“And tell me, is there no hope of the guerilla chiefs performing some exploit in these days?  If that should happen, you could destroy the town, and I would help you.”

“If it depended upon me——­They will play their usual pranks no doubt,” said Pinzon, “for the insurrection in the two neighboring provinces is spreading like wildfire.  And between ourselves, friend Rey, I think this is going to last for a long time.  Some people smile and say that it would be impossible that there should be another insurrection like the last one.  They don’t know the country; they don’t know Orbajosa and its inhabitants.  I believe that the war that is now beginning will have serious consequences, and that we shall have another cruel and bloody struggle, that will last Heaven knows how long.  What is your opinion?”

“Well, in Madrid I laughed at any one who spoke of the possibility of a civil war as long and as terrible as the Seven Years’ War; but since I have been here——­”

“One must come to the heart of this enchanting country, see the people at home, and hear them talk, to know what the real state of affairs is.”

“Just so.  Without knowing precisely on what I base my opinion, the fact is that here I see things in a different light, and I now believe that it is possible that there may be a long and bloody war.”

“Exactly so.”

“But at present my thoughts are occupied less by the public war than by a private war in which I am engaged and which I declared a short time ago.”

“You said this was your aunt’s house.  What is her name?”

“Dona Perfecta Rey de Polentinos.”

“Ah!  I know her by reputation.  She is an excellent person, and the only one of whom I have not heard the garlic-venders speak ill.  When I was here before I heard her goodness, her charity, her innumerable virtues, everywhere extolled.”

“Yes, my aunt is very kind, very amiable,” said Rey.

Then he fell into a thoughtful silence.

“But now I remember!” exclaimed Pinzon suddenly.  “How one thing fits in with another!  Yes, I heard in Madrid that you were going to be married to a cousin of yours.  All is clear now.  Is it that beautiful and heavenly Rosario?”

“Pinzon, we must have a long talk together.”

“I imagine that there are difficulties.”

“There is something more; there is violent opposition.  I have need of a determined friend—­a friend who is prompt to act, fruitful in resource, of great experience in emergencies, astute and courageous.”

“Why, this is even more serious than a challenge.”

“A great deal more serious.  It would be easy to fight with another man.  With women, with unseen enemies who work in the dark, it is impossible.”

“Come, I am all ears.”