"Don José is being deceived by Xuarez," said Rafael, ruffled at this allusion to his proposed father-in-law; "he is a pompous old fool, and, if he is wise, will leave Acauhtzin with his family, and place himself under the protection of the Republic." "He won't do that," replied Garibay, decisively; "he is of too much service to Xuarez. The Opposidores have but little wealth, and Tejada is a rich man." "Well, no matter, Señores. I, the Intendante, will arrest them both, and carry them in chains to the Junta." "I am afraid that will be more difficult than you imagine, Señor," said Rafael, dryly. "Xuarez is adored by the townspeople of Acauhtzin. He has a passably good army, the friendship of the Indians, who are being urged on to war by that prophetic opal, and a capital fleet. With all these at his command, he would be a fool to yield at the mere reading of a decree. No. This war will be a long one--a difficult one--and it is doubtful if, in the end, Don Hypolito will not conquer." Garibay frowned, and looked sternly at the young man. "Are your sympathies with the Opposidores, Señor?" "By no means. I see in Xuarez a possible tyrant, an unscrupulous scoundrel; but I am not so blinded as to overlook his talents. Already he has scored heavily against us. The securing of the fleet, the gaining of Acauhtzin to his interest, and all without a blow. Believe me, Colonel, I speak truly when I say Xuarez is a foe to be dreaded." "He will not dare to defy the decree of the Republic," said the Intendante, pompously. "When I read this," added Don Alonzo, tapping his breast pocket, where lay the official paper, "he will yield." "Certainly!" echoed Velez, parrot-like, "he will yield. Carambo! He dare not defy Don Alonzo!" "Do you think Xuarez is a second Montezuma, to yield in the presence of his army, Señores," cried Rafael, vehemently. "I tell you no! Were he alone, he would resist arrest. How much more so, then, when supported by the devotion of hundreds. I am a true subject of the Republic; I hate, dread, and scorn Don Hypolito. But I do not despise him. He will be the Napoleon of Cholacaca. Let the Republic beware!" "Ah! bah!" said Colonel Garibay, while Don Alonzo snorted with indignation. "Xuarez may be a clever man; but he is no general. Why, he does not even make the first move!" "No; he bides his time. When he does move, Tlatonac will hear of it." "You mean, he will bombard the city?" "Yes, and no! I will explain. Excuse me one moment, Señores. I go for a map of the country." Don Rafael ran down to the cabin; and during his absence the Intendante and Captain Velez scoffed at the idea that Xuarez would be a dangerous enemy. They had a duet in a braggadocio vein. "He will yield, Señores, when I read this decree." "The troops of Tlatonac alone can crush him," added Velez, confidently. "We will swallow these rebels at a mouthful. I, the Intendante, say so." "The war will be a mere military promenade!" said his echo.