h vehemence:

"Strong by the aid of this gold, I will confide my plans to those sixty
men now buried in sleep. On our return our numbers will swell like the
stream which widens as it flows, and we shall shake off the yoke of a
capital--which is capable only of constantly changing its men and its
principles."

Don Estevan had already noticed, in former conversations with Diaz, his
great hatred of the federal system, but wishing to be sure whether or
not it was founded on personal motives, he continued--

"The congress is far from you, and the government of Mexico has neither
troops nor money to protect provinces so distant as yours. Is that the
only reproach you have to make of it!"

"The only reproach! No. Independence is for us but an empty name, and
we have to bear only the burden of a distant government."

Don Estevan now unveiled to Diaz the project which he had discussed with
the Senator. Then passing from principles to persons, he named the
King, Don Carlos, as him whom they were to introduce.

"A king! King Charles! so be it," replied Diaz, "but we shall have many
obstacles to overcome."

"Less than you imagine, Diaz. Gold will level all obstacles, and
to-morrow we shall gather it by handfuls. We will pave the way to the
new kingdom with gold, and pay largely the founders and guardians of a
throne which will want only its king."

Thus, as he had promised his master, the bold partisan laid, even in the
desert, the foundation of a future dynasty. What the influence of the
Senator was to effect in the congress, that of a man renowned by his
exploits was to obtain from his equals.

After this conversation Diaz retired to seek repose from his fatigues,
and Don Estevan accompanied him out of the tent. The latter threw
around him a glance of tranquil pride; all obstacles were surmounted,
the incessant vigilance of the Indians had been eluded, thanks to Diaz,
and an immense treasure, untouched since the commencement of the world,
awaited only the hands which were about to be extended to seize it.

"See!" said he, "from those will rise the elements of a new kingdom, and
our names will belong to history. Now I have but one fear--that is,
treachery on the part of Cuchillo--and you will share this fear with me
when you hear that it is he who sold me the secret of this golden
deposit."

Diaz was looking earnestly at the plain.

"There!" cried he, "I see a man approaching at full gallop: it is
Gayfero