"I will accompany you, señor," said the count. "I trust that my intervention with Don Aníbal will not prove in vain." "What are you thinking of, Excellency? In the present state of affairs, do you not fear being regarded as an enemy?" "Politics have nothing to do with the step I propose taking in your company, señor. Moreover, do you not remember that I have sworn never more to serve the Spanish government? I am, therefore, free to act as I please." "I have no remarks to make to you on that subject, Excellency; perhaps it is better that it should be so; besides, you know better than I do what line of conduct you ought to hold." "Believe me, my friend, that the one I am adopting is the best." "Then," Don Melchior remarked, sadly, "you condemn me to remain here?" "Yes, till you receive fresh orders, my friend," the Canadian said good-humouredly; "but do not feel vexed, young gentleman; get well again as quickly as you can, and you shall enter on the campaign against the redskins in our company." "Do you promise me that?" the young man asked, with a start of joy. "I swear it, on the faith of Oliver Clary. You are too brave to be left behind." The young man thanked him warmly, and feeling easier in his mind, he fell back on his bed, and was soon fast asleep. On the morrow at sunrise the count and the Canadian entered the chamber of the wounded man to take leave of him, but they found him dressed and ready to start. "You know very well that you are not to accompany us." "It is not my intention either," he answered. "Still you are preparing to leave the hacienda." "Yes, and probably at the same time as yourself." "Hum!" said the Canadian, as he took a side glance at the young man, whose handsome masculine face, pale with suffering, had an expression of energetic will. "You seem quite resolved," he said. "Whatever may happen, yes." There was a silence. "Very good," the Canadian continued; "wait for me here for six hours." "What are you going to do?" Don Melchior exclaimed. "On my return I will tell you: do you pledge me your word?" "I do." "Very good." Without adding a word, Oliver went out, making the count a sign to follow him. CHAPTER XXIX. THE REVOLUTION. We will now return to the Hacienda del Barrio, in order to explain to the reader certain important events which had occurred, the knowledge of which is indispensable to understand coming facts. The conspirators, after the departure of Count de Melgosa, whose unexpected visit had so disagreeably surprised them, had immediately separated, not through any fear of the consequences which this visit might have for them, but, on the contrary, to arm their peons and adherents, and put themselves as quickly as possible in a position to resist any attempted aggression on the part of the Spanish government.