"As for the creoles, and the strangers at present in the _presidio_," said the major, "I think you had better order them to assemble in the fort every night: we shall be able to use them in case of necessity."
"Very good. You will also double the number of scouts, the better to avoid a surprise. You will also have the entrances to the place barricaded, to check the tremendous charges the Indians make when they attack a position."
"Permit me to propose, colonel, that a man to be depended upon should be despatched to put the hacenderos on their guard, and warn them to take refuge in the fort at the signal of three guns, to announce the approach of the Indians."
"It shall be done, major; or these poor fellows would be all massacred by the pagans. The inhabitants of the town must also be warned to retire--the women into the fort--as soon as the Indians are visible, or they may be carried off. The savages are partial to white women, and in the last inroad carried off three hundred: such a piece of misfortune must not happen again. I think, señores, we have taken every precaution against the threatened danger; we have now only to do our duty as brave men. Our fate is in the hands of God, who will surely not abandon us in circumstances of such great peril."
The officers rose, and were preparing to take leave of their chief, when another _vaquero_ was announced as bringing reports to the governor.
Don José made signs to his officers to retain their seats, and ordered the scout to be introduced.
It was Tonillo el Zapote, Pablito's friend. He had left the place where they had hidden themselves to watch the movements of the Indians four hours after his comrade, and yet had arrived at the _presidio_ only an hour later,--sure proof of the importance of the news he bore.
He looked as impudent and sneering as ever. His face was pale, and smeared with blood and powder; his dress was torn in many places; while the bandage round his head, one arm in a sling, and, more than all, three or four scalps which hung bleeding from his girdle, showed that he had had a hard tussle with the Indians, and been obliged to cut his way through them to reach the _presidio_.
"Zapote!" said the governor; "your comrade, Pablito, has just left me."