"Nine hundred and odd thousand piastres; the guerilleros of the worthy Juárez are excellent shearing, for they have their arms free, and take advantage of it to fatten themselves by fishing largely in troubled waters. In short, I bring you about twelve hundred thousand piastres, which will be brought here on mules within an hour, and which you are at liberty to place in the treasury."
"Hang it all! If all my friends were to beat up the country with such excellent results, I should soon be rich, and able to carry on the war vigorously. Unfortunately that is not the case; but this sum, added to what I have been able to procure in another quarter, makes a very decent amount."
"What other sum are you alluding to, General? You have found money, then?"
"Yes," he replied with some hesitation; "a friend of mine, attaché to the Spanish embassy, suggested the means to me."
Don Adolfo bounded as if he had been stung by a viper.
"Calm yourself, my friend," the general said quickly; "I know that you are an enemy of the duke; still, since his arrival in Mexico, he has rendered me great services, as you cannot deny."
The adventurer was pale and gloomy, and made no reply. The general continued, for, like all honestly-minded men, he felt the necessity of exculpating himself from a bad action, although the utmost pressure alone compelled him to commit it. "The duke," he said, "after the defeat of Silao, when everything failed me at the same moment, succeeded in inducing Spain to recognize my government, which was very useful to me, as you will allow, I think?"
"Yes, yes, I allow it, General. Oh, Heaven! What I was told is true, then!"
"That, being reduced to the last extremity through the obstinate refusal of the clergy and merchants to assist you, you had formed a terrible resolution."
"It is true," the general, said, hanging his head.
"But perhaps it is not too late yet; I bring you money; your situation is changed, and with your permission I will go--"
"Listen," the general said, checking him by a look.
"Did I not forbid you disturbing me?" the President said to the usher, who was standing respectfully before him.
"General Márquez, Excellency," the usher answered impassively.
The President started, and a slight flush spread over his face.