"It must be very slow, Señor," he said, smiling. "I have smoked for forty years, and yet the poison has not overtaken me as yet." All laughed at this speech save Peter, who could not appreciate jokes in the tongue of Castille. Indeed, he began to find his ignorance of Spanish somewhat annoying, as his friends, who acted as interpreters, played tricks on him. He became proficient in the tongue when Doña Serafina took him in hand; but that was many weeks later. All this time Jack was wondering why Dolores did not appear to welcome him back. As it was not etiquette to ask directly for the ladies of the family, he made the inquiry in a roundabout way. "Your family I trust are well, Señor?" "They are in excellent health, I thank you, Señor Juan. At present I have but my daughter with me. Doña Serafina and Dolores are staying for a few days at my estancio." This was bad news for Jack; but as Don Miguel's eyes were fixed inquiringly on his face, he was forced to dissemble his sorrow. "And Don Rafael?" "Is at present with his ship at Acauhtzin." "What! with Don Hypolito?" The expression on Maraquando's face changed, and he seemed about to burst out into a furious speech; but, out of courtesy, restrained himself for the present. "We will talk of this again," he said, gravely. "I am sure you do not care about our politics." "Indeed we do," replied Jack, emphatically. "This gentleman"--indicating Tim--"is a special correspondent, sent here by a great English paper, to report on your war." "Our war!" echoed the Spaniard, with some surprise. "How do you know there is to be a war?" "The telegrams to Europe say as much!" interposed Tim, speaking in Spanish. "Telegrams sent by Don Hypolito, I have no doubt," responded Maraquando, grimly. "There will be no war, gentlemen." "_Carambo! Sacré!_ Damn!" ejaculated Tim, who swore fluently in all three languages. "I have been tricked, then?" "Wait a moment, Señor Corresponsal. You will have plenty to write about; I will tell you some astonishing news shortly. Meanwhile, I must present you to my daughter, Doña Eulalia." The girl who appeared at this moment caused them all to rise to their feet, and assuredly a more beautiful vision could not be seen anywhere. She was a little sparkling brunette, all eyes and smiles (as Tim afterwards phrased it), and when she beheld Jack, came forward eagerly to greet him with outstretched hands. "Señor Juan," she said, in a deliciously sweet voice, "you have returned. Ah, how sorry Dol--Doña Serafina will be that she is not here to greet you." She gave a side glance at her father on pronouncing the name of Doña Serafina; and, by that diplomatic substitution, Philip guessed that she was in the secret of the lovers. "I trust Doña Serafina will return soon, Señora," said Jack, significantly, after exchanging courtesies. "I am anxious to see Doña Serafina."