cigar and a _copita_ of this capital stuff; it's the best that Tequila
produces."

"I've brought other company that may be more cheerful than mine,"
returns the adjutant, still keeping his feet.

"Ah! some of our fellows from the cuartel? Bring them in."

"It is not any of the officers, Colonel. There's only one man, and he's
a civilian.

"Civilian or soldier, you're free to introduce him. I hope," he adds,
in an undertone, "it's one of the _ricos_ of the neighbourhood, who
won't mind taking an _albur_ at _monte_ or a throw of the dice. I'm
just in the vein for a bit of play."

"He I'm going to introduce don't look much like a _rico_. From what I
can see of him in the darkness, I should say that the blanket upon his
shoulders and his sheepskin smallclothes--somewhat dilapidated by the
way--are about all the property he possesses."

"He's a stranger to you, then?"

"As much as to yourself, as you'll say after seeing him--perhaps more."

"What sort of man is he?"

"For that matter, he can hardly be described as a man. At least, he's
not one of the _gent-de-razon_. He's only an Indian."

"Ha! Comanche?"

As he utters this interrogatory, Colonel Gil Uraga gives a slight start,
and looks a little uneasy. His relations with men of the Indian race
are of a delicate nature; and, although keen to cultivate their
acquaintance whenever occasion requires it, he prefers keeping all
Indians at a distance--more especially Comanches, when he has no
particular need of their services. The thought has flashed across his
mind that the man waiting to be ushered into his presence may be a
messenger from the Horned Lizard; and with the Tenawa chief he desires
no further dealings--at least for a time. Therefore, the belief of its
being an emissary from his red-skinned confederate somewhat discomposes
him.

The reply of his subordinate, however, reassures him.

"No, colonel, he's not a Comanche; bears no resemblance to one, only in
the colour of his skin. He appears to be a Pueblo; and from his
tattered costume, I take him to be some poor labourer."

"But what does he want with me?"

"That, colonel, I cannot say; only that he has expressed a very urgent
desire to speak with you. I fancy he has something to communicate,
which might be important for you to hear; else I should not have taken
the liberty to bring him here."

"You have him at hand?"

"I have. He is outside in the _patio_. Shall I usher him in?"