"You spoke of despatches."
"Letters from the Colonel to parties we both seek, in St. Louis and New Orleans."
"Colonel Burr entrusted me with numerous despatches."
"He mentioned the day of my visit with him in Philadelphia as the eighth after your departure. That week may have seen developments or changes which required fresh despatches."
"Poder de Dios!" he exclaimed. "You left Philadelphia eight days later—and are here!"
"At your service, señor."
"Santisima Virgen! And I had four horses to my carriage!"
"I had nine horses beneath my saddle, in succession."
"Virgen! What a caballero!"
"When a man is in haste to see his journey's end, señor, he does not loll about taverns on the way. You came in yesterday?" He bowed. "Then you may be able to tell me what are the chances of obtaining quick passage down the river."