as dispatching
every soldier in Panama to the assistance of Nombre, and if, upon their
arrival, any English were found in the city, they would be exterminated
with the utmost promptitude!

Like Don Sebastian, George read this precious effusion of a pompous,
consequential, pig-headed official twice before commenting upon it.
Then he turned to the secretary and said:

"Senor, are you cognisant of the contents of this letter?"

"I believe so, in a general way, Illustrissimo," answered Senor
Montalvo. "Of course," he continued, "I have not read the communication
itself, but I was able to pretty well gather from Don Silvio's remarks
when I explained my mission to him what was the nature of the reply he
intended to make to Don Sebastian's request."

"Describe Don Silvio to me," demanded George.

"He is a man somewhat above medium height," replied the secretary, "of
rather striking appearance, dark complexioned, sallow, hasty and
irascible of temper, has a very exalted opinion of his position and
dignity, is very impatient of anything in the most remote degree
approaching to dictation, and has a profound belief in his own judgment,
and in his qualifications generally for the post which he occupies. He
is of opinion, for example, that had he been Governor of Nombre, you and
your followers would never have succeeded in establishing yourselves in
the city."

"I see," said George. "Yes, I think from your description I can form a
tolerably accurate picture of the man. Is he a man of his word?"

"As how, precisely, Senor Captain?" demanded the secretary.

"Well," explained George, "in this letter he announces his intention to
dispatch every soldier at his disposal in Panama to the relief of this
city. Do you think he will really do so?"

"Undoubtedly, senor," was the answer. "I was present when Don Silvio
issued the order, and when I left Panama the soldiers were already
mustering for the march."

"And how many soldiers do you suppose are available for this service?"
demanded George.

"Five hundred cavalry, and twelve hundred foot soldiers, with six
batteries of horse artillery," was the startling reply.

It was a reply for which young Saint Leger was wholly unprepared; it
startled him, while at the same time it inspired him with a most
audacious idea. He carefully controlled his features, however, quite
conscious of the fact that both Don Sebastian and his secretary were
intently watching him, and proceeded wi