s ragged rustic?"

"I avow," replied the Senator, "that I cannot help it. I noticed two or
three times their eyes fixed upon each other with a strange expression."

"Make yourself easy about that. I know, for certain--and from Don
Augustin himself I have had my information--that the heart of his
daughter is free. Besides, her vanity alone would hinder her from any
fancy for this droll fellow, who appears to have all the pride of a
Spanish beggar. He shall be watched; and, should he have the impudence
to carry his pretensions so high, it will be an easy matter to send him
about his business."

In pronouncing the last words the countenance of Don Estevan appeared
for a moment to wear a troubled expression, and he could not hinder
himself from adding:

"I have myself remarked what you say, but let us not dwell upon
chimerical fears. Listen to me, Don Vicente, while I explain more
categorically the object of which I have been speaking, in order that
you may understand fully why I wish to reckon upon your assistance. I
have not yet told you--either what resources I have, or the kingdom it
is my design to conquer."

"True enough," assented Tragaduros, "you have not."

"The province then which I intend to transform into a kingdom is neither
more nor less than this of Sonora."

"What! our republican state to be changed into a monarchy!" exclaimed
the Senator. "Senor Don Estevan, to attempt this will be to play with
your life."

"I know it."

"But what resources do you count upon?"

"Listen: Ten years ago I was in the Spanish army, and fought against the
independence of your country in this very province. I then became
acquainted with its resources--its incalculable richness--and when I
quitted it to go home to Europe, I had a presentiment that some day I
should again return to it--as I have done. Chance at that time made me
acquainted with Don Augustin, then occupied in amassing the vast wealth
which to-day he so freely spends. I had the fortune to render him a
service--to save his life, in fact, and prevent his house from being
pillaged by the insurgents, for he did not conceal his sympathy for the
Spanish cause. I afterwards kept up with him a correspondence, and
learned that Sonora became every day more discontented with the federal
government. I then designed my great plan, which was approved of by the
prince, and at his desire I came over here. Don Augustin was among the
first to whom I opened my