The Brazilians laughed at the notion.

Where were the troops to come from?
Barraca must bring all his men by sea.

There were none stationed in those wild mountains.
"Better go and make sure," quoth Philip.
He ascertained the President's intentions as to the next twenty-four hours, assembled his little body of scouts, saw to their forage and equipment, took leave of Iris, and hurried off.
When two stout and elderly fellow-countrymen of his climbed the last mile of the rough valley beneath the Las Flores slope, Philip and his troop were a league or more beyond the Moxoto's watershed.
Meanwhile, Carmela De Sylva proved that her resolute chin was not deceptive as a guide to temperament.

The Dona Pondillo deemed her a spirit when she appeared on the veranda, but Carmela's impetuous kiss soon disabused the worthy dame of her error.
Iris, wondering why the lively chatter of her Brazilian friends was so suddenly stilled, to be succeeded by a hubbub of excited words as the older ladies present gathered around the new-comer, asked one of the Pondillo girls what had happened.
"It is Carmela, the President's daughter," giggled the other.

"Mother says she is engaged to San Benavides.