to find the insurrectionary party too strong
for them, and they themselves would be certain to join us.

"Laws emanating from your own Senate--of which you yourself would have
the control and guidance--laws suited to the manners and usages of your
State, would soon become firmly established and respected, and Sonora
would then be an independent government. This would be the first step
and the most difficult. After that the rest would be easy enough; and
the gold which I should furnish will bring it about. The Senate and the
army would call for a European prince to place himself at their head--
one who speaks the same language and professes the same religion as
themselves. This prince I have already provided. Now hear me, Don
Vicente! as to your own share in this business. The Senator Despilfarro
is already a rich man, with a lady for his wife of whom a prince might
be proud. He will be made noble--a count--a Grandee of Spain. A
lucrative post will attach him to the person of the new king, and
nothing is to hinder him from rising to the very summit of his ambition.
All this I promise on the part of your future sovereign, _King Charles
the First_."

With these words the Spaniard finished his harangue. The Mexican
Senator, fascinated by the riches and honours thus promised him, grasped
the hand of the bold conspirator, at the same time crying out with
enthusiasm, "_Viva! Viva Carlos el Primero_!"

"Good!" rejoined Don Estevan, with a smile. "Don Carlos can count upon
one powerful partisan already in Sonora, and there will soon be many.
But it is getting late, Don Vicente, and I have yet much business to do
before I can go to sleep. You will excuse me, then, if I bid good-night
to you."

After exchanging the usual _buenas noches_, the Senator returned to his
own chamber and couch, to dream of his future riches and grandeur.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

QUARRELSOME GAMESTERS.

In a remote chamber of the hacienda were lodged the four adventurers,
Pedro Diaz, Oroche, Cuchillo, and Baraja. These gentlemen were not slow
in becoming acquainted with one another, and this acquaintance was soon
of the most familiar character. In the middle of the room in which all
four were to pass the night, stood a strong oaken table, upon which, in
an iron candlestick, was burning a long thin tallow candle, that gave
forth a somewhat dim and doubtful light. By this light Cuchillo and
Baraja--forgetful of all their promises a