"I have a rough kind of diggings, but it's big enough for the lot of us. Don Miguel," he added, turning to their host, "I must now take my leave, with my friends, as we want to see about our house." "My house is at the disposal of your friends, Señor." "A thousand thanks. I kiss your hands, Señor Miguel; but for the present we will stay at my residence in the Calle Huascar." It not being etiquette to press the invitation, Don Miguel gravely bowed, and wished them good-bye for the present. He had to go to a meeting of the Junta in order to confer about the fleet which had remained away from Tlatonac a long time. "And it will remain a longer time," said Jack, as they emerged on to the street. "The navy is going to revolt to Don Hypolito." "I believe that's true, but the old chap doesn't think so. He'll have his eyes open soon, or my name's not Tim. Where's Philip?" "Saying good-bye to Doña Eulalia," replied Jack, smiling. "Ah, by the way, here he is! Well, Sir Philip Cassim, Baronet, I see you are stabbed by a wench's black eye!" "A little harmless conversation," protested Philip, guiltily; "don't make a mountain out of a mole-hill, Jack. I can take care of my heart; but your charming brunette friend has fascinated Peter." "I don't see how that can be," said the doctor, dryly, "seeing I couldn't understand a word she was saying." "The language of the eye, Peter. You must learn that. It is more interesting than butterflies." "So you seem to think." "Jack," said Tim, suddenly, "before we go to your cabin, take us to the telegraph-office, if there is one here." "Of course there is one here. You want to wire to your editor?" "Not yet! I want to arrange matters with the officials. There's going to be trouble here in a week, anyhow." "So soon as that?" said Philip, starting. He had not heard the conversation with Don Miguel. "Aye, and sooner," replied Duval, prophetically. "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Philip; for, as sure as I stand here, news is now on its way to Tlatonac of the loss of the navy." "In that case," said the baronet, quietly, "it was a good thing I brought all those arms with me. You'll have to learn how to shoot, Peter." "Butterflies and beetles," said Peter, absently. He was thinking of the morrow's sport. CHAPTER VI. CHALCHUIH TLATONAC.