"But I have various reasons for hating this wretched place. You must know that my father was assassinated here in '48 by a party of barbarous guerillas. He was a brigadier, and he had left the service.
The Government sent for him, and he was passing through Villahorrenda on his way to Madrid, when he was captured by half a dozen ruffians.
Here there are several dynasties of guerilla chiefs--the Aceros, the Caballucos, the Pelosmalos--a periodical eruption, as some one has said who knew very well what he was talking about."
"I suppose that two infantry regiments and some cavalry have not come here solely for the pleasure of visiting these delightful regions."
"Certainly not! We have come to survey the country. There are many deposits of arms here. The Government does not venture, as it desires, to remove from office the greater number of the municipal councils without first distributing a few companies of soldiers through these towns. As there is so much disturbance in this part of the country, as two of the neighboring provinces are already infested, and as this municipal district of Orbajosa has, besides, so brilliant a record in all the civil wars, there are fears that the bravos of the place may take to the roads and rob all they can lay hands on."
"A good precaution! But I am firmly convinced that not until these people die and are born over again, not until the very stones have changed their form, will there be peace in Orbajosa."
"That is my opinion too," said the officer, lighting a cigarette.
"Don't you see that the guerilla chiefs are the pets of this place?
Those who desolated the district in 1848 and at other epochs, or, if not they, their sons, are employed in the market inspector's office, at the town gates, in the town-hall, in the post-office; among them are constables, sacristans, bailiffs. Some have become powerful party leaders and they are the ones who manage the elections, have influence in Madrid, bestow places--in short, this is terrible."
"And tell me, is there no hope of the guerilla chiefs performing some exploit in these days? If that should happen, you could destroy the town, and I would help you."
"If it depended upon me---- They will play their usual pranks no doubt," said Pinzon, "for the insurrection in the two neighboring provinces is spreading like wildfire. And between ourselves, friend Rey, I think this is going to last for a long time. Some people smile and say that it would be impossible that there should be another insurrection like the last one. They don't know the country; they don't know Orbajosa and its inhabitants. I believe that the war that is now beginning will have serious consequences, and that we shall have another cruel and bloody struggle, that will last Heaven knows how long. What is your opinion?"
"Well, in Madrid I laughed at any one who spoke of the possibility of a civil war as long and as terrible as the Seven Years' War; but since I have been here----"
"One must come to the heart of this enchanting country, see the people at home, and hear them talk, to know what the real state of affairs is."
"Just so. Without knowing precisely on what I base my opinion, the fact is that here I see things in a different light, and I now believe that it is possible that there may be a long and bloody war."
"Exactly so."
"But at present my thoughts are occupied less by the public war than by a private war in which I am engaged and which I declared a short time ago."
"You said this was your aunt's house. What is her name?"
"Dona Perfecta Rey de Polentinos."
"Ah! I know her by reputation. She is an excellent person, and the only one of whom I have not heard the garlic-venders speak ill. When I was here before I heard her goodness, her charity, her innumerable virtues, everywhere extolled."
"Yes, my aunt is very kind, very amiable," said Rey.
Then he fell into a thoughtful silence.
"But now I remember!" exclaimed Pinzon suddenly. "How one thing fits in with another! Yes, I heard in Madrid that you were going to be married to a cousin of yours. All is clear now. Is it that beautiful and heavenly Rosario?"
"Pinzon, we must have a long talk together."
"I imagine that there are difficulties."
"There is something more; there is violent opposition. I have need of a determined friend--a friend who is prompt to act, fruitful in resource, of great experience in emergencies, astute and courageous."
"Why, this is even more serious than a challenge."
"A great deal more serious. It would be easy to fight with another man.
With women, with unseen enemies who work in the dark, it is impossible."
"Come, I am all ears."
Lieutenant-colonel Pinzon lay stretched at full length upon the bed.
Pepe Rey drew a chair up to the bedside and, leaning his elbow on the bed and his head on his hand, began his conference, consultation, exposition of plan, or whatever else it might be called, and continued talking for a long time. Pinzon listened to him with profound attention and without interrupting him, except to ask an occasional question for the purpose of obtaining further details or additional light upon some obscure point. When Pepe Rey ended, Pinzon looked grave. He stretched himself, yawning with the satisfaction of one who has not slept for three nights, and then said:
"You plan is dangerous and difficult."
"But not impossible."
"Oh, no! for nothing is impossible. Reflect well about it."
"I have reflected."
"And you are resolved to carry it through? Consider that these things are not now in fashion. They generally turn out badly and throw discredit on those who undertake them."
"I am resolved."
"For my part, then, although the business is dangerous and serious--very serious--I am ready to aid you in all things and for all things."
"Can I rely upon you?"
"To the death."
