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diff --git a/40219.txt b/40219.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8946e41..0000000 --- a/40219.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11739 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Border Rifles, by Gustave Aimard - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: The Border Rifles - A Tale of the Texan War - - -Author: Gustave Aimard - - - -Release Date: July 12, 2012 [eBook #40219] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BORDER RIFLES*** - - -E-text prepared by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe -(http://www.freeliterature.org) - - - -THE BORDER RIFLES. - -A Tale of the Texan War - -by - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - -Author of "Trapper's Daughter," "Indian Scout," etc. - - - - - - - -London: -Ward and Lock, -158, Fleet Street. -MDCCCLXI. - - - - -PREFACE - - -In the series commencing with the present volume GUSTAVE AIMARD has -entirely changed the character of his stories. He has selected a -magnificent episode of American history, the liberation of Texas from -the intolerable yoke of the Mexicans, and describes scenes _quorum pars -magna fuit_. At the present moment, when all are watching with bated -breath the results of the internecine war commencing between North and -South, I believe that the volumes our author devotes to this subject -will be read with special interest, for they impart much valuable -information about the character of the combatants who will, to a great -extent, form the nucleus of the confederated army. The North looks down -on them with contempt, and calls them "Border ruffians;" but when the -moment arrives, I entertain no doubt but that they will command respect -by the brilliancy of their deeds. - -Surprising though the events may be which are narrated in the present -volume, they are surpassed by those that continue the series. The next -volume, shortly to appear under the title of "The Freebooters," -describes the progress of the insurrection till it attained the -proportions of a revolution, while the third and last volume will be -devoted to the establishment of order in that magnificent State of -Texas, which has cast in its lot with the Secessionists, and will -indubitably hold out to the very last, confident in the prowess of its -sons, whose fathers Aimard has so admirably depicted in the present and -the succeeding volumes of the new series. - -L.W. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - I. THE RUNAWAY XVI. A POLITICAL SKETCH - II. QUONIAM XVII. THE PANTHER-KILLER - III. BLACK AND WHITE XVIII. LANZI - IV. THE MANADA XIX. THE CHASE - V. BLACK-DEER XX. THE CONFESSION - VI. THE CLAIM XXI. THE JAGUAR - VII. MONKEY-FACE XXII. BLUE-FOX -VIII. THE DECLARATION OF WAR XXIII. THE WHITE SCALPER - IX. THE SNAKE PAWNEES XXIV. AFTER THE FIGHT - X. THE BATTLE XXV. AN EXPLANATION - XI. THE VENTA DEL POTRERO XXVI. THE EXPRESS - XII. LOVE AND JEALOUSY XXVII. THE GUIDE -XIII. CARMELA XXVIII. JOHN DAVIS - XIV. THE CONDUCTA DE PLATA XXIX. THE BARGAIN - XV. THE HALT XXX. THE AMBUSCADE - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE RUNAWAY. - - -The immense virgin forests which once covered the soil of North America -are more and more disappearing before the busy axes of the squatters and -pioneers, whose insatiable activity removes the desert frontier further -and further to the west. - -Flourishing towns, well tilled and carefully-sown fields, now occupy -regions where, scarce ten years ago, rose impenetrable forests, whose -dense foliage hardly allowed the sunbeams to penetrate, and whose -unexplored depths sheltered animals of every description, and served as -a retreat for hordes of nomadic Indians, who, in their martial ardour, -frequently caused these majestic domes of verdure to re-echo with their -war-yell. - -Now that the forests have fallen, their gloomy denizens, gradually -repulsed by the civilization that incessantly pursues them, have fled -step by step before it, and have sought far away other and safer -retreats, to which they have borne the bones of their fathers with them, -lest they might be dug up and desecrated by the inexorable ploughshare -of the white men, as it traces its long and productive furrow over their -old hunting-grounds. - -Is this constant disafforesting and clearing of the American continent a -misfortune? Certainly not: on the contrary, the progress which marches -with a giant's step, and tends, before a century, to transform the soil -of the New World, possesses all our sympathy; still we cannot refrain -from a feeling of pained commiseration for that unfortunate race which -is brutally placed beyond the pale of the law, and pitilessly tracked in -all directions; which is daily diminishing, and is fatally condemned -soon to disappear from that earth whose immense territory it covered -less than four centuries ago with innumerable tribes. - -Perhaps if the people chosen by God to effect the changes to which we -allude had understood their mission, they might have converted a work of -blood and carnage into one of peace and paternity, and arming themselves -with the divine precepts of the Gospel, instead of seizing rifles, -torches, and scalping-knives, they might, in a given time, have produced -a fusion of the white and red races, and have attained a result more -profitable to progress, civilization, and before all, to that great -fraternity of nations which no one is permitted to despise, and for -which those who forget its divine and sacred precepts will have a -terrible account some day to render. - -Men cannot become with impunity the murderers of an entire race, and -constantly wade in blood; for that blood must at some time cry for -vengeance, and the day of justice break, when the sword will be cast in -the balance between conquerors and conquered. - -At the period when our narrative commences, that is to say, about the -close of 1812, the emigration had not yet assumed that immense extension -which it was soon to acquire, for it was only beginning, as it were, and -the immense forests that stretched out and covered an enormous space -between the borders of the United States and Mexico, were only traversed -by the furtive footsteps of traders and wood-rangers, or by the silent -moccasins of the Redskins. - -It is in the centre of one of the immense forests to which we have -alluded that our story begins, at about three in the afternoon of -October 27th, 1812. - -The heat had been stifling under the covert, but at this moment the -sunbeams growing more and more oblique, lengthened the tall shadows of -the trees, and the evening breeze that was beginning to rise refreshed -the atmosphere, and carried far away the clouds of mosquitoes which -during the whole mid-day had buzzed over the marshes in the clearings. - -We find ourselves on the bank of an unknown affluent of the Arkansas; -the slightly inclined trees on either side the stream formed a thick -canopy of verdure over the waters, which were scarce rippled by the -inconstant breath of the breeze; here and there pink flamingos and white -herons, perched on their tall legs, were fishing for their dinner, with -that careless ease which generally characterizes the race of great -aquatic birds; but suddenly they stopped, stretched out their necks as -if listening to some unusual sound, then ran hurriedly along to catch -the wind, and flew away with cries of alarm. - -All at once the sound of a musket-shot was re-echoed through the forest, -and two flamingos fell. At the same instant a light canoe doubled a -little cape formed by some mangrove-trees jutting out into the bed of -the stream, and darted in pursuit of the flamingos which had fallen in -the water. One of them had been killed on the spot, and was drifting -with the current; but the other, apparently but slightly wounded, was -flying with extreme rapidity, and swimming vigorously. - -The boat was an Indian canoe, made of birch bark removed from the tree -by the aid of hot water, and there was only one man in it; his rifle -lying in the bows and still smoking, shewed that it was he who had just -fired. We will draw the portrait of this person, who is destined to play -an important part in our narrative. - -As far as could be judged from his position in the canoe, he was a man -of great height; his small head was attached by a powerful neck to -shoulders of more than ordinary breadth; muscles, hard as cords, stood -out on his arms at each of his movements; in a word, the whole -appearance of this individual denoted a vigour beyond the average. - -His face, illumined by large blue eyes, sparkling with sense, had an -expression of frankness and honesty which pleased at the first glance, -and completed the _ensemble_ of his regular features, and wide mouth, -round which an unceasing smile of good humour played. He might be -twenty-three, or twenty-four at the most, although his complexion, -bronzed by the inclemency of the weather, and the dense light brown -beard that covered the lower part of his face, made him appear older. - -This man was dressed in the garb of a wood-ranger: a beaver-skin cap, -whose tail fell down between his shoulders, hardly restrained the thick -curls of his golden hair, which hung in disorder down his back; a -hunting shirt of blue calico, fastened round his hips by a deerskin -belt, fell a little below his muscular knees; _mitasses_, or a species -of tight drawers, covered his legs, and his feet were protected against -brambles and the stings of reptiles by Indian moccasins. - -His game-bag, of tanned leather, hung over his shoulder, and, like all -the bold pioneers of the virgin forest, his weapons consisted of a good -Kentucky rifle, a straight-bladed knife, ten inches long and two wide, -and a tomahawk that glistened like a mirror. These weapons, of course -with the exception of the rifle, were passed through his belt, which -also supported two buffalo horns filled with powder and bullets. - -The appearance of the man thus equipped, and standing in the canoe amid -the imposing scenery that surrounded him, had something grand about it -which created an involuntary respect. - -The wood-ranger, properly so termed, is one of those numerous types of -the New World which must soon entirely disappear before the incessant -progress of civilization. - -The wood-rangers, those bold explorers of the deserts, in which their -whole existence was spent, were men who, impelled by a spirit of -independence and an unbridled desire for liberty, shook off all the -trammels of society, and who, with no other object than that of living -and dying unrestrained by any other will save their own, and in no way -impelled by the hope of any sort of lucre, which they despised, -abandoned the towns, and boldly buried themselves in the virgin forests, -where they lived from day to day indifferent about the present, careless -as to the future, convinced that God would not desert them in the hour -of need, and thus placed themselves outside of that common law they -misunderstood, on the extreme limit that separates barbarism from -civilization. - -Most of the celebrated wood-rangers were French Canadians; in truth, -there is in the Norman character something daring and adventurous, which -is well adapted to this mode of life, so full as it is of strange -interludes and delicious sensations, whose intoxicating charms only -those who have led it can understand. - -The Canadians have never admitted in principle the change of nationality -which the English tried to impose on them; they still regard themselves -as Frenchmen, and their eyes are constantly fixed on that ungrateful -mother-country which has abandoned them with such cruel indifference. - -Even at the present day, after so many years, the Canadians have still -remained French; their fusion with the Anglo-Saxon race is only -apparent, and the slightest pretext would suffice to produce a -definitive rupture between them and the English. The British government -is well, aware of this fact, and hence displays toward the Canadian -colonies a marked kindliness and deference. - -At the earlier period of the conquest this repulsion (not to call it -hatred) was so prominent between the two races, that the Canadians -emigrated in a mass, sooner than endure the humiliating yoke which was -attempted to be placed on them. Those of them who, too poor to leave -their country definitively, were compelled to remain in a country -henceforth sullied by a foreign occupation, chose the rude trade of -wood-rangers, and preferred such an existence of misery and danger to -the disgrace of enduring the laws of a detested conqueror. Shaking the -dust over their shoes on the paternal roof, they threw their rifles over -their shoulders, and stifling a sigh of regret, went away not to return, -burying themselves in the impenetrable forests of Canada, and laying -unconsciously the foundation of that generation of intrepid pioneers, to -one of the finest specimens of whom we introduced the reader at the -beginning of this chapter. - -The hunter went on paddling vigorously; he soon reached the first -flamingo, which he threw into the bottom of his canoe. But the second -gave him more trouble. It was for a while a struggle of speed between -the wounded bird and the hunter: still the former gradually lost its -strength; its movements became uncertain, and it beat the water -convulsively. A blow from the Canadian's paddle at length put an end to -its agony, and it joined its mate in the bottom of the canoe. - -So soon as he had secured his game, the hunter shipped his paddles, and -prepared to reload his rifle, with the care which all devote to the -operation who know that their life depends on a charge of powder. When -his gun was in order again, the Canadian took an inquiring glance -around. - -"Why," he presently said, talking to himself, a habit which men who live -in solitude very frequently acquire, "hang me! if I have not reached the -meeting-place without suspecting it. I cannot be mistaken: over there -are the two oaks fallen across each other, and that rock, which stands -out over the water. But what's that?" he exclaimed, as he stooped, and -cocked his rifle. - -The furious barking of several dogs became suddenly audible in the -centre of the forest; the bushes were parted eagerly, and a Negro -appeared on the top of the rock, at which the Canadian was at this -moment looking. This man, on reaching the extremity of the rock, stopped -for an instant, and seemed to listen attentively, while displaying signs -of the most extreme agitation. But this halt was short, for he had -hardly rested there for a few seconds, ere, raising his eyes to heaven -in despair, he leaped into the river, and swam vigorously to the -opposite bank. - -The sound of the Negro's fall into the water had hardly died away, when -several dogs dashed on to the platform, and began a concert of horrible -barking. These dogs were powerful animals; their tongues were pendant, -their eyes infested with blood, and their hair standing on end, as if -they had come a long distance. - -The hunter shook his head several times while giving a glance of pity at -the hapless Negro, who was swimming with that energy of despair which -doubles the strength--and seizing his paddles, he turned the canoe -toward him, with the evident intention of rendering him assistance. At -this moment a hoarse voice was heard on the river-bank. - -"Hilloh, there! silence, you demons incarnate! silence, I tell you!" - -The dogs gave vent to a few whines of pain, and were suddenly silent. -The individual who had reproved the animals then said, in a louder key-- - -"Hilloh, you fellow in the canoe there!--hilloh!" - -The Canadian had just pulled to the opposite bank; he ran his canoe on -the sand, and then carelessly turned to the person who addressed him. - -This was a man of middle height, muscular, and dressed like the majority -of rich farmers. His face was brutal, crafty, and four persons, -apparently servants, stood by his side; it is needless to say that all -were armed with guns. - -The stream at this spot was rather wide, being about fifty yards, which, -temporarily, at any rate, established a respectable barrier between the -Negro and his pursuers. The Canadian leaned against a tree. - -"Are you by chance speaking to me?" he asked, in a somewhat contemptuous -tone. - -"Who else do you suppose?" the first speaker continued, angrily: "so try -and answer my questions!" - -"And why should I answer them? Will you be good enough to tell me?" the -Canadian continued, with a laugh. - -"Because I order you to do so, you scoundrel!" the other said, brutally. - -The hunter shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. - -"Good-bye," he said, and made a movement as if to retire. - -"Stop where you are!" the American shouted, "or so truly as my name is -John Davis I will put a bullet through your skull!" - -While uttering the threat he levelled his gun. - -"Ah! ah!" the Canadian went on, with a laugh, "then you're John Davis, -the famous slave-dealer?" - -"Yes, I am," the other said, harshly. - -"Pardon me; but I had hitherto only known you by reputation. By Jove! I -am delighted to have seen you." - -"Well, and now that you know me, are you disposed to answer my -questions?" - -"I must know their nature first, so you had better ask them." - -"What has become of my slave?" - -"Do you mean the man who leaped off the platform just before you reached -it?" - -"Yes. Where is he?" - -"Here, by my side." - -In fact, the Negro, his strength and courage quite exhausted from the -desperate efforts he had made during the obstinate pursuit of which he -had been the object, had dragged himself to the spot where the Canadian -stood, and now lay in a half fainting condition at his feet. - -On hearing the hunter reveal his presence so clearly, he clasped his -hands with an effort, and raised toward him a face bathed in tears. - -"Oh! master, master!" he cried, with an expression of agony impossible -to render, "Save me! Save me!" - -"Ah, ah!" John Davis shouted, with a grin, "I fancy we can come to an -understanding, my fine fellow, and that you will not be sorry to gain -the reward." - -"In truth I should not be sorry to hear the price set on human flesh in -what is called your free country. Is the reward large?" - -"Twenty dollars for a runaway nigger." - -"Pooh!" the Canadian said, thrusting out his lower lip in disgust, "that -is a trifle!" - -"Do you think so?" - -"Indeed I do." - -"Still, I only ask you to do a very simple matter in order to earn -them." - -"What is it?" - -"Tie that nigger, put him in your canoe, and bring him to me." - -"Very good. It is not difficult, I allow; and when he is in your power, -supposing I do what you wish, what do you intend doing with him?" - -"That is not your business." - -"Granted: hence I only asked you for information." - -"Come! Make up your mind; I have no time to waste in chattering. What is -your decision?" - -"This is what I have to say to you, Mr. John Davis, who hunt men with -dogs less ferocious than yourself, which in obeying you only yield to -their instincts--you are a villain! And if you only reckon on my help in -regaining your Negro, you may consider him lost." - -"Ah, that is it!" the American shouted, as he gnashed his teeth -furiously, and turned to his servants; "fire at him! Fire! Fire!" - -And joining example to precept, he quickly shouldered his gun and fired. -His servants imitated him, and four shots were confounded in a single -explosion, which the echoes of the forest mournfully repeated. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -QUONIAM. - - -The Canadian did not lose one of his adversaries' movements while he was -speaking with them; hence, when the shots ordered by John Davis were -fired, they proved ineffectual; he had rapidly hidden himself behind a -tree, and the bullets whistled harmlessly past his ears. - -The slave-dealer was furious at being thus foiled by the hunter; he gave -him the most fearful threats, blasphemed, and stamped his foot in rage. - -But threats and imprecations availed but little; unless they swam the -river, which was impracticable, in the face of a man so resolute as the -hunter seemed to be, there were no means of taking any vengeance on -him, or recapturing the slave he had so deliberately taken under his -protection. - -While the American racked his brains in vain to find an expedient that -would enable him to gain the advantage, a bullet dashed the rifle he -held in his hand to pieces. - -"Accursed dog!" he yelled in his fury, "do you wish to assassinate me?" - -"I should have a right to do so," the Canadian replied, "for I am only -defending myself fairly, after your attempt to kill me; but I prefer -dealing amicably with you, although I feel convinced I should be doing a -great service to humanity by lodging a couple of slugs in your brain." - -And a second bullet at this moment smashed the rifle one of the servants -was reloading. - -"Come, enough of this," the American shouted, greatly exasperated; "what -do you want?" - -"I told you--treat amicably with you." - -"But on what conditions? Tell me them at least." - -"In a moment." - -The rifle of the second servant was broken like that of the first: of -the five men, three were now disarmed. - -"Curses," the slave-dealer howled; "have you resolved to make a target -of us in turn?" - -"No, I only wish to equalise chances." - -"But--" - -"It is done now." - -The fourth rifle was broken. - -"And now," the Canadian said, as he showed himself "suppose we have a -talk." - -And, leaving his shelter, he walked to the river bank. - -"Yes, talk, demon," the American shouted. - -With a movement swift as thought, he seized the last rifle, and -shouldered it; but, ere he could pull the trigger, he rolled on the -platform, uttering a cry of pain. - -The hunter's bullet had broken his arm. - -"Wait for me, I am coming," the Canadian continued with perfect -calmness. - -He reloaded his rifle, leaped into the canoe, and with a few strokes of -his paddle, found himself on the other side of the river. - -"There," he said as he landed and walked up to the American, who was -writhing like a serpent on the platform, howling and blaspheming; "I -warned you: I only wished to equalise the chances, and you have no right -to complain of what has happened to you, my dear sir: the fault rests -entirely with yourself." - -"Seize him! kill him!" the wretch shouted, a prey to indescribable fury. - -"Come, come, calm yourself. Good gracious, you have only a broken arm, -after all; remember, I could have easily killed you, had I pleased. Hang -it, you are not reasonable." - -"Oh! I will kill him," he yelled, as he gnashed his teeth. - -"I hardly think so, at least not for the present; I will say nothing -about by and by. But let that be: I will examine your wound, and dress -it while we talk." - -"Do not touch me! Do not come near me, or I know not to what extremities -I may proceed." - -The Canadian shrugged his shoulders. - -"You must be mad," he said. - -Incapable of enduring longer the state of exasperation in which he was, -the dealer, who was also weakened by the loss of blood, made a vain -effort to rise and rush on his foe; bat he fell back and fainted while -muttering a final curse. - -The servants stood startled, as much by the unparalleled skill of this -strange man, as by the boldness with which, after disarming them all in -turn, he had crossed the river, in order, as it were, to deliver himself -into their hands; for, if they had no longer their rifles, their knives -and pistols were left them. - -"Come, gentlemen," the Canadian said with a frown, "have the goodness to -shake out the priming of your pistols, or, by Heaven! We shall have a -row." - -The servants did not at all desire to begin a fight with him; moreover, -the sympathy they felt for their master was not great, while, on the -other hand, the Canadian, owing to the expeditious way in which he had -acted, inspired them with a superstitious fear: hence they obeyed his -orders with a species of eagerness, and even wished to hand him their -knives. - -"It is not necessary," he said; "now, let us see about dressing this -worthy gentleman's wound: it would be a pity to deprive society of so -estimable a person, who is one of its brightest ornaments." - -He set to work at once, aided by the servants, who executed his orders -with extraordinary rapidity and zeal, for they felt so thoroughly -mastered by him. - -Compelled by the mode of life they pass to do without any strange -assistance, the wood-rangers all possess, to a certain extent, -elementary notions of medicine, and especially of surgery, and can, in -case of need, treat a fracture or wound of any nature as well as a -professional man; and that, too, by simple means usually employed with -the greatest success by the Indians. - -The hunter proved by the skill and dexterity which he dressed the -slave-dealer's wound, that, if he knew how to inflict wounds, he was -equally clever in curing them. - -The servants regarded with heightening admiration this extraordinary -man, who seemed suddenly metamorphosed, and proceeded with a certainty -of glance and lightness of hand which many a surgeon might have envied -him. During the bandaging, the wounded man returned to consciousness, -and opened his eyes, but remained silent; his fury had been calmed, and -his brutal nature subdued by the energetic resistance the Canadian -opposed to him. The first and piercing pain of the wound had been -succeeded, as always happens when the bandaging is properly done, by an -extraordinary feeling of relief: hence, recognising, in spite of -himself, the comfort he had experienced, he had felt his hatred melting -away in a feeling for which he could not yet account, but which now made -him regard his enemy almost with a friendly air. - -To render John Davis the justice due to him, we will say that he was -neither better nor worse than any of his fellows who trafficked in human -flesh. Accustomed to the sufferings of slaves, who to him were nothing -but beings deprived of reason, or merchandize in a word, his heart had -gradually grown callous to softer emotions: he only saw in a Negro the -money he had expended, and what he expected to gain by him, and like a -true tradesman, he was very fond of money: a runaway Negro seemed to him -a wretched thing, against whom any means were permissible in order to -prevent a loss. - -Still, this man was not insensible to every good feeling; apart from his -trade, he even enjoyed a certain reputation for kindness, and passed for -a gentleman. - -"There, that is all right," the Canadian said, as he gave a satisfied -glance at the bandages; "in three weeks there will be nothing to be -seen, if you take care of yourself; for, through a remarkable piece of -good luck, the bone has not been touched, and the ball has only passed -through the fleshy part of the arm. Now, my good friend, if you like to -talk, I am ready." - -"I have nothing to say, except to ask you to return the scoundrel who is -the cause of the whole mishap." - -"Hum! If we go on in that way, I am afraid we shall not come to an -understanding. You know perfectly that the whole quarrel arose about the -surrender of the scoundrel, as you term him." - -"Still, I cannot lose my money." - -"What money do you mean?" - -"Well, my slave, if you prefer it; he represents a sum I do not at all -care to lose; the less so, because things have been going very queerly -with me lately, and I have suffered some heavy losses." - -"That is annoying, and I pity you sincerely; still, I should like to -settle the affair amicably as I began," the Canadian continued. - -The American made a grimace. - -"It is a deuced amicable way you have of settling matters," he said. - -"It is your fault, my friend; if we did not come to an immediate -arrangement, it was because you were a little too quick, as you will -allow." - -"Well, we will not say any more about that, for what's done cannot be -undone." - -"You are right, so let us return to business. Unluckily, I am poor; were -not so, I would give you a few hundred dollars, and all would be -settled." - -The dealer scratched his head. - -"Listen," he said. "I do not know why, but, in spite of all that has -passed between us, perhaps in consequence of it, I should not like for -us to separate on bad terms; the more so, because, to tell you the -truth, I care very little for Quoniam." - -"Who's Quoniam?" - -"The nigger." - -"Oh, very good, that's a funny name you have given him; however, no -matter, you say you care very little for him?" - -"Indeed I do." - -"Then why did you begin the obstinate hunt with dogs and guns?" - -"Through pride." - -"Oh!" the Canadian said, with a start of dissatisfaction. - -"Listen to me, I am a slave dealer." - -"A very ugly trade, by the way," the hunter observed. - -"Perhaps so, but I shall not discuss that point. - -"About a month ago, a large sale was announced at Baton Rouge, of slaves -of both sexes, belonging to a rich gentleman who had died suddenly, and -I proceeded there. Among the slaves exposed for sale was Quoniam. The -rascal is young, active, and vigorous; he has a bold and intelligent -look; so he naturally pleased me at the first glance, and I felt -desirous to buy him. I went up and questioned him; and the scamp -answered me word for word as follows, which put me out of countenance -for a moment, I confess. - -"'Master, I do not advise you to buy me, for I have sworn to be free or -die; whatever you may do to prevent me, I warn you that I shall escape. -Now you can do as you please.' - -"This clear and peremptory declaration piqued me, 'We shall see,' I said -to him, and then went to find the auctioneer. The latter, who was a -friend of mine, dissuaded me from buying Quoniam, giving me reasons, -each better than the other, against doing so. But my mind was made up, -and I stuck to it. Quoniam was knocked down to me for ninety dollars, an -absurd price for a Negro of his age, and built as he is; but no one -would have him at any price. I put irons on him, and took him away, not -to my house, but to the prison, so that I might feel sure he would not -escape. The next day, when I returned to the prison, Quoniam was gone; -he had kept his word. - -"At the end of two days he was caught again; the same evening he was off -once more, and it was impossible for me to discover how he had foiled -the plans I had formed to restrain him. This has been going on for a -month; a week ago he escaped again, and since then I have been in search -of him; despairing of being able to keep him, I got into a passion, and -started after him, this time with my blood-hounds, resolved to finish, -once for all, with this accursed Negro, who constantly slips through my -fingers like a lizard." - -"That is to say," the Canadian remarked, who had listened with interest -to the dealer's story, "you would not have hesitated to kill him." - -"That I should, for the confounded scamp is so crafty; he has so -constantly taken me in, that I have grown to hate him." - -"Listen in your turn, Mr. John Davis; I am not rich, but a long way from -it. What do I need gold or silver, as a man of the desert to whom -Heaven supplies daily food so liberally? This Quoniam, who is so eager -for liberty and the open air, inspires me with a lively interest, and I -wish to try and give him that freedom to which he so persistently -aspires. This is what I propose; I have in my canoe three jaguar skins -and twelve beaver skins, which, if sold at any town of the Union, will -be worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars; take them, -and let all be finished." - -The dealer looked at him with a surprise mingled with a certain degree -of kindliness. - -"You are wrong," he said, presently; "the bargain you offer is too -advantageous for me, and too little so for you. That is not the way to -do business." - -"How does that concern you? I have got it in my head that this man shall -be free." - -"You do not know the ungrateful nature of niggers," the other persisted; -"this one will be in no way grateful to you for what you do for him; on -the contrary, on the first opportunity he will probably give you cause -to repent your good action." - -"That is possible, but it is his business, for I do not ask gratitude of -him; if he shows it, all the better for him; if not, the Lord's will be -done! I act in accordance with my heart, and my reward is in my -conscience." - -"By the Lord, you are a fine fellow, I tell you," the dealer exclaimed, -incapable of restraining himself longer. "It would be all the better if -a fellow could meet with more of your sort. Well, I intend to prove to -you that I am not so bad as you have a right to suppose, after what has -passed between us. I will sign the assignment of Quoniam to you, and I -will only accept in return one tiger skin in remembrance of our -meeting, although," he added, with a grimace, as he pointed to his arm, -"you have already given me another." - -"Done," the Canadian exclaimed, eagerly; "but you must take two skins -instead of one, as I intend to ask of you a rifle, an axe, and a knife, -so that the poor devil we now set at liberty (for you are now halves in -my good deed) may provide for his support." - -"Be it so," the dealer said, good humouredly; "as the scoundrel insists -on being at liberty, let him be, and he can go to the deuce." - -At a sign from his master, one of the servants produced from his game -bag ink, pens, and paper, and drew up on the spot, not a deed of sale, -but a regular ticket of freedom, to which the dealer put his signature, -and which the servants afterwards witnessed. - -"On my word," John Davis exclaimed, "it is possible that from a business -point of view I have done a foolish thing, but, you may believe me or -not, as you like, I never yet felt so satisfied with myself." - -"That is," the Canadian answered, seriously, "because you have to-day -followed the impulses of your heart." - -The Canadian then quitted the platform to go and fetch the skins. A -moment after, he returned with two magnificent jaguar hides, perfectly -intact, which he handed to the dealer. The latter, as was arranged, then -delivered the weapons to him; but a scruple suddenly assailed the -hunter. - -"One moment," he said; "if you give me these weapons, how will you -manage to return to town?" - -"That need not trouble you," John Davis replied; "I left my horse and -people scarce three leagues from here. Besides, we have our pistols, -which we could use if necessary." - -"That is true," the Canadian remarked, "you have therefore nothing to -fear; still, as your wound will not allow you to go so far a-foot, I -will help your servants to prepare you a litter." - -And with that skill, of which he had already supplied so many proofs, -the Canadian manufactured, with branches of trees he cut down with his -hatchet, a litter, on which the two tiger skins were laid. - -"And now," he said, "good bye; perhaps we shall never meet again. We -part, I trust, on better terms than we came together: remember, there is -no trade, however shameful, which an honest man cannot carry on -honourably; when your heart inspires you to do a good action, do not be -deaf to it, but do it without regret, for God will have spoken to you." - -"Thanks," the dealer said, with considerable emotion, "but grant me one -word before we part." - -"Say on." - -"Tell me your name, so that if any day accident brought us together -again, I might appeal to your recollections, as you could to mine." - -"That is true, my name is Tranquil; the wood-rangers, my companions, -have surnamed me the Panther killer." - -And, ere the slave dealer had recovered from the astonishment caused by -this sudden revelation of the name of a man whose renown was universal -on the border, the hunter, after giving him a parting wave of the hand, -bounded from the platform, unfastened his canoe, and paddled vigorously -to the other bank. - -"Tranquil, the Panther-killer," John Davis muttered when he was alone; -"it was truly my good genius which inspired me to make a friend of that -man." - -He lay down on the litter which two of his men raised, and after giving -a parting glance at the Canadian, who at this moment was landing on the -opposite bank, he said:-- - -"Forward!" - -The platform was soon deserted again, the dealer and his men had -disappeared under the covert, and nothing was audible but the gradually -departing growls of the bloodhounds, as they ran on ahead of the little -party. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -BLACK AND WHITE. - - -In the meanwhile, as we have said, the Canadian hunter, whose name we at -length know, had reached the bank of the river where he left the Negro -concealed in the shrubs. - -During the long absence of his defender, the slave could easily have -fled, and that with the more reason, because he had almost the certainty -of not being pursued before a lapse of time, which would have given him -a considerable start on those who were so obstinately bent on capturing -him. - -He had not done so, however, either because the idea of flight did not -appear to him realizable, or because he was too wearied, he had not -stirred from the spot where he sought a refuge at the first moment, and -had remained with his eyes obstinately fixed on the platform, following -with anxious glance the movements of the persons collected on it. - -John Davis had not at all flattered him in the portrait he had drawn of -him to the hunter. Quoniam was really one of the most magnificent -specimens of the African race: twenty-two years of age at the most, he -was tall, well-proportioned and powerfully built; he had wide shoulders, -powerfully developed chest, and well-hung limbs; it was plain that he -combined unequalled strength with far from ordinary speed and lightness; -his features were fine and expressive, his countenance breathed -frankness, his widely opened eyes were intelligent--in short, although -his skin was of the deepest black, and unfortunately, in America, the -land of liberty, that colour is an indelible stigma of servitude, this -man did not seem at all to have been created for slavery, for everything -about him aspired to liberty and that free-will which God has given to -his creatures, and men have tried in vain to tear from them. - -When the Canadian re-entered the canoe, and the American quitted the -platform, a sigh of satisfaction expanded the Negro's chest, for, -without knowing positively what had passed between the hunter and his -old master, as he was too far off to hear what was said, he understood -that, temporarily at least, he had nothing to fear from the latter, and -he awaited with feverish impatience the return of his generous defender, -that he might learn from him what he had henceforth to hope or fear. - -So soon as he reached land, the Canadian pulled his canoe on to the -sand, and walked with a firm and deliberate step toward the spot where -he expected to find the Negro. - -He soon noticed him in a sitting posture, almost at the same spot where -he had left him. - -The hunter could not repress a smile of satisfaction. - -"Ah, ah," he said to him, "there you are, then, friend Quoniam." - -"Yes, master. Did John Davis tell you my name?" - -"As you see; but what are you doing there? Why did you not escape during -my absence?" - -"Quoniam is no coward," he replied, "to escape while another is risking -his life for him. I was waiting ready to surrender myself if the white -hunter's life had been threatened."[1] - -This was said with a simplicity full of grandeur, proving that such was -really the Negro's intention. - -"Good!" the hunter replied, kindly, "I thank you, for your intention was -good; fortunately, your interference was unneeded; but, at any rate, you -acted more wisely by remaining here." - -"Whatever may happen to me, master, be assured that I shall feel ever -grateful to you." - -"All the better for you, Quoniam, for that will prove to me that you are -not ungrateful, which is one of the worst vices humanity is afflicted -by; but be good enough not to call me master again, for it grieves me; -the word implies a degrading inferiority, and besides, I am not your -master, but merely your companion." - -"What other name can a poor slave give you?" - -"My own, hang it. Call me Tranquil, as I call you Quoniam. Tranquil is -not a difficult name to remember, I should think." - -"Oh, not at all," the Negro said with a laugh. - -[Footnote 1: Nothing appears to us so ridiculous as that conventional -jargon Which is placed in the mouth of Negroes; a jargon which, in the -first place, impedes the story, and is moreover false; a double reason -which urges us not to employ it here--all the worse for the local -colouring.--G.A.] - -"Good! That is settled, then; now, let us go to something else, and, in -the first place, take this." - -The hunter drew a paper from his belt, which he handed to the Black. - -"What is this?" the latter asked with a timid glance, for his ignorance -prevented him deciphering it. - -"That?" the hunter said with a smile; "it is a precious talisman, which -makes of you a man like all the rest of us, and removes you from the -animals among which you have been counted up to this day; in a word, it -is a deed by which John Davis, native of South Carolina, slave dealer, -from this day restores to Quoniam his full and entire liberty, to enjoy -it as he thinks proper--or, if you prefer it, it is your deed of -liberation written by your former master, and signed by competent -witnesses, who will stand by you if necessary." - -On hearing these words the Negro turned pale after the fashion of men of -his colour; that is to say, his face assumed a tinge of dirty gray, his -eyes were unnaturally dilated, and for a few seconds he remained -motionless, crushed, incapable of uttering a word or making a movement. - -At length he burst into a loud laugh, leaped up twice or thrice with the -suppleness of a wild beast, and then broke suddenly into tears. - -The hunter attentively watched the Negro's movement, feeling interested -to the highest degree in what he saw, and evidencing each moment a -greater sympathy with this man. - -"Then," the Black at length said, "I am free--truly free?" - -"As free as a man can be," Tranquil replied, with a smile. - -"Now I can come, go, sleep, work, or rest, and no one can prevent me, -and I need not fear the lash?" - -"Quite so." - -"I belong to myself, myself alone? I can act and think like other men? I -am no longer a beast of burthen, which is loaded and harnessed? I am as -good as any other man, white, yellow, or red?" - -"Quite so," the hunter answered, amused and interested at the same time -by these simple questions. - -"Oh!" the Negro said, as he took his head in his hands, "I am free -then--free at last!" - -He uttered these words with a strange accent, which made the hunter -quiver. - -All at once he fell on his knees, clasped his hands, and raised his eyes -to Heaven. - -"My God!" he exclaimed, with an accent of ineffable happiness. "Thou who -canst do all, thou to whom all men are equal, and who dost not regard -their colour to protect and defend them. Thou, whose goodness is -unbounded like thy power; thanks! Thanks! My God, for having drawn me -from slavery, and restored my liberty!" - -After giving vent to this prayer, which was the expression of the -feelings that boiled in his heart, the Negro fell on the ground, and for -some minutes remained plunged in earnest thought. The hunter respected -his silence. - -At length the Negro raised his head again. - -"Listen, hunter," he said. "I have returned thanks to God for my -deliverance, as was my duty; for it was He who inspired you with the -thought of defending me. Now that I am beginning to grow a little -calmer, and feel accustomed to my new condition, be good enough to tell -me what passed between you and my master, that I may know the extent of -the debt I owe you, and that I may regulate my future conduct by it. -Speak, I am listening." - -"What need to tell you a story which can interest you so slightly? You -are free, that ought to be sufficient for you." - -"No, that is not sufficient; I am free, that is true, but how have I -become so? That is what I do not know, and I have the right to ask of -you." - -"The story, I say again, has nothing that can interest you at all; -still, as it may cause you to form a better opinion of the man to whom -you belonged, I will not longer refuse to tell it to you; so listen." - -Tranquil, after this opening, told in all their details the events that -happened between himself and the slave dealer, and when he had finished, -added-- - -"Well, are you satisfied now?" - -"Yes," the Negro replied, who had listened to him with the most -sustained attention. "I know that, next to God, I owe everything to you, -and I will remember it; never will you have to remind me of the debt, -under whatever circumstances we may meet." - -"You owe me nothing, now that you are free; it is your duty to employ -that liberty in the way a man of upright and honest heart should do." - -"I will try not to prove myself unworthy of what God and you have done -for me; I also thank John Davis sincerely for the good feeling that -urged him to listen to your remonstrances; perhaps I may be able to -requite him some day; and, if the opportunity offers, I shall not -neglect it." - -"Good! I like to hear you speak so, for it proves to me that I was not -mistaken about you; and now what do you intend to do?" - -"What advice do you give me?" - -"The question you ask me is a serious one, and I hardly know how to -answer it; the choice of a profession is always a difficult affair, and -must be reflected upon ripely before a decision is formed; in spite of -my desire to be of service to you, I should not like to give you advice, -which you would doubtless follow for my sake, and which might presently -cause you regret. Besides, I am a man whose life since the age of seven -has always been spent in the woods, and I am, consequently, far too -unacquainted with what is called the world to venture to lead you on a -path which I do not know myself." - -"That reasoning seems to me perfectly correct. Still, I cannot remain -here, and must make up my mind to something or other." - -"Do one thing." - -"What is it?" - -"Here are a knife, gun, powder, and bullets; the desert is open before -you, so go and try for a few days the free life of the great solitudes; -during your long hours of hunting you will have leisure to reflect on -the vocation you are desirous to embrace; you will weigh in your mind -the advantages you expect to derive from it, and then, when your mind is -quite made up, you can turn your back on the desert, go back to the -towns, and, as you are an active, honest, and intelligent man, I am -certain you will succeed in whatever calling you may choose." - -The Negro nodded his head several times. - -"Yes," he said, "in what you propose to me there is both good and bad; -that is not exactly what I should wish." - -"Explain yourself clearly, Quoniam; I can see you have something at the -end of your tongue which you do not like to say." - -"That is true; I have not been frank with you, Tranquil, and I was -wrong, as I now see clearly. Instead of asking you hypocritically for -advice, which I did not at all intend to follow, I ought to have told -you honestly my way of thinking, and that would have been altogether -better." - -"Come," the hunter said, laughingly, "speak." - -"Well, really I do not see why I should not tell you what I have on my -heart. If there be a man in the world who takes an interest in me it is -certainly you; and hence, the sooner I know what I have to depend on, -the better: the only life that suits me is that of a wood-ranger. My -instincts and feelings impel me to it; all my attempts at flight, when I -was a slave, tended to that object. I am only a poor Negro, whom his -narrow mind and intelligence would not guide properly in towns, where -man is not valued for what he is worth, but for what he appears. What -use would that liberty, of which I am so proud, appear to me, in a town -where I should have to dispose of it to the first comer, in order to -procure the food and clothing I need? I should only have regained my -liberty to render myself a slave. Hence it is in the desert alone I can -profit by the kindness I owe to you, without fear of ever being impelled -by wretchedness to actions unworthy of a man conscious of his own worth. -Hence it is in the desert I desire henceforth to live, only visiting the -towns to exchange the skins of animals I have killed for powder, -bullets, and clothing. I am young and strong, and the God who has -hitherto protected me will not desert me." - -"You are perhaps right, and I cannot blame you for wishing to follow my -example, when the life I lead seems to me preferable to all others. -Well, now that is all settled, my good Quoniam, we can part, and I wish -you luck; perhaps we shall meet again, sometimes, on the Indian -territory." - -The Negro began laughing, and showed two rows of teeth white as snow, -but made no reply. - -Tranquil threw his rifle on his shoulder, gave him a last friendly sign -of parting, and turned to go back to his canoe. - -Quoniam seized the rifle the hunter had left him, passed the knife -through his girdle, to which he also fastened the horns of powder and -bullets, and then, after a final glance to see he had forgotten nothing, -he followed the hunter, who had already gained a considerable start on -him. - -He caught Tranquil up at the moment he reached his canoe, and was about -to thrust it into the water; at the sound of footsteps, the hunter -turned round. - -"Halloh," he said, "is that you again, Quoniam?" - -"Yes," he answered. - -"What brings you here?" - -"Why," the Negro said, as he buried his fingers in his woolly hair, and -scratched his head furiously, "you forgot something." - -"What was it?" - -"To take me with you." - -"That is true," the hunter said, as he offered him his hand; "forgive -me, brother." - -"Then you consent?" he asked, with ill-restrained joy. - -"Yes." - -"We shall not part again?" - -"It will depend on your will." - -"Oh, then," he exclaimed, with a joyous outburst of laughter, "we shall -be together a long time." - -"Well, be it so," the Canadian went on. "Come; two men, when they have -faith in each other, are very strong in the desert. Heaven, doubtless, -willed that we should meet. Henceforth we shall be brothers." - -Quoniam leaped into the canoe, and gaily caught up the paddles. - -The poor slave had never been so happy; never had the air seemed to him -purer, or nature more lovely--everything smiled on him, and made holiday -for him, for that moment he was about to begin really living the life of -other men, without any bitter afterthought; the past was no more than a -dream. He had found in his defender what so many men seek in vain, -throughout a lengthened existence--a friend, a brother, to whom he could -trust entirely, and from whom he would have no secrets. - -In a few minutes they reached the spot which the Canadian had noticed on -his arrival; this spot, clearly indicated by the two oaks which had -fallen in a cross, formed a species of small sandy promontory, -favourable to the establishment of a night bivouac; for thence not only -could the river be surveyed a long distance up and down, but it was also -easy to watch both banks, and prevent a surprise. - -"We will pass the night here," Tranquil said; "let us carry up the -canoe, so as to shelter our fire." - -Quoniam seized the light skiff, raised it, and placing it on his -muscular shoulders, carried it to the spot his comrade had pointed out. - -In the meanwhile, a considerable period had elapsed since the Canadian -and the Negro met so miraculously. The sun, which had been low when the -hunter doubled the promontory and chased the herons, was now on the -point of disappearing; night was falling rapidly, and the background of -the landscape was beginning to be confused in the shades of night, which -grew momentarily denser. - -The desert was awakening, the hoarse roar of the wild beasts was heard -at intervals, mingled with the miawling of the carcajou, and the sharp -snapping bark of the prairie wolves. - -The hunter chose the driest wood he could find to kindle the fire, in -order that there might be no smoke, and the flame might light up the -vicinity, so as to reveal at once the approach of the dangerous -neighbours whose cries they could hear, and whom thirst would not fail -soon to bring toward them. - -The roasted birds and a few handfuls of pemmican composed the rangers' -supper; a very sober meal, only washed down with water from the river, -but which they ate with good appetite, like men who knew how to -appreciate the value of any food Providence places at their disposal. - -When the last mouthful was swallowed, the Canadian paternally shared his -stock of tobacco with his new comrade, and lit his Indian pipe, in which -he was scrupulously imitated by Quoniam. - -"Now," said Tranquil, "it is as well you should know that an old friend -of mine gave me the meeting at this spot about three months ago; he will -arrive at daybreak to-morrow. He is an Indian Chief, and, although -still very young, enjoys a great reputation in his tribe. I love him as -a brother, and we were, I may say, brought up together. I shall be glad -to see you gain his favour, for he is a wise and experienced man, for -whom desert life possesses no secrets. The friendship of an Indian Chief -is a precious thing to a wood-ranger; remember that. However, I feel -certain you will be good friends at once." - -"I will do all that is required for that. It is sufficient that the -Chief is your friend, for me to desire that he should become mine. Up to -the present, though I have wandered about the woods a long time as a -runaway slave, I have never seen an independent Indian; hence it is -possible that I may commit some awkwardness without my knowledge. But be -assured that it will not happen through any fault of mine." - -"I am convinced of it, so be easy on that head. I will warn the Chief, -who, I fancy, will be as surprised as yourself, for I expect you will be -the first person of your colour he has ever met. But night has now quite -set in; you must be fatigued by the obstinate pursuit you experienced -the whole day, and the powerful emotion you endured: sleep, while I -watch for both, especially as I expect we shall make a long march -to-morrow, and you must be prepared for it." - -The Negro understood the correctness of his friend's remarks, the more -so as he was literally exhausted with fatigue; he had been hunted so -closely by his ex-master's blood-hounds, that for four days he had not -closed his eyes. Hence, laying aside any false shame, he stretched out -his feet to the fire, and slept almost immediately. - -Tranquil remained seated on the canoe with his rifle between his legs, -to be prepared for the slightest alarm, and plunged into deep thought, -while attentively watching the neighbourhood, and pricking his ear at -the slightest noise. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE MANADA. - - -The night was splendid, the dark blue sky was studded with millions of -stars which shed a gentle and mysterious light. - -The silence of the desert was traversed by thousands of melodious and -animated whispers; gleams, flashing through the shadows, ran over the -grass like will-o'-the-wisps. On the opposite bank of the river the old -moss-clad oaks stood out like phantoms, and waved in the breeze their -long branches covered with lichens and lianas; vague sounds ran through -the air, nameless cries emerged from the forest lairs, the gentle -sighing of the wind in the foliage was heard, and the murmur of the -water on the pebbles, and last that inexplicable and unexplained sound -of buzzing life which comes from God, and which the majestic solitude of -the American savannahs renders more imposing. - -The hunter yielded involuntarily to all the puissant influences of the -primitive nature that surrounded him. He felt strengthened and cheered -by it; his being was identified with the sublime scene he surveyed; a -gentle and pensive melancholy fell upon him; so far from men and their -stunted civilization, he felt himself nearer to God, and his simple -faith was heightened by the admiration aroused in him by these secrets -of nature, which were partly unveiled in his presence. - -The soul is expanded, thought enlarged, by contact with this nomadic -life, in which each minute that passes produces new and unexpected -incidents; where at each step man sees the finger of God imprinted in an -indelible manner on the abrupt and grand scenery that surrounds him. - -Hence this existence of danger and privation possesses, for those who -have once essayed it, a nameless charm and intoxication, -incomprehensible joys, which cause it ever to be regretted; for it is -only in the desert man feels that he lives, takes the measure of his -strength, and the secret of his power is revealed to him. - -The hours passed thus rapidly with the hunter, though slumber did not -once close his eyelids. Already the cold morning breeze was curling the -tops of the trees, and rippling the surface of the stream, whose silvery -waters reflected the shadows of its irregular banks; on the horizon -broad pink stripes revealed the speedy dawn of day. The owl, hidden -beneath the foliage, had twice saluted the return of light, with its -melancholy toowhit--it was about three o'clock in the morning. - -Tranquil left the rustic seat on which he had hitherto remained, shook -off the stiffening feeling which had seized on him, and walked a few -paces up and down the sand to restore the circulation in his limbs. - -When a man, we will not say awakes--for the worthy Canadian had not -closed his eyes once during the whole of this long watch--but shakes off -the torpor into which the silence, darkness, and, above all, the -piercing cold of night have plunged him, he requires a few minutes to -regain possession of his faculties, and restore perfect lucidity of -mind. This was what happened to the hunter; still, long habituated as he -had been to desert life, the time was shorter to him than to another, -and he was soon as acute and watchful as he had been on the previous -evening; he therefore prepared to arouse his comrade, who was still -enjoying that good and refreshing sleep which is only shared here below -by children and men whose conscience is void of any evil thought--when -he suddenly stopped, and began listening anxiously. - -From the remote depths of the forest, which formed a thick curtain -behind his camping-place, the Canadian had heard an inexplicable rumour -rise, which increased with every moment, and soon assumed the -proportions of hoarsely-rolling thunder. - -This noise approached nearer; it seemed like sharp and hurried stamping -of hoofs, rustling of trees and branches, hoarse bellowing, which had -nothing human about it; in short, it was a frightful, inexplicable -sound, momentarily growing louder and louder, and yet more confused. - -Quoniam, startled by the strange noise, was standing, rifle in hand, -with his eye fixed on the hunter, ready to act at the first sign, though -unable to account for what was occurring, a prey to that instinctive -terror which assails the bravest man when he feels himself menaced by a -terrible and unknown danger. - -Several minutes passed thus. - -"What is to be done?" Tranquil murmured, hesitatingly, as he tried in -vain to explore the depths of the forest, and account for what was -occurring. - -All at once a shrill whistle was audible a short distance off. - -"Ah," Tranquil exclaimed, with a start of joy as he threw up his head, -"now I shall know what I have to depend on." - -And, placing his fingers in his mouth, he imitated the cry of the heron; -at the same moment a man bounded from the forest, and with two -tiger-like leaps was by the hunter's side. - -"Wah!" he exclaimed, "What is my brother doing here?" - -It was Black-deer, the Indian Chief. - -"I am awaiting you, Chief," the Canadian answered. - -The Redskin was a man of twenty-six to twenty-seven years of age, of -middle height, but admirably proportioned. He wore the great war-garb of -his nation, and was painted and armed as if on the war-trail; his face -was handsome, his features intelligent, and his whole countenance -indicated bravery and kindness. - -At this moment he seemed suffering from an agitation, the more -extraordinary because the Redskins make it a point of honour never to -appear affected by any event, however terrible in its nature; his eyes -flashed fire, his words were quick and harsh, and his voice had a -metallic accent. - -"Quick," he said, "we have lost too much time already." - -"What is the matter?" Tranquil asked. - -"The buffaloes!" said the Chief. - -"Oh! oh!" Tranquil exclaimed, in alarm. - -He understood all; the noise he had heard for some time past was -occasioned by a _manada_ of buffaloes, coming from the east, and -probably proceeding to the higher western prairies. - -What the hunter so quickly comprehended requires to be briefly explained -to the reader, in order that he may understand to what a terrible -danger our characters were suddenly exposed. - -Manada is the name given in the old Spanish possessions to an assemblage -of several thousand wild animals. Buffaloes, in their periodical -migrations during the pairing season, collect at times in manadas of -fifteen and twenty thousand animals, forming a compact herd; and -travelling together, they go straight onwards, closely packed together, -leaping over everything, and overthrowing every obstacle that opposes -their passage. Woe to the rash man who would attempt to check or change -the direction of their mad course, for he would be trampled like a wisp -of straw beneath the feet of these stupid animals, which would pass over -him without even noticing him. - -The position of the three hunters was consequently extremely critical, -for hazard had placed them exactly in front of a manada, which was -coming towards them at lightning speed. - -Flight was impossible, and could not be thought of, while resistance was -more impossible still. - -The noise approached with fearful rapidity; already the savage bellowing -of the buffaloes could be distinctly heard, mingled with the barking of -the prairie wolves; and the shrill miauls of the jaguars which dashed -along on the flanks of the manada, chasing the laggards or those that -imprudently turned to the right or left. - -Within a quarter of an hour all would be over; the hideous avalanche -already appeared, sweeping away all in its passage with that -irresistible brute force which nothing can overcome. - -We repeat it, the position was critical. - -Black-deer was proceeding to the meeting place; he had himself -indicated to the Canadian hunter, and was not more than three or four -leagues from the spot where he expected to find him, when his practised -ear caught the sound of the mad chase of the buffaloes. Five minutes had -sufficed for him to recognize the imminence of the danger his friend -incurred; with that rapidity of decision which characterizes Redskins in -extreme cases, he had resolved to warn his friend, and to save or perish -with him. He had then rushed forward, leaping with headlong speed over -the space that separated him from the place of meeting, having only one -thought, that of distancing the manada, so that the hunter might escape. -Unhappily, however quickly he went--and the Indians are remarkable for -their fabulous agility--he had not been able to arrive soon enough to -save his friend. - -"When the Chief, after warning the hunter, recognized the futility of -his efforts, a sudden change took place in him. His features reassumed -their old stoicism; a sad smile played round his mocking lips, and he -sank to the ground, muttering, in a hollow voice-- - -"The Wacondah would not permit it." - -But Tranquil did not accept the position with the same resignation and -fatalism, for he belonged to that race of energetic men whose powerful -character causes them to struggle to their dying breath. - -When he saw that the Redskin, with the fatalism peculiar to his race, -gave up the contest for life, he resolved to make a supreme effort, and -attempt impossibilities. - -About twenty yards in front of the spot where the hunter had established -his bivouac, were several trees lying on the ground, dead, and, as it -were, piled on each other; then, behind this species of breastwork a -clump of five or six oaks grew, isolated from all the rest, and formed a -sort of oasis in the midst of the sand on the river bank. - -"Quick!" the hunter shouted. "Quoniam, pick up as much dead wood as you -can find, and come here. Chief, do the same." - -The two men obeyed without comprehending, but reassured by their -comrade's coolness. - -In a few minutes a considerable pile of dead wood was piled over the -fallen oaks. - -"Good!" the hunter exclaimed; "By Heaven! All is not lost yet--take -courage!" - -Then, carrying to this improvised bonfire the remains of the fire he had -lit at his bivouac, to defeat the night cold, he enlarged the flames -with resinous matters, and in less than five minutes a large column rose -whirling to the clouds, and soon formed a dense curtain more than ten -yards in width. - -"Back! back!" the hunter then shouted,--"follow me." - -Black-deer and Quoniam dashed after him. - -The Canadian did not go far; on reaching the clump of trees we have -alluded to, he clambered up the largest with unparalleled skill and -agility, and soon he and his comrades found themselves perched a height -of fifty feet in the air, comfortably lodged on strong branches, and -completely concealed by the foliage. - -"There," the Canadian said, with the utmost coolness, "this is our last -resource; so soon as the column appears, fire at the leaders; if the -flash startles the buffaloes, we are saved; if not, we shall only have -death to await. But, at any rate, we shall have done all that was -humanly possible to save our lives." - -The fire kindled by the hunter had assumed gigantic proportions; it had -extended from tree to tree, lighting up the grass and shrubs, and though -too remote from the forest to kindle it, it soon formed a curtain of -flames nearly a quarter of a mile in length, whose reddish gleam tinged -the sky for a long distance, and gave the landscape a character of -striking and savage grandeur. - -From the spots where the hunters had sought shelter they commanded this -ocean of flame, which could not reach them, and completely hovered over -its furnace. - -All at once a terrible crash was heard, and the vanguard of the manada -appeared on the skirt of the forest. - -"Look out!" the hunter shouted, as he shouldered his rifle. - -The buffaloes, startled by the sight of this wall of flame that rose -suddenly before them, dazzled by the glare, and at the same time burned -by its extreme heat, hesitated for an instant, as if consulting, but -then rushed forward with blind fury, and uttering snorts of fury. - -Three shots were fired. - -The three leading buffaloes fell and rolled in the agonies of death. - -"We are lost!" Tranquil said, coldly. - -The buffaloes still advanced. - -But soon the heat became insupportable; the smoke, driven in the -direction of the manada by the wind, blinded the animals; then a -reaction was effected; there was a delay, soon followed by a recoil. - -The hunters, with panting breasts, followed anxiously the strange -interludes of this terrible scene. A question of life or death for them -was being decided at this moment, and their existence only hung on a -thread. - -In the meanwhile the mass still pushed onward. The animals that led the -manada could not resist the pressure of those that followed them; they -were thrown down and trampled underfoot by the rear, but the latter, -assailed in their turn by the heat, also tried to turn back. At this -moment some of the buffaloes diverged to the right and left; this was -enough, the others followed them: two currents were established on -either side the fire, and the manada cut in two, overflowed like a -torrent that has burst its dykes, rejoining on the bank, and crossing -the stream in close column. - -Terrible was the spectacle presented by this manada flying in horror, -pursued by wild beasts, and enclosing, amid its ranks, the fire kindled -by the hunter, and which seemed like a gloomy lighthouse intended to -indicate the track. - -They soon plunged into the stream, which they crossed in a straight -line, and their long serried columns glided up the other bank, where the -head of the manada speedily disappeared. - -The hunters were saved by the coolness and presence of mind of the -Canadian; still, for nearly two hours longer, they remained Concealed -among the branches that sheltered them. - -The buffaloes continued to pass on their right and left. The fire had -gone out through lack of nourishment, but the direction had been given, -and, on reaching the fire, which was now but a pile of ashes, the column -separated of its own accord into two parts. - -At length, the rearguard made its appearance, harassed by the jaguars -that leaped on their back and flank, and then all was over. The desert, -whose silence had been temporarily disturbed, fell back into its usual -calmness, and merely a wide track made through the heart of the forest, -and covered with fallen trees, testified to the furious passage of this -disorderly herd. - -The hunters breathed again; now they could without danger leave their -airy fortress, and go back again to earth. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -BLACK-DEER. - - -So soon as the three rangers descended, they collected the scattered -logs, in order to rekindle the fire over which they would cook their -breakfast. - -As there was no lack of provisions, they had no occasion to draw on -their own private resources; several buffaloes that lay lifeless on the -ground offered them the most succulent meal known in the desert. - -While Tranquil was engaged in getting a buffalo hump ready, the Black -and Redskin examined each other with a curiosity revealed in -exclamations of surprise from both sides. - -The Negro laughed like a maniac on remarking the strange appearance of -the Indian warrior, whose face was painted of four different colours, -and who wore a costume so strange in the eyes of Quoniam; for that -worthy, as he himself said, had never before come in contact with -Indians. - -The other manifested his astonishment in a different way: after standing -for a long time motionless, and watching the Negro, he walked up to him, -and not uttering a word, seized Quoniam's arm, and began rubbing it with -all his strength with the skirt of his buffalo robe. - -The Negro, who at the outset readily indulged the Indian's whims, soon -began to grow impatient; he tried at first to liberate himself, but was -unable to succeed, for the Chief held him firmly, and conscientiously -went on with his singular operation. In the meanwhile, the Negro, whom -this continued rubbing was beginning not merely to annoy, but cause -terrible suffering, began uttering frequent yells, while making the most -tremendous efforts to escape from his pitiless torturer. - -Tranquil's attention was aroused by Quoniam's cries; he threw up his -head smartly, and ran up at full speed to deliver the Negro, who was -rolling his eyes in terror, leaping from one side to the other, and -yelling like a condemned man. - -"Why does my brother torture that man so?" the Canadian asked as he -interposed. - -"I?" the Chief asked in surprise, "I am not torturing him; his disguise -is not necessary, so I am removing it." - -"What! My disguise?" Quoniam shouted. - -Tranquil made him a sign to be silent. - -"This man is not disguised," he continued. - -"Why, then, has he painted all his body in this way?" the Chief asked -obstinately, "Warriors only paint their face." - -The hunter could not repress a burst of laughter. - -"My brother is mistaken," he said, so soon as he recovered his -seriousness; "this man belongs to a separate race; the Wacondah has -given him a black skin, in the same way as he made my brother's red, and -mine white; all the brothers of this man are of his colour; the great -Spirit has willed it so, in order that they may not be confused with the -Redskin nations and the Palefaces; if my brother look at his buffalo -robe, he will see that not the least bit of black has come off on it." - -"Wah!" the Indian said, letting his head sink, like a man placed before -an insoluble problem; "the Wacondah can do everything!" - -And he mechanically obeyed the hunter by taking a peep at the tail of -his robe, which he had not yet thought of letting go. - -"Now," Tranquil went on, "be kind enough to regard this man as a friend, -and do for him what you would do, if wanted, for me, and I shall feel -under the greatest obligations to you." - -The Chief bowed gracefully, and held out his hand to the Negro. - -"The words of my brother the hunter warble in my ears with the sweetness -of the song of the _centzontle,"_ he said. "Black-deer is a Sachem of -his nation, his tongue is not forked, and the words his chest breathes -are clear, for they come from his heart; Black-face will have his place -at the Council fire of the Pawnees, for from this moment he is the -friend of a Chief." - -Quoniam bowed to the Indian, and warmly returned the pressure of his -hand. - -"I am only a poor black," he said, "but my heart is pure, and the blood -is as red in my veins as if I were Indian or white; both of you have a -right to ask my life of me, and I will give it you joyfully." - -After this mutual exchange of assurances of friendship, the three men -sat down on the ground, and began their breakfast. - -Owing to the excitement of the morning, the three adventurers had a -ferocious appetite; they did honour to the buffalo hump, which -disappeared almost entirely before their repeated attacks, and which -they washed down with a few horns of water mixed with rum, of which -liquor Tranquil had a small stock in a gourd, hanging from his waist -belt. - -When the meal was ended, pipes were lighted, and each began smoking, -silently, with the gravity peculiar to men who live in the woods. - -When the Chief's pipe was ended, he shook out the ashes on his left -thumbnail, passed the stem through his belt, and turned to Tranquil, - -"Will my brothers hold a council?" he asked. - -"Yes," the Canadian answered: "when I left you on the Upper Missouri, at -the end of the Moon of the burned fruit (July), you gave me the meeting -at the creek of the dead oaks of the Elk River, on the tenth day of the -Moon of the falling leaves (September), two hours before sunrise: both -of us were punctual, and I am now waiting till it please you to explain -to me, Chief, why you gave me this meeting." - -"My brother is correct, Black-deer will speak." - -After uttering these words, the Indian's face seemed to grow dark, and -he fell into a profound reverie, which his comrades respected by -patiently waiting till he spoke again. - -At length, after about a quarter of an hour, the Indian Chief passed his -hand over his brow several times, raised his head, took a searching -glance around, and made up his mind to speak, though in a low and -restrained voice, as if, even on the desert, he feared lest his words -might fall on hostile ears. - -"My brother the hunter has known me since child-hood," he said, "for he -was brought up by the Sachems of my nation: hence I will say nothing of -myself. The great Paleface hunter has an Indian heart in his breast; -Black-deer will speak to him as a brother to a brother. Three moons ago, -the Chief was following with his friend the elks and the deer on the -prairies of the Missouri, when a Pawnee warrior arrived at full speed, -took the Chief aside, and spoke with him privately for long hours; does -my brother remember this?" - -"Perfectly, Chief; I remember that after the conversation Blue Fox, for -that was the name of the Chief, set off as rapidly as he had come, and -my brother, who till then had been gay and cheerful, became suddenly -sad. In spite of the questions I addressed to my brother he could not -tell me the cause of this sudden grief, and on the morrow, at sunrise, -he left me, giving me the meeting here for this day." - -"Yes," the Indian said, "that is exact. Things happened so; but what I -could not then tell, I will now impart to my brother." - -"My ears are open," the hunter replied, with a bow. "I fear that, -unfortunately, my brother has only bad news to tell me." - -"My brother shall judge," he said. "This is what Blue Fox came to tell -me. One day a Paleface of the Long Knives of the West arrived on the -banks of Elk River, where stood the village of the Snake Pawnees, -followed by some thirty warriors of the Palefaces, several women, and -large medicine lodges, drawn by buffaloes without humps or manes. This -Paleface halted two arrow shots' lengths from the village of my nation, -on the opposite bank, lit his fires, and camped. My father, as my -brother knows, was the first sachem of the tribe. He mounted his horse -and, followed by several warriors, crossed the river and presented -himself to the stranger, in order to bid him welcome on the hunting -grounds of our nation, and offer him the refreshments he might have need -of. - -"This Paleface was a man of lofty stature, with harsh and marked -features. The snow of several winters had whitened his scalp. He began -laughing at my father's words, and replied to him--'Are you the chief of -the Redskins of this village?' 'Yes,' said my father. Then the Paleface -took from his clothes a great necklace, on which strange figures were -drawn, and showing it to my father, said, 'Your Pale Grandfather of the -United States has given me the property in all the land stretching from -Antelope's Fall to Buffalo Lake. This,' he added, as he struck the -necklace with the back of his hand, 'proves my title.' - -"My father and the warriors who accompanied him burst into a laugh. - -"'Our Pale Grandfather,' he answered, 'cannot give what does not belong -to him. The land of which you speak has been the hunting ground of my -nation ever since the great tortoise came out of the sea to support the -world on its shell.' - -"'I do not understand what you say to me,' the Paleface continued. 'I -only know that this land has been given to me; and that, if you do not -consent to withdraw and leave me to the full enjoyment of it, I possess -the means to compel you.'" - -"Yes," Tranquil interrupted, "such is the system of those men--murder -and rapine." - -"My father retired," the Indian continued, "under the blow of this -threat. The warriors immediately took up arms, the women were hidden in -a cave, and the tribe prepared for resistance. The next morning, at -daybreak, the Palefaces crossed the river and attacked the village. The -fight was long and obstinate. It lasted the whole period contained -between two suns. But what could poor Indians do against Palefaces armed -with rifles? They were conquered and forced to take to flight. Two hours -later, their village was reduced to ashes, and the bones of their -ancestors cast to the four winds. My father was killed in the battle." - -"Oh!" the Canadian exclaimed, sadly. - -"That is not all," the Chief went on. "The Palefaces discovered the cave -where the women of my tribe were sheltered; and nearly all--for about a -dozen contrived to escape with their papooses--were coldly massacred, -with all the refinements of the most horrible barbarity." - -After uttering these words, the Chief hid his head on his buffalo robe, -and his comrades heard the sobs he tried in vain to stifle. - -"Such," he went on a moment later, "was the news Blue Fox communicated -to me. 'My father died in his arms, leaving his vengeance as my -inheritance. My brothers, pursued like wild beasts by their ferocious -enemies, and compelled to hide themselves in the most impenetrable -forests, had elected me as Chief. I accepted, making the warriors of my -nation swear to avenge themselves on the Palefaces, who had seized our -village and massacred our brothers. Since our parting, I have not lost a -moment in collecting all the means of revenge. To-day all is ready. The -Palefaces have gone to sleep in a deceitful security, and their -awakening shall be terrible. Will my brother follow me?'" - -"Yes, by Heaven! I will follow you, Chief, and help you with all my -ability," Tranquil answered, resolutely, "for your cause is just; but -on one condition." - -"My brother can speak." - -"The law of the desert says, 'Eye for eye and tooth for tooth,' it is -true; but you can avenge yourself without dishonouring your victory by -useless barbarity. Do not follow the example given you, but be humane, -Chief; and the Great Spirit will smile on your efforts and be favourable -to you." - -"Black-deer is not cruel," the Chief answered. "He leaves that to the -Palefaces. He only wishes to be just." - -"What you say is noble, Chief; and I am happy to hear you speak thus; -but are your measures well taken? Is your force large enough to ensure -success? You know that the Palefaces are numerous, and never allow one -aggressor to pass unpunished. Whatever may happen, you have to expect -terrible reprisals." - -The Indian smiled disdainfully. "The Long Knives of the West are -cowardly dogs and rabbits. The squaws of the Pawnees will make them -petticoats," he answered. "Black-deer will go with his tribe to settle -on the great prairies of the Comanches, who will receive them as -brothers, and the Palefaces of the West will not know where to find -them." - -"That is a good idea, Chief; but, since you have been driven from your -village, have you not kept spies round the Americans, in order to be -informed of their actions? that was important for the success of your -further plans." - -Black-deer smiled, but made no other answer, whence the Canadian -concluded that the Redskin had, with the sagacity and prudence which -characterize his race, taken all the necessary precautions to insure -the success of the blow he was about to deal at the new clearing. - -Tranquil, owing to his semi-Indian education, and the hereditary hatred -which, as a true Canadian, he bore to the Anglo-Saxon race, was -perfectly well inclined to help the Pawnee Chief in taking an exemplary -vengeance on the Americans for the insults he had received at their -hands; but with that correctness of judgment which formed the basis of -his character, he did not wish to let the Indians indulge in those -atrocious cruelties, to which they only too often yield in the first -intoxication of victory. Hence the determination he formed had a double -object--in the first place, to insure as far as he could the success of -his friends, and, secondly, to employ all the influence he possessed -over them, to restrain them after the battle, and prevent them satiating -their vengeance on the conquered, and, above all, on the women and -children. - -As we have seen, he did not attempt to conceal his object from -Black-deer, and laid down as the first condition of his co-operation, -which the Indians would be delighted to receive, that no unnecessary -cruelty should be committed. - -Quoniam, for his part, did not make any stipulation; a natural enemy of -the Whites, and specially of the North Americans, he eagerly seized the -occasion of dealing them as much injury as possible, and avenging -himself for the ill treatment he had experienced, without taking the -trouble to reflect that the people he was about to fight were innocent -in the matter of his wrong; these individuals were North Americans, and -that reason was more than sufficient to justify, in the sight of the -vindictive Negro, the conduct he proposed to carry out when the moment -arrived. - -After a few minutes the Canadian spoke again. - -"Where are your warriors?" he asked the Chief. - -"I left them three suns' march from the spot where we now are; if my -brother has nothing to keep him longer here, we will set out -immediately, in order to join them as soon as possible, for my return is -impatiently expected by the warriors." - -"Let us go," the Canadian said; "the day is not yet far advanced, and it -is needless for us to waste our time in chattering like curious old -women." - -The three men rose, drew on their belts, walked hastily along the path -formed by the manada through the forest, and soon disappeared under its -covert. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE CLAIM. - - -We will now leave our three travellers for a while, and employing our -privilege of narrator, transfer the scene of our story a few hundred -miles away, to a rich and verdant valley of the Upper Missouri, that -majestic river, with its bright and limpid waters, on the banks of which -now stand so many flourishing towns and villages, and which magnificent -steamboats furrow in every direction, but which, at the period when our -story opens, was almost unknown, and only reflected in the mirror of its -waters the lofty and thick frondage of the gloomy and mysterious virgin -forests that covered its banks. - -At the extremity of a fork, formed by two rather large affluents of the -Missouri, stretches out a vast valley, bordered on one side by abrupt -mountains, and on the other by a long line of wooded hills. - -This valley, almost entirely covered with thick forests, full of game of -every description, was a favourite gathering-place of the Pawnee -Indians, a numerous tribe of whom, the Snakes, had established their -abode in the angle of the fork, in order to be nearer their -hunting-grounds. The Indian village was rather large, for it counted -nearly three hundred and fifty fires, which is enormous for Redskins, -who usually do not like to collect in any considerable number, through -fear of suffering from famine. But the position of the village was so -well chosen, that in this instance the Indians had gone out of their -usual course; in fact, on one side the forest supplied them with more -game than they could consume; on the other, the river abounded with -deliciously tasted fish of every description; while the surrounding -prairies were covered throughout the year with a tall close grass, that -supplied excellent pasturage for their horses. - -For several centuries the Snake Pawnees had been settled in this happy -valley, which, owing to its sheltered position on all sides, enjoyed a -soft climate, exempt from those great atmospheric perturbations which so -frequently disturb the high American latitudes. The Indians lived there -quiet and unknown, occupying themselves with hunting and fishing, and -sending annually small bodies of their young men to follow the -war-trail, under the most renowned chiefs of the nation. - -All at once this peaceful existence was hopelessly disturbed; murder and -arson spread like a sinister winding-sheet over the valley; the village -was utterly destroyed, and the inhabitants were pitilessly massacred. - -The North Americans had at length gained knowledge of this unknown Eden, -and, in their usual way announced their presence on this remote nook of -earth, and their taking possession of it by theft, rapine, and -assassination. - -We will not repeat here the story Black-deer told the Canadian, but -confine ourselves to the assertion that it was in every point true, and -that the Chief, in telling it, far from rendering it more gloomy by -emphatic exaggeration, had, on the contrary, toned it down with uncommon -justice and impartiality. - -We will enter this valley three months after the arrival of the -Americans which proved so fatal to the Redskins, and describe, in a few -words, the way in which they formerly had established themselves on the -territory from which they so cruelly expelled the legitimate owners. - -Hardly had they become uncontested owners of the soil, than they -commenced what is called a clearing. - -The government of the United States had, about forty years ago, and -probably still has, a habit of requiting the services of old officers, -by making them concessions of land on those frontiers of the Republic -most threatened by the Indians. This custom had the double advantage of -gradually extending the limits of the American territory by driving back -the Indians into the desert, and of not abandoning in their old days -soldiers who during the greater portion of their life had shed their -blood nobly for their country. - -Captain James Watt was the son of an officer who distinguished himself -in the war of Independence. Colonel Lionel Watt, aide-de-camp to -Washington, had fought by the side of that celebrated founder of the -Republic in all the battles against the English. Seriously wounded at -the siege of Boston, he had been, to his great regret, compelled to -retire into private life; but, faithful to his principles, so soon as -his son James reached his twentieth year, he made him take his place -under the flag. - -At the period when we bring him on the scene, James Watt was a man of -about five-and-forty, although he appeared at least ten years older, -owing to the incessant fatigue of the exacting profession in which his -youth had been passed. - -He was a man of five feet eight, powerfully built, with broad shoulders, -dry, muscular, and endowed with an iron health; his face, whose lines -were extremely rigid, was imprinted with that expression of energetic -will, blended with carelessness, which is peculiar to those men whose -existence has been only one continual succession of dangers surmounted. -His short grey hair, his bronzed complexion, black and piercing eyes, -his well-chiselled mouth, gave his face an expression of inflexible -severity, which was not deficient in grandeur. - -Captain Watt, who had been married for two years past to a charming -young lady he adored, was father of two children, a son and daughter. - -His wife, Fanny by name, was a distant relation of his. She was a -brunette, with exquisite blue eyes, and was most gentle and modest. -Although much younger than her husband, for she was not yet -two-and-twenty, Fanny felt for him the deepest and sincerest affection. - -When the old soldier found himself a father, and began to experience the -intimate joys of a family life, a revolution was effected in him; he -suddenly took a disgust to his profession, and only desired the tranquil -joys of home. - -James Watt was one of those men with whom it is only one step from the -conception to the execution of a plan. Hence, no sooner had the idea of -retiring from the service occurred to him than he at once carried it -out, resisting all the objections and remonstrances his friends raised. - -Still, although the Captain was inclined to retire into private life, he -did not mean to put off military harness and assume a citizen's coat. -The monotonous life of Union towns had nothing very seductive for an old -soldier, for whom excitement and movement had been the normal condition -almost from his birth. - -Consequently, after ripe reflection, he stopped half way, which, in his -opinion, would remedy the excessive simplicity and peace a citizen life -might have for him. - -This was to be effected by asking for a claim on the Indian border, -clearing it with the help of his servants, and living there happy and -busy, like a mediaeval lord among his vassals. - -This idea pleased the Captain the more, because he fancied that in this -way he should still be serving his country, as he would lay the -foundation of future prosperity, and develop the first traces of -civilization in a district still given up to all the horrors of -barbarity. - -The Captain had long been engaged with his company in defending the -frontier of the Union against the incessant depredations of the -Redskins, and preventing their incursions; hence he had a -knowledge--superficial it is true, but sufficient--of Indian manners, -and the means he must employ not to be disturbed by these restless -neighbours. - -During the course of the numerous expeditions which the service had -compelled him to make, the Captain had visited many fertile valleys, -and many territories, the appearance of which had pleased him; but there -was one above all, the memory of which had been obstinately engraved on -his mind--a delicious valley he had seen one day as in a dream, after a -hunting expedition, made in company of a wood-ranger--an excursion which -lasted three weeks, and had insensibly taken him further into the desert -than ever civilized man had gone before. - -Though he had not seen this valley again for more than twenty years, he -remembered it as if he had seen it but yesterday--recalling it, as it -were, in its minutest details. And this obstinacy of his memory in -constantly bringing before him this nook of earth, had ended by -affecting the Captain's imagination to such a degree, that when he -resolved to leave the service and ask for a claim, it was to this place -and no other that he was determined to go. - -James Watt had numerous friends in the offices of the Presidency; -besides, the services of his father and himself spoke loudly in his -favour: hence he experienced no difficulty in obtaining the claim he -requested. - -Several plans were shewn him, drawn up by order of government, and he -was invited to select the territory that suited him best. - -But the Captain had chosen the one he wanted long before; he rejected -the plans shewn him, produced from his pocket a wide slip of tanned elk -hide, unrolled it, and shewed it to the Commissioner of Claims, telling -him he wanted this, and no other. - -The Commissioner was a friend of the Captain, and could not refrain from -a start of terror on hearing his request. - -This claim was situated in the heart of the Indian territory, more than -four hundred miles from the American border. The Captain wished to -commit an act of madness, of suicide; it would be impossible for him to -hold his ground among the warlike tribes that would surround him on all -sides; a month would not elapse ere he would be piteously massacred, as -must be his family and those servants who were mad enough to follow him. - -To all these objections, which his friend piled up one atop of the -other, in order to make him change his opinion, the Captain only replied -by a shake of the head, accompanied by a smile, which proved that his -mind was irrevocably made up. - -At length, the Commissioner being driven into his last intrenchments, -told him point-blank that it was impossible to grant him this claim, as -the territory belonged to the Indians, and, moreover, a tribe had built -its village there since time immemorial. - -The Commissioner had kept this argument to the last, feeling convinced -that the Captain could find no answer, and would be compelled to change, -or, at least, modify his plans. - -He was mistaken; the worthy Commissioner was not so well acquainted with -his friend's character as he might fancy. - -The latter, not at all affected by the triumphant gesture with which the -Commissioner concluded his speech, coolly drew from another pocket a -second slip of tanned deer-hide, which he handed his friend, without -saying a word. - -The latter took it with an inquiring glance, but the Captain merely -nodded to him to look at it. - -The Commissioner unrolled it with marked hesitation; from the old -soldier's behaviour he suspected that this document contained a -peremptory answer. - -In fact, he had scarce looked at it, ere he threw it on the table with a -violent movement of ill humour. - -This slip of deer-skin contained the sale of the valley and the -surrounding territory made by Itsichaiche or Monkey-face, one of the -principal sachems of the Snake Pawnees, in his name and that of the -other chiefs of the nation, in exchange for fifty muskets, fourteen -dozen scalping-knives, sixty pounds of gunpowder, sixty pounds of -bullets, two barrels of whisky, and twenty-three complete militia -uniforms. - -Each of the chiefs had placed his hieroglyphic at the foot of the deed, -beneath that of Monkey-face. - -We will say at once that this deed was false, and the Captain in the -affair was the perfect dupe of Monkey-face. - -This chief, who had been expelled from the tribe of Snake Pawnees for -various causes, as we shall reveal at the proper moment, had forged the -deed, first to rob the Captain, and next to avenge himself on his -countrymen; for he knew perfectly well that if the Captain received -authority from his government he would seize the valley, whatever the -consequences of this spoliation might be. The only condition the Captain -made was, that the Redskin should act as his guide, which he consented -to do without any hesitation. - -When the deed of sale was laid before him, the Commissioner was forced -to confess himself beaten, and _nolens volens_ grant the authority so -obstinately solicited by the Captain. - -When all the documents were duly registered, signed, and sealed, the -Captain began his preparations for departure without further delay. - -Mrs. Watts loved her husband too well to offer any objections to the -execution of his plans. Brought up herself on a clearing at no great -distance from the Indian border, she had become familiarized with the -savages, whom the habit of constantly seeing caused her no longer to -fear them; besides, she cared little where she lived, so long as she had -her husband by her side. - -Quite calm as regarded his wife, the Captain therefore set to work with -all that feverish activity which distinguished him. - -America is a land of prodigies; it is, perhaps, the only country in the -world where it is possible to find between to-day and the morrow the men -and things indispensable for carrying out the maddest and most eccentric -projects. - -The Captain did not deceive himself in the slightest as to the probable -consequences of the resolution he had formed; hence he wished, as far as -was possible, to guard against any eventualities, and ensure the -security of the persons who would accompany him to his claim, the first -among these being his wife and children. - -His selection, however, did not take him long: among his old comrades -many wished for nothing better than to follow him, at the head of them -being an old sergeant of the name of Walter Bothrel, who had served -under him for more than fifteen years, and who, at the first news of his -Chief's retirement, went to him and said that as his Captain was leaving -the service, he did not care to remain in it, and the only favour he -asked was leave to accompany him wherever he went. - -Bothrel's offer was gladly accepted by the Captain, for he knew the -value of the sergeant, who was a sort of bull-dog for fidelity, a man -of tried courage, and one on whom he could entirely count. - -To the sergeant Captain Watt entrusted the duty of enrolling the -detachment of hunters he intended to take with him, in order to defend -the new colony, if the Redskins took it into their head to attack it. - -Bothrel carried out his instructions with the intelligent consciousness -he displayed in all matters, and he soon found in the Captain's own -company thirty resolute and devoted men, only too glad to follow the -fortunes of their ex-Chief, and attach themselves to him. - -On his side, the Captain had engaged some fifteen workmen of every -description, blacksmiths, carpenters, &c., who signed an undertaking to -serve him five years, after which they would become tenants at a small -rental of farms the Captain would give them, and which would become -their own property on the expiration of a further term of years. - -All the preparations being at length terminated, the colonists, -amounting to fifty men, and about a dozen females, at length set out for -the claim in the middle of May, taking with them a long pile of waggons -loaded with stores of every description, and a large herd of cattle, -intended to provision the colony, as well as for breeding purposes. - -Monkey-face acted as guide, as had been arranged. To do the Indian the -justice due to him, we will say that he conscientiously performed the -duty he undertook; and that during a journey of nearly three months -across a desert infested by wild beasts and traversed in every direction -by Indian hordes, he managed to save those he led from the majority of -the dangers that menaced them at each step. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -MONKEY-FACE. - - -We have seen in what summary manner the Captain seized on the territory -conceded to him. We will now explain how he established himself there, -and the precautions he took not to be disturbed by the Indians he had so -brutally dispossessed, and who, he judged from his knowledge of their -vindictive character, would probably not yet consider themselves beaten, -but might begin at any moment the attempt to take a sanguinary and -terrible vengeance for the insults put upon them. - -The fight with the Indians had been rude and obstinate, but, thanks to -Monkey-face, who revealed to the Captain the weakest points of the -village, and especially the superiority of the American fire-arms, the -Indians were at length compelled to take to flight, and abandon all they -possessed to the conquerors. - -It was a wretched booty, consisting only of animal skins, and a few -vessels made of coarse clay. - -The Captain, no sooner master of the place, began his work, and laid the -foundation stone of the new colony; for he understood the necessity of -protecting himself as quickly as possible against a _coup-de-main_. - -The site of the village was completely freed from the ruins that -encumbered it; the labourers then began levelling the ground, and -digging a ditch six yards wide, and four deep, which was connected on -one side by means of a drain with the affluent of the Missouri, on the -other with the river itself; behind this ditch, and on the wall formed -of the earth dug out of it, a line of stakes was planted, twelve feet -high, and fastened together by iron bands, almost invisible interstices -being left, through which a rifle barrel could be thrust and discharged -under covert. In this entrenchment a gate was made large enough for a -waggon to pass, and which communicated with the exterior by a -drawbridge, which was pulled up at sunset. - -These preliminary precautions taken, an extent of about four thousand -square yards was thus surrounded by water, and defended by palisades on -all sides, excepting on the face turned to the Missouri, for the width -and depth of that river offered a sufficient guarantee of security. - -It was in the free space to which we have just alluded, that the Captain -began building the houses and offices for the colony. - -At the outset these buildings were to be made of wood, as is usually the -case in all clearings, that is to say, of trees with the bark left on -them; and there was no lack of wood, for the forest was scarce a hundred -yards from the colony. - -The works were pushed on with such activity, that two months after the -Captain's arrival at the spot all the buildings were finished, and the -interior arrangements almost completed. - -In the centre of the colony, on an elevation made for the purpose, a -species of octagonal tower, about seventy feet in height, was erected, -of which the roof was flat, and which was divided into three storeys. At -the bottom were the kitchen and offices, while the upper rooms were -allotted to the members of the family, that is to say, the Captain and -his lady, the two nursemaids, young and hearty Kentuckians, with rosy -and plump cheeks, called Betsy and Emma; Mistress Margaret, the cook, a -respectable matron entering on her ninth lustre, though she only -confessed to five-and-thirty, and still had some pretence to beauty, -and, lastly, to Sergeant Bothrel. This tower was closed with a stout -iron-lined door, and in the centre was a wicket to reconnoitre visitors. - -About ten yards from the tower, and communicating with it by a -subterraneous passage, were the log huts of the hunters, the workmen, -the neatherds, and labourers. - -After these, again came the stables and cow houses. - -In addition, scattered here and there, were large barns and granaries -intended to receive the produce of the colony. - -But all these different buildings were arranged so as to be isolated, -and so far from each other, that in the event of fire, the loss of one -building need not absolutely entail that of the rest; several wells were -also dug at regular distances, so as to have abundance of water, without -the necessity of fetching it from the river. - -In a word, we may say that the Captain, as an old experienced soldier, -accustomed to all the tricks of border warfare, had taken the minutest -precautions to avoid not merely an attack, but a surprise. - -Three months had elapsed since the settlement of the Americans; this -valley, hitherto uncultivated, and covered with forests, was now in -great part ploughed up; clearings effected on a large scale had removed -the forest more than a mile from the colony; all offered the image of -prosperity and comfort at a spot where, so shortly before, the -carelessness of the Redskins allowed nature to produce at liberty the -small stock of fodder needed for their beasts. - -Inside the colony, all offered the most lively and busy sight; while -outside, the cattle pastured under the care of mounted and well-armed -herds, and the trees fell beneath the blows of the axemen; inside, all -the workshops were in full activity, long columns of smoke rose from the -forges, the noise of hammers was mingled with the whirring of the saw; -on the river bank, enormous piles of planks stood near others composed -of fire-wood; several boats were tied up, and from time to time the -shots of the hunters could be heard, who were carrying out a battue in -the woods in order to stock the colony with deer-meat. - -It was about four in the afternoon, and the Captain, mounted on a -magnificent black horse, with four white stockings, was ambling across a -freshly-cleared prairie. - -A smile of quiet satisfaction played over the old soldier's stern face -at the sight of the prodigious change his will and feverish activity had -effected in so short a time on this unknown corner of earth, which must, -however, in no remote future, acquire a great commercial importance, -owing to its position; he was approaching the colony, when a man, -hitherto hidden behind a pile of roots and bushes heaped up to dry, -suddenly appeared at his side. - -The Captain repressed a start of anger on perceiving this man, in whom -he recognised Monkey-face. - -We will say here a few words about this man, who is destined to play a -rather important part in the course of our narrative. - -Itsichaiche was a man of forty, tall, and well proportioned; he had a -crafty face, lit up by two little gimlet eyes; his vulture-beaked nose, -his wide mouth, with its thin and retiring lips, gave him a cunning and -ugly look, which, in spite of the cautious and cat-like obsequiousness -of his manner, and the calculated gentleness of his voice, inspired -those whom accident brought in contact with him with an impulsive -repugnance which nothing could overcome. - -Contrary to the usual state of things, the habit of seeing him, instead -of diminishing, and causing this unpleasant feeling to disappear, only -increased it. - -He had conscientiously and honestly performed his contract in leading -the Americans, without any obstacle, to the spot they wished to reach; -but, since that period, he had remained with them, and had, so to speak, -foisted himself on the colony, when he came and went as he pleased, and -no one paid any attention to his actions. - -At times, without saying anything, he would disappear for several days, -then suddenly return, and it was impossible to obtain any information -from him as to where he had been and what he had been doing during his -absence. - -Still, there was one person to whom the Indian's gloomy face constantly -caused a vague terror, and who had been unable to overcome the repulsion -with which he inspired her, although she could give no explanation of -the feeling: this person was Mrs. Watt. Maternal love produces -clearsightedness: the young lady adored her children, and when at times -the Redskin by chance let a careless glance fall on the innocent -creatures, the poor mother shivered in all her limbs, and she hastily -withdrew from the sight of the man the two beings who were all in all to -her. - -At times she tried to make her husband share her fears, but to all her -remarks the Captain merely replied by a significant shrug of his -shoulders, supposing that with time this feeling would wear off and -disappear. Still, as Mrs. Watt constantly returned to the charge with -the obstinacy and perseverance of a person whose ideas are positively -formed and cannot change, the Captain, who had no cause or plausible -reason to defend against the wife he loved and respected, a man for whom -he did not profess the slightest esteem, at length promised to get rid -of him. As, moreover, the Indian had been absent from the colony for -several days, he determined immediately on his return to ask for an -explanation of his mysterious conduct, and if the other did not reply in -a plain and satisfactory manner, to tell him that he would not have him -any longer about the settlement, and the sooner he took himself off the -better for all parties. - -Such was the state of the Captain's feelings toward Monkey-face, when -accident brought him across his path at the moment he least expected -him. - -On seeing the Indian, the Captain checked his horse. - -"Is my father visiting the valley?" the Pawnee asked. - -"Yes," was the answer. - -"Oh!" the Indian went on as he looked around him, "All has greatly -changed since the beasts of the Long Knives of the West have been -grazing peacefully on the territories of which they dispossessed the -Snake Pawnees." - -The Indian uttered these words in a sad and melancholy voice, which -caused the Captain some mental anxiety. - -"Is that a regret you are giving vent to, Chief?" he asked him. "If so, -it seems to me very unsuitable from your lips, since it was you who sold -me the territory I occupy." - -"That is true," the Indian said with a shake of his head. "Monkey-face -has no right to complain, for it was he who sold to the Palefaces of the -West the ground where his fathers repose, and where he and his brothers -so often hunted the elk and the jaguar." - -"Hum, Chief, I find you very sad to-day; what is the matter with you? -Did you, on waking this morning find yourself lying on your left side?" -he said, alluding to one of the most accredited superstitions among the -Indians. - -"No," he continued, "the sleep of Monkey-face was exempt from evil -omens, nothing arrived to alter the calmness of his mind." - -"I congratulate you, Chief." - -"My father will give tobacco to his son, in order that he may smoke the -calumet of friendship on his return." - -"Perhaps so, but first I have a question to ask of you." - -"My father can speak, his son's ears are open." - -"It is now a long time, Chief," the Captain continued, "since we have -been established here." - -"Yes, the fourth moon is beginning." - -"Since our arrival, you have left us a great many times without warning -us." - -"Why should I do so? Air and space do not belong to the Palefaces, I -suppose; the Pawnee warrior is at liberty to go where he thinks proper; -he was a renowned Chief in his tribe." - -"All that may be true, Chief, and I do not care about it; but what I do -care about is the safety of my family and the men who accompanied me -here." - -"Well," the Redskin said, "in what way can Monkey-face injure that -safety?' - -"I will tell you, Chief; listen to me attentively, for what you have to -hear is serious." - -"Monkey-face is only a poor Indian," the Redskin answered, ironically; -"the Great Spirit has not given him the clear and subtle mind of the -Palefaces, still he will try to understand my father." - -"You are not so simple as you choose to appear at this moment, Chief; I -am certain you will perfectly understand me, if you only take the -trouble." - -"The Chief will try." - -The Captain repressed a movement of impatience. - -"We are not here in one of the great cities of the American Union, where -the law protects the citizens and guarantees their safety; we are, on -the contrary, on the Redskin territory, far from any other protection -than our own; we have no help to expect from anyone, and are surrounded -by vigilant enemies watching a favourable moment to attack us and -massacre us if they can; it is therefore our duty to watch over our own -safety with the utmost vigilance, for the slightest imprudence would -gravely compromise us. Do you understand me, Chief?" - -"Yes, my father has spoken well; his head is grey; his wisdom is great." - -"I must therefore carefully watch," the Captain continued, "the -movements of all the persons who belong nearly or remotely to the -colony; and when their movements appear to me suspicious, to ask those -explanations which they have no right to refuse me. Now, I am compelled -to confess to you, Chief, with extreme regret, that the life you have -been leading for some time past seems to me more than suspicious. It -has, therefore, attracted my attention, and I expect a satisfactory -answer from you." - -The Redskin had stood unmoved; not a muscle of his face moved; and the -Captain, who watched him closely, could not notice the slightest trace -of emotion on his features. The Indian had expected the question asked -him, and was prepared to answer it. - -"Monkey-face led my father and his children from the great stone -villages of the Long-knives of the West to the spot. Has my father had -any cause to reproach the Chief?" - -"None, I am bound to allow," the Captain answered, frankly; "you did -your duty honestly." - -"Why, then, does a skin now cover my father's heart? and why has -suspicion crept into his mind about a man against whom, as he says -himself, he has not the slightest reproach to bring? Is that the justice -of the Palefaces?" - -"Let us not drift from the question, Chief, or change it, if you please. -I could not follow you through all your Indian circumlocution; I will, -therefore, confine myself to saying that, unless you consent to tell me -frankly the cause of your repeated absences, and give me assured proof -of your innocence, I will have you turned out of the colony, and you -shall never set foot again on the territory I occupy." - -A gleam of hatred flashed from the Redskin's eye; but, immediately -recalling it, he replied, in his softest voice-- - -"Monkey-face is a poor Indian; his brothers have rejected him on account -of his friendship with the Palefaces. He hoped to find among the -Long-knives of the west, in the absence of friendship, gratitude for -service rendered. He is mistaken." - -"That is not the question," the Captain continued impatiently; "will you -answer Yes or No?" - -The Indian drew himself in, and walked up to the speaker close enough to -touch him. - -"And if I refuse?" he said, as he gave him a glance of defiance and -fury. - -"If you refuse, scoundrel! I forbid you ever appearing again before me; -and if you disobey me, I will chastise you with my dog-whip!" - -The Captain had hardly uttered these insulting words ere he repented of -them. He was alone, and unarmed, with a man whom he had mortally -insulted; hence he tried to arrange matters. - -"But Monkey-face," he went on, "is a chief; he is wise; he will answer -me--for he knows that I love him." - -"You lie, dog of the Palefaces!" the Indian yelled, as he ground his -teeth in fury; "you hate me almost as much as I hate you!" - -The Captain, in his exasperation, raised the switch he carried in his -hand; but, at the same moment, the Indian, with a panther-leap, bounded -on to his horse's croup, dragged the Captain out of his stirrups, and -rudely hurled him to the ground. - -"The Palefaces are cowardly old women," he said; "the Pawnee warriors -despise them, and will send them petticoats." - -After uttering these words with a sarcastic accent impossible to -describe, the Indian bent over the horse's neck, let loose the rein, -uttered a fierce yell, and started at full speed, not troubling himself -further about the Captain, whom he left severely bruised by his fall. - -James Watt was not the man to endure such treatment without trying to -revenge himself; he got up as quickly as he could, and shouted, in order -to get together the hunters and wood-cutters scattered over the plain. - -Some of them had seen what had happened, and started at full speed to -help their Captain; but before they reached him, and he could give them -his orders to pursue the fugitive, the latter had disappeared in the -heart of the forest, toward which he had directed his rapid course. - -The hunters, however, at the head of them being Sergeant Bothrel, rushed -in pursuit of the Indian, swearing they would bring him in either dead -or alive. - -The Captain looked after them till he saw them disappear one after the -other in the forest, and then returned slowly to the colony, reflecting -on what had taken place between himself and the Redskin, and his heart -contracted by a gloomy presentiment. - -Something whispered to him that, for Monkey-face, generally so prudent -and circumspect, to have acted as he had done, he must have fancied -himself very strong, and quite certain of impunity. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE DECLARATION OF WAR. - - -There is an incomprehensible fact, which we were many times in a -position to appreciate, during the adventurous course of our lengthened -wanderings in America--that a man will at times feel the approach of a -misfortune, though unable to account for the feeling he suffers from; he -knows that he is menaced, though unable to tell when the peril will -come, or in what way it will arrive; the day seems to grow more gloomy, -the sunbeams lose their brilliancy, external objects assume a mournful -appearance; there are strange murmurs in the air; all, in a word, seems -to feel the impression of a vague and undefined restlessness. - -Though nothing occurred to justify the Captain's fears after his -altercation with the Pawnee, not only he, but the whole population of -the colony felt under the weight of dull terror on the evening of this -day. - -At six o'clock, as usual, the bell was rung to recall the wood-cutters -and herds; all had returned, the beasts were shut up in their respective -stalls, and, apparently, at any rate nothing out of the common troubled -the calm existence of the colonists. - -Sergeant Bothrel and his comrades, who had pursued Monkey-face for -several hours, had only found the horse the Indian so audaciously -carried off, and which he probably abandoned, in order to hide his trail -more effectually. - -Although no Indian sign was visible in the vicinity of the colony, the -Captain, more anxious than he wished to appear, had doubled the sentries -intended to watch over the common safety, and ordered the Sergeant to -patrol round the entrenchments every two hours. - -When all these precautions had been taken, the family and servants -assembled on the ground floor of the tower to spend the evening, as had -been their wont ever since the beginning of the settlement. - -The Captain, sitting in an easy chair by the fire, for the nights were -beginning to become fresh, was reading an old work on Military Tactics, -while Mrs. Watt, with the servants, was engaged in mending the household -linen. - -This evening, however, the Captain, instead of reading, seemed to be -thinking profoundly, with his arms crossed on his chest, and his eyes -fixed on the fire. - -At last he raised his head, and turned to his wife-- - -"Do you not hear the children crying?" he said. - -"I really do not know what is the matter with them to-day," she -answered, "for we cannot quiet them; Betsy has been with them for more -than an hour, and has not been able to get them to sleep." - -"You should go yourself, my dear, that would be more proper than leaving -these things to the care of a servant." - -Mrs. Watt went out without answering, and her voice could soon be heard -on the upper floor, where was the children's room. - -"So, Sergeant," the Captain went on, addressing the old soldier, who was -busy in a corner mending a yoke, "you found it impossible to catch up -that accursed heathen, who threw me so roughly this morning?" - -"We could not even see him, Captain," the Sergeant replied: "these -Indians are like lizards, they slip through anywhere. Luckily I found -Boston again; the poor brute seemed delighted at seeing me again." - -"Yes, yes. Boston is a noble brute, I should have been vexed to lose -him. The heathen has not wounded him, I hope, for you know that these -demons are accustomed to treat horses badly." - -"There is nothing the matter with him as far as I can see; the Indian -was probably compelled to leap off his back in a hurry upon finding us -so close at his heels." - -"It must be so, Sergeant. Have you examined the neighbourhood -carefully?" - -"With the greatest attention, Captain, but I noticed nothing suspicious. -The Redskins will look twice before attacking us: we gave them too rude -a shaking for them to forget it." - -"I am not of your opinion, Sergeant; the pagans are vindictive; I am -convinced that they would like to avenge themselves on us, and that -some day, before long perhaps, we shall hear them utter their war-yell -in the valley." - -"I do not desire it, it is true; but I believe, if they attempted it, -they would sing small." - -"I think so too; but they would give us a sorrowful surprise, especially -now that, through our labours and our care, we are on the point of -receiving the price of our fatigues, and beginning to see the end of our -troubles." - -"That is true, it would be vexatious, for the losses an attack from -these bandits would entail on us are incalculable." - -"Unluckily, we can only keep on our guard, and it will be impossible for -us to foil the plans which these Red demons are doubtless ruminating -against us. Have you placed the sentinels as I recommended, Sergeant?" - -"Yes, Captain, and I ordered them to display the utmost watchfulness; I -do not believe that the Pawnees can surprise us, however clever they may -be." - -"We cannot take our oath of anything, Sergeant," the Captain answered, -as he shook his head with a doubtful air. - -At this moment, and as if accident wished to confirm his views, the bell -hung outside, and which was used to tell the colonists someone desired -to come in, was rung violently. - -"What does that mean?" the Captain exclaimed, as he looked at a clock on -the wall in front of him; "it is nearly eight o'clock, who can come so -late? Have not all our men returned?" - -"All, Captain, there is no one outside the palisades." James Watt rose, -seized his rifle, and making the Sergeant a sign to follow him, prepared -to go out. - -"Where are you going, my love?" a gentle, anxious voice asked him. - -The Captain turned; his wife had re-entered the keeping room unnoticed -by him. - -"Did you not hear the bell?" he asked her; "someone wishes to come in." - -"Yes, I heard it, dear," she replied; "but do you intend to open the -gate at this hour?" - -"I am the head of this colony, madam," the Captain answered, coldly but -firmly; "and at such an hour as this it is my duty to open the gate, for -there may be danger in doing it, and I must give to all an example of -courage and accomplishment of duty." - -At this moment the bell pealed a second time. - -"Let us go," the Captain added, turning to the Sergeant. - -His wife made no reply. She fell into a chair, pale and trembling with -anxiety. - -In the meanwhile the Captain had gone out, followed by Bothrel and four -hunters, all armed with rifles. - -The night was dark. There was not a star in the heavens, which were -black as ink. Two paces ahead it was impossible to distinguish objects, -and a cold breeze whistled fitfully. Bothrel had taken down a lanthorn -to guide him through the room. - -"How is it," the Captain said, "that the sentry at the drawbridge has -not challenged?" - -"Perhaps he is afraid of giving an alarm, knowing, as he did, that we -should hear the bell from the tower." - -"Hum!" the Captain muttered between his teeth. - -They walked onward. Presently they heard a sound of voices, to which -they listened. It was the sentry speaking. - -"Patience!" he said. "Someone is coming. I see a lanthorn shining. You -will only have a few moments longer to wait, though for your own sake I -recommend you not to stir, or I shall put a bullet into you." - -"Hang it!" a sarcastic voice replied outside, "you have a curious idea -of hospitality in there. No matter, I will wait; so you can raise your -barrel, for I have no idea of carrying your works by myself." - -The Captain reached the intrenchments at this moment. - -"What is it, Bob?" he asked the sentry. - -"I really don't know, Captain," he answered. "There is a man on the edge -of the ditch who insists on coming in." - -"Who are you? What do you want?" the Captain shouted. - -"And pray who may you be?" the stranger replied. - -"I am Captain James Watt, and I warn you that unknown vagabonds are not -allowed to enter here at such an hour. Return at sunrise, and then I may -possibly allow you to come in." - -"Take care what you are about," the stranger said. "Your obstinacy in -causing me to shiver on the brink of this ditch may cost you dearly." - -"Take care yourself," the Captain answered, impatiently. "I am not in -the mood to listen to threats." - -"I do not threaten: I warn you. You have already committed a grave fault -to-day. Do not commit a grave one to-night, by obstinately refusing to -let me come in." - -This answer struck the Captain, and made him reflect. - -"Supposing," he said presently, "I allow you to enter, who guarantees -that you will not betray me? The night is dark, and you may have a large -band with you, which I am unable to see." - -"I have only one companion with me, for whom I answer with my head." - -"Hum!" the Captain remarked, more undecided than ever, "and who will -answer for you?" - -"Myself." - -"Who are you, as you speak our language with such correctness that you -might almost be taken for one of our countrymen?" - -"Well, I am nearly one; for I am a Canadian, and my name is Tranquil." - -"Tranquil!" the Captain exclaimed. "Are you, then, the celebrated -wood-ranger, surnamed the Panther-killer?" - -"I do not know whether I am celebrated, Captain. All I am certain of is, -that I am the man you refer to." - -"If you are really Tranquil, I will allow you to enter; but who is the -man that accompanies you, and for whom you answer?" - -"Black-deer, the first Sachem of the Snake Pawnees." - -"Oh! Oh!" the Captain muttered, "What does he want here?" - -"Let us in, and you will know," - -"Well, be it so," the Captain shouted; "but I warn you that, at the -slightest appearance of treachery, you and your comrade will be -mercilessly killed." - -"And you will be justified in doing it, if I break my word." - -The Captain, after recommending his hunters to hold themselves in -readiness for any event, ordered the drawbridge to be lowered. - -Tranquil and Black-deer entered. - -Both were unarmed, or, at any rate, seemed so. In the presence of such a -proof of confidence, the Captain felt ashamed of his suspicions; and -after the bridge had been raised again, he dismissed his escort, and -only kept Bothrel with him. - -"Follow me," he said to the strangers. - -The latter bowed without further reply, and walked at his side. - -They reached the tower without exchanging a syllable. - -The Captain introduced them into the keeper's room, where Mrs. Watt was -alone, a prey to the most lively anxiety. - -By a sign her husband ordered her to retire. She gave him a suppliant -glance, which he understood, for he did not insist, and she remained -silent in her chair. - -Tranquil had the same calm and open countenance as of yore. Nothing in -his manner seemed to evidence that he had any hostile intentions towards -the colonists. - -Black-deer, on the contrary, was gloomy and stern. The Captain offered -his guests seats by the fire. - -"Be seated, gentlemen," he said. "You must feel the need of warmth. Have -you come to me as friends or foes?" - -"It is more easy to ask that question than answer it," the hunter said, -honestly; "up to the present our intentions are kindly; you will decide -yourself, Captain, as to the terms on which we shall leave you." - -"In any case, you will not refuse some slight refreshment?" - -"For the present, I must ask you to excuse us," Tranquil replied, who -appeared to be spokesman for himself and friend; "it is better, I think, -to settle at once the point that brings us here." - -"Hum!" the Captain muttered, annoyed in his heart at this refusal, which -foreboded nothing good; "in that case speak, and an amicable interview -will not depend on me." - -"I, wish it with all my heart, Captain; the more so, because if I am -here it is with the object of avoiding the consequences either of a -mistake or a moment of passion." - -The Captain bowed his thanks, and the Canadian went on. - -"You are an old soldier, sir," he said, "and the shorter the speech the -better you will like it; in two words, then, this is what brings us: the -Snake Pawnees accuse you of having seized their village by treachery, -and massacred the greater part of their relations and friends. Is that -true?" - -"It is true that I seized their village, but I had the right to do so, -since the Redskins refused to surrender it to me; but I deny that I -acted treacherously: on the contrary, the Pawnees behaved in that way to -me." - -"Oh!" Black-deer exclaimed, as he rose quickly, "the Paleface has a -lying tongue in his mouth." - -"Peace!" Tranquil cried, as he forced him to take his seat again, "leave -me to disentangle this skein, which seems to me very troublesome. -Forgive me for insisting," he went on, addressing the Captain, "but the -question is a grave one, and the truth must out. Were you not received, -on your arrival, by the Chiefs of the tribe, in the light of a friend?" - -"Yes; our first relations were amicable." - -"Why, then, did they become hostile?" - -"I have told you; because, contrary to sworn faith and pledged word, -they refused to give up the land." - -"What do you say?" - -"Certainly, because they had sold me the territory they occupied." - -"Oh, oh, Captain! This requires an explanation." - -"It is very easy to give, and to prove my good faith in the matter, I -will show you the deed of sale." - -The hunter and the Chief exchanged a glance of surprise. - -"I am quite out of my reckoning," said Tranquil. - -"Wait a moment," the Captain went on, "I will fetch the deed and show it -to you." - -And he went out. - -"Oh, sir!" the young lady exclaimed, as she clasped her hands -entreatingly, "try to prevent a quarrel." - -"Alas, madam!" the hunter said sadly, "that will be very difficult, -after the turn matters have taken." - -"Here, look," the Captain said, as he came in and showed them the deed. - -The two men required but a glance to detect the trick. - -"That deed is false," said Tranquil. - -"False! That is impossible!" the Captain went on in stupor; "If it be, I -am odiously deceived." - -"Unfortunately that has happened." - -"What is to be done?" the Captain muttered, mechanically. - -Black-deer rose. - -"Let the Palefaces listen," he said, majestically; "a Sachem is about to -speak." - -The Canadian tried to interpose, but the Chief sternly imposed silence -on him. - -"My father has been deceived; he is a just warrior, his head is grey; -the Wacondah has given him wisdom; the Snake Pawnees are also just; they -wish to live in peace with my father, because he is innocent of the -fault with which he is reproached, and for which another must be -rendered responsible." - -The commencement of this speech greatly surprised the Chief's hearers; -the young mother especially, on hearing the words, felt her anxiety -disappear, and joy well up in her heart again. - -"The Snake Pawnees," the Sachem continued, "will restore to my father -all the merchandize he extorted from him; he, for his part, will pledge -himself to abandon the hunting-grounds of the Pawnees, and retire with -the Palefaces who came with him; the Pawnees will give up the vengeance -they wished to take for the murder of their brothers, and the war -hatchet will be buried between the Redskins and the Palefaces of the -West. I have spoken." - -After these words there was a silence. - -His hearers were struck with stupor: if the conditions were -unacceptable, war became inevitable. - -"What does my father answer?" the Chief asked presently. - -"Unhappily, Chief," the Captain answered sadly, "I cannot consent to -such conditions, that is impossible; all I can do is to double the price -I paid previously." - -The Chief shrugged his shoulders in contempt. - -"Black-deer was mistaken," he said, with a crushing smile of sarcasm; -"the Palefaces have really a forked tongue." - -It was impossible to make the Sachem understand the real state of the -case; with that blind obstinacy characteristic of his race, he would -listen to nothing; the more they tried to prove to him that he was -wrong, the more convinced he felt he was right. - -At a late hour of the night the Canadian and Black-deer withdrew, -accompanied, as far as the entrenchments, by the Captain. - -So soon as they had gone, James Watt returned thoughtfully to the tower; -on the threshold he stumbled against a rather large object, and stooped -down to see what it was. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed as he rose again, "then they really mean fighting! By -Heaven! They shall have it to their heart's content!" - -The object against which the Captain had stumbled was a bundle of arrows -fastened by a serpent skin; the two ends of this skin and the points of -the arrows were blood stained. - -Black-deer, on retiring, had let the declaration of war fall behind him. - -All hope of peace had vanished, and preparation for fighting must be -made. - -After the first moment of stupor the Captain regained his coolness; and -although day had not yet broken, he aroused the colonists and assembled -them in front of the town, to hold a council and consult as to the means -for neutralizing the peril that menaced them. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE SNAKE PAWNEES. - - -We will now clear up a few points in this story which may appear obscure -to the reader. - -The Redskins, however great their other faults may be, have a fanatic -love for the country where they are born, and nothing can take its -place. - -Monkey-face did not speak falsely when he told Captain Watt that he was -one of the principal Chiefs of his tribe; but he had been careful not to -reveal for what reason he had been expelled from his tribe. - -This reason the time has now arrived for us to make known. - -Monkey-face was not only a man of unbridled ambition, but also, an -extraordinary thing for an Indian, he had no religious faith, and was -completely exempt from those weaknesses and that superstitious credulity -to which his fellows are so amenable: in addition, he was faithless, -dishonourable, and of more than depraved manners. - -Having been taken, when young, to the towns of the American Union, he -had been in a position to see closely the eccentric civilization of the -United States. Unable to comprehend the good and bad sides of this -civilization, and steer between them, he had, as generally happens in -such cases, been seduced by that which most flattered his tastes and -instincts, and had only taken from the customs of the whites whatever -completed and furnished his precocious depravity. - -Hence, when he returned to his tribe, his language and manners were so -discordant with what was done and said around him, that he speedily -excited the contempt and hatred of his countrymen. - -His most violent enemies were naturally the priests, or, at least, the -sorcerers, whom he had tried several times to turn into ridicule. - -So soon as Monkey-face had put on his back the omnipotent party of the -sorcerers, it was all over with his ambitious plans: all his manoeuvres -failed, a dull opposition constantly overthrew his schemes at the very -moment when he expected to see them succeed. - -For a long time, the Chief, not knowing how to act, kept prudently on -the defensive, while actively watching the movements of his enemies; -awaiting, with that feline patience which formed the basis of his -character, for chance to reveal to him the name of the man on whom his -vengeance should fall. As all his measures were taken, he soon -discovered that the man to whom he owed his continual checks was no -other than the principal sorcerer of the tribe. - -This was an aged man, respected and beloved by all on account of his -wisdom and goodness. Monkey-face hid his hatred for a season; but one -day, in full council, after a lively discussion, he allowed his rage to -carry him away, and, rushing on the unhappy old man, he stabbed him in -the sight of all the elders of the tribe, before those present could -prevent the execution of his design. - -The murder of the sorcerer put the climax on the horror this villain -inspired. On the spot, the Chief drove him from the territory of the -nation, refusing him fire and water, and threatening him with the -heaviest punishment if he dared to appear before them again. - -Monkey-face, too weak to resist the execution of this sentence, retired -with rage in his heart, and uttering the most horrible threats. - -We have seen in what way he revenged himself by selling the territory of -his tribe to the Americans, and thus causing the ruin of those who -banished him. But he had scarce obtained the vengeance he had so long -pursued, when a strange revolution took place in this man's heart. The -sight of the land where he was born, and where the ashes of his father -reposed, aroused in him with extreme force that love of his country -which he thought dead, but was only asleep in his heart. - -The shame at the odious action he had committed by surrendering to the -enemies of his race the hunting grounds which he had himself so long -freely traversed, the obstinacy with which the Americans set to work -changing the face of the country, and destroying their aged trees, whose -shadows had so long protected the councils of his nation--all these -causes combined had caused him to reflect, and, rendered desperate by -the sacrilege which hatred impelled him to commit, he tried to rejoin -his comrades, in order to assist them in recovering what they had lost -through his fault. - -That is to say, he resolved to betray his new friends to the profit of -his old friends. - -This man was unhappily engaged in a fatal path where each step he took -must be marked for a crime. - -It was easier than he at first supposed for him to rejoin his -countrymen, for they were scattered and wandering in despair through the -forests round the colony. - -Monkey-face presented himself boldly to them, and was very careful not -to tell them that he alone was the cause of the misfortunes that -overwhelmed them. On the other hand, he made a secret of his return, -telling them that the news of the calamities which had suddenly fallen -on them was the sole cause of his coming; that, had they continued to be -happy, they would never have seen him again; but that, in the presence -of such a frightful catastrophe as that which had crushed them, every -feeling of hatred must disappear before the common vengeance to be taken -on the Pale-faces, those eternal and implacable enemies of the Red race. - -In a word, he displayed such noble sentiments, and put the step he was -taking in such a brilliant light, that he completely succeeded in -deceiving the Indians, and persuading them of the purity of his -intentions, and his good faith. - -After this, with the diabolical intelligence he possessed, he formed a -vast plot against the Americans, a plot into which he had the cleverness -to draw the other Indian people allied to his tribe; and, while -ostensibly remaining the friend of the colonists, he silently prepared -and organized their utter ruin. - -The influence he succeeded in obtaining over his tribe within a short -time was immense: three men alone entertained an instinctive distrust of -him, and carefully watched his movements; they were Tranquil, the -Canadian hunter, Black-deer, and Blue-fox. - -Tranquil could not understand the conduct of the Chief; it seemed to him -extraordinary that this man had thus become a friend of the Americans. -Several times he asked him explanations on this head, but Monkey-face -had always answered in an ambiguous way, or evaded his questions. - -Tranquil, whose suspicions daily grew, and who was determined to know -positively what opinion to have of a man whose manoeuvres appeared to -him daily more suspicious, succeeded in getting himself chosen with -Black-deer, by the Great Council of the Nation, to bear the declaration -of war to Captain Watt. - -Monkey-face was vexed at the choice of the envoys whom he knew to be -secretly his enemies; but he concealed his resentment; the more so, -because matters were too far advanced to withdraw, and everything was in -readiness for the expedition. - -Tranquil and Black-deer consequently set out with orders to declare war -on the Palefaces. - -"If I am not greatly mistaken," the Canadian said to his friend as they -rode along, "we are going to hear something about Monkey-face." - -"Do you think so?" - -"I would wager it. I am convinced the scamp is playing a double game, -and cheats us all to his own profit." - -"I have no great confidence in him, still I cannot believe that he could -carry his effrontery so far." - -"We shall soon see what we have to depend on; at any rate, though, -promise me one thing." - -"What is it?" - -"That I be the first to speak. I know better than you how to deal with -the Palefaces of the West." - -"Be it so," Black-deer replied, "act as you think proper." - -Five minutes after, they reached the colony. We related in the previous -chapter how they were received, and what passed between them and Captain -Watt. - -This custom of the Indians of declaring war against their enemies may -appear extraordinary to Europeans, who are accustomed to regard them as -stupid savages, but we must make no mistake; the Redskins have an -eminently chivalrous character, and never, except in the case of a horse -robbery or such matter, will they attack an enemy before warning him -that he may be on his guard. - -In fact, it is by cleverly working on this chivalrous character, of -which the North Americans, we regret to say, do not possess a particle, -that the Whites have gained the majority of their victories over the -Redskins. - -When a few yards from the colony, the two men found again their horses -which they had hobbled; they mounted, and went off at a rapid rate. - -"Well," Tranquil asked the Chief, "what do you think of all this?" - -"My brother was right, Monkey-face has constantly cheated us; it is -evident that this deed emanates from him alone." - -"What do you intend doing?" - -"I do not know yet; perhaps it would be dangerous to unmask him at this -moment." - -"I am not of your opinion, Chief; the presence of this traitor among us -can only injure our cause." - -"Let us have a look at him first." - -"Be it so! But permit me a remark." - -"I am listening, my brother.' - -"How is it that after recognizing the falseness of that deed of sale, -you insisted on declaring war against this Long knife of the West, since -he has proved to you that he was deceived by Monkey-face?" - -The Chief smiled cunningly. "The Paleface was only deceived," he said, -"because it suited him to be so." - -"I do not understand you, Chief." - -"I will explain myself. Does my brother know how a sale of land is -effected?" - -"No, I do not; and I confess to you, that, never having got to buy or -sell, I have not troubled myself about it." - -"Wah! In that case I will tell my brother." - -"You will cause me pleasure, for I always like to gain information, and -this may be useful to me at some time," the Canadian said with a grin. - -"When a Paleface wishes to buy the hunting-ground of a tribe he goes to -the principal Sachems of the nation, and after smoking the calumet of -peace in council, he explains his meaning; the conditions are discussed; -if the two contracting parties agree, a plan of the territory is drawn -up by the principal sorcerer, the Paleface gives his goods, all the -Chiefs place their sign manual at the foot of the plan, the trees are -blazed with a tomahawk, the borders marked, and the purchaser takes -immediate possession." - -"Hum," Tranquil remarked, "that seems simple enough." - -"In what council has the grey-head Chief smoked the calumet? Where are -the sachems who have treated with him? Let him show me the trees that -were marked." - -"In truth, I fancy he would find that difficult." - -"The Grey-head," the Chief continued, "knew that Monkey-face was -cheating him; but the territory suited him, and he calculated on the -strength of his arms to hold his own." - -"That is probable." - -"Conquered by evidence, and recognizing too late that he acted -inconsiderately, he fancied he could recover all difficulties by -offering us a few more bales of merchandize. Whenever did the Palefaces -have a straight and honest tongue?" - -"Thank you," the hunter said, laughingly. - -"I do not speak of my brother's nation; I never had to complain of them, -and I only refer to the Long knives of the West. Does my brother still -think that I was wrong in throwing down the bloody arrows?" - -"Perhaps, in that circumstance, Chief, you were a little too quick, and -allowed your passion to carry you away, but you have so many reasons for -hating the Americans that I dare not blame you." - -"Then, I can still count on my brother's assistance?" - -"Why should I refuse it to you, Chief? Your cause is still as it was, -that is to say, just; it is my duty to help you, and I will do so, -whatever may happen." - -"Och! I thank my brother; his rifle will be useful to us." - -"Here we are; it is time to form a determination with reference to -Monkey-face." - -"It is formed," the Chief answered, laconically. - -At this moment, they entered a vast clearing, in the centre of which -several fires were burning. - -Five hundred Indian warriors, painted and armed for war, were lying -about in the grass, while their horses, all harnessed, and ready for -mounting, were hobbled, and eating their provender of climbing peas. - -Round the principal fire several Chiefs were crouching and smoking -silently. - -The newcomers dismounted, and proceeded rapidly toward this fire, before -which Monkey-face was walking up and down in considerable agitation. - -The two men took their places by the side of the other Chiefs, and lit -their calumets; although every one expected their arrival impatiently, -no one addressed a word to them, Indian etiquette prohibiting a Chief -from speaking, before the calumet was completely smoked out. - -When Black-deer had finished his calumet, he shook out the ashes, passed -it through his belt, and said:-- - -"The orders of the Sachems are accomplished; the bloody arrows have been -delivered to the Palefaces." - -The Chiefs bowed their heads in sign of satisfaction at these news. - -Monkey-face walked up. - -"Has my brother Black-deer seen Grey-head?" he asked. - -"Yes," the Chief answered, drily. - -"What does my brother think?" Monkey-face pressed him. - -Black-deer gave him an equivocal glance. - -"What matters the thought of a Chief at this moment," he answered, -"since the Council of the Sachems has resolved on war?" - -"The nights are long," Blue-fox then said, "will my brothers remain here -smoking?" - -Tranquil remarked in his turn-- - -"The Long knives are on their guard, they are watching at this moment, -my brothers will remount their horses, and withdraw, for the hour is not -propitious." - -The Chiefs gave a sign of assent. - -"I will go on the discovery," Monkey-face said. - -"Good," Black-deer answered, with a stern smile; "my brother is skilful, -he sees many things, he will inform us." - -Monkey-face prepared to leap on a horse which a warrior led him up, but -suddenly Black-deer rose, rushed toward him, and laying his hand roughly -on his shoulder, compelled him to fall on his knees. - -The warriors, surprised at this sudden aggression, the motive of which -they did not divine, exchanged glances of surprise, though they did not -make the slightest movement to interpose between the two Chiefs. - -Monkey-face quickly raised his head. - -"Does the Spirit of evil trouble my brother's brain?" he said, as he -tried to free himself from the iron grip that nailed him to the ground. - -Black-deer gave a sarcastic smile, and drew his scalping knife. - -"Monkey-face is a traitor," he said in a sullen voice "he has sold his -brothers to the Palefaces; he is about to die." - -Black-deer was not only a renowned warrior, but his wisdom and honour -were held in just repute by the tribe; hence no one protested against -the accusation he had made, the more so, because, unfortunately for him, -Monkey-face had been long known. - -Black-deer raised his knife, whose bluish blade flashed in the -fire-light, but by a supreme effort Monkey-face succeeded in freeing -himself, bounded like a wild beast, and disappeared in the bushes with a -hoarse laugh. - -The knife had slipped, and only cut the flesh, without inflicting a -serious wound on the clever Indian. - -There was a moment of stupor, but then all rose simultaneously to rush -in pursuit of the fugitive. - -"Stay," Tranquil shouted in a loud voice, "it is now too late. Make -haste to attack the Palefaces before that villain has warned them, for -he is doubtless meditating fresh treachery." - -The Chiefs recognized the justice of this, advice, and the Indians -prepared for the combat. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE BATTLE. - - -In the meanwhile, as is stated a little while ago, Captain Watt had -assembled all the members of the colony in front of the town. - -The number of combatants amounted to sixty-two, including the females. - -European ladies may think it singular that we count the females among -the combatants: in truth, in the old world the days of Bradamante and -Joan d'Arc have happily passed away for ever, and the fair sex, owing to -the constant progress of civilization, is no longer reduced to the -necessity of fighting side by side with men. - -In North America, at the period of which we write, and even at the -present day, on the prairies and the clearings, it is not so; when the -war-yell of the Indians suddenly echoes on the ears of the pioneers, the -women are constrained to give up the labour of their sex, to take a -rifle in their delicate hands, and fight boldly in defence of the -community. - -We could, if necessary, cite several of these heroines with soft eyes -and angelic countenances who, on occasion, have valiantly done their -duty as soldiers and fought like perfect demons against the Indians. - -Mrs. Watt was anything rather than a heroine, but she was the daughter -and the wife of a soldier; she was born and brought up on the Indian -borders; she had already smelt powder several times and seen blood flow, -but, before all, she was a mother. As her children had to be defended, -all her feminine timidity had disappeared and made way for a cold and -energetic resolution. - -Her example electrified all the other women of the colony, and all had -armed, resolved to fight by the side of their husbands and fathers. - -We repeat here that, what with men and women, the Captain had sixty-two -combatants around him. - -He tried to dissuade his wife from taking part in the fight, but the -gentle creature whom he had seen hitherto so timid and obedient, plainly -refused to give up her project, and the Captain was compelled to let her -do as she pleased. - -He therefore made his arrangements for defence. Twenty-four men were -placed in the entrenchments under the orders of Bothrel. The Captain -himself took the command of a second party of twenty-four hunters, -intended to act anywhere and everywhere. The females, under the orders -of Mrs. Watt, were left in charge of the tower, in which the children -and the invalids were shut up, and the arrival of the Indians was then -awaited. - -It was about one in the morning when the Canadian hunter and the Pawnee -Chief left the colony; by about half-past two all was ready for the -defence. - -The Captain made a last round of the entrenchment in order to ensure -himself that all was in order, then, after ordering all the fires to be -extinguished, he secretly left the colony by a concealed door in the -palisades, of whose existence only himself and Sergeant Bothrel were -cognizant. - -A plank was placed across the ditch, and the Captain crossed, only -followed by Bothrel and a Kentuckian of the name of Bob, a daring and -broad-shouldered fellow, to whom we have already had occasion to refer. - -The plank was carefully hidden so as to serve for their return, and the -three men glided through the darkness like phantoms. - -When they had gone about one hundred yards from the colony, the Captain -halted. - -"Gentlemen," he then said in a voice so faint that they were obliged to -stoop down to hear him; "I have chosen you because the expedition we are -about to attempt is dangerous, and I wanted resolute men with me." - -"What is to be done?" Bothrel asked. - -"The night is so dark that those accursed Pagans could if they liked -reach the very edge of the ditch, and it would be impossible for us to -notice them; I have, therefore, resolved to set fire to the piles of -planks and roots. A man must know how to make sacrifices when needed; -these fires which will burn a long while will spread a brilliant light, -enabling us to see our enemies for a long distance and fire at them with -certainty." - -"The idea is excellent," Bothrel answered. - -"Yes," the Captain continued, "still, we must not hide from ourselves -that it is extremely perilous; it is plain that Indian scouts are -already scattered over the prairies, perhaps very close to us, and when -two or three fires have been lighted, if we see them, they will not fail -to see us too. Each of us will take the necessary objects, and we will -try by the rapidity of our movements to foil the tricks of these demons; -remember that we shall act separately, and each of us will have four or -five fires to light, so we cannot count on one another. To work!" - -The combustibles and inflammable matters were shared between the three -men and they separated. - -Five minutes later a spark glistened, then a second, then a third; at -the end of a quarter of an hour ten tires were lighted. - -Weak at first, they seemed to hesitate for a while, but gradually the -flame increased, gained consistency, and soon the whole plain was lit up -by the blood-red glare of these immense torches. - -The Captain and his comrades had been more fortunate than they -anticipated in their expedition, for they had succeeded in lighting the -piles of wood scattered over the valley, without attracting the -attention of the Indians; and they hurried back to the entrenchments at -full speed. It was high time, for suddenly a terrible war-yell burst -forth behind them, and a large band of Indian warriors appeared on the -skirt of the forest, galloping at full speed, and brandishing their -weapons like a legend of demons. - -But they came up too late to catch the Whites, who had crossed the ditch -and were sheltered from their missiles. - -A discharge of musketry greeted the arrival of the Indians, several fell -from their horses, and the others turned and fled with great -precipitation. - -The fight had commenced, but the Captain cared little about that; thanks -to his lucky expedient, a surprise was impossible, and they could see as -well as in the daylight. - -There was a moment's respite, by which the Americans profited to reload -their rifles. - -The colonists had felt anxious on seeing the immense fires lit up one -after the other on the prairie; they believed in an Indian device, but -were soon disabused, by the Captain's return, and congratulated -themselves, on the contrary, upon this happy expedient, which enabled -them to fire almost with certainty. - -The Pawnees, however, had not given up their project of attack; in all -probability they had only retired in order to deliberate. - -The Captain, with his shoulder leant against the palisade, was -attentively examining the deserted plain, when he fancied he perceived -an unusual motion in a rather large field of Indian corn, about two -rifle shots from the colony. - -"Look out!" he said, "the enemy is approaching." - -Every one put his finger on his trigger. All at once a great noise was -heard, and the furthest pile of wood fell in, emitting myriads of -sparks. - -"By heaven!" the Captain shouted, "There is some Indian devilry behind -that, for it is impossible for that enormous pile to be consumed." - -At the same instant another fell in, followed immediately by a third, -and then by a fourth. - -There could no longer be a doubt as to the cause of these successive -falls. The Indians, whose movements were neutralized by the light these -monster beacons shed, had taken the very simple method of extinguishing -them, which they were enabled to do in perfect safety, for they were out -of rifle range. - -No sooner was the wood down than it was scattered in every direction, -and easily put out. - -This expedient enabled the Indians to get very near to the palisades -unnoticed. - -Still, all the piles were not overthrown, and those that remained were -near enough to the fort to be defended by its fire. - -For all that, the Pawnees attempted to put them out. But the firing -then recommenced, and the bullets fell in a hailstorm on the besiegers, -who, after holding out for some minutes, were at last compelled to take -to flight, for we cannot give the name of a retreat to the precipitation -with which they withdrew. - -The Americans began laughing and hooting at the fugitives. - -"I think," Bothrel said facetiously, "that those fine fellows find our -soup too hot, and regret having put their fingers in it." - -"In truth," the Captain remarked, "they do not appear inclined to return -this time." - -He was mistaken; for, at the same instant, the Indians came back at a -gallop. - -Nothing could check them, and, in spite of the fusillade, to which they -disdained to reply, they reached the very brink of the ditch. - -It is true, that once there, they turned back, and retired as rapidly as -they had come, though not without leaving on the way a great number of -their comrades, whom the American bullets pitilessly laid low. - -But the plan of the Pawnees had been successful, and the Whites soon -perceived, to their great disappointment, that they had been too hasty -in congratulating themselves on their facile victory. - -Each Pawnee horseman carried on his croup a warrior, who, on reaching -the ditch, dismounted, and profiting by the disorder and smoke, which -prevented their being seen, sheltered themselves behind the trunks of -trees and elevations of the soil so cleverly, that when the Americans -leaned over the palisade to discover the results of the evening's -charge, they were in their turn greeted by a discharge of bullets and -long barbed arrows, which stretched fifteen on the ground. - -There was a movement of blind terror among the Whites after this attack -made by invisible enemies. - -Fifteen men at one round was a fearful loss for the colonists; the -combat was assuming serious proportions, which threatened to degenerate -into a defeat; for the Indians had never before displayed so much energy -and obstinacy in an attack. - -No hesitation was possible; the daring force must be dislodged at any -cost from the post where they had so rashly ambushed themselves. - -The Captain formed his resolve. - -Collecting some twenty resolute men, while the others guarded the -palisades, he had the drawbridge lowered, and rushed out. - -The enemies then met face to face. - -The medley became terrible; the White men and Redskins intertwined like -serpents, drunk with rage and blinded by hatred, only thought of killing -each other. - -All at once an immense glare illumined the scene of carnage, and cries -of terror rose from the colony. - -The Captain turned his head, and uttered a shriek of despair at the -horrible sight that met his terror-stricken gaze. - -The tower and principal buildings were on fire; in the light of the -flames the Indians could be seen bounding like demons in pursuit of the -defenders of the colony, who, grouped here and there, were attempting a -resistance which had now become impossible. - -This is what had occurred:-- - -While Black-deer, Blue-fox, and the other principal Pawnee Chiefs -attempted an attack on the front of the colony, Tranquil, followed by -Quoniam, and fifty warriors, on whom he could depend, had got into the -buffalo-hide canoes, silently descended the river, and landed in the -colony itself, before the alarm was given, for the very simple reason -that the Americans did not at all apprehend an attack from the side of -the Missouri. - -Still, we must do the Captain the justice of saying that he had not left -this side undefended; sentries had been posted there; but, -unfortunately, in the disorder occasioned by the Indians' last charge, -the sentries, thinking nothing was to be feared from the river, deserted -their post to go whither they imagined the danger greatest, and help -their comrades in repulsing the Indians. - -This unpardonable fault ruined the defenders of the colony. - -Tranquil disembarked his party without firing a shot. - -The Pawnees, when they had once entered the fort, threw incendiary -torches on the wooden buildings, and, uttering their war-yell, rushed on -the Americans, whom they placed between two fires. - -Tranquil, Quoniam, and some warriors who did not leave them, hurried up -to the town. - -Mrs. Watt, although taken by surprise, prepared, however, to defend the -post confided to her. - -The Canadian approached with hands upraised in sign of peace. - -"Surrender, in Heaven's name!" he cried, "or you are lost; the colony is -captured!" - -"No!" she answered, boldly, "I will never surrender to a coward, who -betrays his brothers to take the part of the Pagans!" - -"You are unjust to me," the hunter answered, sadly-- "I have come to -save you." - -"I will not be saved by you!" - -"Unhappy woman! if not for your own sake, surrender on behalf of your -children. See, the tower is on fire!" - -The lady raised her eyes, uttered a thrilling shriek, and rushed wildly -into the interior of the building. - -The other females, trusting in the hunter's words, attempted no -resistance, but laid down their arms. - -Tranquil entrusted the guard of these poor women to Quoniam, with whom -he left a few warriors, and then hurried off to put a stop to the -carnage which was going on in all parts of the colony. - -Quoniam entered the tower when he found Mrs. Watt half stifled and -holding her children pressed to her heart with extraordinary strength. -The worthy Negro threw the young lady across his shoulder, carried her -out, and collecting all the females and children, led them to the banks -of the Missouri to get them out of range of the fire, and await the end -of the fight, without exposing the prisoners to the fury of the victors. - -It was now no longer a combat but a butchery, rendered more atrocious -still by the barbarous refinements of the Indians, who attacked their -unhappy enemies with indescribable fury. - -The Captain, Bothrel, Bob, and some twenty Americans, the only colonists -still alive, were collected in the centre of the esplanade defending -themselves with the energy of despair against a cloud of Indians, and -resolved to die sooner than fall into the hands of their ferocious -enemies. - -Tranquil, however, succeeded, by repeated entreaties and braving a -thousand perils, in inducing them to lay down their arms and thus put an -end to the carnage. - -All at once cries, groans, and entreaties were heard from the riverside. - -The hunter dashed off; agitated by a gloomy presentiment. - -Black-deer and his warriors followed him. When they reached the spot -where Quoniam had collected the women, a fearful sight presented itself -to them. - -Mrs. Watt and three other females lay motionless on the ground in a pool -of blood, Quoniam lay extended in front of them with two wounds, one on -his head, the other in his chest. - -It was impossible to obtain any information from the other females as to -what had occurred, for they were half mad with terror. - -The Captain's children had disappeared. - - -End of Prologue. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE VENTA DEL POTRERO. - - -Using now our privilege as romancer, we will transfer the scene of our -narrative to Texas, and resume our story about sixteen years after the -events recorded in the prologue. - -Dawn was beginning to tinge the clouds with its opaline rays, the stars -went out one after the other in the gloomy depths of the sky, and on the -extreme blue line of the horizon a bright red reflection, precursor of -sunrise, showed that day would ere long appear. Thousands of invisible -birds, hidden beneath the foliage, suddenly woke up, and melodiously -began their morning concert, while the yells of the wild beasts quitting -the watering places, and returning slowly to their unexplored lairs, -became gradually more dull and indistinct. - -At this moment the breeze rose, burst into the dense cloud of steam -which at sunrise exhales from the earth in these intertropical regions, -whirled it round for an instant, then rent it asunder, and scattered it -in space; thus displaying, without any apparent transition, the most -delicious landscape the dreaming mind of poet or painter could imagine. - -It is, before all, in America that Providence appears to have taken a -pleasure in lavishing the most striking landscape effects, and in -infinitely varying the contrasts and harmonies of that puissant nature -which can only be found there. - -Through the centre of an immense plain, circled on all sides by the tall -foliage of a virgin forest, there ran in capricious windings a sandy -road, whose golden colour contrasted harmoniously with the deep green of -the grass and the silvery whiteness of a narrow stream which the first -beams of the sun caused to sparkle like a casket of jewels. Not far from -the stream, and at about the middle of the plain, rose a white house -with a verandah running round it, and a roof of red tiles. This house, -prettily covered with creepers that almost hid its walls, was a _Venta_, -or hostelry, built on the top of a small mount. It was reached by an -imperceptible ascent, and, owing to its position, commanded the immense -and grand landscape. - -Before the door of the venta several dragoons, picturesquely grouped, -and about twenty in number, were saddling their horses while the -arrieros were actively engaged in loading seven or eight mules. - -Along the road and some paces from the venta, several horsemen, -resembling black dots, could be seen just entering the forest to which -we alluded, a forest which rose gradually, and was commanded by a girdle -of lofty mountains, whose rugged and bare crests were almost confounded -with the azure of the sky. - -The door of the venta opened, and a young officer came out singing, -accompanied by a stout and jolly-looking monk; after them, a charming -maiden of eighteen or nineteen, fair-haired and fragile, with blue eyes -and golden hair, appeared on the threshold. - -"Come, come," the Captain said, for the young officer wore the marks of -that grade, "we have lost too much time already, so to horse." - -"Hum!" the monk growled, "we have had hardly time to breakfast; why the -deuce are you in such a hurry, Captain?" - -"Holy man," the officer went on with a laugh, "if you prefer remaining, -you are at liberty to do so." - -"No, no, I will go with you," the monk exclaimed, with a look of terror; -"_caspita!_ I want to take advantage of your escort." - -"Then make haste, for I shall give orders to start within five minutes." - -The officer, after looking round the plain, gave his _asistente_ orders -to bring up his horse, and mounted with that grace peculiar to Mexican -riders. The monk stifled a sigh of regret, probably thinking of the -savoury hospitality he was leaving, to run the risk of a long journey, -and, aided by the arrieros, he contrived to lift himself on to a mule, -whose loins gave way beneath the enormous load. - -"Ouf!" he muttered, "Here I am." - -"To horse!" the officer commanded. - -The dragoons obeyed at once, and for a few seconds the clash of steel -could be heard. - -The maiden, to whom we have alluded, had hitherto stood silent and -motionless in the doorway, apparently suffering from some secret -agitation, and looking now and then anxiously at two or three -Campesinos, who, leaning negligently against the wall of the venta, -listlessly followed the movements of the party; but at the moment when -the Captain was about to give the order to start, she resolutely went up -to him and offered him a mechero. - -"Your cigarette is not lighted, sir," she said, in a soft and melodious -voice. - -"On my honour, 'tis true," he replied, and bending gallantly down to -her, he returned her the mechero, saying, "thanks, my pretty child." - -The girl profited by this movement, which brought his face close to -hers, to whisper hurriedly-- - -"Take care!" - -"What?" he said, as he looked fixedly at her. Without replying, she laid -her finger on her rosy lips, and turning quickly away, ran back into the -venta. - -The Captain drew himself up, frowned savagely, and bent a threatening -glance on the two or three fellows leaning against the wall, but he soon -shook his head. - -"Bah!" he muttered, disdainfully, "they would not dare." - -He then drew his sabre, whose blade glistened dazzlingly in the -sunbeams, and placed himself at the head of the troop. - -"Forward!" he shouted. - -They started at once. - -The mules followed the bell of the Nena, and the dragoons collected -round the _recua_ enclosed it in their midst. - -For a few minutes the Campesinos, who had been watching the departure of -the troop, looked after it along the winding road, then re-entered the -venta one by one. - -The girl was seated alone on an _equipal_, apparently busily engaged in -sewing; still, through the almost imperceptible tremor that agitated her -body, the flush on her brow, and the timid look she shot through her -long eyelashes on the entrance of the Campesinos, it was easy to read -that the calmness she affected was far from her heart, and that, on the -contrary, a secret fear tormented her. - -These Campesinos were three in number; they were men in the full vigour -of life, with harshly marked features, firm glances, and brusque and -brutal manners. They wore the Mexican border costume, and were well -armed. - -They sat down on a bench placed before a clumsily planed table, and one -of them striking it sharply with his fist, turned to the girl and said -roughly-- - -"Drink here." - -She started, and raised her head quickly. - -"What do you wish for, Caballeros?" she said. - -"Mezcal." - -She rose and hastened to serve them; the man who had spoken caught her -by the dress at the moment she passed. - -"An instant, Carmela," he said. - -"Let go my dress, Ruperto," she replied, with a slight pout of -ill-humour, "you will tear it for me." - -"Nonsense!" he replied, with a coarse laugh, "you must fancy me very -awkward." - -"No, but your manner does not please me." - -"Oh! oh! you are not always so wild, my charming bird." - -"What do you mean?" she continued, with a blush. - -"No matter, I understand it; but that is not the question just at -present." - -"What is it, then?" she asked with feigned surprise; "Have I not brought -you the mezcal you ordered?" - -"Yes, yes; but I have something to say to you." - -"Well, say it quickly, and let me go." - -"You are in a great hurry to escape from me; are you afraid lest your -lover may surprise you in conversation with me?" - -Ruperto's comrades began laughing, and the maiden stood quite abashed. - -"I have no lover, Ruperto, and you know it very well," she answered with -tears in her eyes; "it is cruel of you to insult a defenceless girl." - -"Nonsense! I am not insulting you, Carmela; what harm is there in a -pretty girl like you having a lover, if not two?" - -"Let me go," she cried, as she made an angry movement to free herself. - -"Not before you have answered my question." - -"Ask it then, and let us have an end of this." - -"Well, my wild little maid, be good enough to repeat to me what you -whispered just now to that springald of a captain." - -"I?" she replied in embarrassment; "what do you suppose I said to him?" - -"That is the very point. Nina, I do not suppose what you said to him, I -merely wish you to tell me what it was." - -"Leave me alone, Ruperto, you only take a delight in tormenting me." - -The Mexican looked at her searchingly. - -"Do not turn the conversation, my beauty," he said drily, "for the -question I ask you is serious." - -"That is possible; but I have no answer to give you." - -"Because you know you have done wrong." - -"I do not understand you." - -"Of course not! Well, I will explain myself; at the moment the officer -was about to start, you said to him, 'Take care,' Would you venture to -deny it?" - -The girl turned pale. - -"Since you heard me," she said, attempting to jest, "why do you ask me?" - -The Campesinos had frowned on hearing Ruperto's accusation; the position -was growing serious. - -"Oh, oh!" one of them said, as he looked up; "Did she really say that?" - -"Apparently, since I heard it," Ruperto retorted brutally. - -The girl took a timid glance around, as if imploring an absent -protector. - -"He is not there," Ruperto remarked cruelly, "so it is of no use looking -for him." - -"Who?" she asked, hesitating between the shame of the supposition and -the terror of her dangerous position. - -"He," he answered with a grin. "Listen, Carmela; several times already -you have learned more of our business than we liked; I repeat to you -the remark you made a minute ago to the Captain, and try to profit by -it; take care." - -"Yes," the second speaker said brutally; "for we might forget that you -are only a child, and make you pay dearly for your treachery." - -"Nonsense," the third said, who had hitherto contented himself with -drinking, and taking no part in the conversation; "the law must be equal -for all; if Carmela has betrayed us, she must be punished." - -"Well said, Bernardo," Ruperto exclaimed, as he smote the table; "there -are just enough of us to pronounce the sentence." - -"Good Heavens!" she screamed, as she freed herself by a sudden effort -from the grasp of the arm which had hitherto held her; "Let me go, let -me go!" - -"Stay!" Ruperto shouted as he rose; "If you do not, some misfortune will -happen." - -The three men rushed on the maiden, and the latter, half wild with -terror, sought in vain the door of the venta by which to escape. - -But, at the moment when the three men laid their rough and horny hands -on her white and delicate shoulders, the door, whose hasp she had been -unable to lift in her terror, was thrown wide open, and a man appeared -on the threshold. - -"What is the matter here?" he asked in a harsh voice, as he crossed his -hands on his chest; and he stood motionless, looking round at the -company. - -There was such menace in the voice of the new-comer, such a flash shot -from his eyes, that the three terrified men fell back mechanically -against the opposing wall, muttering--"The Jaguar! The Jaguar!" - -"Save me! Save me!" the maiden shrieked, as she rushed wildly toward -him. - -"Yes," he said in a deep voice; "yes, I will save you, Carmela; woe to -the man who causes a hair of your head to fall." - -And softly raising her in his powerful arms, he laid her gently on a -butacca, where she reclined in a half-fainting condition. - -The man who appeared so suddenly was still very young; his beardless -face would have seemed that of a child, if his regular features, with -their almost feminine beauty, had not been relieved by two large black -eyes, which possessed a brilliancy and magnetic power that few men felt -themselves capable of enduring. - -He was tall, but graceful and elegant, and his chest was wide; his long -hair, black as the raven's wing, fell in clusters beneath his vicuna -hat, which was ornamented with a deep gold toquilla. - -He wore the brilliant and luxurious Mexican costume; his calzoneras of -violet velvet, open above the knee, and decorated with a profusion of -carved gold buttons, displayed his shapely leg, elegantly imprisoned in -plaid silk stockings; his manga, thrown over, his shoulder, was bordered -with a wide gold galoon, a girdle of white China crape confined his -hips, and bore a pair of pistols and a sheathless machete, with a broad -and glittering blade, passed through a ring of bronzed steel: an -American rifle, studded with silver ornaments, was slung over his -shoulder. - -There was in the person of this man, still so young, an attraction so -powerful, a dominating fire so strange, that it was impossible to see -him without loving or hating him--so profound was the impression he -unconsciously produced on all those, without exception, with whom -chance brought him into relation. - -No one knew who he was, or whence he came; his very name was unknown; -and people had consequently been compelled to give him a sobriquet, with -which, however, he did not appear at all offended. - -As for his character, the following scenes will make it sufficiently -well known for us to dispense for the present with entering into any -lengthened details. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -LOVE AND JEALOUSY. - - -The first feeling of terror which had caused the three men to recoil at -the appearance of the Jaguar, had gradually worn off; their effrontery, -if not their courage, had returned on seeing the inoffensive manner of -the man they had long been accustomed to fear. - -Ruperto, the biggest scoundrel of the three, was the first to regain his -coolness, and, reflecting that the man who caused them such terror was -alone, and therefore could not have the force on his side, he walked -resolutely toward him. - -"Rayo de Dios!" he said in a brutal voice, "Let that girl alone, for she -deserves not only what has happened to her, but also the chastisement we -are about to inflict on her at once." - -The young man started as if a snake had stung him, and darted over his -shoulder a glance full of menace at the man who had addressed him. - -"Are you speaking to me in that way?" he asked. - -"To whom else?" the other answered, resolutely, although in his heart -he felt alarmed at the way in which his question had been taken up. - -"Ah!" was all the Jaguar said; and without adding another word, he -walked slowly toward Ruperto, whom he held motionless beneath his -fascinating glance, and who watched him come up with a terror that -momentarily increased. - -On arriving about a yard from the Mexican the young man stopped. - -This scene, apparently so simple, must, however, have possessed a -terrible significance for the witnesses, for all bosoms were heaving, -every brow was pallid. - -The Jaguar, with livid face, crisped features, eyes inflamed with blood, -and brows frowning, thrust forth his arm to seize Ruperto, who, overcome -by terror, did not make a single movement to escape from this clutch, -which he knew, however, would be mortal. - -Suddenly Carmela bounded like a startled fawn, and cast herself between -the two men. - -"Oh!" she shrieked, as she clasped her hands; "have pity on him; do not -kill him, in Heaven's name!" - -The young man's face suddenly changed, and assumed an expression of -ineffable gentleness. - -"Be it so!" he said; "Since such is your wish, he shall not die; but he -insulted you, Carmela, and must be punished. On your knees, villain!" he -continued, as he turned to Ruperto and pressed his hand heavily on his -shoulder; "On your knees, and ask pardon of this angel." - -Ruperto sunk together beneath the weight of this iron hand, and fell at -the maiden's feet, murmuring in a timid voice-- - -"Pardon, pardon!" - -"Enough," the Jaguar then said, with a terrible accent; "rise, and thank -your God for having escaped this time again from my vengeance. Open the -door, Carmela." - -The maiden obeyed. - -"To horse!" the Jaguar continued; "Go and wait for me at the Rio Seco, -and mind that not one stirs before my arrival, under penalty of death. -Begone!" - -The three men bowed their heads, and went out without reply; an instant -later the gallop of their horses could be heard echoing on the sandy -road. - -The two young people remained alone in the venta. - -The Jaguar sat down at the table where the men had been drinking a -moment previously, buried his face in his hands, and seemed plunged in -serious thought. - -Carmela looked at him with a mixture of timidity and fear, not daring to -address him. - -At length, after a considerable period had elapsed, the young man raised -his head, and looked around him, as if suddenly aroused from deep sleep. - -"What, you remained here?" he said to her. - -"Yes," she answered, softly. - -"Thanks, Carmela--you are kind! You alone love me, when all else hates -me." - -"Have I not reason to do so?" - -The Jaguar smiled mournfully, but answered this question by asking -another, the usual tactics of persons who do not wish to let their -thoughts be read. - -"Now, tell me frankly what happened between you and those scoundrels." - -The maiden seemed to hesitate for a moment, but made up her mind and -confessed the warning she gave the Captain of Dragoons. - -"You were wrong," the Jaguar said sternly to her; "your imprudence may -produce serious complications. Yet I dare not blame you; you are a -woman, and consequently ignorant of many things. Are you alone here?" - -"Quite alone." - -"What imprudence! How can Tranquil leave you thus?" - -"His duties keep him at present at the Larch-tree hacienda, where there -is going to be a grand hunt in a few days." - -"Hum! At any rate, Quoniam ought to have remained with you." - -"He could not, for Tranquil required his help." - -"The devil is in the business, as it seems," he said, in an ill-humoured -voice; "he must be mad thus to abandon a girl alone in a venta situated -alone in the midst of such a desolate country, during whole weeks." - -"I was not alone, for Lanzi was left with me." - -"Ah! And what has become of him?" - -"A little before sunrise I sent him to kill a little game." - -"A capital reason; and you have been left exposed to the coarse language -and ill-treatment of the first scoundrel who thought proper to insult -you." - -"I did not think there was any danger." - -"Now, I trust you are undeceived." - -"Oh!" she cried, with a start of terror, "That shall never happen again, -I swear to you." - -"Good! But I think I hear Lanzi's footsteps." - -She looked out. - -"Yes," she replied, "here he is." - -The man shortly after entered. He was of about forty years of age, with -an intelligent and bold face; he had on his shoulders a magnificent -deer, fastened much in the way Swiss hunters carry a chamois, and in his -right hand he held a gun. - -He gave a look of annoyance on perceiving the young man; still, he bowed -slightly to him as he placed the venison on the table. - -"Oh, oh," the Jaguar said, in a good-humoured tone, "you have had a good -hunt it seems, Lanzi; are the deer plentiful on the plain?" - -"I have known the time when they were more numerous," he replied, -gruffly; "but now," he added, shaking his head sorrowfully, "it is a -hard matter for a poor man to kill one or two in a day." - -The young man smiled. - -"They will return," he said. - -"No, no," Lanzi replied, "when the deer have been once startled, they do -not return to the parts they have left, however much it might be to -their benefit to do so." - -"You must put up with it then, master, and take things as they are." - -"Well, what else do I?" he growled, as he angrily turned his back on the -speaker. - -And, after this sally, he reloaded the game on his shoulders, and -entered the other room. - -"Lanzi is not amiable to-day," the Jaguar observed, when he found -himself alone with Carmela. - -"He is annoyed at meeting you here." - -The young man frowned. - -"Why so?" he asked. - -Carmela blushed and looked down without answering. - -The Jaguar looked at her searchingly for a moment. - -"I understand," he said at last; "my presence in this hostelry -displeases somebody--him, perhaps." - -"Why should it displease him? He is not the master, I suppose." - -"That is true; then it displeases your father--is that it?" - -The maiden gave a nod of assent. - -The Jaguar sprung up violently, and walked up and down the room, with -his head down, and his arms behind his back; after a few minutes of this -behaviour, which Carmela followed with an anxious eye, he stopped -suddenly before her, raised his head, and looked at her fixedly. - -"And does my presence here, Carmela, displease you also?" - -The girl remained silent. - -"Reply," he went on. - -"I did not say so," she murmured, with hesitation. - -"No," he said, with a bitter smile, "but you think so, Carmela, though -you have not the courage to confess it to my face." - -She drew herself up proudly. - -"You are unjust to me," she replied, with peevish excitement, "unjust -and unkind. Why should I--_I,_ desire your absence? You never did me any -harm; on the contrary, I have ever found you ready to defend me; this -very day you did not hesitate to protect me from the ill-treatment of -the wretches who insulted me." - -"Ah! You allow it?" - -"Why should I not allow it, since it is true? Do you consider me -ungrateful, then?" - -"No, Carmela, you are only a woman," he replied, bitterly. - -"I do not understand your meaning, and do not wish to do so; I alone -here defend you, when my father, or Quoniam, or anyone else accuses you. -Is it my fault, if, owing to your character, and the mysterious life you -lead, you are placed beyond the pale of ordinary existence? Am I -responsible for the silence you insist on maintaining on all that -concerns you personally? You know my father; you know how kind, frank, -and worthy he is; many times he has tried, by circuitous ways, to lead -you to an honourable explanation--but you have always repulsed his -advances. You must, therefore, only blame yourself for the general -isolation in which you are left, and the solitude formed around you; and -do not address reproaches to the only person who, up to the present, has -dared to support you against all." - -"It is true," he answered, bitterly; "I am a madman. I acknowledge my -wrongs towards you, Carmela, for you say truly; in all this world, you -alone have been constantly kind and compassionate for the reprobate--for -the man whom the general hatred pursues." - -"Hatred as foolish as it is unjust." - -"And which you do not share in--is it not?" he exclaimed, sharply. - -"No, I do not share it; still, I suffer from your obstinacy; for, in -spite of all that is said of you, I believe you to be honourable." - -"Thank you, Carmela; I wish I had it in my power to prove immediately -that you are right, and give a denial to those who insult me like -cowards behind my back, and tremble when I stand before them. -Unfortunately, that is impossible for the present; but the day will -come, I hope, when it will be permitted me to make myself known as what -I really am, and throw off the mask that stifles me; and then--" - -"Then?" she repeated, seeing that he hesitated. - -Again he hesitated. - -"Then," he said, in a choking voice, "I shall have a question to ask -you, and a request to make." - -The maiden blushed, but recovered herself directly. - -"You will find me ready to answer both," she murmured, in a low and -inarticulate voice. - -"Do you mean it?" he asked, joyfully. - -"I swear it to you." - -A flash of happiness lit up the young man's face like a sunbeam. - -"My good Carmela," he said, in a deep voice, "when the moment arrives, I -shall remind you of your promise." - -She bowed her head in dumb assent. - -There was a moment of silence. The maiden attended to her household -duties with that bird-like lissomness and activity peculiar to women; -the Jaguar walked up and down the room with a preoccupied air; after a -few moments he went to the door and looked out. - -"I must be gone," he said. - -She gave him a scrutinizing glance. - -"Ah," she said. - -"Yes; then be kind enough to order Lanzi to prepare Santiago. Perhaps if -I told him so myself he would feel disinclined to do it. I fancy I can -see I am no longer in his good graces." - -"I will go," she answered him with a smile. - -The young man watched her depart with a stifled sigh. - -"What is this I feel?" he muttered, as he pressed his hand powerfully -against his heart, as if he suddenly felt a sudden pain: "Can it be what -people call love? I am mad!" he went on, directly after; "How can I, the -Jaguar, love? Can a reprobate be beloved?" - -A bitter smile contracted his lips; he frowned and muttered, in a hollow -voice-- - -"Every man has his task in this world, and I shall know how to -accomplish mine." - -Carmela came in again. - -"Santiago will be ready in a moment. Here are your vaquera boots, which -Lanzi begged me to give you." - -"Thank you," he said. - -And he began fastening on his legs those two pieces of stamped leather -which in Mexico play the part of gaiters, and serve to protect the rider -from the horse. - -While the young man fastened on his botas, with one foot on the bench, -and his body bent forward, Carmela examined him attentively, with an -expression of timid hesitation. - -The Jaguar noticed it. - -"What do you want?" he asked her. - -"Nothing," she said, stammering. - -"You are deceiving me, Carmela. Come--time presses--tell me the truth." - -"Well," she replied, with a hesitation more and more marked, "I have a -prayer to make to you." - -"Speak quickly, Nina, for you know that, whatever it may be, I grant it -to you beforehand." - -"You swear it?" - -"I do." - -"Well, whatever may happen, I desire that if you meet the Captain of -Dragoons who was here this morning, you will grant him your protection." - -The young man sprung up, as if stung by a viper. - -"Ah, then," he shrieked, "what I was told was true, then?" - -"I do not know what you are alluding to, but I repeat my request." - -"I do not know the man, since I did not arrive until after his -departure." - -"Yes, you know him," she continued, boldly. "Why seek a subterfuge, if -you wish to break the promise you made me? It would be better to be -frank." - -"It is well," he replied, in a gloomy voice and a tone of biting irony; -"reassure yourself Carmela, I will defend your lover." - -And he rushed madly from the venta. - -"Oh!" the maiden exclaimed, as she fell on a bench, and melted into -tears; "Oh! That demon is properly christened the Jaguar! He has a -tiger's heart in his bosom." - -She buried her face in her hands, and broke out into sobs. - -At the same moment the rapid gallop of a retreating horse was heard. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -CARMELA. - - -Before we continue our story, it is indispensable for us to give our -readers certain important and indispensable details about facts that -have to come. - -Among the provinces of the vast territory of New Spain, there is one, -the most eastern of all, whose real value the Government of the Viceroys -has constantly ignored. This ignorance was kept up by the Mexican -Republic, which, at the period of the proclamation of Independence, did -not think it worthy of being formed into a separate state, and, without -dreaming of what might happen at a later date, negligently allowed it to -be colonized by the North Americans, who even at that period seemed -infected by that fever of encroachment and aggrandizement which has now -become a species of endemic mania among these worthy citizens--we refer -to Texas. - -This magnificent country is one of the most fortunately situated in -Mexico; territorially regarded, it is immense, no country is better -watered, for considerable rivers pour into the sea, their waters swollen -by countless streams which fertilize this country, as they traverse it -in every direction; and these currents and rivers being deeply imbedded, -never form those wide expanses of water by their overflow, which in -other countries are transformed into fetid marshes. - -The climate of Texas is healthy, and exempt from those frightful -diseases which have given such a sinister celebrity to certain countries -of the New World. - -The natural borders of Texas are the Sabina on the East, Red River on -the north, to the west a chain of lofty mountains, which enters vast -prairies, and the Rio Bravo del Norte, and lastly, from the mouth of the -latter river to that of the Sabina, the Gulf of Mexico. - -We have said that the Spaniards were almost ignorant of the real value -of Texas, although they had been acquainted with it for a very long -time, for it is almost certain that in 1536, Cabeca de Vaca traversed it -when he proceeded from Florida to the northern provinces of Mexico. - -Still the honour of the first settlement attempted in this fine country -belongs incontestably to France. - -In fact, the unfortunate and celebrated Robert de la Salle, ordered by -the Marquis de Siegnelay to discover the mouth of the Mississippi in -1684, made a mistake, and entered the Rio de Colorado, which he -descended with countless difficulties, till he reached the San Bernardo -lagoon, where he built a fort between Velasco and Matagorda, and took -possession of the country. We will enter into no further details about -this bold explorer, who twice attempted to reach the unknown lands to -the east of Mexico, and was traitorously assassinated in 1687, by -villains who belonged to his band. - -A later reminiscence attaches France to Texas, for it was there that -General Lallemand attempted in 1817 to found, under the name of _Champ -d'Asyle_, a colony of French refugees, the unhappy relics of the -invincible armies of the first empire. This colony, situated about ten -leagues from Galveston, was utterly destroyed by the orders of the -Viceroy Apodaca, by virtue of the despotic system, constantly followed -by the Spaniards of the New World, of not allowing strangers, under any -pretext, to establish themselves on any point of their territory. - -We shall be forgiven these prosy details when our readers reflect that -this country, scarce twenty years free, with a superficies of one -hundred thousand acres and more, and inhabited by two hundred thousand -persons at the most, has, however, entered on an era of prosperity and -progress, which must inevitably arouse the attention of European -Governments, and the sympathies of intelligent men of all nations. - -At the period when the events occurred which we have undertaken to -narrate, that is to say in the later half of 1829, Texas still belonged -to Mexico, but its glorious revolution had begun, it was struggling -valiantly to escape from the disgraceful yoke of the central government, -and proclaim its independence. - -Before, however, we continue our story, we must explain how it was that -Tranquil, the Canadian hunter, and Quoniam, the Negro, who was indebted -to him for liberty, whom we left on the Upper Missouri leading the free -life of wood-rangers, found themselves established, as it were, in -Texas, and how the hunter had a daughter, or, at any rate, called his -daughter, the lovely fair-haired girl we have presented to the reader -under the name of Carmela. - -About twelve years before the day we visit the Venta del Potrero, -Tranquil arrived at the same hostelry, accompanied by two comrades, and -a child of five to six years of age, with blue eyes, ruddy lips, and -golden hair, who was no other than Carmela; as for his comrades, one was -Quoniam, the other an Indian half-breed, who answered to the name of -Lanzi. - -The sun was just about setting when the little party halted in front of -the venta. - -The host, but little accustomed in this desolate country, close to the -Indian border, to see travellers, and especially at so late an hour, had -already closed and barred his house, and was himself getting ready for -bed, when the unexpected arrival of our friends forced him to alter his -arrangements for the night. - -It was, however, only with marked repugnance, and on the repeated -assurances the travellers made him that he had nought to fear from them, -that he at length decided to open his door, and admit them to his house. - -Once that he had resolved to receive them, the host was as he should be -to his guests, that is to say, polite and attentive, as far as that can -enter into the character of a Mexican landlord, a race, be it noted in a -parenthesis, the least hospitable in existence. - -He was a short, stout man, with cat-like manners, and crafty looks, -already of a certain age, but still quick and active. - -When the travellers had placed their horses in the corral, before a good -stock of alfalfa, and had themselves supped with the appetite of men who -have made a long journey, the ice was broken between them and the host, -thanks to a few tragos of Catalonian refino, liberally offered by the -Canadian, and the conversation went on upon a footing of the truest -cordiality, while the little girl, carefully wrapped up in the hunter's -warm zarape, was sleeping with that calm and simple carelessness -peculiar to that happy age when the present is all in all, and the -future does not exist. - -"Well, gossip," Tranquil said gaily, as he poured out a glass of refino -for the host; "I fancy you must lead a jolly life of it here." - -"I?" - -"Hang it, yes; you go to bed with the bees, and I feel certain you are -in no hurry to get up in the morning." - -"What else can I do in this accursed desert, where I have buried myself -for my sins?" - -"Are travellers so rare, then?" - -"Yes and no; it depends on the meaning you give the word." - -"Confound it! there are not two meanings, I should fancy." - -"Yes, two very distinct meanings." - -"Nonsense! I am curious to know them." - -"That is easy enough: there is no lack of vagabonds of every colour in -the country, and if I liked, they would fill my house the whole blessed -day; but they would not shew me the colour of their money." - -"Ah, very good; but these estimable Caballeros do not constitute the -whole of your customers, I presume?" - -"No; there are also the Indios Bravos, Comanches, Apaches, and Pawnees, -and Heaven alone knows who else, who prowl about the neighbourhood from -time to time." - -"Hum! those are awkward neighbours, and if you have only such customers, -I am beginning to be of your opinion; still, you must now and then -receive pleasanter visits." - -"Yes, from time to time, straggling travellers like yourself, of course; -but the profits, in any case, are far from covering the expenses." - -"That is true, here's your health." - -"The same to you." - -"In that case, though, allow me a remark which may appear to you -indiscreet." - -"Speak, speak, Caballeros, we are talking as friends, so have no chance -of offence." - -"You are right. If you are so uncomfortable here, why the deuce do you -remain?" - -"Why, where would you have me go?" - -"Well, I do not know, but you would be better off anywhere than here." - -"Ah! if it only depended on me," he said, with a sigh. - -"Have you anybody with you here?" - -"No, I am alone." - -"Well, what prevents you going then?" - -"Eh, Caramba, the money! All I possessed, and that was not much, was -spent in building this house, and installing myself, and I could not -have managed it had it not been for the peons." - -"Is there a hacienda here?" - -"Yes, the Larch tree hacienda, about four leagues off, so that, you -understand, if I go, I must give up my all." - -"Ah, ah," Tranquil said thoughtfully, "very good, go on. Why not sell -it?" - -"Where are the buyers? Do you fancy it so easy to find about here a man -with four or five hundred piastres in his pocket; and, moreover, ready -to commit an act of folly?" - -"Well, I can't say, but I fancy by seeking he could be found." - -"Nonsense, gossip, you are jesting!" - -"On my word I am not," Tranquil said, suddenly changing his tone, "and I -will prove it to you." - -"Good." - -"You say you will sell your house for four hundred piastres?" - -"Did I say four hundred?" - -"Don't finesse, you did." - -"Very good, then; I admit it: what next?" - -"Well, I will buy it, if you like." - -"You?" - -"Why not?" - -"I will think about it." - -"That is done; say yes or no, take it, or leave it; perhaps I may have -altered my mind in five minutes, so decide." - -The landlord gave the Canadian a searching glance. "I accept," he said. - -"Good: but I will not give you four hundred piastres." - -"How much?" the other said, crying off. - -"I will give you six hundred." - -The landlord looked at him in amazement. - -"I am quite agreeable," he said. - -"But on one condition." - -"What is it?" - -"That to-morrow, so soon as the sale is completed, you will mount your -horse--you have one, I suppose?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, you will mount, start, and never show yourself here again." - -"Oh! You may be quite certain on that point." - -"It's settled then?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then let your witnesses be ready at day-break." - -"They shall be." - -The conversation ended here. The travellers wrapped themselves in their -fressadas and zarapes, lay down on the lumpy floor of the room, and fell -asleep; the host followed their example. - -As was arranged between them, the landlord, a little before daybreak, -saddled his horse, and went to fetch the witnesses necessary for the -validity of the transaction; for this purpose he galloped to the -Larch-tree hacienda and returned by sunrise, accompanied by the -major-domo and seven or eight peons. - -The major-domo, the only one who could read and write, drew up the deed -of sale, and after collecting all the persons, read it aloud. - -Tranquil then took thirty-seven and a half gold onzas from his girdle, -and spread them out on the table. - -"Be witnesses, Caballeros," the major-domo said, addressing his -audience, "that the Senor Tranquilo has paid the six hundred piastres -agreed on for the purchase of the Venta del Potrero." - -"We are witness," they replied. - -Then all present, the major-domo at their head, passed into the corral -behind the house. - -On reaching it, Tranquil pulled up a tuft of grass which he cast over -his shoulder; then picking up a stone, he hurled it over the opposite -wall: according to the terms of Mexican law, he was now the owner. - -"Be witness, Senores," the major-domo again spoke, "that Senor -Tranquilo, here present, has legally taken possession of this estate. -_Dios y libertad!_" - -"_Dios y libertad_!" the others shouted; "Long life to the new -huesped!" - -All the formalities being performed, they now returned to the house, -when Tranquil poured out bumpers for his witnesses, whom this unexpected -liberality filled with delight. - -The ex-landlord, faithful to his agreement, pressed the buyer's hand, -mounted his horse, and went off, wishing him good luck. From that day -they never heard of him again. - -This was the manner in which the hunter arrived in Texas, and became a -landed proprietor. - -He left Lanzi and Quoniam at the venta with Carmela. As for himself, -thanks to the patronage of the major-domo, who recommended him to his -master, Don Hilario de Vaureal, he entered the Larch-tree hacienda in -the capacity of tigrero or tiger-killer. - -Although the country selected by the hunter to establish himself was on -the confines of the Mexican border, and, for that reason, almost -deserted, the vaqueros and peons cudgelled their brains for some time in -trying to discover the reason which bad compelled so clever and brave a -hunter as the Canadian to retire there. But all the efforts made to -discover this reason, all the questions asked, remained without result; -the hunter's comrades and himself remained dumb; as for the little girl, -she knew nothing. - -At length the disappointed people gave up trying to find the explanation -of this enigma, trusting to time, that great clearer up of mysteries, to -tell them at length the truth which was so carefully concealed. - -But weeks, months, years elapsed, and nothing raised even a corner of -the hunter's secret. - -Carmela had grown an exquisite maiden, and the venta had increased the -number of its customers. This border, hitherto so quiet, owing to its -remoteness from the towns and pueblos, felt the movement which the -revolutionary ideas imparted to the centre of the country; travellers -became more frequent, and the hunter, who had up to this time appeared -rather careless as to the future, trusting for his safety to the -isolation of his abode, began to grow anxious, not for himself, but for -Carmela, who was exposed almost definitively to the bold attempts not -only of lovers, whom her beauty attracted, as honey does flies, but also -to those of the ruffians whom the troublous times had drawn out of their -lairs, and who wandered about all the roads like coyotes seeking prey to -devour. - -The hunter, wishful no longer to leave the maiden in the dangerous -position into which circumstances had thrown her, was actively employed -in warding off the misfortunes he foresaw; for, although it is -impossible, for the present, to know what ties attached him to the girl -who called him father, we will state here that he felt a really paternal -affection and absolute devotion for her, in which, indeed, Quoniam and -Lanzi imitated him. Carmela to these three men was neither girl nor -woman; she was an idol they adored on their bended knees, and for whom -they would have readily sacrificed their lives at the slightest sign it -might please her to make them. - -A smile from Carmela rendered them happy; the slightest frown from her -made them sorrowful. - -We must add, that although she was aware of the full extent of her -power, Carmela did not abuse it, and it was her greatest joy to see -herself surrounded by these three hearts which were so entirely devoted -to her. - -Now that we have given these details, doubtless very imperfect, but the -only ones possible, we will resume our story at the point where we left -it in the penultimate chapter. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE CONDUCTA DE PLATA. - - -We will now return to the caravan, which we saw leave the Potrero at -sunrise, and in the Chief of which Carmela seemed so greatly interested. - -This Chief was a young man of about five-and-twenty, with delicate, -dashing, and distinguished features; he wore, with supreme elegance, the -brilliant uniform of a Captain of Dragoons. - -Although he belonged to one of the oldest and noblest families in -Mexico, Don Juan Melendez de Gongora would only owe his promotion to -himself; an extraordinary desire in a country where military honour is -regarded almost as nothing, and where only the superior grades give -those who hold them a degree of consideration which is rather the result -of fear than of sympathy, on the part of the people. - -Still Don Juan had persevered in his eccentric idea, and each step he -won was not the result of a pronunciamento successfully carried out by -any ambitious General, but that of a brilliant action. Don Juan belonged -to that class of real Mexicans who honestly love their country, and who, -jealous of its honour, dream for it a restoration, very difficult, if -not impossible, to obtain. - -The force of virtue is so great, even on the most depraved natures, that -Captain Don Juan Melendez de Gongora was respected by all the men who -approached him, even by those who loved him the least. - -However, the Captain's virtue had nothing austere or exaggerated about -it; he was a thorough soldier, gay, obliging, brave as his sword, and -ever ready to help, either with his arm or purse, all those, friends or -foes, who had recourse to him. Such, physically and morally, was the man -who commanded the caravan, and granted his protection to the monk who -rode by his side. - -This worthy Frayle, about whom we have had already occasion to say a few -words, deserves a detailed description. - -Physically, he was a man of about fifty, almost as tall as he was wide, -bearing a striking likeness to a barrel set on legs, and yet gifted with -far from common strength and activity; his violet nose, his huge lips, -and ruddy face, gave him a jovial appearance, which two little grey -sunken eyes, full of fire and resolution, rendered ironical and mocking. - -Morally, he was in no way distinguished from the majority of Mexican -monks--that is to say, he was ignorant as a carp, prone to drinking, a -passionate lover of the fair sex, and superstitious in the highest -degree; but for all that, the best companion in the world, at home in -all society, and always able to raise a laugh. - -What singular accident could have brought him so far on the border? This -no one knew or cared for, as everyone was aware of the vagabond humour -of Mexican monks, whose life is constantly passed in roaming from one -place to the other, without object, and generally without interest, but -simply at the dictates of caprice. - -At this period, Texas, joined to another province, formed a state called -Texas and Cohahuila. - -The party commanded by Don Juan de Melendez left Nacogdoches eight days -previously, bound for Mexico; but the Captain, in accordance with the -instructions he received, left the ordinary road, inundated at that -moment with bands of brigands of every description, and made a long -circuit to avoid certain ill-famed gorges of the Sierra de San Saba. He -would still have to cross that range; but on the side of the great -prairies, that is to say, at the spot where the plateaux, gradually -descending, do not offer those variations of landscape which are so -dangerous to travellers. - -The ten mules the Captain escorted must be loaded with very precious -merchandise, for the Federal Government--seeing the small number of -troops it had in the State--to have resolved on having it convoyed by -forty dragoons under an officer of Don Juan's reputation, whose -presence, under existing circumstances, would have been highly -necessary, not to say indispensable, in the interior of the State, in -order to suppress revolutionary attempts, and keep the inhabitants in -the path of duty. - -In fact, the merchandise was very valuable; these ten mules transported -three millions of piastres, which would assuredly be a grand windfall -for the insurgents, if they fell into their hands. - -The time was left far behind, when, under the rule of the Viceroys, the -Spanish flag borne at the head of a train of fifty or sixty mules laden -with gold, was sufficient to protect a conducta de plata effectually, -and enable it to traverse, without the slightest risk, the whole width -of Mexico, so great was the terror inspired by the mere name of Spain. - -Now, it was not one hundred, or sixty mules; but ten, which forty -resolute men seemed hardly sufficient to protect. - -The government considered it advisable to employ the greatest prudence -in sending off this conducta, which had long been expected at Mexico. -The greatest silence was maintained as to the hour and day of departure, -and the road it would follow. - -The bales were made so as to conceal, as far as possible, the nature of -the merchandise carried; the mules sent off one by one, in open day, -only under the protection of the arriero, joined, fifteen leagues from -the town, the escort which had been encamped for more than a month, -under some plausible excuse, in an ancient presidio. - -All had, therefore, been foreseen and calculated with the greatest care -and intelligence to get this precious merchandise in safety to its -destination; the arrieros, the only persons who knew the value of their -load, would be careful not to speak about it, for the little they -possessed was made responsible for the safety of their freight, and they -ran the risk of being utterly ruined if their mules were robbed on the -road. - -The conducta advanced in the most excellent order, to the sound of the -Nena's bells; the arrieros sang gaily their mules, urging them on by -this eternal "arrea, Mula! Arrea, Linda!" - -The pennons fastened to the long lances of the dragoons fluttered in the -morning breeze, and the Captain listened idly to the monk's chatter, -while at intervals taking a searching glance over the deserted plain. - -"Come, come, Fray Antonio," he said to his stout companion, "you can no -longer regret having set out at so early an hour, for the morning is -magnificent, and everything forebodes a pleasant day." - -"Yes, yes," the other replied with a laugh; "thanks to Nuestra Senora de -la Soledad, honourable Captain, we are in the best possible state for -travelling." - -"Well, I am glad to find you in such good spirits, for I feared lest the -rather sudden waking this morning might have stirred up your bile." - -"I, good gracious, honourable Captain!" he replied, with feigned -humility; "we unworthy members of the church must submit without -murmuring to all the tribulations which it pleases the Lord to send us; -and besides, life is so short, that it is better only to look at the -bright side, not to lose in vain regret the few moments of joy to which -we can lay claim." - -"Bravo! That is the sort of philosophy I like; you are a good companion, -Padre--I hope we shall travel together for a long while." - -"That depends a little on you, Senor Captain." - -"On me? how so?" - -"Well, on the direction you propose following." - -"Hum!" Don Juan said; "and pray where may you be going, Senor Padre?" - -This old-fashioned tactic of answering one question by another, is -excellent, and nearly always succeeds. This time the monk was caught; -but, in accordance with the habit of his brethren, his answer was as it -was meant to be, evasive. - -"Oh, I," he said with affected carelessness; "all roads are pretty -nearly the same to me; my gown assures me, wherever chance bends my -steps, pleasant faces and hearty reception." - -"That is true; hence I am surprised at the question you asked me an -instant back." - -"Oh, it is not worth troubling yourself about, honourable Captain. I -should feel agonised at having annoyed you, hence I humbly beg you to -pardon me." - -"You have in no way annoyed me, Senor Padre. I have no reason for -concealing the road I purpose following; this recua of mules I am -escorting does not affect me in any way, and I propose leaving it -to-morrow or the day after." - -The monk could not restrain a start of surprise. - -"Ah!" he said, as he looked searchingly at the speaker. - -"Oh yes," the Captain continued, in an easy tone, "these worthy men -begged me to accompany them for a few days, through fear of the gavillas -that infest the roads; they have, it appears, valuable merchandize with -them, and would not like to be plundered." - -"I understand; it would not be at all pleasant for them." - -"Would it? hence I did not like to refuse them the slight service which -took me only a little way out of my road; but so soon as they consider -themselves in safety, I shall leave them and enter the prairie, in -accordance with the instructions I have received, for you know that the -Indios Bravos are stirring." - -"No, I was not aware of it." - -"Well, in that case, I tell it you; there is a magnificent opportunity -that presents itself to you, Padre Antonio, and you must not neglect -it." - -"A magnificent opportunity for me?" the monk repeated, in amazement; -"What opportunity, honourable Captain?" - -"For preaching to the Infidels, and teaching them the dogmas of our Holy -Faith," he replied, with imperturbable coolness. - -At this abrupt proposal the monk made a frightful face. - -"Deuce take the opportunity!" he exclaimed, snapping his fingers; "I -will leave that to other asses! I feel no inclination for martyrdom." - -"As you please, Padre; still you are wrong." - -"That is possible, honourable Captain, but hang me if I accompany you -near those pagans; in two days I shall leave you." - -"So soon as that?" - -"Why, I suppose, that since you are going on to the prairie, you will -leave the recua of mules you are escorting at the Rancho of San Jacinto, -which is the extreme point of the Mexican possessions on the desert -border." - -"It is probable." - -"Well, I will go on with the muleteers; as all the dangerous passes will -then have been left behind, I shall have nothing to fear, and shall -continue my journey in the most agreeable way possible." - -"Ah," the Captain said to him, with a piercing glance; but he was unable -to continue this conversation, which seemed highly interesting to him, -for a horseman galloped up at full speed from the front, stopped before -him, and stooping to his ear, whispered a few words. - -The Captain looked scrutinizingly round him, drew himself up in the -saddle, and addressed the soldier-- - -"Very good. How many are they?" - -"Two, Captain." - -"Watch them, but do not let them suspect they are prisoners; on arriving -at the halting ground I will cross-question them. Rejoin your comrades." - -The soldier bowed respectfully without reply, and went off at the same -speed he had come up. - -Captain Melendez had for a long time accustomed his subordinates not to -discuss his orders, but obey them unhesitatingly. - -We mention this fact because it is excessively rare in Mexico, where -military discipline is almost a nullity, and subordination unknown. - -Don Juan closed up the ranks of the escort, and ordered them to hurry -on. - -The monk had seen with secret alarm the conference between the officer -and the soldier, of which he was unable to catch a word. When the -Captain, after attentively watching the execution of his orders, -returned to his place by his side, Father Antonio tried to jest about -what had happened, and the cloud of gravity that had suddenly darkened -the officer's face. - -"Oh, oh," he said to him, with a loud laugh, "how gloomy you are, -Captain! did you see three owls flying on your right? The pagans assert -that such is an evil omen." - -"Perhaps so," the Captain drily replied. - -The tone in which the remark was uttered had nothing friendly or -inviting about it. The monk understood that any conversation at this -moment was impossible; he took the hint, bit his lips, and continued to -ride silently by his companion's side. - -An hour later they reached the bivouac; neither the monk nor the officer -had said a word; but the nearer they came to the spot selected for the -halt, the more anxious each seemed to grow. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE HALT. - - -The sun had almost entirely disappeared on the horizon at the moment -when the caravans reached the halting ground. - -This spot, situated on the top of a rather scarped hill, had been -selected with that sagacity which distinguishes Texan or Mexican -arrieros; any surprise was impossible, and the aged trees that grew on -the crest of the hill would, in the event of an attack, offer a secure -protection against bullets. - -The mules were unloaded, but, contrary to the usual custom, the bales, -instead of being employed as a breastwork for the camp, were piled up -and placed out of reach of the marauders whom chance or cupidity might -attract to this quarter when the darkness had set in. - -Seven or eight large fires were lit in a circle, in order to keep off -wild beasts; the mules received their ration of Indian corn on _mantas_ -or horsecloths laid on the ground; then, so soon as sentinels were -posted round the camp, the troopers and arrieros were busily engaged in -preparing the poor supper, which the day's fatigues rendered necessary. - -Captain Don Juan and the monk, who had gone a little aside to a fire lit -expressly for them, were beginning to smoke their husk cigarettes, while -the officer's servant was hastily preparing his master's meal--a meal, -we are bound to say, as simple as that of the other members of the -caravan, but which hunger had the privilege of rendering not only -appetising, but almost succulent, although it was only composed of a few -_varas_ of tocino, or meat dried in the sun, and four or five biscuits. - -The Captain soon finished his supper. He then rose, and, as night had -completely fallen, went to visit the sentries, and see that all was in -order. When he resumed his place by the fire, Father Antonio, with his -feet turned to the flame, and wrapped in a thick zarape, was sleeping, -or pretending to sleep, soundly. - -Don Juan examined him for a moment with an expression of hatred and -contempt, impossible to describe, shook his head twice or thrice -thoughtfully, and then told his assistants, who were standing a few -paces off in expectation of his orders, to have the two prisoners -brought up. - -These prisoners had hitherto been kept apart; though treated with -respect, it was, however, easy for them to see that they were guarded -with the greatest care; still, either through carelessness or some other -reason, they did not appear to notice the fact, for their weapons had -been left them, and, judging from their muscular force and energetic -features, though both had reached middle life, there was fair ground for -supposing when the moment arrived for them to insist on their liberty, -they would be the men to try and regain it by force. - -Without any remark they followed the Captain's servant, and soon found -themselves before that officer. - -Though the night was gloomy, the flames of the fire spread sufficient -light around to illumine the faces of the new comers. - -On seeing them Don Juan gave a start of surprise, but one of the -prisoners laid his finger on his lip to recommend prudence to him, and -at the same time glanced significantly at the monk lying near them. - -The Captain understood this dumb warning, to which he replied by a light -nod of the head, and then affected the utmost carelessness. - -"Who are you?" he asked, as he idly rolled a cigarette between his -fingers. - -"Hunters," one of the prisoners answered, without hesitation. - -"You were found a few hours back halting on the bank of a stream." - -"Quite correct." - -"What were you doing there?" - -The prisoner bent a scrutinizing glance around, and then looked again -boldly at the speaker. - -"Before giving any further answer to your questions," he said, "I should -like to ask you one in my turn." - -"What is it?" - -"Your right to cross-question me?" - -"Look round you," the Captain lightly replied. - -"Yes, I understand you, the right of force. Unluckily I do not recognize -that right. I am a free hunter, acknowledging no other law but my will, -no other master but myself." - -"Oh, oh! your language is bold, comrade." - -"It is that of a man not accustomed to yield to any arbitrary power; to -take me you have abused--I do not say your strength, for your soldiers -would have killed me, before compelling me to follow them, had not such -been my intention--but the facility with which I confided in you: I -therefore protest against it, and demand my immediate freedom." - -"Your haughty language has no effect on me, and were it my good -pleasure to force you to speak, I could compel you by certain -irresistible arguments I possess." - -"Yes," the prisoner said, bitterly, "the Mexicans remember the Spaniards -their ancestors, and appeal to torture when necessary; well, try it, -Captain--who prevents you? I trust that my gray hairs will not grow weak -before your young moustache." - -"Enough of this," the Captain said, angrily. "If I give you your -liberty, should I deliver a friend or a foe?" - -"Neither." - -"Hum! what do you mean?" - -"My answer is clear enough, surely." - -"Still, I do not understand it." - -"I will explain in two words." - -"Speak." - -"Both of us being placed in diametrically opposite positions, chance has -thought proper to bring us together to-day: if we now part, we shall -take with us no feeling of hatred through our meeting, because neither -you nor I have had cause to complain of each other, and probably we -shall never see each other again." - -"Still, it is plain that when my soldiers found you, you were expecting -somebody on this road." - -"What makes you suppose that?" - -"Hang it! you told me you were hunters; I do not see any game you could -hunt along this road." - -The prisoner began laughing. - -"Who knows?" he replied, with a stress on his words, "Perhaps it was -more precious game than you may fancy, and of which you would like to -have your share." - -The monk gave a slight start, and opened his eyes as awaking. - -"What?" he said, addressing the Captain, and stifling a yawn. "You are -not asleep, Don Juan?" - -"Not yet," the latter answered. "I am questioning the two men my -vanguard arrested some hours ago." - -"Ah!" the monk remarked with a disdainful glance at the strangers, -"these poor devils do not appear to me very alarming." - -"You think so?" - -"I do not know what you can have to fear from these men." - -"Perhaps they are spies?" - -Fray Antonio assumed a paternal air. - -"Spies?" he said; "Do you fear an ambuscade?" - -"Under the circumstances in which we now are, that supposition is not so -improbable, I fancy." - -"Nonsense! in a country like this, and with the escort you have at your -service, that would be extraordinary; moreover, these two men let -themselves be captured without resistance, as I heard, when they might -easily have escaped." - -"That is true." - -"It is evident, then, that they had no bad intentions. If I were you, I -would quietly let them go where they pleased." - -"Is that your advice?" - -"Indeed it is." - -"You seem to take a great interest in these two strangers." - -"I? Not the least in the world. I only tell you what is right, that's -all: now you can act as you please. I wash my hands of it." - -"You may be right, still I will not set these persons at liberty till -they have told me the name of the person they were expecting." - -"Were they expecting anybody?" - -"They say so, at any rate." - -"It is true, Captain," said the person who had hitherto spoken; "but -though we knew you were coming, it was not you we were waiting for." - -"Who was it, then?" - -"Do you insist on knowing?" - -"Certainly." - -"Then answer, Fray Antonio," the prisoner said with a grin; "for you -alone can reveal the name the Captain asks of us." - -"I?" the monk said with a start of passion, and turning pale as a -corpse. - -"Ah, ah!" the Captain said, as he turned to him, "this is beginning to -grow interesting." - -It was a singular scene presented by the four men standing round the -fire, whose flame fantastically lit up their faces. - -The Captain carelessly smoked his cigarette, while looking sarcastically -at the monk, on whose face impudence and fear were fighting a battle, -every incident in which was easy to read; the two hunters, with their -hands crossed over the muzzles of their long rifles, smiled cunningly, -and seemed to be quietly enjoying the embarrassment of the man whom they -had placed in this terrible dilemma. - -"Don't pretend to look so surprised, Padre Antonio," the prisoner then -at length said; "you know very well we were expecting you." - -"Me?" the monk said in a choking voice; "the scoundrel is mad, on my -soul." - -"I am not mad, Padre, and I will trouble you not to employ such language -toward me," the prisoner replied drily. - -"Come, give in," the other, who had hitherto been silent, cried -coarsely; "I do not care to dance at the end of a rope for your good -pleasure." - -"Which will inevitably happen," the Captain remarked quietly, "if you do -not decide, Caballeros, on giving me a clear and explicit explanation of -your conduct." - -"There you see, Senor Frayle," the prisoner continued, "our position is -growing delicate; come, behave like a man." - -"Oh!" the monk exclaimed furiously, "I have fallen into a horrible -trap." - -"Enough," the Captain said in a thundering voice; "this farce has lasted -only too long, Padre Antonio. It is not you who have fallen into a trap, -but you tried to draw me into one. I have known you for a long time, and -possess the most circumstantial details about the plans you were -devising. It is a dangerous game you have been playing for a long time; -a man cannot serve GOD and the devil simultaneously, without all being -discovered at last; still, I wished to confront you with these worthy -men, in order to confound you, and make the mask fall from your -hypocritical face." - -At this rude apostrophe the Monk was for a moment stunned, crushed as he -was beneath the weight of the charges brought against him; at length he -raised his head and turned to the Captain. - -"Of what am I accused?" he asked haughtily. - -Don Juan smiled contemptuously. - -"You are accused," he replied, "of having wished to lead the conducta I -command into an ambush formed by you, and where at this moment your -worthy acolytes are waiting to massacre and rob us. What will you reply -to that?" - -"Nothing," he answered, drily. - -"You are right, for your denials would not be accepted. Still, now that -you are convicted by your own confession, you will not escape without an -eternal recollection of our meeting." - -"Take care of what you are about to do, Senor Captain: I belong to the -church, and this gown renders me inviolable." - -A mocking smile contracted the Captain's lips. - -"No matter for that," he replied, "it shall be stripped off you." - -Most of the troopers and arrieros, aroused by the loud voices of the -monk and the officer, had gradually drawn nearer, and attentively -followed the conversation. - -The Captain pointed to the monk, and addressed the soldiers. - -"Strip off the gown that covers that man," he said; "fasten him to a -catalpa, and give him two hundred lashes with a _chicote_." - -"Villains!" the monk exclaimed, nearly out of his mind; "Any man of you -who dares to lay hands on me I curse; he will be eternally condemned for -having insulted a minister of the altar." - -The soldiers stopped in terror before this anathema, which their -ignorance and stupid superstition robbed them of the courage to brave. - -The monk folded his arms, and addressed the officer triumphantly-- - -"Wretched madman," he said, "I could punish you for your audacity, but I -pardon you. Heaven will undertake to avenge me, and you will be punished -when your last hour arrives. Farewell! Make room for me to pass, -fellows!" - -The dragoons, confused and timid, fell back slowly and hesitatingly -before him; the Captain, forced to confess his impotence, clenched his -fists, as he looked passionately around him. - -The monk had all but passed through the ranks of the soldiers, when he -suddenly felt his arm clutched; he turned with the evident intention of -severely reprimanding the man who was so audacious as to touch him, but -the expression of his face suddenly changed on seeing who it was that -stopped him, and looked at him craftily, for it was no other than the -strange prisoner, the first cause of the insult offered him. - -"One moment, Senor Padre," the hunter said. "I can understand that these -worthy fellows, who are Catholics, should fear your curse, and dare not -lay a hand on you through their dread of eternal flames, but with me it -is different. I am a heretic, as you know, hence I run no risk in taking -off your gown, and, with your permission, I will do you that slight -service." - -"Oh!" the monk replied, as he ground his teeth; "I will kill you, John, -I will kill you, villain!" - -"Nonsense, threatened people live a long while," John replied, as he -forced him to take off his monk's gown. - -"There," he continued, "now, my fine fellows, you can carry out your -Captain's orders in perfect safety; this man is no more to you than the -first comer." - -The hunter's bold action suddenly broke the spell that enchained the -soldiers. So soon as the much-feared gown no longer covered the monk's -shoulders, listening to neither prayers nor threats, they seized the -culprit, fastened him, in spite of his cries, securely to a catalpa, and -conscientiously administered the two hundred lashes decreed by the -Captain, while the hunters played their part by counting the blows and -laughing loudly at the contortions of the wretched man, whom pain caused -to writhe like a serpent. - -At the one hundred and twenty-eighth lash the monk became silent: his -nervous system being completely overthrown, rendered him insensible; -still, he did not faint, his teeth were clenched, a white foam escaped -from his crisped lips, he looked fixedly before him without seeing -anything, and giving no other signs of existence than the heavy sighs -which at intervals upheld his muscular chest. - -When the punishment was ended, and he was unfastened, he fell to the -ground like a log, and lay there motionless. - -His robe was handed back to him, and he was left to lie there, no one -troubling himself further about him. - -The two hunters then went off, after talking to the Captain for some -minutes in a low voice. - -The rest of the night passed away without incident. - -A few minutes before sunrise, the soldiers and arrieros prepared to load -the mules, and prepare everything for the start. - -"Stay," the Captain suddenly exclaimed, "where is the monk? We cannot -abandon him thus; lay him on a mule, and we will leave him at the first -rancho we come to." - -The soldiers hastened to obey, and look for Padre Antonio, but all their -search was in vain; he had disappeared, and left no trace of his flight. - -Don Juan frowned at the news, but, after a moment's reflection, he shook -his head carelessly. - -"All the better," he said, "he would have been in our way." - -The conducta herewith started again. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -A POLITICAL SKETCH. - - -Before proceeding further, we will say in a few words what was the -political situation of Texas at the moment when the story we have -undertaken to tell took place. - -During the Spanish domination, the Texans claimed their liberty, arms in -hand; but after various successes, they were definitively crushed at the -battle of Medina, on August 13th, 1815, a fatal date, by Colonel -Arredondo, commanding the regiment of Estremadura, who was joined by the -Militia of the State of Cohahuila. From that period up to the second -Mexican Revolution, Texas remained bowed beneath the intolerable yoke of -the military regime, and left defenceless to the incessant attacks of -the Comanche Indians. - -The United States had on many occasions raised claims to that country, -declaring that the natural frontiers of Mexico and the Confederation -were the Rio Bravo; but compelled in 1819 to allow ostensibly that -their claims were not founded, they employed roundabout means to seize -on this rich territory, and incorporate it in their borders. - -It was at that time they displayed that astute and patiently -Machiavellian policy, which finally led to their triumph. - -In 1821, the first American emigrants made their appearance, timidly, -and almost incognito, on the brazos, clearing the land, colonizing -secretly, and becoming in a few years so powerful, that in 1824 they had -made sufficient progress to form a compact mass of nearly 50,000 -individuals. The Mexicans, incessantly occupied in struggling one -against the other in their interminable civil wars, did not understand -the purport of the American immigration, which they encouraged at the -outset. - -Hardly eight years had elapsed since the arrival of the first Americans -in Texas, when they formed nearly the entire population. - -The Washington Cabinet no longer concealed its intentions, and spoke -openly of buying from the Mexicans the territory of Texas, in which the -Spanish element had almost entirely disappeared, to make room for the -daring and mercantile spirit of the Anglo-Saxons. - -The Mexican Government, at last aroused from its long lethargy, -understood the danger that threatened it from the double invasion of the -inhabitants of Missouri and Texas into the State of Santa Fe. It tried -to arrest the American emigration, but it was too late; the law passed -by the Mexican Congress was powerless, and the colonization was not -arrested, in spite of the Mexican military posts scattered along the -border, with orders to turn the immigrants back. - -General Bustamante, President of the Republic, seeing that he would -soon have to fight with the Americans, silently prepared for the -conflict, and sent under different pretexts to Red River and the Sabina -various bodies of troops, which presently attained to the number of 1200 -men. - -Still, everything remained quiet apparently; and nothing evidenced the -period when the struggle would commence, which a perfidy on the part of -the Governor of the Eastern provinces caused to break out at the moment -when least expected. - -The facts were as follow:-- - -The Commandant of Anahuac arrested and put in prison several American -colonists, without any plausible grounds. - -The Texans had hitherto patiently endured the innumerable vexations -which the Mexican officers made them undergo, but at this last abuse of -force they rose as if by one accord, and went under arms to the -Commandant, demanding with threats and angry shouts the immediate -liberation of their fellow-citizens. - -The Commandant, too weak to resist openly, feigned to grant what was -asked of him, but represented that he required two days to fulfil -certain formalities, and cover his own responsibility. - -The insurgents granted this delay, by which the Commandant profited to -send in all haste to the Nacogdoches garrison to help him. - -This garrison arrived at the moment when the insurgents, confiding on -the Governor's promise, were with-drawing. - -Furious at having been so perfidiously deceived, the latter returned and -made such an energetic demonstration that the Mexican officer considered -himself fortunate in escaping a fight by surrendering his prisoners. - -At this period, a _pronunciamento_ in favour of Santa Anna hurled -General Bustamante from power to the cry of "Long live the Federation!" - -Texas was extremely afraid of the system of centralization, from which -it would never have obtained the recognition of its independence as a -separate State, and hence the people were unanimous for Federalism. - -The colonists rose, and joining the insurgents of Anahuac who were still -under arms, marched resolutely on Fort Velasco, to which they laid -siege. - -The rallying cry was still "Long live the Federation!" But this time it -concealed the cry of Independence, which the Texans were as yet too weak -to raise. - -Fort Velasco was defended by a small Mexican garrison, commanded by a -brave officer of the name of Ugartechea. - -During this extraordinary siege, in which the assailants only replied to -the cannon with rifle bullets, both Texans and Mexicans performed -prodigies of valour and displayed extraordinary obstinacy. - -The colonists, skilful marksmen, hidden behind enormous barricades, -fired as at a mark, and killed the Mexican gunners whenever they showed -themselves to load their guns. Matters reached such a point that the -Commandant, seeing his bravest soldiers fall round him, devoted himself -and set to work as artilleryman. Struck by this heroic courage, the -Texans, who could have killed the brave Commandant twenty times, ceased -their fire, and Ugartechea at length surrendered, giving up a defence -which was henceforth impossible. - -The success filled the colonists with joy, but Santa Anna was not -deceived as to the object of the Texan insurrection; he understood that -federalism concealed a well-devised revolutionary movement, and far -from trusting to the apparent devotion of the colonists, so soon as his -power was sufficiently strengthened to allow him to act energetically -against them, he sent off Colonel Mexia with four hundred men, to -reestablish in Texas the greatly shaken Mexican authority. - -After many hesitations and diplomatic dodges, which had no possible -result with parties, both of which employed perfidy as their chief -weapon, the war at length broke out furiously; a committee of public -safety was organized at San Felipe, and the people were called upon to -take part in the struggle. - -The civil war, however, had not yet officially broken out, when the man -at length appeared who was destined to decide the fate of Texas, and for -whom the glory of liberating it was reserved--we allude to Samuel -Houston. - -From this moment the timid and purposeless insurrection of Texas became -a revolution. Still the Mexican government remained apparently the -legitimate master of the colony, and the colonists were naturally -denominated insurgents, and treated as such, when they fell into the -hands of their enemies; that is to say, they were without trial hung, -drowned, or shot, according as the spot where they were captured suited -one of these three modes of death. - -At the period when our story opens, the exasperation against the -Mexicans and the enthusiasm for the noble cause of Independence had -reached their acme. - -About three weeks previously, a serious engagement had taken place -between the garrison of Bejar and a detachment of Texan volunteers, -commanded by Austin, one of the most renowned Chiefs of the insurgents; -in spite of their inferiority in numbers and ignorance of military -tactics, the colonists fought so bravely, and worked their solitary gun -so skilfully, that the Mexican troops, after undergoing serious losses, -were compelled to retreat precipitately on Bejar. - -This action was the first on the west of Texas after the capture of Fort -Velasco; it decided the revolutionary movement which ran through the -country like a train of gunpowder. - -On all sides the towns raised troops to join the army of liberation; -resistance was organized on a grand scale and bold Guerilla Chiefs began -traversing the country in every direction, making war on their own -account, and serving after their fashion the cause they embraced and -which they were supposed to be defending. - -Captain Don Juan Melendez, surrounded by enemies the more dangerous -because it was impossible for him to know their numbers or guess their -movements; entrusted with an extreme delicate mission; having at each -step a prescience of treachery incessantly menacing, though ignorant -where, when, or how it would burst on him; was compelled to employ -extreme precautions and a merciless severity, if he wished to get safe -home the precious charge confided to him; hence he had not hesitated -before the necessity of instituting an example by roughly punishing -Padre Antonio. - -For a long time past, grave suspicions had been gathering over the monk; -his ambiguous conduct had aroused distrust, and caused presumptions in -no way favourable to his honesty. - -Don Juan had determined to clear up his doubts at the first opportunity -that offered; we have stated in what way he had succeeded by springing a -countermine, that is to say, by having the spy watched by others more -skilful than himself, and catching him almost red-handed. - -Still, we must do the worthy monk the justice of declaring that his -conduct had not the slightest political motive; his thoughts were not so -elevated as that; knowing that the Captain was entrusted with the charge -of a conducta de plata, he had only tried to draw him into a trap, for -the sake of having a share in the plunder, and making his fortune at a -stroke, in order that he might enjoy those indulgences he had hitherto -gone without; his ideas did not extend further, the worthy man was -simply a highway robber, but there was nothing of the politician about -him. - -We will leave him for the present to follow the two hunters to whom he -was indebted for the rude chastisement he received, and who quitted the -camp immediately after the execution of the sentence. - -These two men went off at a great speed, and, after descending the hill, -buried themselves in a thick wood, where two magnificent prairie horses, -half-tamed Mustangs, with flashing eye and delicate limbs, were quietly -browsing, while waiting for their riders; they were saddled in readiness -for mounting. - -After unfastening the hobbles, the hunters put the bits in their mouths, -mounted, and digging in their spurs, started at a sharp gallop. - -They rode for a long distance, bent over their horses' necks, following -no regular path, but going straight on, caring little for the obstacles -they met on their passage, and which they cleared with infinite skill; -about an hour before sunrise they at length stopped. - -They had reached the entrance of a narrow gorge, flanked on both sides -by lofty wooded hills, the spurs of the mountains, whose denuded crests -seemed from their proximity to hang over the landscape. The hunters -dismounted before entering the gorge, and after hobbling their horses, -which they hid in a clump of floripondios, they began exploring the -neighbourhood with the care and sagacity of Indian warriors seeking -booty on the war-trail. - -Their researches remained for a long time sterile, which could easily be -perceived from the exclamations of disappointment they every now and -then vented in a low voice: at length, after two hours, the first beams -of the sun dissipated the darkness, and they perceived some almost -imperceptible traces which made them start with joy. - -Probably feeling now liberated from the anxiety that tormented them, -they returned to their horses, lay down on the ground, and after -fumbling in their alforjas, drew from them the materials for a modest -breakfast, to which they did honour with the formidable appetite of men -who have spent the whole night in the saddle, riding over mountains and -valleys. - -Since their departure from the Mexican camp the hunters had not -exchanged a syllable, apparently acting under the influence of a dark -preoccupation, which rendered any conversation unnecessary. - -In fact, the silence of men accustomed to desert life is peculiar; they -pass whole days without uttering a word, only speaking when necessity -obliges them, and generally substituting for oral language that language -of signs which, in the first place, has the incontestable advantage of -not betraying the presence of those who employ it to the ears of -invisible enemies constantly on the watch, and ready to leap, like birds -of prey, on the imprudent persons who allow themselves to be surprised. - -When the hunters' appetite was appeased, the one whom the Captain called -John lit his short pipe, placed it in the corner of his month, and, -handed the tobacco-pouch to his comrade. - -"Well, Sam," he said in a low voice, as if afraid of being overheard, "I -fancy we have succeeded, eh?" - -"I think so too, John," Sam replied with a nod of affirmation; "you are -deucedly clever, my boy." - -"Nonsense," the other said disdainfully; "there is no merit in deceiving -those brutes of Spaniards; they are stupid as bustards." - -"No matter, the Captain fell into the hole in a glorious way." - -"Hum! it was not he I was afraid of; for he and I have been good friends -for a long time; but it was the confounded monk." - -"Eh, eh, if he had not arrived just in time, he would probably have -spoiled our fun; what is your opinion, John?" - -"I think you are right, Sam. By Jabers, I laughed at seeing him writhe -under the chicote." - -"It was certainly a glorious sight; but are you not afraid that he may -avenge himself? these monks are devilishly spiteful." - -"Bah! what have we to fear from such vermin? He will never dare to look -us in the face." - -"No matter, we had better be on our guard. Our trade is a queer one, as -you know, and it is very possible that some day or other this accursed -animal may play us an ugly trick." - -"Don't bother about him; what we did was all fair in war. Be assured -that, under similar circumstances, the monk would not have spared us." - -"That is true; so let him go to the deuce; the more so as the prey we -covet could not be in a better situation for us. I should never pardon -myself if I let it escape." - -"Shall we remain here in ambush?" - -"That is the safest way; we shall have time to rejoin our comrades when -we see the recua enter the plain; and, besides, have we not to meet -somebody here?" - -"That is true, I forgot it." - -"And stay, when you speak of the devil--here is our man." - -The hunters rose quickly, seized their rifles, and hid themselves behind -a rock, so as to be ready for any event. - -The rapid gallop of a horse became audible, approaching nearer and -nearer; ere long a rider emerged from the gorge, and pulled up calmly -and haughtily at about two paces from the hunters. - -The latter rushed from their ambuscade, and advanced toward him, with -the right arm extended, and the palm of the hand open in sign of peace. - -The horseman, who was an Indian warrior, responded to these pacific -demonstrations by letting his buffalo robe float out; then he -dismounted, and without further ceremony, shook the hands offered him. - -"You are welcome, Chief," John said; "we were awaiting you impatiently." - -"My Pale brothers can look at the sun," the Indian answered; "Blue-fox -is punctual." - -"That is true, Chief; there is nothing to be said, for you are -remarkably punctual." - -"Time waits for no man; warriors are not women; Blue-fox would like to -hold a council with his Pale brothers." - -"Be it so," John went on: "your observation is just. Chief, so let us -deliberate; I am anxious to come to a definitive understanding with -you." - -The Indian bowed gravely to the speaker, sat down, lit his pipe, and, -began smoking with evident pleasure; the hunters took seats by his side, -and, like him, remained silent during the whole period their tobacco -lasted. - -At length, the Chief shook the ashes out of the bowl on his thumbnail, -and prepared to speak. - -At the same instant a detonation was heard, and a bullet cut away a -branch just over the Chiefs head. - -The three men leaped to their feet, and seizing their arms, prepared -bravely to repulse the enemies who attacked them so suddenly. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE PANTHER-KILLER. - - -Between the Larch-tree hacienda and the Venta del Potrero, just half way -between the two places, or at about forty miles from either, two men -were sitting on the banks of a nameless stream, and conversing, as they -supped on pemmican and a few boiled _camotes_. - -These two men were Tranquil, the Canadian, and Quoniam, the Negro. - -About fifty yards from them, in a copse of brambles and shrubs, a young -colt about two months old was fastened to the trunk of a gigantic -catalpa. The poor animal, after making vain efforts to break the cord -that held it, had at length recognised the inutility of its attempts, -and had sorrowfully lain down on the ground. - -The two men, whom we left young at the end of our prologue, had now -reached the second half of life. Although age had got but a slight -grasp on their iron bodies, a few grey hairs were beginning to silver -the hunter's scalp, and wrinkles furrowed his face, which was bronzed by -the changes of the seasons. - -Still, with the exception of these slight marks, which serve as a seal -to ripened age, nothing denoted any weakening in the Canadian; on the -contrary, his eye was still bright, his body equally straight, and his -limbs just as muscular. - -As for the Negro, no apparent change had taken place in him, and he -seemed as young as ever; he had merely grown lustier, but had lost none -of his unparalleled activity. - -The spot where the two wood rangers had camped was certainly one of the -most picturesque on the prairie. - -The midnight breeze had swept the sky, whose dark blue vault seemed -studded with innumerable spangles of diamonds, in the midst of which the -southern cross shone; the moon poured forth its white rays, which -imparted to objects a fantastic appearance; the night had that velvety -transparence peculiar to twilight; at each gust of wind the trees shook -their damp heads, and rained a shower, which pattered on the shrubs. - -The river flowed on calmly between its wooded banks, looking in the -distance like a silver riband, and reflecting in its peaceful mirror the -trembling rays of the moon, which had proceeded about two-thirds of its -course. - -So great was the silence of the desert, that the fall of a withered -leaf, or the rustling of a branch agitated by the passage of a reptile, -could be heard. - -The two men were conversing in a low voice; but, singularly enough with -men so habituated to desert life, their night encampment, instead of -being, according to the invariable rules of the prairie, situated on -the top of a hillock, was placed on the slope that descended gently to -the river, and in the mud of which numerous footprints of more than a -suspicious nature were encrusted, the majority belonging to the family -of the great Carnivora. - -In spite of the sharp cold of night, and the icy dew which made them -tremble, the hunters had lit no fire; still they would assuredly have -derived great comfort from warming their limbs over the genial flames; -the Negro especially, who was lightly attired in drawers that left his -legs uncovered, and a fragment of a zarape, full of holes, was trembling -all over. - -Tranquil, who was more warmly attired in the garb of Mexican Campesinos, -did not appear to notice the cold at all; with his rifle between his -legs, he gazed out into the darkness, or listened to any sound -perceptible to him alone, while he talked to the Negro, disdaining to -notice either his grimaces or the chattering of his teeth. - -"So," he said, "you did not see the little one to-day Quoniam?" - -"No, no, I have not seen her for two days," the Negro answered. - -The Canadian sighed. - -"I ought to have gone myself," he went on; "the girl is very solitary -there, especially now that war has let loose on this side all the -adventurers and border-ruffians." - -"Nonsense! Carmela has beak and nails; she would not hesitate to defend -herself if insulted." - -"Confusion!" the Canadian exclaimed, as he clutched his rifle, "If one -of those Malvados dared to say a word--" - -"Do not trouble yourself thus, Tranquil; you know very well that if any -one ventured to insult the Querida Nina, she would not want for -defenders. Besides, Lanzi never leaves her for a moment, and you are -aware how faithful he is." - -"Yes," the hunter muttered, "but Lanzi is only a man after all." - -"You drive me to desperation with the ideas which so unreasonably get -into your head." - -"I love the girl, Quoniam." - -"Hang it, and I love her too, the little darling! Well, if you like, -after we have killed the jaguar, we will go to the Potrero--does that -suit you?" - -"It is a long way from here." - -"Nonsense! three hours' ride at the most. By the bye, Tranquil, do you -know that it is cold? And I am getting literally frozen; cursed animal! -I wonder what it is doing at this moment; I daresay it is amusing itself -with wandering about instead of coming straight here." - -"To be killed, eh?" Tranquil said, with a smile. "Hang it all! Perhaps -it suspects what we have in store for it." - -"That is possible, for those confounded animals are so cunning. Hilloah! -the colt is quivering--it has certainly scented something." - -The Canadian turned his head. - -"No, not yet," he said. - -"We shall have a night of it," the Negro muttered, with an ill-tempered -look. - -"You will ever be the same, Quoniam--impatient and headstrong. Whatever -I may tell you, you obstinately refuse to understand me; how many times -have I repeated to you that the jaguar is one of the most cunning -animals in existence? Although we are to windward, I feel convinced it -has scented us. It is prowling cunningly around us, and afraid to come -too near us; as you say, it is wandering about without any apparent -object." - -"Hum! Do you think it will carry on that game much longer?" - -"No, because it must be beginning to grow thirsty; three feelings are -struggling in it at this moment--hunger, thirst, and fear; fear will -prove the weakest, you may be assured; and it is only a question of -time." - -"I can see it; for nearly four hours we have been on the watch." - -"Patience; the worst is over, and we shall soon have some news, I feel -assured." - -"May Heaven hear you, for I am dying of cold; is it a large animal?" - -"Yes, its prints are wide, but, if I am not greatly mistaken, it has -paired." - -"Do you think so?" - -"I could almost bet it, it is impossible for a single jaguar to do so -much mischief in less than a week; from what Don Hilario told me, it -seems that ten head of the Ganada have disappeared." - -"In that case," Quoniam said, rubbing his hands gleefully, "we shall -have a fine hunt." - -"That is what I suppose; and it must have whelps to come so near the -hacienda." - -At this moment a hoarse bellowing, bearing some slight resemblance to -the miauling of a cat, troubled the profound silence of the desert. - -"There is its first cry," said Quoniam. - -"It is still a long way off." - -"Oh, it will soon come nearer." - -"Not yet; it is not after us at this moment." - -"Who else, then?" - -"Listen." - -A similar cry to the first, but coming from the opposite side, burst -forth at this moment. - -"Did I not tell you," the Canadian continued, quietly, "that it had -paired?" - -"I did not doubt it. If you do not know the habits of tigers, who -should?" - -The poor colt had risen; it was trembling all over, half dead with -terror, and with its head buried between its front legs, it was standing -up and uttering little plaintive cries. - -"Hum!" Quoniam said, "poor innocent brute, it understands that it is -lost." - -"I hope not." - -"The jaguar will strangle it." - -"Yes, if we do not kill the brute first." - -"By Jabus!" the Negro said, "I confess I should not be sorry if that -wretched colt escaped." - -"It will do so," the hunter answered; "I have chosen it for Carmela." - -"Nonsense! Then why did you bring it here?" - -"To make it used to the tiger." - -"Well, that is an idea! Then I need not look any longer over there?" - -"No, only think of the jaguar which will come on your right, while I -take charge of the other." - -"That's agreed." - -Two other louder roars burst forth almost simultaneously. - -"The beast is thirsty," Tranquil remarked; "its anger is aroused, and it -is coming nearer." - -"Good! shall we get ready?" - -"Wait a while, our enemies are hesitating; they have not yet reached -that paroxysm of rage which makes them forget all prudence." - -The Negro, who had risen, sat down again philosophically. - -A few minutes passed thus. At intervals the night breeze, laden with -uncertain rumour, passed over the hunters' heads, and was lost in the -distance like a sigh. - -They were calm and motionless, with the eye fixed on space, the ear open -to the mysterious noises of the desert, the finger on the rifle-trigger, -ready at the first signal to face the still invisible foe, whose -approach and imminent attack they, however, instinctively divined. - -All at once the Canadian started, and stooped down to the ground. - -"Oh!" he said, as he rose with marks of terrible anxiety, "What is -taking place in the forest?" - -The roar of the tiger burst forth like a clap of thunder. - -A horrible shriek responded to it, and the wild gallop of a horse was -heard, approaching at headlong speed. - -"Quick! Quick!" Tranquil shouted, "Someone is in danger of death--the -tiger is on his trail." - -The two hunters rushed intrepidly in the direction of the roars. - -The whole forest seemed quivering; nameless sounds issued from the -hidden lairs, resembling at one moment mocking laughter, at another -cries of agony. - -The hoarse miauling of the jaguars went on uninterruptedly. The gallop -of the horses which the hunters heard at first seemed multiplied and -issuing from opposite points. - -The panting hunters still ran on in a straight line, bounding over -ravines and morasses with wonderful speed; the terror they felt for the -strangers whom they wished to help gave them wings. - -Suddenly a shriek of agony, louder and more despairing than the former, -was heard a short distance off. - -"Oh!" Tranquil shouted, in a paroxysm of madness, "It is she! It is -Carmela!" - -And, bounding like a wild beast, he rushed forward, followed by Quoniam, -who, during the whole wild race, had never left him a hair's breadth. - -Suddenly a deadly silence fell over the desert--every noise, every -rumour, ceased as if by enchantment, and nothing could be heard save the -panting of the hunters, who still ran on. - -A furious roar uttered by the tigers burst forth; a crashing of branches -agitated an adjoining thicket, and an enormous mass, bounding from the -top of the tree, passed over the Canadian's head and disappeared; at the -same instant a flash burst through the gloom and a shot was heard, -answered almost immediately by a roar of agony and a shriek of horror. - -"Courage, Nina, courage!" a masculine voice exclaimed, a short distance -off, "You are saved!" - -The hunters, by a supreme effort of their will, increased their speed, -which was already incredible, and at length entered the scene of action. - -A strange and terrible sight then offered itself to their -horror-stricken gaze. - -In a small clearing a fainting woman was stretched out on the ground, -by the side of a ripped-up horse, which was struggling in the final -convulsions. - -This female was motionless, and appeared to be dead. - -Two young tigers, crouching like cats, fixed their ardent eyes upon her, -and were preparing to attack her; a few paces further on a wounded tiger -was writhing on the ground with horrid roars, and trying to leap on a -man, who, with one knee on the ground, with his left arm enveloped in -the numerous folds of a zarape, and the right armed with a long machete, -was resolutely awaiting its attack. - -Behind the man, a horse, with outstretched neck, smoking nostrils and -laid-back ears, was quivering with terror, while a second tiger, posted -on the largest branch of a larch tree, fixed its burning glances on the -dismounted rider, while lashing the air with its tail, and uttering -hoarse miauls. - -What we have taken so long to describe, the hunters saw at a glance; -quick as lightning the bold adventurers selected their parts, with a -look of sublime simplicity. - -While Quoniam leaped on the tiger cubs, and seizing them by the scurf, -dashed their brains out against a rock, Tranquil shouldered his rifle, -and killed the tigress at the moment when she was leaping on the -horseman. Then turning with marvellous speed he killed the second tiger -with the butt of his rifle, and laid it stiff at his feet. - -"Ah!" the hunter said, with a feeling of pride, as he rested his rifle -on the ground, and wiped his forehead, which was bathed in a cold -perspiration. - -"She lives!" Quoniam shouted, who understood what agony his friend's -exclamation contained; "Fear alone made her faint, but she is otherwise -unhurt." - -The hunter slowly took off his cap, and raised his eyes to heaven. - -"Thanks, O God!" he murmured, with an accent of gratitude impossible to -render. - -In the meanwhile, the horseman, so miraculously saved by Tranquil, had -walked up to him. - -"I will do the same for you, some day," he said, as he held out his -hand. - -"It is I who am your debtor," the hunter answered, frankly; "had it not -been for your sublime devotion, I should have arrived too late." - -"I have done no more than another in my place." - -"Perhaps so. Your name, brother?" - -"Loyal Heart. Yours?" - -"Tranquil. We are friends for life and death." - -"I accept, brother. And now let us attend to this poor girl." - -The two men shook hands for a second time, and went up to Carmela, on -whom Quoniam was lavishing every imaginable attention, though unable to -recall her from the profound faint into which she had fallen. - -While Tranquil and Loyal Heart took the Negro's place, the latter -hastily collected a few dried branches and lit a fire. - -After a few minutes, however, Carmela faintly opened her eyes, and was -soon sufficiently recovered to explain the cause of her presence in the -forest, instead of being quietly asleep in the Venta del Potrero. - -This story, which, in consequence of the maiden's weakness, and the -poignant emotions she had endured, it took her several hours to -complete, we will tell the reader in a few words in the next chapter. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -LANZI. - - -Carmela watched for a long time the Jaguar's irregular ride across -country, and when he at length disappeared in the distance, in a clump -of pine trees, she sadly bowed her head and re-entered the venta slowly -and pensively. - -"He hates him," she murmured, in a low, agitated voice; "he hates him. -Will he be willing to save him?" - -She fell into an equipal, and for some minutes remained plunged in a -deep reverie. - -At last she raised her head; a feverish flush covered her face, and her -soft eyes seemed to emit flashes. - -"I will save him!" she exclaimed, with supreme resolution. - -After this exclamation she rose, and walking hurriedly across the room, -opened the door leading into the corral. - -"Lanzi?" she cried. - -"Nina?" the half-breed replied, who was engaged at this moment in giving -their alfalfa to two valuable horses belonging to the young lady, which -were under his special charge. - -"Come here." - -"I will be with you in a moment." - -Five minutes later at the most he appeared in the doorway. - -"What do you want, senorita?" he said, with that calm obsequiousness -habitual to servants who are spoiled by their masters; "I am very busy -at this moment." - -"That is possible, my good Lanzi," she answered softly; "but what I have -to say to you admits of no delay." - -"Oh, oh," he said, in a slightly suppressed tone, "what is the matter, -then?" - -"Nothing very extraordinary, my good man; everything in the venta is -regular as usual. But I have a service to ask of you." - -"Speak, senorita; you know that I am devoted to you." - -"It is growing late, and it is probable that no traveller will arrive at -the venta to-day." - -The half-breed raised his head, and mentally calculated the position of -the sun. - -"I do not believe that any travellers will arrive to-day," he at length -said, "for it is nearly four o'clock; still, they might come for all -that." - -"Nothing leads to the supposition." - -"Nothing, indeed, senorita." - -"Well, I wish you to shut up the venta." - -"Shut up the venta! What for?" - -"I will tell you." - -"Is it really very important?" - -"Very." - -"Speak, then, Nina, I am all ears." - -The maiden gave the half-breed, who was standing in front of her, a long -and searching glance, leant her elbow gracefully on the table, and said, -quietly-- - -"I am anxious, Lanzi." - -"Anxious? What about?" - -"At my father's long absence." - -"Why, he was here hardly four days back." - -"He never left me alone so long before." - -"Still," the half-breed remarked, scratching his head with an -embarrassed air-- - -"In a word," she interrupted him, resolutely, "I am anxious about my -father, and wish to see him. You will close the venta, saddle the -horses, and we will go to the Larch-tree hacienda; it is not far, and we -shall be back in four or five hours." - -"That will make it very late." - -"The greater reason to start at once." - -"Still--" - -"No remarks; do as I order you--I insist on it." - -The half-breed bowed without replying, for he knew that when his young -mistress spoke thus he must obey. - -The maiden walked forward a step, laid her white and delicate hand on -the half-breed's shoulder, and putting her lovely face close to his, she -added, with a gentle smile which made the poor fellow start with joy-- - -"Do not be vexed at my whim, my kind Lanzi, but I am suffering." - -"Be vexed with you, Nina!" the half-breed answered with a significant -shrug of his shoulders; "Why, do you not know that I would go into the -fire for you? Much more, then, would I satisfy your slightest wish." - -He then began carefully barricading the doors and windows of the venta, -after which he proceeded to the corral to saddle the horses, while -Carmela, suffering from nervous impatience, changed her attire for other -clothes more convenient for the journey she designed, for she had -deceived the old servant. It was not Tranquil she wished to find. - -But Heaven had decreed that the plan she revolved in her pretty head -should not succeed. - -At the moment when she re-entered the sitting-room, fully dressed and -ready to start, Lanzi appeared in the doorway of the corral with extreme -agitation displayed in his face. - -Carmela ran up to him eagerly, fancying that he had hurt himself. - -"What is the matter with you?" she asked him, kindly. - -"We are lost!" he replied, in a hollow voice, as he looked about him in -terror. - -"Lost!" she exclaimed, turning pallid as a corpse; "What do you mean?" - -The half-breed laid a finger on his lip to command silence, made her a -sign to follow him, and glided noiselessly into the corral. - -Carmela followed him. - -The corral was enclosed with a plank wall about six feet high; Lanzi -went up to a spot where a wide cleft allowed a prospect of the plain. - -"Look," he said to his mistress. - -The girl obeyed, and laid her face against the plank. - -Night was beginning to fall, and a denser shadow was each moment -invading the plain. Still, the obscurity was not great enough to prevent -Carmela distinguishing, about two hundred yards away, a numerous party -of horsemen coming at full speed in the direction of the venta. - -A glance sufficed the maiden to perceive that these horsemen were Indios -Bravos. - -The warriors, more than fifty in number, were in their full war paint; -and as they bent over the necks of their horses, which were as untamable -as themselves, they brandished their long lances over their heads with -an air of defiance. - -"These are Apaches," Carmela exclaimed, as she recoiled in terror. "How -comes it that they have reached this place before we are warned of their -arrival?" - -The half-breed shook his head sadly. - -"In a few minutes they will be here," he said; "what is to be done?" - -"Defend ourselves!" the maiden replied, bravely; "They do not appear to -have fire-arms. Behind the walls of our house we could easily hold out -against them till daybreak." - -"And then?" the half-breed asked, doubtfully. - -"Then," she answered with exaltation, "Heaven will come to our aid." - -"Amen!" the half-breed answered, less convinced than ever of the -possibility of such a miracle. - -"Make haste and bring down into the inn-room all the fire-arms we have; -perhaps the heathens will fall back if they find themselves hotly -received: and, after all, who knows whether they will attack us?" - -"Hum! the demons are crafty, and know perfectly well how many persons -dwell in this house. Do not expect that they will withdraw till they -have carried it by storm." - -"Well," she exclaimed, resolutely, "let us trust to Heaven; we shall die -bravely fighting, instead of letting ourselves be captured like cowards, -and becoming the slaves of those heartless and merciless villains." - -"Be it so, then," the half-breed answered, electrified by his mistress's -enthusiastic words, "we will fight. You know, senorita, that a combat -does not terrify me. The pagans had better look out, for unless they -take care, I may play them a trick they will remember for a long time." - -This conversation broke off here for the present, owing to the necessity -the speakers were under of preparing their means of defence, which they -did with a speed and intelligence which proved that this was not the -first time they found themselves in so critical a position. - -The reader must not feel surprised at the virile heroism Carmela -displayed under the present circumstances. On the border, where persons -are incessantly exposed to the incursions of Indians and marauders of -every description, the women fight by the side of the men, and -forgetting the weakness of their sex, they can, on occasion, prove -themselves as brave as their husbands and brothers. - -Carmela was not mistaken, it was really a band of Indian Bravos coming -up at a gallop, who soon reached the house, and completely surrounded -it. - -Usually the Indians in their expeditions proceed with extreme prudence, -never showing themselves openly, and only advancing with great -circumspection. This time it was easy to see that they believed -themselves certain of success, and were perfectly well aware that the -venta was stripped of its defenders. - -On coming within twenty yards of the venta they stopped, dismounted, and -seemed to be consulting for a moment. - -Lanzi had profited by these few moments of respite to pile on the table -all the weapons in the house, consisting of about a dozen rifles. - -Although the doors and windows were barred, it was easy to follow the -movements of the enemy through loopholes made at regular distances. - -Carmela, armed with a rifle, had intrepidly stationed herself before the -door, while the half-breed walked up and down anxiously, going out and -coming in again, and apparently giving the last touch to an important -and mysterious job. - -"There," he said, a moment later, "that is all right; lay that rifle on -the table again, senorita; we can only conquer those demons by -stratagem, not by force, so leave me to act." - -"What is your plan?" - -"You will see. I have sawn two planks out of the enclosure of the -corral; so soon as you hear me open the door, set off at full speed." - -"But you?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about me, but give your horse the spurs." - -"I will not abandon you." - -"Nonsense! No folly of that sort; I am old, my life only hangs by a -thread, but yours is precious and must be saved; let me alone, I tell -you." - -"No, unless you tell me." - -"I will tell you nothing. You will find Tranquil at the ford of the -Venado; not a word more." - -"Ah, that is it," she exclaimed; "well, I swear that I will not stir -from your side, whatever may happen." - -"You are mad; have I not told you I wished to play the Indians a famous -trick?" - -"Indeed!" - -"Well, you will see. As, however, I fear some imprudence on your part, I -wish to see you start before me, that is all." - -"Are you speaking the truth?" - -"Of course I am. In five minutes I shall have joined you again." - -"Do you promise me, then?" - -"Do you fancy I should find any fun in remaining here?" - -"What do you intend doing?" - -"Here are the Indians; begone, and do not forget to start at full gallop -so soon as I open the door of the venta, and ride in the direction of -the Venado ford." - -"But I expect--" - -"Begone, begone," he interrupted her quickly, as he pushed her toward -the corral, "it is all settled." - -The maiden unwillingly obeyed: but at this moment loud blows against the -shutters were audible, and the half-breed profited by this demonstration -of the Indians to close the door leading into the corral. - -"I swore to Tranquil to protect her, whatever might happen," he -muttered, "and I can only save her by desires for her. Well, I will die: -but, Capa de Dios, I will have a fine funeral." - -Fresh blows were dealt at the shutters, but with such violence that it -was easy to see that they would be soon broken in. - -"Who's there?" the half-breed asked quietly. - -"Gente de paz," was the reply from without. - -"Hum!" Lanzi said, "for peaceful people you have a singular way of -announcing your presence." - -"Open, open!" the voice outside repeated. - -"I am very ready to do so, but what proves to me that you do not mean -harm?" - -"Open, or we will break down the door." - -And the blows were renewed. - -"Oh, oh," the half-breed said, "you are strong in the arms; do not -trouble yourself further, I am going to open." - -The blows ceased. - -The half-breed unbarred the door, and opened it. - -The Indians rushed into the interior with yells and howls of joy. - -Lanzi slipped on one side to let them pass; he gave a start of joy on -hearing a horse set out at full gallop. - -The Indians paid no attention to this incident. - -"Drink!" they shouted. - -"What would you like to have?" the half-breed asked, seeking to gain -time. - -"Fire-water!" they yelled. - -Lanzi hastened to serve them, and the orgy began. - -Knowing they had nothing to fear from the inhabitants of the venta, the -Redskins had rushed in so soon as the door was opened, without taking -the precaution to post sentries; this negligence, on which Lanzi -calculated, gave Carmela the opportunity of escaping unseen and -undisturbed. - -The Indians, and especially the Apaches, have a frenzied passion for -strong liquors; the Comanches alone are teetotallers. Hitherto, they -have succeeded in refraining from that mournful tendency to -intoxication, which decimates and brutalizes their brothers. - -Lanzi followed with a cunning look the evolutions of the Redskins, who -crowded round the tables, drank deeply, and emptied the botas placed -before them; their eyes were beginning to sparkle, their features were -animated; they spoke loudly all at once, no longer knowing what they -said, and only thinking about becoming intoxicated. - -Suddenly the half-breed felt a hand laid on his shoulder. - -He turned. - -An Indian was standing with folded arms in front of him. - -"What do you want?" he asked him. - -"Blue-fox is a Chief," the Indian answered, "and has to speak with the -Paleface." - -"Is not Blue-fox satisfied with the way in which I have received him and -his companions?" - -"It is not that; the warriors are drinking, and the Chief wants -something else." - -"Ah," the half-breed said, "I am vexed, for I have given you all I had." - -"No," the Indian replied drily. - -"How so?" - -"Where is the golden-haired girl?" - -"I do not understand you, Chief," the half-breed said; on the contrary, -understanding perfectly well. - -The Indian smiled. - -"The Paleface will look at Blue-fox," he said, "and will then see that -he is a Chief, and not a child who can be put off with falsehoods. What -has become of the girl with the golden hair, who lives here with my -brother?" - -"The person of whom you speak, if you mean the young lady to whom this -house belongs--" - -"Yes." - -"Well! she is not here." - -The Chief gave him a searching glance. - -"The Paleface lies," he said. - -"Look for her." - -"She was here an hour ago." - -"That is possible." - -"Where is she?" - -"Look." - -"The Paleface is a dog whose scalp I will raise." - -"Much good may it do you," the half-breed answered with a grin. - -Unfortunately, while uttering these words, Lanzi gave a triumphant -glance in the direction of the corral; the Chief caught it, rushed to -the door, and uttered a yell of disappointment on seeing the hole in the -palisade; the truth flashed upon him. - -"Dog!" he yelled, and drawing his scalping knife, he hurled it furiously -at his enemy. - -But the latter, who was watching him, dodged the missile, which struck -into the wall a few inches from his head. - -Lanzi leaped over the bar, and rushed at Blue-fox. - -The Indians rose tumultuously, and seizing their arms, bounded like wild -beasts in pursuit of the half-breed. - -The latter, on reaching the door of the corral, turned, fired his -pistols among the crowd, leapt on his horse, and burying his spurs in -its flanks, forced it to leap through the breach. - -At the same moment a horrible noise was heard behind him, the earth -trembled, and a confused mass of stones, beams, and fragments of every -description fell around the rider and his horse, which was maddened with -terror. - -The Venta del Potrero was blown into the air, burying beneath its ruins -the Apaches who had invaded it. - -Such was the trick Lanzi had promised himself to play on the Indians. - -We can now understand why he had insisted on Carmela setting off at full -speed. - -By a singular piece of good fortune, neither the half-breed nor his -horse was wounded; the mustang, with foaming nostrils, flew over the -prairie as if winged, incessantly urged on by its rider, who excited it -with spur and force, for he fancied he could hear behind him the gallop -of another horse in pursuit. - -Unluckily the night was too dark for him to assure himself whether he -were mistaken. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE CHASE. - - -The reader will probably consider that the means employed by Lanzi to -get rid of the Indians were somewhat violent, and that he should not -have had recourse to them save in the utmost extremity. - -The justification of the half-breed is as simple as it is easy to give; -the Indian braves, when they cross the Mexican border, indulge -mercilessly in every possible riot, displaying the greatest cruelty -toward the unhappy white men who fall into their hands, and for whom -they testify a hatred which nothing can assuage. - -Lanzi's position, alone, without help to expect from anyone, in an -isolated spot, in the power of some fifty demons without faith or law, -was most critical; the more so, as the Apaches, once they had been -excited by strong liquors, the abuse of which causes them a species of -raving madness, would no longer have recognized any restraint; their -sanguinary character would have regained the upper hand, and they would -have indulged in the most unjustifiable cruelty, for the mere pleasure -of making an enemy of their race suffer. - -The half-breed had, besides, peremptory reasons for behaving thus; he -must, at all risks, ensure Carmela's safety, whom he had solemnly sworn -to Tranquil to defend, even at the peril of his own life. - -In the present case, he knew that his life or death depended solely on -the caprice of the Indians, and hence he was quite reckless. - -Lanzi was a cold, positive, and methodical man, who never acted till he -had previously fully weighed the chances of success or failure. Under -present circumstances, the half-breed ran no risk, for he knew that he -was condemned by the Indians beforehand; if his plan succeeded, he might -possibly escape; if not, he could die, but as a brave borderer should -do, taking with him into the tomb a considerable number of his -implacable foes. - -His resolution once formed, it was carried out with the coolness we have -described, and, thanks to his presence of mind, he had found time to -leap on his horse and fly. - -Still, all was not finished yet, and the galloping the half-breed heard -behind him disturbed him greatly, by proving to him that his plan had -not succeeded so well as he hoped, and that one of his enemies, at any -rate, had escaped, and was on his track. - -The half-breed redoubled his speed; he made his horse swerve from the -straight line incessantly, in order to throw out his obstinate pursuer; -but everything was of no avail, and still he heard him galloping behind -him. - -However brave a man may be, however great the energy is with which -heaven has endowed him, nothing affects his courage so much as to feel -himself menaced in the darkness by an invisible and unassailable foe; -the obscurity of night, the silence that broods over the desert, the -trees which in his mad race defile on his right and left like a legion -of gloomy and threatening phantoms--all this combines to heighten the -terrors of the hapless man who dashes along under the impression of a -nightmare which is the more horrible, because he is conscious of danger, -and knows not how to exorcise it. - -Lanzi, with frowning brow, quivering lips, and forehead bathed with cold -perspiration, rode thus for several hours across country, bowed over his -horse's neck, following no settled course, but constantly pursued by the -dry, sharp sound of the horse galloping after him. - -Strangely enough, since he first heard this gallop, it had not appeared -to draw any nearer; it might be thought that the strange horseman, -satisfied with following the trail of the man he pursued, was not -desirous of catching him up. - -By degrees the half-breed's excitement calmed: the cold night air -restored a little order to his ideas, his coolness returned, and with it -the necessary clearness to judge of his position soundly. - -Lanzi was ashamed of this puerile terror, so unworthy of a man like -himself, which had for so long, through a selfish feeling, caused him to -forget the sacred duty he had taken on himself, of protecting and -defending at the peril of his life his friend's daughter. - -At this thought, which struck him like a thunder-bolt, a burning blush -flushed his face, a flash darted from his eyes, and he stopped his horse -short, resolved on finishing once for all with his pursuer. - -The horse, suddenly arrested in its stride, uttered a snort of pain, and -remained motionless, at the same instant the galloping of the invisible -steed ceased to be heard. - -"Hilloah!" the half-breed muttered, "This is beginning to look ugly." - -And drawing a pistol from his belt, he set the hammer. He immediately -heard, like a funeral echo, the sharp sound of another hammer being set -by his adversary. - -Still, this sound, instead of increasing the half-breed's apprehensions, -seemed, on the contrary, to calm them. - -"What is the meaning of that?" he asked himself, mentally, as he shook -his head, "Can I be mistaken? have I not to deal with an Apache?" - -After this aside, during which Lanzi sought in vain to distinguish his -unknown foe, he shouted in a loud voice:-- - -"Hilloah, who are you?" - -"Who are you?" a masculine voice replied, emerging from the darkness, in -a tone quite as resolute as that of the half-breed. - -"That's a singular answer," Lanzi went on. - -"Not more singular than the question." - -These words were exchanged in excellent Spanish. The half-breed, now -certain that he had to deal with a white man, banished all fear, and -uncocking his pistol returned it to his girdle, as he said -good-humouredly:-- - -"You must feel like myself, Caballero, inclined to draw breath after so -long a ride; shall we rest together?" - -"I wish for nothing better," the other answered. - -"Why," a voice exclaimed, which the half-breed at once recognised, "it -is Lanzi." - -"Certainly," the latter shouted, joyfully, "_Voto a brios_, Dona -Carmela, I did not hope to meet you here." - -The three persons joined, and the explanations were short. - -Fear does not calculate or reflect. Dona Carmela on one side, Lanzi on -the other, filled with a vague terror, fled without attempting to -account for the feeling that impelled them, exerted only by the instinct -of self-preservation, that supreme weapon given by God to man with which -to escape danger in extremities. - -The only difference was, that the half-breed believed himself pursued by -the Apaches, while Dona Carmela supposed them a-head of her. - -When the young lady, on Lanzi's recommendation, left the venta, she rode -blindly along the first path that presented itself. - -Heaven willed it for her happiness that at the moment the house blew up -with a terrible crash, Dona Carmela, half dead with fear and thrown from -her horse, was found by a white hunter, who, moved with pity at the -recital of the dangers that menaced her, generously offered to escort -her to the Larch-tree hacienda, where she desired to proceed, in order -to place herself under Tranquil's immediate protection. - -Dona Carmela, after taking a scrutinizing glance at the hunter, whose -honest look and open face were proofs of his loyalty, gratefully -accepted his offer, fearing, as she did, that she might fall, in the -darkness, among the Indian bands which were doubtless infesting the -roads, and to which her ignorance of localities would have inevitably -made her a prey. - -The maiden and her guide set out therefore at once for the hacienda, but -affected by numberless apprehensions, the gallop of the half-breed's -horse made them believe a party of the enemy a-head of them, hence they -had kept far enough behind to be able to turn and fly at the slightest -suspicious movement on the part of their supposed enemies. - -This explanation did away with all alarm, and Carmela and Lanzi were -delighted at having met again thus providentially. - -While the half-breed was telling his young mistress in what way he had -disposed of the Apaches, the hunter, like a prudent man, had taken the -horses by the bridle and led them into a thick coppice, where he -carefully hid them. He then returned to his new friends, who had seated -themselves on the ground, to enjoy a few moments of welcome rest. - -At this moment, when the hunter returned, Lanzi was saying to his -mistress-- - -"Why, senorita, should you fatigue yourself further this night? Our new -friend and I will build you with a few axe strokes a jacal under which -you will be famously sheltered; you will sleep till sunrise, and then we -can start again for the hacienda. For the present you have no danger to -fear, as you are protected by two men who will not hesitate to sacrifice -their lives for you, if necessary." - -"I thank you, my good Lanzi," the young lady answered; "your devotion is -known to me, and I could not hesitate to trust to you if I were at this -moment affected by fear of the Apaches. Believe me, that the thought of -the perils I may have to incur from those pagans goes for nothing in my -determination to start again immediately." - -"What more important consideration can compel you, then, senorita?" the -half-breed asked, in surprise. - -"That, my friend, is an affair between my father and myself; it is -sufficient for you to know that I must see and speak to him this very -night." - -"Be it so, as you wish it, senorita, I consent," the half-breed said, -with a shake of his head; "still, you must allow that it is a very -strange caprice on your part." - -"No, my good Lanzi," she answered, sadly, "it is not a caprice; when you -know the reasons that cause me, to act, I am convinced you will applaud -me." - -"That is possible; but if that is the case, why not tell me them, at -once?" - -"Because that is impossible." - -"Silence!" the hunter interfered, quickly; "any discussion is -unnecessary, for we must start as soon as we can." - -"What do you mean?" they exclaimed, with a start of terror. - -"The Apaches have found our trail; they are coming up quickly, and will -be here within twenty minutes. This time there is no mistake, they are -the men." - -There was a lengthened silence. - -Dona Carmela and Lanzi listened attentively. - -"I hear nothing," the half-breed said, presently. - -"Nor I," the maiden whispered. - -The hunter smiled softly. - -"You can hear nothing yet," he said, "for your ears are not accustomed, -like mine, to catch the slightest sounds from the desert. Put faith in -my words, trust to an experience which was never mistaken: your enemies -are approaching." - -"What is to be done?" Dona Carmela murmured. - -"Fly," the half-breed exclaimed. - -"Listen," the hunter said, quietly; "the Apaches are numerous, they are -cunning, but we can only conquer them by cunning. If we try to resist we -are lost; if we fly all three together, sooner or later we shall fall -into their hands. While I remain here you will fly with senorita, but be -careful to muffle your horses' hoofs so as to dull the sound." - -"But you?" the maiden exclaimed quickly. - -"Have I not told you? I shall remain here." - -"Oh, in that case you will fall into the hands of the pagans, and be -inevitably massacred." - -"Perhaps so," he replied with an indescribable expression of sadness; -"but at any rate my death will be of some service, as it will save you." - -"Very well," said Lanzi; "I thank you for your offer, Caballero; -unhappily, I cannot, and will not, accept it, for matters must not turn -thus. I began the affair, and insist on ending it in my own way. Go away -with the senorita, deliver her into her father's hands, and if you do -not see me again, and he asks what has happened to me, tell him simply -that I kept my promise, and laid down my life for her." - -"I will never consent," Dona Carmela exclaimed energetically. - -"Silence!" the half-breed hastily interrupted her, "Be off, you have not -a moment to lose." - -In spite of the young lady's resistance, he raised her in his muscular -arms, and ran off with her into the thicket. - -Carmela understood that nothing could change the half-breed's -resolution, so she yielded to him. - -The hunter accepted Lanzi's devotion as simply as he had offered his -own, for the half-breed's conduct appeared to him perfectly natural; he -therefore made not the slightest objection, but busied himself with -getting the horses ready. - -"Now begone," the half-breed said, so soon as the hunter and the maiden -had mounted; "go, and may heaven be merciful to you!" - -"And you, my friend?" Dona Carmela remarked sadly. - -"I?" he answered with a careless toss of his head; "The red devils have -not got me yet. Come, be off." - -To cut short the conversation, the half-breed roughly lashed the horses -with his chicote; the noble animals started at a gallop, and soon -disappeared from his sight. - -So soon as he was alone, the poor fellow gave vent to a sigh. - -"Hum!" he muttered sadly; "This time I am very much afraid that it is -all up with me; no matter, Canarios, I will fight to the last, and if -the pagans catch me, it shall cost them dearly." - -After forming this heroic resolution, which seemed to restore all his -courage, the worthy man mounted his horse and prepared for action. - -The Apaches dashed up with a noise resembling thunder. - -The black outlines could already be distinguished through the darkness. - -Lanzi took the bridle between his teeth, seized a pistol in either hand, -and when he judged the moment propitious, he dug his spurs into his -horse, dashed out in front of the Redskins, and crossed their front -diagonally. - -When within range, he fired his pistols into the group, gave a yell of -defiance, and continued his flight with redoubled speed. - -What the half-breed expected, really happened. His shots had told, and -two Apaches fell with their chests pierced through and through. The -Indians, furious at this audacious attack, which they were far from -expecting from a single man, uttered a cry of fury, and dashed after -him. - -This was exactly what Lanzi wanted. - -"There," he said on seeing the success of his scheme; "they are -altogether now, and there is no fear of their scattering; the others are -saved. As for me--bah, who knows?" - -Dona Carmela and the hunter only escaped from the Apaches to fall in -with the jaguars. We have seen how they were saved, thanks to Tranquil. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE CONFESSION. - - -Tranquil attentively listened to the girl's story with drooping head and -frowning brows; when she had finished, he looked at her for a moment -enquiringly. - -"Is that all?" he asked her. - -"All," she answered timidly. - -"And Lanzi, my poor Lanzi, have you no news of him?" - -"None. We heard two shots, the furious galloping of several horses, the -war-cry of the Apaches, and then all became silent again." - -"What can have become of him?" the tigrero muttered sadly. - -"He is resolute, and seems to me conversant with desert life," Loyal -Heart said. - -"Yes," Tranquil replied, "but he is alone." - -"That is true," said the hunter; "alone against fifty, perhaps." - -"Oh, I would give ten years of my life," the Canadian exclaimed, "to -have some news of him." - -"Caray, gossip," a merry voice replied; "I have brought you some all -fresh, and shall charge you nothing for them." - -The hearers started involuntarily at the sound of this voice, and turned -quickly to the side where they heard it. - -The branches parted, and a man appeared. - -It was Lanzi. - -The half-breed seemed as calm and composed as if nothing extraordinary -had happened to him; but his face, usually so cold, now had an -indescribable expression of cunning joy, his eyes sparkled, and a -mocking smile played about his lips. - -"By Jove! Our friend," Tranquil said as he offered him a hand; "you are -a thousand times welcome, for our anxiety about you was great." - -"Thank you, gossip; but, luckily for me, the danger was not so imminent -as might be supposed, and I very easily succeeded in getting rid of -those demons of Apaches." - -"All the better; no matter how you contrived to escape, here you are -safe and sound, so all is for the best; now that we have met again, they -may come if their heart tells them to do so, and they will find somebody -to talk to them." - -"They will not do it; besides, they have something else on hand at this -moment." - -"Do you think so?" - -"I am sure of it; they perceived the bivouac of Mexican soldiers -escorting a conducta de plata, and are naturally trying to get hold of -it; it was partly to that fortuitous circumstance I owe my safety." - -"On my word! All the worse for the Mexicans," the Canadian said -carelessly; "every man for himself: let them settle matters as they -think proper, their affairs do not interest us." - -"That is my opinion too." - -"We have still three hours of night; let us profit by them to rest, in -order to be ready to start for the hacienda at sunrise." - -"The advice is good, and should be followed," said Lanzi, who -immediately lay down with his feet to the fire, wrapped himself in his -zarape, and closed his eyes. - -Loyal Heart, who doubtless shared his opinion, followed his example. - -As for Quoniam, after conscientiously flaying the tigers and their cubs, -he lay down in front of the fire, and for the last two hours had been -sleeping with that careless indifference so characteristic of the Black -race. - -Tranquil then turned to Carmela. The maiden was seated a few paces from -him; she was gazing into the fire pensively, and tears stood in her -eyes. - -"Well, daughter mine," the Canadian said to her softly, "what are you -doing there? You must be exhausted with fatigue, so why not try to get a -few minutes' rest?" - -"For what good?" she asked sorrowfully. - -"What do you mean?" the tigrero asked sharply, though the girl's accent -made him start; "Why, to regain your strength of course." - -"Let me remain awake, father; I could not sleep, however tired I might -feel; sleep will fly my eyelids." - -The Canadian examined her for a moment with the greatest attention. - -"What is the meaning of this?" he asked, shaking his head meditatively. - -"Nothing, father," she replied, as she tried to force a smile. - -"Girl, girl," he muttered, "all this is not quite clear; I am only a -poor hunter, very ignorant of matters of the world, and my mind is -simple; but I love you, child, and my heart tells me you are suffering." - -"I?" she exclaimed in denial; but all at once she burst into tears, and -falling on the hunter's manly chest, she hid her face in his bosom, and -murmured in a choking voice-- - -"Oh, father, father, I am so wretched." - -Tranquil, at this exclamation, torn from her by the force of pain, -started as if a serpent had stung him; his eye sparkled, he gave the -girl a look full of paternal love, and compelled her with gentle -constraint to look him in the face. - -"Wretched? you, Carmela?" he exclaimed anxiously. "Great Heaven, what -has happened then?" - -By a supreme effort, the maiden succeeded in calming herself; her -features reassumed their ordinary tranquillity, she wiped away her -tears, and smiled at the hunter, who anxiously watched her. - -"Pardon me, father," she said in an insinuating voice, "I am mad." - -"No, no," he replied, shaking his head twice or thrice; "you are not -mad, my child, but are concealing something from me." - -"Father!" she said with a blush, and looked down in confusion. - -"Be frank with me, child, for am I not your best friend?" - -"That is true," she stammered. - -"Have I ever refused to satisfy the slightest of your wishes?" - -"Oh, never!" - -"Have you ever found me severe to you?" - -"Oh, no!" - -"Well, then, why not confess to me frankly what is troubling you?" - -"Because--" she murmured, in hesitation. - -"What?" he answered, affectionately. - -"I dare not." - -"It must be very difficult to say, then?" - -"Yes." - -"Nonsense! Go on, girl, where will you find a confessor so indulgent as -I am?" - -"Nowhere, I know." - -"Speak, then." - -"I am afraid of vexing you." - -"You will vex me a great deal more by obstinately remaining silent." - -"But--" - -"Listen, Carmela; while telling us a little while back what happened -to-day at the venta, you confessed yourself that you wished to find me, -no matter where I was, this very night; is that so?" - -"Yes, father." - -"Well, here I am, I am listening to you; besides, if what you have to -say to me is so important as you led me to suppose, you will do well to -make haste." - -The maiden started; she gave a glance at the sky, where the gloom was -beginning to be intersected by white stripes; all the hesitation -disappeared from her face. - -"You are right, father," she said, in a firm voice; "I hate to speak -with you about an affair of the greatest importance, and perhaps I have -deferred it too long, for it is a question of life and death." - -"You startle me." - -"Listen to me." - -"Speak, child, speak, without fear, and reckon on my affection for you." - -"I do so, my kind father, so you shall know all." - -"It is well." - -Dona Carmela seemed to collect herself for a moment, then, letting her -dainty hand fall into her father's rough and large hand, while her long -silken lashes drooped timidly, to serve as a veil to her eyes, she began -in a weak voice at first, which, however, soon became more firm and -distinct. - -"Lanzi told you that meeting with a conducta de plata encamped a short -distance from here, helped him to escape from the pursuit of the pagans. -Father, this conducta spent last night at the venta, and the Captain who -commands the escort is one of the most distinguished officers in the -Mexican army; you have heard him spoken of before now in terms of -praise, and I even think you are personally acquainted with him; his -name is Don Juan Melendez de Gongora." - -"Ah!" said Tranquil. - -The maiden stopped, all palpitating. - -"Go on," the Canadian said, gently. - -Carmela gave him a side glance; as the tigrero was smiling, she resolved -to continue. - -"Already accident has brought the Captain several times to the venta; -he is a true Caballero--gentle, polite, honourable, and we have never -had the slightest ground of complaint against him, as Lanzi will tell -you." - -"I am convinced of it, my child, for Captain Melendez is exactly what -you describe him." - -"Is he not?" she quickly asked. - -"Yes, he is a true Caballero; unfortunately, there are not many officers -like him in the Mexican army." - -"This morning, the conducta set out, escorted by the Captain; two or -three ill-looking fellows, who remained at the venta, watched the -soldiers depart with a cunning smile, then sat down, began drinking and -saying to me things a girl ought not to hear, until at last they even -threatened me." - -"Ah!" Tranquil interrupted her, with a frown, "Do you know the -scoundrels?" - -"No, father, they are border ruffians, like those of whom there are too -many about here; but, though I have seen them several times, I do not -know their names." - -"No matter, I will discover them, you may feel assured. - -"Oh, father, you would do wrong to trouble yourself about that." - -"Very well, that is my business." - -"Fortunately for me, while this was occurring, a horseman arrived, whose -presence was sufficient to impose silence on these men, and force them -to become what they should always have been, that is to say, polite and -respectful to me." - -"Of course," the Canadian remarked, laughingly, "this caballero, who -arrived so fortunately, was a friend of yours?" - -"Only an acquaintance, father," she said, with a slight blush. - -"Ah! very good." - -"But he is a great friend of yours--at least, I suppose so." - -"Hum! And pray do you know _his_ name, my child?" - -"Of course," she replied, quickly. - -"And what is it, may I ask, if you have no objection to tell me?" - -"None at all; he is called the Jaguar." - -"Oh, oh!" the hunter continued, with a frown, "What could he have to do -at the venta?" - -"I do not know, father; but he said a few words in a low voice to the -men of whom I have told you, who immediately left the talk, mounted -their horses, and started at a gallop without making the slightest -remark." - -"That is strange," the Canadian muttered. - -There was a rather lengthened silence; Tranquil was deep in thought, and -was evidently seeking the solution of a problem, which appeared to him -very difficult to solve. - -At length he raised his head. - -"Is that all you have to tell me?" he asked the girl; "up to the present -I see nothing very extraordinary in all you have told me." - -"Wait a while," she said. - -"Then you have not finished yet?" - -"Not yet." - -"Very good--go on." - -"Although the Jaguar spoke in a low voice with these men, through some -words I overheard, without wishing to do so, I assure you, father--" - -"I am fully persuaded of that. What did you guess from these few words?" - -"I mean, I fancied I understood--" - -"It is the same thing; go on." - -"I fancied I understood, I say, that they were speaking of the -conducta." - -"And very naturally of Captain Melendez, eh?" - -"I am certain that they mentioned his name." - -"That is it. Then you supposed that the Jaguar intended to attack the -conducta, and possibly kill the Captain, eh?" - -"I do not say that," the maiden stammered, in extreme embarrassment. - -"No, but you fear it." - -"Good Heavens, father!" she went on, in a tone of vexation, "Is it not -natural that I should take an interest in a brave officer who--" - -"It is most natural, my child, and I do not blame you; even more, I -fancy that your suppositions are very near the truth." - -"Do you think so, father?" she exclaimed, as she clasped her hands in -terror. - -"It is probable," the Canadian quietly answered; "but reassure yourself, -my child," he added, kindly; "although you have perhaps delayed too long -in speaking to me, I may yet manage to avert the danger which is now -suspended over the head of the man in whom you take such interest." - -"Oh do so, father, I implore you." - -"I will try, at any rate, my child, that is all I can promise you for -the present; but what do you purpose doing?" - -"I?" - -"Yes, while my comrades and I are trying to save the Captain?" - -"I will follow you, father, if you will let me." - -"I think that is the most prudent course; but you must feel a great -affection for the Captain, that you so ardently desire to save him?" - -"I, father?" she replied with the most perfect frankness, "Not the -least; it only seems to me terrible that so brave an officer should be -killed, when there is a chance of saving him." - -"Then you hate the Jaguar of course?" - -"Not at all, father; in spite of his violent character, he seems to me a -noble-hearted man--the more so, because he possesses your esteem, which -is the most powerful reason with me; still it grieves me to see two men -opposed who, I feel convinced, if they knew each other, would become -fast friends, and I do not wish blood to be shed between them." - -These words were uttered by the maiden with such simple frankness, that -for some moments the Canadian remained completely stunned; the slight -gleam of light he fancied he had found suddenly deserted him again, -though it was impossible for him to say in what manner it had -disappeared; he neither understood Dona Carmela's behaviour, nor the -motives on which she acted--the more so, because he had no reason to -doubt the good faith in all she had told him. - -After looking attentively at the maiden for some minutes, he shook his -head twice or thrice like a man completely at sea, and without adding a -word, proceeded to arouse his comrades. - -Tranquil was one of the most experienced wood-rangers in North America; -all the secrets of the desert were known to him, but he was ignorant of -the first word of that mystery which is called a woman's heart. A -mystery the more difficult to fathom, because women themselves are -nearly always ignorant of it; for they only act under the impression of -the moment, under the influence of passion, and without premeditation. - -In a few words the Canadian explained his plans to his comrades: the -latter, as he anticipated, did not offer the slightest objection, but -prepared to follow him. - -Ten minutes later they mounted and left their bivouac under the guidance -of Lanzi. - -At the moment when they disappeared in the forest, the owl uttered its -matutinal cry, the precursor of sunrise. - -"Oh, Heavens!" the maiden murmured in agony; "Shall we arrive in time?" - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE JAGUAR. - - -The Jaguar, when he left the Venta del Potrero, was suffering from -extreme agitation, the maiden's words buzzed in his ears, with a mocking -and ironical accent; the last look she had given him pursued him like a -remorse. The young man was angry with himself for having so hastily -broken off the interview with Dona Carmela, and dissatisfied with the -way in which he had responded to her entreaties; in short, he was in the -best possible temper to commit one of those acts of cruelty into which -the violence of his character only too often led him, which had -inflicted a disgraceful stigma on his reputation, and which he always -bitterly regretted having committed, when it was too late. - -He rode at full speed across the prairie, lacerating the sides of his -horse, which reared in pain, uttering stifled maledictions, and casting -around the ferocious glances of a wild beast in search of prey. - -For a moment he entertained the idea of returning to the venta, throwing -himself at the maiden's feet, and repairing the fault which his growing -jealousy had forced him to commit, by abjuring all his hopes, and -placing himself at Dona Carmela's service, to do whatever she might -please to order. - -But, like most good resolutions, this one lasted no longer than a -lightning flash. The Jaguar reflected, and with reflection doubt and -jealousy returned. The natural consequences of which was fresh fury, -wilder and more insane than the first. - -The young man galloped on thus for a long time, apparently following no -settled direction; still at long intervals he stopped, rose in his -stirrups, explored the plain with an eagle-glance, and then started -again at full speed. - -At about three in the afternoon he passed the conducta de Plata, but as -he perceived it a long way off, it was easy for him to avoid it by -swerving slightly to the right, and entering a thick wood of pine trees, -which rendered him invisible long enough for him not to fear discovery -from the scouts sent on ahead. - -About an hour before sunset, the young man, who had perhaps stopped a -hundred times to explore the neighbourhood, uttered a suppressed cry of -joy; he had at length come up to the persons he was so anxious to join. - -Not five hundred yards from the spot where the Jaguar had halted, a band -of thirty to five and thirty horsemen was following the track -complimented with the name of road, that led across the prairie. - -This band, entirely composed of white men, as could be easily seen from -their costume, appeared to assume something of a military air, and all -were fully equipped with arms of every description. - -At the beginning of this story we mentioned some horsemen just -disappearing on the horizon; these were the men the Jaguar had just -perceived. - -The young man placed his open hands to his mouth in the shape of a -speaking trumpet, and twice gave a sharp, shrill, and prolonged cry. - -Although the troop was some distance off at the moment, still at this -signal the riders stopped as if the feet of their horses had suddenly -become embedded in the ground. - -The Jaguar then bent over his saddle, leaped his horse over the bushes, -and in a few minutes joined the men who had stopped for him. - -The Jaguar was hailed with shouts of joy, and all pressed round him with -marks of the deepest interest. - -"Thanks, my friends," he said, "thanks for the proofs of sympathy you -give me; but I must ask you to give me a moment's attention, for time -presses." - -Silence was re-established, as if by enchantment, but the flashing -glances fixed on the young man said clearly that sympathy, though dumb, -was not the less vivid. - -"You were not mistaken, Master John," the Jaguar said, addressing one -of the persons nearest to him; "the conducta is just behind us; we are -not more than three or four hours' march ahead of it; as you warned me, -it is escorted, and in proof that great importance is attached to its -safety, the escort is commanded by Captain Melendez." - -His audience gave a start of disappointment at these news. - -"Patience," the Jaguar went on, with a sarcastic smile; "when force is -not sufficient, stratagem remains; Captain Melendez is brave and -experienced, I grant you, but are we not also brave men? Is not the -cause we defend grand enough to excite us to carry out our enterprise at -all hazards?" - -"Yes, yes, hurrah, hurrah!" all the hearers shouted, as they brandished -their weapons enthusiastically. - -"Master John, you have already entered into relations with the Captain; -he knows you, so you will remain here with another of our friends. Allow -yourselves to be arrested. I entrust to you the duty of removing the -suspicions that may exist in the Captain's mind." - -"I will do it, you may be certain." - -"Very good, but play close with him; for you have a strong opponent." - -"Do you think so?" - -"Yes. Do you know who accompanies him?" - -"On my word, no." - -"El Padre Antonio." - -"What's that you say? by Jove, you did right to warn me." - -"I thought so." - -"Oh, oh! Does that accursed monk wish to poach on our manor?" - -"I fear it. This man, as you know, is affiliated with all the scamps, no -matter of what colour, who prowl about the desert: he is even reported -to be one of their Chiefs; the idea of seizing the conducta may easily -have occurred to him." - -"By Heaven, I will watch him; trust to me, I know him too thoroughly and -too long for him to care to oppose me; if he dared to attempt it, I -could reduce him to impotence." - -"That is all right. When you have obtained all the information we -require to act, lose not a moment in informing us, for we shall count -the minutes while waiting for you." - -"That is settled. I suppose we meet at the Barranca del Gigante." - -"Yes." - -"One word more." - -"Make haste." - -"What about Blue-fox?" - -"Hang it! I forgot all about him." - -"Shall I wait for him?" - -"Certainly." - -"Shall I treat with him? You know but little reliance is to be placed in -the word of an Apache." - -"That is true," the young man answered, thoughtfully; "still, our -position is at this moment most difficult. We are left to our own -resources; our friends hesitate, and dare not yet decide in our favour; -while, on the other hand, our enemies are raising their heads, regaining -courage, and preparing to attack us vigorously. Although my heart heaves -against such an alliance, it is still evident to me, that if the Apaches -consent frankly to help us, their assistance will be very useful to -us." - -"You are right. In our present situation, outlawed by society, and -tracked like wild beasts, it would, perhaps, be imprudent to reject the -alliance of the Redskins." - -"Well, my friend, I give you full liberty, and events must guide you. I -trust entirely to your intelligence and devotion." - -"I shall not deceive your expectations." - -"Let us part now; and luck be with you." - -"Goodbye, till we meet again." - -"Goodbye, till to-morrow." - -The Jaguar gave a parting nod to his friend or accomplice, whichever the -reader pleases to call him, placed himself at the head of the band, and -started at a gallop. - -This John was no other than John Davis, the slave-dealer, whom the -reader probably remembers to have come across in the earlier chapters of -this story. How it is we find him again in Texas, forming part of a band -of outlaws, and become the pursued instead of the pursuer, would be too -long to explain at this moment. Let us purpose eventually to give the -reader full satisfaction on the point. - -John and his comrades let themselves be apprehended by Captain -Melendez's scouts, without offering the slightest opposition. We have -already described how they behaved in the Mexican camp; so we will -follow the Jaguar at present. - -The young man seemed to be, and really was, the chief of the horsemen at -whose head he rode. - -These individuals all belonged to the Anglo-Saxon race, and to a man -were North Americans. - -What trade were they carrying on? Surely a very simple one. - -For the moment they were insurgents; most of them came to Texas at the -period when the Mexican government authorized American immigration. They -had settled in the country, colonized it, and cleared it; in a word, -they ended by regarding it as a new country. - -When the Mexican government inaugurated that system of vexations, which -it never gave up again, these worthy fellows laid down the pick and the -spade to take up the Kentucky rifle, mounted their horses, and broke out -in overt insurrection against an oppressor who wished to ruin and -dispossess them. - -Several bands of insurgents were thus hastily formed on various points -of the Texan territory, fighting bravely against the Mexicans wherever -they met with them. Unfortunately for them, however, these bands were -isolated; no tie existed among them to form a compact and dangerous -whole; they obeyed chiefs, independent one of the other, who all wished -to command, without bowing their own will to a supreme and single will, -which would have been the only way of obtaining tangible results, and -conquering that independence, which, owing to this hapless dissension, -was still regarded as a Utopia by the most enlightened men in the -country. - -The horsemen we have brought on the stage were placed under the orders -of the Jaguar, whose reputation for courage, skill, and prudence was too -firmly established in the country for his name not to inspire terror in -the enemies whom chance might bring him across. - -The sequel will prove that, in choosing their chiefs, the colonists had -made no mistake about him. - -The Jaguar was just the chief these men required. He was young, -handsome, and gifted with that fascination which improvises kingdoms; he -spoke little, but each of his words left a reminiscence. - -He understood what his comrades expected of him, and had achieved -prodigies; for, as ever happens with a man born for great things, who -rises proportionately and ever remains on a level with events, his -position, by extending, had, as it were, enlarged his intellect; his -glance had become infallible, his will of iron; he identified himself so -thoroughly with his new position, that he no longer allowed himself to -be mastered by any human feeling. His face seemed of marble, both in joy -and sorrow. The enthusiasm of his comrades could produce neither flame -nor smile on his countenance. - -The Jaguar was not an ordinary ambitious man; he was grieved by the -disagreement among the insurgents; he most heartily desired a fusion, -which had become indispensable, and laboured with all his might to -effect it; in a word, the young man had faith; he believed; for, in -spite of the innumerable faults committed since the beginning of the -insurrection by the Texans, he found such vitality in the work of -liberty hitherto so badly managed, that he learned at length that in -every human question there is something more powerful than force, than -courage, even than genius, and that this something is the idea whose -time has come, whose hour has struck by the clock of Deity. Hence he -forgot all his annoyances in hoping for a certain future. - -In order to neutralize, as far as possible, the isolation in which his -band was left, the Jaguar had inaugurated certain tactics which had -hitherto proved successful. What he wanted was to gain time, and -perpetuate the war, even though waging an unequal contest. For this -purpose he was obliged to envelop his weakness in mystery, show himself -everywhere, stop nowhere, enclose the foe in a network of invisible -adversaries, force him to stand constantly on guard, with his eyes -vainly fixed on all points of the horizon, and incessantly harassed, -though never really and seriously attacked by respectable forces. Such -was the plan the Jaguar inaugurated against the Mexicans, whom he -enervated thus by this fever of expectation and the unknown, the most -terrible of all maladies for the strong. - -Hence the Jaguar and the fifty or sixty horsemen he commanded were more -feared by the Mexican government than all the other insurgents put -together. - -An extraordinary prestige attached to the terrible chief of these -unsiegeable men; a superstitious fear preceded them, and their mere -approach produced disorder among the troops sent to fight them. - -The Jaguar cleverly profited by his advantages to attempt the most -hazardous enterprises and the most daring strokes. The one he meditated -at this moment was one of the boldest he had hitherto conceived, for it -was nothing less than to carry off the conducta de plata and make a -prisoner of Captain Melendez, an officer whom he justly considered one -of his most dangerous adversaries, and with whom he, for that very -reason, longed to measure himself, for he foresaw the light such a -victory would shed over the insurrection, and the partisans it would -immediately attract to him. - -After leaving John Davis behind him, the Jaguar rapidly advanced toward -a thick forest, whose dark outline stood out on the horizon, and in -which he prepared to bivouac for the night, as he could not reach the -Barranca del Gigante till late the following day. Moreover, he wished -to remain near the two men he had detached as scouts, in order the -sooner to learn the result of their operations. - -A little after sunset, the insurgents reached the forest, and -instantaneously disappeared under covert. - -On reaching the top of a small hill which commanded the landscape, the -Jaguar halted, and ordered his men to dismount and prepare to camp. - -A bivouac is soon organized in the desert. - -A sufficient space is cleared with axes, fires are lighted at regular -distances to keep off wild beasts; the horses are picketed, and sentries -placed to watch over the common safety, and then everybody lies down -before the fire, rolls himself in his blanket, and that is all. These -rough men, accustomed to brave the fury of the seasons, sleep as -profoundly under the canopy of the sky, as the denizens of towns in -their sumptuous mansions. - -The young man, when everybody had lain down to rest, went the rounds to -assure himself that all was in order, and then returned to the fire, -when he fell into earnest thought. - -The whole night passed and he did not make the slightest movement; but -he did not sleep, his eyes were open and fixed on the slowly expiring -embers. - -What were the thoughts that contracted his forehead and made his -eyebrows meet? - -It would be impossible to say. - -Perhaps he was travelling in the country of fancy, dreaming wide awake -one of those glorious dreams we have at the age of twenty, which are so -intoxicating and so deceitful! - -Suddenly he started and sprung up as if worked by a spring. - -At this moment the sun appeared in the horizon, and began slowly -dispersing the gloom. - -The young man bent forward and listened. - -The sharp snap of a gun being cocked was heard a short distance off, and -a sentry concealed in the shrubs shouted in a harsh, sharp voice:-- - -"Who goes there?" - -"A friend," was the reply from the bushes. The Jaguar started. - -"Tranquil here!" he muttered to himself; "For what reason can he seek -me?" - -And he rushed in the direction where he expected to find the -Panther-killer. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -BLUE-FOX. - - -We will now return to Blue-fox and his two comrades, whom, in a previous -chapter, we left at the moment when, after hearing bullets "ping" past -their ears, they instinctively entrenched themselves behind rocks and -trunks of trees. - -So soon as they had taken this indispensable precaution against the -invisible assailants, the three men carefully inspected their weapons to -be ready to reply; and then waited with finger on trigger, and looking -searchingly in all directions. - -They remained thus for a rather lengthened period, though nothing again -disturbed the silence of the prairie, or the slightest sign revealed to -them that the attack made upon them would be renewed. - -Suffering from the deepest anxiety, not knowing to what they should -attribute this attack, or what enemies they had to fear, the three men -knew not what to do, or how to escape with honour from the embarrassing -position into which chance had thrown them. At length Blue-fox resolved -to go reconnoitring. - -Still, as the Chief was justly afraid of falling into an ambuscade, -carefully prepared to capture him and his comrades, without striking a -blow, he thought it prudent, ere he started, to take the most minute -precautions. - -The Indians are justly renowned for their cleverness; forced, through -the life they lead from their birth, to employ continually the physical -qualities with which Providence has given them, in them hearing, smell, -and, above all, sight have attained such a development, that they can -fairly contend with wild beasts, of whom, after all, they are only -plagiarists; but, as they have at their disposal one advantage over -animals in the intelligence which permits them to combine their actions -and see their probable consequences, they have acquired a cat-like -success, if we may be allowed to employ the expression, which enables -them to accomplish surprising things, of which only those who have seen -them at work can form a correct idea, so greatly does their skill go -beyond the range of possibility. - -It is before all when they have to follow a trail, that the cleverness -of the Indians, and the knowledge they possess of the laws of nature, -acquire extraordinary proportions. Whatever care their enemy may have -taken, whatever precautions he may have employed to hide his trail and -render it invisible, they always succeed in discovering it in the end; -from them the desert has retained no secrets, for them this virgin and -majestic nature is a book, every page of which is known to them, and in -which they read fluently, without the slightest--we will not say -mistake, but merely--hesitation. - -Blue-fox, though still very young, had already gained a well-deserved -reputation for cleverness and astuteness; hence under the present -circumstances, surrounded in all probability by invisible enemies, whose -eyes, constantly fixed on the spot that served as his refuge, watched -his every movement, he prepared with redoubled prudence to foil their -machinations and countermine their plans. - -After arranging with his comrades a signal in the probable event of -their help being required, he took off his buffalo robe, whose wide -folds might have impeded his movements, removed all the ornaments with -which his head, neck, and chest were loaded, and only retained his -_mitasses_, a species of drawers made in two pieces, fastened from -distance to distance with hair, bound round the loins with a strip of -untanned deer-hide, and descending to his ankles. - -Thus clothed, he rolled himself several times in the sand, for his body -to assume an earthy colour. Then he passed through his belt his tomahawk -and scalping knife, weapons an Indian never lays aside, seized his rifle -in his right hand, and, after giving a parting nod to his comrades who -attentively watched his different preparations, he lay down on the -ground, and began crawling like a serpent through the tall grass and -detritus of every description. - -Although the sun had risen for some time, and was pouring its dazzling -beams over the prairie, Blue-fox's departure was managed with such -circumspection that he was far out on the plain, while his comrades -fancied him close to them; not a blade of grass had been agitated in his -passage, or a pebble slipped under his feet. - -From time to time Blue-fox stopped, took a peering glance around, and -then, when he felt assured that all was quiet, and nothing had revealed -his position, he began crawling again on his hands and knees in the -direction of the forest covert, from which he was now but a short -distance. - -He then reached a spot entirely devoid of trees, where the grass, -lightly trodden down at various spots, led him to suppose he was -reaching the place where the men who fired must have been ambushed. - -The Indian stopped, in order to investigate more closely the trail he -had discovered. - -It apparently belonged to only one man; it was clumsy, wide, and made -without caution, and rather the footsteps of a white man ignorant of the -customs of the prairie, than of a hunter or Indian. - -The bushes were broken as if the person who passed through them had done -so by force, running along without taking the trouble to part the -brambles; while at several spots the trampled earth was soaked with -blood. - -Blue-fox could not at all understand this strange trail, which in no way -resembled those he was accustomed to follow. - -Was it a feint employed by his enemies to deceive him more easily by -letting him see a clumsy trail intended to conceal the real one? Or was -it, on the other hand, the trail of a white man wandering about the -desert, of whose habits he was ignorant? - -The Indian knew not what opinion to adhere to, and his perplexity was -great. To him it was evident that from this spot the shot was fired -which saluted him at the moment when he was about to begin his speech; -but for what object had the man, whoever he was, that had chosen this -ambush, left such manifest traces of his passage? He must surely have -supposed that his aggression would not remain unpunished, and that the -persons he selected as a target would immediately start in pursuit of -him. - -At length, after trying for a long time to solve this problem, and -racking his brains in vain to arrive at a probable conclusion, Blue-fox -adhered to his first one, that this trail was fictitious, and merely -intended to conceal the true one. - -The great fault of cunning persons is to suppose that all men are like -themselves, and only employ cunning; hence they frequently deceive -themselves, and the frankness of the means employed by their opponent -completely defeats them, and makes them lose a game which they had every -chance of winning. - -Blue-fox soon perceived that his supposition was false, that he had -given his enemy credit for much greater skill and sagacity than he -really possessed, and that what he had regarded as an extremely -complicated scheme intended to deceive him, was, in fact, what he had at -first thought it, namely, the passing of a man. - -After hesitating and turning back several times, the Indian at length -resolved on pushing forward, and following what he believed to be a -false trail, under the conviction that he would speedily find the real -one; but, as he was persuaded that he had to do with extremely crafty -fellows, he redoubled his prudence and precautions, only advancing step -by step, carefully exploring the bushes and the chaparral, and not going -on till he was certain he had no cause to apprehend a surprise. - -His manoeuvres occupied a long time; he had left his comrades for more -than two hours, when he found himself all at once at the entrance of a -rather large clearing, from which he was only separated by a curtain of -foliage. - -The Indian stopped, drew himself up gently, parted the branches, and -looked into the clearing. - -The forests of America are full of these clearings, produced either by -the fall of trees crumbling with old age, or of those which have been -struck by lightning, and laid low by the terrible hurricanes which -frequently utterly uproot the forests of the New World. The clearing to -which we allude here was rather large; a wide stream ran through it, and -in the mud of its banks might be seen the deeply-imprinted footprints of -the wild beasts that came here to drink. - -A magnificent mahogany tree, whose luxuriant branches overshadowed the -whole clearing, stood nearly in the centre. At the foot of this gigantic -denizen of the forest, two men were visible. - -The first, dressed in a monk's gown, was lying on the ground with closed -eyes, and face covered with a deadly pallor; the second, kneeling by his -side, seemed to be paying him the most anxious attention. - -Owing to the position occupied by the Redskin, he was enabled to -distinguish the features of this second person, whose face was turned -toward him. - -He was a man of lofty stature, but excessively thin; his face, owing to -the changes of weather to which it must have been long exposed, was of a -brick colour, and furrowed by deep wrinkles; a snow-white beard fell on -his chest, mingled with the long curls of his equally white hair, which -fell in disorder on his shoulders. He wore the garb of the American -rangers combined with the Mexican costume; thus a vicuna-skin hat, -ornamented with a gold _golilla_, covered his head; a zarape served as -his cloak, and his cotton velvet violet trousers were thrust into long -deer-skin gaiters, that came up to his knees. - -It was impossible to guess this man's age; although his harsh and marked -features, and his wild eyes, which burned with a concentrated fire and -had a wandering expression, revealed that he had attained old age, still -no trace of decrepitude was visible in any part of his person; his -stature seemed not to have lost an inch of its height, so straight was -he still; his knotted limbs, full of muscles hard as ropes, seemed -endowed with extraordinary strength and suppleness; in a word, he had -all the appearance of a dangerous wood-ranger, whose eye must be as -sure, and arm as ready, as if he were only forty years of age. - -In his girdle he carried a pair of long pistols, and a sword with a -straight and wide blade, called a machete, passed through an iron ring -instead of a sheath, hung on his left side. Two rifles, one of which -doubtless belonged to him, were leant against the trunk of the tree, and -a magnificent mustang, picketed a few yards off, was nibbling the young -tree shoots. - -What it has taken us so long to describe, the Indian saw at a glance; -but it appeared as if this scene, which he was so far from anticipating, -was not very cheering to him, for he frowned portentously, and could -hardly restrain an exclamation of surprise and disappointment on seeing -the two persons. - -By an instinctive movement of prudence he cocked his rifle, and after he -had done this, he went on watching what was doing in the clearing. - -At length the man dressed in the monk's gown made a slight movement as -if to rise, and partly opened his eyes; but too weak yet, probably, to -endure the brilliancy of the sunbeams, though they were filtered through -the dense foliage, he closed them again; still, the individual who was -nursing him, saw that he had regained his senses, by the movement of his -lips, which quivered as if he were murmuring a prayer in a low voice. - -Considering, therefore, that, for the present at least, his attentions -were no longer needed by his patient, the stranger rose, took his rifle, -leant his crossed hands on the muzzle, and awaited stoically, after -giving a look round the clearing, whose gloomy and hateful expression -caused the Indian Chief to give a start of terror in his leafy hiding -place. - -Several minutes elapsed, during which no sound was audible, save the -rustling of the stream over its bed, and the mysterious murmur of the -insects of all descriptions hidden beneath the grass. - -At length the man lying on the ground made a second movement, stronger -than the first, and opened his eyes. - -After looking wildly around him, his eyes were fastened with a species -of strange fascination on the tall old man, still standing motionless by -his side, and who gazed on him in return with a mingled feeling of -ironical compassion and sombre melancholy. - -"Thanks," he at last murmured, in a weak voice. - -"Thanks for what?" the stranger asked, harshly. - -"Thanks for having saved my life, brother," the sufferer answered. - -"I am not your brother, monk," the stranger said, mockingly; "I am a -heretic, a gringo, as you are pleased to call us; look at me, you have -not examined me yet with sufficient attention; have I not horns and -goat's feet?" - -These words were uttered with such a sarcastic accent, that the monk was -momentarily confounded. - -"Who are you, then?" he at length asked, with secret apprehension. - -"What does that concern you?" the other said, with an ill-omened laugh; -"The demon, mayhap." - -The monk made a sudden effort to rise, and crossed himself repeatedly. - -"May Heaven save me from falling into the hands of the Evil Spirit!" he -added. - -"Well, you ass," the other said, as he shrugged his shoulders -contemptuously, "reassure yourself, I am not the demon, but a man like -yourself, perhaps not quite so hypocritical, though, that's the only -difference." - -"Do you speak truly? Are you really one of my fellow men, disposed to -serve me?" - -"Who can answer for the future?" the stranger replied, with an -enigmatical smile; "Up to the present, at any rate, you have had no -cause of complaint against me. - -"No, oh no, I do not think so, although since my fainting fit my ideas -have been quite confused, and I can remember nothing." - -"What do I care? That does not concern me, for I ask nothing of you; I -have enough business of my own not to trouble myself with that of -others. Come, do you feel better? Have you recovered sufficiently to -continue your journey?" - -"What! continue my journey?" the monk asked timidly; "Do you intend to -abandon me then?" - -"Why not? I have already wasted too much time with you, and must attend -to my own affairs." - -"What?" the monk objected, "After the interest you have so benevolently -taken in me, you would have the courage to abandon me thus when almost -dead, and not caring what may happen to me after your departure?" - -"Why not? I do not know you, and have no occasion to help you. -Accidentally crossing this clearing, I noticed you lying breathless and -pale as a corpse. I gave you that ease which is refused to no one in the -desert; now that you have returned to life, I can no longer be of -service to you, so I am off; what can be more simple or logical? -Goodbye, and may the demon, for whom you took me just now, grant you his -protection!" - -After uttering these words in a tone of sarcasm and bitter irony, the -stranger threw his rifle over his shoulder, and walked a few paces -toward his horse. - -"Stay, in Heaven's name!" the monk exclaimed, as he rose with greater -haste than with his weakness seemed possible, but fear produced the -strength; "What will become of me alone in this desert?" - -"That does not concern me," the stranger answered, as he coolly loosed -the arm of his zarape, which the monk had seized; "is not the maxim of -the desert, each for himself?" - -"Listen," the monk said eagerly; "my name is Fray Antonio, and I am -wealthy: if you protect me, I will reward you handsomely." - -The stranger smiled contemptuously. - -"What have you to fear? you are young, stout, and well armed; are you -not capable of protecting yourself?" - -"No, because I am pursued by implacable enemies. Last night they -inflicted on me horrible and degrading torture, and I only managed with -great difficulty to escape from their clutches. This morning accident -brought me across two of these men. On seeing them a species of raging -madness possessed me; the idea of avenging myself occurred to me; I -aimed at them, and fired, and then fled, not knowing whither I was -going, mad with rage and terror; on reaching this spot I fell, crushed -and exhausted, as much through the sufferings I endured this night, as -through the fatigues caused by a long and headlong race along abominable -roads. These men are doubtless pursuing me; if they find me--and they -will do so, for they are wood-rangers, perfectly acquainted with the -desert--they will kill me without pity; my only hope is in you, so in -the name of what you hold dearest on earth, save me! Save me, and my -gratitude will be unbounded." - -The stranger had listened to this long and pathetic pleading without -moving a muscle of his face. When the monk ceased, with breath and -argument equally exhausted, he rested the butt of his rifle on the -ground. - -"All that you say may be true," he answered drily, "but I care as little -for it as I do for a flash in the pan; get out of the affair as you -think proper, for your entreaties are useless; if you knew who I am, you -would very soon give up tormenting my ears with your jabbering." - -The monk fixed a terrified look on the strange man, not knowing what to -say to him, or the means he should employ to reach his heart. - -"Who are you then?" he asked him, rather for the sake of saying -something than in the hope of an answer. - -"Who I am?" he said, with an ironical smile, "You would like to know. -Very good, listen in your turn; I have only a few words to say, but they -will ice the blood in your veins with terror; I am the man called the -White Scalper, the Pitiless one!" - -The monk tottered back a few paces, and clasped his hands with an -effort. - -"Oh, my God!" he exclaimed, frenziedly; "I am lost!" - -At this moment the hoot of an owl was heard a short distance off. The -hunter started. - -"Some one was listening to us!" he exclaimed, and rushed rapidly to the -side whence the signal came, while the monk, half dead with terror, fell -on his knees, and addressed a fervent prayer to Heaven. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE WHITE SCALPER. - - -We must now stop our story for a little while, in order to give the -reader certain details about the strange man whom we introduced in our -previous chapter, details doubtless very incomplete, but still -indispensable to the proper comprehension of facts that have to follow. - -If, instead of telling a true story, we were inventing a romance, we -should certainly guard ourselves against introducing into our narrative -persons like the one we have to deal with now; unhappily, we are -constrained to follow the line ready traced before us, and depict our -characters as they are, as they existed, and as the majority still -exist. - -A few years before the period at which the first part of our story -begins, a rumour, at first dull, but which soon attained a certain -degree of consistency and a great notoriety in the vast deserts of -Texas, arose almost suddenly, icing with fear the Indios Bravos, and the -adventurers of every description who continually wander about these vast -solitudes. - -It was stated that a man, apparently white, had been for some time on -the desert, pursuing the Redskins, against whom he seemed to have -declared an obstinate war. Acts of horrible cruelty and extraordinary -boldness were narrated about this man, who was said to be always alone; -wherever he met Indians, no matter their number, he attacked them; those -who fell into his power were scalped, and their hearts torn out, and in -order that it might be known that they had fallen under his blows, he -made on their stomach a wide incision, in the shape of a cross. At times -this implacable enemy of the red race glided into their villages, fired -them during the night, when all were asleep, and then he made a -frightful butchery, killing all who came in his way; women, children, -and old men, he made no exception. - -This gloomy redresser of wrongs, however, did not merely pursue Indians -with his implacable hatred--half-breeds, smugglers, pirates, in a word, -all the bold border ruffians accustomed to live at the expense of -society had a rude account to settle with him; but the latter he did not -scalp, but merely contented himself with fastening them securely to -trees, where he condemned them to die of hunger, and become the prey of -wild beasts. - -During the first years, the adventurers and Redskins, drawn together by -the feeling of a common danger, had several times banded to put an end -to this ferocious enemy, bind him, and inflict the law of retaliation on -him; but this man seemed to be protected by a charm, which enabled him -to escape all the snares laid for him, and circumvent all the ambuscades -formed on his road, It was impossible to catch him; his movements were -so rapid and unexpected, that he often appeared at considerable -distances from the spot where he was awaited, and where he had been seen -shortly before. According to the Indians and adventurers, he was -invulnerable; bullets and arrows rebounded from his chest; and soon, -through the continual good fortune that accompanied all his enterprises, -this man became a subject of universal terror on the prairie; his -enemies, convinced that all they might attempt against him would prove -useless, gave up a struggle which they regarded as waged against a -superior power. The strangest legends were current about him; every one -feared him as a maleficent spirit; the Indians named him -_Kiein-Stomann_, or the White Scalper, and the Adventurers designated -him among themselves by the epithet of Pitiless. - -These two names, as we see, were justly given to this man, with whom -murder and carnage seemed the supreme enjoyment, such pleasure did he -find in feeling his victims quivering beneath his blood-red hand, and -tearing the heart out of their bosom; hence his mere name, uttered in a -whisper, filled the bravest with horror. - -But who was this man? Whence did he come? What fearful catastrophe had -cast him into the fearful mode of life he led? - -No one could answer these questions. This individual was a horrifying -enigma, which no person could solve. - -Was he one of those monstrous organizations, which, beneath the envelope -of man, contain a tiger's heart? - -Or, else, a soul ulcerated by a frightful misfortune, all whose -faculties are directed to one object, vengeance? - -Both these hypotheses were equally possible; perhaps both were true. - -Still, as every medal has its reverse, and man is not perfect in either -good or evil, this individual had at times gleams, not of pity, but -perhaps of fatigue, when blood mounted to his gorge, choked him, and -rendered him a little less cruel, a little less implacable, almost -human, in a word. But these moments were brief, these attacks, as he -called them himself, very rare; nature regained the upper hand almost at -once, and he became only the more terrible, because he had been so near -growing compassionate. - -This was all known about this individual at the moment when we brought -him on the stage in so singular a fashion. The assistance he had given -the monk was so contrary to all his habits, that he must have been -suffering at the moment from one of his best attacks, to have consented -not only to give such eager attention to one of his fellows, but also to -waste so much time in listening to his lamentations and entreaties. - -To finish the information we have to give about this person, we will add -that no one knew whether he had a permanent abode; he was not known to -have any woman to love, or any follower; he had ever been seen alone; -and during the ten years he had roamed the desert in every direction, -his countenance had undergone no change; he had ever the same appearance -of old age and strength, the same long and white beard, and the same -wrinkled face. - -As we have said, the scalper rushed into the chaparral to discover who -had given the signal that startled him; his researches were minute, but -they produced no other result than that of enabling him to discover that -he was not mistaken, and that a spy hidden in the bushes had really -seen all that took place in the clearing, and heard all that was said. - -Blue-fox, after summoning his comrades, cautiously retired, convinced -that if he fell into the hands of the Scalper, he would be lost in spite -of all his courage. - -The latter returned thoughtfully to the side of the monk, whose praying -still went on, and had assumed such proportions that it threatened to -become interminable. - -The Scalper looked for a moment at the Fray, an ironical smile playing -round his pale lips the while, and then gave him a hearty blow with the -butt of his rifle between the shoulders. - -"Get up!" he said, roughly. - -The monk fell on his hands, and remained motionless. Believing that the -other intended to kill him, he resigned himself to his fate, and awaited -the death-blow which, in his opinion, he must speedily receive. - -"Come, get up, you devil of a monk!" the Scalper went on; "Have you not -mumbled paternosters enough?" - -Fray Ambrosio gently raised his head; a gleam of hope returned to him. - -"Forgive me, Excellency," he replied; "I have finished; I am now at your -orders; what do you desire of me?" - -And he quickly sprung up, for there was something in the other's eye -which told him that disobedience would lead to unpleasant results. - -"That is well, scoundrel! You seem to me as fit to pull a trigger as to -say a prayer. Load your rifle, for the moment has arrived for you to -fight like a man, unless you wish to be killed like a dog." - -The monk took a frightened glance around. - -"Excellency," he stammered, with great hesitation, "is it necessary that -I should fight?" - -"Yes, if you wish to keep a whole skin; if you do not, why, you can -remain quiet." - -"But perhaps there is another mode?" - -"What is it?" - -"Flight, for instance," he said, insinuatingly. - -"Try it," the other replied, with a grin. - -The monk, encouraged by this semi-concession, continued, with slightly -increased boldness-- - -"You have a very fine horse." - -"Is it not?" - -"Magnificent," Fray Antonio went on, enthusiastically. - -"Yes, and you would not be vexed if I let you mount it, to fly more -rapidly, eh?" - -"Oh! do not think that," he said, with a gesture of denial. - -"Enough!" the Scalper roughly interrupted; "Think of yourself, for your -enemies are coming." - -With one bound he was in the saddle, made his horse curvet, and hid -himself behind the enormous stem of the mahogany tree. - -Fray Antonio, aroused by the approach of danger, quickly seized his -rifle, and also got behind the tree. - -At the same moment a rather loud rustling was heard in the bushes, which -then parted, and several men appeared. - -They were about fifteen in number, and Apache warriors; in the midst of -them were Blue-fox, John Davis, and his companions. - -Blue-fox, though he had never found himself face to face with the White -Scalper, had often heard him spoken of, both by Indians and hunters; -hence, when he heard him pronounce his name, an indescribable agony -contracted his heart, as he thought of all the cruelty to which his -brothers had been victims from this man; and the thought of seizing him -occurred to him. He hastened to give the signal agreed on with the -hunters, and rushing through the chaparral with the velocity -characteristic of Indians, went to the spot where his warriors were -waiting, and bade them follow him. On his return, he met the two hunters -who had heard the signal, and were hurrying to his help. - -In a few words Blue-fox explained to them what was occurring. To tell -the truth, we must confess that this confidence, far from exciting the -warriors and hunters, singularly lowered their ardour, by revealing to -them that they were about to expose themselves to a terrible danger, by -contending with a man who was the more dangerous because no weapon could -strike him; and those who had hitherto dared to assail him, had ever -fallen victims to their temerity. - -Still, it was too late to recoil, and flight was impossible; the -warriors, therefore, determined to push on, though much against the -grain. - -As for the two hunters, if they did not completely share in the blind -credulity of their comrades, and their superstitious fears, this fight -was far from pleasing them. Still, restrained by the shame of abandoning -men to whom they fancied themselves superior in intelligence, and even -in courage, they resolved to follow them. - -"Excellency!" the monk exclaimed in a lamentable voice, when he saw the -Indians appear, "Do not abandon me." - -"No, if you do not abandon yourself, scoundrel!" the Scalper answered. - -On reaching the skirt of the clearing, the Apaches, following their -usual tactics, sheltered themselves behind trees, so that this confined -clearing, in which so many men were on the point of beginning an -obstinate struggle, seemed absolutely deserted. - -There was a moment of silence and hesitation. The Scalper at length -decided on being the first to speak. - -"Halloh!" he cried, "What do you want here?" - -Blue-fox was going to answer, but John Davis prevented him. - -"Leave him to me," he said. - -Quitting the trunk of the tree behind which he was sheltered, he then -boldly walked a few paces forward, and stopped almost in the centre of -the clearing. - -"Where are you, you who are speaking?" he asked in a loud and firm -voice; "Are you afraid of letting yourself be seen?" - -"I fear nothing," the squatter replied. - -"Show yourself, then, that I may know you again," John said impudently. - -Thus challenged, the Scalper came up within two paces of the hunter. - -"Here I am," he said, "What do you want of me?" - -Davis let the horse come up without making any movement to avoid it. - -"Ah," he said, "I am not sorry to have had a look at you." - -"Is that all you have to say to me?" the other asked gruffly. - -"Hang it, you are in a tremendous hurry! Give me time to breathe, at any -rate." - -"A truce to jests, which may cost you dearly; tell me at once what your -proposals are--I have no time to lose in idle talk." - -"How the deuce do you know that I have proposals to make to you?" - -"Would you have come here without?" - -"And I presume that you are acquainted with these proposals?" - -"It is possible." - -"In that case, what answer do you give me?" - -"None." - -"What, none!" - -"I prefer attacking you." - -"Oh, oh, you have a tough job before you; there are eighteen of us, do -you know that?" - -"I do not care for your numbers. If there were a hundred of you, I would -attack you all the same." - -"By Heaven! For the rarity of the fact, I should be curious to see the -combat of one man against twenty." - -"You will do so ere long." - -And, while saying this, the Scalper pulled his horse back several paces. - -"One moment, hang it," the hunter exclaimed sharply; "let me say a word -to you." - -"Say it." - -"Will you surrender?" - -"What?" - -"I ask you if you will surrender." - -"Nonsense," the Scalper exclaimed with a grin; "you are mad. I -surrender! It is you who will have to ask mercy ere long." - -"I would not believe it, even if you killed me." - -"Come, return to your shelter," the Scalper said with a shrug of his -shoulders; "I do not wish to kill you defencelessly." - -"All the worse for you, then," the hunter said; "I have warned you -honourably, now I wash my hands of it; get out of it as you can." - -"Thanks," the Scalper answered energetically; "but I am not yet in so -bad a state as you fancy." - -John Davis contented himself with shrugging his shoulders, and returned -slowly to his shelter in the forest, whistling Yankee Doodle. - -The Scalper had not imitated him; although he was perfectly well aware -that a great number of enemies surrounded him and watched over his -movements, he remained firm and motionless in the centre of the -clearing. - -"Hola!" he shouted in a mocking voice, "You valiant Apaches, who hide -yourselves like rabbits in the shrubs, must I come and smoke you out of -your holes in order to make you show yourselves? Come on, if you do not -wish me to believe you old cowardly and frightened squaws." - -These insulting words raised to the highest pitch the exasperation of -the Apache warriors, who replied by a prolonged yell of fury. - -"Will my brothers allow themselves any longer to be mocked by a single -man?" Blue-fox exclaimed; "Our cowardice causes his strength. Let us -rush with the speed of the hurricane on this genius of evil; he cannot -resist the shock of so many renowned warriors. Forward, brothers, -forward! To us be the honour of having crushed the implacable foe of our -race." - -And uttering his war-cry, which his comrades repeated, the valiant Chief -rushed upon the Scalper, resolutely brandishing his rifle over his -head; all the warriors followed him. - -The Scalper awaited them without stirring; but so soon as he saw them -within reach, drawing in the reins, and pressing his knees, he made his -noble stud leap into the thick of the Indians. Seizing his rifle by the -barrel, and employing it like a club, he began smiting to the right and -left with a vigour and rapidity that had something supernatural about -them. - -Then a frightful medley commenced; the Indians rushed on this man, who, -being a skilful horseman, made his steed go through the most unexpected -curvets, and by the rapidity of his movements prevented the enemy -leaping on his bridle and stopping him. - -The two hunters at first remained quiet, convinced that it was -impossible for a single man even to resist for a few moments such -numerous and brave foes; but they soon perceived, to their great -amazement, that they were mistaken; several Indians were already -stretched on the ground, their skulls split by the Scalper's terrible -club, all whose blows went home. - -The hunters then began changing their opinion as to the result of the -fight, and wished to help their comrades, but their rifles were useless -to them in the continued changes of the scene of action, and their -bullets might as easily have struck friend as foe; hence they threw away -their rifles, drew their knives, and hurried to the assistance of the -Apaches, who were already beginning to give way. - -Blue-fox, dangerously wounded, was lying in a state of insensibility. -The warriors, still on their legs, were beginning to think of a retreat, -and casting anxious glances behind them. - -The Scalper still fought with the same fury, mocking and insulting his -enemies; his arm rose and fell with the regularity of a pendulum. - -"Ah, ah!" he exclaimed, on noticing the hunters; "So you want your -share. Come on, come on." - -The latter did not allow it to be repeated, but rushed wildly upon him. - -But they fared badly; John Davis, struck by the horse's chest, was -hurled twenty feet, and fell to the ground; at the same instant his -comrade's skull was broken, and he expired without a groan. - -This last incident gave the finishing stroke to the Indians, who, unable -to overcome the terror with which this extraordinary man inspired them, -began flying in all directions with yells of terror. - -The Scalper gave a glance of triumph and satisfied hatred at the -sanguinary arena, where a dozen bodies lay stretched out, and urging his -horse on, he caught up a fugitive, lifted him by the hair, and threw him -over his saddle-bow, and disappeared in the forest with a horrible grin. - -Once again the Scalper had opened a bloody passage for himself. - -As for Fray Antonio, so soon as he saw that the fight had begun, he -thought it needless to await its issue; he, therefore, took advantage of -the opportunity, and gliding gently from tree to tree, he effected a -skilful retreat and got clear off. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -AFTER THE FIGHT. - - -For more than half an hour the silence of death hovered over the -clearing, which offered a most sad and lugubrious aspect through the -fight we described in the preceding chapter. - -At length John Davis, who in reality had received no serious wound, for -his fall was merely occasioned by the shock of the Scalper's powerful -horse, opened his eyes and looked around him in amazement; the fall had -been sufficiently violent to cause him serious bruises, and throw him -into a deep fainting fit; hence, on regaining consciousness, the -American, still stunned, did not remember a single thing that had -happened, and asked himself very seriously what he had been doing to -find himself in this singular situation. - -Still, his ideas grew gradually clearer, his memory returned, and he -remembered the strange and disproportioned fight of one man against -twenty, in which the former remained the victor, after killing and -dispersing his assailants. - -"Hum!" he muttered to himself, "Whether he be man or demon, that -individual is a sturdy fellow." - -He got up with some difficulty, carefully feeling his paining limbs; and -when he was quite assured he had nothing broken, he continued with -evident satisfaction-- - -"Thank Heaven! I got off more cheaply than I had a right to suppose, -after the way in which I was upset." Then he added, as he gave a glance -of pity to his comrade, who lay dead near him; "That poor Jim was not so -lucky as I, and his fun is over. What a tremendous machete stroke he -received! Nonsense!" he then said with the egotistic philosophy of the -desert; "We are all mortal, each has his turn; to-day it's he, to-morrow -I, so goes the world." - -Leaning on his rifle, for he still experienced some difficulty in -walking, he took a few steps on the clearing in order to convince -himself by a conclusive experiment that his limbs were in a sound state. - -After a few moments of an exercise that restored circulation to his -blood and elasticity to his joints, completely reassured about himself, -the thought occurred to him of trying whether among the bodies lying -around him any still breathed. - -"They are only Indians," he muttered, "but, after all, they are men; -although they are nearly deprived of reason, humanity orders me to help -them; the more so, as my present situation has nothing very agreeable -about it, and if I succeed in saving any of them, their knowledge of the -desert will be of great service to me." - -This last consideration determined him on helping men whom probably -without it he would have abandoned to their fate, that is to say, to the -teeth of the wild beasts which, attracted by the scent of blood, would -have certainly made them their prey after dark. - -Still it is our duty to render the egotistic citizen of the United -States the justice of saying that, so soon as he had formed this -determination, he acquitted himself conscientiously and sagaciously of -his self-imposed task, which was easy to him after all; for the numerous -professions he had carried on during the course of his adventurous life -had given him a medical knowledge and experience which placed him in a -position to give sick persons that care their condition demanded. - -Unfortunately, most of the persons he inspected had received such -serious wounds that life had long fled their bodies, and help was quite -unavailing. - -"Hang it, hang it!" the American muttered at every corpse he turned -over, "These poor savages were killed by a master-hand. At any rate they -did not suffer long, for with such fearful wounds they must have -surrendered their souls to the Creator almost instantaneously." - -He thus reached the spot where lay the body of Blue-fox, with a wide -gaping wound in his chest. - -"Ah, ah! Here is the worthy Chief," he went on. "What a gash! Let us see -if he is dead too." - -He bent over the motionless body, and put the blade of his knife to the -Indian's lips. - -"He does not stir," he continued, with an air of discouragement; "I am -afraid I shall have some difficulty in bringing him round." - -In a few minutes, however, he looked at the blade of his knife and saw -that it was slightly tarnished. - -"Come, he is not dead yet; so long as the soul holds to the body, there -is hope, so I will have a try." - -After this aside, John Davis fetched some water in his hat, mixed a -small quantity of spirits with it, and began carefully laving the wound; -this duty performed, he sounded it and found it of no great depth, and -the abundant loss of blood had in all probability brought on the state -of unconsciousness. Reassured by this perfectly correct reflection, he -pounded some _oregano_ leaves between two stones, made a species of -cataplasm of them, laid it on the wound, and secured it with a strip of -bark; then unclenching the wounded man's teeth with the blade of his -knife, he thrust in the mouth of his flask, and made him drink a -quantity of spirits. - -Success almost immediately crowned the American's tentatives, for the -Chief gave vent to a deep sigh, and opened his eyes almost -instantaneously. - -"Bravo!" John exclaimed, delighted at the unhoped for result he had -achieved. "Courage, Chief, you are saved. By Jove! You may boast of -having come back a precious long distance." - -For some minutes the Indian remained stunned, looking around him -absently, without any consciousness of the situation in which he was, or -of the objects that surrounded him. - -John attentively watched him, ready to give him help again, were it -necessary; but it was not so. By degrees the Redskin appeared to grow -livelier; his eyes lost their vacant expression, he sat up and passed -his hand over his dank brow. - -"Is the fight over?" he asked. - -"Yes," John answered, "in our complete defeat; that was a splendid idea -we had of capturing such a demon." - -"Has he escaped, then?" - -"Most perfectly so, and without a single wound, after killing at least a -dozen of your warriors, and cleaving my poor Jim's skull down to the -shoulders." - -"Oh!" the Indian muttered hoarsely, "He is not a man, but the spirit of -evil." - -"Let him be what he likes," John exclaimed, energetically; "I intend to -fight it out some day, for I hope to come across this demon again." - -"May the Wacondah preserve my brother from such a meeting, for this -demon would kill him." - -"Perhaps so; as it is, if he did not do so to-day, it was no fault of -his, but let him take care; we may some day stand face to face with -equal weapons, and then--" - -"What does he care for weapons? Did you not see that they have no power -over him, and that his body is invulnerable?" - -"Hum! That is possible; but for the present let us leave the subject and -attend to matters that affect us much more closely. How do you find -yourself?" - -"Better, much better; the remedy you have applied to my wound does me -great good; I am beginning to feel quite comfortable." - -"All the better; now try to rest for two or three hours, while I watch -over your sleep; after that, we will consult as to the best way of -getting out of this scrape." - -The Redskin smiled on hearing this remark. - -"Blue-fox is no cowardly old woman whom a tooth-ache or ear-ache renders -incapable of moving." - -"I know that you are a brave warrior, Chief; but nature has limits, -which cannot be passed, and, however great your courage and will may be, -the abundant haemorrhage which your wound has caused you must have -reduced you to a state of extreme weakness." - -"I thank you, my brother; those words come from a friend; but Blue-fox -is a Sachem in his nation, death alone can render him unable to move. My -brother will judge of the Chief's weakness." - -While uttering these words, the Indian made a supreme effort; fighting -against pain, with the energy and contempt of suffering that -characterize the Red race, he succeeded in rising, and not only stood -firmly on his feet, but even walked several yards without assistance, or -the slightest trace of emotion appearing on his face. - -The American regarded him with profound admiration; he could not -imagine, though he himself justly enjoyed a reputation for braver, that -it was possible to carry so far the triumph of moral over physical -force. - -The Indian smiled proudly on reading in the American's eyes the -astonishment his performance caused him. - -"Does my brother still believe that Blue-fox is so weak?" he asked him. - -"On my word, Chief, I know not what to think; what you have just done -confounds me; I am prepared to suppose you capable of accomplishing -impossibilities." - -"The Chiefs of my nation are renowned warriors, who laugh at pain, and -for them suffering does not exist," the Redskin said, proudly. - -"I should be inclined to believe it, after your way of acting." - -"My brother is a man; he has understood me. We will inspect together the -warriors lying on the ground, and then think of ourselves." - -"As for your poor comrades, Chief, I am compelled to tell you that we -have no occasion to trouble ourselves about them, for they are all -dead." - -"Good! they fell nobly while fighting; the Wacondah will receive them -into his bosom, and permit them to hunt with him on the happy prairies." - -"So be it!" - -"Now, before all else, let us settle the affair we began this morning, -and which was so unexpectedly broken off." - -John Davis, in spite, of his acquaintance with desert life, was -confounded by the coolness of this man, who, having escaped death by a -miracle, still suffering from a terrible wound, and who had regained -possession of his intellectual faculties only a few moments before, -seemed no longer to think of what had occurred, considered the events to -which he had all but fallen a victim as the very natural accidents of -the life he led, and began again, with the greatest freedom of mind, a -conversation interrupted by a terrible fight, at the very point where he -left it. The fact was, that, despite the lengthened intercourse the -American had hitherto had with the Redskins, he had never taken the -trouble to study their character seriously, for he was persuaded, like -most of the whites indeed, that these men are beings almost devoid of -intelligence, and that the life they lead places them almost on a level -with the brute, while, on the contrary, this life of liberty and -incessant perils renders danger so familiar to them that they have grown -to despise it, and only attach a secondary importance to it. - -"Be it so," he said presently; "since you wish it, Chief, I will deliver -the message intrusted to me for you." - -"My brother will take a place by my side." - -The American sat down on the ground by the Chief, not without a certain -feeling of apprehension through his isolation on this battle-field -strewn with corpses; but the Indian appeared so calm and tranquil that -John Davis felt ashamed to let his anxiety be seen, and affecting -carelessness he was very far from feeling, he began to speak. - -"I am sent to my brother by a great warrior of the Palefaces." - -"I know him; he is called the Jaguar. His arm is strong, and his eye -flashes like that of the animal whose name, he bears." - -"Good! The Jaguar wishes to bury the hatchet between his warriors and -those of my brother, in order that peace may unite them, and that, -instead of fighting with each other, they may pursue the buffalo on the -same hunting grounds, and avenge themselves on their common enemies. -What answer shall I give the Jaguar?" - -The Indian remained silent for a long time; at length he raised his -head. - -"My brother will open his ears," he said, "a Sachem is about to speak." - -"I am listening," the American answered. - -The Chief went on-- - -"The words my bosom breathes are sincere--the Wacondah inspires me with -them; the Palefaces, since they were brought by the genius of evil in -their large medicine-canoes to the territories of my fathers, have ever -been the virulent enemies of the Red men; invading their richest and -most fertile hunting grounds, pursuing them like wild beasts whenever -they met with them, burning their callis, and dispersing the bones of -their ancestors to the four winds of Heaven. Has not such constantly -been the conduct of the Palefaces? I await my brother's answer." - -"Well," the American said, with a certain amount of embarrassment, "I -cannot deny, Chief, that there is some truth in what you say; but still, -all the men of my colour have not been unkind to the Redskins, and -several have tried to do them good." - -"Wah! two or three have done so, but that only goes to prove what I -assert. Let us come to the question we wish to discuss at present." - -"Yes, I believe that will be the best," the American replied, delighted -in his heart at not having to sustain a discussion which he knew would -not result in victory to him. - -"My nation hates the Palefaces," the Chief continued; "the condor does -not make its nest with the maukawis, or the grizzly bear pair with the -antelope. I, myself, have an instinctive hatred for the Palefaces. This -morning, then, I should have peremptorily declined the Jaguar's -proposals, for how do the wars the Palefaces wage together concern us? -When the coyotes devour each other, the deer rejoice: we are happy to -see our cruel oppressors tearing one another; but now, though my hatred -is equally vivid, I am bound to bury it in my heart. My brother has -saved my life; he helped when I was stretched out on the ground, and the -Genius of Death was hovering over my head; ingratitude is a white vice, -gratitude a red virtue. From this day the hatchet is buried between the -Jaguar and Blue-fox for five succeeding moons; for five moons the -enemies of the Jaguar will be those of Blue-fox; the two Chiefs will -fight side by side, like loving brothers: in three suns from this one, -the Sachem will join the Paleface Chief at the head of five hundred -renowned warriors, whose heels are adorned with numerous coyote tails, -and who form the pick of the nation. What will the Jaguar do for -Blue-fox and his warriors?" - -"The Jaguar is a generous Chief; if he is terrible for his enemies, his -hand is always open for his friends; each Apache warrior will receive a -rifle, one hundred charges of powder, and a scalping knife, The Sachem -will also receive in addition to these presents two vicuna skins filled -with fire-water." - -"Wah!" the Chief exclaimed, with evident satisfaction, "My brother has -said truly that the Jaguar is a generous Chief. Here is my totem as -signal of alliance, as well as my feather of command." - -While thus speaking the Chief drew from his game bag or medicine bag, -which he wore slung, a square piece of parchment, on which was clumsily -drawn the totem or animal emblematic of the tribe, handed it to the -American, who placed it in his bosom; then removing the eagle feather -fixed in his war-lock, he also gave him that. - -"I thank my brother the Sachem," John Davis then said, "for having -acceded to my proposal; he will have no cause to repent it." - -"A Chief has given his word; but see, the sun is lengthening the shadows -of the trees, the maukawis will soon strike up the evening song; the -hour has come to pay the last duties to the Chiefs who are dead, and -then separate to rejoin our common friends." - -"On foot as we are, that appears to me rather difficult," John remarked. - -The Indian smiled. - -"The warriors of Blue-fox are watching over him," he said. - -In fact, the Chief had hardly twice given a private signal, ere fifty -Apache warriors burst into the clearing, and assembled silently around -him. - -The fugitives who escaped from the Scalper's terrible arm, soon -collected again; they returned to their camp and announced the news of -their defeat to their comrades, and then a detachment was sent off under -the orders of a subaltern Chief, to look for their Sachem, But these -horsemen, seeing Blue-fox in conference with a Paleface, remained under -covert, patiently waiting till it pleased him to summon them. - -The Sachem gave orders to bury the dead. The funeral ceremony then -began, which circumstances compelled them to abbreviate. - -The bodies were carefully washed, wrapped in new buffalo robes, and then -placed in a sitting posture in trenches dug for each of them, with their -weapons, bit, and provisions by their side, in order that they might -want for nothing on their journey to the happy hunting grounds, and be -able to mount and hunt so soon as they joined the Wacondah. - -When these several rites had been performed, the hunters were filled up, -and covered with heavy stones, lest the wild beasts should grub up and -devour the bodies. - -The sun was just disappearing on the horizon, when the Apaches finished -the last duties to their brothers. Blue-fox then walked up to the -hunter, who had hitherto been a silent, if not indifferent, spectator of -the ceremony. - -"My brother wishes to return to the warriors of his nation?" he said to -him. - -"Yes," the American laconically answered. - -"The Paleface has lost his horse, so he will mount the mustang Blue-fox -offers him; within two hours he can have returned to his friends." - -John Davis gratefully accepted the present so generously made him, -mounted at once, and, after taking leave of the Apaches, set off at full -speed. - -On their side, the Indians, at a signal from their Chief, buried -themselves in the forest and clearing where such terrible events had -occurred, and fell back into silence and solitude. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -AN EXPLANATION. - - -Like all men the greater portion of whose life is spent in the desert, -the Jaguar was gifted with excessive prudence joined to extreme -circumspection. - -Though still very young, his life had been composed of such strange -incidents, he had been an actor in such extraordinary scenes, that from -an early age he had grown accustomed to shut up his emotions in his -heart, and preserve on his countenance, whatever he might see or -experience, that marble-like stoicism which characterizes the Indians, -and which the latter have converted into such a tremendous weapon -against their enemies. - -On hearing Tranquil's voice all at once so close to him, the young man -gave a start, frowned, and asked himself mentally how it was that the -hunter came to find him thus in his camp, and what reason was powerful -enough to impel him to do so; the more so, because his intimacy with the -Canadian, ever subject to intermittences, was at this moment on terms -far from amicable, if not completely hostile. - -Still the young man, in whom the feeling of honour spoke loudly, and -whom the steps taken by Tranquil flattered more than he cared to let -anyone see, concealed the apprehensions that agitated him, and walked -quickly, and with a smile on his lips, to meet the hunter. - -The latter was not alone; Loyal Heart accompanied him. - -The Canadian's manner was reserved, and his face was covered by a cloud -of sorrow. - -"You are welcome to my camp, hunter," the Jaguar said kindly, as he -offered his hand. - -"Thank you," the Canadian answered laconically, not touching the -proffered hand. - -"I am glad to see you," the young man went on, without any display of -annoyance; "what accident has brought you in this direction?" - -"My comrade and I have been hunting for a long time; fatigue is crushing -us, and the smoke of your camp attracted us." - -The Jaguar pretended to accept as gospel this clumsy evasion of a man -who justly prided himself as being the healthiest and strongest -wood-ranger of the desert. - -"Come, then, and take a seat at my camp fire, and be good enough to -regard everything here as belonging to you, and act in accordance with -it." - -The Canadian bowed, but made no answer, and with Loyal Heart followed -the hunter who preceded them, and guided them through the mazes of the -camp. - -On reaching the fire, upon which the young man threw a few handfuls of -dry wood, the hunters sat down on buffalo skulls placed there as seats, -and then, without breaking the silence, filled their pipes and began -smoking. - -The Jaguar imitated them. - -Those white men who traverse the prairie, and whose life is spent in -hunting or trapping on these vast solitudes, have unconsciously assumed -most of the habits and customs of the Redskins, with whom the exigencies -of their position bring them constantly into contact. - -A thing worthy of remark, is the tendency of civilized men to return to -savage life, and the facility with which hunters, born for the most -part in the great centres of population, forget their habits of comfort, -surrender the customs of towns, and renounce the usages by which they -were governed during the earlier part of their life, in order to adopt -the manners, and even the habits, of the Redskins. - -Many of these hunters carry this so far, that the greatest compliment -which can be paid them is to pretend to take them for Indian warriors. - -We must confess that, per contra, the Redskins are not at all jealous of -our civilization, in which they take but slight interest, and that those -whom accident or commercial reasons carry to cities, and by such we mean -cities like New York, or New Orleans;--these Indians, we say, far from -being astounded at what they see, look around them with glances of pity, -not understanding how men can voluntarily consent to shut themselves up -in the smoky cages called houses, and expend their life in ungrateful -toil, instead of living in the open air among the vast solitudes, -hunting the buffalo, bear, and jaguar, under the immediate eye of -Heaven. - -Are the savages completely wrong in thinking so? Is their reasoning -false? We do not believe it. - -Desert life possesses, for the man whose heart is still open enough to -comprehend its moving incidents, intoxicating delights which can only be -experienced there, and which the mathematically ruled customs of towns -cannot at all cause to be forgotten, if they have once been tasted. - -According to the principles of Indian etiquette on matters of -politeness, no question must be addressed to strangers who sit down at -the camp-fire, until they are pleased to begin the conversation. - -In an Indian's wigwam a guest is regarded as sent by the Great Spirit; -he is sacred to the man he visits as long as he thinks proper to remain -with him, even if he be his mortal enemy. - -The Jaguar, thoroughly conversant with Redskin customs, remained -silently by the side of his guests, smoking and thinking, and waiting -patiently till they decided on speaking. - -At length, after a considerable lapse of time, Tranquil shook the ashes -from his pipe on his thumbnail, and turned to the young man. - -"You did not expect me, I fancy?" he said. - -"I did not," the other answered; "still be assured that the visit, -though unexpected, is not less agreeable to me." - -The hunter curled his lip in a singular fashion. - -"Who knows?" he muttered, answering his own thoughts rather than the -Jaguar's remark; "perhaps yes, perhaps no; man's heart is a mysterious -and undecipherable book, in which only madmen fancy they can read." - -"It is not so with me, hunter, as you know from experience." - -The Canadian shook his head. - -"You are still young; the heart to which you refer is still unknown to -yourself; in the short period your existence has passed through, the -wind of passion has not yet blown over you and bowed you down before its -powerful impetus: wait, in order to reply with certainty, until you have -loved and suffered; when you have bravely sustained the shock, and -resisted the hurricane of youth, it will be time for you to speak." - -These words were uttered with a stern accent, but there was no -bitterness about them. - -"You are harsh to me, to-day, Tranquil," the young: man answered -sorrowfully; "how have I sunk in your esteem? What reprehensible act -have I done?" - -"None--at any rate, it pleases me to believe so; but I fear that soon--" - -He stopped and shook his head mournfully. - -"Finish the sentence," the young man quickly exclaimed. - -"For what end?" he answered; "Who am I that I should impose on you a -line of conduct which you would probably despise, and advice which would -prove unwelcome? It is better to be silent." - -"Tranquil!" the young man said, with an emotion he could not master, -"For a long time we have known each other, you are aware of the esteem -and respect I hold you in, so speak; whatever you have to say, however -rude your reproaches may be, I will listen to you, I swear it." - -"Nonsense; forget what I said to you; I was wrong to think of meddling -in your affairs; on the prairie, a man should only think about himself, -so let us say no more." - -The Jaguar gave him a long and profound glance. "Be it so," he answered; -"we will say no more about it." - -He rose and walked a few yards in agitation, then he brusquely returned -to the hunter. - -"Pardon me," he said, "for not having thought of offering you -refreshment, but breakfast time has now arrived. I trust that your -comrade and yourself will do me the honour of sharing my frugal meal." - -While speaking thus, the Jaguar bent on the Canadian a most meaning -glance. - -Tranquil hesitated for a second. - -"This morning at sunrise," he then said, "my friend and myself ate, just -before entering your camp." - -"I was sure of it," the young man burst out. "Oh, oh! Now my doubts are -cleared up; you refuse water and salt at my fire, hunter." - -"I? But you forget that--" - -"Oh!" he interrupted, passionately, "No denial, Tranquil; do not seek -for pretexts unworthy of yourself and me; you are too honest and sincere -a man not to be frank, cuerpo de Cristo! Likewise, you know the law of -the prairies; a man will not break his fast with an enemy. Now, if you -still have in your heart a single spark of that kindly feeling you -entertained toward me at another period, explain yourself clearly, and -without any beating round the bush--I insist on it." - -The Canadian seemed to reflect for a few moments, and then suddenly -exclaimed, with great resolution-- - -"Indeed, you are right, Jaguar; it is better to have an explanation like -honest hunters, than try to deceive each other like Redskins; and -besides, no man is infallible. I may be mistaken as well as another, and -Heaven is my witness that I should like it to be so." - -"I am listening to you, and on my honour, if the reproaches you make are -well founded, I will recognize it." - -"Good!" the hunter said, in a more friendly tone than he had hitherto -employed; "you speak like a man; but, perhaps," he added, pointing to -Loyal Heart, who discreetly made a move to withdraw, "you would prefer -our interview being private?" - -"On the contrary," the Jaguar answered, eagerly, "this hunter is your -friend; I hope he will soon be mine, and I do not wish to have any -secrets from him." - -"I desire ardently for my part," Loyal Heart said, with a bow, "that the -slight cloud which has arisen between you and Tranquil may be dispersed -like the vapour driven away by the morning breeze, in order that I may -become better acquainted with you; as you wish it, I will listen to your -conversation." - -"Thanks, Caballero. Now speak, Tranquil, I am ready to listen to the -charges you fancy you have to bring against me." - -"Unluckily," said Tranquil, "the strange life yon have led since your -arrival in these parts gives occasion for the most unfavourable -surmises; you have formed a band of adventurers and border-ruffians, -outlawed by society, and living completely beyond the ordinary path of -civilized peoples." - -"Are we prairie-hunters and wood-rangers obliged to obey all the paltry -exigencies of cities?" - -"Yes, up to a certain point; that is to say, we are not allowed to place -ourselves in open revolt against the institutions of men who, though we -have separated from them, are no less our brothers, and to whom we -continue to belong by our colour, religion, origin, and the family ties -which attach us to them, and which we have been unable to break. - -"Be it so, I admit to a certain extent the justice of your reasoning; -but even supposing that the men I command are really bandits, -border-ruffians as you call them, do you know from what motives they -act? Can you bring any accusation against them?" - -"Patience, I have not finished yet." - -"Go on, then." - -"Next, in addition to this band of which you are the ostensible Chief, -you have contracted alliances with the Redskins, the Apaches among -others, the most impudent plunderers on the prairie; is that so?" - -"Yes, and no, my friend; in the sense that the alliance which you charge -me with never existed until the present hour; but this morning it was -probably concluded by two of my friends with Blue-fox, one of the most -renowned Apache Chiefs." - -"Hum! that is an unlucky coincidence." - -"Why so?" - -"Are you aware what your new allies did last night?" - -"How should I? Since I do not know where they are, and have not even -received the official report of the treaty being made." - -"Well, I will tell you; they attacked the Venta del Potrero, and burned -it to the ground." - -The Jaguar's savage eye emitted a flash of fury; he bounded to his feet, -and convulsively seized his rifle. - -"By Heaven!" he shouted, loudly, "Have they done that?" - -"They did; and it is supposed at your instigation." - -The Jaguar shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. - -"For what object?" he said. "But Dona Carmela, what has become of her?" - -"She is saved, thank Heaven!" - -The young man heaved a sigh of relief. - -"And you believed in such infamy on my part?" he asked, reproachfully. - -"I do not believe it now," the hunter replied. - -"Thanks, thanks! but by Heaven! The demons shall pay dearly, I swear, -for the crime they have committed; now go on." - -"Unluckily, if you have exculpated yourself from my first accusation, I -doubt whether you will be able to do so with the second." - -"You can tell me it, at any rate." - -"A conducta de plata, commanded by Captain Melendez, is on the road for -Mexico." - -The young man gave a slight start. - -"I know it," he said, shortly. - -The hunter gave him an inquiring glance. - -"They say--" he went on, with considerable hesitation. - -"They say," the Jaguar interrupted him, "that I am following the -conducta, and when the propitious moment arrives, I mean to attack it at -the head of my bandits, and carry off the money; that is the story?" - -"Yes." - -"They are right," the young man answered, coldly; "that is really my -intention; what next?" - -Tranquil started in surprise and indignation at this cynical answer. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, in great grief, "What is said of you is true, then? -You are really a bandit?" - -The young man smiled bitterly. - -"Perhaps I am," he said, in a hollow voice; "Tranquil, your age is -double mine; your experience is great; why do you judge rashly on -appearances?" - -"What! Appearances! Have you not confessed it yourself?" - -"Yes, I have." - -"Then you meditate a robbery?" - -"A robbery!" he exclaimed, blushing with indignation, but at once -recovering himself, he added, "It is true, you are bound to suppose -that." - -"What other name can be given to so infamous a deed?" the hunter -exclaimed, violently. - -The Jaguar raised his head quickly, as if he intended to answer, but his -lips remained dumb. - -Tranquil looked at him for a moment with mingled pity and tenderness, -and then turned to Loyal Heart. - -"Come, my friend," he said, "we have remained here only too long." - -"Stay!" the young man exclaimed, "Do not condemn me thus; I repeat to -you that you are ignorant of the motives through which I act." - -"Whatever these motives may be, they cannot be honourable; I see no -other than pillage and murder." - -"Oh!" the young man exclaimed, as he buried his face sorrowfully in his -hands. - -"Let us go," Tranquil repeated. - -Loyal Heart had watched this strange scene attentively and coldly. - -"A moment," he said; then, slipping forward, he laid his hand on the -Jaguar's shoulder. - -The latter raised his head. - -"What do you want of me?" he asked. - -"Listen to me, Caballero," Loyal Heart answered in a deep voice; "I know -not why, but a secret foreboding tells me that your conduct is not so -infamous as everything leads us to suppose, and that some day you will -be permitted to explain it, and exculpate yourself in the sight of all." - -"Oh! were it but possible for me to speak!" - -"How long do you believe that you will be compelled to remain silent?" - -"How do I know? That depends on circumstances independent of my will." - -"Then, you cannot fix a period?" - -"It is impossible; I have taken an oath, and am bound to keep it." - -"Good: then promise me only one thing." - -"What is it?" - -"To make no attempt on the life of Captain Melendez." - -The Jaguar hesitated. - -"Well?" Loyal Heart went on. - -"I will do everything to save it." - -"Thanks!" then, turning to Tranquil, who stood motionless by his side, -he said-- - -"Take your place again, brother, and breakfast with this caballero, I -answer for him body for body; if in two months from this day he does not -give you a satisfactory explanation of his conduct, I, who am bound by -no oath, will reveal to you this mystery, which appears, and really is, -inexplicable for you." - -The Jaguar started, and gave Loyal Heart a searching glance, which -produced no effect, however, on the hunter's indifferently placid face. - -The Canadian hesitated for a few moments, but at length took his place -again by the fire, muttering--. - -"In two months, be it so;" and he added in an aside, "but till then I -will watch him." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE EXPRESS. - - -Captain Melendez was anxious to pass through the dangerous defile near -which the conducta had bivouacked; he knew how great was the -responsibility he had taken on himself in accepting the command of the -escort, and did not wish, in the event of any misfortune happening, that -a charge of carelessness or negligence could be brought against him. - -The sum conveyed by the recua of mules was important. The Mexican -government, ever forced to expedients to procure money, was impatiently -expecting it; the Captain did not conceal from himself that the whole -responsibility of an attack would be mercilessly thrown on him, and that -he would have to endure all the consequences, whatever might be the -results of an encounter with the border rifles. - -Hence his anxiety and alarm increased with every moment; the evident -treachery of Fray Antonio only heightened his apprehensions, by making -him suspect a probable trap. Though it was impossible for him to guess -from what quarter the danger would come, he felt it, as it were, -approaching him inch by inch, and besetting him on all sides, and he -expected a terrible explosion at any moment. - -This secret intuition, this providential foreboding, which told him to -be on his guard, placed him in a state of excitement impossible to -describe, and threw him into an intolerable situation, from which he -resolved to escape at all hazards, preferring to run the danger and -confront it, to remaining longer with bayonets pointed at unseen foes. - -Hence he doubled his vigilance, himself inspecting the vicinity of the -camp, and watching the loading of the mules, which, fastened to each -other, would, in the event of an attack, be placed in the centre of the -most devoted and resolute men of the escort. - -Long before sunrise, the Captain, whose sleep had been an uninterrupted -series of continued starts, quitted the hard bed of skins and -horsecloths on which he had vainly sought a few hours of rest, which his -nervous condition rendered impossible, and began walking sharply up and -down the narrow space that composed the interior of the camp, -involuntarily envying the careless and calm slumbers of the troopers, -who were lying here and there on the ground, wrapped up in their -zarapes. - -In the meanwhile day gradually broke. The owl, whose matin hoot -announces the appearance of the sun, had already given its melancholy -note. The Captain kicked the arriero Chief, who was lying by the fire, -and aroused him. - -The worthy man rubbed his eyes several times, and when the last clouds -of sleep were dissipated, and order was beginning to be re-established -in his ideas, he exclaimed, while stifling a last sigh-- - -"Caray, Captain, what fly has stung you that you awake me at so early an -hour? Why, the sky has scarce turned white yet; let me sleep an hour -longer. I was enjoying a most delicious dream, and will try to catch it -up again, for sleep is a glorious thing." - -The Captain could not refrain from smiling at this singular outburst; -still, he did not consider himself justified in listening to the -arriero's complaints, for circumstances were too serious to lose time -in futile promises. - -"Up, up! Cuerpo de Cristo!" he shouted; "Remember that we have not yet -reached the Rio Seco, and that if we wish to cross this dangerous -passage before sunset, we must make haste." - -"That is true," the arriero said, who was on his legs in a moment, as -fresh and lively as if he had been awake for an hour; "forgive me, -Captain, for I have quite as much interest as yourself in making no -unpleasant encounter; according to the law, my fortune answers for the -load I am conveying, and if an accident happened, I and my family would -be reduced to beggary." - -"That is true, I did not think of that clause in your contract." - -"That does not surprise me, for it cannot at all interest you; but I -cannot get it out of my head, and I declare to you, Captain, that since -I undertook this unlucky journey, I have very often repented having -accepted the conditions imposed on me; something tells me that we shall -not arrive safe and sound on the other side of these confounded -mountains." - -"Nonsense, that is folly, no Bautista. You are in a capital condition, -and well escorted; what cause can you have for fear?" - -"None, I know, and yet I am convinced that I am not mistaken, and this -journey will be fatal to me." - -The same presentiments agitated the officer; still, he must not allow -the arriero to perceive any of his internal disquietude; on the -contrary, he must comfort him, and restore that courage which seemed on -the point of abandoning him. - -"You are mad, on my soul," he exclaimed; "to the deuce with the absurd -notions you have got in your wool-gathering noddle." - -The arriero shook his head gravely. - -"You are at liberty, Don Juan Melendez," he answered, "to laugh at these -ideas; you are an educated man, and naturally believe in nothing. But I, -Caballero, am a poor ignorant Indian, and set faith in what my fathers -believed before me; look you, Captain, we Indians, whether civilized or -savage, have hard heads, and your new ideas cannot get through our thick -skulls." - -"Come, explain yourself," the Captain continued, desirous to break off -the conversation without thwarting the arriero's prejudices; "what -reason leads you to suppose that your journey will be unlucky? You are -not the man to be frightened at your own shadow; I have been acquainted -with you for a long while, and know that you possess incontestable -bravery." - -"I thank you, Captain, for the good opinion you are pleased to have of -me; yes, I am courageous, and believe I have several times proved it, -but it was when facing dangers which my intellect understood, and not -before perils contrary to the natural laws that govern us." - -The Captain twisted his moustache impatiently at the arriero's fatiguing -prolixity: but, as he reminded him, he knew the worthy man, and was -aware by experience that attempting to cut short what he had to say was -a loss of time, and he must be allowed to do as he liked. - -There are certain men with whom, like the spur with restiff horses, any -attempt to urge them on is a sure means of making them go back. - -The young man, therefore, mastered his impatience, and coldly said:-- - -"I presume, then, you saw some evil omen at the moment of your -departure?" - -"Indeed I did, Captain; and certainly, after what I saw, I would not -have started, had I been a man easily frightened." - -"What was the omen, then?" - -"Do not laugh at me, Captain; several passages of Scripture itself prove -that GOD is often pleased to grant men salutary warnings, to which -unhappily," he added with a sigh, "they are not wise enough to give -credence." - -"That is true," the Captain muttered in the style of an interjection. - -"Well," the arriero continued, flattered by this approval from a man -like the one he was talking with; "my mules were saddled, the recua was -waiting for me in the corral, guarded by the peons, and I was on the -point of starting. Still, as I did not like separating from my wife, for -a long time probably, without saying a last good bye, I proceeded toward -the house to give her a parting kiss, when, on reaching the threshold, I -mechanically raised my eyes, and saw two owls sitting on the azotea, who -fixed their eyes on me with infernal steadiness. At this unexpected -apparition, I shuddered involuntarily and turned my eyes away. At this -very moment, a dying man, carried by two soldiers on a litter, came down -the street, escorted by a monk who was reciting the Penitential Psalms, -and preparing him to die like an honest and worthy Christian; but the -wounded man made no other answer than laughing ironically at the monk. -All at once this man half rose on the litter, his eyes grew brilliant, -he turned to me, gave me a glance full of sarcasm, and fell back, -muttering these two words evidently addressed to me:-- - -"_Hasta luego_ (we shall meet soon)." - -"Hum!" the Captain said. - -"The species of rendezvous this individual gave me, had nothing very -flattering about it, I fancy!" the arriero continued. "I was deeply -affected by the words, and I rushed toward him with the intention of -reproaching him, as I thought was proper--but he was dead." - -"Who was the man--did you learn?" - -"Yes, he was a Salteador, who had been mortally wounded in a row with -the citizens, and was being carried to the steps of the Cathedral, to -die there." - -"Is that all?" the Captain asked. - -"Yes.' - -"Well, my friend, I did well in insisting upon knowing the motives of -your present uneasiness." - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, for you have interpreted the omen with which you were favoured, in -a very different way from what you should have done." - -"How so?" - -"Let me explain: this foreboding signifies, on the contrary, that with -prudence and indefatigable vigilance you will foil all treachery, and -lay beneath your feet any bandits who dare to attack you." - -"Oh!" the arriero exclaimed, joyfully; "Are you sure of what you -assert?" - -"As I am of salvation in the other world," the Captain replied, crossing -himself fervently. - -The arriero had a profound faith in the Captain's words, for he held him -in great esteem, owing to his evident superiority; he did not dream, -consequently, of doubting the assurance the latter gave him of the -mistake he had made in the interpretation of the omen which had caused -him such alarm; he instantly regained his good spirits, and snapped his -fingers mockingly. - -"Caray, if that is the case, I run no risk; hence it is useless for me -to give Nuestra Senora de la Soledad the wax taper I promised her." - -"Perfectly useless," the Captain assured him. - -Now, feeling perfectly at his ease again, the arriero hastened to -perform his ordinary duties. - -In this way, the Captain, by pretending to admit the ideas of this -ignorant Indian, had led him quietly to abandon them. - -By this time all were astir in the camp, the arrieros were rubbing down -and loading the mules, while the troopers were saddling their horses and -making all preparations for a start. - -The Captain watched all the movements with feverish energy, spurring -some on, scolding others, and assuring himself that his orders were -punctually carried out. - -When all the preparations were completed, the young officer ordered that -the morning meal should be eaten all standing, and with the bridle -passed over the arm, in order to lose no time, and then gave the signal -for departure. - -The soldiers mounted, but at the moment when the column started to leave -the camp finally, a loud noise was heard in the chaparral, the branches -were violently pulled back, and a horseman dressed in a dragoon uniform -appeared a short distance from the party, toward which he advanced at a -gallop. - -On coming in front of the Captain, he stopped short, and raised his -hand respectfully to the peak of his forage cap. - -"_Dios guarde a Vm!_" he said, "have I the honour of speaking with -Captain Don Juan Melendez?" - -"I am he," the Captain answered in great surprise; "what do you want?" - -"Nothing personally," the trooper said, "but I have to place a despatch -in your Excellency's hands." - -"A despatch--from whom?" - -"From his most Excellent General Don Jose-Maria Rubio, and the contents -of the despatch must be important, for the General ordered me to make -the utmost diligence, and I have ridden forty-seven leagues in nineteen -hours, in order to arrive more quickly." - -"Good!" the Captain answered; "Give it here." - -The dragoon drew from his bosom a large letter with a red seal, and -respectfully offered it to the officer. - -The latter took it and opened it, but, before reading it, he gave the -motionless and impassive soldier before him a suspicious glance, which -he endured, however, with imperturbable assurance. - -The man seemed to be about thirty years of age, tall and well built; he -wore his uniform with a certain amount of ease; his intelligent features -had an expression of craft and cunning, rendered more marked still by -his incessantly moving black eyes, which only rested with considerable -hesitation on the Captain. - -Sum total, this individual resembled all Mexican soldiers, and there was -nothing about him that could attract attention or excite suspicion. - -Still it was only with extreme repugnance that the Captain saw himself -compelled to enter into relations with him; the reason for this it would -certainly have been very difficult, if not impossible for him to say; -but there are in nature certain laws which cannot be gainsaid, and which -cause us at the mere sight of a person, and before he has even spoken, -to feel a sympathy or antipathy for him, and be attracted or repulsed by -him. Whence comes this species of secret presentiment which is never -wrong in its appreciation? That we cannot explain: we merely confine -ourselves to mentioning a fact, whose influence we have often undergone -and efficacy recognized, during the course of our chequered life. - -We are bound to assert that the Captain did not feel at all attracted -toward the man to whom we refer, but, on the contrary, was disposed to -place no confidence in him. - -"At what place did you leave the General?" he asked, as he mechanically -turned in his fingers the open despatch, at which he had not yet looked. - -"At Pozo Redondo, a little in advance of the Noria de Guadalupe, -Captain." - -"Who are you--what is your name?" - -"I am the assistente of his most excellent General; my name is Gregorio -Lopez." - -"Do you know the contents of this despatch?" - -"No; but I suppose it is important." - -The soldier replied to the Captain's questions with perfect freedom and -frankness. It was evident that he was telling the truth. - -After a final hesitation, Don Juan made up his mind to read; but he soon -began frowning, and an angry expression spread over his features. - -This is what the despatch contained:-- - -_"Pozo Redondo."_ - -"General Don Jose-Maria Rubio, Supreme Military -Commandant of the State of Texas, has the honour to inform Captain Don -Juan Melendez de Gongora, that fresh troubles have broken out in the -state; several parties of bandits and border-ruffians, under the orders -of different Chiefs, are going about the country pillaging and burning -haciendas, stopping convoys, and interrupting the communications. In the -presence of such grave facts, which compromise the public welfare and -the safety of the inhabitants, the government, as their duty imperiously -orders, have thought fit, in the interest of all, to take general -measures to repress these disorders, before they break out on a larger -scale. In consequence, Texas is declared under martial law--(here -followed the measures adopted by the General to suppress the rebellion, -and then the despatch went on as follows)--General Don Jose-Maria Rubio -having been informed by spies, on whose devotion he can trust, that one -of the principal insurgent Chiefs, to whom his comrades have given the -name of the Jaguar, is preparing to carry off the conducta de plata -confided to the escort of Captain Don Juan Melendez de Gongora, and -that, for this purpose, the said cabecilla purposes to form an ambuscade -on the Rio Seco, a spot favourable for a surprise; General Rubio orders -Captain Melendez to let himself be guided by the bearer of the present -despatch, a sure and devoted man, who will lead the conducta to the -Laguna del Venado, where this conducta will form a junction with a -detachment of cavalry sent for the purpose, whose numerical strength -will protect it from any aggression. Captain Melendez will take the -command of the troops, and join the General at head quarters with the -least possible delay." - - "_Dios y libertad._" -"_The supreme Military General commanding in the State of Texas,_ - "DON JOSE-MARIA RUBIO." - -After reading this despatch carefully, the Captain raised his head and -examined the soldier for an instant with the deepest and most earnest -attention. - -The latter, leaning on the hilt of his sword, was carelessly playing -with his knot, and apparently paying no attention to what was going on -around him. - -"The order is positive," the Captain repeated several times, "and I must -obey it, although everything tells me that this man is a traitor." - -Then he added aloud-- - -"Are you well acquainted with this part of the country?" - -"I was born here, Captain," the dragoon replied; "there is not a hidden -track I did not traverse in my youth." - -"You know that you are to serve as my guide?" - -"His Excellency the General did me the honour of telling me so, -Captain." - -"And you feel certain of guiding us safe and sound to the spot where we -are expected?" - -"At least I will do all that is necessary." - -"Good. Are you tired?" - -"My horse is more so than I. If you would grant me another, I would be -at your orders immediately, for I see that you are desirous of setting -out." - -"I am. Choose a horse." - -The soldier did not let the order be repeated. Several remounts followed -the escort, and he selected one of them, to which he transferred the -saddle. In a few minutes he was mounted again. - -"I am at your Excellency's orders," he said. - -"March," the Captain shouted, and added mentally, "I will not let this -scoundrel out of sight during the march." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE GUIDE. - - -Military law is inflexible--it has its rules, from which it never -departs, and discipline allows of neither hesitation nor tergiversation; -the oriental axiom, so much in favour at despotic courts, "to hear is to -obey," is rigorously true from a military point of view. Still, however -hard this may appear at the first blush, it must be so, for if the right -of discussion were granted inferiors with reference to the orders their -superiors gave them, all discipline would be destroyed; the soldiers -henceforth only obeying their caprices, would grow ungovernable, and the -army, instead of rendering the country the services which it has a right -to expect from it, would speedily become a scourge. - -These reflections, and many others, crossed the Captain's mind, while he -thoughtfully followed the guide whom his General's despatch had so -singularly forced on him; but the order was clear and peremptory, he was -obliged to obey, and he did obey, although he felt convinced that the -man to whom he was compelled to trust was unworthy of the confidence -placed in him, if he were not an utter traitor. - -As for the trooper, he galloped carelessly at the head of the caravan, -smoking, laughing, singing, and not seeming to suspect the doubts -entertained about him. - -It is true that the Captain carefully kept secret the ill opinion he had -formed of the guide, and ostensibly placed the utmost confidence in him: -for prudence demanded that in the critical situation in which the -conducta was placed, those who composed it should not suspect their -Chief's anxiety, lest they might be demoralized by the fear of an -impending, treachery. - -The Captain, before starting, had given the most severe orders that the -arms should be in a good state; he sent off scouts ahead, and on the -flanks of the troops, to explore the neighbourhood, and be assured that -the road was free, and no danger to be apprehended; in a word, he had -taken most scrupulously all the measures prudence dictated, in order to -guarantee the safety of the journey. - -The guide, who was an impassive witness of all these precautions, on -whose behalf they were taken with so much ostentation, appeared to -approve of them, and even drew attention to the skill the -border-ruffians have in gliding through bushes and grass without leaving -traces, and the care the scouts must devote to the accomplishment of the -mission entrusted to them. - -The further the conducta advanced in the direction of the mountains, the -more difficult and dangerous the march became; the trees, at first -scattered over a large space, became imperceptibly closer, and at last -formed a dense forest, through which, at certain spots, they were -compelled to cut their way with the axe, owing to the masses of creepers -intertwined in each other, and forming an inextricable tangle; then -again, there were rather wide streams difficult of approach, which the -horses and mules were obliged to ford in the midst of iguanas and -alligators, having frequently the water up to their girths. - -The immense dome of verdure under which the caravan painfully advanced, -utterly hid the sky, and only allowed a few sunbeams to filter through -the foliage, which was not sufficient entirely to dissipate the gloom -which prevails almost constantly in the virgin forests, even at mid-day. - -Europeans, who are only acquainted with the forests of the old world, -cannot form even a remote idea of those immense oceans of verdure which -in America are called virgin forests. - -There the trees form a compact mass, for they are so entwined in each -other, and fastened together by a network of lianas which wind round -their stems and branches, plunging in the ground to rise again like the -pipes of an immense organ, or forming capricious curves, as they rise -and descend incessantly amid tufts of the parasite called Spanish beard, -which falls from the ends of the branches of all the trees; the soil, -covered with detritus of every sort, and humus formed of trees that have -died of old age, is hidden beneath a thick grass several feet in height. -The trees, nearly all of the same species, offer so little variety, that -each of them seems only a repetition of the others. - -These forests are crossed in all directions by paths formed centuries -agone by the feet of wild beasts, and leading to their mysterious -watering-places; here and there beneath the foliage are stagnant -marshes, over which myriads of mosquitoes buzz, and from which dense -vapours rise that fill the forest with gloom; reptiles and insects of -all sorts crawl on the ground, while the cries of birds and the hoarse -calls of the wild beasts form a formidable concert which the echoes of -the lagoons repeat. - -The most hardened wood-rangers enter in tremor the virgin forests, for -it is almost impossible to find one's way with certainty, and it is far -from safe to trust to the tracks which cross and are confounded; the -hunters know by experience that once lost in one of these forests, -unless a miracle supervene, they must perish within the walls formed by -the tall grass and the curtain of lianas, without hope of being helped -or saved by any living being of their own species. - -It was a virgin forest the caravan entered at this moment. - -The guide pushed on, without the least hesitation, appearing perfectly -sure of the road he followed, contenting himself by giving at lengthened -intervals a glance to the right or left, but not once checking the pace -of his horse. - -It was nearly mid-day; the heat was growing stifling, the horses and -men, who had been on the march since four in the morning along almost -impracticable roads, were exhausted with fatigue, and imperiously -claimed a few hours' rest, which was indispensable before proceeding -further. - -The Captain resolved to let the troop camp in one of those vast -clearings, so many of which are found in these parts, and are formed by -the fall of trees overthrown by a hurricane, or dead of old age. - -The command to halt was given. The soldiers and arrieros gave a sigh of -relief, and stopped at once. - -The Captain, whose eyes were accidentally fixed at this moment on the -guide, saw a cloud of dissatisfaction on his brow; still, feeling he -was watched, the man at once recovered himself, pretended to share the -general joy, and dismounted. - -The horses and mules were unsaddled, that they might browse freely on -the young tree shoots and the grass that grew abundantly on the ground. - -The soldiers enjoyed their frugal meal, and lay down on their zarapes to -sleep. - -Ere long, the individuals composing the caravan were slumbering, with -the exception of two, the Captain and the guide. - -Probably each of them was troubled by thoughts sufficiently serious to -drive away sleep, and keep them awake, when all wanted to repose. - -A few paces from the clearing, some monstrous iguanas were lying in the -sun, wallowing in the grayish mud of a stream whose water ran with a -slight murmur through the obstacles of every description that impeded -its course. Myriads of insects filled the air with the continued buzzing -of their wings; squirrels leaped gaily from branch to branch; the birds, -hidden beneath the foliage, were singing cheerily, and here and there -above the tall grass might be seen the elegant head and startled eyes of -a deer or an ashata, which suddenly rushed beneath the covert with a low -of terror. - -But the two men were too much occupied with their thoughts to notice -what was going on around them. - -The Captain raised his head at the very moment when the guide had fixed -on him a glance of strange meaning: confused at being thus taken -unawares, he tried to deceive the officer by speaking to -him--old-fashioned tactics, however, by which the latter was not duped. - -"It is a hot day, Excellency," he said, with a nonchalant air. - -"Yes," the Captain answered, laconically. - -"Do you not feel any inclination for sleep?" - -"No." - -"For my part, I feel my eyelids extraordinarily heavy, and my eyes close -against my will; with your permission I will follow the example of our -comrades, and take a few moments of that refreshing sleep they seem to -enjoy so greatly." - -"One moment--I have something to say to you." - -"Very good," he said, with an air of the utmost indifference. - -He rose, stifling a sigh of regret, and seated himself by the Captain's -side, who withdrew to make room for him under the protecting shadow of -the large tree which stretched out above his head its giant arms, loaded -with vines and Spanish beard. - -"We are about to talk seriously," the Captain went on. - -"As you please." - -"Can you be frank?" - -"What?" the soldier said, thrown off his guard by the suddenness of the -question. - -"Or, if you prefer it, can you be honest?" - -"That depends." - -The Captain looked at him. - -"Will you answer my questions?" - -"I do not know." - -"What do you say?" - -"Listen, Excellency," the guide said, with a simple look, "my mother, -worthy woman that she was, always recommended me to distrust two sorts -of people, borrowers and questioners, for she said, with considerable -sense, the first attack your purse, the others your secrets." - -"Then you have a secret?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"Then what do you fear?" - -"Not much, it is true. Well, question me, Excellency, and I will try to -answer you." - -The Mexican peasant, the Manzo or civilized Indian, has a good deal of -the Norman peasant about him, in so far as it is impossible to obtain -from him a positive answer to any question asked him. The Captain was -compelled to be satisfied with the guide's half promise, so he went -on:-- - -"Who are you?" - -"I?" - -"Yes, you." - -The guide began laughing. - -"You can see plainly enough," he said. - -The Captain shook his head. - -"I do not ask you what you appear to be, but what you really are." - -"Why, senor, what man can answer for himself, and know positively who he -is?" - -"Listen, scoundrel," the Captain continued, in a menacing tone, "I do -not mean to lose my time in following you through all the stories you -may think proper to invent. Answer my questions plainly, or, if not--" - -"If not?" the guide impudently interrupted him. - -"I blow out your brains like a dog's!" he replied, as he drew a pistol -from his belt, and hastily cocked it. - -The soldier's eye flashed fire, but his features remained impassive, and -not a muscle of his face stirred. - -"Oh, oh, senor Captain," he said, in a sombre voice, "you have a -singular way of questioning your friends." - -"Who assures me that you are a friend? I do not know you." - -"That is true, but you know the person who sent me to you; that person -is your Chief as he is mine. I obeyed him by coming to find you, as you -ought to obey him by following the orders he has given you." - -"Yes, but those orders were sent me through you." - -"What matter?" - -"Who guarantees that the despatch you have brought me was really handed -to you?" - -"Caramba, Captain, what you say is anything but flattering to me," the -guide replied with an offended look. - -"I know it; unhappily we live at a time when it is so difficult to -distinguish friends from foes, that I cannot take too many precautions -to avoid falling into a snare; I am entrusted by Government with a very -delicate mission, and must therefore behave with great reserve toward -persons who are strangers to me." - -"You are right, Captain; hence, in spite of the offensive nature of your -suspicions, I will not feel affronted by what you say, for exceptional -positions require exceptional measures. Still, I will strive by my -conduct to prove to you how mistaken you are." - -"I shall be glad if I am mistaken; but take care. If I perceive anything -doubtful, either in your actions or your words, I shall not hesitate to -blow out your brains. Now that you are warned, it is your place to act -in accordance." - -"Very good, Captain, I will run the risk. Whatever happens. I feel -certain that my conscience will absolve me, for I shall have acted for -the best." - -This was said with an air of frankness which, in spite of his -suspicions, had its effect on the Captain. - -"We shall see," he said; "shall we soon get out of this infernal forest -in which we now are?" - -"We have only two hours' march left; at sunset we shall join the persons -who are awaiting us." - -"May Heaven grant it!" the Captain muttered. - -"Amen!" the soldier said boldly. - -"Still, as you have not thought proper to answer any of the questions I -asked you, you must not feel offended if I do not let you out of sight -from this moment, and keep you by my side when we start again." - -"You can do as you please, Captain; you have the power, if not the -right, on your side, and I am compelled to yield to your will." - -"Very good, now you can sleep if you think proper." - -"Then you have nothing more to say to me?" - -"Nothing." - -"In that case I will avail myself of the permission you are kind enough -to grant me, and try to make up for lost time." - -The soldier then rose, stiffing a long yawn, walked a few paces off, lay -down on the ground, and seemed within a few minutes plunged in a deep -sleep. - -The Captain remained awake. The conversation he had held with his guide -only increased his anxiety, by proving to him that this man concealed -great cunning beneath an abrupt and trivial manner. In fact, he had not -answered one of the questions asked him, and after a few minutes had -succeeded in making the Captain turn from the offensive to the -defensive, by giving him speciously logical arguments to which the -officer was unable to raise any objection. - -Don Juan was, therefore at this moment in the worst temper a man of -honour can be in, who is dissatisfied with himself and others, fully -convinced that he was in the right, but compelled, to a certain extent, -to allow himself in the wrong. - -The soldiers, as generally happens in such cases, suffered from their -chief's ill temper; for the officer, afraid of adding the darkness to -the evil chances he fancied he had against him, and not at all desirous -to be surprised by night in the inextricable windings of the forest, cut -the halt short much sooner than he would have done under different -circumstances. - -At about two o'clock P.M. he ordered the boot and saddle to be sounded, -and gave the word to start. - -The greatest heat of the day had passed over, the sunbeams being more -oblique, had lost a great deal of their power, and the march was -continued under conditions comparatively better than those which -preceded it. - -As he had warned him, the Captain intimated to the guide that he was to -ride by his side, and, so far as was possible, did not let him out of -sight for a second. - -The latter did not appear at all troubled by this annoying inquisition; -he rode along quite as gaily as heretofore, smoking his husk cigarette, -and whistling fragments of jarabes between his teeth. - -The forest began gradually to grow clearer, the openings became more -numerous, and the eye embraced a wider horizon; all led to the -presumption that they would soon reach the limits of the covert. - -Still, the ground began rising slightly on both sides, and the path the -conducta followed grew more and more hollow, in proportion as it -advanced. - -"Are we already reaching the spurs of the mountains?" the Captain asked. - -"Oh, no, not yet," the guide answered. - -"Still we shall soon be between two hills?" - -"Yes, but of no height." - -"That is true; still, if I am not mistaken, we shall have to pass -through a defile." - -"Yes, but of no great length." - -"You should have warned me of it." - -"Why so?" - -"That I might have sent some scouts ahead." - -"That is true, but there is still time to do so if you like; the persons -who are waiting for us are at the end of that gorge." - -"Then we have arrived?" - -"Very nearly so." - -"Let us push on in that case." - -"I am quite ready." - -They went on; all at once the guide stopped. - -"Hilloh!" he said, "Look over there, Captain; is not that a musket -barrel glistening in the sunbeams?" - -The Captain sharply turned his eyes in the direction indicated by the -soldier. - -At the same moment a frightful discharge burst forth from either side of -the way, and a shower of bullets poured on the conducta. - -Before the Captain, ferocious at this shameful treachery, could draw a -pistol from his belt, he rolled on the ground, dragged down by his -horse, which had a ball right through its heart. - -The guide had disappeared, and it was impossible to discover how he had -escaped. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -JOHN DAVIS. - - -John Davis, the ex-slave dealer, had too powerful nerves for the scenes -he had witnessed this day, and in which he had even played a very active -and dangerous part, to leave any durable impressions on his mind. - -After quitting Blue-fox, he galloped on for some time in the direction -where he expected to find the Jaguar; but gradually he yielded to his -thoughts, and his horse, understanding with that admirable instinct -which distinguishes these noble animals, that its rider was paying no -attention to it, gradually reduced its pace, passing from the gallop to -a trot, and then to a foot-pace, walking with its head down, and -snapping at a few blades of grass as it passed. - -John Davis was considerably perplexed by the conduct of one of the -persons with whom accident had brought him in contact on this morning so -fertile in events of every description. The person who had the privilege -of arousing the American's attention to no eminent degree was the White -Scalper. - -The heroic struggle sustained by this man alone against a swarm of -obstinate enemies, his herculean strength, the skill with which he -managed his horse--all in this strange man seemed to him to border on -the marvellous. - -During bivouac watches on the prairie he had frequently heard the most -extraordinary and exaggerated stories told about this hunter by the -Indians with, a terror, the reason of which he comprehended, now that he -had seen the man; for this individual who laughed at weapons directed -against his chest, and ever emerged safe and sound from the combats he -engaged in, seemed rather a demon than a being appertaining to humanity. -John Davis felt himself shudder involuntarily at this thought, and -congratulated himself in having so miraculously escaped the danger he -had incurred in his encounter with the Scalper. - -We will mention, in passing, that no people in the world are more -superstitious than the North Americans. This is easy to understand: this -nation--a perfect harlequin's garb--is an heterogeneous composite of all -the races that people the old world; each of the representatives of -these races arrived in America, bearing in his emigrants' baggage not -only his vices and passions, but also his creed and his superstitions, -which are the wildest, most absurd, and puerile possible. This was the -more easily effected, because the mass of emigrants, who have at various -periods sought a refuge in America, was composed of people for the most -part devoid of all learning, or even of a semblance of education; from -this point of view, the North Americans, we must do them the justice of -saying, have not at all degenerated; they are at the present day at -least as ignorant and brutal as were their ancestors. - -It is easy to imagine the strange number of legends about sorcerers and -phantoms which are current in North America. These legends, preserved by -tradition, passing from mouth to mouth, and with time becoming mingled -one with the other, have necessarily been heightened in a country where -the grand aspect of nature renders the mind prone to reverie and -melancholy. - -Hence John Davis, though he flattered himself he was a strong-minded -man, did not fail, like all his countrymen, to possess a strong dose of -credulity; and this man, who would not have recoiled at the sight of -several muskets pointed at his breast, felt himself shiver with fear at -the sound of a leaf falling at night on his shoulder. - -Moreover, so soon as the idea occurred to John Davis that the White -Scalper was a demon, or, at the very least, a sorcerer, it got hold of -him, and this supposition straightway became an article of belief with -him. Naturally, he found himself at once relieved by this discovery; his -ideas returned to their usual current, and the anxiety that occupied his -mind disappeared as if by enchantment; henceforth his opinion was formed -about this man, and if accident again brought them face to face, he -would know how to behave to him. - -Happy at having at length found this solution, he gaily raised his head, -and took a long searching look around him at the landscape he was riding -through. - -He was nearly in the centre of a vast rolling prairie, covered with tall -grass, and with a few clumps of mahogany and pine trees scattered here -and there. - -Suddenly he rose in his stirrups, placed his hand as a shade over his -eyes, and looked attentively. - -About half a mile from the spot where he had halted, and a little to the -right, that is to say, exactly in the direction he intended to follow -himself, he noticed a thin column of smoke, which rose from the middle -of a thicket of aloe and larch trees. - -On the desert, smoke seen by the wayside always furnishes ample matter -for reflection. - -Smoke generally rises from a fire round which several persons are -seated. - -Now man, in this more unfortunate than the wild beasts, fears before all -else on the prairie meeting with his fellow-man, for he may wager a -hundred to one that the man he meets will prove an enemy. - -Still John Davis, after ripe consideration, resolved to push on toward -the fire; since morning he had been fasting, hunger was beginning to -prick him, and in addition he felt excessively fatigued; he therefore -inspected his weapons with the most scrupulous attention, so as to be -able to have recourse to them if necessary, and digging the spur into -his horse's flank, he went on boldly toward the smoke, while carefully -watching the neighbourhood for fear of a surprise. - -At the end of ten minutes he reached his destination; but when fifty -yards from the clump of trees, he checked the speed of his horse, and -laid his rifle across the saddle-bow; his face lost the anxious -expression which had covered it, and he advanced toward the fire with a -smile on his lips, and the most friendly air imaginable. - -In the midst of a thick clump of trees, whose protecting shade offered a -comfortable shelter to a weary traveller, a man dressed in the costume -of a Mexican dragoon was lazily seated in front of a fire, over which -his meat was cooking, while himself smoked a husk cigarette. A long -lance decorated with its guidon leaned against a larch tree close to -him, and a completely harnessed horse, from which the bit had, however, -been removed, was peaceably nibbling the tree shoots and the tender -prairie grass. - -This man seemed to be twenty-seven or twenty-eight years of age; his -cunning features were lit up by small sharp eyes, and the copper tinge -of his skin denoted his Indian origin. - -He had for a long time seen the horseman coming toward his camp, but he -appeared to attach but slight importance to it, and quietly went on -smoking and watching the cooking of his meal, not taking any further -precaution against the unforeseen visitor than assuring himself that his -sabre came easily out of its scabbard. When he was only a few paces from -the soldier, John Davis stopped and raised his hand to his hat. - -"Ave Maria Purisima!" he said. - -"Sin pecado concebida!" the dragoon answered, imitating the American's -gesture. - -"Santas tardes!" the new comer went on. - -"Dios les da a Vm buenas!" the other immediately answered. - -These necessary formulas of every meeting exhausted, the ice was broken, -and the acquaintance made. - -"Dismount, Caballero," the dragoon said; "the heat is stifling on the -prairie; I have here a famous shade, and in this little pot cecina, with -red harico beans and pimento, which I think you will like, if you do me -the honour to share my repast." - -"I readily accept your flattering invitation, Caballero," the American -answered with a smile; "the more readily because I confess to you that I -am literally starving, and, moreover, exhausted with fatigue." - -"Caray! In that case I congratulate myself on the fortunate accident -that occasions our meeting, so pray dismount without further delay." - -"I am going to do so." - -The American at once got off his horse, removed the bit, and the noble -animal immediately joined its companion, while its master fell to the -ground by the dragoon's side, with a sigh of satisfaction. - -"You seem to have made a long ride, Caballero?" the soldier said. - -"Yes," the American answered, "I have been on horseback for ten hours, -not to mention that I spent the morning in fighting." - -"Cristo! You have had hard work of it." - -"You may say so without any risk of telling an untruth; for, on the word -of a hunter, I never had such a tough job." - -"You are a hunter?" - -"At your service." - -"A fine profession," the soldier said with a sigh; "I have been one -too." - -"And you regret it?" - -"Daily." - -"I can understand that. Once a man has tasted the joys of desert life, -he always wishes to return to it." - -"Alas, that is true." - -"Why did you give it up then, since you liked it so much?" - -"Ah, why!" the soldier said; "through love." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Yes, a child with whom I was so foolish as to fall in love, and who -persuaded me to enlist." - -"Oh, hang it!" - -"Yes, and I had scarce put on my uniform, when she told me she was -mistaken about me: that, thus dressed, I was much uglier than she could -have supposed; in short, she left me in the lurch to run after an -arriero." - -The American could not refrain from laughing at this singular story. - -"It is sad, is it not?" the soldier continued. - -"Very sad," John Davis answered, trying in vain to regain his gravity. - -"What would you have?" the soldier added gloomily; "the world is only -one huge deception. But," he added with a sudden change of his tone, "I -fancy our dinner is ready--I smell something which warns me that it is -time to take off the pot." - -As John Davis had naturally no objection to offer to this resolution of -the soldier, the latter at once carried it into effect; the pot was -taken off the fire and placed before the two guests, who began such a -vigorous attack, that it was soon empty, in spite of its decent -capacity. - -This excellent meal was washed down with a few mouthfuls of Catalonian -refino, with which the soldier appeared amply provided. - -All was terminated with the indispensable cigarette, that obligato -complement of every Hispano-American meal, and the two men, revived by -the good food with which they had lined their stomachs, were soon in an -excellent condition to open their hearts to each other. - -"You seem to me a man of caution, Caballero," the American remarked, as -he puffed out an immense mouthful of smoke, part of which came from his -mouth, and part from his nostrils. - -"It is a reminiscence of my old hunter's trade. Soldiers generally are -not nearly so careful as I am." - -"The more I observe you," John Davis went on, "the more extraordinary -does it appear to me that you should have consented to take up a -profession so badly paid as that of a soldier." - -"What would you have? It is fatality, and then the impossibility of -sending the uniform to the deuce. However, I hope to be made a _Cabo_ -before the year's out." - -"That is a fine position, as I have heard; the pay must be good." - -"It would not be bad, if we received it." - -"What do you mean?" - -"It seems that the government is not rich." - -"Then, you give it credit?" - -"We are obliged to do so." - -"Hang it! but forgive me for asking you all these questions, which must -appear to you indiscreet." - -"Not at all; we are talking as friends." - -"How do you live?" - -"Well, we have casualties." - -"What may they be?" - -"Do you not know?" - -"Indeed, I do not." - -"I will explain." - -"You will cause me pleasure." - -"Sometimes our Captain or General entrusts us with a mission." - -"Very good." - -"This mission is paid for separately; the more dangerous it is, the -larger the amount." - -"Still on credit?" - -"No, hang it; in advance." - -"That is better. And have you many of these missions?" - -"Frequently, especially during a pronunciamento." - -"Yes, but for nearly a year no General has pronounced." - -"Unluckily." - -"Then you are quite dry?" - -"Not quite." - -"You have had missions?" - -"I have one at this moment." - -"Well paid?" - -"Decently." - -"Would there be any harm in asking how much?" - -"Not at all; I have received twenty-five ounces." - -"Cristo! that is a nice sum. The mission must be a dangerous one to be -paid so highly." - -"It is not without peril." - -"Hum! In that case take care." - -"Thank you, but I run no heavy risk; I have only to deliver a letter." - -"It is true that a letter--" the American carelessly remarked. - -"Oh! this one is more important than you fancy it." - -"Nonsense!" - -"On my honour it is, for it concerns some millions of dollars." - -"What is that you say?" John Davis exclaimed with an involuntary start. - -Since his meeting with the soldier, the hunter had quietly worked to get -him to reveal the reason that brought him into these parts, for the -presence of a single dragoon on the desert seemed to him queer, and for -good reason; hence it was with great pleasure that he saw him fall into -the trap set for him. - -"Yes," the soldier continued, "General Rubio, whose asistente I am, has -sent me as an express to meet Captain Melendez, who at this moment is -escorting a conducta de plata." - -"Do you mean that really?" - -"Do I not tell you that I have the letter about me?" - -"That is true; but for what purpose does the General write to the -Captain?" - -The soldier looked for a moment cunningly at the hunter, and then -suddenly changed his tone. - -"Will you play fair?" he asked him, as he looked him full in the face. - -The hunter smiled. - -"Good," the soldier continued; "I see that we can understand one -another." - -"Why not? those are the conditions that suit Caballeros." - -"Then, we play fair?" - -"That is agreed." - -"Confess that you would like to know the contents of this letter." - -"Through simple curiosity, I swear to you." - -"Of course! I felt assured of that. Well, it only depends on yourself to -know them." - -"I will not take long then; let me hear your conditions." - -"They are simple." - -"Tell me them for all that." - -"Look at me carefully; do you not recognize me?" - -"On my honour, I do not." - -"That proves to me that I have a better memory than you." - -"It is possible." - -"I recognize you." - -"You may have seen me somewhere." - -"Very likely, but that is of little consequence; the main point is that -I should know who you are." - -"Oh, a simple hunter." - -"Yes, and an intimate friend of the Jaguar." - -"What!" the hunter exclaimed with a start of surprise. - -"Do not be frightened at such a trifle: answer me simply; is it so or -not?" - -"It is true; I do not see why I should hide the fact from you." - -"You would be wrong if you did. Where is the Jaguar at this moment?" - -"I do not know." - -"That is to say, you will not tell me." - -"You have guessed it." - -"Good. Could you tell me, if I wished you to lead me to him?" - -"I see no reason to prevent it, if the affair is worth your while." - -"Have I not told you that it related to millions?" - -"You did, but you did not prove it." - -"And you wish me to give you that proof?" - -"Nothing else." - -"That is rather difficult." - -"No, it is not." - -"How so?" - -"Hang it, I am a good fellow; I only want to cover my responsibility; -show me the letter, I ask no more." - -"And that will satisfy you?" - -"Yes, because I know the General's handwriting." - -"Oh, in that case, it is all right," and drawing a large envelope from -his breast, he said as he showed it to the American, though without -loosing his hold, "Look!" - -The latter looked at it closely for some minutes. - -"It is really the General's handwriting," the soldier continued. - -"Yes," - -"Now, do you consent to lead me to the Jaguar?" - -"Whenever you like." - -"At once then." - -"Very good." - -The two men rose by mutual agreement, put the bits in their horses' -mouths, leaped into their saddles, and left at a gallop the spot which -for several hours had afforded them such pleasant shade. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE BARGAIN. - - -The two adventurers rode gaily side by side, telling one another the -news of the desert, that is to say, hunting exploits, and skirmishes -with the Indians, and conversing about the political events which for -some months past had attained a certain gravity and alarming importance -for the Mexican government. - -But, while thus talking, asking each other questions, the answers to -which they did not wait to hear, their conversation had no other object -save to conceal the secret preoccupation that agitated them. - -In their previous discussion, each had tried to overreach the other, -trying to draw out secrets, the hunter manoeuvring to lead the soldier -to an act of treachery, the latter asking no better than to sell -himself, and acting in accordance with his wishes; the result of the -trial was that they had found themselves of equal force, and each had -obtained the result he wanted. - -But this was no longer the question with them; like all crafty men, -success, instead of satisfying them, had given birth in their minds to -a multitude of suspicions. John Davis asked himself what cause had led -the dragoon to betray his party so easily, without stipulating -beforehand for important advantages for himself. - -For everything is paid for in America, and infamy especially commands a -high price. - -On his side, the dragoon found that the hunter put faith in his -statements very easily, and, in spite of his comrade's affectionate -manner, the nearer he approached the camp of the border rifles, the more -his uneasiness increased; for he was beginning to fear lest he had gone -head first into a snare, and had trusted too imprudently to a man whose -reputation was far from reassuring him. - -Such was the state of mind in which the two men stood to each other, -scarce an hour after leaving the spot where they had met so -accidentally. - -Still, each carefully hid his apprehensions in his heart; nothing was -visible on the exterior; on the contrary, they redoubled their -politeness and obsequiousness toward each other, behaving rather like -brothers delighted to have met after a long separation, than as men who -two hours previously spoke together for the first time. - -The sun had set about an hour, and it was quite dark when they came -within a short distance of the Jaguar's camp, whose bivouac fires -flashed out of the gloom, reflecting themselves with fantastic effects -of light on the surrounding objects, and imprinting on the rugged -scenery of the prairie a stamp of savage majesty. - -"We have arrived," the hunter said, as he stopped his horse and turned -to his companion; "no one has perceived us; you can still turn back -without any fear of pursuit; what is your decision?" - -"Canarios! Comrade," the soldier answered, shrugging his shoulders with -a disdainful air; "I have not come so far to shiver at the entrance of -the camp, and allow me to remark, with all the respect due to you, that -your remark appears to me singular at the least." - -"I owed it to myself to make it; who knows whether you may not repent -to-morrow the hazardous step you are taking to-day?" - -"That is possible. Well, what would you have? I will run the risk; my -determination is formed, and is unchangeable. So let us push on, in -Heaven's name." - -"As you please, Caballero; within a quarter of an hour you will be in -the presence of the man you desire to see. You will have an explanation -with him, and my task will be accomplished." - -"And I shall have nothing but thanks to offer you," the soldier quickly -interrupted him; "but let us not remain any longer here: we may attract -attention, and become the mark for a bullet, which I confess to you I am -not at all desirous of." - -The hunter, without replying, let his horse feel the spur, and they -continued to advance. - -Within a few minutes they entered the circle of light cast by the fire; -almost immediately the sharp click of a rifle being cocked was heard, -and a rough voice ordered them to stop in the devil's name. - -The order, though not positively polite, was not the less peremptory, -and the two adventurers thought it advisable to obey. - -Several armed men then issued from the entrenchments; and one of them, -addressing the strangers, asked them who they were, and what they wanted -at such an unseasonable hour. - -"Who we are?" the American answered, firmly; "What we want? To come in -as quickly as we can." - -"That is all very fine," the other replied; "but, if you do not tell us -your names, you will not enter so soon, especially as one of you wears a -uniform which is not in the odour of sanctity with us." - -"All right, Ruperto," the American replied, "I am John Davis, and you -know me, I suppose; so let me pass, without delay. I answer for this -caballero, who has an important communication to make to the Chief." - -"You are welcome, Master John; do not be angry with me, for you know -that prudence is the mother of safety." - -"Yes, yes," the American said, with a laugh, "deuce take me if you -easily get into a scrape for lack of prudence, gossip." - -They then entered the camp without farther obstacle. - -The border rifles were generally sleeping round the fires, but a cordon -of vigilant sentries, placed at the openings of the camp, watched over -the common security. - -John Davis dismounted, inviting his comrade to follow his example; then, -making him a sign to follow, he walked toward a tent, through the canvas -of which a weak light could be seen flickering. - -On reaching the entrance of the tent, the hunter stopped, and tapped -twice. - -"Are you asleep, Jaguar?" he asked, in a suppressed voice. - -"Is that you, Davis, my old comrade?" was immediately asked from within. - -"Yes." - -"Come in, for I was impatiently waiting for you." - -The American raised the curtain which covered the entrance, and glided -into the tent; the soldier followed him gently, and the curtain fell -down behind them. - -The Jaguar, seated on a buffalo skull, was reading a voluminous -correspondence by the dubious light of a _candil_; and in a corner of -the tent might be seen two or three bear-skins, evidently intended to -serve as a bed. On seeing the newcomers, the young man folded up the -papers, and laid them in a small iron casket, the key of which he placed -in his bosom, then raised his head, and looked anxiously at the soldier. - -"Who's this, John?" he asked; "Have you brought prisoners?" - -"No," the other answered, "this caballero was most desirous of seeing -you, for certain reasons he will himself explain; so I thought I had -better carry out his wishes." - -"Good; we will settle with him in a moment. What have you done?" - -"What you ordered me." - -"Then you have succeeded?" - -"Completely." - -"Bravo, my friend! Tell me all about it." - -"What need of details?" the American answered, looking meaningly at the -dragoon, who stood motionless a couple of paces from him. - -The Jaguar understood him. - -"That is true," he said, "suppose we see of what sort of wood this man -is made;" and addressing the soldier, he added, "Come hither, my good -fellow." - -"Here I am, at your orders, Captain." - -"What is your name?" - -"Gregorio Felpa. I am a dragoon, as you can see by my uniform, -Excellency." - -"What is your motive for wishing to see me?" - -"An anxiety to render you an important service, Excellency." - -"I thank you, but usually services are confoundedly dear, and I am not a -rich man." - -"You will become so." - -"I hope so. But what is the great service you propose to render me?" - -"I will explain to you, in two words. In every political question there -are two sides, and that depends on the point of view from which you -regard it. I am a child of Texas, son of a North American and an Indian -woman, which means that I cordially detest the Americans." - -"Come to facts." - -"I am doing so. A soldier against my will, General Rubio has entrusted -me with a dispatch for Captain Melendez, in which he gives him a place -of meeting, so as to avoid the Rio Seco, where the report runs that you -intend to ambush, in order to carry off the conducta." - -"Ah, ah," the Jaguar said, becoming very attentive, "but how do you know -the contents of the dispatch?" - -"In a very simple way. The General places the utmost confidence in me; -and he read me the dispatch, because I am to serve as the Captain's -guide." - -"Then you are betraying your Chief?" - -"Is that the name you give my action?" - -"I am looking at it from the General's side." - -"And from yours?" - -"When we have succeeded I will tell you." - -"Good," he carelessly replied. - -"You have this dispatch?" - -"Here it is." - -The Jaguar took it, examined it attentively, turning it over and over, -and then prepared to break the seal. - -"Stop!" the soldier hurriedly exclaimed. - -"What for?" - -"Because, if you open it, I cannot deliver it to the man for whom it is -intended." - -"What do you mean?" - -"You do not understand me," the soldier said, with ill-concealed -impatience. - -"That is probable," the Captain answered. - -"I only ask you to listen to me for five minutes." - -"Speak." - -"The meeting-place appointed for the Captain and the General is the -Laguna del Venado. Before reaching the Laguna there is a very narrow and -densely-wooded gorge." - -"The Paso de Palo Muerto; I know it." - -"Good. You will hide yourself there, on the right and left, in the -bushes; and when the conducta passes, you will attack it on all sides at -once; it is impossible for it to escape you, if, as I suppose, your -arrangements are properly made." - -"Yes, the spot is most favourable for an attack. But who guarantees that -the conducta will pass through this gorge?" - -"I do." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Certainly, as I shall act as guide." - -"Hum! We no longer understand one another." - -"Excuse me, we do, perfectly. I will leave you, and go to the Captain, -to whom I will deliver the General's dispatch; he will be compelled to -take me for his guide, whether we like it or not; and I will lead him -into your hands as surely as a novillo taken to the shambles." - -The Jaguar gave the soldier a glance which seemed trying to read the -bottom of his heart. - -"You are a daring fellow," he said to him, "but I fancy you settle -events a little too much as you would like them. I do not know you; I -see you to-day for the first time, and, excuse my frankness, it is to -arrange an act of treachery. Who answers for your good faith? If I am -foolish enough to let you go quietly, what assures me that you will not -turn against me?" - -"My own interest, in the first place; if you seize the conducta by my -aid, you will give me five hundred ounces." - -"That is not too dear: still, allow me to make a further objection." - -"Do so, Excellency." - -"Nothing proves to me that you have not been promised double the amount -to trap me." - -"Oh!" he said, with a shake of the head. - -"Hang it all! Listen to me; more singular things than that have been -known, and though my head may be worth little, I confess to you that I -have the weakness of attaching remarkable value to it; hence I warn you, -that unless you have better security to offer, the affair is broken -off." - -"That would be a pity." - -"I am well aware of that, but it is your fault, not mine; you should -have taken your measures better before coming to me." - -"Then nothing can convince you of my good faith?" - -"Nothing." - -"Come, we must have an end of this!" the soldier exclaimed, impatiently. - -"I ask for nothing better." - -"It is clearly understood between us, Excellency, that you will give me -five hundred ounces?" - -"If by your aid I carry off the conducta de plata; I promise it." - -"That is enough; I know that you never break your word." - -He then unbuttoned his uniform, drew out a bag hung round his neck by a -steel chain, and offered it to the Captain. - -"Do you know what this is?" he asked him. - -"Certainly," the Jaguar replied, crossing himself fervently; "it is a -relic." - -"Blessed by the Pope! As this attestation proves." - -"It is true." - -He took it from his neck, and laid it in the young man's hand, then -crossing his right thumb over the left, he said, in a firm and marked -voice-- - -"I, Gregorio Felpa, swear on this relic to accomplish faithfully all the -clauses of the bargain I have just concluded with the noble Captain -called the Jaguar: if I break this oath, I renounce from this day and -for ever the place I hope for in Paradise, and devote myself to the -eternal flames of hell. Now," he added, "keep that precious relic; you -will restore it to me on my return." - -The Captain, without replying, immediately hung it round his own neck. - -Strange contradiction of the human heart, and inexplicable anomaly; -these Indians, for the most part pagans, in spite of the baptism they -have received, and who, while affecting to follow ostensibly the rules -of the Catholic religion, secretly practise the rites of their worship, -have a lively faith in relics and amulets; all wear them round their -necks in little bags, and these perverse and dissolute men, to whom -nothing is sacred, who laugh at the most noble feelings, whose life is -passed in inventing roguery, and preparing acts of treachery, profess so -great a respect for these relics, that there is no instance of an oath -taken on one of them having ever been broken. - -Anyone who pleases may explain this extraordinary fact; we content -ourselves with telling it. - -Before the oath taken by the soldier, the Jaguar's suspicions at once -faded away to make room for the most perfect confidence. - -The conversation lost the stiff tone it had up to the present, the -soldier sat down on a buffalo skull, and the three men, henceforth in -good harmony, quietly discussed the best means to be employed to prevent -a failure. - -The plan proposed by the soldier was so simple and easy to carry out, -that it guaranteed success; hence it was adopted entirely, and the -discussion only turned on points of detail. - -At a rather late hour of the night, the three men at length separated, -in order to take a few moments of indispensable rest between the fatigue -of the past day and that they would have to endure on the morrow. - -Gregorio slept _a pierna suelta_, to employ the Spanish phrase, that is -to say, straight off the reel. - -About two hours before sunrise, the Jaguar bent over the sleeper and -awoke him; the soldier rose at once, rubbed his eyes for an instant, and -at the end of five minutes was as fresh and ready as if he had been -asleep for eight-and-forty hours. - -"It is time to start," the Jaguar said, in a low voice; "John Davis has -himself rubbed down and saddled your horse; come." - -They left the tent; they found the American holding the soldier's -bridle, and the latter leaped into the saddle without using his -stirrups, in order to show that he was quite fresh. - -"Mind," the Jaguar observed, "that you employ the utmost prudence, watch -your words and your slightest gestures carefully, for you are about to -deal with the bravest and most skilful officer in the whole Mexican -army." - -"Trust to me, Captain. Canarios! The stake is too large for me to run -any risk of losing the game." - -"One word more." - -"I am listening." - -"Manage so as not to reach the gorge till nightfall, for darkness goes a -great way toward the success of a surprise--and now good-bye and good -luck." - -"I wish you the same." - -The Jaguar and the American escorted the dragoon to the barrier, in -order to pass him through the sentries, who, had not this precaution -been taken, would have infallibly fired at him, owing to the uniform he -wore. - -"When he had left the camp, the two men looked after him so long as they -could distinguish his dark outline gliding like a shadow through the -trees of the forest, when it speedily disappeared. - -"Hum!" said John Davis, "That is what I call a thorough scoundrel; he is -more cunning than an opossum. What a fearful villain!" - -"Well, my friend," the Jaguar answered, carelessly, "men of that stamp -are necessary, else what would become of us?" - -"That is true. They are as necessary as the plague and leprosy; but I -stick to what I said, he is the most perfect scoundrel I ever saw; and -the Lord knows the magnificent collection I have come across during the -course of my life!" - -A few minutes later, the border rifles raised their camp and mounted to -proceed to the gorge, where the rendezvous had been made with Gregorio -Felpa, the asistente of General Rubio, who placed in him a confidence of -which the soldier was in every respect so worthy. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE AMBUSCADE. - - -The Jaguar's measures were so well taken, and the traitor to whom the -guidance of the conducta was entrusted had manoeuvred so cleverly, that -the Mexicans fell literally into a wasp's nest, from which it was very -difficult, if not impossible, for them to escape. - -Although demoralized for a moment by the fall of their Chief, whose -horse was killed at the beginning of the action, they still obeyed the -Captain's voice, who, by a supreme effort, rose again almost -simultaneously, and they collected round the string of mules laden with -the treasure. They boldly formed a square, and prepared to defend -courageously the precious depot they had under their guard. - -The escort commanded by Captain Melendez, though not large, was -composed of old tried soldiers, long habituated to bush-fighting, and -for whom the critical position in which their unlucky star had brought -them, possessed nothing very extraordinary. - -The dragoons had dismounted, and throwing away their long lances, -useless in a fight like the one that was preparing, seized their -carbines, and with their eyes fixed on the bushes, calmly awaited the -order to begin firing. - -Captain Melendez studied the terrain with a hurried glance, and it was -far from being favourable. On the right and left steep slopes, crowned -by enemies; in the rear, a large party of border rifles ambushed behind -a barricade of trees, which, as if by enchantment, suddenly interrupted -the road, and prevented a retreat; lastly, in front, a precipice about -twenty yards in width, and of incalculable depth. - -All hope, therefore, of getting safe and sound out of the position in -which they were beset seemed taken from the Mexicans, not only through -the considerable number of enemies that surrounded them, but also -through the nature of the battle-field; still, after carefully examining -it, a flash burst from the Captain's eye, and a gloomy smile passed over -his face. - -The dragoons had known their commander a long time, they placed faith in -him; they perceived this fugitive smile, and their courage was -heightened. - -As the Captain had smiled, he must have hopes. - -It is true that not a man in the whole escort could have said in what -that hope consisted. - -After the first discharge, the bandits appeared on the heights, but -remained there motionless, satisfying themselves with attentively -watching the movements of the Mexicans. - -The Captain profited by this respite which the enemy so generously -offered him, to take a few defensive measures, and amend his plan of -battle. - -The mules were unloaded, and the precious boxes placed right away at the -rear, as far as possible from the enemy; then the horses and mules, led -to the front, were arranged so that their bodies should serve as a -rampart for the soldiers, who, kneeling and stooping behind this living -breastwork, found themselves comparatively sheltered from the enemy's -bullets. - -When these measures were taken, and the Captain had assured himself by a -final glance that his orders were punctually executed, he bent down to -the ear of no Bautista, the chief arriero, and whispered a few words. - -The arriero gave a quick start of surprise on hearing the Captain's -words, but recovered himself immediately, and bowed his head in assent. - -"You will obey?" Don Juan asked, as he looked at him fixedly. - -"On my honour, Captain," the arriero answered. - -"Very good," the young man said gaily; "we shall have some fun, I -promise you." - -The arriero fell back, and the Captain placed himself in front of the -soldiers. He had scarce taken up his fighting position, when a man -appeared at the top of the right hand bank; he held in his hand a long -lance, from the end of which fluttered a piece of white rag. - -"Oh, oh," the Captain murmured, "what is the meaning of this! Are they -beginning to fear lest their prey may escape them? Hilloh," he shouted, -"what do you want?" - -"To parley," the man with the flag answered laconically. - -"Parley," the Captain answered, "what good will that do? Besides, I have -the honour of being a Captain in the Mexican army, and do not treat with -bandits." - -"Take care, Captain, misplaced courage is frequently braggadocio; your -position is desperate." - -"Do you think so?" the young man said in an ironical voice. - -"You are surrounded on all sides." - -"Bar one." - -"Yes, but there is an impassable abyss there." - -"Who knows?" the Captain said, still mockingly. - -"In a word, will you listen to me?" the other said, who was beginning to -grow impatient at this conversation. - -"Well," the officer said, "let me hear your propositions, after which I -will let you know my conditions." - -"What conditions?" the bandit asked in amazement. - -"Those I intend to impose on you, by Jove." - -A Homeric laugh from the border rifles greeted these haughty words. The -Captain remained cold and impassive. - -"Who are you?" he asked. - -"The Chief of the men who hold you imprisoned." - -"Prisoners? I do not believe it; however, we shall see. Ah! you must be -the Jaguar, whose name is held in execration on this border?" - -"I am the Jaguar," the latter answered simply. - -"Very good. What do you want with me? Speak, and before all be brief," -the Captain said, as he leaned the point of his sword on the end of his -boot. - -"I wish to avoid bloodshed," the Jaguar said. - -"That is very kind of you, but I fancy it is rather late to form so -laudable a resolve," the officer said in his sarcastic voice. - -"Listen, Captain, you are a brave officer, and I should be in despair if -any misfortune happened to you; do not obstinately carry on an -impossible struggle, surrounded as you are by an imposing force; any -attempt at resistance would be an unpardonable act of madness, which -could only result in a general massacre of the men you command, while -you would not have the slightest hope of saving the conducta under your -escort. Surrender, I repeat, for you have only that way of safety left -open to you." - -"Caballero," the Captain said, and this time seriously, "I thank you for -the words you have spoken; I am a connoisseur in men, and see that you -are speaking honourably at this moment." - -"I am," said the Jaguar. - -"Unfortunately," the Captain continued, "I am forced to repeat to you -that I have the honour to be an officer, and would never consent to -deliver my sword to the leader of banditti, for whose head a price is -offered. If I have been mad and idiotic enough to let myself be drawn -into a trap, all the worse for me--I must accept the consequences." - -The two speakers had by this time come together, and were conversing -side by side. - -"I can understand, Captain, that your military honour must, under -certain circumstances, compel you to fight, even under unfavourable -conditions; but here the case is different--all the chances are against -you, and your honour will in no way suffer by a capitulation which will -save the lives of your brave soldiers." - -"And deliver to you without a blow the rich prey you covet." - -"Whatever you may do, that prey cannot escape me." - -The Captain shrugged his shoulders. - -"You are mistaken," he said; "like all men accustomed to prairie -warfare, you have been too clever, and your adroitness has carried you -past your object." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Learn to know me, Caballero; I am a cristiano viejo; I am descended -from the old Conquistadors, and the Spanish blood flows pure in my -veins. All my men are devoted to me, and at my order they will let -themselves be killed to the last without hesitation; but whatever may be -the advantages of the situation you occupy, and the number of your -companions, you will require a certain time to kill fifty men reduced to -desperation, and who are resolved not to ask quarter." - -"Yes," the Jaguar said in a hollow voice; "but in the end they are -killed." - -"Of course," the Captain replied calmly; "but while you are murdering -us, the arrieros have my positive orders to cast the money chests to the -bottom of the abyss, to the brink of which you have forced us." - -"Oh," the Jaguar said with an ill-restrained look of menace, "you will -not do that." - -"Why shall I not, if you please?" the officer said coldly. "Yes, I will -do it, I pledge you my honour." - -"Oh!" - -"What will happen, then? You will have brutally murdered fifty men, -with no other result than that of wallowing in the blood of your -countrymen." - -"Rayo de Dios! This is madness." - -"Not at all; it is simply the logical consequence of the threat you make -me; we shall be dead, but as men of honour, and have fulfilled our duty, -as the money will be saved." - -"All my efforts, then, to bring about a peaceful settlement are -sterile." - -"There is one way." - -"What is it?" - -"To let us pass, after pledging your word of honour not to molest our -retreat." - -"Never! That money is indispensable to me, and I must have it." - -"Come and take it, then," - -"That is what I am going to do." - -"Very good." - -"The blood I wished to spare will fall on your head." - -"Or on yours." - -They separated. - -The Captain turned to his soldiers, who had been near enough to follow -the discussion through all its turnings. - -"What will you do, lads?" he asked them. - -"Die!" they answered in a loud and firm voice. - -"Be it so--we will die together;" and brandishing his sabre over his -head, he shouted, "_Dios y libertad Viva Mexico!_" - -"_Viva Mexico_!" the dragoons repeated, enthusiastically. - -While this had been going on, the sun had disappeared below the horizon, -and darkness covered the earth, like a sombre winding-sheet. - -The Jaguar, with rage in his heart at the ill success of his tentatives, -had rejoined his comrades. - -"Well," John Davis asked him, who was anxiously watching for his return, -"what have you obtained?" - -"Nothing. That man is a fanatic." - -"As I warned you, he is a demon; fortunately he cannot escape us, -whatever he may do." - -"Then you are mistaken," the Jaguar replied, stamping his foot -passionately; "whether he live or die the money is lost to us." - -"How so?" - -The Jaguar told his confidant in a few words what had passed between him -and the Captain. - -"Confusion!" the American exclaimed; "In that case let us make haste." - -"To increase our misfortunes, it is as dark as in an oven." - -"By heavens! Let us make an illumination. Perhaps it will cause those -demons incarnate to reflect, who are croaking there like frogs calling -for rain." - -"You are right. Torches here!" - -"Better still. Let us fire the forest." - -"Ah, ah," the Jaguar said, with a laugh, "bravo! Let us smoke them out -like musk-rats." - -This diabolical idea was immediately carried out, and ere long a -brilliant belt of flame ran all around the gorge, where the Mexicans -were stoically awaiting the attack. - -They had not long to wait; a sharp fusillade began, mingled with the -cries and yells of the assailants. - -"It is time!" the Captain shouted. - -The sound of a chest falling down the precipice was immediately heard. - -Owing to the fire, it was as bright as day, and not a movement of the -Mexicans escaped their adversaries. - -The latter uttered a yell of fury on seeing the chests disappear one -after the other in the abyss. - -They rushed at the soldiers; but the latter received them at the -bayonet's point, not giving ground an inch. - -A point-blank discharge from the Mexicans, who had reserved their fire, -laid many of the enemy low, and spread disorder through the ranks of the -assailants, who began falling back involuntarily. - -"Forward!" the Jaguar howled. - -The bandits returned to the charge more eagerly than before. - -"Keep firm, we must die," the Captain said. - -"We will," the soldiers repeated unanimously. - -The fight then began, body to body, foot to foot, chest against chest; -the assailants and assailed were mixed up and fought more like wild -beasts than men. - -The arrieros, though decimated by the bullets fired at them, did not the -less eagerly continue their task; the crowbar scarce fell from the hand -of one shot down, ere another seized the heavy iron mass, and the chests -of money toppled uninterruptedly over the precipice, in spite of the -yells of fury, and gigantic efforts of the enemy, who exhausted -themselves in vain to breach the human wall that barred their passage. - -'Twas a fearfully grand sight, this obstinate struggle, this implacable -combat which these men carried on, by the brilliant light of a burning -forest. - -The cries had ceased, the butchery went on silently and terribly, and at -times the Captain could be heard sharply repeating-- - -"Close up there, close up!" - -And the ranks closed, and the men fell without a murmur, having -sacrificed their lives, and only fighting now to gain the few moments -indispensable to prevent their sacrifice being sterile. - -In vain did the border rifles, excited by the desire of gain, try to -crush this energetic resistance offered them by a handful of men; the -heroic soldiers, supporting one another, with their feet pressed against -the corpses of those who had preceded them to death, seemed to multiply -themselves in order to bar the gorge on all sides at once. - -The fight, however, could not possibly last much longer; ten men only -were left of the Captain's detachment; the others had fallen, but every -man with his face to the foe. - -All the arrieros were dead; two chests still remained on the edge of the -precipice; the Captain looked hurriedly around. - -"One more effort, lads!" he shouted, "We only want five minutes to -finish our task." - -"_Dios y libertad_!" the soldiers shouted; and, although exhausted with -fatigue, they threw themselves resolutely into the thickest part of the -crowd that surrounded them. - -For a few minutes, these men accomplished prodigies; but at length -numbers gained the mastery: they all fell! - -The Captain alone was still alive. - -He had taken advantage of the devotion of his soldiers to seize a -crowbar, and hurl one chest over the precipice; the second, raised with -great difficulty, only required a final effort to disappear in its turn, -when suddenly a terrible hurrah caused the officer to raise his head. - -The border rifles were rushing up, terrible, and panting like tigers -thirsting for carnage. - -"Ah!" Gregorio Felpa, the traitor-guide, shouted gladly, as he rushed -forward; "at any rate we shall have this one." - -"You lie, villain!" the Captain answered. - -And raising with both hands the terrible bar of iron, he cleft the skull -of the soldier, who fell like a stunned ox, not uttering a cry, or -giving vent to a sigh. - -"Whose turn is it next?" the Captain said as he raised the crowbar. - -A yell of horror burst from the crowd, which hesitated for a moment. - -The Captain quickly lowered his crowbar, and the chest hung over the -brink of the abyss. - -This movement restored the borderers all their rage and fury. - -"Down with him, down with him!" they shouted, as they rushed on the -officer. - -"Halt!" the Jaguar said as he bounded forward, and overthrew all in his -way; "Not one of you must stir; this man belongs to me." - -On hearing this well-known voice, all the men stopped. - -The Captain threw away his crowbar, for the last chest had fallen in its -turn over the precipice. - -"Surrender, Captain Melendez," the Jaguar said, as he advanced toward -the officer. - -The latter had taken up his sabre again. - -"It is not worth while now," he replied, "I prefer to die." - -"Defend yourself then." - -The two men crossed swords, and for some minutes a furious clashing of -steel could be heard. All at once, the Captain, by a sharp movement, -made his adversary's weapon fly ten paces off, and ere the latter -recovered from his surprise, the officer rushed on him and writhed round -him like a serpent. - -The two men rolled on the ground. - -Two yards behind them was the precipice. - -All the Captain's efforts were intended to drag the Jaguar to the verge -of the abyss; the latter, on the contrary, strove to free himself from -his opponent's terrible grasp, for he had doubtless guessed his -desperate resolve. - -At last, after a struggle of some minutes, the arms that held the Jaguar -round the body gradually loosed their hold, the officer's clenched hands -opened, and the young man, by the outlay of his whole strength, -succeeded in throwing off his enemy and rising. - -But he was hardly on his feet, ere the Captain, who appeared exhausted -and almost fainting, bounded like a tiger, seized his adversary round -the body, and gave him a fearful shock. - -The Jaguar, still confused by the struggle he had gone through, and not -suspecting this sudden attack, tottered, and lost his balance with a -loud cry. - -"At length!" the Captain shouted with ferocious joy. - -The borderers uttered an exclamation of horror and despair. - -The two enemies had disappeared in the abyss. - -[What became of them will be found fully recorded in the next volume of -this series, called "THE FREE-BOOTERS."] - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BORDER RIFLES*** - - -******* This file should be named 40219.txt or 40219.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/0/2/1/40219 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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