As they sat reunited at the supper table in Rosendo's house, a constant stream of townspeople passed and repassed the door, some stopping to greet the returned prospector, others lingering to witness Rosendo's conduct when he should learn of Diego's presence in the town, although no one would tell him of it. The atmosphere was tense with suppressed excitement, and Josè trembled with dread. Doña Maria moved quietly about, giving no hint of the secret she carried. Carmen laughed and chatted, but did not again mention the man from whose presence she had fled to the shales that morning. Who could doubt that in the midst of the prevalent mental confusion she had gone out there "_to think_"? And having performed that duty, she had, as usual, left her problem with her immanent God. "I will go up and settle with Don Mario this very night," Rosendo abruptly announced, as they rose from the table. "Not yet, friend!" cried Josè quickly. "Lázaro has told you of the revolution; and we have many plans to consider, now that we have found gold. Come with me to the shales. We will not be interrupted there. We can slip out through the rear door, and so avoid these curious people. I have much to discuss with you." Rosendo chuckled. "My honest debts first, _buen Cura_," he said sturdily. And throwing back his shoulders he strutted about the room with the air of a plutocrat. With his bare feet, his soiled, flapping attire, and his swelling sense of self-importance he cut a comical figure. "But, Rosendo--" Josè was at his wits' end. Then a happy thought struck him. "Why, man! I want to make you captain of the militia we are forming, and I must talk with you alone first!" The childish egotism of the old man was instantly touched. _"Capitán! el capitán!"_ he cried in glee. He slapped his chest and strode proudly around the room. "_Caramba! Capitán Don Rosendo Ariza, S!_ Ha! Shall I carry a sword and wear gold braid?--But these fellows are mighty curious," he muttered, looking out through the door at the loitering townsfolk. "The shales, then, Padre! Close the front door, Carmencita." Josè scarcely breathed until, skirting the shore of the lake and making a detour of the town, he and Rosendo at length reached the shale beds unnoticed. "Rosendo, the gold deposit that you have discovered--is it safe? Could others find it?" queried Josè at length. "Never, Padre! No trail leads to it. And no one would think of looking there for gold. I discovered it by the merest chance, and I left no trace of my presence. Besides, there are no gold hunters in that country, and very few people in the entire district of Guamocó." "And how long will it take you to wash out the deposit, do you think?" "_Quien sabe?_ Padre. A year--two years--perhaps longer." "But you cannot return to Guamocó until the revolution is over." "_Bien_, Padre, I will remain in Simití a week or two. We may then know what to expect of the revolution." "You are not afraid?" "Of what? _Caramba_, no!"