'"
Agueda heard hurrying footsteps from the inner side of the veranda. Men were running toward the stables. She drew near to Beltran. The faint light of the lantern in the comidor told her where the two forms still sat, though it showed her little else. She laid her hand upon his shoulder, but she laid it also upon a smaller, softer one than her own. The hand was suddenly withdrawn, as Felisa gave an apprehensive little scream.
"What do you want?" asked Beltran impatiently, who felt the warring of two souls through those antagonistic fingers.
"You must come at once," said Agueda, with decision. "The storm will soon burst."
"Nonsense! We have had many sultry nights like this. Where do you get your information?"
"My uncle Adan says that the storm will soon burst. He has gone to saddle the horses."
Felisa gave a cry of fear.
Beltran turned with rage upon Agueda. A flash of lightning showed her the anger blazing in his eyes. It also disclosed to her gaze Felisa cowering close to him.
"How dare you come here frightening the child? Your uncle has his reasons, doubtless, for what he says. As for me, I am perfectly convinced that there will be no storm—that is, no flood."