The imperturbable Yankee made no reply. The scene inside seemed to be absorbing all his attention--as it was my own. Far different his interpretation of it. With him it was simple conjecture. He little suspected the knowledge I possessed, or the dread interest stirring within me. We remained in the maguey, to await the conclusion of the ceremony. We saw the ring glancing between the fingers of the bridegroom. But it came not in contact with those of the bride. Before that critical moment arrived, a change--quick as the transformation in a pantomime-- terrible as the passage from calm to tropic storm--from life to death-- went sweeping over the scene! A phalanx of dark forms rushed past the spot where we were crouching. They were human--but so silent in their movements--so weird-like under the wan light--as to appear spectral! They could not be phantoms. One or two of them touched the tips of the plant in passing, causing its elastic blades to rebound backwards. They were forms of flesh, blood, and humanity; animated by the spirit of fiends--as in another instant they proved themselves. We saw them by a rapid rush precipitate themselves into the open doorway--a few scattering along the facade, and taking stand by the windows. We saw the glittering of armour. We saw spears and _machetes_ thrust through the iron bars. We heard the cocking of carbines, and the rude summons to surrender--followed by menaces of murder! There was a short scuffle in the _saguan_, and the courtyard behind it; and then there were death groans, proceeding from the domestics, who fell stabbed upon the stones! The two apartments appeared to be simultaneously entered. Dark shadowy forms flitted through the dining-room; but in the other the shadows were darker. There was a rushing to and fro--a changing of places--not as in a kaleidoscope, but in crowded confusion. There was screaming of women-- shouting of men--threats and curses--followed by pistol reports; and, what made the _fracas_ still more infernal, an occasional peal of diabolical laughter! Only for a short while did this continue; so short, that I scarce believed in its reality till it was all over! Almost at its commencement the lights in both rooms had been extinguished; but whether by chance, or design, it was impossible for us to tell. What occurred afterwards we knew only by hearing, or from glimpses afforded by the occasional flashing of firearms. Though there was loud talking all the while that the strife continued-- with exclamations, every other one an oath--we heard nothing to give a clue to it. Nor did we find any explanation in what followed. We could only tell, that the conflict had come to an end; that it was succeeded by the shuffling of footsteps across the paved _patio_, gradually retiring to the rear, and at length heard ascending the precipitous pine-covered slope that soared darkly above the dwelling!