Uncle Richard having inspected the farm, and examined some of the horses, we mounted our animals and proceeded homewards. We were
approaching the house, when we caught sight of Paul Lobo galloping towards us from the direction of Popayan.
“What is the matter?” exclaimed Uncle Richard, observing his excited manner.
“El señor doctor want to see you, Massa Duncan, in quarter less no time. Says he, You Paul Lobo, get on horseback and bring him here.”
The horse stood panting for breath, its nostrils covered with foam, showing at what a rate he must have ridden.
“Why does he want to see me?” I asked anxiously. “Is he ill, or my mother or Flora?”
“No, no! dey all berry well; but el señor doctor got news from Cauca, and berry bad news too. De Spaniards enter dere, and cut de t’roats ob all de men ’cept what ride or run away, and de women as bad, and dey come on quick march to Popayan; do de same t’ing dere, no doubt.”
“That is indeed bad news,” I said. “We will get our horses and return home to-night; they are fortunately fresh. You must change horses, Paul, and go with us, after you have had some food.”
“We must endeavour to oppose them, if it can be done with any chance of success,” exclaimed Uncle Richard, who had just then come up. “I will accompany you, Duncan, and ascertain what your father advises. We will let Señor Monteverde and Dona Dolores know, in case they may not have received the information.”