of a revolution! By the ghost of Brian Boru, you had better
run along back to the kindergarten class."

But he was not the man to let grass grow under his feet while he
hesitated how to remedy his mistake. Immediately he got in touch with
Valdez and a few of his party, and decided on a bold counterstroke that,
if successful, would oppose a checkmate to the governor's check and
would also make unnecessary the unloosing of the State prisoners on the
devoted heads of the people.

"But mind, gentlemen," said Juan Valdez plainly, "the governor must not
be injured personally. I shall not consent to any violence, no matter
what the issue. Furthermore, I should like to be given charge of the
palace, in order to see that his wants are properly provided for.
We cannot afford to have our movement discredited at the outset by
unnecessary bloodshed or by any wanton outrages."

O'Halloran smothered a smile. "Quite right, senor. Success at all
hazards, but, if possible, success with peace. And, faith, subject
to the approval of the rest of those present, I do hereby appoint you
keeper of the governor's person and his palace, as well as all that do
dwell therein, including his man servants, his maid servants, and his
daughter. We hold you personally responsible for their safe keeping. See
that none of them cherish the enemy or give aid and comfort to them."
The Irishman finished, with a broad smile that seemed to say: "Begad,
there's a clear field. Go in and win, me bye."

Nothing could be done in broad daylight, while the troops of the
government party patrolled the streets and were prepared to pounce on
the first suspects that poked their noses out of the holes where they
were hidden. Nevertheless, their spies were busy all day, reporting
to the opposition leaders everything that happened of interest. In the
course of the day General Valdez, the father of Juan, was arrested
on suspicion of complicity and thrown into prison, as were a score
of others thought to be in touch with the Valdez faction. All day the
troops of the governor were fussily busy, but none of the real leaders
of the insurgents was taken. For General Valdez, though he had been
selected on account of his integrity and great popularity to succeed
Megales, was unaware of the plot on foot to retire the dictator from
power.

It was just after nightfall that a farmer drove into Chihuahua with
a wagonload of alfalfa. He was halted once or twice by guards on the
stree