Eleven o'clock struck from the Cabildo; at the same moment a form appeared in the doorway. This man stopped, took a sharp glance round the room, and then, after a slight hesitation, doubtless caused by the difficulty of recognizing in the crowd the persons he wished to see, he entered the rancho, and walked hastily toward the strangers. The latter turned at the sound of his footsteps, and gave a start of joy on recognizing him. We need hardly say that it was Ramirez. The three men shook hands with an expression of pleasure which proved that with them it was not a mere act of politeness, such as are so greatly abused in what is called the civilized life of towns. "Well," Ramirez asked, "what have you done?" "Nothing," one of the men answered, "we were waiting for you." "And those scoundrels?" "Are already more than three parts ruined," "All the better; they will march with greater impetuosity." "They must soon see the bottom of their purses." "Do you think so?" "I am sure of it; they have been playing since eight in the morning, so the pulquero says." "Without leaving off?" the sailor said, in surprise. "They have not ceased for an instant." "All the better." "By the bye," one of the strangers remarked, "have you come alone? Where are the men you promised to bring?" "They are here, and you will see them in a moment." "Very good. Then it is still for this night?" "You must know that better than I." "On my honour, no." "Then you have not seen him?" "Seen who?" "Why, _him._" "No." "Hang it all! That is annoying," "I did not require to see him," "But it is different with me." "Why so?" "Because I have executed his orders, as they are with me." "That is true." "Viva Dios! I was obliged to employ stratagem to induce them to follow me here." "Why did you not bring them in at once?" "I should be very sorry to do so, at least for the present. They are cool and steady naval officers, whose smile, under all circumstances, resembles a grimace, so close do they keep their lips. The free-and-easy manner of our worthy associates," he added, "might possibly displease them." "But when the master arrives?" "Oh, then the affair will rest with him alone." At the same moment a sharp whistle was heard outside, and the gamblers sprang up as if they had received an electric shock. Ramirez bent down to the two men. "Here he is," he said; "I shall be back directly." "Where are you going?" one of the strangers asked, sharply. "To join those who are waiting for me." And winding through the groups, the sailor left the pulqueria unnoticed. Ramirez had hardly left the room, ere the door was burst open by a violent blow, and a man rushed in. All present took off their hats, as if by common agreement, and bowed respectfully.