rel with the Government nor involve himself in a business which
might cost him dear.

Whatever may be said to the contrary, the impetuous nature of Ramos had
quieted down with years, and the fiery temper which he had received with
life from the ancestral Caballucos, the most valiant race of warriors
that had ever desolated the earth, had grown cooler. It is also related
that in those days the new governor of the province held a conference
with this important personage, and received from his lips the most
solemn assurances that he would contribute as far as in him lay to the
tranquillity of the country, and would avoid doing any thing that might
give rise to disturbances. Reliable witnesses declare that he was to be
seen in friendly companionship with the soldiers, hobnobbing with
this sergeant or the other in the tavern, and it was even said that an
important position in the town-hall of the capital of the province was
to be given him. How difficult it is for the historian who tries to be
impartial to arrive at the exact truth in regard to the sentiments and
opinions of the illustrious personages who have filled the world
with their fame! He does not know what to hold by, and the absence of
authentic records often gives rise to lamentable mistakes. Considering
events of such transcendent importance as that of the 18th Brumaire, the
sack of Rome by Bourbon, or the destruction of Jerusalem--where is the
psychologist or the historian who would be able to determine what were
the thoughts which preceded or followed them in the minds of Bonaparte,
of Charles V., and of Titus? Ours is an immense responsibility. To
discharge it in part we will report words, phrases, and even discourses
of the Orbajosan emperor himself; and in this way every one will be able
to form the opinion which may seem to him most correct.

It is beyond a doubt that Cristobal Ramos left his house just after
dark, crossed the Calle del Condestable, and, seeing three countrymen
mounted on powerful mules coming toward him, asked them where they
were going, to which they answered that they were going to Senora Dona
Perfecta's house to take her some of the first fruits of their gardens
and a part of the rent that had fallen due. They were Senor Paso Largo,
a young man named Frasquito Gonzales, and a third, a man of medium
stature and robust make, who was called Vejarruco, although his real
name was Jose Esteban Romero. Caballuco turned back, tempted by the
ag