"Because all has not ended as we wished it," replied Evaña, throwing himself upon a sofa. "We wished to break for ever the power of the Spaniards over us. What we have done is to secure the power of one who will maintain everything as it has been. I wished to force him into open collision with the Spaniards, as it is he has half the Spaniards with him. If I had succeeded he would have been forced to depend in everything upon native Argentines; until the government is in every department in the hands of Creoles we are not a free people, and that is the end to which you, I, and every true Argentine aspires." "Truly it is so, but I like not your way of going to work. Liberty without strict discipline is anarchy, discipline is more necessary among a free people than among slaves." Then there was silence for a space between them, till Evaña sprang from his sofa saying: "Yet it is possible that we may do something. Promise me that you will return slowly, and not go further than the casa-teja till I see you or write to you." "You have some fresh scheme in your head?" "I have, and I may need your assistance." "For three days I will wait, but no longer. Do what you can, and count upon me." "I am going at once to see Liniers, to try what can be done with him. He must see by now what he can expect from the Spaniards. If he will but declare for us our cause is won." Darkness shrouded the city which during the day had been the scene of so much tumult. It wanted but an hour of midnight, the moon had not yet risen, and the stars shining calmly down from the blue vault where they kept their stations, were the only lights which illumined the path of a tall man, enveloped in a large cloak, who picked his way carefully across the Plaza de los Perdices. He walked up to the drawbridge which crossed the dry ditch surrounding the fort on the land side. The bridge was down, but the gate beyond was closed, and on the bridge a sentry of the Patricios kept watch and ward. "Good-night, friend," said the tall man to the sentry. "Keep back, whoever you are," said the sentry, bringing down his musket to the charge. "Do not alarm yourself, Pancho, I am no enemy," said the other. "Who is the officer of the guard?" "Back!" replied the sentry. "Who are you? How do you know that my name is Pancho?" But the tall man came still nearer, taking off his hat, and throwing back his cloak. "Don Carlos Evaña!" exclaimed the sentry, recovering his musket. "What would you at this hour? Have you not the word?" "No. But who is the officer of the guard?" "The Señor Lieutenant Lopez y Viana." "Valentin!" exclaimed Evaña; "it could not be better. Do me the favour to knock at the gate, and ask him to come out and speak to me."