Final Answer:
The twins first announce their intention to kill Santiago to Colonel Lazaro Aponte. The Colonel, however, dismisses their threat, thinking it's a joke, and takes no immediate action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The twins, driven by a sense of honor and duty, decide to reveal their plan to Colonel Lazaro Aponte, a figure of authority in the community. In their attempt to communicate their intentions, they may have approached the Colonel with a mixture of fear and determination.
However, the Colonel's reaction is dismissive, possibly due to a lack of belief in the seriousness of the twins' words. His response could be influenced by a perception that such a plot is improbable or unthinkable in their social context.
In the context of the narrative, the Colonel's nonchalant response sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy. This interaction highlights the cultural and social dynamics at play, where authority figures may underestimate or overlook the gravity of certain situations. It also foreshadows the challenges the twins will face in their pursuit of justice, as their initial attempt to seek help is met with skepticism.