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diff --git a/old/42115.txt b/old/42115.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 45894be..0000000 --- a/old/42115.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13772 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Trail-Hunter, 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/license - - -Title: The Trail-Hunter - A Tale of the Far West - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: February 17, 2013 [EBook #42115] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAIL-HUNTER *** - - - - -Produced by Camilo Bernard and Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images at the Internet -Archive, scanned by Google) - - - - - -THE TRAIL HUNTER. - -A TALE OF THE FAR WEST. - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - -AUTHOR OF "THE PRAIRIE FLOWER," "THE INDIAN CHIEF," ETC. - - -LONDON: - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -1861. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The present volume of Aimard's Indian Tales is devoted to the earlier -adventures of those hunters, whose acquaintance the reader has formed, -I trust with pleasure, in the preceding series. It does not become me to -say anything further in its favour, than that the sustained interest of -the narrative, which has been regarded as the charm of stories referring -to life in the desert and prairie, has not been departed from in this -instance. The stories themselves supply an innate proof of the writer's -correctness to Nature, and, in truth, many of the scenes are so -startling that they must be the result of personal observation. - -In conclusion, I may be permitted to thank the Press generally for the -kindly aid they have afforded me in making the English translation of -Aimard's volumes known to the British reading public, and the hearty way -in which they have recognized the merits of the previous series. It -would be an easy task to collect paragraphs, expressing a belief that -Aimard is second to none of the writers who have hitherto described -Indian life and scenery; but I prefer to rest my hopes of success on the -inherent qualities of his stories. - - LASCELLES WRAXALL. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PART I. RED CEDAR PART II. EL PRESIDIO DE SANTA FE - - - I.--The Virgin Forest I.--El Rancho de Coyote - II.--The Contest II.--The Cuchillada - III.--Don Miguel Zarate III.--The Hunters - IV.--The Peccaries IV.--Sunbeam - V.--The Wound V.--The Adoption - VI.--The Squatter's Shanty VI.--The Missionary - VII.--The Rangers VII.--The Interview - VIII.--The Valley of the Buffalo VIII.--The Prison - IX.--The Assassination IX.--The Embassy - X.--The Sachem of the Coras X.--The Presentation - XI.--Conversation XI.--Psychological - XII.--El Meson XII.--Diamond Cut Diamond - XIII--Red Cedar XIII.--A Stormy Discussion - XIV.--The Two Hunters XIV.--The Mystery - XV.--Fray Ambrosio XV.--The Ambuscade - XVI.--Two Varieties of Villains XVI.--A Friendly Discussion - XVII.--El Canyon Del Buitre XVII.--Nathan - XVIII.--Father Seraphin XVIII.--The Wounded Man - XIX.--Unicorn XIX.--Indian Diplomacy - XX.--The Hunt of Wild Horses XX--The Stranger - XXI.--The Surprise XXI.--General Ventura - XXII.--The Meeting XXII.--The Comanches - XXIII.--The Abduction XXIII.--Negotiations - XXIV.--The Revolt XXIV.--Free - XXV.--The Meeting - XXVI.--Dona Clara - XXVII.--El Vado del Toro - - - - - - - -TRAIL HUNTER BY GUSTAVE AIMARD. - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE VIRGIN FOREST. - - -In Mexico the population is only divided into two classes, the upper and -the lower. There is no intermediate rank to connect the two extremes, -and this is the cause of the two hundred and thirty-nine revolutions -which have overthrown this country since the declaration of its -independence. Why this is so is simple enough. The intellectual power is -in the hands of a small number, and all the revolutions are effected by -this turbulent and ambitious minority; whence it results that the -country is governed by the most complete military despotism, instead of -being a free republic. - -Still the inhabitants of the States of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Texas have -retained, even to the present day, that stern, savage, and energetic -physiognomy which may be sought in vain among the other States of the -Confederation. - -Beneath a sky colder than that of Mexico, the winter, which frequently -covers the rivers of the region with a thick layer of ice, hardens the -muscles of the inhabitants, cleanses their blood, purifies their hearts, -and renders them picked men, who are distinguished for their courage, -their intelligence, and their profound love of liberty. - -The Apaches, who originally inhabited the greater portion of New Mexico, -have gradually fallen back before the axe of the pioneers; and after -retiring into the immense deserts that cover the triangle formed by the -Rio Gila, the Del Norte, and the Colorado, they ravage almost with -impunity the Mexican frontiers, plundering, firing, and devastating all -they meet with on their passage. - -The inhabitants of the countries we alluded to above, held in respect by -these ever-shifting savages, are in a state of continual warfare with -them, always ready to fight, fortifying their haciendas, and only -travelling with weapons in their hands. - -El Paso del Norte may be regarded as the outpost of the civilised -portion of Mexico. Beyond that, to the north and north-west, extend the -vast unfilled plains of Chihuahua, the _bolson_ of Mapimi, and the arid -deserts of the Rio Gila. These immense deserts, known by the name of -Apacheria, are still as little investigated as they were at the close of -the eighteenth century. El Paso del Norte owes its name to its situation -near a ford of the Rio Del Norte. It is the oldest of all the New -Mexican settlements, and its establishment dates back to the close of -the sixteenth century. The present settlement is scattered for a -distance of about ten miles along the banks of the Del Norte, and -contains four thousand inhabitants at the most. The _plaza_, or village -of the Paso, is situated at the head of the valley: at the other -extremity is the Presidio of San Elezario. All the interval is occupied -by a continuous line of white, flat-roofed houses, buried in gardens, -and surrounded by vineyards. About a mile above the ford the stream is -dammed up, and led by a canal into the valley, which it waters. -Apacheria begins only a few miles from this settlement. - -It is easily seen that the foot of civilised man has only trodden -timidly and at rare intervals this thoroughly primitive country, in -which nature, free to develop herself under the omnipotent eye of the -creator, assumes an aspect of incredible beauty and fancifulness. - -On a lovely morning in the month of May, which the Indians call "the -moon of the flowers," a man of high stature, with harsh and marked -features, mounted on a tall, half-tamed steed, started at a canter from -the plaza, and after a few minutes of hesitation, employed in realising -his position, resolutely buried his spurs in the horse's flanks, crossed -the ford, and after leaving behind him the numerous cottonwood trees -which at this spot cover the river banks, proceeded toward the dense -forest that flashed on the horizon. - -This horseman was dressed in the costume generally adopted on the -frontiers, and which was so picturesque that we will give a short -description of it. The stranger wore a pelisse of green cloth, -embroidered with silver, allowing a glimpse of an elegantly-worked -shirt, the collar of which was fastened by a loosely-knotted black silk -handkerchief, the ends passed through a diamond ring. He wore green -cloth breeches, trimmed with silver, and two rows of buttons of the same -metal, and fastened round the hips by a red silken scarf with gold -fringe. The breeches, open on the side half way up the thigh, displayed -his fine linen drawers beneath: his legs were defended by a strip of -brown embossed and stamped leather, called _botas vaqueras_, attached -below the knee by a silver garter. On his heels enormous spurs clanked. -A _manga_, glistening with gold, and drawn up on the shoulder, protected -the upper part of his body, while his head was sheltered from the -burning sunbeams by a broad-leafed hat of brown stamped felt, the crown -of which was contracted by a large silver _toquilla_ passed twice or -thrice round it. - -His steed was caparisoned with graceful luxuriousness, which heightened -all its beautiful points: a rich saddle of embossed leather, adorned -with massive silver, on the back of which the _zarape_ was fastened; -wide Moorish silver stirrups, and handsome water bottles at the -saddle-bow; while an elegant _anquera_, made of openwork leather, and -decorated with small steel chains, entirely covered the horse's croup, -and sparkled with its slightest movement. - -The stranger appeared, judging from the luxury he displayed, to belong -to the high class of society. A _machete_ hung down his right side, -two pistols were passed through his girdle, the handle of a long knife -protruded from his right boot, and he held a superbly damascened rifle -across the saddle in front of him. - -Bending over the neck of his galloping steed, he advanced rapidly -without looking round him, although the landscape that lay extended -before him was one of the most attractive and majestic in those regions. - -The river formed the most capricious windings in the centre of a terrain -diversified in a thousand strange ways. Here and there on the sandy -banks enormous trees might be seen lying, which, dried up by the sun, -evidenced, in their washed-out appearance, that they had been dead for -centuries. Near the shallow and marshy spots, caymans and alligators -wandered about awkwardly. At other places, where the river ran almost -straight, its banks were uniform, and covered with tall trees, round -which creepers had twined, and then struck root in the ground again, -thus forming the most inextricable confusion. Here and there small -clearings or marshy spots might be detected in the midst of the dense -wood, often piled up with trees that had died of old age. Further on, -other trees, which seemed still young, judging from their colour and the -solidity of their bark, fell into dust with the slightest breath of -wind. - -At times, the earth, entirely undermined beneath, drawn down by its own -weight, dragged with it the wood which it bore, and produced a crashing, -confused sound, which was returned on all sides by the echo, and -possessed a certain degree of grandeur in this desert, whose depths no -man has ever yet ventured to scrutinise. - -Still the stranger galloped on, with his eye ardently fixed before him, -and not appearing to see anything. Several hours passed thus: the -horseman buried himself deeper in the forest. He had left the banks of -the river, and only progressed with extreme difficulty, through the -entanglement of branches, grass, and shrubs, which at every step -arrested his movements, and forced him to make innumerable turnings. He -merely reined in his horse now and then, took a glance at the sky, and -then started again, muttering to himself but one word: - -"_Adelante_! (Forward!)" - -At length he stopped in a vast clearing, took a suspicious glance around -him, and probably reassured by the leaden silence which weighed on the -desert, he dismounted, hobbled his horse, and took off its bridle that -it might browse on the young tree shoots. This duty accomplished, he -carelessly lay down on the ground, rolled a maize cigarette in his -fingers, produced a gold _mechero_ from his waist belt, and struck a -light. - -The clearing was of considerable extent. On one side the eye could -survey with ease, through the trees, the widely extending prairie, on -which deer were browsing with security. On the other side, the forest, -wilder than ever, seemed, on the contrary, an impassable wall of -verdure. All was abrupt and primitive at this spot, which the foot of -man had so rarely trodden. Certain trees, either entirely or partially -dried up, offered the vigorous remains of a rich and fertile soil; -others, equally ancient, were sustained by the twisted creepers, which -in the course of time almost equalled their original support in size: -the diversity of the leaves produced the strangest possible mixture. -Others, containing in their hollow trunk a manure which, formed of the -remains of their leaves and half-dead branches, had warmed the seeds -they had let fall, and offered, in the young shoots they contained, some -compensation for the loss of their father tree. - -In the prairies, nature, ever provident, seems to have been desirous to -shelter from the insults of time certain old trees, patriarchs of the -forest which are crushed beneath the weight of ages, by forming them a -cloak of greyish moss, which hangs in festoons from the highest branches -to the ground, assuming the wildest and most fantastic shapes. - -The stranger, lying on his back, with his head resting on his two -crossed hands, was smoking with that beatitude, full of ease and sloth, -which is peculiar to the Hispano-Americans. He only interrupted this -gentle occupation to roll a fresh cigarette and cast a glance around, -while muttering: - -"Hum! He keeps me waiting a long time." - -He emitted a puff of bluish smoke, and resumed his first position. -Several hours passed thus. Suddenly, a rather loud rustling was heard in -the thicket, some distance behind the stranger. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, "I fancy my man is coming at last." - -In the meanwhile, the sound became louder, and rapidly approached. - -"Come on, hang it!" the horseman shouted, as he rose. "By our Lady of -Pilar! You have surely been keeping me waiting long enough." - -Nothing appeared: the clearing was still deserted, although the sound -had attained a certain degree of intensity. The stranger, surprised at -the obstinate silence of the man he was addressing, and specially by his -continuing not to show himself, at length rose to see for himself the -reason. At this moment, his horse pricked up its ears, snorted -violently, and made a sudden effort to free itself from the lasso that -held it; but our new acquaintance rushed toward it and patted it. The -horse trembled all over, and made prodigious bounds in order to escape. -The stranger, more and more surprised, looked round for an explanation -of these extraordinary movements, and was soon satisfied. - -Scarce twenty yards from him a magnificent jaguar, with a -splendidly-spotted hide, was crouched on the main branch of an enormous -cypress, and fixed on him two ferocious eyes, as it passed its -blood-red, rugged tongue over its lips with a feline pleasure. - -"Ah, ah!" the stranger said to himself in a low voice, but displaying no -further excitement, "I did not expect you; but no matter, you are -welcome, comrade. _Caray_! We shall have a fight for it." - -Without taking his eye off the jaguar, he convinced himself that his -machete quitted its scabbard readily, picked up his rifle, and, after -these precautions were taken, he advanced resolutely toward the -ferocious brute, which saw him coming without changing its position. On -arriving within ten yards of the jaguar, the stranger threw away the -cigarette he had till now held between his lips, shouldered his rifle, -and put his finger on the trigger. The jaguar drew itself together and -prepared to leap forward. At the same moment a hoarse yell was heard -from the opposite side of the clearing. - -"Wait a minute," the stranger said to himself with a smile; "it seems -there are two of them, and I fancied I had to do with a bachelor jaguar. -This is beginning to grow interesting." - -And he threw a glance on one side. He had not deceived himself: a second -jaguar, rather larger than the first, had fixed its flashing eyes upon -him. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE CONTEST. - - -The dwellers on the Mexican frontiers are accustomed to fight -continually with wild animals, both men and brutes, that continually -attack them. Hence the stranger was but slightly affected by the -unexpected visit of the two jaguars. Although his position between his -two ferocious enemies was somewhat precarious, and he did not at all -conceal from himself the danger he ran alone against two, he did not the -less resolve to confront them bravely. Not taking his eye off the jaguar -he had first seen, he went back a few steps obliquely, so as to have his -foes nearly opposite him, instead of standing between them. This -manoeuvre, which demanded some little time, succeeded beyond his hopes. -The jaguars watched him, licking their lips, and passing their paws -behind their ears with those graceful movements peculiar to the feline -race. The two wild beasts, certain of their prey, seemed to be playing -with it and not over eager to pounce on it. - -While keeping his eye on the watch, the Mexican did not yield to any -treacherous feeling of security: he knew that the struggle he was about -to undertake was a supreme one, and he took his precautions. Jaguars -never attack a man unless forced by necessity; and the latter tried, -before all, to seize the horse. The noble animal, securely fastened by -its master, exhausted itself in efforts to break the bonds that held it, -and escape. It trembled with terror on scenting its ferocious enemies. - -The stranger, when his precautions were completely taken, shouldered his -rifle for the second time. At this moment the jaguars raised their -heads, while laying back their ears and snuffing anxiously. An almost -imperceptible sound was audible in the bushes. - -"Who goes there?" the Mexican asked in a loud voice. - -"A friend, Don Miguel Zarate," was the reply. - -"Ah! It is Don Valentine," the Mexican continued. "You have arrived just -in time to see some fine sport." - -"Ah, ah!" the man who had already spoken went on. "Can I help you?" - -"It is useless; but make haste if you want to see." - -The branches were sharply drawn aside, and two men appeared in the -clearing. At the sight of the jaguars they stopped, not through alarm, -for they quietly placed the butts of their rifles on the ground, but in -order to give the hunter every facility to emerge victoriously from his -rash combat. - -The jaguars seemed to comprehend that the moment for action had arrived. -As if by one accord, they drew themselves up and bounded on their enemy. -The first, struck in its leap by a bullet which passed through its right -eye, rolled on the ground, where it remained motionless. The second was -received on the point of the hunter's machete, who after discharging his -rifle, had fallen on his knee, with his left arm folded in his blanket -in front, and the machete in the other hand. The man and the tiger -writhed together in a deadly embrace, and after a few seconds only one -of the adversaries rose: it was the man. The tiger was dead: the -hunter's machete, guided by a firm hand, had passed right through its -heart. - -During this rapid fight the newcomers had not made a sign, but remained -stoical spectators of all that was taking place. The Mexican rose, -thrust his machete in the grass to clean the blade, and turning coldly -to the strangers, said: - -"What do you say to that?" - -"Splendidly played," the first answered; "it is one of the best double -strokes I ever saw in my life." - -The two men threw their rifles on their shoulders, and walked up to the -Mexican, who reloaded his piece with as much coolness and tranquillity -as if he had not just escaped from a terrible danger by a miracle of -skill. - -The sun was sinking on the horizon, the shadow of the trees assumed a -prodigious length, and the luminary appeared like a ball of fire amid -the limpid azure of the heavens. The night would soon arrive, and the -desert was awaking. On all sides could be heard, in the gloomy and -mysterious depths of the virgin forest, the hoarse howling of the -coyotes and the other wild beasts, mingled with the song of the birds -perched on all the branches. The desert, silent and gloomy during the -oppressive heat of the day, emerged from its unhealthy torpor on the -approach of dark, and was preparing to resume its nocturnal sports. - -The three men in the clearing collected dried branches, made a pile of -them and set fire to it. They doubtlessly intended to camp for a portion -of the night at this spot. So soon as the flames rose joyously, skyward -in long spirals, the two strangers produced from their game bags maize -tortillas, jerked meat, and a gourd of pulque. These various comestibles -were complacently spread out on the grass, and the three men began a -hunter's meal. When the gourd had gone the round several times, and the -tortillas had disappeared, the newcomers lit their Indian pipes, and the -Mexican rolled a papelito. - -Although this meal had been short, it lasted, however, long enough for -night to have completely set in ere it was ended. Perfect darkness -brooded over the clearing, the ruddy reflections of the fire played on -the energetic faces of the three men, and gave them a fantastic -appearance. - -"And now," the Mexican said, after lighting his cigarette, "I will, with -your permission, explain to you why I was so anxious to see you." - -"One moment," one of the hunters answered. "You know that in the deserts -the leaves have often eyes, and the trees ears. If I am not mistaken in -your hints, you invited us here that our interview might be secret." - -"In truth, I have the greatest interest in nothing of what is said here -being overheard, or even suspected." - -"Very good. Curumilla, to work." - -The second hunter rose, seized his rifle and disappeared noiselessly in -the gloom. His absence was rather long; but as long as it lasted, the -two men left at the fire did not exchange a syllable. In about half an -hour the hunter returned, however, and seated himself by his comrades' -side. - -"Well?" the one who had sent him off asked him. - -"My brother can speak," he replied laconically; "the desert is quiet." - -On this assurance the three men banished all anxiety. Still prudence did -not abandon them: they took up their pipes, and turned their backs to -the fire, so that they might watch the neighbourhood while conversing. - -"We are ready to listen to you," the first hunter said. - -"Listen to me with the greatest attention," the Mexican began; "what you -are about to hear is of the utmost importance." - -The two men bowed silently, and the Mexican prepared to speak again. - -Before going further we must introduce to the reader the two men we have -just brought on the stage, and go back a few paces in order to make it -perfectly understood why Don Miguel Zarate, in lieu of receiving them at -his own house, had given them the meeting in the heart of the virgin -forest. - -The two hunters seemed at the first glance to be Indians; but on -examining them more attentively, you could recognise that one of them -belonged to those white trappers whose boldness has become proverbial in -Mexico. Their appearance and equipment offered a singular medley of -savage and civilised life. Their hair was of a remarkable length; for in -those countries, where a man is frequently only fought for the glory of -lifting his scalp, it is considered the thing to wear it long and easy -to seize. - -The hunters had their hair neatly plaited, and intertwined with beaver -skins and bright coloured ribbons. The rest of their garb harmonised with -this specimen of their taste. A hunting shirt of bright red calico fell -down to their knees; gaiters decorated with woolen ribbons and bells -surrounded their legs; and their feet were shod with moccasins -embroidered with beads which the squaws know so well how to make. A -striped blanket, fastened round the hips by a belt of tanned deer hide, -completed their clothing, but was not so closely drawn that at their -every movement the butt of the pistols and the hilt of the machetes -might be seen glistening. As for their rifles, useless at this moment, -and carelessly thrown on the ground by their side, if they had been -stripped of the plume-worked elk skin that covered them, it would have -been possible to see, with what care their owners had decorated them -with copper nails painted of various colours; for all about these two men -bore the imprint of Indian habits. - -The first of the two hunters was a man of thirty-eight at the most, tall -and well-built; his muscular limbs denoted great bodily strength, allied -to unequalled lightness. Although he affected all the manners of the -redskins, it was an easy matter to perceive that he not only belonged to -the unmixed white race, but also to the Norman or Gaulish type. He was -fair; his large, blue and pensive eyes, adorned with long lashes, had an -expression of undefinable sadness: his nose was slightly aquiline; his -mouth large, and filled with teeth of dazzling whiteness; a thick -chestnut beard covered the lower part of his face, which revealed -gentleness, kindness, and courage without boasting, though the whole -were combined with a will of iron. - -His companion evidently belonged to the Indian race, all the -characteristic signs of which he displayed; but, strange to say, he was -not coppery like the American aborigines of Texas and North America; and -his skin was brown and slightly of an olive hue. He had a lofty brow, a -bent nose, small but piercing eyes, a large mouth and square chin; in -short, he presented the complete type of the American race, which -inhabits a limited territory in the South of Chili. This hunter had -round his brow a purple-coloured fillet, in which was thrust over the -right ear a plume of the Andes Eagle, a sign which serves to distinguish -the chiefs of the Aucas. - -These two men, whom the reader has doubtless already recognised, as they -played an important part in our previously published works[1], were -Valentine Guillois, an ex-noncommissioned officer in the Spahis, and -Curumilla, his friend--Ulmen of the Great Hare tribe. - -We will introduce a parenthesis to explain their present position, and -which is indispensable for a right understanding of what follows. The -moment is capitally selected, by the way, for opening this parenthesis; -for the three hunters are gaily talking round their fire, the night is -gloomy, the forest quiet, and it does not appear likely that anything -will arise to disturb them. - - - -[1] "The Chief of the Aucas," "The Tiger Slayer," "The Gold Finders," -"The Indian Chief." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -DON MIGUEL ZARATE. - - -Were Mexico better governed, it would be, without contradiction, one of -the richest countries on the face of the globe. Indeed the largest -private fortunes must still be sought in that country. Since the United -States Americans have revealed to the world, by seizing one-half of -Mexico, whither their ambition tends, the inhabitants of that fine -country have slightly emerged from the torpor they enjoyed, and have -made great efforts to colonise their provinces, and summon to their -soil, which is so rich and fertile, intelligent and industrious -labourers, who might change the face of affairs, and cause abundance and -wealth to abound at spots, where, prior to their arrival, there was -naught save ruin, desolation, carelessness, and misery. - -Unfortunately, the noble efforts made up to the present day have, -through an inexplicable fatality, remained without result, either owing -to the natural apathy of the inhabitants, or the fault of the Mexican -Government itself. Still the large landowners, comprehending all the -advantages of the proposed measure, and how much it is to their interest -to combat the deadly influence of the American invasions, have -generously devoted themselves to the realization of this great question -of social economy, which, unluckily is growing more and more -unrealisable. - -In fact, in Northern America two hostile races--the Anglo-Saxon and the -Spanish--stand face to face. The Anglo-Saxons are devoured by an ardour -for conquest, and a rage for invasion, which nothing can arrest, or even -retard. It is impossible to see without amazement the expansive -tendencies of this active and singular people, a heterogeneous composite -of all the races which misery or evil instincts expelled from Europe -originally, and which feels restricted in the immense territory which -its numerical weakness yet prevents it entirely occupying. - -Imprisoned within its vast frontiers, making a right of strength, it is -continually displacing its neighbours' landmarks, and encroaching on -territory of which it can make no use. Daily, bands of emigrants abandon -their dwellings, and with their rifles on their shoulders, their axes in -their hand, they proceed south, as if impelled by a will stronger than -themselves; and neither mountains, deserts, nor virgin forests are -sufficient obstacles to make them halt even for an instant. The Yankees -imagine themselves generally the instruments of Providence, and -appointed by the decrees of the Omnipotent to people and civilise the -New World. They count with feverish impatience the hours which must -elapse ere the day (close at hand in their ideas) arrive in which their -race and government system will occupy the entire space contained -between Cape North and the Isthmus of Panama, to the exclusion of the -Spanish republics on one side, and the English colonies on the other. - -These projects, of which the Americans make no mystery, but, on the -contrary, openly boast, are perfectly well known to the Mexicans, who -cordially detest their neighbours, and employ all the means in their -power to create difficulties for them, and impede their successive -encroachments. - -Among the New Mexican landowners who resolved to make sacrifices in -order to stop, or at least check, the imminent invasion from North -America, the richest, and possibly, first of all, through his -intelligence and the influence he justly enjoyed in the country, was Don -Miguel Acamarichtzin Zarate. - -Whatever may be asserted, the Indian population of Mexico is nearly -double in number to the white men, and possesses an enormous influence. -Don Miguel descended in a straight line from Acamarichtzin, first king -of Mexico, whose name had been preserved in the family as a precious -relic. Possessed of an incalculable fortune, Don Miguel lived on his -enormous estates like a king in his empire, beloved and respected by the -Indians, whom he effectively protected whenever the occasion presented -itself, and who felt for him a veneration carried almost to idolatry; -for they saw in him the descendant from one of their most celebrated -kings, and the born defender of their race. - -In New Mexico the Indian population has very largely increased during -the past fifty years. Some authors, indeed, assert that it is now more -numerous than prior to the conquest, which is very probable, through the -apathy of the Spaniards, and the carelessness they have ever displayed -in their struggles against it. But the Indians have remained stationary -amid the incessant progress of civilization, and still retain intact the -principal traits of their old manners. Scattered here and there in -miserable ranchos or villages, they live in separate tribes, governed by -their caciques, and they have mingled but very few Spanish words with -their idioms, which they speak as in the time of the Aztecs. The sole -apparent change in them is their conversion to Catholicism--a conversion -more than problematical, as they preserve with the utmost care all the -recollections of their ancient religion, follow its rites in secret, and -keep up all its superstitious practices. - -The Indians--above all, in New Mexico--although called _Indios fideles_, -are always ready on the first opportunity to ally themselves with their -desert congeners; and in the incursions of the Apaches and Comanches it -is rare for the faithful Indians not to serve them as scouts, guides, -and spies. - -The family of Don Miguel Zarate had retired to New Mexico, which country -it did not leave again--a few years after the conquests of the -adventurer Cortez. Don Miguel had closely followed the policy of his -family by maintaining the bonds of friendship and good neighbourhood -which, from time immemorial, attached it to the Indians, believers or -not. This policy had borne its fruit. Annually, in September, when the -terrible red warriors, preceded by murder and arson, rushed like a -torrent on the wretched inhabitants, whom they massacred in the farms -they plundered, without pity of age or sex, Don Miguel Zarate's estates -were respected; and not merely was no damage inflicted on them, but even -if at times a field were unwittingly trampled by the horses' hoofs, or a -few trees destroyed by plunderers, the evil was immediately repaired ere -the owner had opportunity for complaint. - -This conduct of the Indians had not failed to arouse against Don Miguel -extreme jealousy on the part of the inhabitants, who saw themselves -periodically ruined by the _Indios Bravos._ Earnest complaints had been -laid against him before the Mexican Government; but whatever might be -the power of his enemies, and the means they employed to ruin him, the -rich hacendero had never been seriously disturbed: in the first place, -because New Mexico is too remote from the capital for the inhabitants to -have anything to fear from the governing classes; and secondly, Don -Miguel was too rich not to render it easy for him to impose silence on -those who were most disposed to injure him. - -Don Miguel, whose portrait we drew in a previous chapter, was left a -widower after eight years' marriage, with two children, a boy and a -girl, the son being twenty-four, the daughter seventeen, at the period -when our story opens. Dona Clara--such was the daughter's name--was one -of the most delicious maidens that can be imagined. She had one of those -Murillo's virgin heads, whose black eyes, fringed with long silky -lashes, pure mouth, and dreamy brow seem to promise divine joys. Her -complexion, slightly bronzed by the warm sunbeams, wore that gilded -reflection which so well becomes the women of these intertropical -countries. She was short of stature, but exquisitely modelled. Gentle -and simple, ignorant as a Creole, this delicious child was adored by her -father, who saw in her the wife he had so loved living once more. The -Indians looked after her when she at times passed pensively, plucking a -flower before their wretched huts, and scarce bending the slants on -which she placed her delicate foot. In their hearts they compared this -frail maiden, with her soft and vaporous outline, to the "virgin of the -first loves," that sublime creation of the Indian religion which holds -so great a place in the Aztec mythology. - -Don Pablo Zarate, the hacendero's son, was a powerfully built man, with -harshly marked features, and a haughty glance, although at times it was -imprinted with gentleness and kindness. Endowed with more than ordinary -strength, skilled in all bodily exercises, Don Pablo was renowned -through the whole country for his talent in taming the most spirited -horses, and the correctness of his aim when on the chase. A determined -hunter and daring wood ranger, this young man, when he had a good horse -between his legs, and his rifle in his hand, knew none, man or animal, -capable of barring his passage. The Indians, in their simple faith, -yielded to the son the same respect and veneration they entertained for -the father, and fancied they saw in him the personification of -_Huitzilopochtli_, that terrible war god of the Aztecs, to whom 62,000 -human victims were sacrificed in one day, upon the inauguration of his -_teocali_. - -The Zarates, then, at the period when our story opens, were real kings -of New Mexico. The felicity they enjoyed was suddenly troubled by one of -those vulgar incidents which, though unimportant in themselves, do not -fail to cause a general perturbation, and a discomfort possessing no -apparent cause, from the fact that it is impossible to foresee or -prevent them. The circumstance was as follows:-- - -Don Miguel possessed, in the vicinity of the Paso, vast estates -extending for a great distance, and consisting principally of haciendas, -prairies, and forests. One day Don Miguel was returning from a visit to -his haciendas. It was late, and he pressed on his horse in order to -reach ere night the ford, when, at about three or four leagues at the -most from the spot to which he was proceeding, and just as he was -entering a dense forest of cottonwood trees, through which he must pass -ere reaching the ford, his attention was attracted by cries mingled with -growls emerging from the wood he was about to enter. The hacendero -stopped in order to account for the unusual sounds he heard, and bent -his head forward to detect what was happening. But it was impossible for -him to distinguish anything through the chaos of creepers and shrubs -which intercepted vision. In the meanwhile, the noise grew louder, and -the shouts were redoubled, and mingled with oaths and passionate -exclamations. - -The Mexican's horse laid back its ears, neighed, and refused to advance. -Still Don Miguel must make up his mind. Thinking that a man was probably -attacked by wild beasts, he only consulted his heart; and, in spite of -the visible repugnance of his steed, he compelled it to go forward and -enter the wood. He had scarce gone a few yards ere he stopped in -amazement at the strange spectacle that presented itself to him. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE PECCARIES. - - -In the middle of the clearing lay a ripped up horse, which six or eight -peccaries were rending, while a dozen others were attacking with their -tusks the stem of an enormous tree, in the topmost branches of which a -man had sought shelter. - -Let us explain to our readers, who probably know little about them, what -sort of animals the peccaries are. The peccaries hold the intermediate -grade between the domestic pig and the wild boar. Although this animal -does not exceed two feet in height, and is not more than three feet long -from the end of the snout to the beginning of the tail, it is -indubitably one of the most dangerous animals in North America. The -animal's jaw is provided with tusks rather like those of the boar, but -straight and sharp, their length varying between four and six inches. In -the shape of the body it resembles a pig, but the bristles scattered -over its warty hide are in colored strips; the part nearest the skin is -white, and the point of a chocolate tinge. So soon as the animal is -enraged, these bristles stand out like the quills of a porcupine. - -The movements of the peccaries are as quick and sharp as those of a -squirrel. They ordinarily live in herds of fifteen, thirty, and even -fifty. The strength of the head, neck, and shoulders is so great when -they charge, that nothing can resist the impetuosity of their attacks. A -remarkable peculiarity of this genus is the clumsy wart they have on -their backs, whence a musty fluid evaporates when the animal is in a -fury. - -The peccary lives in preference on acorns, roots, wheat, sugar cane, and -reptiles of every description. It is a proved fact that the most -venomous serpents are devoured by them without their feeling in the -slightest degree incommoded. - -The mode in which the peccary forms its lair is very singular. This lair -is generally in the midst of tufted and impenetrable canes, found in -marshy spots round the monarchs of the forest, which still stand like -crushed giants, with their grappling lines of creepers and virgin vines. -The trunks of these trees, which at times measure forty feet in -circumference, are nearly all hollow, and thus afford a convenient -shelter for the peccaries, which retire to them every night in herds of -twenty to twenty-five, entering the cavity one after the other -backwards; so that the last has the end of its snout placed just at the -entrance of the hole, thus watching, as it were, over the rest of its -companions. - -The peccaries are unboundedly ferocious: they know not danger, or at -least despise it completely. They always attack in herds, and fight with -unequalled rage until the last succumbs, no matter the nature of their -foe. - -Hence men and animals all fly a meeting with these terrible beasts: the -jaguar, so strong and redoubtable, will become their prey if it be so -imprudent as to attack them. This is the way they set about conquering -this wild beast:-- - -When a jaguar has wounded a peccary, the latter collect, chase it, and -pursue until they can contrive to surround the common enemy. When every -issue is closed, the jaguar, believing it can thus escape, seeks refuge -up a tree. But the peccaries do not resign the vengeance; they establish -themselves at the foot of the tree, being incessantly recruited by fresh -allies, and patiently waiting till the jaguar, driven to extremities by -hunger and thirst, decides on descending from its improvised fortress. -This is almost always sure to happen at the end of two or three days at -the most. The jaguar bounds into the midst of its enemies, which boldly -await it, and attack it bravely; a terrible fight commences; and the -tiger, after covering the ground with victims, at length succumbs -beneath the efforts of its assailants, and is ripped up by their tusks. - -After what we have said, it is easy to understand how precarious was the -position of the man perched on the top of the tree, and surrounded by -peccaries. His enemies seemed determined not to leave their ground; they -craftily crept round the tree, attacked its base with their tusks, and -then recognising the inutility of their onsets, they quietly lay down by -the carcass of the horse, which they had already sacrificed to their -fury. Don Miguel felt moved to pity for the poor fellow, whose position -grew momentarily more critical; but in vain did he rack his brains how -to help the unhappy man whose destruction was assured. - -To attack the peccaries would have been extreme imprudence, and have -produced no other result than that of turning on himself the fury of the -animals, while not saving the man he wished to help. Still time pressed. -What was to be done? How, without sacrificing himself, save the man who -ran so great a risk? - -The Mexican hesitated for a long period. It seemed to Don Miguel -impossible to leave, without help, this man whose death was certain. -This idea, which presented itself to his mind several times, he had -energetically repulsed, so monstrous did it appear to him. At length he -resolved at all risks to attempt impossibilities in favour of this -stranger, of whose death he would have eventually accused himself had he -left him to perish in the desert. - -The stranger's position was the more critical because, in his haste to -defend himself from the attacks of his enemies, he had left his rifle -fall at the foot of the tree, and was consequently unable to reduce the -number of the peccaries. In spite of their fineness of scent, the latter -had not noticed Don Miguel's approach, who, by a providential accident, -had entered the wood on the side opposite the wind. The Mexican -dismounted with a sigh, patted his horse, and then took off its -accoutrements. The noble animal, habituated to its master's caresses, -shook his head joyously, and fixed its large intelligent eyes on him. -Don Miguel could not repress another sigh: a tear fell down on his -bronzed cheeks. On the point of accomplishing the sacrifice, he -hesitated. - -It was a faithful companion, almost a friend, he was about to separate -from; but the life of a man was at stake. The Mexican drove back the -feelings that agitated him, and his resolution was formed. He passed a -lasso round his horse's neck, and, in spite of its obstinate resistance, -compelled it to advance to the entrance of the clearing in which the -peccaries were assembled. A frail curtain of creepers and leaves alone -hid it from their sight. On arriving here Don Miguel stopped: he had one -more moment's hesitation, but only one; for then seizing a piece of -tinder, which he lighted, he thrust it into the poor animal's ear while -caressing it. - -The effect was sudden and terrible. The horse uttered a snort of pain; -and rendered mad by the burning, bounded forward into the clearing, -striving in vain to get rid of the tinder which caused it intolerable -suffering. Don Miguel had smartly leaped aside, and now followed with an -anxious glance the result of the terrible tentative he had just made to -save the stranger. On seeing the horse appear suddenly in their midst, -the peccaries rose, formed a compact group and rushed with their heads -down in pursuit of the horse, thinking no longer of the man. The animal, -spurred on still more by the sight of its ferocious enemies, shot ahead -with the speed of an arrow, breaking down with its chest all the -obstacles in its way, and followed closely by the peccaries. - -The man saved; but at what a price! Don Miguel repressed a last sigh of -regret, and leaped into the clearing. The stranger had already descended -from the tree; but the emotion he had undergone was so extreme, that he -remained seated on the ground, almost in a state of unconsciousness. - -"Quick, quick!" Don Miguel said to him sharply. "We have not a moment to -lose: the peccaries may alter their minds and return." - -"That is true," the stranger muttered in a hollow voice, as he cast a -terrified glance around. "Let us be off--off at once." - -He made an effort over himself, seized his rifle, and rose. Through a -presentiment for which he could not account to himself, Don Miguel -experienced at the sight of this man, whom he had hitherto scarce looked -at, a feeling of invincible doubt and disgust. Owing to the life he was -obliged to lead on these frontiers, frequented by people of every -description, the hacendero had been often brought into relation with -trappers and hunters whose faces were no recommendation to them; but -never ere now had chance brought him in contact with an individual of -such sinister appearance as this one. - -Still he did not allow his feelings to be seen through, and invited this -man to follow him. The latter did not let the invitation be repeated; -for he was anxious to escape from the spot where he had been so near -death. Thanks to the Mexican's acquaintance with the country, the wood -was speedily traversed, and the two men, after a walk of scarce an -hour's duration, reached the banks of the Del Norte, just opposite the -village. Their speed had been so great, their anxiety so serious, that -they had not exchanged a syllable, so terrified were they of seeing the -peccaries appear at any moment. Fortunately this was not the case, and -they reached the ford without being again disturbed. - -Don Miguel was burdened with his horse's trappings, which he now threw -on the ground, and looked around him in the hope of finding someone who -would help him in crossing the river. His expectations were not -deceived; for just as they reached the ford an _arriero_ was preparing -to cross to the other side of the river with his _recca_ of mules, and, -with the generosity innate in all Mexicans, he offered to carry them -both to the Paso. The two men eagerly accepted, each mounted a mule, and -half an hour later they found themselves in safety at the village. After -giving the arriero a few reals to requite him for his services, Don -Miguel took up his horse's trappings again, and prepared to start. The -stranger stopped. - -"We are about to part here, caballero," he said in a rough voice, with a -very marked English accent; "but before leaving, let me express to you -my deep gratitude for the noble and generous manner in which you saved -my life at the peril of your own." - -"Sir," the Mexican simply answered, "I only did my duty in saving you. -In the desert all men are brothers, and owe each other protection. Hence -do not thank me, I beg, for a very simple action: any other in my place -would have acted as I have done." - -"Perhaps so," the stranger continued; "but be kind enough, pray, to tell -me your name, so that I may know to whom I owe my life." - -"That is needless," Don Miguel said with a smile. "Still, as I fancy you -are a stranger in these parts, let me give you a piece of advice." - -"What is it, sir?" - -"Never in future to attack the peccaries. They are terrible enemies, -only to be conquered by a strong body of men; and an individual in -attacking them commits an unpardonable folly, to which he must fall a -victim." - -"Be assured, sir, that I shall profit by the lesson I have received this -day, and shall never put myself in such a wasps' nest again. I was too -near paying dearly for my imprudence. But I beg you, sir, do not let us -separate ere I know the name of my preserver." - -"As you insist, sir, you shall learn it. I am Don Miguel de Zarate." - -The stranger took a peculiar glance at the speaker, while repressing a -movement of surprise. - -"Ah!" he said in a singular tone, "Thanks, Don Miguel Zarate. Without -knowing you personally, I was already acquainted with your name." - -"That is possible," the hacendero answered; "for I am well known in -this country, where my family has been established for many a long -year." - -"I, sir, am the man whom the Indians call Witchasta Joute, the Maneater, -and the hunters, my companions, Red Cedar." - -And after lifting his hand to his cap in salute, this man threw his -rifle on his shoulder, turned on his heel, and went off at full speed. -Don Miguel looked after him for a while, and then walked pensively -toward the house he inhabited at el Paso. The hacendero did not suspect -that he had sacrificed his favourite horse to save the life of his most -implacable enemy. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE WOUND. - - -At sunrise, Don Miguel, mounted on an excellent horse, left the Paso, -and proceeded toward the hacienda where he resided with his family. It -was situated a few miles from the Presidio of San Elezario, in a -delicious position, and was known as the _Hacienda de la Noria_ (the -Farm of the Well). The estate inhabited by Don Miguel stood in the -centre of the vast delta formed by the Del Norte and the Rio San Pedro, -or Devil's River. It was one of those strong and massive buildings which -the Spaniards alone knew how to erect when they were absolute masters of -Mexico. - -The hacienda formed a vast parallelogram, supported at regular distances -by enormous cross walls of carved stone. Like all the frontier -habitations, which are rather fortresses than houses, it was only -pierced on the side of the plain with a few narrow windows resembling -loopholes, and protected by solid iron bars. This abode was begirt by a -thick wall of circumvallation, defended on the top by that fretwork -called _almenas_, which indicated the nobility of the owner. Within this -wall, but separated from the chief apartments, were the stables, -outhouses, barns and cabins for the peons. - -At the extremity of the courtyard, in an angle of the hacienda, was the -tall square belfry of the chapel, rising above its terraced roof. This -chapel was served by a monk called Fray Ambrosio. A magnificent plain -closed in this splendid farm. At the end of a valley more than fifty -miles in length were cactus trees of a conical shape, loaded with fruit -and flowers, and whose stems were as much as six feet in diameter. - -Don Miguel employed a considerable number of peons in the cultivation of -the sugar cane, which he carried on upon a very large scale. As -everybody knows, the cane is planted by laying it horizontally in -furrows half a foot deep. From each knot springs a shoot which reaches a -height of about three yards, and which is cut at the end of a year to -extract the juice. - -Nothing can be more picturesque than the sight of a field of sugar -canes. It was one of those superb American mornings during which nature -seems to be holding a festival. The _centzontle_ (American nightingale) -frequently poured forth its harmonious notes; the red throstled -cardinals, the blue birds, the parakeets, chattered gaily beneath the -foliage; far away on the plain galloped flocks of light antelopes and -timid ashatas, while on the extreme verge of the horizon rushed startled -_manadas_ of wild horses, which raised clouds of impalpable dust beneath -the vibration of their rapid hoofs. A few alligators, carelessly -stretched out on the river mud, were drying their scales in the sun, and -in mid air the grand eagles of the Sierra Madre hovered majestically -above the valley. - -Don Miguel advanced rapidly at the favourite pace of the Mexican -_jinetes,_ and which consists in making the horse raise its front legs, -while the hind ones almost graze the ground--a peculiar sort of amble -which is very gentle and rapid. The hacendero only employed four hours -in traversing the distance separating him from the hacienda, where he -arrived about nine in the morning. He was received on the threshold of -the house by his daughter, who, warned of his arrival, had hastened to -meet him. - -Don Miguel had been absent from home a fortnight; hence, he received his -daughter's caresses with the greatest pleasure. When he had embraced her -several times, while continuing to hold her tightly clasped in his arms, -he regarded her attentively during several seconds. - -"What is the matter, _mi querida_ Clara?" he asked with sympathy. "You -seem very sad. Can you feel vexed at the sight of me?" he added, with a -smile. - -"Oh, you cannot believe that, father!" she answered quickly; "for you -know how happy your presence must render me." - -"Thanks, my child! But whence, in that case, comes the sorrow I see -spread over your features?" - -The maiden let her eyes sink, but made no reply. - -Don Miguel threw a searching glance around. - -"Where is Don Pablo?" he said. "Why has he not come to greet me? Can he -be away from the hacienda?" - -"No, father, he is here." - -"Well, then, what is the reason he is not by your side?" - -"Because--" the girl said, with hesitation. - -"Well?" - -"He is ill." - -"My son ill!" Don Miguel exclaimed. - -"I am wrong," Dona Clara corrected herself. - -"Explain yourself, in Heaven's name!" - -"My father, the fact is that Pablo is wounded." - -"Wounded!" the hacendero sharply said; and thrusting his daughter -aside, he rushed toward the house, bounded up the few steps leading to -the porch, crossed several rooms without stopping, and reached his son's -chamber. The young man was lying, weak and faint, on his bed; but on -perceiving his parent he smiled, and held his hand to him. Don Miguel -was fondly attached to his son, his sole heir, and walked up to him. - -"What is this wound of which I have heard?" he asked him in great -agitation. - -"Less than nothing, father," the young man replied, exchanging a meaning -glance with his sister, who entered at the moment. "Clara is a foolish -girl, who, in her tenderness, wrongly alarmed you." - -"But, after all, you are wounded?" the father continued. - -"But I repeat that it is a mere nothing." - -"Come, explain yourself. How and when did you receive this wound?" - -The young man blushed, and maintained silence. - -"I insist on knowing," Don Miguel continued pressingly. - -"Good heavens, father!" Don Pablo replied with an air of ill-humour, "I -do not understand why you are alarmed for so futile a cause. I am not a -child, whom a scratch should make frightened; and many times have I been -wounded previously, and you have not disturbed yourself so much." - -"That is possible; but the mode in which you answer me, the care you -seem trying to take to keep me ignorant of the cause of this wound--in a -word, everything tells me that this time you are trying to hide -something grave from me." - -"You are mistaken, father, and shall convince yourself." - -"I wish nothing more: speak. Clara, my child, go and give orders to have -breakfast prepared, for I am dying of hunger." - -The girl went out. - -"Now it is our turn," Don Miguel continued. "In the first place, where -are you wounded?" - -"Oh! I have merely a slight scratch on my shoulder: if I went to bed it -was more through indolence than any other motive." - -"Hum! and what scratched your shoulder?" - -"A bullet." - -"What! A bullet! Then you must have fought a duel, unhappy boy!" Don -Miguel exclaimed with a shudder. - -The young man smiled, pressed his father's hand, and bending toward him, -said,-- - -"This is what has happened." - -"I am listening to you," Don Miguel replied, making an effort to calm -himself. - -"Two days after your departure, father," Don Pablo continued, "I was -superintending, as you wished me to do, the cutting of the cane crop, -when a hunter whom you will probably remember having seen prowling about -the estate, a man of the name of Andres Garote, accosted me at the -moment I was about to return home after giving my orders to the -majordomo. After saluting me obsequiously as his wont, the scamp smiled -cunningly, and lowering his voice so as not to be overheard by those -around us, said, 'Don Pablo, I fancy you would give half an ounce to the -man who brought you important news?' 'That depends,' I answered; for, -having known the man a long time, I was aware much confidence could not -be placed in him. 'Bah! Your grace is so rich,' he continued -insidiously, 'that a miserable sum like that is less than nothing in his -pocket, while in mine it would do me a deal of good.' - -"Apart from his defects, this scamp had at times done us a few small -services; and then, as he said, a half-ounce is but a trifle, so I gave -it to him. He stowed it away in his pockets, and then bent down to my -ear. 'Thanks, Don Pablo,' he said to me. 'I shall not cheat you of your -money. Your horse is rested, and can stand a long journey. Proceed to -Buffalo Valley, and there you will learn something to interest you.' It -was in vain that I urged him to explain himself more clearly; I could -draw no more from him. He merely added before parting from me, 'Don -Pablo, you have good weapons; so take them with you, for no man knoweth -what may happen.' Somehow the scamp's veiled confidence aroused my -curiosity: hence I resolved to go to Buffalo Valley, and gain the clue -of this riddle." - -"Andres Garote is a villain, who laid a snare for you, into which you -fell," Don Miguel interrupted. - -"No, father, you are mistaken. Andres was honest towards me, and I have -only thanks to give him. Still he should have explained himself, -perhaps, more distinctly." - -The hacendero shook his head with a doubting air. - -"Go on," he said. - -"I entered my house, procured the weapons, and then, mounted on Negro, -my black charger, I proceeded toward Buffalo Valley. As you are aware, -father, the place we call so, and which belongs to us, is an immense -forest of cedars and maples, nearly forty miles in circumference, and -traversed almost through its entire length by a wide confluent of the -Rio San Pedro." - -"Of course I know it, and I intend next year to fell some of the wood -there." - -"You need not take the trouble," the young man said with a smile, "for -someone has done it for you." - -"What do you mean?" the hacendero asked wrathfully. "Who dared?" - -"Oh! One of those wretched heretic squatters, as they call themselves. -The villain found the spot to suit him, and has quietly settled there -with his three whelps--three big fellows with hang-dog faces, who -laughed at me when I told them the forest was mine, and answered, while -aiming at me, that they were North Americans, who cared as little for me -as they did for a coyote; that the ground belonged to the first comer; -and that I shall afford them lively pleasure by being off at full speed. -What more shall I tell you, father? I take after you. I have hot blood, -and I cordially hate that race of Yankee pirates, who, for some years -back, have settled on our lovely country like a swarm of mosquitoes. I -saw our forest plundered, our finest trees cut down. I could not remain -unmoved in the presence of these scoundrels' insolence, and the quarrel -became so sharp that they fired at me." - -"_Virgen Santisima_!" Don Miguel exclaimed in fury, "They shall pay -dearly for the affront they have offered you I swear it! I will take -exemplary vengeance." - -"Why be so angry, father?" the young man replied, visibly annoyed at the -effect his story had produced. "The harm these people do us is really -very trifling. I was in the wrong to let my passion carry me away." - -"On the contrary, you were right. I will not have these Northern thieves -come and commit their plunder here. I will put a stop to it." - -"I assure you that, if you will leave me to act, I feel certain of -arranging this affair to your entire satisfaction." - -"I forbid you taking the slightest steps, for this matter concerns me -now. Whatever may occur, I do not wish you to interfere. Will you -promise me this?" - -"As you insist, I do so, father." - -"Very good. Get cured as speedily as possible, and keep your mind at -rest. The Yankees shall pay me dearly for the blood they have shed." - -With these words Don Miguel retired, and his son fell back on his bed -stifling a sigh, and uttering a hoarse exclamation of passion. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE SQUATTER'S SHANTY. - - -Don Pablo had not told his father the facts in all their truth or -detail. He had fallen into a perfect ambuscade. He was suddenly attacked -by the three brothers, who would have mercilessly killed him, resolved -to lay the blame of his death on the wild beasts, had not, at the moment -when one of them lifted his knife on the young man, who was thrown down -and rendered motionless by the others, a providential succour reached him -in the person of a charming maid scarce sixteen years of age. - -The courageous girl rushed from a copse with the rapidity of a fawn, and -threw herself resolutely into the midst of the assassins. - -"What are you about, brother?" she exclaimed in a melodious voice, whose -harmonious notes echoed amorously in Don Pablo's ears. "Why do you wish -to kill this stranger?" - -The three squatters, surprised by this apparition, which they were far -from expecting, fell back a few paces. Don Pablo profited by this truce -to jump up and regain possession of his arms, which had fallen by his -side. - -"Was it not enough," the girl continued, "to rob this man, that you must -now try to take his life? Fie, brothers! Do you not know that blood -leaves on the hands of him who spills it stains which nothing can -efface? Let this man retire in peace." - -The young men hesitated. Although unconsciously yielding to their -sister's influence, they were ashamed of thus executing her wishes. -Still they did not dare express their thoughts, and merely bent on their -enemy, who awaited them with a firm foot and pistols in hand, glances -laden with hatred and anger. - -"Ellen is right," the youngest of her brothers suddenly said. "No, I -will not allow any harm to be done the stranger." - -The others looked at him savagely. - -"You would defend him, if necessary, I suppose, Shaw?" Nathan said to -him ironically. - -"Why should I not, were it required?" the young man said boldly. - -"Eh!" Sutter remarked with a grin, "He is thinking of the Wood -Eglantine." - -This word had been scarce uttered ere Shaw, with purpled face, -contracted features, and eyes injected with blood, rushed with uplifted -knife on his brother, who awaited him firmly. The girl dashed between -them. - -"Peace, peace!" she shrieked in a piercing voice, "Do brothers dare -threaten one another?" - -The two young fellows remained motionless, but watching and ready to -strike in a moment. Don Pablo fixed an ardent glance on the girl, who -was really admirable at this moment. With her features animated by -anger, her head erect, and her arms stretched out between the two men, -she bore a startling likeness to those Druidesses who in olden times -summoned the warriors to combat beneath the forests of Germany. - -In her whole person she offered the complete type of the gentle Northern -woman. Her hair light and golden like ripe corn; her eyes of extreme -purity, which reflected the azure of the sky; her earnest mouth, with -rosy lips and pearly teeth; her flexible and small waist; the whiteness -of her complexion, whose delicate and transparent skin still bore the -flush of adolescence--all was combined in this charming maiden to render -her the most seductive creature imaginable. - -Don Pablo, a stranger to this kind of beauty, felt himself involuntarily -attracted toward the girl, and entirely subjugated by her. Forgetting -the reason that had brought him to this spot, the danger he had -incurred, and that which still menaced him, he was fascinated and -trembling before this delicious apparition, fearing at each instant to -see it vanish like a vision, and not daring to turn his glance from her -while he felt he had no strength left to admire her. - -This young creature, so frail and delicate, formed a strange contrast -with the tall statures and marked features of her brothers, whose coarse -and savage manners only served to heighten the elegance and charm -exhaled by her whole person. Still this scene could not be prolonged, -and must be ended at once. The maiden walked toward Don Pablo. - -"Sir," she said to him with a soft smile, "You have nothing more to fear -from my brothers; you can mount your horse again, and set out, and no -one will oppose your departure." - -The young man understood that he had no pretext to prolong his stay at -this spot; he therefore let his head sink, placed his pistols in his -holsters, leaped on his horse, and set out with regret, and as slowly as -possible. - -He had scarce gone a league when he heard the hasty clatter of a horse -behind him. He turned back. The approaching horseman was Shaw, who soon -caught up with Don Pablo. The pair then proceeded some distance side by -side without exchanging a syllable, and both seemed plunged in profound -thought. On reaching the skirt of the forest, Shaw checked his horse, -and softly laid his right hand on the Mexican's bridle. Don Pablo also -stopped on this hint, and waited, while fixing an inquiring glance on -his strange comrade. - -"Stranger," the young man said, "my sister sends me. She implores you, -if it be possible, to keep secret what occurred between us today. She -deeply regrets the attack to which you fell a victim, and the wound you -have received; and she will try to persuade Red Cedar, our father, to -retire from your estates." - -"Thank your sister for me," Don Pablo answered. "Tell her that her -slightest wish will ever be a command to me, and that I shall be happy -to execute it." - -"I will repeat your words to her." - -"Thanks. Render me a parting service." - -"Speak." - -"What is your sister's name?" - -"Ellen. She is the guardian angel of our hearth. My name is Shaw." - -"I am obliged to you for telling me your name, though I cannot guess the -reason that induces you to do so." - -"I will tell you. I love my sister Ellen before all: she urged me to -offer you my friendship. I obey her. Remember, stranger, that Shaw is -yours to the death." - -"I shall not forget it, though I hope never to be under the necessity of -reminding you of your words." - -"All the worse," the American said, with a shake of his head; "but if at -any time the opportunity offers, I will prove to you that I am a man of -my word, so surely as I am a Kentuckian." - -And hurriedly turning his horse's head, the young man rapidly -disappeared in the windings of the forest. - -Buffalo Valley, illumined by the parting rays of the setting sun, seemed -a lake of verdure to which the golden mist of night imparted magical -tones. A light breeze rustled through the lofty crests of the cedars, -catalpas, tulip and Peru trees, and agitated the grass on the banks of -the Rio San Pedro. Don Pablo let the reins float idly on his horse's -neck, and advanced dreamily through the forest, where the birds were -leaping from spray to spray, each saluting in its language the arrival -of night. - -An hour later, the young man reached the hacienda; but the wound he had -received in his shoulder was more serious than was at first supposed. He -was obliged, to his great regret, to keep his bed, which prevented him -seeking to meet again the maiden whose image was deeply engraved on his -heart. - -So soon as the Mexican had gone off, the squatters continued felling -trees and sawing planks, and did not abandon this work till the night -had grown quite black. Ellen had returned to the interior of the jacal, -where she attended to the housekeeping duties with her mother. This -jacal was a wretched hut, hastily made with branches of intertwined -trees, which trembled with every breeze, and let the sun and rain -penetrate to the interior. - -This cabin was divided into three compartments: the one to the right -served as the bedroom of the two females, while the men slept in the one -to the left. The central compartment, furnished with worm-eaten benches -and a clumsily-planed table, was at once keeping room and kitchen. - -It was late: the squatters, assembled round the fire, over which a huge -pot was boiling, were silently awaiting the return of Red Cedar, who had -been absent since the morning. At length, a horse's hoofs sounded -sharply on the detritus collected for years on the floor of the forest, -the noise grew gradually nearer, the horse stopped in front of the -jacal, and a man made his appearance. It was Red Cedar. The men slowly -turned their heads toward him, but did not otherwise disturb themselves, -or address a syllable to him. - -Ellen alone rose and embraced her father affectionately. The giant -seized the girl in his nervous arms, raised her from the ground, and -kissed her several times, saying in his rough voice, which his -tenderness sensibly softened,-- - -"Good evening, my dear." - -Then he put her down on the ground again, and not troubling himself -further about her, fell heavily on a bench near the fire, and thrust his -feet toward the fire. - -"Come, wife," he said, after the expiration of a moment, "the supper, in -the fiend's name! I have a coyote's hunger." - -The wife did not let this be repeated. A few moments later an immense -dish of _frijoles_, with pimiento, smoked on the table, with large pots -of pulque. The meal was short and silent, the four men eating with -extreme rapacity. So soon as the beans had disappeared Red Cedar and his -sons lit their pipes, and began smoking, while drinking large draughts -of whiskey, though still not speaking. At length Red Cedar took his pipe -from his lips, and hit the table sharply, while saying in a rough -voice,-- - -"Come, women, decamp! You have nothing more to do here. You are in our -way, so go to the deuce!" - -Ellen and her mother immediately went out, and entered their separate -apartment. For a few minutes they could be heard moving about, and then -all became silent again. - -Red Cedar made a sign, and Sutter rose and gently put his ear to the -parting board. He listened for a few moments while holding his breath, -and then returned to his seat, saying laconically,-- - -"They are asleep." - -"Quick, my whelps!" the old squatter said in a low voice. "We have not a -minute to lose: the others are expecting us." - -A strange scene then occurred in this mean room, which was merely -illumined by the expiring light of the hearth. The four men arose, -opened a large chest, and produced from it various objects of strange -shapes--leggings, mittens, buffalo robes, collars of grizzly bear claws; -in a word, the complete costumes of Apache Indians. - -The squatters disguised themselves as redskins; and when they had put on -their garments, which rendered it impossible to recognise them, they -completed the metamorphosis by painting their faces of different colours. - -Assuredly the traveller whom accident had brought at this moment to the -jacal would have fancied it inhabited by Apaches or Comanches. - -The garments which the squatters had taken off were locked up in the -chest, of which Red Cedar took the key; and the four men, armed with -their American rifles, left the cabin, mounted their horses, which were -awaiting them ready saddled, and started at full gallop through the -winding forest paths. - -At the moment they disappeared in the gloom Ellen stood in the doorway -of the cabin, took a despairing glance in the direction where they had -gone, and fell to the ground murmuring sadly,-- - -"Good Heaven! What diabolical work are they going to perform this -night?" - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE RANGERS. - - -On the banks of the Rio San Pedro, and on the side of a hill, stood a -_rancheria_ composed of some ten cabins, inhabited by a population of -sixty persons at the most, including men, women and children. These -people were Coras Indians, hunters and agriculturists, belonging to the -Tortoise tribe. These poor Indians lived there on terms of peace with -their neighbours, under the protection of the Mexican laws. Quiet and -inoffensive beings, during the nearly twenty years they had been -established at this place they had never once offered a subject of -complaint to their neighbours, who, on the contrary, were glad to see -them prosper, owing to their gentle and hospitable manners. Though -Mexican subjects, they governed themselves after their fashion, obeying -their caciques, and regulating in the assembly of their elders all the -difficulties that arose in their village. - -On the night when we saw the squatters leave the cabin in disguise, some -twenty individuals, armed to the teeth and clothed in strange costumes, -with their faces blackened so as to render them unrecognizable, were -bivouacked at about two leagues from the rancheria, in a plain on the -river's bank. Seated or lying round huge fires, they were singing, -laughing, quarrelling or gambling with multitudinous yells and oaths. -Two men seated apart at the foot of an enormous cactus, were conversing -in a low tone, while smoking their husk cigarettes. These two men, of -whom we have already spoken to the reader, were Fray Ambrosio, chaplain -to the Hacienda de la Noria, and Andres Garote, the hunter. - -Andres was a tall, thin fellow, with a sickly and cunning face, who -draped himself defiantly in his sordid rags, but whose weapons were in a -perfectly good condition. - -Who were the men causing this disturbance? They were "rangers," but this -requires explanation. - -Immediately after each of the different revolutions which have -periodically overturned Mexico since that country so pompously declared -its independence, the first care of the new president who reaches power -is to dismiss the volunteers who had accidentally swollen the ranks of his -army, and supplied him the means of overthrowing his predecessor. These -volunteers, we must do them the justice of allowing, are the very scum -of society, and the most degraded class human nature produces. These -sanguinary men, without religion or law, who have no relations or -friends, are an utter leprosy to the country. - -Roughly driven back into society, the new life they are forced to adopt -in no way suits their habits of murder and pillage. No longer able to -wage war on their countrymen, they form free corps, and engage -themselves for a certain salary, to hunt the Indios Bravos--that is to -say, the Apaches and Comanches--who desolate the Mexican frontiers. In -addition to this, the paternal government of North America in Texas, and -of Mexico in the States of the Confederation, allots them a certain sum -for each Indian scalp they bring in. - -We do not fancy we are saying anything new in asserting that they are -the scourge of the colonists and inhabitants, they plunder shamelessly -in every way when they are not doing worse. - -The men assembled at this moment on the banks of the Rio San Pedro were -preparing for a war party--the name they give to the massacres they -organise against the redskins. - -Toward midnight Red Cedar and his three sons reached the rangers' camp. -They must have been impatiently expected, for the bandits received them -with marks of the greatest joy and the warmest enthusiasm. The dice, the -cards, and botas of mezcal and whiskey were immediately deserted. The -rangers mounted their horses, and grouped round the squatters, near whom -stood Fray Ambrosio and his friend Andres Garote. - -Red Cedar took a glance round the mob, and could not repress a smile of -pride at the sight of the rich collection of bandits of every -description whom he had around him, and who recognised him as chief. He -extended his arm to command peace. When all were silent the giant took -the word. - -"Senores caballeros," he said, in a powerful and marked voice, which -made all these scamps quiver with delight at being treated like honest -people, "the audacity of the redskins is growing intolerable. If we let -them alone they would soon inundate the country, when they would end by -expelling us. This state of things must have an end. The government -complains about the few scalps we supply; it says we do not carry out -the clauses of the agreement we have formed with it; it talks about -disbanding us, as our services are useless, and therefore burdensome to -the republic. It is our bounden duty to give a striking denial to these -malevolent assertions, and prove to those who have placed confidence in -us that we are ever ready to devote ourselves to the cause of humanity -and civilisation. I have assembled you here for a war party, which I -have been meditating for some time, and shall carry out this night. We -are about to attack the rancheria of the Coras, who for some years past -have had the impudence to establish themselves near this spot. They are -pagans and thieves, who have one hundred times merited the severe -chastisement we are about to inflict on them. But I implore you, senores -caballeros, display no mistaken pity. Crush this race of vipers--let not -one escape! The scalp of a child is worth as much as that of a man; so -do not let yourselves be moved by cries or tears, but scalp, scalp to -the end." - -This harangue was greeted as it deserved to be; that is, by yells of -joy. - -"Senores," Red Cedar continued, "the worthy monk who accompanies me will -call down the blessing of Heaven on our enterprise; so kneel down to -receive the absolution he is about to give you." - -The bandits instantaneously dismounted, took off their hats, and knelt -on the sand. Fray Ambrosio then repeated a long prayer, to which they -listened with exemplary patience, repeating _amen_ after each occasion, -and he ended by giving them absolution. The rangers rose, delighted at -being thus freed from the burden of their sins, and got into their -saddles again. - -Red Cedar then whispered a few words in Fray Ambrosio's ears, who bowed -his head in assent, and immediately set out in the direction of the -Hacienda de la Noria, followed by Andres Garote. The squatter then -turned to the rangers, who were awaiting his orders. - -"You know where we are going, gentlemen," he said. "Let us start, and, -before all, be silent, if we wish to catch our game in its lair; for you -know that the Indians are as cunning as opossums." - -The band started at a gallop, Red Cedar and his sons being at their -head. It was one of those calm nights which predispose the soul to -reverie, such as America alone has the privilege of possessing. The dark -blue sky was spangled with an infinite number of stars, in the centre of -which shone the majestic Southern Cross, sparkling like a king's mantle; -the atmosphere was extraordinarily transparent, and allowed objects to -be noticed at a great distance; the moon profusely spread around her -silvery rays, which gave the scenery a fantastic appearance; a -mysterious breeze sported through the tops of the great trees; and at -times vague rumours traversed the space, and were lost in the distance. - -The gloomy horsemen still went on, silent and frowning, like the -phantoms of the ancient legends, which glide through the shadows to -accomplish a deed without a name. At the end of scarce an hour the -rancheria was reached. All were resting in the village--not a light -flashed in the hut. The Indians, wearied with the hard toil of the day, -were reposing, full of confidence in the sworn faith, and apprehending -no treason. - -Red Cedar halted twenty yards from the rancheria, and drew up his -horsemen so as to surround the village on all sides. When each had taken -his post, and the torches were lighted, Red Cedar uttered the terrible -war cry of the Apaches, and the rangers galloped at full speed on the -village, uttering ferocious howls, and brandishing the torches, which -they threw on the cabins. - -A scene of carnage then took place which the human pen is powerless to -describe. The unhappy Indians, surprised in their sleep, rushed -terrified and half naked out of their poor abodes, and were pitilessly -massacred and scalped by the rangers, who waved with a demoniac laugh -their smoking, blood-dripping scalps. Men, women, and children, all were -killed with refinements of barbarity. The village, fired by the rangers' -torches, soon became an immense funebral pile, in which victims and -murderers were huddled pell-mell. - -Still a few Indians had succeeded in collecting. Formed in a compact -troop of twenty men, they opposed a desperate resistance to their -assassins, exasperated by the odour of blood and the intoxication of -carnage. At the head of this band was a half-nude, tall Indian of -intelligent features, who, armed with a ploughshare, which he wielded -with extreme force and skill, felled all the assailants who came within -reach of his terrible weapon. This man was the cacique of the Coras. At -his feet lay his mother, wife, and two children--dead. The unhappy man -struggled with the energy of despair. He knew his life would be -sacrificed, but he wished to sell it as dearly as possible. - -In vain had the rangers fired on the cacique--he seemed invulnerable: -not one of the bullets aimed at him had struck him. He still fought, and -the weight of his weapon did not seem to fatigue his arm. The rangers -excited each other to finish him; but not one dared to approach him. - -But this combat of giants could not endure longer. Of the twenty -companions he had round him on commencing the struggle, the cacique now -only saw two or three upright: the rest were dead. There must be an end. -The circle that inclosed the hapless Indian drew closer and closer. -Henceforth it was only a question of time with him. The rangers, -recognising the impossibility of conquering this lion-hearted man, had -changed their tactics: they no longer attacked him, but contented -themselves with forming an impassable circle round him, waiting -prudently for the moment when the strength of the prey, which could not -escape them, was exhausted, in order to rush upon him. - -The Coras understood the intention of his enemies. A contemptuous smile -contracted his haughty lips, and he rushed resolutely toward these men -who recoiled before him. Suddenly, with a movement quicker than thought, -he threw with extraordinary strength the ploughshare among the rangers, -and bounding like a tiger, leaped on a horse, and clutched its rider -with superhuman vigour. - -Ere the rangers had recovered from the surprise this unforeseen attack -occasioned in them, by a desperate effort, and still holding the -horseman, the chieftain drew from his girdle a short sharp knife, which -he buried up to the hilt in the flanks of the horse. The animal uttered -a shriek of pain, rushed headlong into the crowd, and bore both away -with maddening speed. - -The rangers, rendered furious at being played with by a single man, and -seeing their most terrible enemy escape them, started in pursuit; but -with his liberty the Coras had regained all his energy: he felt himself -saved. In spite of the desperate efforts the rangers made to catch him -up, he disappeared in the darkness. - -The cacique continued to fly till he felt his horse tottering under him. -He had not loosed his hold of the horseman, who was half strangled by -the rude embrace, and both rolled on the ground. This man wore the -costume of the Apache Indians. The Coras regarded him for an instant -attentively, and then a smile of contempt played round his lips. - -"You are not a redskin," he said, in a hollow voice; "you are only a -paleface dog. Why put on the skin of the lion when you are a cowardly -coyote?" - -The ranger, still stunned by the fall he had suffered, and the hug he -had endured, made no reply. - -"I could kill you," the Indian continued; "but my vengeance would not be -complete. You and yours must pay me for all the innocent blood you have -shed like cowards this night. I will mark you, so that I may know you -again." - -Then, with fearful coolness, the Coras threw the ranger on his back, put -his knee on his chest, and burying his finger in the socket of his eye, -gave it a sharp rotatory movement, and plucked out his eyeball. On this -frightful mutilation, the wretch uttered a cry of pain impossible to -describe. The Indian got up. - -"Go!" he said to him. "Now I am certain of finding you again whenever I -want you." - -At this moment the sound of hoofs could be heard a short distance off: -the rangers had evidently heard their comrade's cry, and were hurrying -to his aid. The Coras, rushed into the bushes and disappeared. A few -moments later the rangers came up. - -"Nathan, my son!" Red Cedar shouted as he leaped from his horse and -threw himself on the body of the wounded man. "Nathan, my firstborn, is -dead!" - -"No," one of the rangers answered; "but he is very bad." - -It was really the squatter's eldest son whom the cacique had mutilated. -Red Cedar seized him in his arms, placed him before him on the saddle, -and the band started again at a gallop. The rangers had accomplished -their task: they had sixty human scalps hanging from their girdles. The -rancheria of the Coras was no longer aught save a pile of ashes. - -Of all the inhabitants of this hapless village only the cacique -survived; but he would suffice to avenge his brothers. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE VALLEY OF THE BUFFALO. - - -Don Miguel Zarate, on leaving his son, remounted his horse and rode -straight to Paso, to the house of Don Luciano Perez, the _juez de -letras_ (police magistrate). - -The hacendero was one of the richest landed proprietors in the country; -and as he was thoroughly acquainted with the spirit of the depositaries -of justice in those parts, he had consequently been careful to line his -purse well. Here were two reasons, then, to interest the judge in his -favour, and this really happened. - -The worthy Don Luciano shuddered on hearing the details of what had -occurred between Don Pablo and the squatters. He swore that he would, -without delay, take an exemplary vengeance for this starting felony on -the part of the heretic dogs, and that it was high time to bring them -reason. Confirming himself more and more in his resolution, he buckled -on his sword, gave orders to twenty well-armed alguaciles to mount, and -placing himself at the head of this numerous escort, he proceeded toward -Buffalo Valley. - -Don Miguel had witnessed with secret annoyance all these formidable -preparations. He placed but slight confidence in the courage of the -policemen, and he would have preferred the judge leaving him master to -act as he pleased. He had even adroitly attempted to obtain from Don -Luciano a regular warrant, which he would have executed however he might -think proper; but the judge, burning with an unusual warlike ardor, and -spurred on by the large sum he had received, would listen to nothing, -but insisted on himself taking the head of the expedition. - -Don Luciano Perez was a plump little man of about sixty years of age, -round as a tub, with a jolly face, adorned with a rubicund nose and two -cunning little eyes. This man cordially detested the North Americans; -and, in the courageous deed he was committing at this moment, hatred was -as much the instigation as avarice. - -The little band set out at a canter, and proceeded rapidly toward the -forest. The judge hurled fire and flames at the audacious usurpers, as -he called them; he spoke of nothing less than killing them without -mercy, if they attempted even the slightest resistance to the orders he -was about to give them. Don Miguel, who was much calmer, and foreboded -no good from this great wrath, sought in vain to pacify him by telling -him that he would in all probability have to do with men difficult to -intimidate, against whom coolness would be the best weapon. - -They gradually approached. The hacendero, in order to shorten the -journey, had led the band by a cross road, which saved at least -one-third the distance; and the first trees of the forest already -appeared about two miles off. The mischief produced by the squatters was -much more considerable than Don Pablo had represented to his father; -and, at the first glance, it seemed impossible that, in so short a time, -four men, even though working vigorously, could have accomplished it. -The finest trees lay on the ground; enormous piles of planks were -arranged at regular distances, and on the San Pedro an already completed -raft only awaited a few more stems of trees to be thrust into the water. - -Don Miguel could not refrain from sighing at the sight of the -devastation committed in one of his best forests; but the nearer they -approached the spot where they expected to meet the squatters, the more -lukewarm grew the warlike zeal of the judge and his acolytes, and the -hacendero soon found himself compelled to urge them on, instead of -restraining them as he had hitherto done. Suddenly the sound of an axe -re-echoed a few paces ahead of the band. The judge impelled by the -feeling of his duty, and shame of appearing frightened, advanced boldly -in the direction of the sound, followed by his escort. - -"Stop!" a rough voice shouted at the moment the policemen turned the -corner of a lane. - -With that instinct of self-preservation which never abandons them, the -alguaciles stopped as if their horses' feet had been suddenly welded to -the ground. Ten paces from them stood a man in the centre of the ride, -leaning on an American rifle. The judge turned to Don Miguel with such -an expression of hesitation and honest terror that the hacendero could -not refrain from laughing. - -"Come, courage, Don Luciano," he said to him. "This man is alone; he -cannot venture to bar our passage." - -"_Con mil diablos!_" the judge exclaimed, ashamed of this impression -which he could not master, and frowning portentously, "forward, you -fellows, and fire on that scoundrel if he make but a sign to resist -you." - -The alguaciles set out again with prudential hesitation. - -"Stop! I tell you again," the squatter repeated. "Did you not hear the -order I gave you!" - -The judge, reassured by the presence of the hacendero, then advanced, -and said with a tone which he strove to render terrible, but which was -only ridiculous through the terror he revealed,-- - -"I, Don Luciano Perez, _juez de letras_ of the town of Paso, have come, -by virtue of the powers delegated to me by the Government, to summon you -and your adherents to quit within twenty-four hours this forest you have -illegally entered, and which--" - -"Ta, ta!" the stranger shouted, rudely interrupting the judge, and -stamping his foot savagely. "I care as much for all your words and laws -as I do for an old moccasin. The ground belongs to the first comers. We -are comfortable here, and mean to remain." - -"Your language is very bold, young man," Don Miguel then said. "You do -not consider that you are alone, and that, failing other rights, we have -strength on our side." - -The squatter burst into a laugh. - -"You believe that," he said. "Learn, stranger, that I care as little for -the ten humbugs I now have before me as I do for a woodcock, and that -they will do well to leave me at peace, unless they want to learn the -weight of my arm at their expense. However, here is my father; settle it -with him." - -And he began carelessly whistling "Yankee Doodle." At the same instant -three men, at the head of whom was Red Cedar, appeared on the path. At -the sight of these unexpected reinforcements for their arrogant enemy -the alguaciles made a movement in retreat. The affair was becoming -singularly complicated, and threatened to assume proportions very grave -for them. - -"Halloh! What's up?" the old man asked roughly. "Anything wrong, -Sutter?" - -"These people," the young man answered, shrugging his shoulders -contemptuously, "are talking about driving us from the forest by virtue -of some order." - -"Halloh!" Red Cedar said, his eyes flashing as he cast a savage glance -at the Mexicans. "The only law I recognise in the desert," he continued -with a gesture of terrible energy as he struck his rifle barrel, "is -this. Withdraw, strangers, if you do not wish blood to be shed between -us. I am a peaceful man, wishing to do no one hurt; but I warn you that -I will not allow myself to be kicked out without striking a blow." - -"You will not be turned out," the judge remarked timidly; "on the -contrary, you have seized on what belongs to other people." - -"I won't listen to your arguments, which I do not understand," the -squatter roughly exclaimed. "God gave the ground to man that he might -labour on it. Every proprietor that does not fulfil this condition -tacitly renounces his rights, and the earth then becomes the property of -the man who tills it with the sweat of his brow; so go to the devil! Be -off at full speed, if you do not wish harm to happen to you!" - -"We will not suffer ourselves to be intimidated by your threats," the -judge said, impelled by his anger, and forgetting for a moment his -alarm; "we will do our duty, whatever may happen." - -"Try it," Red Cedar said with a grin. - -And he made a sign to his sons. The latter arranged themselves in a -single line, and occupied the entire width of the path. - -"In the name of the law," the judge said with energy, as he pointed out -the old man, "alguaciles, seize that person." - -But, as so frequently happens under similar circumstances, this order -was more easy to give than to execute. Red Cedar and his sons did not -appear at all disposed to let themselves be collared. We must, however, -do the alguaciles the justice of stating that they did not hesitate for -a moment. They plainly refused to carry out the order they had received. - -"For the last time, will you be off?" the squatter shouted. "Let them -have it." - -His three sons raised their rifles. At this movement, which removed all -doubts that might still remain on their minds, and which proved to them -that the squatters would not hesitate to proceed to extremities, the -alguaciles were seized with an invincible terror. They turned bridle and -galloped off at full speed, followed by the yells of the Americans. - -One man alone remained motionless before the squatters--Don Miguel -Zarate. Red Cedar had not recognised him, either owing to the distance -that separated them, or because the hacendero had purposely pulled over -his eyes his broad-brimmed hat. Don Miguel dismounted, placed the -pistols from his holsters through his belt, fastened his horse to a -tree, and coolly throwing his rifle across his shoulders, boldly -advanced toward the squatters. The latter, surprised by the courage of -this man, who alone attempted what his comrades had given up all hopes -of achieving, let him come up to them without offering the slightest -opposition. When Don Miguel was a couple of paces from the old squatter; -he stopped, put the butt of his rifle on the ground, and removing his -hat, said,-- - -"Do you recognise me, Red Cedar?" - -"Don Miguel Zarate!" the bandit shouted in surprise. - -"As the judge deserts me," the hacendero continued, "and fled like a -coward before your threats, I am obliged to take justice for myself, -and, by heavens! I will do so! Red Cedar, I, as owner of this forest, in -which you have settled without permission, order you to depart at once." - -The young men exchanged a few muttered threats. - -"Silence!" Red Cedar commanded. "Let the caballero speak." - -"I have finished, and await your answer." - -The squatter appeared to reflect deeply for a few minutes. - -"The answer you demand is difficult to give," he at length said: "my -position toward you is not a free one." - -"Why so?" - -"Because I owe you my life." - -"I dispense you from all gratitude." - -"That is possible. You are at liberty to do so; but I cannot forget the -service you rendered me." - -"It is of little consequence." - -"Much more than you fancy, caballero. I may be, through my character, -habits, and the mode of life I lead, beyond the law of civilised beings; -but I am not the less a man, and if of the worst sort, perhaps, I no -more forget a kindness than I do an insult." - -"Prove it, then, by going away as quickly as you can, and then we shall -be quits." - -The squatter shook his head. - -"Listen to me, Don Miguel," he said. "You have in this country the -reputation of being the providence of the unfortunate. I know from -myself the extent of your kindness and courage. It is said that you -possess an immense fortune, of which you do not yourself know the -extent." - -"Well, what then?" the hacendero impatiently interrupted him. - -"The damage I can commit here, even if I cut down all the trees in the -forest, would be but a trifle to you; then whence comes the fury you -display to drive me out?" - -"Your question is just, and I will answer it. I demand your departure -from my estates, because, only a few days back, my son was grievously -wounded by your lads, who led him into a cowardly snare; and if he -escaped death, it was only through a miracle. That is the reason why we -cannot live side by side, for blood severs us." - -Red Cedar frowned. - -"Is this true?" he said, addressing his sons. - -The young men only hung their heads in reply. - -"I am waiting," Don Miguel went on. - -"Come, the question cannot be settled thus, so we will proceed to my -jacal." - -"For what purpose? I ask you for a yes or no." - -"I cannot answer you yet. We must have a conversation together, after -which you shall decide to my future conduct. Follow me, then, without -fear." - -"I fear nothing, as I believe I have proved to you. Go on, as you demand -it: I will follow you." - -Red Cedar made his sons a sign to remains here they were, and proceeded -with long strides toward his jacal, which was but a short distance off. -Don Miguel walked carelessly after him. They entered the cabin. It was -deserted. The two females were doubtless also occupied in the forest. -Red Cedar closed the door after him, sat down on a bench, made his guest -a sign to do the same, and began speaking in a low and measured voice, -as if afraid what he had to say might be heard outside. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE ASSASSINATION. - - -"Listen to me, Don Miguel," Red Cedar said, "and pray do not mistake my -meaning. I have not the slightest intention of intimidating you, nor do -I think of attempting to gain your confidence by revelations which you -may fairly assume I have accidentally acquired." - -The hacendero regarded with amazement the speaker, whose tone and -manner had so suddenly changed. - -"I do not understand you," he said to him. "Explain yourself more -clearly, for the words you have just uttered are an enigma, the key to -which I seek in vain." - -"You shall be satisfied, caballero; and if you do not catch the meaning -of my words this time it must be because you will not. Like all -intelligent men, you are wearied of the incessant struggles in which the -vital strength of your country is exhausted unprofitably. You have seen -that a land so rich, so fertile, so gloriously endowed as Mexico, could -not--I should say ought not--to remain longer the plaything of paltry -ambitions, and the arena on which all these transitory tyrannies sport -in turn. For nearly thirty years you have dreamed of emancipation, not -of your entire country, for that would be too rude a task, and -unrealisable; but you said to yourself, 'Let us render New Mexico -independent; form it into a new State, governed by wise laws rigorously -executed. By liberal institutions let us give an impetus to all the -riches with which it is choked, give intellect all the liberty it -requires, and perhaps within a few years the entire Mexican -Confederation, amazed by the magnificent results I shall obtain, will -follow my example. Then I shall die happy at what I have effected--my -object will be carried out. I shall have saved my country from the abyss -over which it hangs, through the double pressure of the invasion of the -American Union and the exhaustion of the Spanish race.' Are not those -ideas yours, caballero? Do you consider that I have explained myself -clearly this time?" - -"Perhaps so, though I do not yet see distinctly the point you wish to -reach. The thoughts you attribute to me are such as naturally occur to -all men who sincerely love their country, and I will not pretend that I -have not entertained them." - -"You would be wrong in doing so, for they are great and noble, and -breathe the purest patriotism." - -"A truce to compliments, and let us come to the point, for time -presses." - -"Patience: I have not yet ended. These ideas must occur to you sooner -than to another, as you are the descendant of the first Aztec kings, and -born defender of the Indians in this hapless country. You see that I am -well acquainted with you, Don Miguel Zarate." - -"Too well, perhaps," the Mexican gentleman muttered. - -The squatter smiled and went on:-- - -"It is not chance that led me to this country. I knew what I was doing, -and why I came. Don Miguel, the hour is a solemn one. All your -preparations are made: will you hesitate to give New Mexico the signal -which must render it independent of the metropolis which has so long -been fattening at its expense? Answer me." - -Don Miguel started. He fixed on the squatter a burning glance, in which -admiration at the man's language could be read. Red Cedar shrugged his -shoulders. - -"What! You still doubt?" he said. - -He rose, went to a box from which he took some papers, and threw them on -the table before the hacendero, saying,-- - -"Read." - -Don Miguel hurriedly seized the papers, and ran his eye over them. - -"Well?" he asked, looking fixedly at the strange speaker. - -"You see," the squatter answered, "that I am your accomplice. General -Ibanez, your agent in Mexico, is in correspondence with me, as is Mr. -Wood, your agent at New York." - -"It is true," the Mexican said coldly, "you have the secret of the -conspiracy. The only point left is to what extent that goes." - -"I possess it entirely. I have orders to enlist the volunteers who will -form the nucleus of the insurrectionary army." - -"Good!" - -"Now, you see, by these letters of General Ibanez and Mr. Wood, that I -am commissioned by them to come to an understanding with you, and -receive your final orders." - -"I see it." - -"What do you purpose doing?" - -"Nothing." - -"What, nothing!" the squatter exclaimed, bounding with surprise. "You -are jesting, I suppose." - -"Listen to me in your turn, and pay attention to my words, for they -express my irrevocable resolution. I know not nor care to know, by what -means, more or less honourable, you have succeeded in gaining the -confidence of my partners, and becoming master of our secrets. Still it -is my firm conviction that a cause which employs such men as yourself is -compromised, if not lost; hence I renounce every combination in which -you are called to play a part. Your antecedents, and the life you lead, -have placed you without the pale of the law." - -"I am a bandit--out with it! What matter so long as you succeed? Does -not the end justify the means?" - -"That may be your morality, but it will never be mine. I repudiate all -community of ideas with men of your stamp. I will not have you either as -accomplice or partner." - -The squatter darted a look at him laden with hatred and disappointment. - -"In serving us," Don Miguel continued, "you can only have an interested -object, which I will not take the trouble of guessing at. An -Anglo-American will never frankly aid a Mexican to conquer his liberty; -he would lose too much by doing it." - -"Then?" - -"I renounce forever the projects I had formed. I had, I grant, dreamed -of restoring to my country the independence of which it was unjustly -stripped: but it shall remain a dream." - -"That is your last word?" - -"The last." - -"You refuse?" - -"I do." - -"Good; then I now know what is left me to do." - -"Well, what is it? Let me hear," the hacendero said, as he crossed his -arms on his breast, and looked him boldly in the face. - -"I will tell you." - -"I am waiting for you to do so." - -"I hold your secret." - -"Entirely?" - -"Hence you are in my power." - -"Perhaps." - -"Who will prevent me going to the Governor of the State and denouncing -you?" - -"He will not believe you." - -"You think so?" - -"I am sure of it." - -"Perhaps, I will say in my turn." - -"Why so?" - -"Oh! you shall easily see." - -"I am curious to learn it." - -"However rich you may be, Don Miguel Zarate, and perhaps because of -those very riches, and in spite of the kindness you sow broadcast, the -number of your enemies is very considerable." - -"I know it." - -"Very good. Those enemies will joyfully seize the first opportunity that -presents itself to destroy you." - -"It is probable." - -"You see, then. When I go to the governor and tell him you are -conspiring, and, in support of my denunciation, hand him not only these -letters, but, several others written and signed by you, lying in that -chest, do you believe that the governor will treat me as an impostor, -and refuse to arrest you?" - -"Then you have letters in my hand-writing?" - -"I have three, which will be enough to have you shot." - -"Ah!" - -"Yes. Hang it all! you understand: that, in an affair so important as -this, it is wise to take one's precautions, for no one knows what may -happen; and men of my stamp," he added, with an ironical smile, "have -more reasons than others for being prudent." - -"Come, that is well played," the hacendero said, carelessly. - -"Is it not?" - -"Yes, and I compliment you on it: you are a better player than I gave -you credit for." - -"Oh! You do not know me yet." - -"The little I do know suffices me." - -"Then?" - -"We will remain as we are, if you will permit me." - -"You still refuse?" - -"More than ever." - -The squatter frowned. - -"Take care, Don Miguel," he muttered, hoarsely. "I will do what I told -you." - -"Yes, if I allow you time." - -"Eh?" - -"_Caspita!_ If you are a clever scamp, I am not altogether a fool. Do -you believe, in your turn, that I will let myself be intimidated by your -threats, and that I should not find means to keep you from acting, not -for my own sake, as I care little personally for what you can do, but -for my friends, who are men of honour, and whose lives I do not wish to -be compromised by your treachery?" - -"I am curious to know the means you will employ to obtain this result." - -"You shall see," Don Miguel replied with perfect coolness. - -"Well?" - -"I shall kill you." - -"Oh, oh!" the squatter said, as he looked complacently at his muscular -limbs, "That is not easy." - -"More so than you suppose, my master." - -"Hum! and when do you reckon on killing me?" - -"At once!" - -The two men were seated in front of the hearth, each at the end of a -bench: the table was between them, but a little back, so that while -talking they only leaned an elbow on it. While uttering the last word, -Don Miguel bounded like a tiger on the squatter, who did not at all -expect the attack, seized him by the throat, and hurled him to the -ground. The two enemies rolled on the uneven flooring of the jacal. - -The Mexican's attack had been so sudden and well directed that the -half-strangled squatter, in spite of his Herculean strength, could not -free himself from his enemy's iron clutch, which pressed his throat like -a vice. Red Cedar could neither utter a cry nor offer the slightest -resistance: the Mexican's knee crushed his chest, while his fingers -pressed into his throat. - -So soon as he had reduced the wretch to utter impotence, Don Miguel drew -from his vaquera boot a long sharp knife, and buried the entire blade in -his body. The bandit writhed convulsively for a few seconds; a livid -pallor suffused his face; his eyes closed, and he then remained -motionless. Don Miguel left the weapon in the wound, and slowly rose. - -"Ah, ah!" he muttered as he gazed at him with a sardonic air, "I fancy -that rogue will not denounce me now." - -Without loss of time he seized the letters lying on the table, took from -the box the few documents he found in it, hid them all in his bosom, -opened the door of the cabin, which he carefully closed after him, and -went off with long strides. - -The squatter's sons had not quitted their post; but, so soon as they -perceived the Mexican, they went up to him. - -"Well," Shaw asked him, "have you come to an understanding with the old -man?" - -"Perfectly so," the Mexican answered. - -"Then the affair is settled?" - -"Yes, to our mutual satisfaction." - -"All the better," the young men exclaimed joyously. - -The hacendero unfastened his horse and mounted. - -"Good-bye, gentlemen!" he said to them. - -"Good-bye!" they replied, returning his bow. - -The Mexican put his horse to a trot, but at the first turn in the road -he dug his spurs into its flanks, and started at full speed. - -"Now," Sutter observed, "I believe that we can proceed to the cabin -without inconvenience." - -And they gently walked toward the jacal, pleasantly conversing together. - -Don Miguel, however, had not succeeded so fully as he imagined. Red -Cedar was not dead, for the old bandit kept a firm hold on life. -Attacked unawares, the squatter had not attempted a resistance, which he -saw at the first glance was useless, and would only have exasperated his -adversary. With marvellous sagacity, on feeling the knife blade enter -his body, he stiffened himself against the pain, and resolved on -"playing 'possum;" that is to say, feigning death. The success of his -stratagem was complete. Don Miguel, persuaded that he had killed him, -did not dream of repeating his thrust. - -So long as his enemy remained in the jacal the squatter was careful not -to make the slightest movement that might have betrayed him; but, so -soon as he was alone, he opened his eyes, rose with an effort, drew the -dagger from the wound, which emitted a jet of black blood, and looking -at the door, through which his assassin had departed, with a glance so -full of hatred that it is impossible to describe, he muttered,-- - -"Now we are quits, Don Miguel Zarate, since you have tried to take back -the life of him you saved. Pray God never to bring us face to face -again!" - -He uttered a deep sigh, and rolled heavily on the ground in a fainting -fit. At this moment his sons entered the cabin. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE SACHEM OF THE CORAS. - - -A few days after the events we have described in the previous chapter -there was one of those lovely mornings which are not accorded to our -cold climates to know. The sun poured down in profusion its warm beams, -which caused the pebbles and sand to glisten in the walks of the garden -of the Hacienda de la Noria. In a clump of flowering orange and lemon -trees, whose sweet exhalations perfumed the air, and beneath a copse of -cactus, nopals, and aloes, a maiden was asleep, carelessly reclining in -a hammock made of the thread of the _Phormium tenax,_ which hung between -two orange trees. - -With her head thrown back, her long black hair unfastened, and falling -in disorder on her neck and bosom; with her coral lips parted, and -displaying the dazzling pearl of her teeth, Dona Clara (for it was she -who slept thus with an infantile slumber) was really charming. Her -features breathed happiness, for not a cloud had yet arisen to perturb -the azure horizon of her calm and tranquil life. - -It was nearly midday: there was not a breath in the air. The sunbeams, -pouring down vertically, rendered the heat so stifling and -unsupportable, that everyone in the hacienda had yielded to sleep, and -was enjoying what is generally called in hot countries the _siesta._ -Still, at a short distance from the spot where Dona Clara reposed, calm -and smiling, a sound of footsteps, at first almost imperceptible, but -gradually heightening, was heard, and a man made his appearance. It was -Shaw, the youngest of the squatter's sons. How was he at this spot? - -The young man was panting, and the perspiration poured down his cheeks. -On reaching the entrance of the clump he bent an anxious glance on the -hammock. - -"She is there," he murmured with a passionate accent. "She sleeps." - -Then he fell on his knees upon the sand, and began admiring the maiden, -dumb and trembling. He remained thus a long time, with his glance fixed -on the slumberer with a strange expression. At length he uttered a sigh -and tearing himself with an effort from this delicious contemplation, he -rose sadly, muttering in a whisper,-- - -"I must go--if she were to wake--oh, she will never know how much I love -her!" - -He plucked an orange flower, and softly laid it on the maiden; then he -walked a few steps from her, but almost immediately returning, he -seized, with a nervous hand, Dona Clara's _rebozo,_ which hung down from -the hammock, and pressed it to his lips several times, saying, in a -voice broken by the emotion he felt,-- - -"It has touched her hair." - -And rushing from the thicket, he crossed the garden and disappeared. He -had heard footsteps approaching. In fact, a few seconds after his -departure, Don Miguel, in his turn, entered the copse. - -"Come, come," he said gaily, as he shook the hammock, "sleeper, will you -not have finished your siesta soon?" - -Dona Clara opened her eyes, with a smile. - -"I am no longer asleep, father," she said. - -"Very good. That is the answer I like." - -And he stepped forward to kiss her; but, with sudden movement, the -maiden drew herself back as if she had seen some frightful vision, and -her face was covered with a livid pallor. - -"What is the matter with you?" the hacendero exclaimed with terror. - -The girl showed him the orange flower. - -"Well," her father continued, "what is there so terrific in that flower? -It must have fallen from the tree during your sleep." - -Dona Clara shook her head sadly. - -"No," she said: "for some days past I have always noticed, on waking a -similar flower thrown on me." - -"You are absurd; chance alone is to blame for it all. Come, think no -more about it; you are pale as death, child. Why frighten yourself thus -about a trifle? Besides the remedy may be easily found. If so afraid of -flowers now, why not take your siesta in your bedroom, instead of -burying yourself in this thicket?" - -"That is true, father," the girl said, all joyous, and no longer -thinking of the fear she had undergone. "I will follow your advice." - -"Come, that is settled, so say no more about it. Now give me a kiss." - -The maiden threw herself into her father's arms, whom she stifled with -kisses. Both sat down on a grassy mound, and commenced one of those -delicious chit-chats whose charm only those who are parents can properly -appreciate. Presently a peon came up. - -"What has brought you?" Don Miguel asked. - -"Excellency," the peon answered, "a redskin warrior has just arrived at -the hacienda, who desires speech with you." - -"Do you know him?" Don Miguel asked. - -"Yes, Excellency; it is Eagle-wing, the sachem of the Coras of the Rio -San Pedro." - -"Mookapec! (Flying Eagle)" the hacendero repeated with surprise. "What -can have brought him to me? Lead him here." - -The peon retired and in a few minutes returned, preceding Eagle-wing. - -The chief had donned the great war-dress of the sachems of his nation. -His hair, plaited with the skin of a rattlesnake, was drawn up on the -top of his head; in the centre an eagle plume was affixed. A blouse of -striped calico, adorned with a profusion of bells, descended to his -thighs, which were defended from the stings of mosquitoes by drawers of -the same stuff. He wore moccasins made of peccary skin, adorned with -glass beads and porcupine quills. To his heels were fastened several -wolves' tails, the distinguishing mark of renowned warriors. Round his -loins was a belt of elk hide, through which passed his knife, his pipe -and his medicine bag. His neck was adorned by a collar of grizzly bear -claws and buffalo teeth. Finally, a magnificent robe of a white female -buffalo hide, painted red inside, was fastened to his shoulders, and -fell down behind him like a cloak. In his right hand he held a fan -formed of a single eagle's wing, and in his left hand an American rifle. -There was something imposing and singularly martial in the appearance -and demeanor of this savage child of the forest. - -On entering the thicket, he bowed gracefully to Dona Clara, and then -stood motionless and dumb before Don Miguel. The Mexican regarded him -attentively, and saw an expression of gloomy melancholy spread over the -Indian chief's features. - -"My brother is welcome," the hacendero said to him. "To what do I owe -the pleasure of seeing him?" - -The chief cast a side glance at the maiden. Don Miguel understood what -he desired, and made Dona Clara a sign to withdraw. They remained alone. - -"My brother can speak," the hacendero then said; "the ears of a friend -are open." - -"Yes, my father is good," the chief replied in his guttural voice. "He -loves the Indians: unhappily all the palefaces do not resemble him." - -"What does my brother mean? Has he cause to complain of anyone?" - -The Indian smiled sadly. - -"Where is there justice for the redskins?" he said. "The Indians are -animals: the Great Spirit has not given them a soul, as He has done for -the palefaces, and it is not a crime to kill them." - -"Come, chief, pray do not speak longer in riddles, but explain why you -have quitted your tribe. It is far from Rio San Pedro to this place." - -"Mookapec is alone: his tribe no longer exists." - -"How?" - -"The palefaces came in the night, like jaguars without courage. They -burned the village, and massacred all the inhabitants, even to the women -and little children." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" the hacendero murmured, in horror. - -"Ah!" the chief continued with an accent full of terrible irony, "The -scalps of the redskins are sold dearly." - -"And do you know the men who committed this atrocious crime?" - -"Mookapec knows them, and will avenge himself." - -"Tell me their chief, if you know his name." - -"I know it. The palefaces call him Red Cedar, the Indians the Maneater." - -"Oh! As for him, chief, you are avenged, for he is dead." - -"My father is mistaken." - -"How so? Why, I killed him myself." - -The Indian shook his head. - -"Red Cedar has a hard life," he said: "the blade of the knife my father -used was too short. Red Cedar is wounded, but in a few days he will be -about again, ready to kill and scalp the Indians." - -This news startled the hacendero: the enemy he fancied he had got rid -of still lived, and he would have to begin a fresh struggle. - -"My father must take care," the chief continued. "Red Cedar has sworn to -be avenged." - -"Oh! I will not leave him the time. This man is a demon, of whom the -earth must be purged at all hazards, before his strength has returned, -and he begins his assassinations again." - -"I will aid my father in his vengeance." - -"Thanks, chief. I do not refuse your offer: perhaps I shall soon need -the help of all my friends. And now, what do you purpose doing?" - -"Since the palefaces reject him, Eagle-wing will retire to the desert. -He has friends among the Comanches. They are redskins, and will welcome -him gladly." - -"I will not strive to combat your determination, chief, for it is just; -and if, at a later date, you take terrible reprisals on the white men, -they will have no cause of complaint, for they have brought it on -themselves. When does my brother start?" - -"At sunset." - -"Rest here today: tomorrow will be soon enough to set out." - -"Mookapec must depart this day." - -"Act as you think proper. Have you a horse?" - -"No; but at the first manada I come to I will lasso one." - -"I do not wish you to set out thus, but will give you a horse." - -"Thanks; my father is good. The Indian chief will remember--" - -"Come, you shall choose for yourself." - -"I have still a few words to say to my father." - -"Speak, chief; I am listening to you." - -"Koutonepi, the pale hunter, begged me to give my father an important -warning." - -"What is it?" - -"A great danger threatens my father. Koutonepi wishes to see him as soon -as possible, in order himself to tell him its nature." - -"Good! My brother will tell the hunter that I shall be tomorrow at the -'clearing of the shattered oak,' and await him there till night." - -"I will faithfully repeat my father's words to the hunter." - -The two men then quitted the garden, and hurriedly proceeded toward the -hacienda. Don Miguel let the chief choose his own horse, and while the -sachem was harnessing his steed in the Indian fashion, he withdrew to -his bedroom, and sent for his son to join him. The young man had -perfectly recovered from his wound. His father told him that he was -obliged to absent himself for some days: he intrusted to him the -management of the hacienda, while recommending him on no consideration -to leave the farm, and to watch attentively over his sister. The young -man promised him all he wished, happy at enjoying perfect liberty for a -few days. - -After embracing his son and daughter for the last time Don Miguel -proceeded to the _patio_, where in the meanwhile, the chief had been -amusing himself by making the magnificent horse he had chosen curvet. -Don Miguel admired for several moments the Indian's skill and grace, for -he managed a horse as well as the first Mexican _jinete;_ then mounted, -and the two men proceeded together toward the Paso del Norte, which they -must cross in order to enter the desert, and reach the clearing of the -shattered oak. - -The journey passed in silence, for the two men were deeply reflecting. -At the moment they entered Paso the sun was setting on the horizon in a -bed of red mist, which foreboded a storm for the night. At the entrance -of the village they separated; and on the morrow, as we have seen in our -first chapter, Don Miguel set out at daybreak, and galloped to the -clearing. - -We will now end this lengthy parenthesis, which was, however, -indispensable for the due comprehension of the facts that are about to -follow, and take up our story again at the point where we left it. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -CONVERSATION. - - -Valentine Guillois, whom we have already introduced to the reader in -previous works[1], had inhabited, or, to speak more correctly, traversed -the vast solitudes of Mexico and Texas during the past five or six -years. We saw him just now accompanied by the Araucano chief. These two -men were the boldest hunters on the frontier. At times, when they had -collected an ample harvest of furs, they went to sell them in the -villages, renewed their stock of powder and ball, purchased a few -indispensable articles, and then returned to the desert. - -Now and then they engaged themselves for a week, or even a fortnight, -with the proprietors of the haciendas, to free them from the wild beasts -that desolated their herds; but so soon as the ferocious animals were -destroyed, and the reward obtained, no matter the brilliancy of the -offers made them by the landowners, the two men threw their rifles on -their shoulders and went off. - -No one knew who they were, or whence they came. Valentine and his friend -maintained the most complete silence as to the events of their life -which had preceded their appearance in these parts. Only one thing had -betrayed the nationality of Valentine, whom his comrade called -Koutonepi, a word belonging to the language of the Aucas, and signifying -"The Valiant." On his chest the hunter wore the cross of the Legion of -Honor. The deeds of every description performed by these hunters were -incalculable, and their stories were the delight of the frontier -dwellers during the winter night. The number of tigers they had killed -was no longer counted. - -Chance had one day made them acquainted with Don Miguel Zarate under -strange circumstances, and since then an uninterrupted friendship had -been maintained between them. Don Miguel, during a tempestuous night, -namely, had only owed his life to the accuracy of Valentine's aim, who -sent a bullet through the head of the Mexican's horse at the moment -when, mad with terror, and no longer obeying the bridle, it was on the -point of leaping into an abyss with its master. Don Miguel had sworn -eternal gratitude to his saviour. - -Valentine and Curumilla had made themselves the tutors of the -hacendero's children, who, for their part, felt a deep friendship for -the hunters. Don Pablo had frequently made long hunting parties in the -desert with them; and it was to them he owed the certainty of his aim, -his skill in handling weapons, and his knack in taming horses. - -No secrets existed between Don Miguel and the hunters: they read in his -mind as in an ever open book. They were the disinterested confidants of -his plans; for these rude wood rangers esteemed him, and only required -for themselves one thing--the liberty of the desert. Still, despite the -sympathy and friendship which so closely connected these different -persons, and the confidence which formed the basis of that friendship, -Don Miguel and his children had never been able to obtain from the -hunters information as to the events that had passed prior to their -arrival in this country. - -Frequently Don Miguel, impelled, not by curiosity, but merely by the -interest he felt in them, had tried, by words cleverly thrown into the -conversation, to give them an opening for confidence; but Valentine had -always repelled those hints, though cleverly enough for Don Miguel not -to feel offended by this want of confidence. With Curumilla they had -been even more simple. Wrapped in his Indian stoicism, intrenched in his -habitual sullenness, he was wont to answer all questions by a shake of -the head, but nothing further. - -At length, weary of the attempt, the hacendero and his family had given -up trying to read those secrets which their friends seemed obstinately -determined to keep from them. Still the friendship subsisting between -them had not grown cold in consequence, and it was always with equal -pleasure that Don Miguel met the hunters again after a lengthened ramble -in the prairies, which kept them away from his house for whole months at -a time. - -The hunter and the Mexican were seated by the fire, while Curumilla, -armed with his scalping knife, was busy flaying the two jaguars so -skillfully killed by Don Miguel, and which were magnificent brutes. - -"Eh, _compadre!_" Don Miguel said with a laugh; "I was beginning to lose -patience, and fancy you had forgotten the meeting you had yourself given -me." - -"I never forgot anything, as you know," Valentine answered seriously; -"and if I did not arrive sooner, it was because the road is long from my -jacal to this clearing." - -"Heaven forbid that I should reproach you, my friend! Still I confess to -you that the prospect of passing the night alone in this forest only -slightly pleased me, and I should have been off had you not arrived -before sunset." - -"You would have done wrong, Don Miguel: what I have to tell you is of -the utmost importance to you. Who knows what the result might have been -had I not been able to warn you?" - -"You alarm me, my friend." - -"I will explain. In the first place let me tell you that you committed, -a few days back, a grave imprudence, whose consequences threaten to be -most serious for you." - -"What is it?" - -"I said one, but ought to have said two." - -"I am waiting till you think proper to express yourself more clearly," -Don Miguel said with a slight tinge of impatience, "before I answer." - -"You have quarrelled with a North American bandit." - -"Red Cedar." - -"Yes; and when you had him in your power you let him escape, instead of -killing him out and out." - -"That is true, and I was wrong. What would you? The villain has as tough -a life as an alligator. But be at ease. If ever he fall into my hands -again, I swear that I will not miss him." - -"In the meanwhile you did do so--that is the evil." - -"Why so?" - -"You will understand me. This man is one of those villains, the scum of -the United States, too many of whom have lived on the frontier during -the last few years. I do not know how he contrived to deceive your New -York agent; but he gained his confidence so cleverly that the latter -told him all the secrets he knew about your enterprise." - -"He told me so himself." - -"Very good. It was then, I suppose, that you stabbed him?" - -"Yes, and at the same time I plucked out his claws; that is to say, I -seized the letters he held, and which might compromise me." - -"A mistake. This man is too thorough-paced a scoundrel not to foresee -all the chances of his treason. He had a last letter, the most important -of all; and that you did not take from him." - -"I took three." - -"Yes, but there were four. As the last, however, in itself was worth as -much as the other three, he always wore it about him in a leathern bag -hung round his neck by a steel chain; you did not dream of looking for -that." - -"But what importance can this letter, I do not even remember writing, -possess, that you should attach such weight to it?" - -"It is merely the agreement drawn up between yourself, General Ibanez, -and Mr. Wood, and bearing your three signatures." - -"_Con mil demonios!_" the hacendero exclaimed in terror. "In that case -I am lost; for if this man really possesses such a document, he will not -fail to employ it in order to be revenged on me." - -"Nothing is lost so long as a man's heart beats in his breast, Don -Miguel. The position is critical, I allow, but I have saved myself in -situations far more desperate than the one you are now in." - -"What is to be done?" - -"Red Cedar has been about again for two days. His first care, so soon as -he could sit a horse, was to go to Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, -and denounce you to the Governor. That has nothing to surprise you from -such a man." - -"Then I can only fly as speedily as I can?" - -"Wait. Every man has in his heart at least one of the seven deadly sins -as a bait for the demon." - -"What are you driving at?" - -"You will see. Fortunately for us, Red Cedar has them all seven, I -believe, in the finest stage of development. Avarice, before all, has -reached its acme with him." - -"Well?" - -"This happened. Our man denounced you to the governor as a conspirator, -etc., but was careful not to give up the proofs he possessed in support -of the denunciation at the outset. When General Isturitz, the governor, -asked him for these proofs, he answered that he was ready to supply them -in exchange for the sum of one hundred thousand piastres in gold." - -"Ah!" the hacendero said, with a breath of relief, "and what did -Isturitz say?" - -"The general is one of your most inveterate enemies, I grant, and he -would give a good deal for the pleasure of having you shot." - -"That is true." - -"Yes, but still the sum appeared to him, as it really is, exorbitant, -the more so as he would have to pay it all himself, as the government -does not recognise transactions of that nature." - -"Well, what did Red Cedar do then?" - -"He did not allow himself beaten; on the contrary, he told the general -he would give him a week to reflect, and quietly left the Cabildo." - -"Hum! And on what day was this visit paid?" - -"Yesterday morning; so that you have six days still left for action." - -"Six days--that is very little." - -"Eh?" the Frenchman said, with a shrug of his shoulders impossible to -describe. "In my country--" - -"Yes, but you are Frenchmen." - -"That is true: hence I allow you twice the time we should require. Come, -let us put joking aside. You are a man of more than common energy; you -really wish the welfare of your country, so do not let yourself be -crushed by the first reverse. Who knows but that it may all be for the -best?" - -"Ah, my friend, I am alone! General Ibanez, who alone could help me in -this critical affair, is fifty leagues off. What can I do? Nothing." - -"All. I foresaw your objection. Eagle-wing, the Chief of the Coras, has -gone from me to warn the general. You know with what speed Indians -travel; so he will bring us the general in a few hours, I feel -convinced." - -Don Miguel regarded the hunter with mingled admiration and respect. - -"You have done that, my friend?" he said to him as he warmly pressed his -hand. - -"By Jove!" Valentine said, gaily, "I have done something else too. When -the time arrives I will tell you what it is. But let us not lose an -hour. What do you intend to do for the present?" - -"Act." - -"Good: that is the way I like to hear you talk." - -"Yes, but I must first come to an understanding with the general." - -"That is true; but it is the least thing," Valentine answered, as he -looked skyward, and attentively consulted the position of the stars. "It -is now eight o'clock. Eagle-wing and the man he brings must be at -midnight at the entrance of the _Canyon del Buitre_. We have four hours -before us, and that is more than we require, as we have only ten leagues -to go." - -"Let us go, let us go!" Don Miguel exclaimed eagerly. - -"Wait a moment; there is no such hurry. Don't be alarmed; we shall -arrive in time." - -He then turned to Curumilla, and said to him in Araucano a few words -which the hacendero did not understand. The Indian rose without -replying, and disappeared in the density of the forest. - -"You know," Valentine continued, "that I prefer, through habit, -travelling on foot; still, as under present circumstances minutes are -precious, and we must not lose them, I have provided two horses." - -"You think of everything, my friend." - -"Yes, when I have to act for those I love," Valentine answered with a -retrospective sigh. - -There was a moment's silence between the two men, and at the end of -scarce a quarter of an hour there was a noise in the shrubs, the -branches parted, and Curumilla re-entered the clearing, holding two -horses by the bridle. These noble animals, which were nearly untamed -_mustangs_, bore a striking resemblance to the steeds of the Apaches, on -whose territory our friends now were. They were literally covered with -eagle plumes, beads, and ribbons, while long red and white spots -completed their disguise, and rendered it almost impossible to recognise -them. - -"Mount!" Don Miguel exclaimed so soon as he saw them. "Time is slipping -away." - -"One word yet," Valentine remarked. - -"Speak." - -"You still have as chaplain a certain monk by the name of 'Fray -Ambrosio.'" - -"Yes." - -"Take care of that man--he betrays you." - -"You believe it?" - -"I am sure of it." - -"Good! I will remember." - -"All right. Now we will be off," Valentine said, as he buried his spurs -in his horse's flanks. - -And the three horsemen rushed into the darkness with headlong speed. - - -[1] "Tiger-Slayer," etc. Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -EL MESON. - - -The day on which our story commences the village of the Paso del Norte -presented an extraordinary appearance. The bells were ringing out full -peals, for the three hundredth anniversary of its foundation was -celebrated. The population of Paso, greatly diminished since the -proclamation of Mexican independence, was hurrying to the churches, -which flashed with silver and gold. The houses were decorated with rich -tapestry, and the streets strewn with flowers. - -Toward nightfall the inhabitants, whom the intolerable heat of the -tropical sun had kept prisoners in the interior of the houses, flocked -out to inhale the sharp perfumes of the desert breeze, and bring back a -little fresh air into their parched lungs. The town, which had for -several hours appeared deserted, suddenly woke up: shouts and laughter -were heard afresh. The walks were invaded by the mob, and in a few -minutes the _mesons_ were thronged with idlers, who began drinking -pulque and mezcal, while smoking their cigarettes, and strumming the -jarabe and vihuela. - -In a house of poor appearance, built like all its neighbours, of earth -bricks, and situated at the angle formed by the Plaza Mayor and the -Calle de la Merced, some twenty-five fellows, whom it was easy to -recognise as adventurers by the feather in their hats, their upturned -moustaches, and specially by the long bronzed-hilted sword they wore on -the thigh, were drinking torrents of aguardiente and pulque at the -gambling tables, while yelling like deaf men, swearing like pagans, and -threatening at every moment to unsheathe their weapons. - -In a corner of the room occupied by these troublesome guests two men, -seated opposite each other at a table, seemed plunged in deep thought, -and looked round them absently, not thinking about drinking the contents -of their glasses, which had not been emptied for more than half an hour. -These two men presented the most striking contrast. They were still -young. The first, aged twenty-five at the most, had one of those frank, -honest, and energetic faces which call for sympathy, and attract -respect. His pallid brow, his face of a delicate hue, surrounded by his -long black curls, his straight and flexible nose, his mouth filled with -a double row of teeth of dazzling whiteness, and surmounted by a slight -brown moustache, gave him a stamp of distinction, which was the more -striking owing to the strict, and perhaps common, style of his attire. - -He wore the costume of the wood rangers; that is to say, the Canadian -_mitasse_, fastened round the hips, and descending to the ankle; _botas -vaqueras_ of deer skin, fastened at the knee; and a striped zarape of -brilliant colours. A panama straw hat was thrown on the table, within -reach of his hand, by the side of an American rifle and two -double-barrelled pistols. A machete hung on his left side, and the hilt -of a long knife peeped out of his left boot. - -His companion was short and thick-set; but his well-knit limbs and his -outstanding muscles indicated no ordinary strength. His face, the -features of which were commonplace enough, had a cunning look, which -suddenly disappeared to make room for a certain nobility whenever under -the influence Of any sudden emotion; his eyebrows contracted; and his -glance, ordinarily veiled, flashed forth. He wore nearly the same garb -as his comrade; but his hat stained with rain, and the colours of his -zarape faded by the sun, evidenced lengthened wear. Like the first one -we described, he was well armed. - -It was easy to see at the first glance that these two men did not belong -to the Hispano-American race, indeed, their conversation would have -removed any doubts on that head, for they spoke in the French dialect -employed in Canada. - -"Hum!" the first said, taking up his glass, which he carelessly raised -to his lips. "After due consideration, Harry, I believe we shall do -better by mounting our horses again, and starting, instead of remaining -in this horrible den, amid these _gachupinos_, who croak like frogs -before a storm." - -"Deuce take your impatience!" the other replied ill-temperedly. "Can't -you remain a moment at rest?" - -"You call it a moment, Harry. Why, we have been here an hour." - -"By Jove! Dick, you're a wonderful fellow," the other continued with a -laugh. "Do you think that business can be settled all in a moment?" - -"After all, what is our game? For may the old one twist my neck, or a -grizzly give me a hug, if I know the least in the world! For five years -we have hunted and slept side by side. We have come from Canada together -to this place. I have grown into a habit--I cannot say why--of referring -to you everything that concerns our mutual interests. Still I should not -be sorry to know, if only for the rarity of the fact, why on earth we -left the prairies, where we were so well off, to come here, where we are -so badly off." - -"Have you ever repented, up to today, the confidence you placed in me?" - -"I do not say so, Harry. Heaven forbid! Still I think--" - -"You think wrong," the young man sharply interrupted. "Let me alone, and -before three months you shall have three times your hat full of massive -gold, or call me a fool." - -At this dazzling promise the eyes of Dick, the smaller of the hunters, -glistened like two stars. He regarded his comrade with a species of -admiration. - -"Oh, oh!" he said in a low voice, "It is a placer, is it?" - -"Hang it!" the other said, with a shrug of his shoulders, "were it not, -should I be here? But silence, our man has arrived." - -In fact, a man entered at this moment. On his appearance a sudden -silence fell on the meson; the adventurers gambling and cursing at all -the tables, rose as if moved by a spring, respectfully took off their -plumed hats, and ranged themselves with downcast eyes to let him pass. -The man remained for an instant on the threshold of the venta, took a -profound glance at the company, and then walked toward the two hunters. - -This man wore the gown of a monk; he had the ascetic face, with the -harsh features and sharply-marked lines, that forms, as it were, the -type of the Spanish monks of which Titian has so admirably caught the -expression on his canvas. He passed through the adventurers, holding out -right and left his wide sleeves, which they reverentially kissed. On -approaching the two hunters he turned round. - -"Continue your sports, my sons," he said to the company; "my presence -need not disturb your frolics, for I only wish to speak for a few -moments with those two gentlemen." - -The adventurers did not let the invitation be repeated, but took their -places again tumultuously, and soon cries and oaths recommenced with -equal intensity. The monk smiled, took a butaca, and seated himself -between the two hunters, while bending a searching glance on them. The -latter had followed with a mocking eye all the interludes of this little -scene, and without making a movement, they let the monk seat himself by -their side. So soon as he had done so, Harry poured him out a large -glass of pulque, and placed within his reach the squares of maize leaf -and tobacco. - -"Drink and smoke, senor padre," he said to him. - -The monk, without any observation, rolled a cigarette, emptied the glass -of pulque at a draught, and then leaning his elbows on the table and -bending forward, said,-- - -"You are punctual." - -"We have been waiting an hour," Dick observed in a rough voice. - -"What is an hour in the presence of eternity?" the monk said with a -smile. - -"Let us not lose any more time," Harry continued. "What have you to -propose to us?" - -The monk looked around him suspiciously, and lowered his voice. - -"I can, if you like, make you rich in a few days." - -"What is the business?" Dick asked. - -"Of course," the monk continued, "this fortune I offer you is a matter -of indifference to me. If I have an ardent desire to obtain it, it is, -in the first place, because it belongs to nobody, and will permit me to -relieve the wretchedness of the thousands of beings confided to my -charge." - -"Of course, senor padre," Harry answered seriously. "Let us not weigh -longer on these details. According to what you told me a few days back, -you have discovered a rich placer." - -"Not I," the monk sharply objected. - -"No consequence, provided that it exists," Dick answered. - -"Pardon me, but it is of great consequence to me. I do not wish to take -on myself the responsibility of such a discovery. If, as I believe, -people will go in search of it, it may entail the death of several -persons, and the church abhors bloodshed." - -"Very good: you only desire to profit by it." - -"Not for myself." - -"For your parishioners. Very good; but let us try to come to an -understanding, if possible, for our time is too precious for us to waste -it in empty talk." - -"_Valgame Dios_!" the monk said, crossing himself, "How you have -retained the impetuosity of your French origin! Have a little patience, -and I will explain myself." - -"That is all we desire." - -"But you will promise me--" - -"Nothing," Dick interrupted. "We are honest hunters, and not accustomed -to pledge ourselves so lightly before knowing positively what is asked -of us." - -Harry supported his friend's words by a nod. The monk drank a glass of -pulque, and took two or three heavy puffs at his cigarette. - -"Your will be done," he then said. "You are terrible men. This is the -affair." - -"Go on." - -"A poor scamp of a gambusino, lost, I know not how, in the great desert, -discovered at a considerable distance off, between the Rio Gila and the -Colorado, the richest placer the wildest imagination can conceive. -According to his statement the gold is scattered over the surface, for -an extent of two or three miles, in nuggets, each of which would make a -man's fortune. This gambusino, dazzled by such treasures, but unable to -appropriate them alone, displayed the greatest energy, and braved the -utmost perils, in order to regain civilised regions. It was only through -boldness and temerity that he succeeded in escaping the countless -enemies who spied, and tracked him on all sides; but Heaven at length -allowed him to reach Paso safe and sound." - -"Very good," Dick observed. "All this may very possibly, be true; but -why did you not bring this gambusino, instead of talking to us about the -placer, of which you know as little as we do? He would have supplied us -with information which is indispensable for us, in the event of our -consenting to help you in looking for this treasure." - -"Alas!" the monk replied, hypocritically casting his eyes down, "the -unhappy man was not destined to profit by this discovery, made at the -price of so many perils. Scarce two days after his arrival at Paso, he -quarrelled with another gambusino, and received a stab which sent him a -few hours later to the tomb." - -"In that case," Harry observed, "how did you learn all these details, -senor padre?" - -"In a very simple way, my son. It was I who reconciled the poor wretch -in his last moments with Heaven; and," he added, with an air of -compunction splendidly assumed, "when he understood that his end was at -hand, and that nothing could save him, he confided to me, in gratitude -for the consolation I bestowed on him, what I have just told you, -revealed to me the situation of the placer, and for greater certainty -gave me a clumsy chart he had drawn out on the spot. You see that we can -proceed almost with certainty." - -"Yes," Harry said, thoughtfully; "but why, instead of first applying to -the Mexicans, your countrymen, did you propose to us to help you in your -enterprise?" - -"Because the Mexicans are men who cannot be trusted, and before reaching -the placer we should have to fight the Apaches and Comanches, on whose -territory it is situated." - -After these words, there was a lengthened silence between the three -speakers: each was reflecting deeply on what he had just heard. The monk -tried to read with cunning eye the impression produced on the hunters by -his confidence; but his hopes were deceived. Their faces remained -unmoved. At length Dick spoke in a rough voice, after exchanging a -meaning look with his comrade. - -"All that is very fine," he said; "but it is absurd to suppose that two -men, however brave they may be, can attempt such an enterprise in -unknown regions peopled by ferocious tribes. It would require at least -fifty resolute and devoted men, otherwise nothing could be possible." - -"You are right, and hence I did not calculate on you alone. You will -have determined men under your orders, chosen carefully by myself, and I -shall also accompany you." - -"Unluckily, if you have counted on us, you are mistaken, senor padre," -Harry said, peremptorily. "We are honest hunters; but the trade of a -gambusino does not at all suit us. Even if we had a chance of gaining an -incalculable fortune, we would not consent to take part in an expedition -of gold seekers." - -"Not even if Red Cedar were at the head of the expedition, and consented -to take the direction?" the monk said in a honeyed voice, and with a -side glance. - -The hunter started, a feverish blush suffused his face, and it was in a -voice choked by emotion that he exclaimed,-- - -"Have you spoken with him about it?" - -"Here he is; you can ask him," the monk answered. - -In fact, a man was entering the meson at this moment. Harry looked down -in confusion, while Dick tapped the table with his dagger and whistled. -A smile of undefinable meaning wandered over the monk's pallid lips. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -RED CEDAR. - - -Red Cedar was more than six feet in height; his enormous head was -fastened to his square shoulders by a short and muscular neck, like a -bull's; his bony members were covered with muscles hard as ropes. In -short, his whole person was a specimen of brute strength at its -culminating point. - -A fox-skin cap, pressed down on his head, allowed escape to a few tufts -of coarse greyish hair, and fell on his little grey eyes, which were -close to a nose that was hooked like the beak of a bird of prey; his -wide mouth was filled with white, large teeth; his cheekbones were -prominent and purpled; and the lower part of his face disappeared in a -thick black beard, mingled with grey hairs. He wore a hunting shirt of -striped calico, fastened round the waist by a strap of brown leather, -through which were passed two pistols, an axe, and a long knife; a pair -of leggings of tawny leather, sewed at equal distances with hair, fell -down to his knees; while his legs were protected by Indian moccasins, -ornamented with a profusion of beads and bells. A game bag of fawn skin, -which seemed full, fell over his right hip; and he held in his hand an -American rifle, studded with copper nails. - -No one knew who Red Cedar was, or whence he came. About two years prior -to the period of our story opening he had suddenly made his appearance -in the country, accompanied by a wife of a certain age--a species of -Megaera, of masculine form and repellant aspect; a girl of seventeen; -and three vigorous lads, who resembled him too closely not to be his -own, and whose age varied from nineteen to twenty-four. - -Red Cedar himself appeared to be fifty-five at the most. The name by -which he was known had been given to him by the Indians, of whom he had -declared himself the implacable enemy, and boasted that he had killed -two hundred. The old woman was called Betsy; the girl, Ellen; the eldest -son, Nathan; the second, Sutter; and the last, Shaw. - -This family had built a shanty in the forest, a few miles from Paso, and -lived alone in the desert, without having entered into any relations -with the inhabitants of the village; or the trappers and wood rangers, -its neighbours. The mysterious conduct of these strangers had given rise -to numerous comments; but all had remained without reply or solution, -and after two years they remained as perfect strangers as on the day of -their arrival. - -Still, mournful and sad stories were in circulation on their account: -they inspired an instinctive hatred and involuntary terror in the -Mexicans. Some said in a whisper that old Red Cedar and his three sons -were nothing less than "scalp hunters;" that is to say, in the public -esteem, people placed beneath the pirates of the prairies, that unclean -breed of birds of prey which everybody fears and despises. - -The entry of Red Cedar was significant; the otherwise unscrupulous men -who filled the venta hurriedly retired on his approach, and made room -for him with a zeal mingled with disgust. The old partisan crossed the -room with head erect; a smile of haughty disdain played round his thin -lips at the sight of the effect his presence produced, and he went up to -the monk and his two companions. On reaching them he roughly placed the -butt of his rifle on the ground, leaned his two crossed hands upon the -barrel, and after bending a cunning glance on the persons before him, -said to the monk in a hoarse voice,-- - -"The deuce take you, senor padre! Here I am: what do you want with me?" - -Far from being vexed at this brutal address, the latter smiled on the -colossus, and held out his hand to him, as he graciously made answer,-- - -"You are welcome, Red Cedar; we were expecting you impatiently. Sit down -by my side on this butaca, and we will talk while drinking a glass of -pulque." - -"The deuce twist your neck, and may your accursed pulque choke you! Do -you take me for a wretched abortion of your sort?" the other answered as -he fell into the seat offered him. "Order me some brandy, and that of -the strongest. I am not a babe, I suppose." - -Without making the slightest observation, the monk rose, went to speak -with the host, and presently returned with a bottle, from which he -poured a bumper for the old hunter. The latter emptied the glass at a -draught, put it back on the table with a sonorous "hum!" and turned to -the monk with a grimacing smile. - -"Come, the devil is not always so black as he looks, senor padre," he -said, as he passed his hand over his mouth to wipe his moustache. "I see -that we can come to an understanding." - -"It will only depend on you, Red Cedar. Here are two worthy Canadian -hunters who will do nothing without your support." - -The Hercules took a side glance at the young men. - -"Eh!" he said, "what do you want with these children? Did I not promise -you to reach the placer with my sons only?" - -"He, he! You are powerfully built, both you and your lads, I allow; but -I doubt whether four men, were they twice as strong as you are, could -carry out this affair successfully. You will have numerous enemies to -combat on your road." - -"All the better! The more there are, the more we shall kill," he -answered with a sinister laugh. - -"Senor padre," Dick interrupted, "as far as I am concerned, I care -little about it." - -But he was suddenly checked by a meaning glance from his mate. - -"What do you care little about, my pretty lad?" the giant asked in a -mocking voice. - -"Nothing," the young man answered drily. "Suppose I had not spoken." - -"Good," Red Cedar remarked; "it shall be as you wish. Here's your -health." - -And he poured the rest of the bottle into his glass. - -"Come," said Harry, "Let us have but few words. Explain yourself once -for all, without beating about the bush, senor padre." - -"Yes," Red Cedar observed, "men ought not to waste their time thus in -chattering." - -"Very good. This, then, is what I propose. Red Cedar will collect within -three days from this time thirty resolute men, of whom he will take the -command, and we will start immediately in search of the placer. Does it -suit you in that way?" - -"Hum!" Red Cedar said. "In order to go in search of the placer we must -know a little in what direction it is, or deuce take me if I undertake -the business!" - -"Do not trouble yourself about that, Red Cedar; I will accompany you. -Have I not got a plan of the country?" - -The colossus shot at the monk a glance which sparkled under his dark -eyelash, but he hastened to moderate its brilliancy by letting his eyes -fall. - -"That is true," he said with feigned indifference; "I forgot that you -were coming with us. Then you will leave your parishioners during your -absence?" - -"Heaven will watch over them." - -"Eh! It will have its work cut out. However, that does not concern me at -all. But why did you oblige me to come to this meson?" - -"In order to introduce you to these two hunters, who will accompany us." - -"I beg your pardon," Dick observed, "but I do not exactly see of what -use I can be to you in all this: my aid, and that of my mate, do not -appear to me to be indispensable." - -"On the contrary," the monk answered quickly, "I reckon entirely on -you." - -The giant had risen. - -"What!" he said, as he roughly laid his enormous hand on Dick's -shoulder, "You do not understand that this honourable personage, who did -not hesitate to kill a man in order to rob him of the secret of the -placer, has a terrible fear of finding himself alone with me on the -prairie? He fears that I shall kill him in my turn to rob him of the -secret of which he became master by a crime. Ha, ha, ha!" - -And he turned his back unceremoniously. - -"How can you suppose such things, Red Cedar?" the monk exclaimed. - -"Do you fancy that I did not read you?" the latter answered. "But it is -all the same to you. Do as you please: I leave you at liberty to act as -you like." - -"What! You are off already?" - -"Hang it! What have I to do any longer here? All is settled between us. -In three days thirty of the best frontiersmen will be assembled by my -care at Grizzly Bear Creek, where we shall expect you." - -After shrugging his shoulders once again he went off without any salute, -or even turning his head. - -"It must be confessed," Dick observed, "that the man has a most -villainous face. What a hideous fellow!" - -"Oh!" the monk answered with a sigh, "The exterior is nothing. You -should know the inner man." - -"Why, in that case, do you have any dealings with him?" - -The monk blushed slightly. - -"Because it must be so," he muttered. - -"All right for you," Dick continued; "but as nothing obliges my friend -and myself to have any more intimate relations with that man, you must -not mind, senor Padre, if--" - -"Silence, Dick!" Harry shouted, angrily. "You do not know what you are -talking about. We will accompany you, senor padre. You can reckon on us -to defend you if necessary, for I suppose that Red Cedar is right." - -"In what way?" - -"You do not wish to trust your life defencelessly in his hands, and you -reckoned on us to protect you. Is it not so?" - -"Why should I feign any longer? Yes, that man terrifies me, and I do not -wish to trust myself to his mercy." - -"Do not be alarmed; we shall be there, and on our word as hunters, not a -hair of your head shall fall." - -A lively satisfaction appeared on the monk's pale face at this generous -promise. - -"Thanks," he said warmly. - -Harry's conduct appeared so extraordinary to Dick, who knew the lofty -sentiments and innate honor of his comrade, that, without striving to -fathom the motives which made him act thus, he contented himself by -backing up his words by an affirmative nod of the head. - -"Be assured, caballeros, that when we have reached the placer, I will -give you a large share, and you will have no cause to regret -accompanying me." - -"The money question has but slight interest with us," Harry answered. -"My friend and I are free hunters, caring very little for riches, which -would be to us rather a source of embarrassment than of pleasure and -enjoyment. Curiosity alone, and the desire of exploring strange -countries, are sufficient to make us undertake this journey." - -"Whatever the reason that makes you accept my proposals, I am not the -less obliged to you." - -"Now you will permit us to take leave of you, and we shall hold -ourselves at your orders." - -"Go, gentlemen; I will not keep you longer. I know where to find you -when I want you." - -The young men took up their hats, slung their rifles on their shoulders, -and left the meson. The monk looked after them. - -"Oh!" he muttered, "I believe I can trust to those men: they have still -in their veins a few drops of that honest French blood which despises -treachery. No matter," he added, as if on reflection; "I will take my -precautions." - -After this aside, he rose and looked around him. The room was full of -adventurers, who drank or played at _monte_, and whose energetic faces -stood out in the semi-obscurity of the room, which was scarce lighted by -a smoky lamp. After a moment's reflection the monk boldly struck the -table with his clenched fist, and shouted in a loud voice: - -"Senores caballeros, I invite you to listen to me. I have, I fancy, an -advantageous proposal to make to you." - -The company turned their heads; those who were gambling for a moment -abandoned their cards and dice; the drinkers alone kept in their hands -the glasses they held; but all approached the monk, round whom they -grouped themselves curiously. - -"Caballeros," he continued, "if I am not mistaken, all present are -gentlemen whom fortune has more or less ill-treated." - -The adventurers, by an automatic movement of extraordinary regularity, -bowed their heads in affirmation. - -"If you wish it," he continued with an imperceptible smile, "I will -undertake to repair the wrong by it done you." - -The adventurers pricked up their ears. - -"Speak, speak, senor padre!" they shouted with delight. - -"What is the affair?" a man with a hang-dog face said, who stood in the -front ranks. - -"A war party which I intend to lead shortly into Apacheria," the monk -said, "and for which purpose I need you." - -At this proposition the first ardor of the adventurers visibly cooled -down. The Apaches and Comanches inspire an invincible terror in the -inhabitants of the Mexican frontiers. The monk guessed the effect he had -produced; but he continued, as if not observing anything:-- - -"I take you all into my service for a month, at the rate of four -piastres a day." - -At this magnificent offer the eyes of the adventurers sparkled with -greed, fear gave way to avarice, and they all exclaimed,-- - -"We accept, reverend father! - -"But," the man continued who had already spoken, "we shall be happy, -senor padre, if, before starting, you would give us your holy -benediction, and absolve us from the few sins we may have committed." - -"Yes," the company yelled, "we shall be happy if you consent to that, -reverend father." - -The monk appeared to reflect: the adventurers, anxiously waited. - -"Well, be it so," he answered after a moment. "As the work in which I am -about to employ you is so meritorious, I will give you my blessing, and -grant you absolution of your sins." - -For a few minutes there was a shout and exclamations of joy in the room. -The monk demanded silence, and when it was restored he said,-- - -"Now, caballeros, give me each your name, that I may find you when I -need you." - -He sat down and began enrolling the adventurers, who, with the men Red -Cedar supplied, would form the band with which he hoped to reach the -placer. We will leave the worthy monk for a few moments, and follow the -two Canadian hunters. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE TWO HUNTERS. - - -Harry and Dick, whom we saw seated at a table in the meson with Red -Cedar and Fray Ambrosio, were however, very far from resembling those -two men morally. They were free and bold hunters, who had spent the -greater part of their life in the desert, and who, in the vast solitude -of the prairie, had accustomed themselves to a life free and exempt from -those vices which accompany a town residence. - -For them gold was only the means to procure the necessary objects for -their trade as hunters and trappers; and they never imagined that the -possession of a large quantity of that yellow metal they despised would -place them in a position to enjoy other pleasures than those they found -in their long hunts of wild beasts--hunts so full of strange incidents -and striking joys. - -Thus Dick had been to the highest degree surprised when he saw his -friend eagerly accept the monk's offer, and agree to go in search of the -placer; but what even more surprised him was Harry's insisting that Red -Cedar must take the lead of the expedition. Though no one could -positively accuse the squatter, owing to the precautions he took, of -leading a life of rapine and murder, still the mysterious conduct he -affected, and the solitude in which he lived with his family, had cast -on him a shadow of reprobation. - -Every one regarded him as a scalp hunter, and yet no one would have -ventured to affirm the odious deeds of which he was accused. The result -of the general reprobation that fell on the squatter, and which we know -to be fully merited, was that he and his family were placed under a ban -by the frontier hunters and trappers, and every one fled not only their -society, but any contact with them. Dick was thoroughly acquainted with -his friend's upright character and nobility of heart. Hence his conduct -under the present circumstances seemed to him perfectly -incomprehensible, and he resolved to have an explanation with him. - -They had scarce quitted the meson ere Dick bent down to his companion, -and said, while looking at him curiously,-- - -"We have been hunting together for five years, Harry, and up to the -present I have ever let myself be guided by you, leaving you free to act -as you pleased for our mutual welfare. Still this evening your conduct -has appeared to me so extraordinary that I am obliged, in the name of -our friendship, which has never suffered a break up to this day, to ask -you for an explanation of what has occurred in my presence." - -"For what good, my boy? Do you not know me well enough to be certain -that I would not consent to do any dishonourable deed?" - -"Up to this evening I would have sworn it, Harry: yes, on my honor I -would have sworn it--" - -"And now?" the young man asked, stopping and looking his friend in the -face. - -"Now," Dick answered, with a certain degree of hesitation, "hang it all! -I will be frank with you, Harry, as an honest hunter should ever be. Now -I do not know if I should do so: no, indeed I should not." - -"What you say there causes me great pain, Dick. You oblige me, in order -to dissipate your unjust suspicions, to confide to you a secret which is -not my own, and which I would not have revealed for anything in the -world." - -"Pardon me, Harry, but in my place I am convinced you would act as I am -doing. We are very far from our country, which we shall never see again, -perhaps. We are responsible for each other, and our actions must be free -from all double interpretation." - -"I will do what you ask, Dick, whatever it may cost me. I recognise the -justice of your observations. I understand how much my conduct this -night must have hurt you and appeared ambiguous. I do not wish our -friendship to receive the least wound, or the slightest cloud to arise -between us. You shall be satisfied." - -"I thank you, Harry. What you tell me relieves my bosom of a heavy load. -I confess that I should have been in despair to think badly of you; but -the words of that intriguing monk, and the manners of that worthy -acolyte, Red Cedar, put me in a passion. Had you not warned me so -quickly to silence, I believe--Heaven pardon me!--that I should have -ended by telling them a piece of my mind." - -"You displayed considerable prudence in keeping silence, and be assured -you will completely approve me." - -"I do not doubt it, Harry; and now I feel certain I deceived myself. I -feel all jolly again." - -While speaking thus the two hunters, who were walking with that rapid -step peculiar to men habituated to traverse great distances on foot, had -crossed the village, and found themselves already far in the plain. The -night was magnificent--the sky of a deep blue. An infinite number of -glistening stars seemed floating in ether. The moon spread its silvery -rays profusely over the landscape. The sharp odour of the flowers -perfumed the atmosphere. The two hunters still walked on. - -"Where are we going now, Harry?" Dick asked. "I fancy we should do -better by taking a few hours' rest, instead of fatiguing ourselves -without any definite object." - -"I never do anything without a reason, friend, as you know," Harry -answered; "so let me guide you, and we shall soon arrive." - -"Do as you think proper, my boy; I shall say nothing." - -"In the first place you must know that the French hunter, Koutonepi, has -begged me, for reasons he did not tell me, to watch Fray Ambrosio. That -is one of the motives which made me be present at this night's -interview, although I care as little for a placer as for a musk-rat's -skin." - -"Koutonepi is the first hunter on the frontier; he has often done us a -service in the desert. You acted rightly, Harry, in doing what he -asked." - -"As for the second reason that dictated my conduct, Dick, you shall soon -know it." - -Half talking, half dreaming, the young men reached Buffalo Valley, and -soon entered the forest which served as a lair for the squatter and his -family. - -"Where the deuce are we going?" Dick could not refrain from saying. - -"Silence!" said the other: "We are approaching." - -The darkness was profound in the forest: the density of the leafy dome -under which they walked completely intercepted the light of the -moonbeams. Still the Canadians, long accustomed to a night march, -advanced as easily through the chaos of creepers and trees tangled in -each other as if they had been in open day. On reaching a certain spot -where the trees, growing less closely together, formed a species of -clearing, and allowed an uncertain and tremorous light to pass, Harry -stopped, and made his comrade a sign to do the same. - -"This is the place," he said. "Still, I as the person I have come to see -expects me to be alone, and your unexpected presence might cause alarm, -hide yourself behind that larch tree: above all, be careful not to stir -till I call I you." - -"Oh, oh!" the hunter said, with a laugh, "have you perchance led me to a -love meeting, Harry?" - -"You shall judge," Harry replied laconically. "Hide yourself." - -Dick, greatly troubled, did not need the invitation to be repeated: he -concealed himself behind the tree his friend had indicated, and which -would have sheltered a dozen men behind its enormous stem. So soon as -Harry was alone, he raised his fingers to his lips, and at three -different intervals imitated the cry of an owl with such perfection that -Dick himself was deceived, and mechanically looked up to seek the bird -in the tall branches of the tree by which he stood. Almost immediately, -a slight noise was audible in the shrubs, and a graceful and white form -appeared in the glade. It was Ellen, who rapidly walked toward the young -man. - -"Oh, it is you, Harry!" she said with joy. "Heaven be blessed, I was -afraid you would not come, as it is late." - -"It is true, Ellen: pardon me. I made all possible speed, however; and -it is not my fault that I did not arrive sooner." - -"How good you are, Harry, to take so much trouble for my sake! How can I -ever recognise the continual services you do me?" - -"Oh! Do not speak about them. It is a happiness for me to do anything -agreeable to you." - -"Alas!" the maiden murmured, "Heaven is my witness that I feel a deep -friendship for you, Harry." - -The young man sighed gently. - -"I have done what you asked of me," he said suddenly. - -"Then it is true my father is thinking about leaving this country to go -further still?" - -"Yes, Ellen, and into frightful countries, among the ferocious Indians." - -The girl gave a start of terror. - -"Do you know the reason of his going?" she continued. - -"Yes; he is about to look for a gold placer." - -"Alas! Who will protect me, who will defend me in future, if we go -away?" - -"I, Ellen!" the hunter exclaimed impetuously. "Have I not sworn to -follow you everywhere?" - -"It is true," she said sadly; "but why should you risk your life on the -distant journey we are about to undertake? No, Harry, remain here; I -cannot consent to your departure. From what I have heard say, the band -my father commands will be numerous--it will have scarce anything to -fear from the Indians; while, on the other hand, you, compelled to hide -yourself, will be exposed alone to terrible danger. No, Harry, I will -not permit it." - -"Undeceive yourself, Ellen. I shall not be forced to conceal myself; I -shall not be alone, for I am a member of your father's band." - -"Is it possible, Harry?" she exclaimed, with an expression of joy that -made the young man quiver. - -"I enrolled myself this very evening." - -"Oh!" she said, "Then in that case we can often meet?" - -"Whenever you please, Ellen, as I shall be there." - -"Oh! Now I am anxious to be away from here, and wish we had already -started." - -"It will not be long first, set your mind at rest. I am convinced that -we shall start within the week." - -"Thanks for the good news you bring me, Harry." - -"Are your father and mother still unkind to you, Ellen?" - -"It is nearly always the same thing; and yet their conduct toward me is -strange. It often seems to me incomprehensible, as it is so marked with -peculiarities. There are moments in which they seem to love me dearly. -My father especially caresses and embraces me, and then all at once, I -know not why, repulses me rudely, and looks at me in a way that causes -me to shudder." - -"That is indeed strange, Ellen." - -"Is it not? There is one thing above all I cannot explain." - -"Tell it me, Ellen; perhaps I can do so." - -"You know that all my family are Protestants?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, I am a Catholic." - -"That is certainly curious." - -"I wear around my neck a small golden crucifix. Every time accident -makes this trinket glisten before my father and mother they grow -furious, threaten to beat me, and order me to hide it at once. Do you -understand the meaning of this, Harry?" - -"No, I do not, Ellen; but, believe me, leave everything to time; perhaps -it will enable us to find the clue to the mystery which we seek in vain -at this moment." - -"Well, your presence has rendered me happy for a long time, Harry, so -now I will retire." - -"Already?" - -"I must, my friend. Believe me that I am as sad as yourself at this -separation; but my father has not yet returned, and may arrive at any -moment. If he noticed that I was not asleep, who knows what might -happen?" - -While saying the last words the girl held out her delicate hand to the -hunter, who raised it to his lips passionately. Ellen withdrew it -suddenly, and bounding like a startled fawn, darted into the forest, -where she soon disappeared, giving the young man a parting word, which -caused him to quiver with joy:-- - -"We shall meet soon." - -Harry stood for a long time with his eyes fixed on the spot where the -seductive vision had disappeared. At length he uttered a sigh, threw his -rifle over his shoulder, and turned as if to depart. Dick was before -him. Harry gave a start of surprise, for he had forgotten his friend's -presence; but the latter smiled good-humouredly. - -"I now comprehend your conduct, Harry," he said to him; "you were right -to act as you did. Pardon my unjust suspicions, and count on me -everywhere and always." - -Harry silently pressed the hand his friend offered him, and they walked -back rapidly in the direction of the village. As they emerged from the -forest they passed, a man who did not see them. It was Red Cedar. So -soon as he had gone a short distance Harry stopped his companion, and -pointing to the squatter, whose long black shadow glided through the -trees, said, as he laid his hand on his shoulder,-- - -"That man hides in his heart a horrible secret, which I am ignorant of, -but have sworn to discover." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -FRAY AMBROSIO. - - -The monk remained for a long time in the room of the meson, taking down -the names of the adventurers he wished to enrol in his band. It was late -when he left it to return to the Hacienda de la Noria; but he was -satisfied with his night's work, and internally rejoiced at the rich -collection of bandits of the purest water he had recruited. - -The monks form a privileged caste in Mexico: they can go at all hours of -the night wherever they please without fearing the numerous "gentlemen -of the road," scattered about the highways. Their gown inspires a -respect which guarantees them from any insult, and preserves them better -than anything from unpleasant rencontres. Besides, Fray Ambrosio, as the -reader has doubtless already perceived, was not the man to neglect -indispensable precautions in a country where, out of ten persons you -meet on your road, you may boldly assert that nine are rogues, the tenth -alone offering any doubts. The worthy chaplain carried under his gown a -pair of double-barrelled pistols, and in his right sleeve he concealed a -long _navaja_, sharp as a razor, and pointed as a needle. - -Not troubling himself about the solitude that reigned around him, the -monk mounted his mule and proceeded quietly to the hacienda. It was -about eleven o'clock. - -A few words about Fray Ambrosio, while he is peacefully ambling along -the narrow path which will lead him in two hours to his destination, -will show all the perversity of the man who is destined to play an -unfortunately too important part in the course of our narrative. - -One day a gambusino, or gold seeker, who had disappeared for two years, -no one knowing what had become of him, and who was supposed to be dead -long ago, assassinated in the desert by the Indians, suddenly reappeared -at the Paso del Norte. This man, Joaquin by name, was brother to Andres -Garote, an adventurer of the worst stamp, who had at least a dozen -_cuchilladas_ (knife stabs) on his conscience, whom everybody feared, -but who, through the terror he inspired, enjoyed at the Paso, in spite -of his well-avouched crimes, a reputation and species of impunity which -he abused whenever the opportunity offered. - -The two brothers began frequenting together the mesones and ventas of -the village, drinking from morn till night, and paying either in gold -dust enclosed in stout quills, or in lumps of native gold. The rumour -soon spread at Paso that Joaquin had discovered a rich placer, and that -his expenses were paid with the specimens he had brought back. The -gambusino replied neither yes nor no to the several insinuations which -his friends, or rather his boon companions, attempted on him. He -twinkled his eyes, smiled mysteriously, and if it were observed that, at -the rate he was living at, he would soon be ruined, he shrugged his -shoulders, saying:-- - -"When I have none left I know where to find others." - -And he continued to enjoy his fill of all the pleasures which a wretched -hole like Paso can furnish. - -Fray Ambrosio had heard speak, like everyone else, of the gambusino's -asserted discovery; and his plan was at once formed to become master of -this man's secret, and rob him of his discovery, were that possible. - -The same evening Joaquin and his brother Andres were drinking, according -to their wont, in a meson, surrounded by a crowd of scamps like -themselves. Fray Ambrosio, seated at a table with his hands hidden in -the sleeves of his gown, and hanging head, appeared plunged in serious -reflections, although he followed with a cunning eye the various -movements of the drinkers, and not one of their gestures escaped him. - -Suddenly a man entered, with his hand on his hip, and throwing in the -face of the first person he passed the cigarette he was smoking. He -planted himself in front of Joaquin, to whom he said nothing, but began -looking at him impudently, shrugging his shoulders, and laughing -ironically at all the gambusino said. Joaquin was not patient, he saw at -the first glance that this person wished to pick a quarrel with him; and -as he was brave, and feared nobody, man or devil, he walked boldly up to -him, and looking at him fixedly in his turn, he said to him, as he -thrust his face in his: - -"Do you seek a quarrel, Tomaso?" - -"Why not?" the latter said impudently, as he set his glass on the table. - -"I am your man. We will fight how you please." - -"Bah!" Tomaso said carelessly, "let us do things properly, and fight -with the whole blade." - -"Be it so." - -The combats which take place between the adventurers are truly like -those of wild beasts. These coarse men, with their cruel instincts, like -fighting beyond all else, for the smell of blood intoxicates them. The -announcement of this duel caused a thrill of pleasure to run through the -ranks of the leperos and bandits who pressed round the two men. The fun -was perfect: one of the adversaries would doubtless fall--perhaps -both--and blood flow in streams. Cries and yells of delight were raised -by the spectators. - -The duel with knives is the only one that exists in Mexico, and is -solely left to the leperos and people of the lowest classes. This duel -has its rules, which cannot be broken under any pretext. The knives -usually employed, have blades from fourteen to sixteen inches in length, -and the duelists fight according to the gravity of the insult, with one, -two, three, six inches, or the entire blade. The inches are carefully -measured and the hand clutches the knife at the marked spot. - -This time it was a duel with the whole blade, the most terrible of all. -With extraordinary politeness and coolness the landlord had a large ring -formed in the middle of the room, where the two adversaries stationed -themselves, about six paces from each other at the most. - -A deep silence hung over the room, a moment previously so full of life -and disturbance; every one anxiously awaited the _denouement_ of the -terrible drama that was preparing. Fray Ambrosio alone had not quitted -his seat or made a sign. - -The two men rolled their zarapes round their left arm, planted -themselves firmly on their outstretched legs, bent their bodies slightly -forward and gently placing the point of the knife blade on the arm -rounded in front of the chest, they waited, fixed on each other flashing -glances. A few seconds elapsed, during which the adversaries remained -perfectly motionless: all hearts were contracted, all bosoms heaving. - -Worthy of Callot's pencil was the scene offered by these men, with their -weather-stained faces and harsh features, and their clothes in rags, -forming a circle round two combatants ready to kill each other in this -mean room, slightly illumined by a smoky lamp, which flashed upon the -blue blades of the knives, and in the shadow, almost disappearing in his -black gown, the monk, with his implacable glance and mocking smile, who, -like a tiger thirsting for blood, awaited the hour to pounce on his -prey. - -Suddenly, by a spontaneous movement rapid as lightning, the adversaries -rushed on each other, uttering a yell of fury. The blades flashed, there -was a clashing of steel, and both fell back again. Joaquin and Tomaso -had both dealt the same stroke, called, in the slang of the country, the -"blow of the brave man." Each had his face slashed from top to bottom -with a gaping wound. - -The spectators frenziedly applauded this magnificent opening scene: the -jaguars had scented blood, and were mad. - -"What a glorious fight!" they exclaimed with admiration. - -In the meanwhile the two combatants, rendered hideous by the blood that -streamed from their wounds and stained their faces, were again watching -for the moment to leap on one another. Suddenly they broke ground; but -this time it was no skirmish, but the real fight, atrocious and -merciless. The two men seized each other round the waist, and entwined -like serpents, they twisted about, trying to stab each other, and -exciting themselves to the struggle by cries of rage and triumph. The -enthusiasm of the spectators was at its height: they laughed, clapped -hands, and uttered inarticulate howls as they urged the fighters not to -loose their hold. - -At length the enemies rolled on the ground still enclasped. For some -seconds the combat continued on the ground, and it was impossible to -distinguish who was the conqueror. All at once one of them, who no -longer had a human form, and whose body was as red as an Indian's, -bounded to his feet brandishing his knife. It was Joaquin. - -His brother rushed toward him to congratulate him on his victory, but -all at once the gambusino tottered and fainted. Tomaso did not rise -again: he remained motionless, stretched out on the uneven floor of the -meson. He was stark dead. - -This scene had been so rapid, its conclusion so unforeseen, that, in -spite of themselves, the spectators had remained dumb, and as if struck -with stupor. Suddenly the priest, whom all had forgotten, rose and -walked into the centre of the room, looking round with a glance that -caused all to let their eyes fall. - -"Retire, all of you," he said in a gloomy voice, "now that you have -allowed this deed worthy of savages to be accomplished. The priest must -offer his ministry, and get back from Satan, if there be still time, the -soul of this Christian who is about to die. Begone!" - -The adventurers hung their heads, and in a few moments the priest was -left alone with the two men, one of whom was dead, the other at the last -gasp. No one could say what occurred in that room; but when the priest -left it, a quarter of an hour later, his eyes flashed wildly. Joaquin -had given his parting sigh. On opening the door to go out Fray Ambrosio -jostled against a man, who drew back sharply to make room for him. It -was Andres Garote. What was he doing with his eye at the keyhole while -the monk was shriving his brother? - -The adventurer told no one what he had seen during this last quarter of -an hour, nor did the monk notice in the shade the man he had almost -thrown down. - -Such was the way in which Fray Ambrosio became master of the gambusino's -secret, and how he alone knew at present the spot where the placer was. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -TWO VARIETIES OF VILLAINS. - - -Now that the reader is well informed touching Fray Ambrosio, we will -follow him on his road home from the meson. The night was calm, silent -and serene. Not a sound troubled the silence, save the trot of the mule -over the pebbles on the road, or at times, in the distance, the snapping -bark of the coyotes chasing in a pack, according to their wont, some -straggling hind. - -Fray Ambrosio ambled gently on, while reflecting on the events of the -evening, and calculating mentally the probable profits of the expedition -he meditated. He had left far behind him the last houses of the village, -and was advancing cautiously along a narrow path that wound through an -immense sugar cane field. Already the shadow of the tall hacienda walls -stood out blackly in the horizon. He expected to reach it within twenty -minutes, when suddenly his mule, which had hitherto gone so quietly, -pricked up its ears, raised its head, and stopped short. - -Roughly aroused from his meditations by this unexpected halt, the monk -looked about for some obstacle that might impede his progress. About ten -paces from him a man was standing right in the middle of the path. Fray -Ambrosio was a man not easily to be frightened: besides, he was well -armed. He drew out one of the pistols hidden under his gown, cocked it, -and prepared to cross-question the person who so resolutely barred his -way. But the latter, at the sharp sound of the setting hammer, thought -it prudent to make himself known, and not await the consequences of an -address nearly always stormy under similar circumstances. - -"Halloh!" he shouted in a loud voice, "Return your pistol to your belt, -Fray Ambrosio; I only want to talk with you." - -"_Diavolo_!" the monk said, "the hour and moment are singularly chosen -for a friendly conversation, my good fellow." - -"Time belongs to nobody," the stranger answered sententiously. "I am -obliged to choose that which I have at my disposal." - -"That is true," the monk said as he quietly uncocked his pistol, though -not returning it to his belt. "Who the deuce are you, and why are you so -anxious to speak with me? Do you want to confess? - -"Have you not recognised me yet, Fray Ambrosio? Must I tell you my name -that you may know with whom you have to deal?" - -"Needless, my good sir, needless; but how the deuce is it, Red Cedar, -that I meet you here! What can you have so pressing to communicate to -me?" - -"You shall know if you will stop for a few moments and dismount." - -"The deuce take you with your whims! Cannot you tell me that as well -tomorrow! Night is getting on, my home is still some distance off and I -am literally worn out." - -"Bah! you will sleep capitally by the side of a ditch, where you could -not be more comfortable. Besides, what I have to say to you does not -admit of delay." - -"You wish to make a proposal to me, then?" - -"Yes." - -"What about, if you please?" - -"About the affair we discussed this evening at the Paso." - -"Why, I fancied we had settled all that, and you accepted my offer." - -"Not yet, not yet, my master. That will depend on the conversation we -are about to have, so you had better dismount and sit down quietly by my -side; for if you don't do it, it will come to nothing." - -"The deuce take people that change their minds every minute, and on whom -one cannot reckon more than on an old surplice!" the monk growled with -an air of annoyance, while, for all that, getting off his mule, which he -fastened to a shrub. - -The squatter did not seem to remark the chaplain's ill temper, and let -him sit down by his side without uttering a syllable. - -"Here I am," the monk went on, so soon as he was seated. "I really do -not know, Red Cedar, why I yield so easily to all your whims." - -"Because you suspect that your interest depends on it: were it not for -that, you would not do so." - -"Why talk thus in the open country, instead of going to your house, -where we should be much more comfortable?" - -Red Cedar shook his head in denial. - -"No," he said; "the open is better for what we have to talk about. Here -we need not fear listeners at out doors." - -"That is true. Well, go on; I am listening." - -"Hum! You insist upon my commanding the expedition you project?" - -"Of course. I have known you a long time. I am aware that you are a sure -man, perfectly versed in Indian signs; for, if I am not mistaken, the -greater part of your life has been spent among them." - -"Do not speak about what I have done? The question now concerns you, and -not me." - -"How so?" - -"Good, good! Let me speak. You need me, so it is to my interest to make -you pay as dearly as I can for me." - -"Eh?" the monk muttered, as he made a grimace. "I am not rich, gossip, -as you are aware." - -"Yes, yes; I know that, so soon as you have a few piastres or ounces, -the monte table strips you of them immediately." - -"Hang it! I have always been unlucky at play." - -"For that reason I do not intend asking you for money." - -"Very good. If you have no designs on my purse we can easily come to an -understanding. You may speak boldly." - -"I hope that we shall easily understand one another, the mere so as the -service I expect from you is almost a mere nothing." - -"Come to the point, Red Cedar: with your deuced way of twining your -phrases together in the Indian way, you never make an end of it." - -"You know that I have a deadly hatred against Don Miguel Zarate?" - -"I have heard some say about it. Did he not lodge his knife somewhere in -your chest?" - -"Yes, and the blow was so rude that I all but died of it; but, thanks to -the devil, I am on my legs again, after remaining three weeks on my back -like a cast sheep. I want my revenge." - -"I can't help saying you are right: in your place, may Satan twist my -neck if I would not do the same!" - -"For that I count on your help." - -"Hum! that is a delicate affair. I have no cause of complaint against -Don Miguel--on the contrary: besides, I do not see how I can serve you." - -"Oh! very easily." - -"You believe so?" - -"You shall see." - -"Go on, then; I am listening." - -"Don Miguel has a daughter?" - -"Dona Clara." - -"I mean to carry her off." - -"Deuce take the mad ideas that pass through your brain-pan, gossip! How -would you have me help you in carrying off the daughter of Don Miguel, -to whom I owe so many obligations? No, I cannot do that, indeed." - -"You must, though." - -"I will not, I tell you." - -"Measure your words well, Fray Ambrosio, for this conversation is -serious. Before refusing so peremptorily to give me the help I ask, -reflect well." - -"I have reflected well, Red Cedar, and never will I consent to help you -in carrying off the daughter of my benefactor. Say what you like, -nothing will ever change my resolution on that head, for it is -inflexible." - -"Perhaps." - -"Oh! Whatever may happen, I swear that nothing will make me alter." - -"Swear not, Fray Ambrosio, for you will be a perjurer." - -"Ta, ta, ta! You are mad, my good fellow. Don't let us waste our time. -If you have nothing else to say to me, I will leave you, though I take -such pleasure in your society." - -"You have become scrupulous all of a sudden, my master." - -"There is a beginning to everything, compadre; so let us say no more, -but good-bye." - -And the monk rose. - -"You are really going?" - -"_Caray_! Do you fancy I mean to sleep here?" - -"Very good. You understand that you need not count on me for your -expedition?" - -"I am sorry for it; but I will try to find someone to take your place." - -"Thank you." - -The two men were standing, and the monk had put his foot in the stirrup. -Red Cedar also appeared ready to make a start. At the moment of -separation a sudden idea seemed to occur to the squatter. - -"By the way," he said carelessly, "be kind enough to give me some -information I require." - -"What is it now?" the monk asked. - -"Oh! a mere trifle," the squatter remarked indifferently. "It concerns a -certain Don Pedro de Tudela, whom I think you formerly knew." - -"Eh!?" the monk exclaimed, as he turned, with his leg still in the air. - -"Come, come, Fray Ambrosio," Red Cedar continued in a jeering voice, -"let us have a little more talk together. I will tell you, if you like, -a very remarkable story about this Don Pedro, with whom you were -acquainted." - -The monk was livid; a nervous tremor agitated all his limbs; he let -loose his mule's bridle, and followed the squatter mechanically, who -seated himself tranquilly on the ground, making him a sign to follow his -example. The monk fell, suppressing a sigh, and wiping away the drops of -cold perspiration that beaded on his forehead. - -"Eh, eh!" the squatter continued at the end of a moment, "we must allow -that Don Pedro was a charming gentleman--a little wild, perhaps; but -what would you have? He was young. I remember meeting him at Albany a -long time ago--some sixteen or seventeen years ago--how old one -gets!--at the house of one--wait awhile, the name has slipped my -memory--could you not help me to it, Fray Ambrosio?" - -"I do not know what you mean," the monk said in a hollow voice. - -The man was in a state that would have produced pity; the veins in his -forehead were swollen ready to burst; he was choking; his right hand -clutched the hilt of his dagger; and he bent on the squatter a glance -full of deadly hatred. The latter seemed to see nothing of all this. - -"I have it!" he continued. "The man's name was Walter Brunnel, a very -worthy gentleman." - -"Demon!" the monk howled in a gasping voice, "I know not who made you -master of that horrible secret, but you shall die." - -And he rushed upon him, dagger in hand. - -Red Cedar had known Fray Ambrosio a long time, and was on his guard. By -a rapid movement he checked his arm, twisted it, and seized the dagger, -which he threw a long distance off. - -"Enough," he said in a harsh voice. "We understand one another, my -master. Do not play that game with me, for you will be sick of it, I -warn you." - -The monk fell back on his seat, without the strength to make a sign or -utter a syllable. The squatter regarded him for a moment with mingled -pity and contempt and shrugged his shoulders. - -"For sixteen years I have held that secret," he said, "and it has never -passed my lips. I will continue to keep silence on one condition." - -"What is it?" - -"I want you to help me in carrying off the hacendero's daughter." - -"I will do it." - -"Mind, I expect honest assistance; so do not attempt any treachery." - -"I will help you, I tell you." - -"Good! I count on your word. Besides you may be easy, master; I will -watch you." - -"Enough of threats. What is to be done?" - -"When do we start for Apacheria?" - -"You are coming, then?" - -"Of course." - -A sinister smile played round the monk's pale lips. - -"We shall start in a week," he said. - -"Good! On the day of the start you will hand over the girl to me, one -hour before our departure." - -"What shall I do to compel her to follow me?" - -"That is not my business." - -"Still--" - -"I insist." - -"Be it so," the monk said with an effort. "I will do it; but remember, -demon, if I ever hold you in my hands, as I am this day in yours, I -shall be pitiless and make you pay for all I suffer at this moment." - -"You will be right to do so--it is your due; still I doubt whether you -will ever be able to reach me." - -"Perhaps." - -"Live and learn. In the meanwhile I am your master, and I reckon on your -obedience." - -"I will obey." - -"That is settled. Now, one thing more; how many men have you enlisted -this evening?" - -"About twenty." - -"That's not many; but, with the sixty I shall supply, we shall have a -very decent band to hold the Indians in check." - -"May Heaven grant it!" - -"Don't be alarmed, my master," the squatter said, re-assuming the -friendly tone which he employed at the outset of the conversation; "I -pledge myself, to lead you straight to your placer. I have not lived ten -years with the Indians not to be up to all their tricks." - -"Of course," the monk answered as he rose, "You know, Red Cedar, what -was agreed upon; the placer will be shared between us. It is, therefore, -to your interest to enable us to reach it without obstacle." - -"We shall reach it. Now that we have nothing more to say to each other -and have agreed on all points--for we have done so, I think?" he said -significantly. - -"Yes, all." - -"We can part, and go each home. No matter, my master! I told you that I -should succeed in making you alter your mind. Look you, Fray Ambrosio," -he added in impudent tone, which made the monk turn pale with rage; -"people need only to understand one another to do anything." - -He rose, threw his rifle over his shoulder, and turning away sharply, -went off with lengthened strides. The monk remained for a moment as if -stunned by what had happened. Suddenly he thrust his hand under his -gown, seized a pistol, and aimed at the squatter. But ere he had time to -pull the trigger his enemy disappeared round a turning, uttering a -formidable burst of laughter, which the mocking echo bore to his ear, -and revealed to him all the immensity of his impotence. - -"Oh!" he muttered as he got in the saddle, "How did this fiend discover -the secret which I believed no one knew?" - -And he went off gloomy and thoughtful. Half an hour later he reached the -Hacienda de la Noria, when the gate was opened for him by a trusty peon, -for everybody was asleep. It was past midnight. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -EL CANYON DEL BUITRE. - - -We will now return to the hacendero, who, accompanied by his two -friends, is galloping at full speed in the direction of Valentine's -jacal. The road the three men followed led them further and further from -the Paso del Norte. Around them nature grew more abrupt, the scenery -sterner. They had left the forest, and were galloping over a wide and -arid plain. On each side of the way the trees, becoming rarer, defiled -like a legion of phantoms. They crossed several tributary streams of the -Del Norte, in which their horses were immersed up to the chest. - -At length they entered a ravine deeply imbedded between two wooded -hills, the soil of which, composed of large flat stones and rounded -pebbles, proved that this spot was one of those _desaguaderos_ which -serve to carry off the waters in the rainy season. They had reached the -Canyon del Buitre, so named on account of the numerous vultures -constantly perched on the tops of the surrounding hills. - -The defile was deserted, and Valentine had his cabin not far from this -spot. So soon as the three men had dismounted, Curumilla took the horses -and led them to the jacal. - -"Follow me," Valentine said to Don Miguel. - -The latter obeyed, and the two men began then climbing the escarped -flanks of the right hand hill. The climb was rude, for no road was -traced; but the two hunters, long accustomed to force a passage through -the most impracticable places, seemed hardly to perceive the difficulty -of the ascent, which would have been impossible for men less used to a -desert life. - -"This spot is really delicious," Valentine said with the complacent -simplicity of a landowner who boasts of his estate. "If it were day, Don -Miguel, you would enjoy from this spot a magnificent view. A few hundred -yards from the place where we are, down there on that hill to the right, -are the ruins of an ancient Aztec camp in a very fine state of -preservation. Just imagine that this hill, carved by human hands, though -you cannot see it in the darkness, is of the shape of a pyramidal cone: -its base is triangular, the sides are covered with masonry, and it is -divided into several terraces. The platform is about ninety yards long -by seventy-five in width, and is surrounded on three sides by a -platform, and flanked by a bastion on the north. You see that it is a -perfect fortress, constructed according to all the rules of military -art. On the platform are the remains of a species of small teocali, -about twenty feet high, composed of large stones covered with -hieroglyphics sculptured in relief, representing weapons, monsters, -rabbits, crocodiles, and all sorts of things; for instance, men seated -in the oriental fashion, and wearing spectacles. Is not that really -curious? This little monument, which has no staircase, doubtless served -as the last refuge to the besieged when they were too closely -beleaguered by the enemy." - -"It is astonishing," Don Miguel answered, "that I never heard of these -ruins." - -"Who knows them? Nobody. However, they bear a considerable likeness to -those found at Jochicalco." - -"Where are you leading me, my friend? Are you aware that the road is not -one of the pleasantest, and I am beginning to feel tired?" - -"A little patience: in ten minutes we shall arrive. I am leading you to -a natural grotto which I discovered a short time back. It is admirable. -It is probable that the Spaniards were unacquainted with it, although -the Indians, to my knowledge, have visited it from time immemorial. The -Apaches imagine it serves as a palace to the genius of the mountain. At -any rate, I was so struck by its beauty that I abandoned my jacal, and -converted it into my residence. Its extent is immense. I am certain, -though I never tried to convince myself, that it goes for more than ten -leagues under ground. I will not allude to the stalactites that hang -from the roof, and form the quaintest and most curious designs; but the -thing that struck me is this: this grotto is divided into an infinite -number of chambers, some of them containing pools in which swim immense -numbers of blind fish." - -"Blind fish! You are jesting, my friend," Don Miguel exclaimed, and -stopped. - -"I am wrong: blind is not the word I should have employed, for these -fish have no eyes." - -"What! No eyes?" - -"None at all; but that does not prevent them being very dainty food." - -"That is strange." - -"Is it not? But stay--we have arrived." - -In fact, they found themselves in front of a gloomy, gaping orifice, -about ten feet high by eight wide. - -"Let me do the honours of my mansion," Valentine said. - -"Do so, my friend." - -The two men entered the grotto: the hunter struck a match, and lit a -torch of candlewood. The fairy picture which suddenly rose before Don -Miguel drew from him a cry of admiration. There was an indescribable -confusion: here a gothic chapel, with its graceful soaring pillars; -further on, obelisks, cones, trunks of trees covered with moss and -acanthus leaves, hollow stalactites of a cylindrical form, drawn -together and ranged side by side like the pipes of an organ, and -yielding to the slightest touch varied metallic sounds which completed -the illusion. Then, in the immeasurable depths of these cavernous halls, -at times formidable sounds arose, which, returned by the echoes, rolled -along the sides of the grotto like peals of thunder. - -"Oh, it is grand, it is grand!" Don Miguel exclaimed, struck with fear -and respect at the sight. - -"Does not man," Valentine answered, "feel very small and miserable -before these sublime creations of nature, which God has scattered here -as if in sport? Oh, my friend! It is only in the desert that we -understand the grandeur and infinite omnipotence of the Supreme Being; -for at every step man finds himself face to face with Him who placed him -on this earth, and traces the mark of His mighty finger engraved in an -indelible manner on everything that presents itself to his sight." - -"Yes," Don Miguel said, who had suddenly become thoughtful, "it is only -in the desert that a man learns to know, love, and fear God, for He is -everywhere." - -"Come," said Valentine. - -He led his friend to a hall of not more than twenty square feet, the -vault of which, however, was more than a hundred yards above them. In -this hall a fire was lighted. The two men sat down on the ground and -waited, while thinking deeply. After a few moments the sound of -footsteps was audible, and the Mexican quickly raised his head. -Valentine did not stir, for he had recognised his friend's tread. In -fact, within a moment the Indian chief appeared. - -"Well?" Valentine asked him. - -"Nothing yet," Curumilla laconically answered. - -"They are late, I fancy," Don Miguel observed. - -"No," the chief continued, "it is hardly half past eleven: we are before -our time." - -"But will they find us here?" - -"They know we shall await them in this hall." - -After these few words each fell back into his thoughts. The silence was -only troubled by the mysterious sounds of the grotto, which re-echoed -nearly at equal intervals with an horrific din. A long period elapsed. -All at once, ere any sensible noise had warned Don Miguel, Valentine -raised his head with a hurried movement. - -"Here they are," he said. - -"You are mistaken, my friend," Don Miguel observed; "I heard nothing." - -The hunter smiled. - -"If you had spent," he said, "like we have, ten years in the desert, -interrogating the mysterious voices of the night, your ear would be -habituated to the vague rumours and sighs of nature which have no meaning -to you at this moment, but which have all a significance for me, and, so -to speak, a voice every note of which I understand, and you would not -say I was mistaken. Ask the chief: you will hear his answer." - -"Two men are climbing the hill at this moment," Curumilla answered -sententiously. "They are an Indian and a white man." - -"How can you recognise the distinction?" - -"Very easily," Valentine responded with a smile. "The Indian wears -moccasins, which touch the ground without producing any other sound than -a species of friction: the step is sure and unhesitating, as taken by a -man accustomed to walk in the desert, and only put down his foot firmly: -the white man wears high-heeled boots, which at each step produce a -distinct and loud sound; the spurs fastened to his boots give out a -continuous metallic clink; the step is awkward and timid; at each moment -a stone or crumble of earth rolls away under the foot, which is only put -down hesitatingly. It is easy to see that the man thus walking is -accustomed to a horse, and does not know the use of his feet. Stay! They -are now entering the grotto: you will soon hear the signal." - -At this moment the bark of the coyote was raised thrice at equal -intervals. Valentine answered by a similar cry. - -"Well, was I mistaken?" he said. - -"I know not what to think, my friend. What astonishes me most is that -you heard them so long before they arrived." - -"The ground of this cave is an excellent conductor of sound," the hunter -answered simply: "that is all the mystery." - -"The devil!" Don Miguel could not refrain from saying; "You neglect -nothing, I fancy." - -"If a man wants to live in the desert he must neglect nothing: the -smallest things have their importance, and an observation carefully made -may often save a man's life." - -While these few words were being exchanged between the two friends the -noise of footsteps was heard drawing nearer and nearer. Two men -appeared: one was Eagle-wing, the Chief of the Coras; the second, -General Ibanez. - -The general was a man of about thirty-five, tall and well-built, with a -delicate and intelligent face. His manners were graceful and noble. He -bowed cordially to the hacendero and Valentine, squeezed Curumilla's -hand, and fell down in a sitting posture by the fire. - -"Ouf!" he said, "I am done, gentlemen. I have just ridden an awful -distance. My poor horse is foundered, and to recover myself I made an -ascent, during which I thought twenty times I must break down; and that -would have infallibly happened, had not friend Eagle-wing charitably -come to my aid. I must confess that these Indians climb like real cats: -we _gente de razon_[1] are worth nothing for that trade." - -"At length you have arrived, my friend," Don Miguel answered. "Heaven be -praised! I was anxious to see you." - -"For my part I confess that my impatience was equally lively, especially -since I learned the treachery of that scoundrelly Red Cedar. That humbug -of a Wood sent him to me with so warm a recommendation that, in spite of -all my prudence, I let myself be taken in, and nearly told him all our -secrets. Unfortunately, the little I did let him know is sufficient to -have us shot a hundred times like vulgar conspirators of no -consequence." - -"Do not feel alarmed, my friend. After what. Valentine told me today, we -have, perchance, a way of foiling the tricks of the infamous spy who has -denounced us." - -"May Heaven grant it! But nothing will remove my impression that Wood -has something to do with what has happened to us. I always doubted that -American, who is cold as an iceberg, sour as a glass of lemonade, and -methodical as a Quaker. What good is to be expected from these men, who -covet the possession of our territory, and who, unable to take it from -us at one lump, tear it away in parcels?" - -"Who knows, my friend? Perhaps you are right. Unfortunately, what is -done cannot be helped, and our retrospective recriminations will do us -no good." - -"That is true; but, as you know, man is the same everywhere. When he has -committed a folly he is happy to find a scapegoat on which he can lay -the iniquities with which he reproaches himself. That is slightly my -case at this moment." - -"Do not take more blame on yourself, my friend, than you deserve; I -guarantee your integrity and the loyalty of your sentiments. Whatever -may happen, be persuaded that I will always do you justice, and, if -needed, defend you against all." - -"Thanks, Don Miguel. What you say causes me pleasure and reconciles me -with myself. I needed the assurance you give me in order to regain some -slight courage, and not let myself be completely crushed by the -unforeseen blow which threatens to overthrow our hopes at the very -moment when we expected to find them realised." - -"Come, come, gentlemen," Valentine said, "the time is slipping away, and -we have none to waste. Let us seek to find the means by which to repair -the check we have suffered. If you permit me I will submit to your -approval a plan which, I believe, combines all the desirable chances of -success, and will turn in our favour the very treachery to which we have -fallen victims." - -"Speak, speak, my friend!" the two men exclaimed, as they prepared to -listen. - -Valentine took the word. - - -[1] Literally, "men of reason"--a graceful expression the whites employ -to distinguish themselves from the Indians, whom they affect to consider -brute beasts, and to whom they do not even grant a soul. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -FATHER SERAPHIN. - - -"Gentlemen," said Valentine, "this is what I propose. The treachery of -Red Cedar, in surrendering to the Government the secret of your -conspiracy, places you in a critical position, from which you cannot -escape save by violent measures. You are between life and death. You -have no alternative save victory or defeat. The powder is fired, the -ground is mined under your feet, and an explosion is imminent. Well, -then, pick up the glove treachery throws to you--accept frankly the -position offered you. Do not wait till you are attacked, but commence -the contest. Remember the vulgar adage, which is perfectly true in -politics, and specially in revolution--that 'the first blow is half the -battle.' Your enemies will be terrified by your boldness--dashed by this -uprising which they are far from expecting, especially now, when they -imagine they hold in their hands all the threads of the conspiracy--an -error which makes them put faith in the revelations of a common spy, and -will ruin them if you act with skill--above all, with promptitude. All -depends on the first blow. It must be terrible, and terrify them: if -not, you are lost." - -"All that is true; but we lack time," General Ibanez observed. - -"Time is never lacking when a man knows how to employ it properly," -Valentine answered peremptorily. "I repeat, you must be beforehand with -your adversaries." - -At this moment the sound of footsteps was heard under the vault of the -cave. The most extreme silence at once reigned in the chamber where the -five conspirators were assembled. Mechanically each sought his weapons. -The steps rapidly approached, and a man appeared in the entrance of the -hall. On seeing him all present uttered a cry of joy and rose -respectfully, repeating, "Father Seraphin!" - -The man advanced smiling, bowed gracefully, and answered in a gentle and -melodious voice, which went straight to the soul,-- - -"Take your places again, gentlemen, I beg of you. I should be truly -vexed if I caused you any disturbance. Permit me only to sit down for a -few moments by your side." - -They hastened to make room for him. Let us say in a few words who this -person was, whose unexpected arrival caused so much pleasure to the -people assembled in the grotto. - -Father Seraphin was a man of twenty-four at the most, although the -fatigues he supported, the harsh labours he had imposed on himself, and -which he fulfilled with more than apostolic abnegation, had left -numerous traces on his face, with its delicate features, its gentle and -firm expression, imprinted with a sublime melancholy, rendered even more -touching by the beam of ineffable goodness which escaped from his large, -blue and thoughtful eyes. His whole person, however, exhaled a perfume -of youth and health which disguised his age, as to which a superficial -observer might have been easily deceived. - -Father Seraphin was a Frenchman, and belonged to the order of the -Lazarists. For five years he had been traversing as an indefatigable -missionary, with no other weapon than his staff, the unexplored -solitudes of Texas and New Mexico, preaching the gospel to the Indians, -while caring nothing for the terrible privations and nameless sufferings -he incessantly endured, and the death constantly suspended over his -head. - -Father Seraphin was one of those numerous soldiers, ignored martyrs of -the army of faith, who, making a shield of the Gospel, spread at the -peril of their lives the word of God in those barbarous countries, and -die heroically, falling bravely on their battlefield, worn out by the -painful exigencies of their sublime mission, aged at thirty, but having -gained over a few souls to the truth, and shed light among the ignorant -masses. - -The abnegation and devotion of these modest men, yet so great in heart, -are too much despised in France, where however, the greater number of -these martyrs are recruited. Their sacrifices pass unnoticed; for, owing -to the false knowledge possessed of beyond-sea countries, people are far -from suspecting the continual struggles they have to sustain against a -deadly climate. And who would credit it? The most obstinate adversaries -they meet with in the accomplishment of their mission are not among the -Indians, who always nearly welcome them with respect, if not joy, but -among the men whom their labours benefit, and who ought to aid and -protect them with all their might. There is no vexation or humiliation -which they do not endure from the agents of Mexico and the American -Union, to try and disgust and compel them to abandon the arena in which -they combat so nobly. - -Father Seraphin had gained the friendship and respect of all those with -whom accident had brought him into contact. Charmed with meeting a -fellow countryman in the midst of those vast solitudes so distant from -that France he never hoped to see again, he had attached himself closely -to Valentine, to whom he vowed a deep and sincere affection. For the -same motives, the hunter, who admired the greatness of character of this -priest so full of true religion, felt himself drawn to him by an -irresistible liking. They had frequently taken long journeys together, -the hunter guiding his friend to the Indian tribes across the desolate -regions of Apacheria. - -So soon as Father Seraphin had taken his place near the fire, Eagle-wing -and Curumilla hastened to offer him all those slight services which they -fancied might be agreeable to him, and offered him a few lumps of roast -venison with maize tortillas. The missionary gladly gratified the two -chiefs, and accepted their offerings. - -"It is a long time since we saw you, father," the hacendero said. "You -neglect us. My daughter asked me about you only two days ago, for she is -anxious to see you." - -"Dona Clara is an angel who does not require me," the missionary replied -gently. "I have spent nearly two months with the Comanche tribe of the -Tortoise. Those poor Indians claim all my care. They are thirsting for -the Divine Word." - -"Are you satisfied with your journey?" - -"Sufficiently so, for these men are not such as they are represented to -us. Their instincts are noble, and, as their primitive nature is not -adulterated by contact with the vicious civilization that surrounds -them, they easily understood what is explained to them." - -"Do you reckon on staying long among us?" - -"Yes; this last journey has fatigued me extremely. My health is in a -deplorable state, and I absolutely need a few days' rest in order to -regain the requisite strength to continue my ministry." - -"Well, father, come with me to the hacienda; you will remain with us, -and make us all truly happy." - -"I am going to make that request to you, Don Miguel. I am delighted that -you have thus met my wishes. If I accept your obliging offer, it is -because I know I shall not incommode you." - -"On the contrary, we shall be delighted to have you among us." - -"Ah! I know the goodness of your heart." - -"Do not make me better than I am, father: there is a spice of egotism in -what I am doing." - -"How so?" - -"Hang it! By labouring at the education of the Indians you render an -immense service to the race I have the honor of belonging to; for I, -too, am an Indian." - -"That is true," the priest answered with a laugh. "Come, I absolve you -from the sin of egotism, in favour of the intention which makes you -commit it." - -"Father," Valentine then said, "is the game plentiful in the desert just -at present?" - -"Yes, there is a great deal: the buffaloes have come down from the -mountains in herds--the elks, the deer, and the antelopes swarm." - -Valentine rubbed his hands. - -"It will be a good season," he said. - -"Yes, for you. As for myself, I have no cause of complaint, for the -Indians have been most attentive to me." - -"All the better. I ever tremble when I know you are among those red -devils. I do not say that of the Comanches, who are warriors I esteem, -and have always displayed the sincerest affection for you; but I have a -terrible fear lest those villains of Apaches may play you a wicked trick -some fine day." - -"Why entertain such ideas, my friend?" - -"They are correct. You cannot imagine what treacherous and cruel cowards -those Apache thieves are. I know them, and carry their marks; but do not -frighten yourself. If ever they ventured on any extremities against you, -I know the road to their villages: there is not a nook in the desert -which I have not thoroughly explored. It is not for nothing I have -received the name of the 'Trail-hunter.' I swear to you I will not leave -them a scalp." - -"Valentine, you know I do not like to hear you speak so. The Indians are -poor ignorant men, who know not what they do, and must be pardoned for -the evil they commit." - -"All right--all right!" the hunter growled. "You have your ideas on that -score, and I mine." - -"Yes," the missionary replied with a smile, "but I believe mine be -better." - -"It is possible. You know I do not discuss that subject with you; for I -do not know how you do it, but you always succeed in proving to me that -I am wrong." - -Everybody laughed at this sally. - -"And what are the Indians doing at this moment?" Valentine continued. -"Are they still fighting?" - -"No; I succeeded in bringing Unicorn, the principal chief of the -Comanches, and Stanapat (the Handful of Blood), the Apache sachem, to an -interview, at which peace was sworn." - -"Hum!" Valentine said incredulously, "that peace will not last long, for -Unicorn has too many reasons to owe the Apaches a grudge." - -"Nothing leads to the supposition, at present, that your forebodings -will be speedily realised." - -"Why so?" - -"Because, when I left Unicorn, he was preparing for a grand buffalo -hunt, in which five hundred picked warriors were to take part." - -"Ah, ah! and where do you think the hunt will take place, father?" - -"I know for a certainty, because, when I left Unicorn, he begged me to -invite you to it, as he knew I should see you shortly." - -"I willingly accept, for a buffalo hunt always had great attractions for -me." - -"You will not have far to go to find Unicorn, for he is scarce ten -leagues from this place." - -"The hunt will take place, then, in the neighbourhood?" - -"The meeting-place is Yellowstone Plain." - -"I shall not fail to be there, father. Ah! I am delighted, more than you -can suppose, at the happy news you have brought me." - -"All the better, my friend. Now, gentlemen, I will ask you to excuse me; -for I feel so broken with fatigue that, with your permission, I will go -and take a few hours' rest." - -"I was a fool not to think of it before," Valentine exclaimed with -vexation as he struck his forehead. "Pardon me, father." - -"I thought for my brother," said Curumilla. "If my father will follow me -all is ready." - -The missionary thanked him with a smile and rose, bowed to all present, -and supported by Eagle-wing, he followed Curumilla into another chamber -of the grotto. Father Seraphin found a bed of dry leaves covered with -bear skins, and a fire so arranged as to burn all night. The two Indians -retired after bowing respectfully to the father, and assuring themselves -that he needed nothing more. - -After kneeling on the ground of the grotto Father Seraphin laid himself -on his bed of leaves, crossed his arms on his chest, and fell into that -childlike sleep which only the just enjoy. After his departure Valentine -bent over to his two friends. - -"All is saved," he said in a low voice. - -"How? Explain yourself," they eagerly answered. - -"Listen to me. You will spend the night here; at daybreak you will start -for the Hacienda de la Noria, accompanied by Father Seraphin." - -"Good! What next?" - -"General Ibanez will proceed, as from you, to the governor, and invite -him to a grand hunt of wild horses, to take place in three days." - -"I do not understand what you are driving at." - -"That is not necessary at this moment. Let me guide you; but, above all, -arrange it so that all the authorities of the town accept your -invitation and are present at the hunt." - -"That I take on myself." - -"Very good. You, general, will collect all the men you can, so that they -can support you on a given signal, but hide themselves so that no one -can suspect their presence." - -"Very good," Don Miguel answered; "all shall be done as you recommend. -But where will you be all this while?"' - -"You know very well," he answered with a smile of undefinable meaning. -"I shall be hunting the buffalo with my friend Unicorn, the great chief -of the Comanches." - -Hastily breaking off the interview, the hunter wrapped himself in his -buffalo robe, stretched himself before the fire, closed his eyes, and -slept, or feigned to sleep. After a few minutes' hesitation his friend -imitated his example, and the grotto became calm and silent as on the -day of the creation. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -UNICORN. - - -Before retiring to rest Father Seraphin, on the previous evening, had -whispered a couple of words in the Indians' ears. The sun had scarce -begun to rise a little above the extreme blue line of the horizon ere -the missionary opened his eyes, and after a short prayer hurried to the -hall in which his companions had remained. The four men were still -asleep, wrapped in their furs and buffalo skins. - -"Wake up, brothers," Father Seraphin said, "for day is appearing." - -The four men started up in an instant. - -"My brothers," the young missionary said in a gentle and penetrating -voice, "I thought that we ought, before separating, to thank God in -common: for the blessings He does not cease to vouchsafe to us--to -celebrate our happy meeting of last night. I have, therefore, resolved -to hold a mass, at which I shall be happy to see you with that purity of -heart which such a duty demands." - -At this proposition the four men exclaimed gladly their assent. - -"I will help you to prepare the altar, father," Valentine said; "the -idea is excellent." - -"The altar is all ready, my friends. Have the kindness to follow me." - -Father Seraphin then led them out of the grotto. - -In the centre of a small esplanade in front of the cave an altar had -been built by Eagle-wing and Curumilla on a grassy mound. It was very -simple. A copper crucifix planted in the centre of the mound, covered by -a cloth of dazzling whiteness; on either side of it two block-tin -candlesticks, in which burned candles of yellow tallow, a Bible on the -right, the pyx in the centre--that was all. - -The hunter and the two Mexicans knelt piously, and Father Seraphin -commenced offering the holy sacrifice, served devotedly by the two -Indian chiefs. - -It was a magnificent morning; thousands of birds, hidden beneath the -foliage, saluted the birth of day with their harmonious songs; a fickle -breeze poured through the branches, and refreshed the air; in the -distance, far as eye could extend, undulated the prairie, with its -oceans of tall grass incessantly agitated by the hurried foot falls of -the wild beasts returning to their dens; and on the naked side of this -hill, at the entrance of this grotto--one of the marvels of the New -World--a priest, simple as an apostle, was celebrating mass on a grass -altar under the eye of Heaven, served by two poor savages, and having as -sole congregation three half-civilised men. - -This spectacle, so simple primitive, had something about it imposing and -sublime, which inspired respect and summoned up dreams of ancient days, -when the persecuted church took refuse in the desert, to find itself -face to face with God. Hence the emotion experienced by the witnesses of -this religious act was sincere. A beam of happiness descended into their -souls, and it was with real effusion that they thanked the priest for -the pleasant surprise he had reserved for them. Father Seraphin was -delighted at the result he had attained. Seeing the truly profound faith -of his friends, he felt his courage heightened to continue the rude and -noble task he had imposed on himself. - -The mass lasted about three quarters of an hour. When it was finished -the missionary placed the poor holy vessels in the bag he constantly -carried with him, and they returned to the grotto for breakfast. An hour -later, Don Miguel, General Ibanez, and the missionary took leave of -Valentine, and mounted on their horses, which Curumilla had led to the -entrance of the ravine. They started at a gallop in the direction of the -Paso del Norte, whence they were about twenty leagues distant. Valentine -and the two Indian chiefs remained behind. - -"I am about to leave my brother," Eagle-wing said. - -"Why not remain with us, chief?" - -"My pale brother no longer requires Eagle-wing. The chief hears the -cries of the men and women of his tribe who were cowardly assassinated, -and demand vengeance." - -"Where goes my brother?" the hunter asked, who was too thoroughly -acquainted with the character of the Indians to try and change the -warrior's determination, though he was vexed at his departure. - -"The Coras dwell in villages on the banks of the Colorado. Eagle-wing is -returning to his friends. He will ask for warriors to avenge his -brothers who are dead." - -Valentine bowed. - -"May the Great Spirit protect my father!" he said. "The road is long to -the villages of his tribe. The chief is leaving friends who love him." - -"Eagle-wing knows it: he will remember," the chief said with a deep -intonation. - -And, after pressing the hands the two hunters held out to him, he -bounded on his horse, and soon disappeared in the windings of the -canyon. - -Valentine watched his departure with a sad and melancholy look. - -"Shall I ever see him again!" he murmured. "He is an Indian: he is -following his vengeance. It is his nature: he obeys it, and God will -judge him. Every man must obey his destiny." - -After this aside the hunter threw his rifle on his shoulder and started -in his turn, followed by Curumilla. Valentine and his comrade were on -foot: they preferred that mode of travelling, which seemed to them sure, -and quite as quick as on horseback. The two men, after the Indian -custom, walked one behind the other, not uttering a syllable; but toward -midday the heat became so insupportable that they were obliged to stop -to take a few moments' repose. At length the sunbeams lost their -strength, the evening breeze rose, and the hunters could resume their -journey. They soon reached the banks of the Rio Puerco (Dirty River), -which they began ascending, keeping as close as they could to the banks, -while following the tracks made since time immemorial by wild animals -coming down to drink. - -The man unacquainted with the splendid American scenery will have a -difficulty in imagining the imposing and savage majesty of the prairie -the hunters were traversing. The river, studded with islets covered with -cottonwood trees, flowed silent and rapid between banks of slight -elevation, and overgrown with grass so tall that it obeyed the impulse -of the wind from a long distance. Over the vast plain were scattered -innumerable hills, whose summits, nearly all of the same height, present -a flat surface; and for a greater distance northward the ground was -broadcast with large lumps of pebbles resembling gravestones. - -At a few hundred yards from the river rose a conical mound, bearing on -its summit a granite obelisk one hundred and twenty feet in height. The -Indians, who, like all primitive nations, are caught by anything -strange, frequently assembled at this spot; and here the hecatombs are -offered to the Kitchi Manitou. - -A great number of buffalo skulls, piled up at the foot of the column, -and arranged in circles, ellipses, and other geometrical figures, attest -their piety for this god of the hunt, whose protecting spirit, they say, -looks down from the top of the monolith. Here and there grew patches of -the Indian potato, wild onion, prairie tomato, and those millions of -strange flowers and trees composing the American flora. The rest of the -country was covered with tall grass, continually undulating beneath the -light footfall of the graceful antelopes or big horns, which bounded -from one rock to the other, startled by the approach of the travellers. - -Far, far away on the horizon, mingling with the azure of the sky, -appeared the denuded peaks of the lofty mountains that serve as -unassailable fortresses to the Indians: their summits, covered with -eternal snow, formed the frame of this immense and imposing picture, -which was stamped with a gloomy and mysterious grandeur. - -At the hour when the _maukawis_ uttered its last song to salute the -setting of the sun, which, half plunged in the purple of evening, still -jaspered the sky with long red bands, the travellers perceived the tents -of the Comanches picturesquely grouped on the sides of a verdurous hill. -The Indians had, in a few hours, improvised a real village with their -buffalo skin tents, aligned to form streets and squares. - -On arriving at about five hundred yards from the village the hunters -suddenly perceived an Indian horseman. Evincing not the slightest -surprise, they stopped and unfolded their buffalo robes, which floated -in the breeze, as a signal of peace. The horseman uttered a loud cry. At -this signal--for it was evidently one--a troop of Comanche warriors -debouched at a gallop from the village, and poured like a torrent down -the sides of the hill, coming up close to the motionless travellers, -brandishing their weapons, and uttering their war yell. - -The hunters waited, carelessly leaning on their guns. Assuredly, to a -man not acquainted with the singular manners of the prairie, this mode -of reception would have seemed overt hostilities. But it was not so; -for, on coming within range of the hunters, the Comanches began making -their horses leap and curvet with that grace and skill characteristic of -the Indians, and deploying to the right and left, they formed a vast -circle, inclosing the two unmoved hunters. - -Then a horseman quitted the group, dismounted, and rapidly approached -the newcomers: the latter hastened to meet him. All three had their arm -extended with the palm forward in sign of peace. The Indian who thus -advanced to meet the hunters was Unicorn, the great chief of the -Comanches. - -As a distinctive sign of his race, his skin was of a red tinge, brighter -than the palest new copper. He was a man of thirty at the most, with -masculine and expressive features; his face possessed a remarkable -intelligence, and was stamped with that natural majesty found among the -savage children of the prairie; he was tall and well built; and his -muscular limbs evidenced a vigour and suppleness against which few men -would have contended with advantage. - -He was completely painted and armed for war; his black hair was drawn up -on his head in the form of a casque, and fell down his back like a mane; -a profusion of wampum collars, claws of grizzly bear, and buffalo teeth -adorned his breast, on which was painted with rare dexterity a blue -tortoise, the distinctive sign of the tribe to which he belonged, and of -the size of a hand. - -The rest of his costume was composed of the _mitasses_, fastened round -the hips by a leathern belt, and descending to the ankles; a deerskin -shirt, with long hanging sleeves, the seams of which, like those of the -mitasse, were fringed with leather strips and feathers; a wide cloak, of -the hide of a female buffalo, was fastened across his shoulders with a -buckle of pure gold, and fell down to the ground; on his feet he had -elegant moccasins of different colours, embroidered with beads and -porcupine quills, from the heels of which trailed several wolf tails; a -light round shield, covered with buffalo hide, and decorated with human -scalps, hung on his left side by his panther skin quiver full of arrows. -His weapons were those of the Comanche Indians; that is to say, the -scalping knife, the tomahawk, a bow, and an American rifle; but a long -whip, the handle of which painted red, was adorned with scalps, -indicated his rank as chief. - -When the three men were close together they saluted by raising their -hands to their foreheads; then Valentine and Unicorn crossed their arms -by passing the right hand over the left shoulder, and bowing their heads -at the same time, kissed each other's mouth after the prairie fashion. -Unicorn then saluted Curumilla in the same way; and this preliminary -ceremony terminated, the Comanche chief took the word. - -"My brothers are welcome at the village of my tribe," he said. "I was -expecting them impatiently. I had begged the Chief of Prayer of the -palefaces to invite them in my name." - -"He performed his promise last night. I thank my brother for having -thought of me." - -"The two stranger great hunters are friends of Unicorn. His heart was -sad not to see them near him for the buffalo hunt his young people are -preparing." - -"Here we are! We set out this morning at sunrise." - -"My brothers will follow me, and rest at the council fire." - -The hunters bowed assent. Each received a horse, and at a signal from -Unicorn, who had placed himself between them, the troop started at a -gallop, and returned to the village, which it entered to the deafening -sound of drums, chikikouis, shouts of joy from the women and children -who saluted their return, and the furious barking of the dogs. When the -chiefs were seated round the council fire the pipe was lit, and -ceremoniously presented to the two strangers, who smoked in silence for -some minutes. When the pipe had gone the round several times Unicorn -addressed Valentine. - -"Koutonepi is a great hunter," he said to him; "he has often followed -the buffalo on the plains of the Dirty River. The chief will tell him -the preparations he has made, that the hunter may give his opinion." - -"It is needless, chiefs," Valentine replied. "The buffalo is the friend -of the redskins: the Comanches know all its stratagems. I should like to -ask a question of my brother." - -"The hunter can speak; my ears are open." - -"How long will the chief remain on the hunting grounds with his young -men?" - -"About a week. The buffaloes are suspicious: my young men are -surrounding them, but they drive them in our direction before four or -five days." - -Valentine gave a start of joy. - -"Good," he said. "Is my brother sure of it?" - -"Very sure." - -"How many warriors have remained with the chief?" - -"About four hundred: the rest are scattered over the plain to announce -the approach of the buffaloes." - -"Good! If my brother likes I will procure him a fine hunt within three -days." - -"Ah!" the chief exclaimed, "then my brother has started some game?" - -"Oh!" Valentine answered with a laugh, "Let my brother trust to me, and -I promise him rich spoils." - -"Good! Of what game does my brother speak?" - -"Of _gachupinos_[1]. In two days they will meet in large numbers not far -from here." - -"Wah!" said the Comanche, whose eyes sparkled at this news, "My young -men will hunt them. My brother must explain." - -Valentine shook his head. - -"My words are for the ears of a chief," he said. - -Without replying, Unicorn made a signal: the Indians rose silently, and -left the tent. Curumilla and Unicorn alone remained near the fire. -Valentine then explained to the Comanche, in its fullest details, the -plan he had conceived, in the execution of which the aid of the Indians -was indispensable for him. Unicorn listened attentively without -interrupting. When Valentine had ended,-- - -"What does my brother think?" the latter asked, fixing a scrutinising -glance on the impassive countenance of the chief. - -"Wah!" the other replied, "the paleface is very crafty. Unicorn will do -what he desires." - -This assurance filled Valentine's heart with joy. - - -[1] Wearers of shoes--a name given by the Indians to the Spaniards at -the conquest. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE HUNT OF WILD HORSES. - - -Don Miguel Zarate and his two friends did not reach the hacienda till -late. They were received in the porch by Don Pablo and Dona Clara, who -manifested great joy at the sight of the French missionary, for whom -they felt a sincere esteem and great friendship. Spite of all his care, -Fray Ambrosio had always seen his advances repelled by the young people, -in whom he instinctively inspired that fear mingled with disgust that is -experienced at the sight of a reptile. - -Dona Clara, who was very pious, carried this repulsion to such a pitch -that she only confessed her faults and approached the holy table when -Father Seraphin came to spend a few days at the hacienda. - -Fray Ambrosio was too adroit to appear to notice the effect his presence -produced on the hacendero's children: he feigned to attribute to -timidity and indifference on religious matters what was in reality a -strongly expressed loathing for himself personally. But in his heart a -dull hatred fermented against the two young folk, and especially against -the missionary, whom he had several times already attempted to destroy -by well-laid snares. - -Father Seraphin had always escaped them by a providential chance; but in -spite of the chaplain's obsequious advances, and the offers of service -he did not fail to overwhelm him with each time they met, the missionary -had thoroughly read the Mexican monk. He had guessed what fearful -corruption was hidden beneath his apparent simplicity and feigned piety: -and while keeping to himself the certainty he had acquired, he remained -on his guard, and carefully watched this man, whom he suspected of -incessantly planning some dark treachery against him. Don Miguel left -his children with the missionary, who immediately took possession of him -and dragged him away, lavishing on him every possible attention. The -hacendero retired to his study with General Ibanez, when the two men -drew up a list of the persons they intended to invite; that is to say, -the persons Valentine proposed to get out of the way, though they were -innocent of his scheme. The general then mounted his horse, and rode off -to deliver the invitations personally. For his part Don Miguel sent off -a dozen peons and vaqueros in search of the wild horses, and to drive -them gradually toward the spot chosen for the hunt. - -Gen. Ibanez succeeded perfectly: the invitations were gladly accepted, -and the next evening the guests began arriving at the hacienda, Don -Miguel receiving them with marks of the most profound respect and lavish -hospitality. - -The governor, General Isturitz, Don Luciano Perez, and seven or eight -persons of inferior rank were soon assembled at the hacienda. At sunrise -a numerous party, composed of forty persons, left the hacienda, and -proceeded, accompanied by a crowd of well-mounted peons, towards the -meet. This was a vast plain on the banks of the Rio del Norte, where the -wild horses were accustomed to graze at this season. The caravan -produced the most singular and picturesque effect with the brilliant -costumes of the persons who composed it, and their horses glittering -with gold and silver. Starting at about four a.m. from the hacienda, -they reached four hours later a clump of trees, beneath whose shade -tents had been raised and tables laid by Don Miguel's orders, so that -they might breakfast before the hunt. - -The riders, who had been journeying for four hours, already exposed to -the rays of the sun and the dust, uttered a shout of joy at the sight of -the tents. Each dismounted: the ladies were invited to do the same, -among them being the wives of the governor and General Isturitz, and -Dona Clara, and they gaily sat down round the tables. - -Toward the end of the breakfast Don Pablo arrived, who had started the -evening previously to join the vaqueros. He announced that the horses -had been started, that a large manada was now crossing the Plain of the -Coyotes, watched by the vaqueros, and that they must make haste if they -wished to have good sport. This news augmented the ardor of the hunters. -The ladies were left in camp under the guard of a dozen well-armed -peons, and the whole party rushed at a gallop in the direction indicated -by Don Pablo. - -The Plain of the Coyotes extended for an enormous distance along the -banks of the river. Here and there rose wooded hills, which varied the -landscape that was rendered monotonous by the tall grass, in which the -riders disappeared up to their waists. When the hunting party reached -the skirt of the plain Don Miguel ordered a halt, that they might hold a -council, and hear the report of the leader of the vaqueros. - -The races of wild horses that nowadays people the deserts of North -America, and especially of Mexico, is descended from Cortez' cavalry. -Hence it is a pure breed, for at the period of the Spanish conquest only -Arab horses were employed. These horses have multiplied in really an -extraordinary manner. It is not rare to meet with manadas of twenty and -even thirty thousand head. They are small, but gifted with an energy and -vigour of which it is impossible to form a fair idea without having seen -them. They accomplish without fatigue journeys of prodigious length. -Their coat is the same as that of other horses, save that during winter -it grows very long, and frizzy like the wool of sheep. In spring this -species of fur falls off. The American horses may be easily trained. -Generally, so soon as they find themselves caught they easily submit to -the saddle. - -The Mexicans treat their steeds very harshly, make them journey the -whole day without food or drink, and only give them their ration of -maize and water on reaching the bivouac, where they let them wander -about the whole night under guard of the _nena_, a mare whose bell the -horses follow, and will never leave. It is not from any cruel motive, -however, that the Mexicans treat their horses thus, for the riders are -very fond of their animals, which at a given moment may save their -lives. But it seems that this mode of treatment, which would be -impracticable in Europe, is perfectly successful in Mexico, where the -horses are much better off than if treated in a more gentle way. - -The leader of the vaqueros made his report. A manada of about ten -thousand head was two leagues off on the plain, quietly grazing in the -company of a few elks and buffaloes. The hunters scaled a hill, from the -top of which they easily saw on the horizon a countless mob of animals, -grouped in a most picturesque way, and apparently not at all suspecting -the danger that threatened them. - -To hunt the wild horses men must be like the Mexicans, perfect centaurs. -I have seen the _jinetes_ of that country accomplish feats of -horsemanship before which our Europeans would turn pale. - -After the vaquero's report Don Miguel and his friends held a council, -and this is the resolution they came to. They formed what is called in -Mexico the grand circle of the wild horses; that is to say, the most -skilful riders were echeloned in every direction at a certain distance -from each other, so as to form an immense circle. The wild horses are -extremely suspicious: their instinct is so great, their scent is so -subtle, that the slightest breath of wind is sufficient to carry to them -the smell of their enemies, and make them set off at headlong speed. -Hence it is necessary to act with the greatest prudence, and use many -precautions, if a surprise is desired. - -When all the preparations were made the hunters dismounted, and dragging -their horses after them, glided through the tall grass so as to contract -the circle. This manoeuvre had gone on for some time, and they had -sensibly drawn nearer, when the manada began to display some signs of -restlessness. The horses, which had hitherto grazed calmly, raised their -heads, pricked their ears, and neighed as they inhaled the air. Suddenly -they collected, formed a compact band, and started at a trot in the -direction of some cottonwood trees which stood on the banks of the -river. The hunt was about to commence. - -At a signal from Don Miguel six well-mounted vaqueros rushed at full -speed ahead of the manada, making their lassoes whistle round their -heads. The horses, startled by the apparition of the riders, turned back -hastily, uttering snorts of terror, and fled in another direction. But -each time they tried to force the circle, horsemen rode into the midst -of them, and compelled them to turn back. - -It is necessary to have been present at such a chase, to have seen this -hunt on the prairies, to form an idea of the magnificent sight offered -by all these noble brutes, their eyes afire, their mouths foaming, their -heads haughtily thrown up, and their manes fluttering in the wind, as -they bounded and galloped in the fatal circle the hunters had formed -round them. There is in such a sight something intoxicating, which -carries away the most phlegmatic, and renders them mad with enthusiasm -and pleasure. - -When this manoeuvre had lasted long enough, and the horses began to grow -blinded with terror, at a signal given by Don Miguel the circle was -broken at a certain spot. The horses rushed, with a sound like thunder, -toward this issue which opened before them, overturning with their -chests everything that barred their progress. But it was this the -hunters expected. The horses, in their mad race, galloped on without -dreaming that the road they followed grew gradually narrower in front of -them, and terminated in inevitable captivity. - -Let us explain the termination of the hunt. The manada had been cleverly -guided by the hunters toward the entrance of a canyon, or ravine, which -ran between two rather lofty hills. At the end of this ravine the -vaqueros had formed, with stakes fifteen feet long, planted in the -ground, and firmly fastened together with cords of twisted bark, an -immense corral or inclosure, into which the horses rushed without seeing -it. In less than no time the corral was full; then the hunters went to -meet the manada, which they cut off at the risk of their lives, while -the others closed the entrance of the corral. More than fifteen hundred -magnificent wild horses were thus captured at one stroke. - -The noble animals rushed with snorts of fury at the walls of the -inclosure, trying to tear up the stakes with their teeth, and dashing -madly against them. At length they recognised the futility of their -efforts, lay down, and remained motionless. In the meanwhile a -tremendous struggle was going on in the ravine between the hunters and -the rest of the manada. The horses confined in this narrow space made -extraordinary efforts to open a passage and fly anew. They neighed, -stamped, and flew at everything that came within their reach. At length -they succeeded in regaining their first direction, and rushed into the -plain with the velocity of an avalanche. Several vaqueros had been -dismounted and trampled on by the horses, and two of them had received -such injuries that they were carried off the ground in a state of -insensibility. - -With all the impetuosity of youth Don Pablo had rushed into the very -heart of the manada. Suddenly his horse received a kick which broke its -off foreleg, and it fell to the ground, dragging its rider with it. The -hunters uttered a cry of terror and agony. In the midst of this band of -maddened horses the young man was lost, for he must be trampled to death -under their hoofs. But he rose with the rapidity of lightning, and quick -as thought seizing the mane of the nearest horse, he leaped on its back, -and held on by his knees. The horses were so pressed against one another -that any other position was impossible. Then a strange thing -occurred--an extraordinary struggle between the horse and its rider. The -noble beast, furious at feeling its back dishonoured by the weight it -bore, bounded, reared, rushed forward; but all was useless, for Don -Pablo adhered firmly. - -So long as it was in the ravine, the horse, impeded by its comrades, -could not do all it might have wished to get rid of the burden it bore; -but so soon as it found itself on the plain it threw up its head, made -several leaps on one side, and then started forward at a speed which -took away the young man's breath. - -Don Pablo held on firmly by digging his knees into the panting sides of -his steed; he unfastened his cravat, and prepared to play the last scene -in this drama, which threatened to terminate in a tragic way for him. -The horse had changed its tactics; it was racing in a straight line to -the river, resolved to drown itself with its rider sooner than submit. -The hunters followed with an interest mingled with terror the moving -interludes of this mad race, when suddenly the horse changed its plans -again, reared, and tried to fall back with its rider. The hunters -uttered a shout of agony. Don Pablo clung convulsively to his animal's -neck, and, at the moment it was falling back, he threw his cravat over -its eyes with extraordinary skill. - -The horse, suddenly blinded, fell back again on its feet, and stood -trembling with terror. Then the young man dismounted, put his face to -the horse's head, and breathed into its nostrils, while gently -scratching its forehead. This operation lasted ten minutes at the most, -the horse panting and snorting, but not daring to leave the spot. The -Mexican again leaped on the horse's back, and removed the bandage; it -remained stunned--Don Pablo had tamed it[1]. Everybody rushed toward the -young man, who smiled proudly, in order to compliment him on his -splendid victory. Don Pablo dismounted, gave his horse to a vaquero, who -immediately passed a bridle round its neck, and then walked toward his -father, who embraced him tenderly. For more than an hour Don Miguel had -despaired of his son's life. - - -[1] This mode of taming horses is well known to the Indians, and we -submit the fact to our readers without comment. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE SURPRISE. - - -So soon as the emotion caused by Don Pablo's prowess was calmed they -began thinking about returning. The sun was rapidly descending in the -horizon: the whole day had been spent with the exciting incidents of the -chase. The Hacienda de la Noria was nearly ten leagues distant: it was, -therefore, urgent to start as speedily as possible, unless the party -wished to run the risk of bivouacking in the open air. - -The men would easily have put up with this slight annoyance, which, in a -climate like that of New Mexico, and at this season of the year, has -nothing painful about it; but they had ladies with them. Left one or two -leagues in the rear, they must feel alarmed by the absence of the -hunters--an absence which, as so frequently happens when out hunting, -had been protracted far beyond all expectation. - -Don Miguel gave the vaqueros orders to brand the captured horses with -his cipher; and the whole party then returned, laughing and singing, in -the direction of the tents where the ladies had been left. The vaqueros -who had served as beaters during the day remained behind to guard the -horses. - -In these countries, where there is scarce any twilight, night succeeds -the day almost without transition. As soon as the sun had set the -hunters found themselves in complete darkness; for, as the sun descended -on the horizon, the shade invaded the sky in equal proportions, and, at -the moment when the day planet disappeared, the night was complete. The -desert, hitherto silent, seemed to wake up all at once: the birds, -stupefied by the heat, commenced a formidable concert, in which joined -at intervals, from the inaccessible depths of the forest, the snapping -of the _carcajous_ and the barking of the coyotes mingled with the -hoarse howling of the wild beasts that had left their dens to come down -and drink in the river. - -Then gradually the cries, the songs, and the howling ceased, and nothing -was audible save the hurried footfalls of the hunters' horses on the -pebbles of the road. A solemn silence seemed to brood over this abrupt -and primitive scenery. At intervals the green tufts of the trees and the -tall grass bowed slowly with a prolonged rustling of leaves and -branches, as if a mysterious breath passed over them, and compelled them -to bend their heads. There was something at once striking and terrible -in the imposing appearance offered by the prairie at this hour of the -night, beneath this sky studded with brilliant stars, which sparkled -like emeralds, in the presence of this sublime immensity, which only -suffered one voice to be heard--that of Deity. - -The young and enthusiastic man to whom it is given to be present at such -a spectacle feels a thrill run over all his body: he experiences an -undefinable feeling of happiness and extraordinary pleasure on looking -round him at the desert, whose unexplored depths conceal from him so -many secrets, and display to him Divine Majesty in all its grandeur and -omnipotence. Many a time during our adventurous journeys on the American -continent, when marching at hazard during these lovely nights so full of -charms, which nothing can make those comprehend who have not experienced -them, we have yielded to the soft emotions that overcame us. Isolating -and absorbing ourselves within ourselves, we, have fallen into a state -of beatitude, from which nothing had the power of drawing us. - -The hunters so gay and talkative at the start, had yielded to this -omnipotent influence of the desert, and advanced rapidly and silently, -only exchanging a few syllables at lengthened intervals. The profoundest -calm still continued to reign over the desert; and while, owing to the -astonishing transparency of the atmosphere, the eye could embrace a -horizon, nothing suspicious was visible. - -The fireflies buzzed carelessly round the top of the grass, and the -flickering fires burning before the tents to which the hunters were -bound could be already seen about half a league ahead. At a signal from -Don Miguel the party, which had, up to the present, only trotted, set -out at a long canter; for each felt anxious to leave a scene which, in -the darkness, had assumed a sinister aspect. - -They thus arrived within a hundred yards of the fires, whose ruddy glow -was reflected on the distant trees, when suddenly a fearful yell crossed -the air, and from behind every bush out started an Indian horseman -brandishing his weapons, and making his horse curvet round the white -men, while uttering his war cry. The Mexicans, taken unawares, were -surrounded ere they sufficiently recovered from their stupor to think -about employing their weapons. At a glance Don Miguel judged the -position: it was a critical one. The hunters were at the most but -twenty: the number of Comanche warriors surrounding them was at least -three hundred. - -The Comanches and Apaches are the most implacable foes of the white -race. In their periodical invasions of the frontiers they hardly ever -make any prisoners: they mercilessly kill all who fall into their hands. -Still the Mexicans rallied. Certain of the fate that awaited them, they -were resolved to sell their lives dearly. There was a moment of supreme -expectation before the commencement of the deadly combat, when suddenly -an Indian galloped out of the ranks of the warriors, and rode within -three paces of the little band of Mexicans. On arriving there he -stopped, and waved his buffalo robe in sign of peace. The governor of -the provinces prepared to speak. - -"Let me carry on the negotiations," Don Miguel said. "I know the Indians -better than you do, and perhaps I shall succeed in getting out of this -awkward position." - -"Do so," the governor answered. - -General Ibanez was the only one who had remained calm and impassive -since the surprise: he did not make a move to seize his weapons; on the -contrary, he crossed his arms carelessly on his chest, and took a -mocking glance at his comrades as he hummed a seguidilla between his -teeth. Don Pablo had placed himself by his father's side, ready to -defend him at the peril of his life. The Indian chief took the word. - -"Let the palefaces listen," he said; "an Indian sachem is about to -speak." - -"We have no time to spare in listening to the insidious words which you -are preparing to say to us," Don Miguel replied in a haughty voice. -"Withdraw, and do not obstinately bar our passage, or there will be -blood spilt." - -"The palefaces will have brought it on themselves," the Comanche -answered in a gentle voice. "The Indians mean no harm to the pale -warriors." - -"Why, then, this sudden attack? The chief is mad. We do not let -ourselves be so easily deceived as he seems to suppose: we know very -well that he wants our scalps." - -"No; Unicorn wishes to make a bargain with the palefaces." - -"Come, chief, explain yourself; perhaps your intentions are as you -describe them. I do not wish to reproach myself with having refused to -listen to you." - -The Indian smiled. - -"Good!" he said. "The great white chief is becoming reasonable. Let him -listen, then, to the words Unicorn will pronounce." - -"Go on, chief; my comrades and myself are listening." - -"The palefaces are thieving dogs," the chief said in a rough voice; -"they carry on a continual war with the redskins, and buy their scalps -as if they were peltry; but the Comanches are magnanimous warriors, who -disdain to avenge themselves. The squaws of the white men are in their -power: they will restore them." - -At these words a shudder of terror ran along the ranks of the hunters; -their courage failed them; they had only one desire left--that of saving -those who had so wretchedly fallen into the hands of these bloodthirsty -men. - -"On what conditions will the Comanches restore their prisoners?" Don -Miguel asked, whose heart was contracted at the thought of his daughter, -who was also a prisoner. He secretly cursed Valentine, whose fatal -advice was the sole cause of the frightful evil that assailed him at -this moment. - -"The palefaces," the chief continued, "will dismount and arrange -themselves in a line. Unicorn will choose from among his enemies those -whom he thinks proper to carry off as prisoners; the rest will be free, -and all the women restored." - -"Those conditions are harsh, chief. Can you not modify them?" - -"A chief has only one word. Do the palefaces consent?" - -"Let us consult together for a few moments at any rate." - -"Good! Let the white men consult. Unicorn grants them ten minutes," the -chief made answer. - -And turning his horse, he went back to his men. Don Miguel then -addressed his friends. - -"Well; what do you think of what has occurred?" - -The Mexicans were terrified: still they were compelled to allow that the -conduct of the Indians was extraordinary, and that they had never before -evinced such lenity. Now that reflection had followed on the first -feeling of excitement, they understood that a struggle against enemies -so numerous was insensate, and could only result in rendering their -position worse than it was before, and that the chiefs conditions, harsh -as they were, offered at least some chance of safety for a portion of -them, and the ladies would be saved. - -This last and all powerful consideration decided them. Don Miguel had no -occasion to convince them of the necessity of submission. Whatever -struggle it cost them, they dismounted and arranged themselves in a -line, as the chief had demanded, Don Miguel and his son placing -themselves at the head. - -Unicorn, with that cool courage characteristic of the Indians, then -advanced alone toward the Mexicans, who still held their weapons, and -who, impelled by their despair, and at the risk of being all massacred, -would have sacrificed him to their vengeance. The chief had also -dismounted. With his hands crossed on his back, and frowning brow, he -now commenced his inspection. - -Many a heart contracted at his approach, for a question of life and -death was being decided for these hapless men: only the perspective of -the atrocious tortures which menaced the ladies could have made them -consent to this humiliating and degrading condition. The Unicorn, -however, was generous: he only selected eight of the Mexicans, and the -rest received permission to mount their horses, and leave the fatal -circle that begirt them. Still, by a strange accident, or a -premeditation of which the reason escaped them, these, eight -prisoners--among whom were the governor, General Isturitz, and the -criminal judge, Don Luciano Perez--were the most important personages in -the party, and the members of the Provincial Government. - -It was not without surprise that Don Miguel observed this; the -Comanches, however, faithfully fulfilled their compact, and the ladies -were at once set at liberty. They had been treated with the greatest -respect by the Indians, who had surprised their camp, and seized them -almost in the same way as they had done the hunters--that is to say, the -camp was invaded simultaneously on all sides. It was a matter worthy of -remark in an Indian ambuscade that not a drop of blood had been spilt. - -After the moments given up to the happiness of seeing his daughter again -safe and sound, Don Miguel resolved to make a last attempt with Unicorn -in favour of the unhappy men who remained in his hands. The chief -listened with deference, and let him speak without interruption; then he -replied with a smile whose expression the hacendero tried in vain to -explain,-- - -"My father has Indian blood in his veins; the redskins love him: never -will they do him the slightest injury. Unicorn would like to restore him -immediately the prisoners, for whom he cares very little; but that is -impossible. My father himself would speedily regret Unicorn's obedience -to his Wish; but, in order to prove to my father how much the chief -desires to do a thing that will be agreeable to him, the prisoners will -not be ill-treated, and will be let off with a few days' annoyance. -Unicorn consents to accept a ransom for them, instead of making them -slaves. My father can himself tell them this good news." - -"Thanks, chief," Don Miguel answered. "The nobility of your character -touches my heart: I shall not forget it. Be persuaded that, under all -circumstances, I shall be happy to prove to you how grateful I am." - -The chief bowed gracefully and withdrew, in order to give the hacendero -liberty to communicate with his companions. The latter were seated sadly -on the ground, gloomy and downcast. Don Miguel repeated to them the -conversation he had held with Unicorn, and the promise he had made with -respect to them. This restored them all their courage; and, with the -most affectionate words and marks of the liveliest joy, they thanked the -hacendero for the attempt he had made in their favour. - -In fact, thanks to the promise of liberating them for a ransom at the -end of a week, and treating them well during the period of their -captivity, there was nothing so very terrifying about the prospect; and -it was one of those thousand annoyances to which men are exposed by -accident, but whose proportions had been so reduced in their eyes, that, -with the carelessness which forms the staple of the national character, -they were the first to laugh at their mishap. - -Don Miguel, however, was anxious to retire; so he took leave of his -companions, and rejoined the chief. The latter repeated his assurances -that the prisoners should be free within a week, if they consented each -to pay a ransom of one thousand piastres, which was a trifle. He assured -the hacendero that he was at liberty to withdraw whenever he pleased, -and he should not oppose his departure. - -Don Miguel did not allow the invitation to be repeated. His friends and -himself immediately mounted their horses, together with the ladies, who -were placed in the centre of the detachment; and after taking leave of -Unicorn, the Mexicans dug their spurs into their horses, and started at -a gallop, glad to have got off so cheaply. The campfires were soon left -far behind them, and General Ibanez then approached his friend, and -bending down to his ear, whispered,-- - -"Don Miguel, can the Comanches be our allies? I fancy that they have -this night given a bold push to the success of our enterprise." - -This thought, like a ray of light, had already crossed the hacendero's -brain several times. - -"I do not know," he said with a clever smile; "but at any rate, my dear -general, they are very adroit foes." - -The little band continued to advance rapidly toward the hacienda, which -was now no great distance, and which they hoped to reach before sunrise. -The events we have described had occurred in less than an hour. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE MEETING. - - -"By Jove!" General Ibanez said, "it must be confessed that these red -devils have done us an immense service without suspecting it. It might -be said, deuce take me, that they acted under a knowledge of facts. This -Unicorn, as the chief is called, is a precious man in certain -circumstances. I am anxious to cultivate his acquaintance, for no one -knows what may happen. It is often good to have so intelligent a friend -as him at hand." - -"You are always jesting, general. When will you be serious for once?" -Don Miguel said with a smile. - -"What would you have, my friend? We are at this moment staking our heads -in a desperate game, so let us at any rate keep our gaiety. If we are -conquered, it will be time enough then to be sad, and make bitter -reflections about the instability of human affairs." - -"Yes, your philosophy is not without a certain dose of fatalism, which -renders it more valuable to me. I am happy to see you in this good -temper, especially at a moment when we are preparing to play our last -card." - -"All is not desperate yet, and I have a secret foreboding, on the -contrary, that all is for the best. Our friend the Trail-hunter, I feel -convinced, has something to do, if not all, with what has happened to -us." - -"Do you believe it?" Don Miguel asked quickly. - -"I am certain of it. You know as well as I do these Indios Bravos, and -the implacable hatred they have vowed against us. The war they wage with -us is atrocious; and for them to be suddenly changed from wolves into -lambs requires some powerful motive to make them act thus. People do not -lay aside in a moment a hatred which has endured for ages. The -Comanches, by the choice they made, know the importance of the prisoners -they have seized. How is it that they consent so easily to give them up -for a trifling ransom? There is some inexplicable mystery in all this." - -"Which is very easy to explain though," a laughing voice interrupted -from behind the shrubs. - -The two Mexicans started, and checked their horses. A man leaped from a -thicket, and suddenly appeared in the centre of the track the little -band of hunters was following. The latter, believing in a fresh attack -and treachery on the part of the Comanches, seized their weapons. - -"Stop!" Don Miguel said sharply, "the man is alone. Let me speak with -him." - -Each waited with his hand on his weapon. - -"Hold!" Don Miguel continued, addressing the stranger, who stood -motionless, carelessly resting on his gun. "Who are you, my master?" - -"Do you not recognise me, Don Miguel? and must I really tell you my -name?" the stranger answered with a laugh. - -"The Trail-hunter!" Don Miguel exclaimed. - -"Himself," Valentine continued. "Hang it all! You take a long time to -recognise your friends." - -"You will forgive us when you know all that has happened to us, and how -much we must keep on our guard." - -"Confound it!" Valentine said laughingly, as he regulated his pace by -the trot of the horses, "do you fancy you are going to tell me any news? -Did you not really suspect from what quarter the blow came?" - -"What!" Don Miguel exclaimed in surprise, "did you--" - -"Who else but I? Do you think the Spaniards are such friends of the -Indians that the latter would treat them so kindly when meeting them -face to face in the desert?" - -"I was sure of it," General Ibanez affirmed. "I guessed it at the first -moment." - -"Good heavens! Nothing was more simple. Your position, through Red -Cedar's treachery, was most critical. I wished to give you the time to -turn round by removing, for a few days, the obstacles that prevented the -success of your plans. I have succeeded, I fancy." - -"You could not have managed better," exclaimed the general. - -"Oh!" Don Miguel said with a reproachful accent, "why did you hide it -from me?" - -"For a very simple reason, my friend. I wished that in these -circumstances your will and conscience should be free." - -"But--" - -"Let me finish. Had I told you of my plan, it is certain that you would -have opposed it. You are a man of honor, Don Miguel: your heart is most -loyal." - -"My friend--" - -"Answer me. Had I explained to you the plan I formed, what would you -have done?" - -"Well--" - -"Answer frankly." - -"I should have refused." - -"I was sure of it. Why would you have done so? Because you would never -have consented to violate the laws of hospitality, and betray enemies -you sheltered beneath your roof, though you knew all the while that -these men, on leaving you, would have considered it their duty to seize -you, and that they watched your every movement while sitting by your -side, and eating at your table. Is it not so?" - -"It is true; my honor as a gentleman would have revolted. I could not -have suffered such horrible treachery to be carried out under my very -eyes." - -"There! You see that I acted wisely in saying nothing to you. In that -way your honor is protected, your conscience easy, and I have in the -most simple fashion freed you for some days from your enemies." - -"That is true; still--" - -"What? Have the prisoners to complain of the way in which they have been -treated?" - -"Not at all; on the contrary, the Comanches, and Unicorn in particular, -treated them most kindly." - -"All is for the best, then. You must congratulate yourself on the -unexpected success you have achieved, and must now profit by it without -delay." - - -"I intend to do so." - -"You must act at once." - -"I ask nothing better. All is ready. Our men are warned, and they will -rise at the first signal." - -"It must be given immediately." - -"I only ask the time to leave my daughter at the hacienda; then -accompanied by my friends, I will march on Paso, while General Ibanez, -at the head of a second band, seizes Santa Fe." - -"The plan is well conceived. Can you count on the persons who follow -you?" - -"Yes; they are all my relatives or friends." - -"All for the best. Let us not go further. We are here at the place where -the roads part; let your horses breathe awhile, and I will tell you a -plan I have formed, and which, I think, will please you." - -The small party halted. The horsemen dismounted, and lay down on the -grass. As all knew of the conspiracy formed by Don Miguel, and were his -accomplices in different degrees, this halt did not surprise them, for -they suspected that the moment for action was not far off, and that -their chief doubtless wished to take his final measures before throwing -off the mask, and proclaiming the independence of New Mexico. On -inviting them to hunt the wild horses, Don Miguel had not concealed from -them Red Cedar's treachery, and the necessity in which he found himself -of dealing a great blow, if he did not wish all to be hopelessly lost. - -Valentine led the hacendero and the general a short distance apart. -When they were out of ear-shot the hunter carefully examined the -neighbourhood; then within a few minutes rejoined his friends, whom his -way of acting considerably perplexed. - -"Caballeros," he said to them, "what do you intend doing? In our -position minutes are ages. Are you ready to make your pronunciamento?" - -"Yes," they answered. - -"This is what I propose. You, Don Miguel, will proceed direct on Paso. -At about half a league from that town you will find Curumilla, with -twenty of the best rifles on the frontier. These men, in whom you can -trust, are Canadian and Indian hunters devoted to me. They will form the -nucleus of a band sufficient for you to seize on Paso without striking a -blow, as it is only defended by a garrison of forty soldiers. Does that -plan suit you?" - -"Yes; I will set about it at once. But my daughter?" - -"I will take charge of her. You will also leave me your son, and I will -convey them both to the hacienda. As for the other ladies, on reaching -the town, they will merely go to their homes, which I fancy, presents no -difficulty." - -"None." - -"Good! Then that is settled?" - -"Perfectly." - -"As for you, general, your men have been echelonned by my care in -parties of ten and twenty along the Santa Fe road, up to two leagues of -the city, so that you will only have to pick them up. In this way you -will find yourself, within three hours, at the head of five hundred -resolute and well-armed men." - -"Why, Valentine, my friend," the general said laughingly, "do you know -there is the stuff in you to make a partisan chief, and that I am almost -jealous of you." - -"Oh! that would be wrong, general: I assure you I am most disinterested -in the affair." - -"Well, my friend, I know it: you are a free desert hunter, caring very -little for our paltry schemes." - -"That is true; but I have vowed to Don Miguel and his family a -friendship which will terminate with my life. I tremble for him and his -children when I think of the numberless dangers that surround him, and I -try to aid him as far as my experience and activity permit me. That is -the secret of my conduct." - -"This profession of faith was at least useless, my friend. I have known -you too intimately and too long to doubt your intentions. Hence, you -see, I place such confidence in you, that I accept your ideas without -discussion, so convinced am I of the purity of your intentions." - -"Thanks, Don Miguel; you have judged me correctly. Come, gentlemen, to -horse, and start. We must separate here--you, Don Miguel, to proceed by -the right-hand track to Paso; you, general, by the left hand one to -Santa Fe; while I, with Don Pablo and his sister proceed straight on -till we reach the Hacienda de la Noria." - -"To horse, then!" the hacendero shouted resolutely; "And may God defend -the right!" - -"Yes," the general added; "for from this moment the revolution is -commenced." - -The three men returned to their friends. Don Miguel said a few words to -his children, and in an instant the whole party were in the saddle. - -"The die is cast!" Valentine exclaimed. "May Heaven keep you, -gentlemen!" - -"Forward!" Don Miguel commanded. - -"Forward!" General Ibanez shouted, as he rushed in the opposite -direction. - -Valentine looked after his departing friends. Their black outlines were -soon blended with the darkness, and then the footfalls of their horses -died out in the night. Valentine gave a sigh and raised his head. - -"God will protect them," he murmured; then turning to the two young -people, "Come on, children," he said. - -They started, and for some minutes kept silence. Valentine was too busy -in thought to address his companions; and yet Dona Clara and Don Pablo, -whose curiosity was excited to the highest pitch, were burning to -question him. At length the girl, by whose side the hunter marched with -that quick step which easily keeps up with a horse, bent down to him. - -"My friend," she said to him in her soft voice, "what is taking place? -Why has my father left us, instead of coming to his house?" - -"Yes," Don Pablo added, "he seemed agitated when he parted from us. His -voice was stern, his words sharp. What is happening, my friend? Why did -not my father consent to my accompanying him?" - -Valentine hesitated to answer. - -"I implore you, my friend," Dona Clara continued, "do not leave us in -this mortal anxiety. The announcement of a misfortune would certainly -cause us less pain than the perplexity in which we are." - -"Why force me to speak, my children?" the hunter answered in a saddened -voice. "The secret you ask of me is not mine. If your father did not -impart his plans to you, it was doubtless because weighty reasons oppose -it. Do not force me to render you more sorrowful by telling you things -you ought not to know." - -"But I am not a child," Don Pablo exclaimed. "It seems tome that my -father ought not to have thus held his confidence from me." - -"Do not accuse your father, my friend," Valentine answered gravely: -"probably he could not have acted otherwise." - -"Valentine, Valentine! I will not accept those poor reasons," the young -man urged. "In the name of our friendship I insist on your explaining -yourself." - -"Silence!" the hunter suddenly interrupted him. "I hear suspicious -sounds around us." - -The three travellers stopped and listened, but all was quiet. The -hacienda was about five hundred yards at the most from the spot where -they halted. Don Pablo and Dona Clara heard nothing, but Valentine made -them a sign to remain quiet; then he dismounted and placed his ear to -the ground. - -"Follow me," he said. "Something is happening here which I cannot make -out; but it alarms me." - -The young people obeyed without hesitation; but they had only gone a few -paces when Valentine stopped again. - -"Are your weapons loaded?" he sharply asked Don Pablo. - -"Yes." - -"Good! Perhaps you will have to make use of them." - -All at once the gallop of a horse urged to its utmost speed was audible. - -"Attention!" Valentine muttered. - -Still the horseman, whoever he might be, rapidly advanced in the -direction of the travellers, and soon came up to them. Suddenly -Valentine bounded like a panther, seized the horse by the bridle and -stopped it dead. - -"Who are you, and where are you going?" he shouted, as he put a pistol -barrel against the stranger's chest. - -"Heaven be praised!" the latter said, not replying to the question. -"Perhaps I shall be able to save you. Fly, fly, in all haste!" - -"Father Seraphin!" Valentine said with stupor, as he lowered his pistol. -"What has happened?" - -"Fly, fly!" the missionary repeated, who seemed a prey to the most -profound terror. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE ABDUCTION. - - -Red Cedar and Fray Ambrosio had not remained inactive since their last -interview up to the day when Don Miguel set out to hunt the wild horses. -These two fellows, so suited to understand each other, had manoeuvred -with extreme skill. Fray Ambrosio, all whose avaricious instincts had -been aroused since he had so artfully stolen from poor Joaquin the -secret of his placer, had assembled a formidable collection of the -bandits who always swarm on the Indian frontiers. In a few days he found -himself at the head of one hundred and twenty adventurers, all men who -had cheated the gallows, and of whom he felt the more sure as the secret -of the expedition was concealed from them, and they fancied they formed -a war party engaged to go scalp hunting. - -These men, who all knew Red Cedar by reputation, burnt to set out, so -convinced were they of carrying out a successful expedition under such a -leader. Only two men formed an exception to this band of scoundrels, the -smallest culprit of whom had at least three or four murders on his -conscience. They were Harry, and Dick, who, for reasons the reader has -doubtless guessed, found themselves, to their great regret, mixed up -with these bandits. Still we must say, in justice to Fray Ambrosio's -soldiers, that they were all bold hunters, accustomed for many a year to -desert life, who knew all its perils, and feared none of its dangers. - -Fray Ambrosio; apprehending the effects of mezcal and pulque on his men, -had made them bivouac at the entrance of the desert, at a sufficiently -great distance from the Paso del Norte to prevent them easily going -there. The adventurers spent their time joyously in playing, not for -money, as they had none, but for the scalps they intended presently to -lift from the Indians, each of which represented a very decent sum. -Still Fray Ambrosio, so soon as his expedition was completely organised, -had only one desire--to start as speedily as possible; but for two days -Red Cedar was not to be found. At length Fray Ambrosio succeeded in -catching him just as he was entering his jacal. - -"What has become of you?" he asked him. - -"What does that concern you?" the squatter answered brutally. "Have I to -answer for my conduct to you?" - -"I do not say so: still, connected as we are at this moment, it would be -as well for me to know where to find you when I want you." - -"I have been attending to my business, as you have to yours." - -"Well, are you satisfied?" - -"Very much so," he answered with a sinister smile. "You will soon learn -the result of my journey." - -"All the better. If you are satisfied, I am so too." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"Yes, all is ready for departure." - -"Let us be off--tomorrow if you like." - -"On this very night." - -"Very good. You are like me, and don't care to travel by day on account -of the heat of the sun." - -The two accomplices smiled at this delicate jest. - -"But before starting," the squatter continued, becoming serious again, -"we have something left to do here." - -"What is it?" Fray Ambrosio asked with candor. - -"It is wonderful what a short memory you have. Take care: that failing -may play an awkward trick some day." - -"Thanks! I will try to correct it." - -"Yes, and the sooner the better: in the meanwhile I will refresh your -memory." - -"I shall feel obliged to you." - -"And Dona Clara, do you fancy we are going to leave her behind?" - -"Hum! Then you still think of that?" - -"By Jove! More than ever." - -"The fact is it will not be easy to carry her off at this moment." - -"Why not?" - -"In the first place, she is not at the hacienda." - -"That is certainly a reason." - -"Is it not?" - -"Yes; but she must be somewhere, I suppose?" the squatter said with a -coarse laugh. - -"She has gone with her father to a hunt of wild horses." - -"The hunt is over and they are on their return." - -"You are well informed." - -"It is my trade. Come, do you still mean serving me?" - -"I must." - -"That is how I like you. There cannot be many people at the hacienda?" - -"A dozen at the most." - -"Better still. Listen to me: it is now four in the afternoon. I have a -ride to take. Return to the hacienda, and I will come there this evening -at nine, with twenty resolute men. You will open the little gate of the -corral, and leave me to act. I'll answer for all." - -"If you wish it it must be so," Fray Ambrosio said with a sigh. - -"Are you going to begin again?" the squatter asked in a meaning voice as -he rose. - -"No, no, it is unnecessary," the monk exclaimed. "I shall expect you." - -"Good: till this evening." - -"Very well." - -On which the two accomplices separated. All happened as had been -arranged between them. At nine o'clock Red Cedar reached the little -gate, which was opened for him by Fray Ambrosio, and the squatter -entered the hacienda at the head of his three sons and a party of -bandits. The peons, surprised in their sleep, were bound before they -even knew what was taking place. - -"Now," Red Cedar said, "we are masters of the place, the girl can come -as soon as she likes." - -"Eh?" the monk went on. "All is not finished yet. Don Miguel is a -resolute man, and is well accompanied: he will not let his daughter be -carried off under his eyes without defending her." - -"Don Miguel will not come," the squatter said with a sardonic grin. - -"How do you know?" - -"That is not your business." - -"We shall see." - -But the bandits had forgotten Father Seraphin. The missionary, aroused -by the unusual noise he heard in the hacienda, had hastily risen. He had -heard the few words exchanged between the accomplices, and they were -sufficient to make him guess the fearful treachery they meditated. Only -listening to his heart, the missionary glided out into the corral, -saddled a horse, and opening a door, of which he had a key, so that he -could enter or leave the hacienda as his duties required, he started at -full speed in the direction which he supposed the hunters must follow in -returning to the hacienda. Unfortunately, Father Seraphin had been -unable to effect his flight unheard by the squatter's practised ear. - -"Malediction!" Red Cedar shouted, as he rushed, rifle in hand, toward a -window, which he dashed out with his fist, "We are betrayed." - -The bandits rushed in disorder into the corral where their horses were -tied up, and leaped into their saddles. At this moment a shadow flitted -across the plain in front of the squatter, who rapidly shouldered his -rifle and fired. Then he went out: a stifled cry reached his ear, but -the person the bandit had fired at still went on. - -"No matter," the squatter muttered; "that fine bird has lead in its -wing. Sharp, sharp, my men, on the trail!" - -And all the bandits rushed off in pursuit of the fugitive. - -Father Seraphin had fallen in a fainting condition at Valentine's feet. - -"Good heavens!" the hunter exclaimed in despair, "what can have -happened?" - -And he gently carried the missionary into a ditch that ran by the side -of the road. Father Seraphin had his shoulder fractured, and the blood -poured in a stream from the wound. The hunter looked around him; but at -this moment a confused sound could be heard like the rolling of distant -thunder. - -"We must fall like brave men, Don Pablo, that is all," he said sharply. - -"Be at your ease," the young man answered coldly. - -Dona Clara was pale and trembling. - -"Come," Valentine said. - -And, with a movement rapid as thought, he bounded on to the missionary's -horse. The three fugitives started at full speed. The flight lasted a -quarter of an hour, and then Valentine stopped. He dismounted, gave the -young people a signal to wait, lay down on the ground, and began -crawling on his hands and knees, gliding like a serpent through the long -grass that concealed him, and stopping at intervals to look around him, -and listen attentively to the sounds of the desert. Suddenly he rushed -towards his companions, seized the horses by the bridle, and dragged -them behind a mound, where they remained concealed, breathless and -unable to speak. - -A formidable noise of horses was audible. Some twenty black shadows -passed like a tornado within ten paces of their hiding place, not seeing -them in consequence of the darkness. - -Valentine drew a deep breath. - -"All hope is not lost," he muttered. - -He waited anxiously for five minutes: their pursuers were going further -away. Presently the sound of their horses' hoofs ceased to disturb the -silence of the night. - -"To horse!" Valentine said. - -They leaped into their saddles and started again, not in the direction -of the hacienda, but in that of the Paso. - -"Loosen your bridles," the hunter said: "more still--we are not moving." - -Suddenly a loud neigh was borne on the breeze to the ears of the -fugitives. - -"We are lost!" Valentine muttered. "They have found our trail." - -Red Cedar was too old a hand on the prairie to be long thrown out: he -soon perceived that he was mistaken, and was now turning back, quite -certain this time of holding the trail. Then began one of those fabulous -races which only the dwellers on the prairie can witness--races which -intoxicate and cause a giddiness, and which no obstacle is powerful -enough to stop or check, for the object is success or death. The -bandits' half wild horses, apparently identifying themselves with the -ferocious passions of their riders, glided through the night with the -rapidity of the phantom steed in the German ballad, bounded over -precipices, and rushed with prodigious speed. - -At times a horseman rolled with his steed from the top of a rock, and -fell into an abyss, uttering a yell of distress; but his comrades passed -over his body, borne along like a whirlwind, and responding to this cry -of agony, the final appeal of a brother, by a formidable howl of rage. -This pursuit had already lasted two hours, and the fugitives had not -lost an inch of ground: their horses, white with foam, uttered hoarse -cries of fatigue and exhaustion as a dense smoke came out of their -nostrils. Dona Clara, with her hair untied and floating in the breeze, -with sparkling eye and closely pressed lips, constantly urged her horse -on with voice and hand. - -"All is over!" the hunter suddenly said. "Save yourselves! I will let -myself be killed here, so that you may go on for ten minutes longer, and -be saved. I will hold out for that time, so go on." - -"No," Don Pablo answered nobly; "we will be all saved or perish -together." - -"Yes," the maiden remarked. - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"You are mad," he said. - -All at once he started, for their pursuers were rapidly approaching. - -"Listen," he said. "Do you two let yourselves be captured; they will not -follow me, as they owe me no grudge. I swear to you that if I remain at -liberty I will deliver you, even if they hide you in the bowels of the -earth." - -Without replying Don Pablo dismounted, and Valentine leaped on to his -horse. - -"Hope for the best!" he shouted hoarsely, and disappeared. - -Don Pablo, so soon as he was alone with his sister, made her dismount, -seated her at the foot of a tree, and stood before her with a pistol in -either hand. He had not to wait long, for almost immediately he was -surrounded by the bandits. - -"Surrender!" Red Cedar shouted in a panting voice. - -Don Pablo smiled disdainfully. - -"Here is my answer," he said. - -And with two pistol shots he laid two bandits low; then he threw away -his useless weapons, and crossing his arms on his breast said,-- - -"Do what you please now; I am avenged." - -Red Cedar bounded with fury. - -"Kill that dog!" he shouted. - -Shaw rushed toward the young man, threw his nervous arms around him, and -whispered in his ear,-- - -"Do not resist, but fall as if dead." - -Don Pablo mechanically followed his advice. - -"It is all over," said Shaw. "Poor devil! He did not cling to life." - -He returned his knife to his belt, threw the supposed corpse on his -shoulders, and dragged it into a ditch. At the sight of her brother's -body, whom she supposed to be dead, Dona Clara uttered a shriek of -despair and fainted. Red Cedar laid the maiden across his saddle-bow, -and the whole band, starting at a gallop was soon lost in the darkness. -Don Pablo then rose slowly, and took a sorrowful glance around. - -"My poor sister!" he murmured. - -Then he perceived her horse near him. - -"Valentine alone can save her," he said. - -He mounted the horse, and proceeded toward the Paso, asking himself this -question, which he found it impossible to answer:-- - -"But why did not that man kill me?" - -A few paces from the village he perceived two men halting on the road, -and conversing with the greatest animation. They hurriedly advanced -toward him, and the young man uttered a cry of surprise on recognising -them. They were Valentine and Curumilla. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE REVOLT. - - -Don Miguel Zarate had marched rapidly on the Paso, and an hour after -leaving Valentine he saw flashing in the distance the lights that shone -in the village windows. The greatest calmness prevailed in the vicinity; -only at times could be heard the barking of the dogs baying at the moon, -or the savage miawling of the wild cats hidden in the shrubs. At about -one hundred yards from the village a man suddenly rose before the small -party. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted. - -"_Mejico e independencia!_" the hacendero answered. - -"_?Que gente?_" the stranger continued. - -"Don Miguel Zarate." - -At these words twenty men hidden in the brushwood rose suddenly, and -throwing their rifles on their shoulders, advanced to meet the horsemen. -They were the hunters commanded by Curumilla, who, by Valentine's -orders, were awaiting the hacendero's arrival to join him. - -"Well," Don Miguel asked the chief, "is there anything new?" - -Curumilla shook his head. - -"Then we can advance?" - -"Yes." - -"What is the matter, chief? Have you seen anything alarming?" - -"No; and yet I have a feeling of treachery." - -"How so?" - -"I cannot tell you. Apparently everything is as usual: still there is -something which is not so. Look you, it is scarce ten o'clock: generally -at that hour all the mesones are full, the ventas are crammed with -gamblers and drinkers, the streets flocked with promenaders. This night -there is nothing of the sort: all is closed--the town seems abandoned. -This tranquillity is factitious. I am alarmed, for _I hear the silence_. -Take care." - -Don Miguel was involuntarily struck by the chief's remarks. He had known -Curumilla for a long time. He had often seen him display in the most -dangerous circumstances a coolness and contempt for death beyond all -praise: hence some importance must be attached to the apprehensions and -anxiety of such a man. The hacendero ordered his party to halt, -assembled his friends, and held a council. All were of opinion that, -before venturing to advance further, they should send as scout a clever -man to traverse the town, and see for himself if the fears of the Indian -chief were well founded. - -One of the hunters offered himself. The conspirators concealed -themselves on either side the road, and awaited, lying in the shrubs, -the return of their messenger. He was a half-breed, Simon Munez by -name, to whom the Indians had given the soubriquet of "Dog-face," owing -to his extraordinary likeness to that animal. This name had stuck to the -hunter, who, _nolens volens_, had been compelled to accept it. He was -short and clumsy, but endowed with marvellous strength; and we may say -at once that he was an emissary of Red Cedar, and had only joined the -hunters in order to betray them. - -When he left the conspirators he proceeded toward the village whistling. -He had scarce taken a dozen steps into the first street ere a door -opened, and a man appeared. This man stepped forward and addressed the -hunter. - -"You whistle very late, my friend." - -"A whistle to wake those who are asleep," the half breed made answer. - -"Come in," the man continued. - -Dog-face went in, and the door closed upon him. He remained in the house -half an hour, then went out, and hurried back along the road he had -traversed. - -Red Cedar, who wished before all to avenge himself on Don Miguel Zarate, -had discovered, through Fray Ambrosio, the conspirators' new plan. -Without loss of time he had taken his measures in consequence, and had -managed so well that, although the general, the governor, and the -criminal judge were prisoners, Don Miguel must succumb in the contest he -was preparing to provoke. Fray Ambrosio, to his other qualities, joined -that of being a listener at doors. In spite of the distrust which his -patron was beginning to display toward him on Valentine's -recommendation, he had surprised a conversation between Don Miguel and -General Ibanez. This conversation, immediately reported to Red Cedar, -who, according to his usual custom, had appeared to attach no importance -to it, had been sufficient, however, to make the squatter prepare his -batteries and countermine the conspiracy. - -Dog-face rejoined his companions after an hour's absence. - -"Well?" Don Miguel asked him. - -"All is quiet," the half-breed answered; "the inhabitants have retired -to their houses, and everybody is asleep." - -"You noticed nothing of a suspicious nature?" - -"I went through the town from one end to the other, and saw nothing." - -"We can advance, then?" - -"In all security: it will only be a promenade." - -On this assurance the conspirators regained their courage, Curumilla was -treated as a visionary, and the order was given to advance. Still -Dog-face's report, far from dissipating the Indian chief's doubts, had -produced the contrary effect, and considerably augmented them. Saying -nothing, he placed himself by the hunter's side, with the secret -intention of watching him closely. - -The plan of the conspirators was very simple. They would march directly -on the Cabildo (Town hall), seize it, and proclaim a Provisional -Government. Under present circumstances nothing appeared to be easier. -Don Miguel and his band entered the Paso, and nothing occurred to arouse -their suspicions. It resembled that town in the "Arabian Nights," in -which all the inhabitants, struck by the wand of the wicked enchanter, -sleep an eternal sleep. The conspirators advanced into the town with -their rifle barrels thrust forward, with eye and ear on the watch, and -ready to fire at the slightest alarm; but nothing stirred. As Curumilla -had observed, the town was too quiet. This tranquillity hid something -extraordinary, and must conceal the tempest. In spite of himself Don -Miguel felt a secret apprehension which he could not master. - -To our European eyes Don Miguel will perhaps appear a poor conspirator, -without foresight or any great connection in his ideas. From our point -of view that is possible; but in a country like Mexico, which counts its -revolutions by hundreds, and where _pronunciamentos_ take place, in most -cases, without sense or reason because a colonel wishes to become a -general, or a lieutenant a captain, things are not regarded so closely; -and the hacendero, on the contrary, had evidenced tact, prudence, and -talent in carrying out a conspiracy which, during the several years it -had been preparing, had only come across one traitor. And now it was too -late to turn back: the alarm had been given, and the Government was on -its guard. They must go onwards, even if they succumbed in the struggle. - -All these considerations had been fully weighed by Don Miguel; and he -had not given the signal till he was driven into his last intrenchments, -and convinced that there was no way of escape left him. Was it not a -thousand fold better to die bravely with arms in their hands, in support -of a just cause, than wait to be arrested without having made an attempt -to succeed? Don Miguel had sacrificed his life, and no more could be -expected of him. - -In the meanwhile the conspirators advanced. They had nearly reached the -heart of the town; they were at this moment in a little, dirty, and -narrow street, called the Calle de San Isidro, which opens out on the -Plaza Mayor, when suddenly a dazzling light illumined the darkness; -torches flashed from all the windows; and Don Miguel saw that the two -ends of the street in which he was were guarded by strong detachments of -cavalry. - -"Treachery!" the conspirators shouted in terror. - -Curumilla bounded on Dog-face, and buried his knife between his -shoulders. The half-breed fell in a lump, quite dead, and not uttering a -cry. Don Miguel judged the position at the first glance: he saw that he -and his party were lost. - -"Let us die!" he said. - -"We will!" the conspirators resolutely responded. - -Curumilla with the butt of his rifle beat in the door of the nearest -house, and rushed in, the conspirators following him. They were soon -intrenched on the roof. In Mexico all the houses have flat roofs, formed -like terraces. Thanks to the Indian chief's idea, the rebels found -themselves in possession of an improvised fortress, where they could -defend themselves for a long time, and sell their lives dearly. - -The troops advanced from each end of the street, while the roofs of all -the houses were occupied by soldiers. The battle was about to begin -between earth and heaven, and promised to be terrible. At this moment -General Guerrero, who commanded the troops, bade them halt, and advanced -alone to the house on the top of which the conspirators were intrenched. -Don Miguel beat up the guns of his comrades, who aimed at the officer. - -"Wait," he said to them; and, addressing the general, "What do you -want?" he shouted. - -"To offer you propositions." - -"Speak." - -The general came a few paces nearer, so that those he addressed could -not miss one of his words. - -"I offer you life and liberty if you consent to surrender your leader," -he said. - -"Never!" the conspirators shouted in one voice. - -"It is my place to answer," Don Miguel said; and then turning to the -general, "What assurance do you give me that these conditions will be -honourably carried out?" - -"My word of honor as a soldier," the general answered. - -"Very good," Don Miguel went on; "I accept. All the men who accompany me -will leave the town one after the other." - -"No, we will not!" the conspirators shouted as they brandished their -weapons; "we would sooner die." - -"Silence!" the hacendero said in a loud voice. "I alone have the right -to speak here, for I am your chief. The life of brave men like you must -not be needlessly sacrificed. Go, I say; I order you--I implore it of -you," he added with tears in his voice. "Perhaps you will soon take your -revenge." - -The conspirators hung their heads mournfully. - -"Well?" the general asked. - -"My friends, accept. I will remain alone here. If you break your word I -will kill myself." - -"I repeat that you hold my word," the general answered. - -The conspirators came one after the other to embrace Don Miguel, and -then went down into the street without being in any way interfered with. -Things happen thus in this country, where conspiracies and revolutions -are on the order of the day, as it were. The defeated are spared as far -as possible, from the simple reason that the victors may find themselves -tomorrow fighting side by side with them for the same cause. Curumilla -was the last to depart. - -"All is not ended yet," he said to Don Miguel. "Koutonepi will save you, -father." - -The hacendero shook his head sadly. - -"Chief," he said in a deeply moved voice, "I leave my daughter to -Valentine, Father Seraphin, and yourself. Watch over her: the poor child -will soon have no father." - -Curumilla embraced Don Miguel silently and retired; he had soon -disappeared in the crowd, the general having honourably kept his word. - -Don Miguel threw down his weapons and descended. - -"I am your prisoner," he said. - -General Guerrero bowed, and made him a sign to mount the horse a soldier -had brought up. - -"Where are we going?" the hacendero said. - -"To Santa Fe," the general answered, "where you will be tried with -General Ibanez, who will doubtless soon be a prisoner like yourself." - -"Oh!" Don Miguel muttered thoughtfully, "who betrayed us this time?" - -"It was still Red Cedar," the general answered. - -The hacendero let his head sink on his chest, and remained silent. A -quarter of an hour later the prisoner left the Paso del Norte, escorted -by a regiment of dragoons. When the last trooper had disappeared in the -windings of the road three men left the shrubs that concealed them, and -stood like three phantoms in the midst of the desolate plain. - -"O heavens!" Don Pablo cried in a heart-rending voice, "my father, my -sister--who will restore them to me?" - -"I!" Valentine said in a grave voice, as he laid his hand on his -shoulder. "Am I not the TRAIL-HUNTER?" - - - - -PART II.--EL PRESIDIO DE SANTA FE. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -EL RANCHO DEL COYOTE. - - -About a month after the events we have described in the first part of -this veracious history, two horsemen, well mounted, and carefully -enwrapped in their cloaks, entered at a smart trot the town of Santa Fe -between three and four o'clock in the afternoon. - -Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is a pretty town, built in the -midst of a laughing and fertile plain. One of its sides occupies the -angle formed by a small stream: it is surrounded by the _adobe_ walls of -the houses by which it is bordered. The entrance of each street is -closed by stakes in the form of palisades; and like the majority of -towns in Spanish America, the houses, built only one story high in -consequence of the earthquakes, are covered with terraces of well-beaten -earth, called _azoteas,_ which are a sufficient protection in this -glorious climate, where the sky is constantly pure. - -In the time of the Castilian rule Santa Fe enjoyed a certain importance, -owing to its strategic position, which allowed an easy defence against -the incursions of the Indians; but since the emancipation of Mexico this -city, like all the other centres of population in his unhappy country, -has seen its splendour vanish forever, and despite the fertility of its -soil and the magnificence of its climate, it has entered into such a -state of decadence that the day is at hand when it will be only an -uninhabited ruin. In a word, this city, which fifty years back contained -more than ten thousand inhabitants, has now scarcely three thousand, -eaten up by fevers and the utmost wretchedness. - -Still during the last few weeks Santa Fe had appeared to emerge, as if -by magic from the lethargy into which it is ordinarily plunged; a -certain degree of animation prevailed in its usually deserted streets; -in short, a new life circulated in the veins of this population, to -whom, however, all must appear a matter of indifference. The fact was -that an event of immense importance had recently taken place in this -town. The two leaders of the conspiracy lately attempted had been -transferred to safe keeping at Santa Fe. - -The Mexicans, ordinarily so slow when justice has to be dealt, are the -most expeditious people in the world when a conspiracy has to be -punished. Don Miguel and General Ibanez had not pined long in prison. A -court martial, hurriedly convened, had assembled under the presidency of -the governor, and the two conspirators were unanimously condemned to be -shot. - -The hacendero, through his name and his position, and especially on -account of his fortune, had numerous partisans in the province: hence -the announcement of the verdict had caused a profound stupor, which -almost immediately changed into anger, among the rich land owners and -the Indians of New Mexico. A dull agitation prevailed throughout the -country; and the governor, who felt too weak to hold head against the -storm that threatened him, and regretted that he had carried matters so -far, was temporising, and trying to evade the peril of his position -until a regiment of dragoons he had asked of the Government arrived, and -gave strength to the law. The condemned men, whom the governor had not -yet dared to place in _capilla_, were still provisionally detained in -the prison. - -The two men of whom we have spoken, rode without stopping through the -streets of the town, deserted at this hour, when everybody is at home -enjoying his siesta, and proceeded toward an unpretending rancho, built -on the banks of the stream, at the opposite end of the town from that by -which they entered. - -"Well," one of the horsemen said, addressing his comrade, "was I not -right? You see everyone is asleep: there is nobody to watch us. We have -arrived at a capital moment." - -"Bah!" the other answered in a rough voice, "Do you believe that? In -towns there is always somebody watching to see what does not concern -him, and report it after his fashion." - -"That is possible," the first said, shrugging his shoulders -disdainfully. "I care about it as little as I do for a stringhalt -horse." - -"And I, too," the other said sharply. "Do you imagine that I care more -than you do for the gossips? But stay; I fancy we have reached the -rancho of Andres Garote. This must be the filthy tenement, unless I am -mistaken." - -"It is the house. I only hope the scamp has not forgotten, the meeting I -gave him. Wait a minute, senor padre; I will give the agreed-on signal." - -"It is not worth while, Red Cedar. You know that I am always at your -excellency's orders when you may please to give them," a mocking voice -said from inside the rancho, the door of which immediately opened to -give admission to the newcomers, and allowed a glimpse of the tall -figure and intelligent face of Andres Garote himself. - -"_Ave Maria purisima!_" the travellers said, as they dismounted and -entered the rancho. - -"_Sin pecado concebida!_" Andres replied, as he took the bridles of the -horses and led them to the corral, where he unsaddled them and gave each -a truss of alfalfa. - -The travellers, fatigued by a long journey, sat down on butacas arranged -against the wall, and awaited the host's return, while wiping their dank -foreheads and twisting a maize cigarette between their fingers. The room -in which they were had nothing extremely attractive about it. It was a -large chamber with two windows, protected by iron bars, the greasy panes -allowing but a doubtful light to pass. The naked and smoky walls were -covered with clumsily-painted pictures, representing various holy -objects. The furniture only consisted of three or four halting tables, -the same number of benches, and a few butacas, the torn and harsh -leather of which evinced lengthened use. As for the floor, it was merely -of beaten earth, but rendered uneven by the mud incessantly brought in -upon the feet of visitors. A door carefully closed led to an inner room, -in which the ranchero slept. Another door was opposite to it, and -through this Andres speedily entered after giving the horses their -provender. - -"I did not expect you yet," he said as he entered; "but you are welcome. -Is there anything new?" - -"My faith, I know nothing but the affair that brings us. It is rather -serious, I fancy, and prevents us attending to anything else," Red Cedar -remarked. - -"_Caspita_! what vivacity, compadre!" Andres exclaimed. "But, before -talking, I hope you will take some refreshment at any rate. There is -nothing like a cup of mezcal or pulque to clear the brain." - -"Not to forget," Fray Ambrosio said, "that it is infernally hot, and my -tongue is glued to my palate, as I have swallowed so much dust." - -"_Cuerpo de Dios_!" Andres said as he went to look for a bottle among -several others arranged on a sort of bar, and placed it before the -travellers. "Pay attention to that, senor padre; for it is serious, and -you run a risk of death, _caray!_" - -"Give me the remedy, then, chatterer," the monk replied as he held out -his glass. - -The mezcal, liberally poured out, was swallowed at a draught by the -three men, who put back their glasses on the table with a "hum" of -satisfaction, and that clinking of the tongue peculiar to topers when -they are swallowing anything that tickles the throat. - -"And now suppose we talk seriously," Red Cedar said. - -"At your orders, senores caballeros," Andres replied. "Still, if you -prefer a hand at monte, you know that I have cards at your service." - -"Presently, senor Andres, presently. Everything will have its turn. Let -us first settle our little business," Fray Ambrosio judiciously -observed. - -Andres Garote bowed his head in resignation, while thrusting back into -his pocket the pack of cards he had already half drawn out. The three -men made themselves as comfortable as they could, and Red Cedar, after -casting a suspicious glance around him, at length took the word. - -"You know, caballeros," he said, "how, when we thought we had nothing to -do but proceed straight to Apacheria, the sudden desertion of nearly all -our gambusinos checked us. The position was most critical for us, and -the abduction of Dona Clara compelled us to take the utmost -precautions." - -"That is true," Andres Garote observed with an air of conviction. - -"Although certain influential persons protect us under the rose," Red -Cedar continued, "we are compelled to keep in the shade as far as we -can. I therefore sought to remedy the gravest points in the business. In -the first place, the girl was hidden in an inaccessible retreat, and -then I began looking for comrades to take the place of those who -abandoned us so suddenly." - -"Well?" the two men interrupted him sharply. - -"At this moment," Red Cedar calmly continued, "when the placers of -California call away all the men belonging to the profession, it was -certainly no easy task to collect one hundred men of the sort we want, -the more so as we shall have to fight the Indios Bravos in our -expedition. I did not care to enlist novices, who at the sight of the -first Apache or Comanche savages, would bolt in terror, and leave us in -the lurch on the prairies. What I wanted were resolute men, whom no -fatigue would disgust, and who, once attached to our enterprise, would -follow it out to the end. I have, therefore, during the past month, been -running about to all the frontier presidios; and the devil has come to -my help tolerably well, for the evil is now repaired, and the band -complete." - -"I hope, Red Cedar," Fray Ambrosio asked, "that you have not spoken -about the placer to your men?" - -"Do you take me for a fool! No, padre," the squatter answered sharply, -"no, no. A hundred thousand reasons urge us to be prudent, and keep the -expedition secret. In the first place, I do not wish to make the fortune -of the Government while making our own. An indiscretion would ruin us -now, when the whole world only dreams of mines and placers, and Europe -sends us a mob of lean and starving vagabonds, greedy to grow fat at our -expense." - -"Famously reasoned," said Andres. - -"No, no, trust to me. I have assembled the finest collection of picaros -ever brought together for an expedition, all food for the gallows, -ruined by monte, who do not care for hard blows, and on whom I can fully -count, while being very careful not to drop a word that can enlighten -them as to the spot whither we propose leading them; for, in that case, -I know as well as you do that they would abandon us without the -slightest scruples, or, as is even more probable, assassinate us to gain -possession of the immense treasures we covet." - -"Nothing can be more just," Fray Ambrosio answered. "I am quite of your -opinion, Red Cedar. Now what have you resolved on?" - -"We have not an instant to lose," the squatter continued. "This very -evening, or tomorrow at the latest, we must set out. Who knows whether -we have not already delayed our start too long? Perhaps one of those -European vagabonds may have discovered our placer, for those scoundrels -have a peculiar scent for gold." - -Fray Ambrosio cast a suspicious glance at his partner. - -"Hum!" he muttered, "that would be very unlucky, for hitherto the -business has been well managed." - -"For that reason," Red Cedar hastened to add, "I only suggest a doubt ---nothing more." - -"Come, Red Cedar," the monk said, "you have yourself narrated all the -embarrassments of our position, and the countless difficulties we shall -have to surmount before reaching our object. Why, then, complicate the -gravity of our situation still more, and create fresh enemies -needlessly?" - -"I do not understand you, senor padre. Be good enough to explain -yourself more clearly." - -"I allude to the young girl you carried off." - -"Ah, ah!" Red Cedar said with a grin, "Is that where the shoe pinches -you, comrade? I am vexed at it; but I will not answer your question. If -I carried off that woman, it was because I had pressing reasons to do -so. These reasons still exist; that is all I can tell you. All the -better if these explanations are sufficient for you; if not, you must -put up with them, for you will get no others." - -"Still it appears to me that, regarding the terms on which we stand to -each other--" - -"What can there be in common between the abduction of Dona Clara and the -discovery of a placer in the heart of Apacheria? Come, you are mad, Fray -Ambrosio; the mezcal is getting to your head." - -"Still--" the monk insisted. - -"Enough of that!" Red Cedar shouted as he roughly smote the table with -his clenched fist. "I will not hear another word on the subject." - -At this moment two smart blows were heard on the carefully-bolted door. - -The three men started, and Red Cedar broke off. - -"Shall I open?" Andres asked. - -"Yes," Fray Ambrosio answered: "hesitation or refusal might give an -alarm. We must foresee everything." - -Red Cedar consented with a toss of his head, and the ranchero went with -an ill grace toward the door, which was being struck as if about to be -beaten in. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE CUCHILLADA. - - -So soon as the door was opened two men appeared on the threshold. The -first was Curumilla; the other, wrapped up in a large cloak, and with -his broad-brimmed hat drawn over his eyes, entered the room, making the -Indian chief a sign to follow him. The latter was evidently a Mexican. - -"_Santas tardes!_" he said as he raised his hand to his hat, but not -removing it. - -"_Dios las de a usted buenas!_" the ranchero answered. "What shall I -serve to your excellencies?" - -"A bottle of mezcal," the stranger said. - -The newcomers seated themselves at the end of the room, at a spot which -the light reached in such a weakened state that it was almost dark. When -they were served each poured out a glass of liquor, which he drank; and -leaning his head on his hands, the Mexican appeared plunged in deep -thought, not occupying himself the least in the world about the persons -near him. Curumilla crossed his arms on his chest, half closed his eyes, -and remained motionless. - -Still the arrival of these two men, especially the presence of the -stranger, had suddenly frozen the eloquence of our three friends. Gloomy -and silent, they instinctively felt that the newcomers were enemies, and -anxiously waited for what was about to occur. At length Red Cedar, -doubtless more impatient than his comrades, and wishful to know at once -what he had to expect, rose, filled his glass, and turned toward the -strangers. - -"Senores caballeros," he said, imitating that exquisite politeness which -the Mexicans possess in the highest degree. "I have the honor of -drinking to your health." - -At this invitation Curumilla remained insensible as a granite statue: -his companion slowly raised his head, fixed his eye for a moment on the -speaker, and answered in a loud and firm voice,-- - -"It is needless, senor, for I shall not drink to yours. What I say to -you," he added, laying a stress on the words, "your friends can also -take for themselves if they think proper." - -Fray Ambrosio rose violently. - -"What do you say?" he exclaimed in a threatening voice. "Do you mean to -insult me?" - -"There are people whom a man cannot mean to insult," the stranger -continued in a cutting voice. "Remember this, senor padre--I do not wish -to have any dealings with you." - -"Why so?" - -"Because I do not please--that is all. Now, gentlemen, do not trouble -yourselves about me, I beg, but continue your conversation: it was most -interesting when I arrived. You were speaking, I believe, about an -expedition you are preparing: there was a question too, I fancy, when I -entered, about a girl your worthy friend, or partner--I do not know -which he is--carried off with your assistance. Do not let me disturb -you. I should, on the contrary, be delighted to learn what you intend -doing with that unhappy creature." - -No words could render the feeling of stupor and terror which seized on -the three partners at this, crushing revelation of their plans. When -they fancied they had completely concealed them by their cunning and -skill, to see them thus suddenly unveiled in all their extent by a man -whom they did not know, but who knew them, and in consequence could only -be an enemy--this terrified them to such a degree that for a moment they -fancied they had to do with the spirit of evil. The two Mexicans crossed -themselves simultaneously, while the American uttered a hoarse -exclamation of rage. - -But Red Cedar and Fray Ambrosio were men too hardened in iniquity for -any event, however grave in its nature, to crush them for long. The -first moment past, they recovered themselves, and amazement gave way to -fury. The monk drew from his vaquera boot a knife, and posted himself -before the door to prevent egress; while Red Cedar, with frowning brow -and a machete in his hand, advanced resolutely toward the table, behind -which their bold adversary, standing with folded arms, seemed to defy -them by his ironical smile. - -"Whoever you may be," Red Cedar said, stopping two paces from his -opponent, "chance has made you master of a secret that kills, and you -shall die." - -"Do you really believe that I owe a knowledge of your secrets to -chance?" the other said with a mocking accent. - -"Defend yourself," Red Cedar howled furiously, "If you do not wish me to -assassinate you; for, _con mil diablos!_ I shall not hesitate, I warn -you." - -"I know it," the stranger replied quietly. "I shall not be the first -person to whom that has happened: the Sierra Madre and El Bolson de -Mapimi have often heard the agonising cries of your victims, when -Indians were wanting to fill up your number of scalps." - -At this allusion to his frightful trade the squatter felt a livid pallor -cover his face, a tremor agitated all his limbs, and he yelled in a -choking voice,-- - -"You lie! I am a hunter." - -"Of scalps," the stranger immediately retorted, "unless you have given -up that lucrative and honourable profession since your last expedition to -the village of the Coras." - -"Oh!" the squatter shouted with an indescribable burst of fury, "He is a -coward who hides his face while uttering such words." - -The stranger shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, and let the folds of -his mantle fall sharply. - -"Do you recognise me, Red Cedar, since your conscience has not yet -whispered my name to you?" - -"Oh!" the three men exclaimed in horror, and instinctively recoiling -"Don Pablo de Zarate!" - -"Yes," the young man continued, "Don Pablo, who has come, Red Cedar, to -ask of you an account of his sister, whom you carried off." - -Red Cedar was in a state of extraordinary agitation: with eyes dilated -by terror, and contracted features, he felt the cold perspiration -beading on his temples at this unexpected apparition. - -"Ah!" he said in a hollow voice, "Do the dead, then, leave the tomb?" - -"Yes," the young man shouted loudly, "they leave their tomb to tear your -victims from you. Red Cedar, restore me my sister!" - -The squatter leaped like a hyena on the young man, brandishing his -machete. - -"Dog!" he yelled, "I will kill you a second time." - -But his wrist was suddenly seized by a hand of iron, and the bandit -tottered back to the wall of the rancho, against which he was forced to -lean, lest he should roll on the ground. Curumilla, who had hitherto -remained an impassive witness of the scene that took place before him, -had thought the moment for interference, had arrived, and had sharply -hurled him back. The squatter, with eyes injected with blood, and lips -clenched by rage, looked around him with glaring worthy of a wild beast. -Fray Ambrosio and the ranchero, held in check by the Indian chief, did -not dare to interfere. Don Pablo walked with slow and measured step -toward the bandit. When he was ten paces from him he stopped, and looked -fixedly at him. - -"Red Cedar," he repeated in a calm voice, "give me back my sister." - -"Never!" the squatter answered in a voice choked by rage. - -In the meanwhile the monk and the ranchero had treacherously approached -the young man, watching for the propitious moment to fall on him. The -five men assembled in this room offered a strange and sinister scene by -the uncertain light that filtered through the windows, as each stood -with his hand on his weapon, ready to kill or be killed, and only -awaiting the opportunity to rush on his enemy. There was a moment of -supreme silence. Assuredly these men were brave. In many circumstances -they had seen death under every aspect; and yet their hearts beat as if -to burst their breasts, for they knew that the combat about to commence -between them was without truce or mercy. At length Don Pablo spoke -again. - -"Take care, Red Cedar," he said. "I have come to meet you alone and -honourably. I have asked you for my sister several times, and you have -not answered; so take care." - -"I will sell your sister to the Apaches," the squatter howled. "As for -you, accursed one, you shall not leave this room alive. May I be -eternally condemned if your heart does not serve as a sheath to my -knife!" - -"The scoundrel is mad!" the young man said contemptuously. - -He fell back a pace, and then stopped. - -"Listen," he continued. "I will now retire, but we shall meet again; and -woe to you then, for I shall be as pitiless to you as you have been to -me. Farewell!" - -"Oh! you shall not go in that way, my master," replied the squatter, who -had regained all his boldness and impudence. "Did I not tell you I would -kill you?" - -The young man fixed upon him a glance of undefinable expression, and -crossed his arms boldly on his chest. - -"Try it," he said in a voice rendered harsh by the fury boiling in his -heart. - -Red Cedar uttered a yell of rage, and bounded on Don Pablo. The latter -calmly awaited the attack; but, so soon as the squatter was within reach -he suddenly took off his mantle, and threw it over his enemy's head, -who, blinded by the folds of the thick garment, rolled about on the -ground, unable to free himself from the accursed cloth that held him -like a net. With one bound the young man was over the table, and -troubling himself no further about Red Cedar, proceeded toward the door. - -At this moment Fray Ambrosio rushed upon him, trying to bury his knife -in his chest. Feeling not the slightest alarm, Don Pablo seized his -assailant's wrist, and with a strength he was far from anticipating, -twisted his arm so violently that his fingers opened, and he let the -knife fall with a yell of pain. Don Pablo picked it up, and seized the -monk by the throat. - -"Listen, villain!" he said to him. "I am master of your life. You -betrayed my father, who took pity on you, and received you into his -house. You dishonour the gown you wear by your connection with -criminals, whose ill deeds you share in. I could kill you, and perhaps -ought to do so; but it would be robbing the executioner to whom you -belong, and cheating the garrote which awaits you. This gown, of which -you are unworthy, saves your life; but I will mark you so that you shall -never forget me." - -And placing the point of the knife on the monk's livid face, he made two -gashes in the shape of a cross along the whole length and breadth of his -face. - -"We shall meet again!" he added in a thundering voice, as he threw the -knife away in disgust. - -Andres Garote had not dared to make a move: terror nailed him motionless -to the ground beneath the implacable eye of the Indian warrior. Don -Pablo and Curumilla then rushed from the room and disappeared, and ere -long the hoofs of two horses departing at full speed from the town could -be heard clattering over the pavement. - -By the aid of the ranchero, Red Cedar presently succeeded in freeing -himself from the fold of the cloak that embarrassed him. When the three -accomplices found themselves alone again an expression of impotent rage -and deadly hatred distorted their faces. - -"Oh!" the squatter muttered, grinding his teeth, and raising his fist to -heaven, "I will be revenged." - -"And I too," said Fray Ambrosio in a hollow voice, as he wiped away the -blood that stained his face. - -"Hum! I do not care," Andres Garote said to himself aside. "That family -of the Zarates is a fine one; but, _caray_! it must be confessed that -Don Pablo is a rough fellow." - -The worthy ranchero was the only one chance had favoured in this meeting -by letting him escape safe and sound. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE HUNTERS. - - -At about two leagues from Santa Fe, in a clearing situated on the banks -of the stream which borders that town, and on the evening of the same -day, a man was seated before a large fire, which he carefully kept up, -while actively engaged in making preparations for supper. A frugal meal, -at any rate, this supper! It was composed of a buffalo hump, a few -potatoes, and maize tortillas baked on the ashes, the whole washed down -with pulque. - -The night was gloomy. Heavy black clouds coursed athwart the sky, at -times intercepting the sickly rays of the moon, which only shed an -uncertain light over the landscape, which was itself buried in one of -those dense mists that, in equatorial countries, exhale from the ground -after a hot day. The wind blew violently through the trees, whose -branches came in contact, with plaintive moans: and in the depths of the -woods the miawling of the wild cats was mingled with the snarl of the -coyotes and the howls of the pumas and jaguars. All at once the sound of -galloping horses could be heard in the forest, and two riders burst into -the clearing. On seeing them the hunter uttered an exclamation of joy, -and hurried to meet them. They were Don Pablo and Curumilla. - -"Heaven be praised!" the hunter said. "Here you are at last. I was -beginning to grow alarmed at your long absence." - -"You see that nothing has happened to me," the young man answered, -affectionately pressing the hunter's hands. - -Don Pablo had dismounted, and hobbled his own horse and Curumilla's near -Valentine, while the Indian chief busied himself in preparing the -supper. - -"Come, come," the hunter said gaily, "to table. You must be hungry, and -I am dying of inanition. You can tell me all that has occurred while we -are eating." - -The three men went to the table; that is, they seated themselves on the -grass in front of the fire, and vigorously assailed their meagre repast. -Desert life has this peculiarity--that in whatever position you may find -yourself, as the struggles you go through are generally physical rather -than moral, nature never resigns her claims: you feel the need of -keeping up your strength, so as to be ready for all eventualities. There -is no alarm great enough to prevent you from eating and drinking. - -"Now," Valentine asked presently, "what have you done? I fancy you -remained much longer than was necessary in that accursed town." - -"We did, my friend. Certain reasons forced me to remain longer than I -had at first intended." - -"Proceed in regular order, if you have no objection. I fancy that is the -only way of understanding each other." - -"Act as you please, my friend." - -"Very good: the chief and I will light our Indian pipes while you make -your cigarette. We will sit with our backs to the fire, so as to watch -the neighbourhood, and in that way can converse without apprehension. -What do you say, Pablo?" - -"You are always right, my friend. Your inexhaustible gaiety, your honest -carelessness, restore me all my courage, and make me quite a different -man." - -"Hum!" Valentine said, "I am glad to hear you speak so. The position is -serious, it is true; but it is far from being desperate. The chief and I -have many times been in situations were our lives only depended on a -thread: and yet we always emerged from them honourably--did we not, -chief?" - -"Yes," the Indian answered laconically, drawing in a mouthful of smoke, -which he sent forth again from his mouth and nostrils. - -"But that is not the question of the moment. I have sworn to save your -father and sister, Pablo, and will do so, or my carcass shall be food -for the wild beasts of the prairie; so leave me to act. Have you seen -Father Seraphin?" - -"Yes, I have. Our poor friend is still very weak and pale, and his wound -is scarce cicatrised. Still, paying no heed to his sufferings, and -deriving strength from his unbounded devotion to humanity, he has done -all we agreed on. For the last week he has only left my father to hasten -to his judges. He has seen the general, the governor, the -bishop--everybody, in short--and has neglected nothing. Unfortunately -all his exertions have hitherto been fruitless." - -"Patience!" the hunter said with a smile of singular meaning. - -"Father Seraphin believes for certain that my father will be placed in -the capilla within two days. The governor wishes to have done with -it--that is the expression he employed; and Father Seraphin told me that -we have not a moment to lose." - -"Two days are a long time, my friend; before they have elapsed many -things may have occurred." - -"That is true; but my father's life is at stake, and I feel timid." - -"Good, Don Pablo; I like to hear you speak so. But reassure yourself; -all is going on well, I repeat." - -"Still, my friend, I believe it would be wise to take certain -precautions. Remember it is a question of life or death, and we must -make haste. How many times, under similar circumstances, have the best -arranged plans failed! Do you think that your measures are well taken? -Do you not fear lest an unhappy accident may derange all your plans at -the decisive moment?" - -"We are playing at this moment the devil's own game, my friend," -Valentine answered coldly. "We have chance on our side; that is to say, -the greatest power that exists, and which governs the world." - -The young man lowered his head, as if but slightly convinced. The hunter -regarded him for a moment with a mixture of interest and tender pity, -and then continued in a soothing voice,-- - -"Listen, Don Pablo de Zarate," he said. "I have said that I will save -your father, and mean to do so. Still I wish him to leave the prison in -which he now is, like a man of his character ought to leave it, in open -day, greeted by the applause of the crowd, and not by escaping furtively -during the night, like a vile criminal. Hang it all! Do you think it -would have been difficult for me to enter the town, and effect your -father's escape by filing the bars or bribing the jailer? I would not do -it. Don Miguel would not have accepted that cowardly and shameful -flight. Your father shall leave his prison, but begged to do so by the -governor himself, and all the authorities of Santa Fe. So regain your -courage, and no longer doubt a man whose friendship and experience -should, on the contrary, restore your confidence." - -The young man had listened to these words with even increasing interest. -When Valentine ceased speaking he seized his hand. - -"Pardon me, my friend," he answered him. "I know how devoted you are to -my family; but I suffer, and grief renders me unjust. Forgive me." - -"Child, let us forget it all. Was the town quiet today?" - -"I cannot tell you, for I was so absorbed in thought that I saw nothing -going on around me. Still I fancy there was a certain agitation, which -was not natural, on the Plaza Mayor, near the governor's palace." - -Valentine indulged once again in that strange smile that had already -played round the corners of his delicate lips. - -"Good!" he said. "And did you, as I advised, try to gain any information -about Red Cedar?" - -"Yes," he answered with a start of joy, "I did; and I have positive -news." - -"Ah, ah! How so?" - -"I will tell you." - -And Don Pablo described the scene that had taken place in the rancho. -The hunter listened to it with the utmost attention, and when it was -finished he tossed his head several times with an air of -dissatisfaction. - -"All young people are so," he muttered; "they always allow their passion -to carry them beyond the bounds of reason. You were wrong, extremely -wrong, Don Pablo," he then added. "Red Cedar believed you dead, and that -might have been of great use to us presently. You do not know the -immense power that demon has at his disposal: all the bandits on the -frontier are devoted to him. Your outbreak will be most injurious to -your sister's safety." - -"Still, my friend--" - -"You acted like a madman in arousing the slumbering fury of the tiger. -Red Cedar will persist in destroying you. I have known the wretch for a -long time. But that is not the worst you have done." - -"What is it, then?" - -"Why, madman as you are, instead of keeping dark, watching your enemies -without saying a word--in short, seeing through their game--by an -unpardonable act of bravado you have unmasked all your batteries." - -"I do not understand you, my friend." - -"Fray Ambrosio is a villain of a different stamp from Red Cedar, it is -true; but I consider him even a greater scoundrel than the scalp hunter. -At any rate, the latter is purely a rogue, and you know what to expect -from him: all about him bears the stamp of his hideous soul. Had you -stabbed that wild beast, who perspires blood by every pore, and dreams -of naught but murder, I might possibly have pardoned you; but you have -completely failed, not only in prudence, but in good sense, by acting as -you have done with Fray Ambrosio. That man is a hypocrite. He owes all -to your family, and is furious at seeing this treachery discovered. Take -care, Don Pablo. You have made at one blow two implacable enemies, the -more terrible now because they have nothing to guard against." - -"It is true," the young man said; "I acted like a fool. But what would -you? At the sight of those two men, when I heard from their very lips -the crimes they had committed, and those they still meditate against us, -I was no longer master of myself. I entered the rancho, and you know the -rest." - -"Yes, yes, the cuchillada was a fine one. Certainly the bandit deserved -it; but I fear lest the cross you so smartly drew on his face will cost -you dearly some day." - -"Well, let us leave it in the hand of Heaven. You know the proverb, 'It -is better to forget what cannot be remedied.' Provided my father escape -the fate that menaces him, I shall be happy. I shall take my precautions -to defend myself." - -"Did you learn nothing further?" - -"Yes; Red Cedar's gambusinos are encamped a short distance from us. I -know that their chief intends starting tomorrow at the latest." - -"Oh, oh! Already? We must make haste and prepare our ambuscade, if we -wish to discover the road they mean to follow." - -"When shall we start?" - -"At once." - -The three men made their preparations; the horses were saddled, the -small skins the horseman always carries at his saddle-bow in these dry -countries were filled with water, and five minutes later the hunters -mounted. At the moment they were leaving the clearing a rustling of -leaves was heard, the branches parted, and an Indian appeared. It was -Unicorn, the great sachem of the Comanches. On seeing him the three men -dismounted and waited. Valentine advanced alone to meet the Indian. - -"My brother is welcome," he said. "What does he want of me?" - -"To see the face of a friend," the chief answered in a gentle voice. - -The two men then bowed after the fashion of the prairie. After this -ceremony Valentine went on: - -"My father must approach the fire, and smoke from the calumet of his -white friends." - -"I will do so," Unicorn answered. - -And drawing near the fire, he crouched down in Indian fashion, took his -pipe from his belt, and smoked in silence. The hunters, seeing the turn -this unexpected interview was taking, had fastened up their horses, and -seated themselves again round the fire. A few minutes passed thus, no -one speaking, each waiting till the Indian chief should explain the -motive of his coming. At length Unicorn shook the ashes from his -calumet, returned it to his belt, and addressed Valentine. - -"Is my brother setting out to hunt buffaloes again?" he said. "There are -many this year on the prairies of the Rio Gila." - -"Yes," the Frenchman replied, "we are going hunting. Does my brother -intend to accompany us?" - -"No; my heart is sad. - -"What means the chief? Has any misfortune happened to him?" - -"Does not my brother understand me, or am I really mistaken? It is that -my brother only really loves the buffaloes, whose meat he eats, and -whose hides he sells at the _tolderia_?" - -"Let my brother explain himself more clearly; then I will try to answer -him." - -There was a moment of silence. The Indian seemed to be reflecting -deeply: his nostrils were dilated, and at times his black eye flashed -fire. The hunters calmly awaited the issue of this conversation, whose -object they had not yet caught. At length Unicorn raised his head, -restored all the serenity to his glance, and said in a soft and -melodious voice,-- - -"Why pretend not to understand me, Koutonepi? A warrior must not have a -forked tongue. What a man cannot do alone, two can attempt and carry -out. Let my brother speak: the ears of a friend are open." - -"My brother is right. I will not deceive his expectations. The hunt I -wish to make is serious. I am anxious to save a woman of my colour; but -what can the will of one man effect?" - -"Koutonepi is not alone: I see at his side the best two rifles of the -frontier. What does the white hunter tell me? Is he no longer the great -warrior I knew? Does he doubt the friendship of his brother Haboutzelze, -the great sachem of the Comanches?" - -"I never doubted the friendship of my brother. I am an adopted son of -his nation. At this very moment is he not seeking to do me a service?" - -"That service is only half what I wish to do. Let my brother speak the -word, and two hundred Comanche warriors shall join him to deliver the -virgin of the palefaces, and take the scalps of her ravishers." - -Valentine started with joy at this noble offer. - -"Thanks, chief," he said eagerly. "I accept; and I know that your word -is sacred." - -"Michabou protects us," the Indian said. "My brother can count on me. A -chief does not forget a service. I owe obligations to the pale hunter, -and will deliver to him the gachupino robbers." - -"Here is my hand, chief: my heart has long been yours." - -"My brother speaks well. I have done what he requested of me." - -And, bowing courteously, the Comanche chief withdrew without adding a -word. - -"Don Pablo," Valentine exclaimed joyously, "I can now guarantee your -father's safety: this night--perhaps tomorrow--he will be free." - -The young man fell into the hunter's arms, and hid his head on his -honest chest, not having the strength to utter a word. A few minutes -later, the hunters left the clearing to go in search of the gambusinos, -and prepare their ambuscade. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -SUNBEAM. - - -We will now go a little way back, in order to clear up certain portions -of the conversation between Valentine and Unicorn, whose meaning the -reader can not have caught. - -Only a few months after their arrival in Apacheria the Frenchman and -Curumilla were hunting the buffalo on the banks of the Rio Gila. It was -a splendid day in the month of July. The two hunters, fatigued by a long -march under the beams of the parching sun, that fell vertically on their -heads, had sheltered themselves under a clump of cedar wood trees, and, -carelessly stretched out on the ground, were smoking while waiting till -the great heat had passed, and the evening breeze rose to enable them to -continue their hunt. A quarter of elk was roasting for their dinner. - -"Eh, _penni_," Valentine said, addressing his comrade, and rising on his -elbow, "the dinner seems to be ready; so suppose we feed? The sun is -rapidly sinking behind the virgin forest, and we shall soon have to -start again." - -"Eat," Curumilla answered, sharply. - -The meat was laid on a leaf between the two hunters, who began eating -with good appetite, and indulging in cakes of _hautle_. These cakes, -which are very good, are certainly curious. They are made of the pounded -eggs of a species of water bug, collected by a sort of harvest in the -Mexican lakes. They are found on the leaves of the _toule_ (bulrush), -and the farina is prepared in various ways. It is an Aztec preparation -_par excellence_, for so long back as 1625 they were sold on the -marketplace of the Mexican capital. They form the chief food of the -Indians, who consider them as great a dainty as the Chinese do their -swallow nests, with which this article of food has a certain resemblance -in taste. Valentine had taken a third bite at his hautle cake when he -stopped, with his arm raised and his head bent forward, as if an unusual -sound had suddenly smitten his ear. Curumilla imitated his friend, and -both listened with that deep attention that only results from a -lengthened desert life; for on the prairie every sound is -suspicious--every meeting is feared, especially with man. - -Some time elapsed ere the noise which startled the hunters was repeated. -For a moment they fancied themselves deceived, and Valentine took -another bite, when he was again checked. This time he had distinctly -heard a sound resembling a stifled sigh, but so weak and hollow that it -needed the Trail-hunter's practised ear to catch it. Curumilla himself -had perceived nothing. He looked at his friend in amazement, not knowing -to what he should attribute his state of agitation. Valentine rose -hurriedly, seized his rifle, and rushed in the direction of the river, -his friend following him in all haste. - -It was from the river, in fact, that the sigh heard by Valentine had -come, and fortunately it was but a few paces distant. So soon as the -hunters had leaped over the intervening bushes they found themselves on -the bank, and a fearful sight presented itself to their startled eyes. A -long plank was descending the river, turning on its axis, and borne by -the current, which ran rather strongly at this point. On this plank was -fastened a woman, who held a child in her clasped arms. Each time the -plank revolved the unhappy woman plunged with her child into the stream, -and at ten yards at the most from it an enormous cayman was swimming -vigorously to snap at its two victims. - -Valentine raised his rifle. Curumilla at the same moment glided into the -water, holding his knife blade between his teeth, and swam toward the -plank. Valentine remained for a few seconds motionless, as if changed -into a block of marble. All at once he pulled the trigger, and the -discharge was re-echoed by the distant mountains. The cayman leaped out -of the water, and plunged down again; but it reappeared a moment later, -belly upwards. It was dead. Valentine's bullet had passed through its -eye. - -In the meanwhile Curumilla, had reached the plank with a few strokes, -without loss of time he turned it in the opposite direction from what it -was following; and while holding it so that it could not revolve, he -pushed it onto the sand. In two strokes he cut the bonds that held the -hapless woman, seized her in his arms, and ran off with her to the -bivouac fire. - -The poor woman gave no signs of life, and the two hunters eagerly sought -to restore her. She was an Indian, apparently not more than eighteen, -and very beautiful. Valentine found great difficulty in loosening her -arms and removing the baby; for the frail creature about a year old, by -an incomprehensible miracle, had been preserved--thanks, doubtless to -its mother's devotion. It smiled pleasantly at the hunter when he laid -it on a bed of dry leaves. - -Curumilla opened the woman's mouth slightly with his knife blade, placed -in it the mouth of his gourd, and made her swallow a few drops of -mezcal. A long time elapsed ere she gave the slightest move that -indicated an approaching return to life. The hunters, however, would not -be foiled by the ill-success of their attentions, but redoubled their -efforts. At length a deep sigh burst painfully from the sufferer's -oppressed chest, and she opened her eyes, murmuring in a voice weak as a -breath! - -"_Xocoyotl_ (My child)!" - -The cry of the soul--this first and supreme appeal of a mother on the -verge of the tomb--affected the two men with their hearts of bronze. -Valentine cautiously lifted the child, which had gone to sleep -peacefully on the leaves, and presented it to the mother, saying in a -soft voice: - -"_Nantli joltinemi_ (Mother, he lives)!" - -At these words, which restored her hope, the woman leaped up as if moved -by a spring, seized the child, and covered it with kisses, as she burst -into tears. The hunters respected this outpouring of maternal love: they -withdrew, leaving food and water by the woman's side. At sunset the two -men returned. The woman was squatting by the fire, nursing her child, -and lulling it to sleep by singing an Indian song. The night passed -tranquilly, the two hunters watching in turn over the slumbers of the -woman they had saved, and who reposed in peace. - -At sunrise she awoke; and, with the skill and handiness peculiar to the -women of her race, she rekindled the fire and prepared breakfast. The -two men looked at her with a smile, then threw their rifles over their -shoulders, and set out in search of game. When they returned to the -bivouac the meal was ready. After eating, Valentine lit his Indian pipe, -seated himself at the foot of a tree, and addressed the young woman. - -"What is my sister's name?" he asked. - -"Tonameyotl (the Sunbeam)," she replied, with a joyous smile that -revealed the double row of pearls that adorned her mouth. - -"My sister has a pretty name," Valentine answered. "She doubtless -belongs to the great nation of the Apaches." - -"The Apaches are dogs," she said in a hollow voice, and with a flash of -hatred in her glance. "The Comanche women will weave them petticoats. -The Apaches are cowardly as the coyotes: they only fight a hundred -against one. The Comanche warriors are like the tempest." - -"Is my sister the wife of a cacique?" - -"Where is the warrior who does not know Unicorn?" she said proudly. - -Valentine bowed. He had already heard the name of this terrible chief -pronounced several times. Mexicans and Indians, trappers, hunters, and -warriors, all felt for him a respect mingled with terror. - -"Sunbeam is Unicorn's wife," the Indian girl continued. - -"Good!" Valentine answered. "My sister will tell me where to find the -village of her tribe, and I will lead her back to the chief." - -The young woman smiled. - -"I have in my heart a small bird that sings at every instant of the -day," she said in her gentle and melodious voice. "The swallow cannot -live without its mate, and the chief is on the trail of Sunbeam." - -"We will wait the chief here, then," Valentine said. - -The hunter felt great pleasure in conversing with this simple child. - -"How was my sister thus fastened to the trunk of tree, and thrown into -the current of the Gila, to perish there with her child? It is an -atrocious vengeance." - -"Yes, it is the vengeance of an Apache dog," she answered. "Aztatl (the -Heron), daughter of Stanapat, the great chief of the Apaches, loved -Unicorn--her heart bounded at the mere name of the great Comanche -warrior; but the chief of my nation has only one heart, and it belongs -to Sunbeam. Two days ago the warriors of my tribe set out for a great -buffalo hunt, and the squaws alone remained in the village. While I -slept in my hut four Apache thieves, taking advantage of my slumber, -seized me and my child, and delivered us into the hands of Stanapat's -daughter. 'You love your husband,' she said with a grin: 'you doubtless -suffer at being separated from him. Be happy: I will send you to him by -the shortest road. He is hunting on the prairies down the river, and in -two hours you will be in his arms, unless,' she added with a laugh, 'the -caymans stop you on the road.'--'The Comanche women despise death,' I -answered her. 'For a hair you pluck from me, Unicorn will take the -scalps of your whole tribe; so act as you think proper;' and I turned my -head away, resolved to answer her no more. She herself fastened me to -the log, with my face turned to the sky, in order, as she said, that I -might see my road; and then she hurled me into the river, yelling: -'Unicorn is a cowardly rabbit, whom the Apache women despise. This is -how I revenge myself.' I have told my brother, the pale hunter, -everything as it happened." - -"My sister is a brave woman," Valentine replied: "she is worthy to be -the wife of a renowned chief." - -The young mother smiled as she embraced her child, which she presented, -with a movement full of grace, to the hunter, who kissed it on the -forehead. At this moment the song of the maukawis was heard at a short -distance off. The two hunters raised their heads in surprise, and looked -around them. - -"The quail sings very late, I fancy," Valentine muttered suspiciously. - -The Indian girl smiled as she looked down, but gave no answer. Suddenly -a slight cracking of dry branches disturbed the silence. Valentine and -Curumilla made a move, as if to spring up and seize their rifles that -lay by their side. - -"My brothers must not stir," the squaw said quickly: "it is a friend." - -The hunters remained motionless, and the girl then imitated with rare -perfection the cry of the blue jay. The bushes parted, and an Indian -warrior, perfectly painted and armed for war, bounded like a jackal over -the grass and herbs that obstructed his passage, and stopped in face of -the hunters. This warrior was Unicorn. He saluted the two men with that -grace innate in the Indian race; then he crossed his arms on his breast -and waited, without taking a glance at his squaw, or even appearing to -have seen her. On her side the Indian woman did not stir. - -During several moments a painful silence fell on the four persons whom -chance had assembled in so strange a way. At length Valentine, seeing -the warrior insisted on being silent, decided he would be the first to -speak. - -"Unicorn is welcome to our camp," he said. "Let him take a seat by the -fire of his brothers, and share with them the provisions they possess." - -"I will take a seat by the fire of my paleface brother," he replied; -"but he must first answer me a question I wish to ask of him." - -"My brother can speak: my ears are open." - -"Good!" the chief answered. "How is it the hunters have with them -Unicorn's wife?" - -"Sunbeam can answer that question best," Valentine said gravely. - -The chief turned to his squaw. - -"I am waiting," he remarked. - -The Indian woman repeated, word for word, to her husband the story she -had told a few minutes before. Unicorn listened without evincing either -surprise or wrath: his face remained impassive, but his brows were -imperceptibly contracted. When the woman had finished speaking, the -Comanche chief bowed his head on his chest, and remained for a moment -plunged in serious thought. Presently he raised his head. - -"Who saved Sunbeam from the river when she was about to perish?" he -asked her. - -The young woman's face lit up with a charming smile. - -"These hunters," she replied. - -"Good!" the chief said, laconically, as he bent on the two men glances -full of the most unspeakable gratitude. - -"Could we leave her to perish?" Valentine said. - -"My brothers did well. Unicorn is one of the first sachems of his -nation. His tongue is not forked: he gives his heart once, and takes it -back no more. Unicorn's heart belongs to the hunters." - -These simple words were uttered with the majesty and grandeur the -Indians know so well how to assume when they think proper. The two men -vowed their gratitude, and the chief continued:-- - -"Unicorn is returning to his village with his wife: his young men are -awaiting him twenty paces from here. He would be happy if the hunters -would consent to accompany him there." - -"Chief," Valentine answered, "we came into the prairie to hunt the -buffalo." - -"Well, what matter? My brothers will hunt with me and my young men; but -if they wish to prove to me that they accept my friendship, they will -follow me to my village." - -"The chief is mounted, while we are on foot." - -"I have horses." - -Any further resistance would have been a breach of politeness, and the -hunters accepted the invitation. Valentine, whom accident had brought on -to the prairies of the Rio Gila and Del Norte, was in his heart not -sorry to make friends there, and have allies on whose support he could -reckon in case of need. The squaw had by this time risen: she timidly -approached her husband, and held up the child, saying in a soft and -frightened voice,-- - -"Kiss this warrior." - -The chief took the frail creature in his muscular arms, and kissed it -repeatedly with a display of extraordinary tenderness, and then returned -it to the mother. The latter wrapped the babe in a small blanket, then -placed it on a plank shaped like a cradle, and covered with dry moss, -fastened a hoop over the place where its head rested, to guard it from -the burning beams of the sun, and hung the whole on her back by means of -a woolen strap passing over her forehead. - -"I am ready," she said. - -"Let us go," the chief replied. - -The hunters followed him, and they were soon on the prairie. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE ADOPTION. - - -Some sixty Comanche warriors were lying in the grass awaiting their -sachem, while the tethered horses were nibbling the tall prairie grasses -and the tree shoots. It could be seen at the first glance that these men -were picked warriors, selected for a dangerous expedition. From the -heels of all dangled five or six wolf tails--marks of honor which only -renowned warriors have the right to wear. - -On seeing their chief, they hurriedly rose and leaped into their -saddles. All were aware that their sachem's wife had been carried off, -and that the object of their expedition was to deliver her. Still, on -noticing her, they evidenced no surprise, but saluted her as if she had -left them only a few moments previously. The war party had with it -several horses, which the chief ordered to be given to his squaw and his -new friends; then, at a signal from him, the whole party started at full -speed, for the Indians know no other pace than the gallop. - -After about two hours' ride they reached the vicinity of the village, -which could be smelt some time before reaching, owing to the habit the -Comanches have of placing their dead on scaffoldings outside the -villages, where they moulder away: these scaffoldings, composed of four -stakes planted in the ground, terminated in a fork, while from poles -stuck up near them hung skins and other offerings made by the Indians to -the genius of good. - -At the entrance of the village a number of horsemen were assembled, -awaiting the return of the sachem. So soon as they perceived him they -burst into a formidable yell, and rushed forward like a whirlwind, -shouting, firing guns, and brandishing their weapons. Unicorn's band -followed this example, and there was soon a most extraordinary -confusion. - -The sachem made his entry into the village in the midst of shouts, -barking of dogs, and shots; in short, he was accompanied to the square -by an indescribable row. On reaching it the warriors stopped. Unicorn -begged the hunters to dismount, and guided them to his cabin, which he -made them enter before him. - -"Now," he said to them, "brothers, you are at home: rest in peace, eat -and drink. This evening I will come and talk with you, and make you a -proposal which I sincerely hope you will not reject." - -The two hunters, wearied by the long ride they had made, fell back with -extreme satisfaction on the beds of dried leaves which awaited them. - -"Well," Valentine asked Curumilla, "penni, what do you say about what is -happening to us?" - -"It may be good." - -"Can it not?" - -"Yes." - -On which Curumilla fell asleep, and Valentine soon followed his example. -As he had promised, toward evening Unicorn entered the cabin. - -"Have my brothers rested?" he asked. - -"Yes," Valentine answered. - -"Are they disposed to listen to me?" - -"Speak, chief; we are listening." - -The Comanche sachem then squatted near the fire, and remained for -several minutes, with his head bent forward and his eyes fixed on the -ground, in the position of a man who is reflecting. At length he raised -his head, stretched forth his arm as if to give greater authority to the -words he was about to utter, and began thus:-- - -"Brother, you and your friend are two brave warriors. The prairies -rejoice at your arrival among us; the deer and the buffaloes fly at your -approach; for your arm is strong, and your eye unerring. Unicorn is only -a poor Indian; but he is a great warrior among the Comanches, and a much -feared chief of his tribe. You have saved his wife, Sunbeam, whom the -Apache dogs threw into the Gila, and whom the hideous alligators were -preparing to devour. Since his wife, the joy of his hearth, and his son, -the hope of his old days, have been restored to him, Unicorn has sought -in his heart the means to prove to you his gratitude. He asked the Chief -of Life what he could do to attach you to him. Unicorn is terrible in -combat; he has the heart of the grizzly bear for his enemies--he has the -heart of the gazelle for those he loves." - -"Chief," Valentine answered, "the words you utter at this moment amply -repay us for what we have done. We are happy to have saved the wife and -son of a celebrated warrior: our reward is in our hearts, and we wish -for no other." - -The chief shook his head. - -"No," he said; "the two hunters are no longer strangers for the -Comanches; they are the brothers of our tribe. During their sleep -Unicorn assembled round the council fire the chiefs of his nation, and -told them what has passed. The chiefs have ranged themselves on -Unicorn's side, and have ordered him to make known to the hunters the -resolution they have formed." - -"Speak, then, chief," Valentine said, "and believe that the wishes of -the council will be commands to us." - -A smile of joy played round the chief's lips. - -"Good!" he said. "This is what was agreed on among the great chiefs. My -brothers the hunters will be adopted by the tribe, and be henceforth -sons of the great Comanche nation. What say my brothers?" - -A lively feeling of pleasure made Valentine quiver at this unexpected -proposition. To be adopted by the Comanche tribe, was obtaining the -right of hunting over the whole extent of the immense prairies which -that powerful nation holds through its indomitable courage and the -number of its warriors. The hunter exchanged a glance with his silent -comrade and rose. - -"I accept for myself and friend," he said as he held out his hand to the -chief, "the honor the Comanches do us in admitting us into the number of -the sons of their warlike nation. We shall prove ourselves worthy of -this marked favour." - -Unicorn smiled. - -"Tomorrow," he said as he rose, "my brothers will be adopted by the -nation." - -After bowing gracefully to the hunters he took leave of them and -withdrew. The next daybreak the chiefs entered the cabin. Valentine and -Curumilla were ready, and had long been acquainted with the trials they -would have to undergo. The neophytes were conducted into the great -medicine hut, where a copious meal was prepared. It consisted of dog -meat boiled in bear fat, tortillas, maize, and hautle cakes. The chiefs -squatted in a circle, while the squaws waited on them. - -When the meal was ended all rose. Unicorn placed himself between the -hunters, laid his hands on their heads, and struck up the great war -song. This song was repeated in chorus by the company to the sound of -the war whistles, the drums and the _chikikouis._ The following is the -translation of the song:-- - - "Master of Life, regard us with a favourable eye. - We are receiving two brothers in arms who appear to have sense. - They display vigour in their arms. - They fear not to expose their bodies to the blows of their enemies." - -It is impossible for anyone who has not been present at the ceremony to -form even a distant idea of the frightful noise produced by their hoarse -voices mingled with the shrill and discordant instruments: it was enough -to produce a deafness. When the song was ended each took his seat by the -council fire. - -The hunters were seated on beaver skins, and the great war calumet was -presented to them, from which each took several puffs, and it went the -round. Unicorn then rose, and fastened round the neck of each a wampum -collar, and another made of the claws of the grizzly bear. The Indians, -during this time, had built near the medicine lodge a cabin for the -sweating, and when it was finished the hunters took off their clothes -and entered it. The chiefs then brought two large stones which had been -previously made red hot, and after closing the hut carefully, left the -neophytes in it. - -The latter threw water on the stones, and the steam which arose almost -immediately produced a profuse perspiration. When this was at its height -the hunters ran out of the hut, passed through the double row of -warriors, and leaped into the river, according to the usual fashion. -They were immediately drawn from the water, wrapped in blankets, and led -to Unicorn's hut, in order to undergo the final trial, which is also the -most painful. The hunters were laid on their backs, then Unicorn traced -on their chests with a sharp stick dipped in water in which gunpowder -had been dissolved, the figure of the animal serving as _totem_ -(protector) to the tribe. Then with two spikes fastened to a small piece -of wood, and dipped in vermillion, he proceeded to prick the design. - -Whenever Unicorn came to a place that was too hard he made an incision -in the flesh with a gun-flint. The places that were not marked with -vermillion were rubbed in with powder, so that the result was a red and -blue tattooing. During the course of this operation the war songs and -chikikouis were constantly heard, in order to drown the cries which the -atrocious pain might draw from the patients; but the latter endured it -all without even a contraction of the eyebrows evidencing the pain they -must have felt. - -When the tattooing was over the wounds were cauterised with rotten wood -to prevent suppuration; they were washed with cold water, in which had -been infused a herb resembling box, a great deal of which the Indians -mix with their tobacco to reduce the strength. The trial we have -described is so painful to endure, that nearly always it is only -accomplished at intervals, and often lasts a week. This time the hunters -endured it bravely during the six hours it lasted, not uttering a cry, -or giving a sign of weakness. Hence the Indians, from this moment, -regarded them with a species of respect; for with them courage is the -first of qualities. - -"My brothers are children of the tribe," the chief said, offering each a -horse. "The prairie belongs to them. These coursers will bear them to -the most remote limits of the desert, chasing the wild beasts, or -pursuing the Apache dogs." - -"Good!" Valentine answered. - -At one bound the two hunters were in their saddles, and made their -horses perform the most elegant and graceful curvets. This last and -heroic deed, after all they had suffered during the course of the day, -raised to their full height the joy and enthusiasm of the Comanches, who -applauded with frenzied shouts and yells all they saw their new brothers -execute. After remaining nearly an hour on horseback they dismounted, -and followed the chiefs into the medicine lodge; and when each had taken -his seat round the council fire, and the calumet had again been smoked, -Unicorn rose. - -"The Master of Life loves His Comanche sons, since He gives them for -brothers such warriors as Koutonepi and Curumilla. Who can equal their -courage! Who would dare to contend with them! On their approach the -grizzly bear hides at the extremity of its den; the jaguar bounds far -away on seeing them; the eagle itself, which looks the sun in the face, -flies from their unerring bullet. Brothers, we congratulate ourselves on -counting you among our warriors. Henceforth we shall be invincible. -Brothers, give up the names you have up to this day borne, and assume -those we now give you. You, Koutonepi, are henceforth Quauhtli, and bear -the name of that eagle, whose courage and strength you possess. You, -Curumilla, will be called Vexolotl, and the cock will be proud to see -that you have taken possession of its name." - -The two hunters warmly thanked their new brothers, and were led back by -the chiefs to their cabin, who wished them a pleasant night after so -rude a day. Such was the way in which Valentine and Curumilla, to whom -we shall continue to give their old names, formed the acquaintance of -Unicorn, and the result of it. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE MISSIONARY. - - -With time the relations existing between the hunters and the Indians -were drawn closer, and became more friendly. In the desert physical -strength is the quality most highly esteemed. Man, compelled to struggle -incessantly against the dangers of every description that rise each -moment before him, is bound to look only to himself for the means to -surmount them. Hence the Indians profess a profound contempt, for sickly -people, and weak and timid nerves. - -Valentine easily induced Unicorn to seize, during the hunt of the wild -horses, the Mexican magistrates, in order to make hostages of them if -the conspiracy were unsuccessful. What the hunter foresaw happened. Red -Cedar had opposed stratagem to stratagem; and, as we have seen, Don -Miguel was arrested in the midst of his triumph, at the very moment when -he fancied himself master of the Paso del Norte. - -After Valentine, Curumilla, and Don Pablo had seen, from their hiding -place in the bushes, the mournful escort pass that was taking Don Miguel -as a prisoner to Santa Fe, they held a council. Moments were precious; -for in Mexico conspirators have the sad privilege over every other -prisoner of being tried quickly, and not left to pine. The prisoner must -be saved. Valentine, with that promptitude of decision which formed the -salient point of his character, soon arranged in his head one of those -bold schemes which only he could discover. - -"Courage!" he said to Don Pablo. "As long as the heart beats in the -breast there is hope, thank Heaven! The first hand is lost, I allow; but -now for the second game." - -Don Pablo had entire faith in Valentine: he had often been in the -position to try his friend. If these words did not completely reassure -him, they at least almost restored his hope, and gave him back that -courage so necessary to him at this supreme moment, and which had -abandoned him. - -"Speak, my friend," he said. "What is to be done?" - -"Let us attend to the most important thing first, and save Father -Seraphin, who devoted himself for us." - -The three men started. The night was a gloomy one. The moon only -appeared at intervals: incessantly veiled by thick clouds which passed -over its disc, it seemed to shed its sickly rays regretfully on the -earth. The wind whistled through the branches of the trees, which -uttered mysterious murmurs as they came into collision. The coyotes -howled in the plain, and at times their sinister form shot athwart the -skyline. After a march of about an hour the three men approached the -spot where the missionary had fallen from the effect of Red Cedar's -bullet; but he had disappeared. An alarm mingled with a frightful agony -contracted the hunter's hearts. Valentine took a despairing glance -around; but the darkness was too dense for him possibly to distinguish -anything. - -"What is to be done?" Don Pablo asked sadly. - -"Seek," Valentine replied sharply: "he cannot be far." - -Curumilla had already taken up the trail, and had disappeared in the -gloom. The Araucano had never been a great speaker naturally: with age -he had grown almost dumb, and never uttered a word save when absolutely -necessary. But if the Indian did not talk, he acted; and in critical -situations his determination was often worth long harangues. Don Pablo, -obedient to Valentine's orders, threw his rifle over his shoulder, and -prepared to execute them. - -"Where are you going?" the hunter asked him, as he seized his arm. - -"To look for Father Seraphin." - -"Wait." - -The two men stood motionless, listening to the mysterious sounds of the -desert, that nameless melody which plunges the soul into a soft reverie. -Nearly an hour passed thus, nothing revealing to the hunters that -Curumilla's search had proved successful. Valentine, growing impatient -at this long delay, was also preparing to go on, at once the weak, -snapping cry of the walkon rose in the air. - -"What's that?" Don Pablo asked in surprise. - -"Silence!" Valentine muttered. - -A second time the walkon sang, but this time stronger, and much nearer. -Valentine raised his fingers to his lips, and imitated the sharp, shrill -yell of the ocelot twice, with such perfection that Don Pablo started -involuntarily, and looked round for the wild beast, whose eyes he -fancied he could see flashing behind a thicket. Almost immediately the -note of the walkon was heard a third time. Valentine rested the butt of -his rifle on the ground. - -"Good!" he said. "Do not be alarmed, Don Pablo. Curumilla has found -Father Seraphin." - -The young man looked at him in amazement. The hunter smiled. - -"They will both arrive directly," he said. - -"How do you know?" - -"Child!" Valentine interrupted him, "In the desert the human voice is -more injurious than useful. The song of birds, the cry of wild beasts, -serve us as a language." - -"Yes," the young man answered simply, "that is true. I have often heard -it stated; but I was not aware you could understand one another so -easily." - -"That is nothing," the hunter answered good-humouredly: "you will see -much more if you only pass a month in our company." - -In a few moments the sound of footsteps became audible, at first faint, -then gradually coming nearer, and two shadows were dimly drawn on the -night. - -"Halloa!" Valentine shouted as he Raised and cocked his rifle, "friend -or foe?" - -"_Pennis_ (brothers)," a voice answered. - -"It is Curumilla," said Valentine. "Let us go to meet him." - -Don Pablo followed him, and they soon reached the Indian, who walked -slowly, obliged as he was to support, almost carry, the missionary. - -When Father Seraphin fell off his horse he almost immediately lost his -senses. He remained for a long time lying in the ditch, but by degrees -the night cold had brought him round again. At the first moment the poor -priest, whose ideas were still confused, had cast anxious glances around -him, while asking himself how he came there. He tried to rise; but then -a poignant pain he felt in his shoulder reminded him of what had -occurred. Still he did not despair. Alone, by night in the desert, -exposed to a thousand unknown dangers, of which the least was being -devoured by wild beasts, without weapons to defend himself, too weak, -indeed, to attempt it, even if he had them, he resolved not to remain in -this terrible position, but make the greatest efforts to rise, and drag -himself as well as he could to the Paso, which was three leagues distant -at the most, where he was sure of finding that care his condition -demanded. - -Father Seraphin, like the majority of the missionaries who generously -devote themselves to the welfare of humanity, was a man who, under a -Weak and almost feminine appearance, concealed an indomitable energy, -and a resolution that would withstand all trials. So soon as he had -formed his plan he began carrying it out. With extreme difficulty and -atrocious pain he succeeded in fastening his handkerchief round his -shoulder, so as to check the hemorrhage. It took more than an hour -before he could stand on his legs: often he felt himself fainting, a -cold perspiration beaded at the root of his hair, he had a buzzing in -his ears, and everything seemed to be turning round him; but he wrestled -with the pain, clasped his hands with an effort, raised his tear laden -eyes to heaven, and murmured from the bottom of his heart,-- - -"O God! Deign to support thy servant, for he has set on thee all his -hopes and confidence." - -Prayer, when made with faith, produces in a man an effect whose -consequences are immediate; it consoles him, gives him courage, and -almost restores him the strength that has deserted him. This was what -happened to Father Seraphin. After uttering these few words he set out -boldly, supporting his tottering footsteps with a stick, which a -providential chance had placed in his way. He walked thus for nearly -half a league stopping at every instant to draw breath; but human -endurance has limits beyond which it cannot go. In spite of the efforts -he made, the missionary at length felt his legs give way under, him; he -understood that he could not go further; and he sank at the foot of a -tree, certain that he had attempted impossibilities, and henceforth -resigning to Providence the care of saving him. - -It was at this moment Curumilla arrived near him. The Indian aided him -to rise, and then warned his comrades of the success of his search. -Father Seraphin, though the chief offered to carry him, refused, and -wished to walk to join his friends; but his strength deserted him a -second time, he lost his senses, and fell into the arms of the Indian, -who watched him attentively; for he noticed his increasing weakness, and -foresaw his fall. Valentine and Curumilla hastily constructed a litter -of tree branches, on which they laid the poor wounded man, and raising -him on their shoulders, went off rapidly. The night passed away, and the -sun was already high on the horizon, and yet the hunters--were marching. -At length, at about eleven o'clock, they reached the cavern which served -Valentine as a shelter, and to which he had resolved to carry his -patient, that he might himself nurse him. - -Father Seraphin was in a raging fever; his face was red, his eyes -flashing. As nearly always happens with gunshot wounds, a suppurating -fever had declared itself. The missionary was laid on a bed of furs, and -Valentine immediately prepared to probe the wound. By a singular chance -the ball had lodged in the shoulder without fracturing the blade bone. -Valentine drew it; and then helped by Curumilla, who had quietly pounded -oregano leaves, he formed a cataplasm, which he laid on the wound, after -first carefully washing it. Scarcely had this been done ere the -missionary fell into a deep sleep, which lasted till nightfall. - -Valentine's treatment had effected wonders. The fever had disappeared, -the priest's features were calmed, the flush that purpled his cheeks had -given place to a pallor caused by the loss of blood; in short, he was as -well as could be expected. On opening his eyes he perceived the three -hunters watching him anxiously. He smiled, and said in a weak voice,-- - -"Thanks, my brothers, thanks for the help you have afforded me. Heaven -will reward you. I feel much better." - -"The Lord be praised!" Valentine answered. "You will escape, my father, -more cheaply than I had dared to hope." - -"Can it be possible?" - -"Yes, your wound, though serious, is not dangerous, and in a few days -you can, if you think necessary, resume your avocations." - -"I thank you for this new good, my dear Valentine. I no longer count the -times I have owed my life to you. Heaven, in its infinite goodness, has -placed you near me to support me in my tribulations, and succour me in -days of danger." - -The hunter blushed. - -"Do not speak so, my father," he said; "I have only performed a sacred -duty. Do you feel strong enough to talk for a few minutes with me?" - -"Yes. Speak, my friend." - -"I wished to ask your advice." - -"My talents are very slight: still you know how I love you, Valentine. -Tell me what vexes you, and perhaps I may be able to be useful to you." - -"I believe it, my father." - -"Speak, then, in Heaven's name, my friend; for, if you have recourse to -me, the affair must be very serious." - -"It cannot be more so." - -"Go on: I am listening." - -And the missionary settled himself on his bed to hear as comfortably as -he could the confession the hunter wished to make to him. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE INTERVIEW. - - -At daybreak the next morning Curumilla started for Unicorn's village. At -sunset he returned to the cavern, accompanied by the Comanche chief. The -sachem entertained the most profound respect for Father Seraphin, whose -noble character he could appreciate, and felt pained at the state in -which he found him. - -"Father," he said to him as he kissed his hand. "Who are the villains -who thus wounded you, to whom the Master of Life has imparted the secret -to make us happy? Whoever they may be, these men shall die." - -"My son," the priest answered gently, "I will not pronounce before you -the name of the unhappy man who, in a moment of madness, raised his hand -against me. My God is a God of peace; He is merciful, and recommends His -creatures to forget injuries, and requite good for evil." - -The Indian looked at him in amazement. He did not understand the soft -and touching sublimity of these precepts of love. Educated in the -sanguinary principles of his race--persuaded, like all redskins, that a -warrior's first duty is revenge--he only admitted that atrocious law of -the prairies which commands, "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth"--a terrible -law, which we do not venture, however, utterly to condemn in these -countries, where ambushes are permanent, and implacable death stands at -every corner of the road. - -"My son," Father Seraphin continued, "you are a great warrior. Many a -time you have braved the atrocious tortures of the stake of blood, a -thousand fold more terrible than death itself. Often have you, with a -pleasure I excuse (for it is in your nature), thrown down your enemy, -and planted your knee on his chest. Have you never pardoned anybody in -fight?" - -"Never!" the Indian answered, his eye sparkling with satisfied pride. -"Unicorn has sent many Apache dogs to the happy hunting grounds: their -scalps are drying at the door of his cabin." - -"Well," the missionary said gently, "try clemency once, only once, and -you will know one of the greatest pleasures God has granted to man on -earth--that of pardoning." - -The chief shook his head. - -"No," he said; "a dead enemy is no longer to be feared. Better to kill -than leave him means to avenge himself at a later date." - -"My son, you love me, I believe?" - -"Yes. My father is good; he has behaved well to the Comanches, and they -are grateful. Let my father command, and his son will obey." - -"I have no right to give you an order, my son. I can only ask a favour of -you." - -"Good! My father can explain himself. Unicorn will do what he desires." - -"Well, then," said the missionary with a lively feeling of joy, "promise -me to pardon the first unhappy man, whoever he may be, who falls into; -your hands, and you will render me happy." - -The chief frowned, and an expression of dissatisfaction appeared on his -features. Father Seraphin anxiously followed on the Comanche's -intelligent countenance the different shadows reflected on it as in a -mirror. At length the Indian regained his stoicism, and his face grew -serene again. - -"Does my father demand it?" he asked in a gentle voice. - -"I desire it." - -"Be it so: my father shall be satisfied. I promise him to pardon the -first enemy whom the Manitou causes to fall beneath the point of my -lance." - -"Thanks, chief," the missionary exclaimed joyfully, "thanks! Heaven will -reward you for this good idea." - -The Indian bowed silently and turned to Valentine, who had been -listening to the conversation. - -"My brother called me, and I came. What does he want of Unicorn?" - -"My brother will take his seat at the council fire, and smoke the -calumet with his friend. Chiefs do not speak without reflecting on the -words they are about to utter." - -"My brother speaks well, and I will take my seat at his fire." - -Curumilla had lighted a large fire in the first grotto of the cavern. -The four men left Father Seraphin to take a few moments' rest, and -seated themselves round the fire, when the calumet passed from hand to -hand. The Indians never undertake anything important, or commence a -discussion, without first smoking the calumet in council, whatever may -be the circumstances in which they are placed. When the calumet had gone -the round Valentine rose. - -"Every day," he said, bowing to the chief, "I appreciate more and more -the honor the Comanches did me in adopting me as a son. My brother's -nation is powerful; its hunting grounds cover the whole surface of the -earth. The Apaches fly before the Comanche warriors like cowardly -coyotes before courageous men. My brother has already several times done -me a service with that greatness of soul which distinguishes him, and -can only belong to a warrior so celebrated as he is. Today I have again -a service to ask of my brother, and will he do it me? I presume so; for -I know his heart, and that the Great Spirit of the Master of Life dwells -in him." - -"Let my brother explain," Unicorn answered. "He is speaking to a chief; -he must remove the skin from his heart and let his blood flow red and -bright before a friend. The great white hunter is a portion of myself. I -should have to be prevented by an arrant impossibility if I refused any -request emanating from him." - -"Thanks, brother," Valentine said with emotion. "Your words have passed -from your lips into my breast, which they have rejoiced. I am not -mistaken. I see that I can ever count on your well-tried friendship and -honest aid. Acumapicthzin de Zarate, the descendant of the Mexican -kings, the friend of the redskins, whom he has ever protected, is a -prisoner to the gachupinos. They have carried him to Santa Fe in order -to put him to death, and deprive the Indians of the last friend left -them." - -"And what does my brother want?" - -"I wish to save my friend." - -"Good!" the chief answered. "My brother claims my help to succeed in -that project, I suppose?" - -"Yes." - -"Good! The descendant of the Tlatoanis shall be saved. My brother can -feel reassured." - -"I can count, then, on my brother's aid?" Valentine asked quickly. - -The chief smiled. - -"Unicorn holds in his hands Spaniards who will answer for the life of -the prisoner." - -"That is true!" Valentine exclaimed as he struck his forehead. "Your -idea is a good one, chief." - -"My brother will leave me to act. I answer for success on my head." - -"_Caramba!_ Act as you please, chief. Still, were it only form's sake, I -should not be sorry to know what you intend doing." - -"My brother has a white skin, but his heart is Indian. Let him trust to -the prudence of a chief; Unicorn knows how to treat with the -gachupinos." - -"Doubtless." - -"Unicorn will go to Santa Fe to speak with the chief of the white men." - -Valentine looked at him in amazement. The chief smiled. - -"Have I not hostages?" he said. - -"That is true," Valentine remarked. - -The chief went on:-- - -"The Spaniards are like chattering old women, prodigal of seductive -words, but Unicorn knows them. How many times already has he trodden the -warpath on their territory at the head of his warriors! They will not -dare to deceive him. Ere the sun has twice accomplished its revolution -round the tortoise whose immense shell supports the world, the chief of -the Comanches will carry the bloody arrows to the whites, and propose to -them peace or war. Is my brother satisfied?" - -"I am. My heart is full of gratitude toward my red brother." - -"Good! What is that to Unicorn? Less than nothing. Has my brother -anything else to ask of me?" - -"One thing more." - -"Let my brother explain himself as quickly as possible, that no cloud -may remain between him and his red brother." - -"I will do so. Men without fear of the Great Spirit, urged by some mad -desire, have carried off Dona Clara, the daughter of the white chief -whom my brother pledged to save." - -"Who are these? Does my brother know them?" - -"Yes, I know them only too well. They are bandits, at the head of whom -is a monster with a human face, called Red Cedar." - -At this name the Indian started slightly, his eye flashed fire, and a -deep wrinkle hollowed his forehead. - -"Red Cedar is a ferocious jaguar," he said with concentrated passion. -"He has made himself the scourge of the Indians, whose scalps he -desires. This man has no pity either for women or children, but he -possesses no courage: he only attacks his enemies in the dark, twenty -against one, and when he is sure of meeting with no resistance." - -"My brother knows this man, I see." - -"And this man has carried off the white gazelle?' - -"Yes." - -"Good! My brother wishes to know what Red Cedar has done with his -prisoner?" - -"I do wish it." - -The Indian rose. - -"Time is slipping away," he said. "Unicorn will return to his friends. -My brother the hunter need not feel alarmed: a chief is watching." - -After uttering these few words the chief went down into the cavern, -mounted his horse, and disappeared in direction of the desert. Valentine -had every reason to be satisfied with his interview with the Comanche -chief; but Father Seraphin was less pleased than the hunter. The worthy -priest, both through his nature and his vocation, was not disposed to -employ violent measures, which were repugnant to him: he would have -liked, were it possible, to settle everything by gentleness, and without -running the risk of bloodshed. - -Three weeks elapsed, however, ere Unicorn appeared to be effectually -carrying out the plan he had explained to Valentine, who only learnt -indirectly that a strong party of Comanche warriors had invaded the -Mexican frontiers. Father Seraphin, though not yet completely cured, had -insisted on proceeding to Santa Fe to take some steps to save Don -Miguel, whose trial had gone on rapidly, who was on the point of being -executed. For his part Don Pablo, half mad with uneasiness, also -insisted, in spite of Valentine's entreaties and remarks, on entering -Santa Fe furtively, and trying to see his father. - -The night on which we found Valentine in the clearing Unicorn visited -him for the first time in a month: he came to inform him of the success -of the measures he had taken. Valentine, used to Indian habits, -understood half a word: hence he had not hesitated to announce to Don -Pablo as a positive fact that his father would soon be free. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE PRISON. - - -Don Miguel had been transferred to the prison of Santa Fe. Europeans, -accustomed to philanthropic manners, and regarding human life as of some -value, cannot imagine what atrocities the word "prison" contains in -Mexico. In countries beyond sea the penitentiary system is not even in -its infancy; for it is completely ignored, and has not even been -suggested yet. With the exception of the United States, prisons are in -America what they were at the period of the Spanish dominion; that is to -say, filthy dens, where the wretched prisoners suffer a thousand -tortures. - -Among ourselves, so long as a man is not proved guilty, he is assumed to -be innocent; but over there, so soon as a man is arrested, he is -considered guilty, and consequently every consideration and all pity -vanish, to make room for brutal and barbarous treatment. Thrown on a -little straw in fetid holes, often inhabited by serpents and other -unclean animals, the prisoners have more than once been found dead at -the expiration of twenty-four hours, and half devoured. We have -witnessed scores of times atrocious tortures inflicted by coarse and -cruel soldiers on poor fellows whose crimes, in our country, would have -merited a slight chastisement at the most. Still, in the great centres -of populations, the prisons are better managed than in the towns and -villages; and in this land, where money is the most powerful lever, a -rich man easily succeeds in obtaining all he wishes, and rendering his -position at any rate tolerable. - -Don Miguel and General Ibanez had managed to be confined together by the -expenditure of many entreaties and a heavy sum of gold. They inhabited -two wretched rooms, the entire furniture of which consisted in a halting -table, a few leather covered butacas, and two benches which served them -as beds. These two men, so powerful by nature, had endured without -complaint all the humiliation and insults inflicted on them during their -trial, resolved to die as they had lived, with head erect and firm -heart, without giving the judges who had condemned them the satisfaction -of seeing them turn weak at the last moment. - -It was toward evening of the same day on which we saw Valentine in the -clearing. Darkness fell rapidly, and the only window, a species of -narrow slit that served to light the prison, allowed but a weak and -dubious light to penetrate. Don Miguel was walking with long strides up -and down his prison, while the general, carelessly reclining on one of -the benches, quietly smoking his cigarette, watching with childish -pleasure the light clouds of bluish smoke which rose in a spiral to the -ceiling, and which he constantly blew asunder. - -"Well," Don Miguel said all at once, "it seems it is not for today -either." - -"Yes," the general said, "unless (though I do not believe it) they wish -to do us the honor of a torchlight execution." - -"Can you at all account for this delay?" - -"On my honor, no. I have ransacked my brains in vain to guess the reason -that prevents them shooting us, and I have given it up as a bad job." - -"Same with me. At first I fancied they were trying to frighten us by the -continued apprehension of death constantly suspended over our heads like -another sword of Damocles; but this idea seemed to me too absurd." - -"I am entirely of your opinion: still something extraordinary must be -occurring." - -"What makes you suppose that?" - -"Why, for the last two days our worthy jailer, Tio Quesada, has become, -not polite to us--for that is impossible--but less brutal. I noticed -that he has drawn in his claws, and attempted a grin. It is true that -his face is so little accustomed to assume that expression, that the -only result he obtains is to make a wretched grimace." - -"And you conclude from that?" - -"Nothing positive," the general said. "Still I ask myself whence comes -this incomprehensible change. It would be as absurd to attribute it to -the pity he feels for our position as to suppose the governor will come -to ask our pardon for having tried and condemned us." - -"Eh?" Don Miguel said with a toss of his head. "All is not over--we are -not dead yet." - -"That is true; but keep your mind at rest--we shall be so soon." - -"Our life is in God's hands. He will dispose of it at His pleasure." - -"Amen!" the general said with a laugh, as he rolled a fresh cigarette. - -"Do you not consider it extraordinary that, during the whole month we -have been here, our friends have not given a sign of life?" - -The general shrugged his shoulders carelessly. - -"Hum!" he said, "a prisoner is very sick, and our friends doubtless -feared to make us worse by the sight of their grief: that is why they -have deprived themselves of the pleasure of visiting us." - -"Do not jest, general. You accuse them wrongfully, I feel convinced." - -"May Heaven grant it! For my part, I heartily forgive them their -indifference, and the oblivion in which; they have left us." - -"I cannot believe that Don Valentine, that true-hearted and noble-minded -man, for whom I ever felt so deep a friendship, has not tried to see -me." - -"Bah! How, Don Miguel, can you, so near death as you are, still believe -in honourable feelings in any man?" - -At this moment there was a great clash of iron outside, and the door of -the room was opened sufficiently to afford passage to the jailer, who -preceded another person. The almost complete obscurity that prevailed in -the prison prevented the condemned men from recognising the visitor, who -wore a long black gown. - -"Eh, eh!" the general muttered in his comrade's ear, "I believe that -General Ventura, our amiable governor, has at length made up his mind." - -"Why so?" Don Miguel asked in a low voice. - -"_Canarios!_ he has sent us a priest, which means that we shall be -executed tomorrow." - -"On my word, all the better," Don Miguel could not refrain from saying. - -In the meanwhile the jailer, a short, thick-set man, with a ferret face -and cunning eye, had turned to the priest, whom he invited to enter, -saying in a hoarse voice,-- - -"Here it is, senor padre: these are the condemned persons." - -"Will you leave us alone, my friend?" the stranger said. - -"Will you have my lantern? It is getting dark, and when people are -talking they like to see one another." - -"Thanks; you can do so. You will open when I call you by tapping at the -door." - -"All right--I will do so;" and he turned to the condemned, to whom he -said savagely, "Well, senores, here is a priest. Take advantage of his -services now you have got him. In your position there is no knowing what -may happen from one moment to the other." - -The prisoners shrugged their shoulder's contemptuously, but made no -reply. The jailer went out. When the sound of his footsteps had died -away in the distance, the priest, who had till this moment stood with -his body bent forward and his ear on the watch, drew himself up, and -walked straight to Don Miguel. This manoeuvre on the part of the -stranger surprised the two gentlemen, who anxiously awaited what was -about to happen. The lantern left by the jailer only spread a faint and -flickering light, scarcely sufficient to distinguish objects. - -"My father," the hacendero said in a firm voice, "I thank the person -who sent you to prepare me for death, for I anxiously wished to fulfil -my duties as a Christian before being executed. If you will proceed with -me into the adjoining room I will confess my sins to you: they are those -which an honest man ordinarily commits; for my heart is pure, and I have -nothing to reproach myself with." - -The priest took off his hat, seized the lantern, and placed it near his -pale face, whose noble and gentle features were suddenly displayed in -the light. - -"Father Seraphin!" the prisoners exclaimed with a surprise mingled with -joy. - -"Silence!" the priest ordered quickly. "Do not pronounce my name so -loudly, brothers: everyone is ignorant of my being here except the -jailer, who is my confidant." - -"He!" Don Miguel said with a stupor; "the man who has been insulting and -humiliating us during a month!" - -"That man is henceforth ours. Lose no time, come. I have secure means to -get you out of prison, and to leave the town ere your evasion can be -even suspected: the horses are prepared--an escort is awaiting you. -Come, gentlemen, for the moments are precious." - -The two prisoners interchanged a glance of sublime eloquence; then -General Ibanez quietly seated himself on a butaca, while Don Miguel -replied,-- - -"Thanks, my father. You have undertaken the noble task of soothing all -sorrow, and you do not wish to fail in your duty. Thanks for the offer -you make us, which we cannot, however, accept. Men like us must not give -our enemies right by flying like criminals. We fought for a sacred -principle, and succumbed. We owe it to our countrymen and to ourselves -to endure death bravely. When we conspired we were perfectly well aware -of what awaited us if we were conquered. Once again, thanks; but we will -only quit this prison as free men, or to walk to punishment." - -"I have not the courage, gentlemen, to blame your heroic resolution: in -a similar case I should act as you are doing. You have a very slight -hope still left, so wait. Perchance, within a few hours, unforeseen -events will occur to change the face of matters." - -"We hope for nothing more, my father." - -"That word is a blasphemy in your mouth, Don Miguel. God can do all He -wills. Hope, I tell you." - -"I am wrong, father: forgive me." - -"Now I am ready to hear your confession." - -The prisoners bowed. Father Seraphin shrived them in turn, and gave them -absolution. - -"Hola!" the jailer shouted through the door. "Make haste; it is getting -late. It will soon be impossible to leave the city." - -"Open the door," the missionary said in a firm voice. - -The jailer appeared. - -"Well?" he asked. - -"Light me and lead me out of the prison. These caballeros refuse to -profit by the chance of safety I came to offer them." - -The jailer shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. - -"They are mad," he said. - -And he went out, followed by the priest, who turned on the threshold and -pointed to heaven. The prisoners remained alone. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE EMBASSY. - - -On the selfsame day that Father Seraphin went to the prison to propose -an escape to the condemned, a very strange circumstance had aroused the -entire population of Santa Fe. At about midday, at the moment when the -inhabitants were enjoying their siesta, and the streets, calcined by the -beams of a tropical sun, were completely deserted, a formidable whoop, -the terrible war yell of the Comanche Indians, burst forth at the -entrance of the town. - -There was a general alarm, and everybody barricaded himself in his -house, believing in a sudden assault of the savages. Presently an -immense clamour, and cries of distress and despair uttered by a -terrified population, could be heard throughout the town. Several times -already the Comanches, in their periodical incursions, had come near -Santa Fe, but never so closely as this time; and the remembrance of the -cruelties they had practised on the hapless Spaniards who fell into -their hands was still present to every mind. - -In the meanwhile a few inhabitants, bolder than the rest, or having -nothing to lose, proceeded with the greatest precautions toward the spot -whence the shouts were heard; and a singular spectacle presented itself. -A detachment of dismounted Comanche warriors, about two hundred strong, -was marching in close column, flanked on either wing by two troops, each -of fifty horses. About twenty paces in front caracoled Unicorn. - -All these men had a martial aspect which was really remarkable: all were -strangely painted, well adorned, and in their full war costume. The -horsemen were loaded with all sorts of arms and ornaments: they had a -bow and quiver on their backs, their guns slung and decorated with their -medicine bags, and their lances in their hands. They were crowned with -magnificent black and white eagle feathers, with a falling tuft. The -upper part of the body, otherwise naked, was covered by a coyote skin -rolled up and worn across the shoulder; their bucklers were ornamented -with feathers, cloth of different colours, and human scalps. They were -seated on handsome saddlecloth of panthers' skins, lined with red, which -almost covered the horses' backs. According to the prairie fashion, they -had no stirrups. - -Unicorn brandished in his right hand the long medicine lance, the -distinctive mark of the powerful "dance of the prairie dogs." It was a -staff in the shape of a crook, covered with an otter skin, and decorated -through its entire length with owl feathers. This talisman, which he had -inherited, possessed the power of bringing under his orders all the -warriors of his nation scattered over the prairies: hence on all grand -occasions he never failed to carry it. He wore a shirt made of the skin -of the bighorn, embroidered on the sleeves with blue flowers, and -adorned on the right arm with long stripes of rolled ermine and red -feathers, and on the left arm with long tresses of black hair cut from -the scalps he had raised. Over his shoulders he had thrown a cloak of -gazelle skin, having at each end an enormous tuft of ermine. On his -forehead the chief had fastened two buffalo horns, which with the blue, -red, and green paint plastered on his face, gave him a terrible aspect. -His magnificent horse, a mustang full of fire, which he managed with -inimitable grace and skill, was painted red in different fashions: on -its legs were stripes like a zebra, and on either side the backbone were -designed arrowhead, lances, beavers, tortoises, &c. The same was the -case with the face and the haunches. - -There was something at once imposing and striking in the appearance -presented by this band of ferocious warriors as they advanced though the -deserted streets of the city, brandishing their tremendous weapons, and -uttering at intervals their sinister war cry, which they accompanied by -the shrill sound of long whistles made of human thigh bones, which they -wore suspended by strips of wild beast hide. - -By this time the Comanches had penetrated to the heart of the city, -driving before them, though without violence, the few inhabitants who -had ventured to get in their way. They marched in good order, not -turning to the right or left to plunder, and doing no reprehensive -action. - -The Spaniards, more and more surprised at the haughty and bold attitude -of the Indians, and their exemplary conduct, asked themselves with -terror what these men wanted, and what reason had led them to invade -their frontiers in so sudden and secret a way, that the scouts the -Mexican Government pays to watch them had no knowledge of their march. -As usually happens in such cases, terror gradually gave way to -curiosity. In the first place the leperos and adventurers dared to -approach the Indians; then the inhabitants, if not completely -tranquilised, still reassured by their peaceful attitude, mingled with -the groups; so that when the Comanche war party arrived on the Plaza -Mayor; it was followed by a crowd of Spaniards, who regarded them with -the restless and stupid curiosity only to be found among the masses. - -The Comanches did not appear to notice the excitement they created. As -soon as they were on the Plaza Mayor they halted, and remained -motionless, as if their feet had suddenly grown to the ground. Unicorn -made a sign with his talisman; a warrior quitted the ranks, and rode up -to the sentry standing in front of the governor's palace, who regarded -the singular scene with a dazed air. - -"Wah!" the Indian said sarcastically, as he lightly touched the soldier -with the end of his lance. "Is my brother asleep, that he does not hear -a warrior addressing him?" - -"I am not asleep," the soldier answered, as he fell back a pace. "What -do you want?" - -"The great sachem of the Comanches, the cacique whom the red children -call Haboutzelze, has come to speak to his great white father, the chief -of the frontier palefaces." - -"What does he want with him?" the soldier asked, not knowing what he -said, so much had the unexpected sight of the redskin disturbed him. - -"Is my brother a chief?" the Indian asked cunningly. - -"No," the soldier answered, greatly confused by this lesson. - -"Well, then, let him close his ears as regards those the Great Spirit -has set above him, and deliver the message I give him in the sachem's -name." - -While the Comanche was exchanging these few words with the sentry, -several persons, drawn out of the palace by the unusual disturbance they -heard, mingled with the crowd. Among them were several officers, one of -whom advanced to the Indian horseman. - -"What does my brother want?" he asked him. - -The warrior saw at the first glance that this time he had to do with a -chief. He bowed courteously, and answered. - -"A deputation of the great Comanche nation desires to be introduced to -my great white father." - -"Good! But all the warriors cannot enter the palace," the officer said. - -"My brother is right. Their chiefs alone will go in: their young men -will await them here." - -"Let my brother be patient. I will go and deliver his message in all -haste." - -"Good! My brother is a chief. The Spider will await him." - -The officer disappeared in the interior, while the Spider planted the -end of his long lance in the ground, and remained with his eye fixed on -the gate of the palace, not evincing the slightest impatience. - -The new governor of Santa Fe was a general of the name of Don Benito -Ventura. He was ignorant as a fish, stupid and haughty as a heathcock. -Like the majority of his colleagues in this eccentric country, he had -gained his general's epaulettes by repeated pronunciamentos, managing -to gain a step by every revolution, while never having seen more fire -than that of the thin husk _pajillo_ he constantly had in his mouth. To -sum him up, he was very rich, a wonderful coward, and more afraid of -blows than aught else in the world. Such he was morally: physically he -was a plump little man, round as a barrel, with a rubicund face, lighted -up by two small grey eyes. - -This worthy officer perspired water and blood when the duties of his -station obliged him to put on the uniform, every seam of which was -overlaid with gold lace: his chest literally disappeared under the -infinity of crosses of every description with which each president had -honoured him on attaining power. In a word, General Ventura was a worthy -man, as fit to be a soldier as he was to be a cardinal; and he had only -one object, that of being President of the Republic in his turn; but -this object he ever pursued without Once swerving from his path. - -If he accepted the governorship of New Mexico, it was for the simple -reason that, as Santa Fe was a long distance from Mexico, he had -calculated that it would be easy for him to make a _pronunciamento_ in -his own favour, and become, _ipso facto_, president. He was not aware, on -coming to Santa Fe, that the province he was about to govern was -incessantly menaced by Indian forays. Had he known it, however -advantageous the post of governor might, be for his schemes, he would -have refused point blank so perilous an honour. - -He had learned with the utmost terror the entrance of the Comanches into -the town, and when the officer intrusted with the Spider's message -presented himself before him he had literally lost his head. It took all -possible trouble to make him comprehend that the Indians came as -friends, that they merely wished to have a palaver with him, and that -since their coming their conduct had been most honourable and exemplary. -Fortunately for the Spanish honour, other officers entered the apartment -in which was the governor, attracted to the palace by the news, which -had spread with the speed of a train of powder through Santa Fe, of the -appearance of an Indian detachment. - -When the general saw himself surrounded and supported by the officers of -his staff his terror was slightly toned down, he regained his presence -of mind and it was with a calm and almost dignified demeanor that he -discussed the question whether it was proper to receive the Indian -deputation, and in what manner it should be done. The other officers, -who, in the course of their professional career, had had many a skirmish -with the redskins, felt no inclination to anger them. They produced in -support of their opinions such peremptory reasons, that General Ventura, -convinced by their arguments gave the officer who brought the message -orders to bring the three principal Indian chiefs into the palace. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE PRESENTATION. - - -It needed the thorough knowledge the Comanches possessed of the terror -they inspired the Mexicans with to have dared to enter in so small a -body a town like Santa Fe, where they might expect to find a -considerable garrison. - -The general officer sent by General Ventura had performed his duty. -Unicorn and two other chiefs dismounted, and followed him into the -palace; while the Indian warriors, in spite of the heat of the sunbeams -that played on their heads, remained motionless on the spot where their -caciques bade them wait. - -The general desired, by a certain display of strength, to impose on the -redskin deputies; but unfortunately, as is always the case in Mexico, -the garrison, which on paper represented eight hundred men, was in -reality only composed of sixty at the most--a very small number for a -frontier town, especially under the present circumstances. But if -soldiers were lacking, to make up for it there was no paucity of -officers; for about thirty were assembled at the palace, which allowed -one officer to every two privates. This detail, which might appear -exaggerated, is, however, strictly correct, and shows in what a state of -anarchy this hapless country is plunged. The thirty officers, attired in -their splendid uniforms, that glistened with gold and decorations, were -arranged round the general, while three posts of ten men each held the -doors of the halls of reception. - -When the preparations were completed the ambassadors were introduced. -The Indian chiefs, accustomed for a long period to Spanish luxury, -entered without testifying the slightest surprise. They bowed with -dignity to the assembly, and, crossing their arms on their chests, -waited till they were addressed. The general regarded them with an -astonishment pardonable enough, for this was the first time he had found -himself in the presence of these untamable redskins, whose terrible -renown had so often made him shudder. - -"What reason can have been so powerful as to oblige my sons to come and -see me?" he asked in a gracious and conciliating tone. "Let them make -their request, and, if I can do so, I shall be most ready to satisfy -it." - -This opening, which the governor fancied to be very politic, was, on the -contrary, most awkward, as it offended the pride of those he addressed, -and whom he had the greatest interest in humouring. Unicorn took a step -forward. A sarcastic smile played on his lips, and he replied in a voice -slightly tinged with irony,-- - -"I have heard a parrot speak. Are the words addressed to me?" - -The general blushed up to the eyes at this insult, which he did not dare -retaliate. - -"The chief has not understood my words," he said. "My intentions are -good, and I only wish to be agreeable to him." - -"The Comanches do not come here to ask a favour," Unicorn answered, -haughtily. "They know how to avenge themselves when insulted." - -"What do my sons want then?" - -"To treat with my father for the ransom of the white chiefs who are in -their power. Five palefaces inhabit the cabin of the Comanches. The -young men of the tribe demand their punishment, for the blood of the -palefaces is agreeable to the Master of Life. Tomorrow the prisoners -will have ceased to live if my father does not buy them off today." - -After these words, uttered in a firm and peremptory tone, there was a -moment of supreme silence. The Mexican officers reflected sadly on the -fearful fate that threatened their friends. Unicorn continued:-- - -"What does my father say? Shall we fasten our prisoners to the stake of -blood, or restore them to liberty?" - -"What ransom do you ask?" the general said. - -"Listen, all you chiefs of the palefaces here present, and judge of the -clemency and generosity of the Comanches. We only, wish, for the life of -these five men, the life of two men." - -"That is little, I allow," the general remarked; "and who are the two -men whose lives you ask?" - -"The palefaces call them, the first, Don Miguel Zarate; the second, -General Ibanez." - -The general started. - -"These two men cannot be delivered to you," he answered; "they are -condemned to death, and will die tomorrow." - -"Good! My prisoners will be tortured this night," the chief replied -stoically. - -"Confound it!" the general sharply exclaimed, "Is there no other -arrangement possible? Let my brothers ask me a thing I can grant them, -and--" - -"I want those two men," the chief quickly interrupted. "If not, my -warriors will themselves deliver them; and in that case the Comanche -chiefs cannot prevent the injury their warriors may commit in the town." - -One of the officers present at this interview was aroused by the tone -Unicorn had affected since the beginning of the audience. He was a brave -old soldier, and the cowardice of his comrades shamed him. He rose at -this point. - -"Chief," he said in a firm voice, "your words are very haughty and -foolish for the mouth of an ambassador. You are here, at the head of -scarce two hundred warriors, in the heart of a town peopled by brave -men. Despite all my desire to be agreeable to you, if you do not pay -greater respect to your audience, prompt and severe justice shall be -inflicted on your insolence." - -The Indian chief turned toward the new speaker, whose remarks had -aroused a sympathetic murmur. - -"My words are those of a man who fears nothing, and holds in his hands -the life of five men." - -"Well," the officer retorted sharply, "what do we care for them? If they -were such fools as to let you capture them, they must suffer the -consequences of their madness; we cannot pay for them. Besides, as you -have already been told, those you claim must die." - -"Good! We will retire," Unicorn said haughtily. "Longer discourse is -needless; our deeds shall speak for us." - -"A moment!" the general exclaimed. "All may yet be arranged. An affair -like the present cannot be settled all in a hurry; we must reflect on -the propositions made to us. My son is a chief, and will grant us -reasonable time to offer him a reply." - -Unicorn bent a suspicious glance on the governor. - -"My father has spoken wisely," he presently made answer. "Tomorrow at -the twelfth hour, I will come for the final answer of the palefaces. But -my father will promise me not to order the punishment of the prisoners -till he has told me the decision he has come to." - -"Be it so," the general answered. "But what will the Comanches do till, -then?" - -"They will leave the town as they entered it, and bivouac on the plain." - -"Agreed on." - -"The Master of Life has heard my father's promise. If he break his word -and possess a forked tongue, the blood shed will fall on his head." - -The Comanche uttered these words in a significant tone that made the -general tremble inwardly; then he bowed to the assembly, and left the -hall with his companions. On reaching the square the chiefs remounted -their horses and placed themselves at the head of their warriors. An -hour later the Comanches had left the town, and camped within two -gunshots of the walls, on the banks of the river. It was after this -interview that Unicorn had the conversation with Valentine which we -recently described. - -Still, when the Mexican officers were alone with the general, their -courage returned all at once, and they reproached him for the little -dignity he had displayed before the Indians, and specially for the -promise he had made them. The general listened to them calmly, with a -smile on his lips, and contented himself with answering them, in a tone, -of indescribable meaning,-- - -"The promise you allude to pledges me to nothing. Between this and -tomorrow certain things will happen to free us from the Comanches, and -let us dispense with surrendering the prisoners they demand so -insolently." - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -PSYCHOLOGICAL. - - -About half a league to the west of Santa Fe three men and a woman were -seated behind a dense clump of trees, which sheltered while rendering -them unseen, over a _bois-de-vache_ fire, supping with good appetite, -and chatting together. The three men were Red Cedar's sons; the female -was Ellen. The maiden was pale and sad: her dreamy eye wandered around -with a distraught expression. She listened hardly to what her brothers -said, and would certainly have been greatly embarrassed to describe the -conversation, for her mind was elsewhere. - -"Hum!" Sutter said, "what the deuce can keep the old one so long? He -told us he should be back by four o'clock at the latest; but the sun is -just disappearing on the horizon, and he has not come yet." - -"Pshaw!" Nathan said with a shrug of the shoulders. "Are you afraid that -something has happened to him? The old chap has beak and nails to defend -himself; and since his last turn up with Don Miguel, the fellow who is -to be shot tomorrow at Santa Fe, he has kept on his guard." - -"I care very little," Sutter replied brusquely, "whether father is here -or not; but I believe we should do well not to wait longer, but return -to the camp, where our presence is doubtless necessary." - -"Nonsense! Our comrades can do without us," Shaw observed. "We are all -right here, so suppose we stop the night. Tomorrow it will be day. Well, -if father has not returned by sunrise, we will go back to camp. Harry -and Dick can keep good order till our return." - -"In truth, Shaw is right," Nathan said. "Father is at times so strange, -that he might be angry with us for not having waited for him; for he -never does anything lightly. If he told us to stay here, he probably had -his reasons." - -"Let us stay, then," Sutter remarked carelessly. "I ask for nothing -better. We shall only have to keep the fire up, and so one of us will -watch while the others sleep." - -"Agreed on," Nathan replied. "In that way, if the old man comes during -our sleep, he will see that we waited for him." - -The three brothers rose. Sutter and Nathan collected a pile of dry wood -to maintain the fire, while Shaw intertwined a few branches to make his -sister a sufficient shelter for the night. The two elder brothers thrust -their feet toward the fire, wrapped themselves in their blankets, and -went to sleep, after advising Shaw to keep a bright lookout, not only -against wild beasts, but to announce the old squatter's approach. Shaw, -after stirring up the fire, threw himself at the foot of a larch tree, -and letting his head sink on his chest, plunged into deep and painful -meditation. - -This poor boy, hardly twenty years of age, was a strange composite of -good and evil qualities. Reared in the desert, he had grown up like one -of its native trees, thrusting out here and there branches full of -powerful sap. Nothing had ever thwarted his instincts, no matter what -their nature might be. Possessing no cognizance of justice and -injustice, he had never been able to appreciate the squatter's conduct, -or see the injury he did society by the life he led. Habituated to -regard as belonging to himself all that he wished for, allowing himself -to be guided by his impressions and caprices, never having felt any -other fetter than his father's despotic will, this young man had at once -a nature expansive and reserved, generous and avaricious, gentle and -cruel: in a word, he possessed all the qualities of his vices; but he -was, before all, a man of sensations. Endowed with a vast intellect, -extreme audacity, and lively comprehensions, he would have been -indubitably a remarkable man, had he been born in a different position. - -His sister Ellen was the only member of his family for whom he -experienced sympathy; and yet it was only with extreme reserve that he -intrusted his boyish secrets to her--secrets which, during the last few -days, had acquired an importance he did not himself suspect, but which -his sister, with the innate intelligence of woman, had already divined. - -Shaw, as we have said, was thinking. The young savage's indomitable -nature revolted against an unknown force which had suddenly sprung up in -his heart--mastered and subdued him in spite of all his efforts. He was -in love! He loved, ignorant even of the meaning of the word love, which -comprises in this nether world all earthly joy and suffering. Vainly he -sought to explain his feelings; but no light flashed across his mind, or -illumined the darkness of his heart. He loved without desire and without -hope, involuntarily obeying that divine law which compels even the -roughest man to seek a mate. He was dreaming of Dona Clara. He loved -her, as he was capable of loving, with that passionate impetuosity, that -violence of feeling, to which his uncultivated mind adapted him. The -sight of the maiden caused him a strange trouble, which he did not -attempt to account for. He did not try to analyse his feelings, for that -would have been impossible; and yet at times he was a prey to cold and -terrible fury, when thinking that the haughty maiden, who was even -unconscious of his existence, would probably only spurn and despise him -if she knew it. He was yielding to these crushing thoughts, when he -suddenly felt a hand laid on his shoulder. On turning, Ellen stood -before him, upright and motionless, like the white apparitions of the -German legends. He raised his head, and bent an inquiring glance on his -sister. - -"You are not asleep, Ellen?" - -"No," she answered in a voice soft as a bird's song. "Brother, my heart -is sad." - -"What is the matter, Ellen? Why not enjoy a few hours of that repose so -necessary for you?" - -"My heart is sad, I tell you, brother," she went on. "In vain do I seek -sleep--it flies far from me." - -"Sister, tell me the cause of your sufferings, and perhaps I can appease -the grief that devours you." - -"Can you not guess it?" - -"I do not understand you." - -She looked at him so sternly that he could not let his eyes fall. - -"On the contrary, you understand me too well, Shaw," she said with a -sigh. "Your heart rejoices at this moment at the misfortune of the woman -you should defend." - -The young man blushed. - -"What can I do?" he murmured faintly. - -"Everything, if you have the firm will," she exclaimed energetically. - -"No," Shaw went on, shaking his head with discouragement; "the person of -whom you speak is the old man's prisoner. I cannot contend against my -father." - -Ellen smiled contemptuously. - -"You seek in vain to hide your thoughts from me," she said harshly. "I -read your heart as an open book: your sorrow is feigned, and you really -rejoice at the thought that in future you will constantly be by Dona -Clara's side." - -"I!" he exclaimed with an angry start. - -"Yes, you only see in her captivity a means to approach her. Your -selfish heart is secretly gladdened by that hope." - -"You are harsh to me, sister. Heaven is my witness that, were it -possible, I would at once restore her the liberty torn from her." - -"You can if you like." - -"No, it is impossible. My father watches too closely over his prisoner." - -"He will not distrust you, but allow you to approach her freely." - -"What you ask of me is impossible." - -"Because you will not, Shaw. Remember that women only love men in -proportion to the sacrifices they make for them: they despise cowards." - -"But how to save her?" - -"That is your affair, Shaw." - -"At least give me some advice which will help me to escape from the -difficult position in which I find myself." - -"In such serious circumstances your heart must guide you, and you must -only ask counsel of it." - -"But the old one?" Shaw said hesitatingly. - -"Our father will not know your movements. I take on myself to prevent -him noticing them." - -"Good!" the young man remarked, half convinced; "but I do not know where -the maiden is hidden." - -"I will tell you, if you swear to do all in your power to save her." - -There was a moment of silence. - -"I swear to obey you, Ellen. If I do not succeed in carrying the girl -off, I will at any rate employ all my intellect to obtain that result. -Speak, then, without fear." - -"Dona Clara is confined at the Rancho del Coyote: she was intrusted to -Andres Garote." - -"Ah, ah!" the young man said, as if speaking to himself, "I did not -fancy her so near us." - -"You will save her?" - -"At all events I will try to free her from the hands of the man who -guards her." - -"Good!" the maiden remarked; "I now recognise you. Lose no time: my -father's absence alarms me. Perhaps at this moment he is preparing a -safer hiding place for his prisoner." - -"Your idea is excellent, sister. Who knows whether it is not too late -now to tear from the old man the prey he covets?" - -"When do you intend to start?" - -"At once: I have not a moment to lose. If the old man returned I should -be compelled to remain here. But who will keep watch while my brothers -sleep?" - -"I will," the maiden answered resolutely. - -"Whence arises the interest you feel in this woman, sister, as you do -not know her?" the young man asked in surprise. - -"She is a woman, and unhappy. Are not those reasons sufficient?" - -"Perhaps so," Shaw remarked doubtfully. - -"Child!" Ellen muttered, "Can you not read in your own heart, the motive -of my conduct toward this stranger?" - -The young savage started at this remark. - -"It is true!" He exclaimed passionately. "Pardon me, sister! I am mad; -but I love you, and you know me better than I do myself." - -And rising hurriedly, he kissed his sister, threw his rifle over his -shoulder, and ran off in the direction of Santa Fe. - -When he had disappeared in the gloom, and the sound of his footsteps had -died out in the distance, the girl fell on the ground, muttering in a -low, sad voice: - -"Will he succeed?" - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. - - -Red Cedar did not remain long under the effect of the startling insult -he had received. Pride, wrath, and, before all, the desire to avenge -himself restored his strength, and a few minutes after Don Pablo -Zarate's departure the squatter had regained all his coolness and -audacity. - -"You see, senor padre," he said, addressing the monk, "that our little -plans are known to our enemies; we must, therefore, make haste if we do -not wish to see persons break in here, from whom it is of the utmost -importance to conceal ourselves. Tomorrow night at the latest, perhaps -before, we shall start. Do not stir from here till my return. Your face -is too well known at Santa Fe for you to venture to show it in the -streets without imprudence." - -"Hum!" the monk muttered, "That demon, whom I fancied dead, is a rude -adversary. Fortunately we shall soon have nothing more to fear from his -father, for I hardly know how we should get out of it." - -"If the son has escaped us," Red Cedar said with an ugly smile, "that is -fortunately not the case with the father. Don't be alarmed; Don Miguel -will cause us no further embarrassment." - -"I wish it most earnestly, _canarios!_ for he is a determined man; but I -confess to you that I shall not be entirely at my ease till I have seen -him fall beneath the bullets of the soldiers." - -"You will not have long to wait. General Ventura has ordered me to go -and meet the regiment of dragoons he expects, in order to hurry them on, -and bring them into the town this very night, if possible. So soon as -the governor has an imposing force at his disposal he will no longer -fear a revolt on the part of the troops, and give the order for -execution without delay." - -"May Heaven grant it! But," he added with a sigh of regret, "what a pity -that most of our scamps deserted us! We should have almost arrived at -the placer by this time, and been safe from the vengeance of our -enemies." - -"Patience, senor padre; all is for the best, perhaps, trust to me. -Andres, my horse." - -"You will start at once, then?" - -"Yes. I recommend you to watch carefully over our prisoner." - -The monk shrugged his shoulders. - -"Our affairs are tolerably well embarrassed already; then why burden -ourselves with a woman?" - -The squatter frowned. - -"That is my business," he exclaimed in a peremptory tone. "Keep all -stupid observations to yourself. A thousand devils! I know what I am -about. That woman will possibly prove our safeguard at a later date." - -And mounting his horse, Red Cedar galloped out of Santa Fe. - -"Hum!" Andres Garote said as he watched him depart, "what a diabolical -eye! Though I have known him several years, I never saw him like that -before. How will all this end?" - -Without further remarks he arranged matters in the rancho, repairing as -well as he could the disorder caused by the previous struggle; then he -took a look round him. The monk, with his elbows on the table and a -cigarette in his mouth, was drinking the fluid left in the bottle, -doubtless to console himself for the _navajada_ with which Don Pablo had -favoured him. - -"Why, senor padre," the ranchero said in an insinuating voice, "do you -know that it is hardly five o'clock?" - -"Do you think so?" the other answered for the sake of saying something. - -"Does not the time seem to you to go very slowly?" - -"Extraordinarily so." - -"If you liked we could easily shorten it." - -"In what way?" - -"Oh, for instance, with these." - -And Andres drew from his boot a pack of greasy cards, which he -complacently spread out on the table. - -"Ah! That is a good idea," the monk exclaimed with sparkling eyes. "Let -us have a game of monte." - -"At your orders." - -"Don Andres, you are a most worthy gentlemen. What shall we play for?" - -"Ah, hang it! That is true; we must play for something," the ranchero -said, scratching his head. - -"The merest trifle, simply to render the game interesting." - -"Yes, but to do that man must possess the trifle." - -"Do not let that trouble you. If you permit me I will make you a -proposal." - -"Do so, senor. You are a remarkable clever man, and can have none but -bright ideas." - -The monk bowed to his flattering insinuation. - -"This is it: we will play, if you like for the share of the gold we -shall receive when we reach the placer." - -"Done!" the ranchero shouted enthusiastically. - -"Well," the monk said, drawing from his pocket a pack of cards no less -dirty than the others, "we can at any rate kill time." - -"What! You have cards too?" the ranchero remarked. - -"Yes, and quite new, as you see." Andres bowed with an air of -conviction. - -The game began at once, and soon the two men were completely absorbed in -the combinations of the _seis de copas,_ the _as de bastos_, the _dos de -oro_, and the _cuatro d'espadas_. The monk, who had no necessity to -feign at this moment, as he was in the company of a man thoroughly -acquainted with him, yielded frenziedly to his ruling passion. In -Mexico, and throughout Spanish America, the _angelus_ rings at sunset. -In those countries, where there is no twilight, night arrives without -transition, so that ere the bell has done tinkling the gloom is dense. -At the last stroke of the angelus the game ceased, as if by common -agreement between the two men, and they threw their cards on the table. - -Although Garote was a passed master in trickery, and had displayed all -his science, he found in the monk so skilful an adversary that, after -more than three hours of an obstinate struggle, they both found -themselves as little advanced as at the outset. The monk, however, on -coming to the rancho, had an object which Red Cedar was far from -suspecting. - -Fray Ambrosio rested his arms on the table, bent his body slightly -forward, and while carelessly playing with the cards, which he amused -himself by sorting, he said to the ranchero, as he fixed a scrutinising -glance upon him,-- - -"Shall we talk a little, Don Andres?" - -"Willingly," the latter replied, who had partly risen, but now fell back -on his chair. - -By a secret foreboding Andres Garote had guessed that the monk wished to -make some important proposal to him. Hence, thanks to that instinctive -intuition which rogues possess for certain things, the two men read each -other's thoughts. Fray Ambrosio bit his lips, for the gambusino's -intelligence startled him. Still the latter bent upon him a glance so -full of stupid meaning, that he continued to make a confidant of him, as -it were involuntarily. - -"Senor Don Andres," he said in a soft and insinuating voice, "what a -happiness that your poor brother, on dying, revealed to me the secret of -the rich placer, which he concealed even from yourself!" - -"It is true," Andres answered, turning slightly pale; "it was very -fortunate, senor padre. For my part, I congratulate myself on it daily." - -"Is it not so? For without it the immense fortune would have been lost -to you and all else." - -"It is terrible to think of." - -"Well, at this moment I have a horrible fear." - -"What is it, senor padre?" - -"That we have deferred our departure too long, and that some of those -European vagabonds we were speaking of just now may have discovered our -placer. Those scoundrels have a peculiar scent for finding gold." - -"_Caray_, senor padre!" Andres said, striking the table with a feigned -grief (for he knew very well what the monk was saying was only a clever -way of attaining his real point), "that would drive me mad--an affair so -well managed hitherto." - -"That is true," Fray Ambrosio said in corroboration. "I could never -console myself." - -"_Demonios_! I have as great an interest in it as yourself, senor -padre," the gambusino replied with superb coolness. "You know that an -uninterrupted succession of unfortunate speculations robbed me of my -fortune, and I hoped thus to regain it at a stroke." - -At these words Fray Ambrosio had incredible difficulty in repressing a -smile; for it was a matter of public notoriety that senor Don Andres -Garote was a lepero, who, as regarded fortune, had never possessed a -farthing of patrimony; that throughout his life he had never been aught -but an adventurer; and that the unlucky speculations of which he -complained were simply an ill luck at monte, which had recently stripped -him of 20,000 piastres, acquired Heaven alone knew how. But senor Don -Andres Garote was a man of unequalled bravery, gifted with a fertile and -ready mind, whom the accidents of life had compelled to live for a -lengthened period on the _llanos_ (prairies), whose paths he knew as -thoroughly as he did the tricks of those who dwelt on them. Hence, and -for many other reasons, Andres Garote was an invaluable comrade for Fray -Ambrosio, who had also a bitter revenge to take on the monte table, -because he pretended to place the most sincere faith in what it pleased -his honourable mate to say touching his lost fortune. - -"However," he said, after an instant's reflection, "supposing that the -placer is intact, and that no one has discovered it, we shall have a -long journey to reach it." - -"Yes," the gambusino remarked, significantly; "the road is difficult and -broadcast with perils innumerable." - -"We must march with our chins on our shoulders, and finger on the rifle -trigger--" - -"Fight nearly constantly with wild beasts or Indians--" - -"In a word, do you not believe that the woman Red Cedar has carried off -will prove a horrid bore?" - -"Dreadfully so," Andres made answer, with an intelligent glance. - -"What is to be done?" - -"Hang it! That is difficult to say." - -"Still we cannot run the risk, on account of a wretched woman, of having -our hair raised by the Indians." - -"That's true enough." - -"Is she here?" - -"Yes," the gambusino said, pointing to a door; "in that room." - -"Hum!" - -"You remarked--" - -"Nothing." - -"Could we not--" - -"What?" - -"It is perhaps difficult," Andres continued, with feigned hesitation. - -"Explain yourself." - -The gambusino seemed to make up his mind. - -"Suppose we restore her to her family?" he said. - -"I have thought of that already." - -"That is strange." - -"It must be all managed very cleverly." - -"And the relations pay a proper ransom." - -"That is what I meant to say.". - -There was a silence. - -Decidedly these two honourable persons were made to understand one -another. - -"But who is to undertake this delicate mission?" asked the monk. - -"I, _con mil demonios!_" the gambusino exclaimed, his eyes sparkling -with greed at the thought of the rich ransom he would demand. - -"But if Red Cedar were to find out," the monk remarked, "that we -surrendered his prisoner?" - -"Who will tell him?" - -"I am sure I shan't." - -"Nor I." - -"It is very easy; the girl will have escaped." - -"Quite true." - -"Do not let us lose time, then. You have a horse?" - -"I have two." - -"Bravo! You will place Dona Clara on one, and mount the other yourself." - -"And go straight to the Hacienda de la Noria." - -"That is it. Don Pablo will be delighted to recover his sister, whom he -expected never to see again, and will not haggle over the price he pays -for her deliverance." - -"Famous! In that way we run no risk of not reaching the placer, as our -party will only consist of men." - -"Excellently reasoned!" - -Andres Garote rose with a smile which would have caused the monk to -reflect, had he seen it; but at the same moment the latter was rubbing -his hands, saying in a low voice, and with a most satisfied air,-- - -"Now, my scamp, I've got you." - -What secret thought possessed these two men, who were carrying on a -mutual deceit, none save themselves could have said. The gambusino -approached the door of the room where Dona Clara was confined, and put -the key in the lock. At this moment two vigorous blows were dealt on the -door of the rancho, which had been carefully bolted after Red Cedar's -departure. The two accomplices started. - -"Must I open?" Andres asked. - -"Yes," the monk answered; "hesitation or refusal might create alarm. In -our position we must foresee everything." - -The ranchero went to open the door, which the newcomer threatened to -break in. A man walked in, who took a careful glance around, then doffed -his hat and bowed. The confederates exchanged a glance of vexation on -recognising him, for he was no other than Shaw, Red Cedar's youngest -son. - -"I am afraid I disturb you, gentlemen," the young man said, with an -ironical smile. - -"Not at all," Andres made answer; "on the contrary, we are delighted to -see you." - -"Thanks!" - -And the young man fell back into a butaca. - -"You are very late at Santa Fe," the monk remarked. - -"It is true," the American said, with some embarrassment; "I am looking -for my father, and fancied I should find him here." - -"He was so a few hours back, but he was obliged to leave us." - -"Ah!" - -This exclamation was rather drawn from the young man by the necessity he -felt of replying, than through any interest he took in the information -afforded him. He was evidently preoccupied; but Fray Ambrosio did not -appear to notice it, as he continued,-- - -"Yes: it appears that his Excellency the Governor ordered your father to -go and meet a regiment of dragoons intended to reinforce the garrison, -and hasten its march." - -"That is true; I forgot it." - -The monk and the miner did not at all understand the American's conduct, -and lost themselves in conjectures as to the reasons that brought him to -the rancho. They guessed instinctively that what he said about his -father was only a pretext or means of introduction; and that a powerful -motive, he would not or dared not avow, had brought him. For his part, -the young man, in coming to the Rancho del Coyote, where he knew that -Dona Clara was imprisoned, expected to find Andres alone, with whom he -hoped to come to an understanding in some way or another. The presence -of the monk disturbed all his plans. Still, time was slipping away he -must make up his mind, and, before all, profit by Red Cedar's -providential absence, which offered him an opportunity he could hardly -dare to hope again. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -A STORMY DISCUSSION. - - -Shaw was not timid, as we have said--he ought rather be accused of the -opposite excess; he was not the man, once his resolution was formed, to -let anything soever turn him from it. His hesitation was not long; he -suddenly rose, and violently stamping his rifle butt on the ground, -looked at the two men, while saying in a firm voice,-- - -"Be frank, my presence here at this hour astonishes you, and you ask -yourselves what cause can have brought me." - -"Sir," the monk said, with a certain degree of hesitation rendered -highly natural by the young man's tone. - -"Pardon me," Shaw exclaimed, interrupting him, "the cause you will seek -in vain. I will tell you: I have come to deliver Dona Clara." - -"Can it be possible?" the two men exclaimed with stupefaction. - -"It is so; whether you like it or not, I care little. I am the man to -hold my own against both of you, and no one can prevent me restoring the -maiden to her father, as I have resolved on doing." - -"What do I hear?" said Fray Ambrosio. - -"Hum!" the young man continued quickly, "Believe me, do not attempt any -useless resistance, for I have resolved, if needs must, to pass over -your bodies to success." - -"But we have not the slightest wish--" - -"Take care," he interrupted him in a voice full of menace and frowning, -"I will only leave this house accompanied by her I wish to save." - -"Sir," the monk remarked, in an authoritative voice which momentarily -quelled the young savage, "two words of explanation." - -"Make haste!" he answered, "For I warn you that my patience is -exhausted." - -"I do not insist on your listening any length of time. You have come -here, you say, with the intention of delivering Dona Clara?" - -"Yes," he answered impatiently, "and if you attempt to oppose it--" - -"Pardon me," the monk interrupted, "such a determination on your part -naturally surprises us." - -"Why so?" the young man said, raising his head haughtily. - -"Because," Fray Ambrosio answered tranquilly, "You are the son of Red -Cedar, and it is at least I strange that--" - -"Enough talking," Shaw exclaimed violently; "will you or not give me up -her I have come to seek?" - -"I must know, in the first place, what you intend doing with her. - -"How does that concern you?" - -"More than you imagine. Since that girl has been a prisoner I -constituted myself--if not her guardian, for the dress I wear forbids -that--her defender; in that quality I have the right of knowing for what -reason you, the son of the man who tore her from her family, have come -so audaciously to demand her surrender to you, and what your object is -in acting thus?" - -The young man had listened to those remarks with an impatience that -became momentarily more visible; it could be seen that he made -superhuman efforts to restrain himself. When the monk stopped, he looked -at him for a moment with a strange expression, then walked up so close -as almost to touch him, drew a pair of pistols from his girdle and -pointed them at the monk. - -"Surrender Dona Clara to me," he said, in a low and menacing voice. - -Fray Ambrosio had attentively followed all the American's movements, and -when the latter put the pistol muzzles to his chest, the monk, with an -action rapid as lightning, also drew two pistols from his girdle, and -placed them, on his adversary's chest. There was a moment of supreme -expectation, of indescribable agony; the two men were motionless, face -to face panting, each with his fingers on a trigger, pale, and their -brows dank with cold perspiration. Andres Garote, his lips curled by an -ironical smile, and his arms crossed, carelessly leaned against a table, -watching this scene which had for him all the attractions of a play. - -All at once the door of the rancho, which had not been fastened again -after the squatter's entry was violently thrown back and a man appeared. -It was Father Seraphin. At a glance he judged the position and boldly -threw himself between the foemen, hurling them back, but not uttering a -word. The two men recoiled, and lowered their weapons, but continued to -menace each other with their glances. - -"What!" the missionary said in a deep voice, "Have I arrived just in -time to prevent a double murder, gentlemen? In Heaven's name, hide those -homicidal weapons; do not stand opposite each other like wild beasts -preparing for a leap." - -"Withdraw, father; you have nothing to do here. Let me treat this man as -he deserves," the squatter answered, casting at the missionary a -ferocious glance--"his life belongs to me." - -"Young man," the priest replied, "the life of a fellow being belongs -only to God, who has the right to deprive, him of it; lower your -weapons"--and turning to Fray Ambrosio, he said to him in a cutting -voice, "and you who dishonour the frock you wear, throw away those -pistols which sully your hands--a minister of the altar should not -employ other weapons than the Gospel." - -The monk bowed, and caused his pistols to disappear, saying in a soft -and cautious voice, "My father, I was compelled to defend my life which -that maniac assailed. Heaven is my witness that I reprove these violent -measures, too frequently employed in this unhappy country; but this man -came into the house with threats on his lips; he insisted on our -delivering a wretched girl whom this caballero," he said, pointing to -the gambusino, "and myself did not think proper to surrender." - -Andres corroborated the monk's words by a nod of the head. - -"I wish to save that young girl from your hands," Shaw said, "and -restore her to her father." - -"Of whom are you speaking, my friend?" the missionary asked with a -secret beating of his heart. - -"Of whom should I speak, save Dona Clara de Zarate, whom these villains -retain here by force?" - -"Can it be possible?" Father Seraphin exclaimed in amazement. "Dona -Clara here?" - -"Ask those men," Shaw answered, roughly, as he angrily struck the butt -of his rifle against the ground. - -"Is it true?" the priest inquired. - -"It is," the gambusino answered. - -Father Seraphin frowned, and his pale forehead was covered with febrile -ruddiness. - -"Sir," he said, in a voice choking with indignation. "I summon you, in -the name of that God whom you serve, and whose minister you lay claim to -being, to restore at once to liberty the hapless girl whom you have so -unworthily imprisoned, in defiance of all laws, human and divine. I -engage to deliver her into the hands of those who bewail her loss." - -Fray Ambrosio bowed; he let his eyes fall, and said in a hypocritical -voice-- - -"Father, you are mistaken as regards myself. I had nothing to do with -the carrying off of that poor child, which on the contrary, I opposed to -the utmost of my power; and that is so true, father," he added, "that at -the moment when this young madman arrived, the worthy gambusino and -myself had resolved, at all risks, on restoring Dona Clara to her -family." - -"I should wish to believe you, sir; if I am mistaken, as you say, you -will forgive me, for appearances were against you; it only depends on -yourself to produce a perfect justification by carrying out my wishes." - -"You shall be satisfied, father," the monk replied. At a signal from him -Garote left the room. During the few words interchanged between the two -men, Shaw remained motionless, hesitating, not knowing what he ought to -do; but he suddenly made up his mind, threw his rifle over his shoulder, -and turned to the missionary. - -"Father," he said respectfully, "my presence is now needless here. -Farewell; my departure will prove to you the purity of my intentions." - -And turning suddenly on his heel, he hurried out of the rancho. A few -moments after his departure the gambusino returned, Dona Clara following -him. - -Dona Clara no longer wore the dress of the whites, for Red Cedar, in -order to render her unrecognizable, had compelled her to don the Indian -garb, which the maiden wore with an innate grace which heightened its -strange elegance. Like all Indian squaws, she was attired in two white -chemises of striped calico--the one fastened around the neck, fell to -the hips; while the other, drawn in at the waist, descended to her -ankles. Her neck was adorned with collars of fine pearls, mingled with -those small shells called wampum, and employed by the Indians as money. -Her arms and ankles were surrounded by wide circles of gold, and a small -diadem of the same metal relieved the pale tint of her forehead. -Moccasins of deer hide, embroidered with wool and beads of every colour -imprisoned her small and high-arched feet. - -As she entered the room, a shadow of melancholy and sadness spread over -her face, adding, were that possible, a further charm to her person. On -seeing the missionary, Dona Clara uttered a cry of joy, and rushed -toward him, fell into his arms, and murmured in a heart-rending voice:-- - -"Father! save me! save me!" - -"Be calm, my daughter!" the priest said to her, gently. "You have -nothing more to fear now that I am near you." - -"Come!" she exclaimed, wildly, "Let us fly from this accursed house, in -which I have suffered so greatly." - -"Yes, my daughter, we will go; set your mind at rest." - -"You see, father," Fray Ambrosio said, hypocritically, "that I did not -deceive you." - -The missionary cast at the monk a glance of undefinable meaning. - -"I trust that you spoke truly," he replied; "the God who gauges hearts -will judge you according to works. I will rescue this maiden at once." - -"Do so, father; I am happy to know her under your protection." - -And picking up the cloak which Don Pablo left after blinding Red Cedar, -he placed it delicately on the shuddering shoulders of Dona Clara, in -order to conceal her Indian garb. Father Seraphin drew her arm through -his own, and led her from the rancho. Ere long they disappeared in the -darkness. Fray Ambrosio looked after them as long as he could see them, -and then re-entered the room, carefully bolting the door after him. - -"Well," Andres Garote asked him, "what do you think, senor Padre, of all -that has happened?" - -"Perhaps things are better as they are." - -"And Red Cedar?" - -"I undertake to render ourselves as white in his sight as the snows of -the Caffre de Perote." - -"Hum! it will be difficult." - -"Perhaps so." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE MYSTERY. - - -On leaving the Rancho del Coyote, Red Cedar dug his spurs into his -horse's flanks, and galloped in a south-western direction. So soon as he -was out of the town he turned to the left, took a narrow path that ran -round the walls, pulled up his horse, and advanced with the utmost -caution. Throwing suspicious glances on either side, he went on thus for -about three-quarters of an hour, when he reached a house, in one of the -windows of which burned three wax tapers. - -The lights thus arranged were evidently a signal for the squatter, for -so soon as he came to the house he stopped and dismounted, attached his -horse to a larch-tree, and prudently concealing himself behind a -thicket, imitated thrice at equal intervals the hu-hu of an owl. The -lights burning in the window were extinguished, as if by enchantment. - -The night was gloomy, only a few stars studded the vault of heaven; a -leaden silence brooded over the plain, which appeared quite solitary. At -this moment a voice could be heard from the house which Red Cedar was -watching so carefully. The squatter listened; the speaker leaned for a -second out of the window looked cautiously round, and disappeared -muttering loud enough for the American to overhear-- - -"All is quiet in the neighbourhood." - -"Still," the squatter said, without showing himself, "the coyotes prowl -about the plain." - -"Are you coming or going?" the man at the window continued. - -"Both," the squatter answered, still hidden behind his bush. - -"You can come on, for you are expected." - -"I know it; hence here I am." - -While making this answer, the squatter left his hiding place, and placed -himself before the door with folded arms, like a man who has nothing to -fear. - -The door was cautiously opened; a man emerged, carefully wrapped up in, -a wide cloak, which only allowed eyes to be seen, that flashed in the -gloom like a jackal's. This person walked straight up to Red Cedar. - -"Well," he asked, in a low voice, "have you reflected?" - -"Yes." - -"And what is the result of your reflections?" - -"I refuse." - -"Still?" - -"More than ever." - -"Take care." - -"I do not care, Don Melchior, for I am not afraid of you." - -"No names!" the stranger exclaimed, impatiently. - -"We are alone." - -"No one is ever alone in the desert." - -"That is true," Red Cedar muttered. "Let us return to our business." - -"It is simple--give and give." - -"Hum! You get to work very fast; unfortunately it cannot be so." - -"Why not?" - -"Why, because I am growing tired of constantly taking in my nets game by -which others profit, and which I ought to keep as a safeguard." - -"You call that girl a guarantee?" - -"By Heaven! what else do you mean to make of her?" - -"Do not compare me with you, scoundrel!" - -"Where is the difference between us? I am a scoundrel, I grant; but, by -heaven, you are another, my master, however powerful you may be." - -"Listen, caballero!" the stranger answered, in a cutting voice. "I will -lose no more of my time in discoursing with you. I want that girl, and -will have her, whatever you may do to prevent me." - -"Good; in that case you declare war against me?" the squatter said, with -a certain tinge of alarm, which he tried in vain to conceal. - -The stranger shrugged his shoulders. - -"We have known one another long enough to be perfectly well acquainted; -we can only be friends or foes. Is not that your opinion?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then, hand Dona Clara over to me, and I will give you the papers -which--" - -"Enough!" the squatter said, sharply. "Have you those papers about you?" - -The stranger burst into a laugh. - -"Do you take me for such a fool?" he said. - -"I do not understand you." - -"I will not insult you by believing you. No, I have not those papers -about me. I am not such an ass as to risk assassination at your hands." - -"What would your death profit me?" - -"Hang it all! If it were only my scalp you would be sure to receive at -least fifty dollars for it." - -At this mournful jest the squatter began laughing. - -"I did not think of that," he said, - -"Listen to me, Red Cedar, and print the words on your memory." - -"Speak." - -"In a month from today, hour for hour, day for day, wherever you may be, -I shall present myself to you." - -"For what purpose?' the squatter asked impudently. - -"To repeat my demand with reference to the prisoner." - -"Then, as now, I shall reply No, my master." - -"Perhaps so. Live and learn. Now good-bye, and may the devil, your -patron saint, preserve you in good health until our next meeting. You -know that I have you tight; so consider yourself warned." - -"Good, good! Threats do not frighten me. _Demonios_, since I have been -traversing the desert, I have found myself opposed to enemies quite as -dangerous as you, and yet I managed to get quit of them." - -"That is possible, Red Cedar; but believe me, meditate carefully on my -words." - -"I repeat that your threats do not frighten me." - -"I do not threaten, I warn you." - -"Hum! Well, then, listen in your turn. In the desert, every man armed -with a good rifle has nothing to fear from whomsoever." - -"What next?" the stranger interrupted him, in a sarcastic voice. - -"Well, my rifle is excellent, I have a sure aim, and I say no more." - -"Nonsense, you are mad! I defy you to kill me!" - -"Hang it, though, what can be your motive for wishing to have this girl -in your power?" - -"That is no affair of yours. I have no explanations due to you. Enough -for you to know that I want her." - -"You shall not have her." - -"We shall see. Good-bye, Red Cedar." - -"Good-bye, Don Melchior, or whatever be the name you please to bear." - -The stranger made no reply, but turned his head with a gesture of -contempt, and whistled. A man emerged from the house, holding a horse by -the bridle; at one bound the stranger reached the saddle, and ordered -the servant to withdraw. - -"Farewell, _Compadre_, remember our appointment." - -And loosing his reins, the stranger started at a gallop, not -condescending even to turn his head. Red Cedar looked after him with an -indescribable expression of rage. - -"Oh," he muttered in a low voice, "demon! Shall I never free myself from -your clutches?" - -And with a motion rapid as thought he shouldered his rifle, and aimed at -the departing man. All at once the latter turned his horse, and stood -right opposite Red Cedar. - -"Mind not to miss me!" he cried, with a burst of laughter that caused a -cold perspiration to bead on the bandit's forehead. - -The latter let his rifle fall, saying in a hollow voice: "He is right, -and I am mad! If I only had the papers!" - -The stranger waited for a moment calm and motionless; then he started -again and soon disappeared in the darkness. Red Cedar stood with his -body bowed forward, and his ears on the watch, so long as the horse's -hoofs could be heard; then he returned to his own steed, and bounded -into the saddle. - -"Now to go and warn the dragoons," he said, and pushed on. - -The squatter had scarce departed ere several men appeared from either -side; they were Valentine, Curumilla, and Don Pablo on the right; -Unicorn and Eagle-wing on the left. Valentine and his friends were -astonished at meeting the Comanche chief, whom they believed gone back -to his camp; but the sachem explained to them, in a few words, how, at -the moment he was crossing the spot where they now were, he had heard -Red Cedar's voice, and concealed himself in the shrubs in order to -overhear the squatter's colloquy with his strange friend. Valentine had -done the same; but, unfortunately, the party had been greatly -disappointed, for the squatter's conversation remained to them an -enigma, of which they sought the key in vain. - -"'Tis strange," Valentine remarked, as he passed his hand several times -across his forehead. "I do not know where I have seen the man just now -talking here with Red Cedar, but I have a vague reminiscence of having -met him before, where and under what circumstance I try, though in vain, -to recall." - -"What shall we do?" Don Pablo asked. - -"Hang it, what we agreed on;" and turning to the chief, he said, "Good -luck, brother, I believe we shall save our friend." - -"I am sure of it," the Indian replied, laconically. - -"May heaven hear you, brother," Valentine continued. "Act! While, on -your side, you watch the town for fear of treason. We then will ambush -ourselves on the road the gambusinos must take, in order to know -positively the direction in which they are proceeding. Till tomorrow, -chief!" - -"Stop!" a panting voice exclaimed, and a man suddenly appeared in the -midst of them. - -"Father Seraphin!" Valentine said in a surprise. "What chance brings you -this way?" - -"I was looking for you." - -"What do you want with me?" - -"To give you some good news." - -"Speak! Speak quickly, father! Has Don Miguel left his prison?" - -"Alas! Not yet; but his daughter is free!" - -"Dona Clara free!" Valentine shouted joyously. "Heaven be blessed! Where -is she?" - -"She is temporarily in safety, be assured of that; but let me give you a -warning, which may perhaps prove useful to you." - -"Speak! Speak!" - -"By order of the governor, Red Cedar has gone to meet the regiment of -dragoons, coming up to reinforce the Santa Fe garrison." - -"_Caramba_," Valentine said, "are you sure of your statement, father?" - -"I am: in my presence, the men who carried off Dona Clara spoke about -it." - -"All is lost if these soldiers arrive." - -"Yes," the missionary said; "but, how to prevent it?" - -Curumilla lightly touched the leader's arm. - -"What do you want, chief!" - -"The Comanches are warriors," Curumilla answered, curtly. - -"Ah!" Valentine exclaimed, and tapping his forehead with delight, "that -is true, chief; you save us." - -Curumilla smiled with pleasure. - -"While you go in pursuit of the soldiers," said Don Pablo, "as I can be -of no service to you, I will accompany Father Seraphin to my poor -sister, whom I have not seen so long, and am eager to embrace." - -"Do so," Valentine answered. "At daybreak you will bring Dona Clara to -the camp, that I may myself deliver her to her father." - -"That is agreed." - -Valentine, Curumilla, and Unicorn rushed out in the plain, while Father -Seraphin and Don Pablo returned to the town. The two gentlemen, anxious -to join the girl, did not perceive that they were closely watched by an -individual, who followed their every movement, while careful not to be -seen by them. It was Nathan, Red Cedar's eldest son. - -How was that man there? - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE AMBUSCADE. - - -The nigh breeze had swept the clouds away; the sky, of a deep azure, was -studded with an infinity of stars; the night was limpid, the atmosphere -so transparent as to allow the slightest varieties of the landscape to -be distinguished. About four leagues from Santa Fe, a numerous band of -horsemen was following a path scarce traced in the tall grass, which -approached the town with countless turns and windings. These horsemen, -who marched in rather decent order, were nearly 600 in number, and -formed the regiment of dragoons so anxiously expected by General -Ventura. - -About ten paces ahead rode four or five officers gaily chatting -together, among whom was the colonel. The regiment continued its march -slowly, advancing cautiously, through fear of losing its way in a -perfectly strange country. The colonel and his officers who had always -fought in the States bordering the Atlantic, found themselves now for -the first time in these savage countries. - -"Caballeros," the colonel suddenly remarked, "I confess to you that I am -completely ignorant as to our whereabouts. Can any one of you throw a -light on the subject? This road is fearful, it seems to lead nowhere, -and I am afraid we have lost our way." - -"We are all as ignorant as yourself on that head, colonel," an officer -answered, "not one of us could say where we are." - -"On my word!" the colonel went on, taking a glance of satisfaction -around, "We are not in a hurry to reach Santa Fe. I suppose it makes -little difference whether we get there today or tomorrow. I believe that -the best thing for us to do is to bivouac here for the rest of the -night; at sunrise we will start again." - -"You are right, colonel," the officer said, whom he seemed to address -most particularly, "a few hours' delay is of no consequence, and we run -the risk of going out of our course." - -"Give the order to halt." - -The officer immediately obeyed; the soldiers, wearied with a long -night's march, greeted with shouts of joy the order to stop. They -dismounted. The horses were unsaddled and picketed, campfires were -lighted, in less than an hour the bivouac was arranged. - -The colonel, in desiring to camp for the night, had a more serious fear -than that of losing his way; it was that of falling in with a party of -_Indios bravos._ - -The colonel was brave, and had proved it on many occasions; grown gray -in harness, he was an old soldier who feared nothing in the world -particularly; but accustomed to warfare in the interior of the Republic, -had never seen opposed to him any but civilised foes, he professed for -the Indians that instinctive fear which all the Mexicans entertain, and -he would not risk a fight with an Apache or Comanche war party in the -middle of the night, in a country whose resources he did not know, and -run the risk of having his regiment cut to pieces by such Protean -enemies. On the other hand, he was unaware that the governor of Santa Fe -had such pressing need of his presence, and this authorised him in -acting with the utmost precaution. Still, as soon as the bivouac was -established, and the sentries posted, the colonel sent off a dozen -resolute men under an Alferez, to trot up the country and try to procure -a guide. - -We will observe, in passing, that in Spanish America, so soon as you -leave the capitals, such as Lima, or Mexico, roads, such as we -understand them in Europe, no longer exist; you only find paths traced, -in nine cases out of ten, by the footprints of wild beasts, and which -are so entangled one with the other, that, unless you have been long -accustomed to them, it is almost impossible to find your way. The -Spaniards, we grant, laid out wide and firm roads, but since the War of -Independence, they had been cut up, deteriorated and so abandoned by the -neglect of the ephemeral governments that have followed each other in -Mexico, that with the exception of the great highways of communication -in the interior of the country, the rest had disappeared under the -herbage. - -The little squad of troopers sent out to beat up the country had started -at a gallop, but it soon reduced its pace, and the soldiers and sergeant -began laughing and talking, caring little for the important mission with -which they were intrusted. The moon rose on the horizon, shedding her -fantastic rays over the ground. As we have said, it was one of those -lovely nights of the American desert full of strange odours. A majestic -silence hovered over the plain, only disturbed at intervals by those -sounds, without any known cause, which are heard on the savannahs, and -which seem to be the respiration of the sleeping world. Suddenly the -mockingbird sung twice, and its plaintive and soft song resounded -melodiously through the air. - -"Hallo," one of the dragoons said, addressing his comrade, "that's a -bird that sings very late." - -"An evil omen," the other said with a shake of his head. - -"_Canarios_! What omen are you talking about, comrade?" - -"I have always heard say," the second, speaker remarked sententiously, -"that when you hear a bird sing on your left at night it predicts -misfortune." - -"The deuce confound you and your prognostics." - -At this moment the song, which appeared previously some distance off, -could be heard much more close, and seemed to come from some trees on -the side of the path the dragoons were following. The Alferez raised his -head and stopped, as if mechanically trying to explain the sound that -smote his ears; but all became silent again, so he shook his head and -continued his conversation. The detachment had been out more than an -hour. During this long stroll, the soldiers had discovered nothing -suspicious; as for the guide they sought, it is needless to say that -they had not found him, for they had not met a living soul. The Alferez -was about to give orders to return to camp, when one of the troopers -pointed out to him some heavy, black forms, apparently prowling about -unsuspiciously. - -"What on earth can that be?" the officer asked, after carefully -examining what was pointed out to him. - -"_Caspita_," one of the dragoons exclaimed, "that is easy to see; they -are browsing deer!" - -"Deer!" said the Alferez, in whom the hunter's instinct was suddenly -aroused, "there are at least thirty; suppose we try to catch some." - -"It is difficult." - -"Pshaw!" another soldier shouted, "It is light enough for each of us to -send them a bullet." - -"You must by no means use your carbines," the Alferez interposed -sharply; "if our shots, re-echoed through the mountains, caught the ears -of the Indians, who are probably ambushed in the thickets, we should be -ruined." - -"What is to be done, then?" - -"Lasso them, _caspita_, as you wish to try and catch them." - -"That is true; I did not think of that." - -The dragoons, delighted at the opportunity of indulging in their -favourite sport, dismounted, fastened their horses to the roadside trees -and seized their lassos. They then advanced cautiously toward the deer, -which continued grazing tranquilly, without appearing to suspect that -enemies were so near them. On arriving at a short distance from the -game, the dragoons separated in order to have room for whirling their -lassos, and making a covering of each tree, they managed to approach -within fifteen paces of the animals. Then they stopped, exchanged -glances, carefully calculated the distance, and, at a signal from their -leader, sent their lassos whizzing through the air. - -A strange thing happened at this moment, however. All the deer hides -fell simultaneously to the ground, displaying Valentine, Curumilla, and -a dozen Comanche warriors, who, profiting by the stupor of the troopers -at their extraordinary metamorphosis, hunted the hunters by throwing -lassos over their shoulders and hurled them to the ground. The ten -dragoons and their leader were prisoners. - -"Well, my friends," Valentine said with a grin, "how do you like that -sort of fun?" - -The startled dragoons made no reply, but allowed themselves to be bound; -one alone muttered between his teeth:-- - -"I was quite sure that villain of a mockingbird would bring us ill luck; -it sang on our left. That never deceives, _Canarios!_" - -Valentine smiled at this sally. He then placed two fingers in his mouth -and imitated the cry of the mockingbird with such perfection, that the -soldier looked up at the trees. He had scarce ended, when a rustling was -heard among the bushes, and a man leaped between the hunters and their -prisoners. It was Eagle-wing, the sachem of the Coras. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -A FRIENDLY DISCUSSION. - - -After leaving his enemy (for the mysterious man with whom he had so -stormy a discussion could be nothing else), Red Cedar set out to join -the regiment, and hasten its arrival according to the orders he had -received. In spite of himself, the squatter was suffering from -extraordinary nervousness, and involuntarily he went over the various -points of the conversation with the person who took such precautions in -communicating with him. The threats he had proffered recurred to his -mind. It appeared as if the bandit, who feared nothing in the world, had -good reason, however, for trembling in the presence of the man who, for -more than an hour, had crushed him with his irony. What reason could be -so powerful as to produce so startling a change in this indomitable -being? No one could have said; for the squatter was master of his -secret, and would have mercilessly killed anybody he suspected of having -read even a portion of it. - -The reason was, at any rate, very powerful; for after a few minutes of -deep thought, his hand let go the reins and his head fell on his breast: -the horse, no longer feeling the curb, stopped and began nibbling the -young tree shoots. The squatter did not notice this halt; he was -thinking, and hoarse exclamations now and then came from his chest, like -the growling of a wild beast. At length he raised his head. - -"No," he shouted, as he directed a savage glance at the starlit sky, -"any struggle with that demon is impossible. I must fly, so soon as -possible, to the prairies of the far west. I will leave this implacable -foe; I will fly from him, as the lion does, carrying off my prey in my -claws. I have not a moment to lose. What do I care for the Spaniards and -their paltry disputes? General Ventura will seek another emissary, for -more important matters claim my attention. I must go to the Rancho del -Coyote, for there alone I shall find my revenge. Fray Ambrosio and his -prisoner can supply me with the weapons I need for the terrible contest -I am compelled to wage against that demon who comes straight from hell, -and whom I will send back there." - -After having uttered these words in a low voice, in the fashion of men -wont to live in solitude, Red Cedar appeared to regain all his boldness -and energy. He looked savagely around, and, burying his spurs in his -horse's flanks, he started with the speed of an arrow in the direction -of the rancho, which he had left but a few hours previously, and where -his two accomplices still remained. - -The monk and the gambusino, delighted at the unforeseen termination of -the scene we recently narrated, delighted above all at having got rid of -Dona Clara without being immediately mixed up in her escape, tranquilly -resumed their game of _monte_, and played with that mental satisfaction -produced by the certainty of having nothing to reproach themselves with, -disputing with the utmost obstinacy for the few reals they still -happened to have in their pockets. In the midst of a most interesting -game, they heard the furious gallop of a horse up the paved street. -Instinctively they stopped and listened; a secret foreboding seemed to -warn them that this horse was coming to the rancho, and that its rider -wanted them. - -In truth, neither Fray Ambrosio nor Andres Garote had a quiet -conscience, even supposing, which was very doubtful, that either had a -conscience at all, for they felt they were responsible to Red Cedar for -Dona Clara. Now that the maiden had escaped like, a bird flying from its -cage, their position with their terrible ally appeared to them in all -its desperate gravity. They did not conceal from themselves that the -squatter would demand a severe account of their conduct, and despite -their cunning and roguishness, they knew not how they should get out of -it. The sharp gallop of the approaching horse heightened their -perplexity. They dared not communicate their fears to each other, but -they sat with heads bent forward, foreseeing that they would soon have -to sustain a very firm attack. - -The horse stopped short before the rancho; a man dismounted, and the -door shook beneath the tremendous blows of his fists. - -"Hum!" the gambusino whispered, as he blew out the solitary candle that -illumined the room. "Who the deuce can come at this advanced hour of the -night! I have a great mind not to open." - -Strange to say, Fray Ambrosio had apparently regained all his serenity. -With a smiling face, crossed arms, and back leaned against the wall, he -seemed to be a perfect stranger to what perplexed his mate so furiously. -At Garote's remark an ironical smile played round his pale lips for a -second, and he replied with the most perfect indifference-- - -"You are at liberty to act as you please, gossip; still I think it my -duty to warn you of one thing?" - -"What is it?" - -"That, if you do not open your door, the man, whoever he may be, now -battering it, is very capable of breaking it in, which would be a -decided nuisance for you." - -"You speak very much at your ease, senor Padre," the gambusino answered, -ill-temperedly. "Suppose it be Red Cedar?" - -"The greater reason to open the door. If you hesitate, he will begin to -suspect you; and then take care, for he is a man capable of killing you -like a dog." - -"That is possible; but do you think that, in such a case, you will -escape with clean hands?" - -Fray Ambrosio looked at him, shrugged his shoulders, but made no further -answer. - -"Will you open, _demonios_?" a rough voice shouted. - -"Red Cedar!" both men whispered. - -"I am coming," Andres replied, in a voice which terror caused to -tremble. - -He rose unwillingly, and walked slowly towards the door, which the -squatter threatened to tear from its hinges. - -"A little patience, caballero," the gambusino said, in that honeyed -voice peculiar to Mexicans when they meditate some roguery. "Coming, -coming." - -And he began unbarring the door. - -"Make haste!" the squatter howled, "For I am in a hurry." - -"Hum! It is surely he!" the gambusino thought. "Who are you?" he asked. - -"What! Who am I?" Red Cedar exclaimed, bounding with wrath. "Did you not -recognise me, or are you having a game with me?" - -"I never have a game with anyone," Andres replied, imperturbably: "but I -warn you that, although I fancy I recognise your voice, I shall not open -till you mention your name. The night is too far advanced for me to risk -receiving a suspicious person into my house." - -"I will break the door down." - -"Try it," the gambusino shouted boldly, "and by our Lady of Pilar I will -send a bullet through your head." - -At this threat the squatter rushed against the door in incredible fury, -with the evident intention of breaking it in; but, contrary to his -expectations, though it creaked and groaned on its hinges, it did not -give way. Andres Garote had indulged in a line of reasoning which was -far from being illogical, and revealed a profound knowledge of the human -heart. He had said to himself, that, as he must face Red Cedar's anger, -it would be better to let it reach its paroxysm at once so as to have -only the decreasing period to endure. He smiled at the American's -sterile attempts, then, and repeated his request. - -"Well, then," the other said, furiously, "I am Red Cedar. Do you -recognise me now, you devil's own Gachupino?" - -"Of course; I see that I can open without danger to your Excellency." - -And the gambusino hurriedly drew back the bolts. - -Red Cedar rushed into the room with a yell of fury, but Andres had put -out the light. The squatter stopped, surprised by the gloom which -prevented him distinguishing any object. - -"Hallo!" he said. "What is the meaning of this darkness? I can see -nothing." - -"_Caspita_!" Andres replied, impudently, "Do you think I amuse myself o' -nights by watching the moon? I was asleep, compadre, when you came to -arouse me with your infernal hammerings." - -"That is possible," the squatter remarked; "but that was no reason for -keeping me so long at your door." - -"Prudence is the mother of security. We must not let every comer enter -the rancho." - -"Certainly not; I approve of that. Still, you must have recognised my -voice." - -"True. Still I might be mistaken; it is difficult to know anyone through -the thickness of a door; that is why I wished you to give your name." - -"Very good, then," Red Cedar said, as if tired of combating arguments -which did not convince him. "And where is Fray Ambrosio?" - -"Here, I suppose." - -"He has not left the rancho?" - -"No; unless he took advantage of your arrival to do so." - -"Why should he do that?" - -"I don't know; you question, and I answer; that's all." - -"Why does he not speak, if he is here?" - -"He is possibly asleep." - -"After the row I made, that is highly improbable." - -"Hang it, he may be a hard sleeper." - -"Hum!" the squatter snorted, suspiciously; "Light the candle." - -Andres struck a match, and Red Cedar looked eagerly round the room Fray -Ambrosio had disappeared. - -"Where is the monk?" the American asked. - -"I do not know: probably gone." - -The squatter shook his head. - -"All this is not clear," he muttered; "there is treachery behind it." - -"That is possible," the gambusino answered, calmly. - -Red Cedar bent on Andres eyes that flashed with fury, and roughly seized -him by the throat. - -"Answer, scoundrel?" he shouted. "What has become of Dona Clara?" - -The gambusino struggled, though in vain, to escape from the clutch of -the squatter, whose fingers entered his flesh, and pressed him as in a -vice. - -"Let me loose," he panted, "you are choking me!" - -"Where is Dona Clara?" - -"I do not know." - -The squatter squeezed more tightly. - -"You do not know!" he yelled. - -"Aie!" Andres whined, "I tell you I do not know." - -"Malediction!" Red Cedar went on. "I will kill you, _picaro_, if you are -obstinate." - -"Let that man go, and I will tell you all you wish to know," was said in -a firm voice by a hunter, who at this moment appeared on the threshold. - -The two men turned in amazement. - -"Nathan!" Red Cedar shouted on recognising his son. "What are you doing -here?" - -"I will tell you, father," the young man said, as he entered the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. - -NATHAN. - - -Nathan was not asleep, as Ellen supposed, when she urged on Shaw to -devote himself to liberate Dona Clara, and he had listened attentively -to the conversation. Nathan was a man of about thirty years of age, who, -both physically and morally, bore a marked resemblance to his father. -Hence the old squatter had concentrated in him all the affection which -his uncultivated savage nature was capable of feeling. Since the fatal -night, when the chief of the Coras had avenged himself for the burning -of his village and the murder of its inhabitants, Nathan's character had -grown still more gloomy; a dull and deep hatred boiled in his heart -against the whole human race; he only dreamed of assassination: he had -sworn in his heart to revenge on all those who fell into his hands the -injury one man had inflicted on him; in a word, Nathan loved none and -hated everything. - -When Shaw had disappeared among the bushes, and Ellen, after taking a -final glance around to convince herself that all was in order, -re-entered the hut that served her as a shelter, Nathan rose cautiously, -threw his rifle over his shoulder, and rushed after his brother. Another -reason urged him to foil Shaw and Ellen's plans; he had a double grudge -against Don Miguel--the first for the stab the Mexican gentlemen had -given his father; the second because Don Miguel had compelled him to -leave the forest in which his family had so daringly installed itself. - -Convinced of the importance of the affair, and knowing the value the -squatter attached to carrying off the maiden, who was a most precious -hostage for him, Nathan did not lose a moment, but reached Santa Fe by -the most direct route, bounding with the agility of a tiger cat over the -obstacles that beset his path. Presently he reached an isolated house, -not far from which several men were conversing together in a low voice. -Nathan stopped and listened; but he was too far off, and could -distinguish nothing. The squatter's son, reared in the desert, was -thoroughly versed in all its stratagems; with the piercing eye of a man -accustomed to night journeys in the prairie, he recognised well-known -persons, and his mind was at once made up. - -He laid himself on the ground, and following the shadow cast by the -moon, lest he might be perceived by the speakers, he advanced, inch by -inch, crawling like a serpent, stopping at intervals lest the waving of -the grass might reveal his presence, in short, employing all the -precautions usual under such circumstances. At length he reached a clump -of Peru trees only a few yards distant from the spot where the men he -wished to overhear were standing. He then got up, leaned against the -largest tree, and prepared to listen. His expectations were not -deceived; though a few words escaped him here and there, he was near -enough perfectly to catch the sense of the conference. This conversation -was, in truth, most interesting to him; a sinister smile lit up his -face, and he eagerly clenched the barrel of his rifle. - -Presently the party broke into two. Valentine, Curumilla, and Unicorn, -took the road leading to the open country, while Don Pablo and Father -Seraphin returned toward the town. Valentine and his two friends almost -touched the young man as they passed, and he instinctively carried his -hands to his pistols; they even stopped for a moment and cast suspicious -glances at the clump that concealed their foe. While conversing in -whispers, Unicorn drew a few branches aside and peered in; for some -seconds Nathan felt an indescribable agony; a cold perspiration stood at -the root of his hair and the blood coursed to his heart; in a word, he -was afraid. He knew that if these men, his mortal enemies, discovered -him, they would be pitiless to him and kill him like a dog. But this -apprehension did not last longer than a lightning flash. Unicorn -carelessly let the leafy curtain fall again, saying only one word to his -comrades:-- - -"Nothing." - -The latter resumed their march. - -"I do not know why," said Valentine, "but I fancy there is someone -hidden there." - -"No," the chief answered, "there is nobody." - -"Well, be it so," the hunter muttered, with a toss of his head. - -So soon, as he was alone, Nathan drew two or three deep breaths, and -started in pursuit of Don Pablo and the missionary, whom he soon caught -up. As they did not suppose they were followed, they were conversing -freely together. - -In Spanish America, where the days are so warm and the nights so fresh, -the inhabitants, shut up at home so long as the sun calcines the ground, -go out at nightfall to breathe a little pure air; the streets, deserted -in consequence of the heat, are gradually peopled; benches are placed -before the doors, on which persons recline to smoke and gossip, drink -orangeade, strum the guitar, and sing. Frequently the entire night is -passed in these innocent amusements, and folks do not return home till -dawn, in order to indulge in the sleep so grateful after this long -watch. Hence the Hispano-American towns must be especially visited by -night, if you wish to judge truthfully the nature of this people--a -strange composite of the most discordant contrasts, who only live for -enjoyment, and only accept from existence the most intoxicating -pleasures. Still, on the night to which we refer, the town of Santa Fe, -usually so laughing and chattering, was plunged into a gloomy sadness, -the streets were deserted, the doors closed; no light filtered through -the hermetically closed windows; all slept or at least feigned to sleep. -The fact was, that Santa Fe was at this moment in a state of mortal -agitation, caused by the condemnation of Don Miguel Zarate, the richest -land owner in the province--a man who was loved and revered by the whole -population. The agitation took its origin in the unexpected apparition -of the Comanche war detachment--those ferocious enemies whose cruelties -have become proverbial on the Mexican frontier, and whose presence -presaged nothing good. - -Don Pablo and his companion walked quickly, like persons anxious to -reach a place where they knew they are expected, exchanging but a few -words at intervals, whose meaning, however, caught up by the man who -followed them, urged them still more not to let them out of sight. They -thus traversed the greater part of the town, and on reaching the Calle -de la Merced, they stopped at their destination--a house of handsome -aspect. - -A weak light burned at the window of a ground floor room. By an -instinctive movement, the two gentlemen turned round at the moment of -entering the house but Nathan had slipped into a doorway, and they did -not perceive him. Father Seraphin tapped gently; the door was at once -opened, and they went in. Nathan stationed himself in the middle of the -street, with his eye ardently fixed on the only window of the house lit -up. Ere long, shadows crossed the curtains. - -"Good!" the young man muttered; "But how to warn the old one that the -dove is in her nest?" - -All at once, a heavy hand was laid on his shoulder, and Nathan turned, -fiercely clutching a bowie knife. A man was before him, gloomy, silent -and wrapped in the thick folds of his cloak. The American started. - -"Go your way," he said in a menacing voice. - -"What are you doing here?" the stranger asked. - -"How does that concern you? The street is free to all." - -"No." - -This word was pronounced with a sharp accent. Nathan tried in vain to -scan the features of the man with whom he had to deal. - -"Give way," he said, "or blood will surely be shed between us." - -As sole reply, the stranger took a pistol in his right hand, a knife in -his left. - -"Ah!" Nathan said, mockingly, "You mean fighting." - -"For the last time, withdraw." - -"Nonsense, you are mad, senor Caballero; the road belongs to all, I tell -you. This place suits me, and I shall remain." - -"I wish to be alone here." - -"You mean to kill me, then?" - -"If I must, yes, without hesitation." - -The two speakers had exchanged these words in a low and hurried voice, -in less time than we have employed to write them. They stood but a few -paces apart with flashing eyes, ready to rush on each other. Nathan -returned his pistol to his belt. - -"No noise," he said; "the knife will do; besides, we are in a country -where that is the only weapon in use." - -"Be it so," the stranger replied; "then, you will not give way to me?" - -"You would laugh at me if I did," the American said with a grin. - -"Then your blood will be on your own head." - -"Or on yours." - -The two foemen each fell back a pace, and stood on guard, with their -cloaks rolled round their left arms. The moon, veiled by clouds, shed no -light; the darkness was perfect; midnight struck from the cathedral; the -voice of the _serenos_ chanting the hour could be heard in the distance, -announcing that all was quiet. There was a moment's hesitation, which -the enemies employed in scrutinising each other. Suddenly Nathan uttered -a hoarse yell rushed on his enemy, and threw his cloak in his face, to -put him on his guard. The stranger parried the stroke dealt him, and -replied by another, guarded off with equal dexterity. The two men then -seized each other round the waist, and wrestled for some minutes, -without uttering a word; at length the stranger rolled on the ground -with a heavy sigh; Nathan's knife was buried in his chest. The American -rose with a yell of triumph--his enemy was motionless. - -"Can I have killed him?" Nathan muttered. - -He returned his knife to his vaquera boot, and bent over the wounded -man. All at once he started back, for he had recognised his brother -Shaw. - -"What is to be done now?" he said; but then added carelessly, "Pshaw! -all the worse for him. Why did he come across my path?" - -And, leaving there the body of the young man, who gave no sign of life-- - -"Well, Heaven knows, I ought not, and could not have hesitated," he -said. - -Shaw lay to all appearance dead, with pale and drawn cheeks, in the -centre of the street. - - - - -CHAPTER XLII. - -THE WOUNDED MAN. - - -Nathan proceeded straight to the Rancho del Coyote, where his unexpected -arrival was a blessing for Andres Garote, whom the old squatter was -treating very roughly. On hearing his son's words, Red Cedar let go of -the gambusino, who tottered back against the wall. - -"Well," he asked, "where is Dona Clara?" - -"Come with me, father," the young man answered; "I will lead you to -her." - -"You know her hiding place, then?" - -"Yes." - -"And so do I," Fray Ambrosio shouted, as he rushed into the room with -discomfited features; "I felt sure I should discover her." - -Red Cedar looked at him in amazement, but the monk did not wince. - -"What has happened to her?" the squatter said presently, as he looked -suspiciously from the monk to the gambusino. - -"A very simple matter," Fray Ambrosio answered, with an inimitably -truthful accent; "about two hours back your son Shaw came here." - -"Shaw!" the squatter exclaimed. - -"Yes, the youngest of your sons; he is called so, I think?" - -"Yes; go on." - -"Very good. He presented himself to us as coming from you to remove our -prisoner." - -"And what did you do?" the squatter asked, impatiently. - -"What could we do?" - -"Why, oppose the girl's departure." - -"_Caspita_! Do you fancy we let her go so?" the monk asked, -imperturbably. - -The squatter looked at him in surprise--he no longer understood -anything. Like all men of action, discussion was to him almost a matter -of impossibility; especially with an adversary so crafty as the one he -had before him. Deceived by the monk's coolness and the apparent -frankness of his answers, he wished to make an end of it. - -"Come," he said, "how did all this finish?" - -"Thanks to an ally who came to your son's help, and to whom we were -obliged to bow--" - -"An ally! What man can be so bold as to dare--" - -"Eh!" the monk sharply interrupted Red Cedar, "that man is a priest, to -whom you have already bowed many a time." - -"You are jesting, senor Padre," the squatter exclaimed, savagely. - -"Not the least in the world. Had it been anyone else, I should have -resisted; but I, too, belong to the Church; and, as Father Seraphin is -my superior, I was forced to obey him." - -"What!" the squatter said, with a groan, "Is he not dead?" - -"It appears," the monk remarked, ironically, "as if those you kill are -all in good state of health, Red Cedar." - -At this allusion to Don Pablo's death, the squatter stifled a cry of -anger, and clenched his fists. - -"Good!" he said; "If I do not always kill, I know how to take my -revenge. Where is Dona Clara, at this moment?" - -"In a house no great distance from here," Nathan answered. - -"Have you seen her?" the squatter asked. - -"No; but I followed Don Pablo and the missionary to that house, which -they entered, and as they were ignorant that I was close to them, their -conversation left me no doubt as to the whereabouts of the girl." - -An ill-omened smile momentarily lit up the old bandit's features. - -"Good!" he said; "as the dove is in her nest, we shall be able to find -her. What o'clock is it?" - -"Three in the morning," Andres interjected. "Day will soon break." - -"We must make haste, then. Follow me, all of you." Then he added, "But -what has become of Shaw? Does anyone of you know?" - -"You will probably find him at the door of Dona Clara's house," Nathan -said, in a hollow voice. - -"How so? Has my son entered into a compact with my enemies?" - -"Yes; as he arranged with them to carry off your prisoner." - -"Oh! I will kill him if he prove a traitor!" the squatter shouted with -an accent that made the blood run cold in the veins of his hearers. - -Nathan fell back two steps, drew his knife from his boot, and showed it -to his father. - -"That is done," he said, harshly. "Shaw tried to stab me, so I killed -him." - -After these mournful words, there was a moment of silence in the rancho. -All these men, though their hearts were steeled by crime, shuddered -involuntarily. Without, the night was gloomy; the wind whistled sadly; -the flickering light of the candle threw a weird light over the scene, -which contained a certain degree of terrible poetry. The squatter passed -his hard hand over his dank brow. A sigh, like a howl, painfully forced -its way from his oppressed chest. - -"He was my last born," he said, in a voice broken by an emotion he could -not control. "He deserved death, but he ought not to have received it at -his brother's hands." - -"Father!" Nathan muttered. - -"Silence!" Red Cedar shouted, in a hollow voice, as he stamped his foot -passionately on the ground; "What is done cannot be undone; but woe to -my enemies' family! Oh! I feel now that I can take such vengeance on -them as will make all shudder who hear it spoken of!" - -After uttering these words, which were listened to in silence, the -squatter walked a few steps up the rancho. He approached a table, seized -a bottle half full of mezcal that stood on it, and emptied it at a -draught. When he had finished drinking, he threw down the bottle, which -broke with a crash, and said to his mates in a hollow voice-- - -"Let us be off! We have wasted too much time here already!" - -And he rushed out of the rancho, the others following close at his -heels. - -In the meanwhile, Don Pablo and Father Seraphin were in the house. The -priest had taken the maiden to the house of an honest family which owed -him great obligations, and was too happy to receive the poor sufferer. -The missionary did not intend, however, to let her be long a burthen to -these worthy people. At daybreak he intended to deliver her to certain -relations of her father, who inhabited a hacienda a few leagues from -Santa Fe. - -Dona Clara had been placed in a comfortable room by her hosts. Their -first care had been to make her doff the Indian robes for others more -suitable to her birth and position. The maiden worn out by poignant -emotions of the scene she had witnessed, was on the point of retiring to -bed, when Father Seraphin and Don Pablo tapped at the door of her room. -She hastily opened it, and the sight of her brother, whom she had not -hoped to see so speedily, overwhelmed her with joy. - -An hour soon slipped away in pleasant chat. Don Pablo was careful not to -tell his sister of the misfortune that had befallen her father; for he -did not wish to dull by that confession the joy the poor girl promised -herself for the morrow. Then, as the night was advancing, the two men -withdrew, so as to allow her to enjoy that rest so needed to strengthen -her for the long journey to the hacienda, promising to come and fetch -her in a few hours. Father Seraphin generously offered Don Pablo to pass -the night with him by sharing the small lodging he had not far from the -Plaza de la Merced, and the young man eagerly accepted. It was too late -to seek a lodging at a locanda, and in this way he would be all the -sooner with his sister next morning. After a lengthened leave-taking, -they, therefore, left the house, and, so soon as they were gone, Dona -Clara threw herself, ready dressed, into a hammock hanging at one end of -the room, when she speedily fell asleep. - -On reaching the street, Don Pablo saw a body lying motionless in front -of the house. - -"What's this?" he asked, in surprise. - -"A poor wretch whom the ladrones killed in order to plunder him," the -missionary answered. - -"That is possible." - -"Perhaps he is not quite dead," the missionary went on; "it is our duty -to succour him." - -"For what good?" Don Pablo said, with an air of indifference; "if a -sereno were to pass he might accuse us of having killed the man." - -"Nay, sir," the missionary observed, "the ways of the Lord are -impenetrable. If He allowed us to come across this unhappy man, it was -because He judged in His wisdom that we might prove of use to him." - -"Be it so," the young man said; "let us look at him, as you wish it. But -you know that in this country good actions of such a nature generally -entail annoyance." - -"That is true, my son. Well, we will run the risk," said the missionary, -who had already bent over the wounded man. - -"As you please," Don Pablo said, as he followed him. - -Shaw, for it was he, gave no signs of life. The missionary examined him, -then rose hastily, seized Don Pablo's arm, and drew him to him, as he -whispered-- - -"Look!" - -"Shaw!" the Mexican exclaimed, in surprise; "What could that man be -doing here?" - -"Help me, and we shall learn. The poor fellow has only fainted; and the -loss of blood has produced this semblance to death." - -Don Pablo, greatly perplexed by this singular meeting, obeyed the -missionary without further remark. The two men raised the wounded lad, -and carried him gently to Father Seraphin's lodging, where they proposed -to give him all the help his condition required. - -They had scarce turned the corner of the street, when several men -appeared at the other extremity. They were Red Cedar and his -confederates. On arriving in front of the house they stopped: all the -windows were in the deepest obscurity. - -"Which is the girl's room?" the squatter asked in a whisper. - -"This one," Nathan said, as he pointed to it. - -Red Cedar crawled up to the house, drove his dagger into the wall, -raised himself to the window, and placed his face against a pane. - -"All is well! She sleeps!" he said, when he came down. "You, Fray -Ambrosio, to one corner of the street; you, Garote, to the other, and do -not let me be surprised." - -The monk and the gambusino went to their allotted posts. When Red Cedar -was alone with his son he bent and whispered in his ear-- - -"What did you do with your brother after stabbing him?" - -"I left him on the spot where he fell." - -"Where was that?" - -"Just where we now stand." - -The squatter stooped down to the ground, and walked a few steps, -carefully examining the bloody traces left on the pebbles. - -"He has been carried off," he said, when he rose again. "Perhaps he is -not dead." - -"Perhaps so," the young man observed, with a shake of his head. - -His father gave him a most significant look. - -"To work," he said coldly. - -And they prepared to escalade the window. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIII. - -INDIAN DIPLOMACY. - - -We will return, for the present, to Valentine and his comrades. - -The sudden apparition of the sachem of the Coras had produced a certain -degree of emotion among the hunters and the Comanches. Valentine, the -first to recover from his surprise, addressed Eagle-wing. - -"My brother is welcome," he said, as he held out his hand, which the -Indian warmly pressed, "What news does the chief bring us?" - -"Good," the Coras answered laconically. - -"All the better," the hunter said gaily; "for some time past all we have -received has been so bad that my brother's will create a diversion." - -The Indian smiled at this sally, but made no remark. - -"My brother can speak," Valentine continued; "he is surrounded by none -but friends." - -"I know it," the chief answered, as he bowed gracefully to the company. -"Since I left my brother two months have passed away: I have worn out -many moccasins amid the thorns and brambles of the desert; I have been -beyond the Great Lakes to the villages of my nation." - -"Good; my brother is a chief; he was doubtless well received by the -sachems of the Coras of the Great Lakes." - -"Mookapec is a renowned warrior among his people," the Indian answered -proudly; "his place by the council fire of the nation is pointed out. -The chiefs saw him with joy: on his road he had taken the scalps of -seven gachupinos: they are now drying before the great medicine lodge." - -"It was your right to do so, chief, and I cannot blame you. The -Spaniards have done you harm enough for you to requite them." - -"My brother speaks well; his skin is white, but his heart is red." - -"Hum," observed Valentine; "I am a friend to justice; vengeance is -permissible against treachery. Go on, chief." - -The hunter's comrades had drawn nearer, and now formed a circle round -the two speakers. Curumilla was occupied silently, as was his wont, in -completely stripping each Spanish prisoner, whom he then bound in such a -way that the slightest movement was impossible. - -Valentine, although time pressed, knew too well the Redskin character to -try and hurry Eagle-wing on. He felt certain that the chief had -important news to communicate to him; but it would have been no use -trying to draw it from him; hence he allowed him to act as he pleased. -Unicorn, leaning on his rifle, listened attentively, without evincing -the slightest impatience. - -"Did my brother remain long with his tribe," Valentine continued. - -"Two suns. Eagle-wing had left behind him friends to whom his heart drew -him." - -"Thanks, chief, for the pleasant recollections of us." - -"The chiefs assembled in council to hear the words of Eagle-wing," the -Coras continued. "They shuddered with fury on hearing of the massacre of -their children; but Mookapec had formed his plan, and two hundred -warriors are assembled beneath his _totem_." - -"Good!" said Valentine, "the chief will avenge himself." - -The Indian smiled. - -"Yes," he said, "my young men have their orders, they know what I mean -to do." - -"Very good; in that case they are near here?" - -"No," the chief replied, with a shake of his head. "Eagle-wing does not -march with them; he has hidden himself under the skin of an Apache dog." - -"What does my brother say?" Valentine asked with amazement. - -"My white brother is quick," Unicorn said, sententiously; "he will let -Mookapec speak. He is a great sachem, and wisdom dwells in him." - -Valentine shook his head, however, and said-- - -"Hum! Answering one act of treachery by another, that is not the way in -which the warriors of my nation behave." - -"The nation of my brother is great, and strong as the grizzly bear," -Unicorn said; "it does not need to march along hidden paths. The poor -Indians are weak as the beaver, but like him they are very cunning." - -"That is true," Valentine replied, "cunning must be allowed you in -dealing with the implacable enemies who surround you. I was wrong; so go -on, chief; tell us what deviltry you have invented, and if it is -ingenious. Well, I will be the first to applaud it." - -"Wah, my brother shall judge. Red Cedar is about to enter the desert, as -my brother doubtless knows?" - -"Yes." - -"Does my brother know the _Gringo_ has asked the Apaches for a guide?" - -"No, I did not." - -"Good. Stanapat, the great chief of the Apaches, sent a Navajo warrior -to act as guide to Red Cedar." - -"Well?" - -"The Navajo was scalped by Eagle-wing." - -"Ah, ah! Then Red Cedar cannot set out?" - -"Yes, he can do so when he likes." - -"How so?" - -"Because Eagle-wing takes the place of the guide." - -Unicorn smiled. - -"My brother has a deal of wisdom," he said. - -"Hum!" Valentine remarked, with some show of ill-humour. "It is -possible, but you play for a heavy stake, chief. That old villain is as -crafty as ten monkeys and ten opossums united. I warn you that he will -recognise you." - -"No." - -"I wish it; for if he does, you are a lost man." - -"Good, my brother can be easy. Eagle-wing is a warrior; he will see the -white hunter again in the desert." - -"I wish so, chief; but I doubt. However, act as you please. When will -you join Red Cedar?" - -"This night." - -"You are going to leave us?" - -"At once. Eagle-wing has nothing more to confide to his brother." - -And, after bowing courteously to the company, the Coras chief glided -into the thicket, in which he disappeared almost instantaneously. -Valentine looked after him for some time. - -"Yes," he said at last, with a thoughtful air, "his project is a daring -one, such as might be expected from so great a warrior. May heaven -protect him, and allow him to succeed! Well, we shall see; perhaps all -is for the best so." - -And he turned to Curumilla. - -"The clothes?" he said. - -"Here they are," the Aucas answered, laconically, as he pointed to an -enormous heap of clothing. - -"What does my brother mean to do with them?" Unicorn asked. - -"My brother will see," Valentine said, with a smile, "each of us is -going to put on one of those uniforms." - -The Comanche drew himself up hastily. - -"No," he said, "Unicorn does not put off the dress of his people. What -need have we of this disguise?" - -"In order to enter the camp of the Spaniards without being discovered." - -"Wah! For what good? Unicorn will summon his young men to cut a passage -through the corpses of the gachupinos." - -But Valentine shook his head mournfully. - -"It is true," he remarked, "we could do so. But why shed blood -needlessly? No; let my brother put confidence in me." - -"The hunter will act rightly. Unicorn knows it, and he leaves him free; -but Unicorn is a chief, he cannot put on the clothes of the palefaces." - -Valentine no longer insisted, as it would have been unavailing; so he -agreed to modify his plan. He made each of his comrades put on a dragoon -uniform, and himself donned the clothes stripped from the Alferez. When -all this metamorphosis was as complete as possible, he turned to -Unicorn. - -"The chief will remain here," he said, "to guard the prisoners." - -"Good," the Comanche answered. "Is Unicorn, then, a chattering old -woman, that warriors place him on one side?" - -"My brother does not understand me. I do not wish to insult him, but he -cannot enter the camp with us." - -The chief shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. - -"The Comanche warriors can crawl as well as serpents. Unicorn will -enter." - -"Let my brother come, then, since he wishes it." - -"Good; my brother is vexed; a cloud has passed over his face. He is -wrong; his friend loves him." - -"I know it, chief, I know it. I am not vexed, but my heart is sad to see -a warrior thus run the risk of being killed without any necessity." - -"Unicorn is a sachem; he must give an example to his young men on the -warpath." - -Valentine gave a nod of assent. - -"Here are the horses of the palefaces," Curumilla said; "my brother will -need them." - -"That is true," the hunter answered, with a smile; "my brother is a -great chief--he thinks of everything." - -Everyone mounted, Unicorn alone remaining a-foot. Valentine placed the -Alferez by his side. - -"Caballero," he said to him, "you will act as our guide to the camp. We -do not wish to take the lives of your countrymen; our intention is -simply to prevent them following us at present. Pay attention to my -words: if you attempt to deceive us, I blow out your brains. You are -warned." - -The Spaniard bowed, but made no reply. As for the prisoners, they had -been so conscientiously tied by Curumilla that there was no chance of -their escaping. The little band then set out, Unicorn disappearing among -the trees. When they came a short distance from the bivouac, a sentry -challenged, "Who goes there?" - -"Answer," Valentine whispered the Alferez. - -He did so. They passed, and the sentry, suddenly seized by Curumilla, -was bound and gagged in the twinkling of an eye, all the other sentinels -sharing the same fate. The Mexicans keep up a very bad watch in the -field, even in the presence of an enemy; the greater reason, then, for -them to neglect all precaution when they fancy themselves in safety. -Everybody was asleep, and Valentine and his friends were masters of the -camp. The regiment of dragoons had been surprised without striking a -blow. - -Valentine's comrades dismounted; they knew exactly how to act, and did -not deviate from the instructions given by their leader. They proceeded -from picket to picket, removing the horses, which were led out of camp. -Within twenty minutes all had been carried off. Valentine had anxiously -followed the movements of his men. When they had finished, he raised the -curtain of the colonel's tent, and found himself face to face with -Unicorn, from whose waist-belt hung a reeking scalp. Valentine could not -repress a movement of horror. - -"What have you done, chief?" he asked, reproachfully. - -"Unicorn has killed his enemy," the Comanche replied, peremptorily. -"When the leader of the antelopes is killed, his flock disperses; the -gachupinos will do the same." - -Valentine drew near the colonel. The unhappy man, fearfully mutilated, -with his brain laid bare, and his heart pierced by the knife of the -implacable Indian, lay stark dead, in a pool of blood, in the middle of -the tent. The hunter vented a sigh at this sorry sight. - -"Poor devil!" he said, with an air of compassion. - -After this short funeral oration, he took away his sabre and epaulettes, -left the tent, followed by the Indian chief, and rejoined his comrades. -The horses were led to the Comanche camp, after which Valentine and his -party wrapped themselves in their blankets, and slept calmly till -daybreak. The dragoons were no longer to be feared. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIV. - -THE STRANGER. - - -Father Seraphin and Don Pablo we left bearing the wounded man to the -missionary's lodging. Although the house to which they were proceeding -was but a short distance off, yet the two gentlemen, compelled to take -every precaution, employed considerable time on the journey. Nearly -every step they were compelled to halt, so as not to fatigue too greatly -the wounded man, whose inert limbs swayed in every direction. - -"The man is dead," Don Pablo remarked, during a halt they made on the -Plaza de la Merced. - -"I fear so," the missionary answered, sadly; "still, as we are not -certain of it, our conscience bids us to bestow our care on him, until -we acquire the painful conviction that it avails him nought." - -"Father, the love of one's neighbour often carries you too far; better -were it, perhaps, if this wretch did not come back to life." - -"You are severe, my friend. This man is still young--almost a boy. -Trained amid a family of bandits, never having aught but evil examples -before him, he has hitherto only done evil, in a spirit of imitation. -Who knows whether this fearful wound may not offer him the means to -enter the society of honest people, which he has till now been ignorant -of? I repeat to you, my friend, the ways of the Lord are inscrutable." - -"I will do what you wish, father. You have entire power over me. Still, -I fear that all our care will be thrown away." - -"God, whose humble instruments we are, will prove you wrong, I hope. -Come, a little courage, a few paces further, and we shall have arrived." - -"Come on then," Don Pablo said with resignation. - -Father Seraphin lodged at a house of modest appearance, built of adobes -and reeds, in a small room he hired from a poor widow, for the small sum -of nine reals a month. This room, very small, and which only received -air from a window opening on an inner yard, was a perfect conventual -cell, as far as furniture was concerned, for the latter consisted of a -wooden frame, over which a bull hide was stretched, and served as the -missionary's bed; a butaca and a prie-dieu, above which a copper -crucifix was fastened to the whitewashed wall. But, like all cells, this -room was marvellously clean. From a few nails hung the well-worn clothes -of the poor priest, and a shelf supported vials and flasks which -doubtless contained medicaments; for, like all the missionaries, Father -Seraphin had a rudimentary knowledge of medicine, and took in charge -both the souls and bodies of his neophytes. - -The father lit a candle of yellow tallow standing in an iron -candlestick, and, aided by Don Pablo, laid the wounded man on his own -bed; after which the young man fell back into the butaca to regain his -breath. Father Seraphin, on whom, spite of his fragile appearance, the -fatigue had produced no apparent effect, then went downstairs to lock -the street door, which he had left open. As he pushed it to, he felt an -opposition outside, and a man soon entered the yard. - -"Pardon, my reverend father," the stranger said; "but be kind enough not -to leave me outside." - -"Do you live in this house?" - -"No," the stranger coolly replied, "I do not live in Santa Fe, where I -am quite unknown." - -"Do you ask hospitality of me, then?" Father Seraphin continued, much -surprised at this answer. - -"Not at all, reverend father." - -"Then what do you want?" the missionary said, still more surprised. - -"I wish to follow you to the room where you have laid the wounded man, -to whose aid you came so generously a short time back." - -"This request, sir--" the priest said, hesitating. - -"Has nothing that need surprise you. I have the greatest interest in -seeing with my own eyes in what state that man is, for certain reasons -which in no way concern you." - -"Do you know who he is?" - -"I do." - -"Are you a relation or friend of his?"' - -"Neither one nor the other. Still, I repeat to you, very weighty reasons -compel me to see him and speak with him, if that be possible." - -Father Seraphin took a searching glance at the speaker. - -He was a man of great height, apparently in the fullest vigour of life. -His features, so far as it was possible to distinguish them by the pale -and tremulous moonbeams, were handsome, though an expression of -unbending will was the marked thing about them. He wore the dress of -rich Mexican hacenderos, and had in his right hand a magnificently -inlaid American rifle. Still the missionary hesitated. - -"Well," the stranger continued, "have you made up your mind, father?" - -"Sir," Father Seraphin answered with firmness, "do not take in ill part -what I am going to say to you." - -The stranger bowed. - -"I do not know who you are; you present yourself to me in the depths of -the night, under singular circumstances. You insist, with strange -tenacity, on seeing the poor man whom Christian charity compelled me to -pick up. Prudence demands that I should refuse to let you see him." - -A certain annoyance was depicted on the stranger's features. - -"You are right, father," he answered; "appearances are against me. -Unfortunately, the explanation you demand from me justly would make us -lose too much precious time, hence I cannot give them to you at this -moment. All I can do is to swear, in the face of Heaven, on that -crucifix you wear round your neck, and which is the symbol of our -redemption, that I only wish well to the man you have housed, and that I -am this moment seeking to punish a great criminal." - -The stranger uttered these words with such frankness, and such an air of -conviction, his face glistened with so much honesty, that the missionary -felt convinced: he took up the crucifix and offered it to this -extraordinary man. - -"Swear," he said. - -"I swear it," he replied in a firm voice. - -"Good," the priest went on, "now you can enter, sir; you are one of -ourselves; I will not even insult you by asking your name." - -"My name would teach you nothing, father," the stranger said sadly. - -"Follow me, sir." - -The missionary locked the gate and led the stranger to his room, on -entering which the newcomer took off his hat reverently, took up a post -in a corner of the room, and did not stir. - -"Do not trouble yourself about me, father," he said in a whisper, "and -put implicit faith in the oath I took." - -The missionary only replied by a nod, and as the wounded man gave no -sign of life, but still lay much in the position he was first placed in, -Father Seraphin walked up to him. For a long time, however, the -attention he lavished on him proved sterile, and seemed to produce no -effect on the squatter's son. Still, the father did not despair, -although Don Pablo shook his head. An hour thus passed, and no -ostensible change had taken place in the young man's condition; the -missionary had exhausted all his stock of knowledge, and began to fear -the worst. At this moment the stranger walked up to him. - -"My father," he said, touching him gently on the arm, "you have done all -that was humanly possible, but have not succeeded." - -"Alas! No!" the missionary said sadly. - -"Will you permit me to try in my turn?" - -"Do you fancy you will prove, more successful than I?" the priest asked -in surprise. - -"I hope so," the stranger said softly. - -"Still, you see I have tried everything that the medical art prescribes -in such a case." - -"That is true, father; but the Indians possess certain secrets known -only to themselves, and which are of great efficacy." - -"I have heard so. But do you know those secrets?" - -"Some of them have been revealed to me; if you will permit me, I will -try their effects on this young man, who, as far as I can judge, is in a -desperate condition." - -"I fear he is, poor fellow." - -"We shall, therefore, run no risk in trying the efficacy of my superior -remedy upon him." - -"Certainly not." - -The stranger bent over the young man, and regarded him for a moment with -fixed attention; then he drew from his pocket a flask of carved crystal, -filled with a fluid as green as emerald. With the point of his dagger he -slightly opened the wounded man's closed teeth, and poured into his -mouth four or five drops of the fluid contained in the flask. A strange -thing then occurred; the young man gave vent to a deep sigh, opened his -eyes several times, and suddenly, as if moved by supernatural force, he -sat up and looked around him with amazement. Don Pablo and the -missionary were almost inclined to believe in a miracle so extraordinary -did the fact appear to them. The stranger returned to his dark corner. -Suddenly the young man passed his hand over his dank forehead, and -muttered in a hollow voice:-- - -"Ellen, my sister, it is too late. I cannot save her. See, see, they are -carrying her off; she is lost!" - -And he fell back on the bed, as the three men rushed towards him. - -"He sleeps!" the missionary said in amazement. - -"He is saved?" the stranger answered. - -"What did he want to say, though?" Don Pablo inquired anxiously. - -"Did you not understand it?" the stranger asked of him. - -"No." - -"Well, then, I will tell you." - -"You!" - -"Yes, I; listen! That lad wished to deliver your sister!" - -"How do you know?" - -"Is it true?" - -"It is; go on." - -"He was stabbed at the door of the house when she sought shelter." - -"What next?" - -"Those who stabbed him wished to get him out of the way, in order to -carry her off a second time." - -"Oh, that is impossible!" - -"It is the fact." - -"How do you know it?" - -"I do not know it, but I can read it plainly." - -"Ah!" Don Pablo exclaimed in despair, "my father--let us fly to my -sister's aid!" - -The two gentlemen rushed from the house with a presentiment of -misfortune. When the stranger found himself alone with the wounded man, -he walked up to him, wrapped him in his cloak, threw him over his -shoulders as easy as if he were only a child, and went out in his turn. -On reaching the street, he carefully closed the door, and went off at a -great rate, soon disappearing in the darkness. At the same instant the -melancholy voice of the sereno could be heard chanting-- - -_"Ave Maria purisima! Los cuatro han dado! Viva Mejico! Todo es -quieto!_"[1] - -What irony on the part of accident was this cry after the terrible -events of the night! - - -[1] Hail, most pure Mary! It has struck four. Long live Mexico! All is -quiet. - - - - -CHAPTER XLV. - -GENERAL VENTURA. - - -It was about six in the morning. A dazzling sun poured down its -transparent rays on the streets of the Presidio of Santa Fe, which were -already full of noise and movement at that early hour of the morning. -General Ventura was still plunged in a deep sleep, probably lulled by -agreeable dreams, judging from the air of beatitude spread over his -features. The general, reassured by the speedy arrival of the dragoons -promised him, fancied he had nothing more to fear from mutineers who had -hitherto inspired him with lively apprehensions. He thought, too, that -by the aid of the reinforcements, he could easily get rid of the -Comanche, who, on the previous day, had so audaciously bearded him in -the very heart of his palace. - -He slept, then, that pleasant morning sleep, in which the body, entirely -rested from its fatigue, leaves the mind the entire liberty of its -faculties. Suddenly the door of the sleeping room in which the worthy -governor reposed, was torn violently open, and an officer entered. -General Ventura, aroused with a start, sat up in his bed, fixing on the -importunate visitor a glance, at first stern, but which at once became -uneasy on seeing the alarm depicted on the officer's features. - -"What is the matter, senor Captain Don Lopez?" he asked, trying in vain -to give firmness to his voice, which trembled involuntarily from a -foreboding of evil. - -Captain Lopez was a soldier of fortune, who had grown grey in harness, -and contracted a species of rough frankness, that prevented him toning -the truth down under any circumstances, which fact made him appear, in -the General's eyes, a bird of very evil omen. The captain's arrival, -therefore, doubly disquieted the governor. In the first place, through -his alarmed face; and secondly, the reputation he enjoyed. To the -general's query the captain only replied the following three storm laden -words-- - -"Nothing that's good." - -"What do you mean? Have the people rebelled??" - -"On my word, no! I do not fancy they even dream of such a thing." - -"Very well, then," the general went on, quite cheered by the good news, -"what the deuce have you to tell me, captain?" - -"I have not come to tell you anything," the other said, roughly. "There -is a soldier outside who has just come from I don't know where, and who -insists on speaking with you. Shall I bring him, or send him about his -business." - -"One moment," exclaimed the general, whose features had suddenly become -gloomy; "who is the soldier?" - -"A dragoon, I fancy." - -"A dragoon! Let him come in at once. May heaven bless you, with all your -circumlocution! The man, doubtless, brings me news of the arrival of the -regiment I am expecting, and which should have been here before." - -The captain shrugged his shoulders with an air of doubt. - -"What is it now?" the general said, whom this expressive pantomime -eminently alarmed; "What are you going to say?" - -"Nothing, except that the soldier looks very sad to be the bearer of -such good news." - -"We shall soon know what we have to depend on. Let him come in." - -"That is true," said the captain, as he went off. - -During this conversation the general had leaped from his bed, and -dressed himself with the promptness peculiar to soldiers. He now -anxiously awaited the appearance of the trooper whom Don Lopez had -announced to him. In vain he tried to persuade himself that the captain -was mistaken, and that the soldier had been sent to tell him of the -arrival of the regiment. In spite of himself, he felt in his heart a -species of alarm which he could not account for, and yet nothing could -dissipate. - -A few minutes were thus passed in febrile restlessness. All at once a -great noise was heard in the Plaza Major. The general went to a window, -pulled aside a curtain, and looked out. A tumultuous and dense crowd was -thronging every street leading to the square and uttering sharp cries. -This crowd, momentarily increasing, seemed urged on by something -terrible, which the general could not perceive. - -"What is this?" the general exclaimed; "And what can be the meaning of -this disturbance?" - -At this moment the shouts grew louder, and the detachment of Comanche -warriors appeared debouching by the Calle de la Merced, and marching in -good order, and at quick step, upon the palace. On seeing them the -general could not restrain a start of surprise. - -"The Indians again!" he said; "How can they dare to present themselves -here? They must be ignorant of the arrival of the dragoons. Such -boldness is incomprehensible." - -He let the curtain fall, and turned away. The soldier whom the captain -had announced to him stood before him, waiting the general's pleasure to -question him. The general started on perceiving him. He was pale; his -uniform was torn and stained with mud, as if he had made a long journey -on foot through brambles. The general wished to clear up his doubts; -but, just as he was opening his mouth to ask the man a question, the -door flew back, and several officers, among whom was Captain Don Lopez, -entered the room. - -"General," the captain said, "make haste! You are expected in the -council hall. The Indians have come for the answer you promised to give -them this morning." - -"Well! Why this startled look, gentlemen?" the general said, severely. -"I fancy the town has not yet been set on fire. I am not at the orders -of those savages, so tell them that I have no time to grant them an -audience." - -The officers gazed at the general with a surprise they did not attempt -to conceal, on hearing these strange and incomprehensible words. - -"Good, good," Captain Lopez said, roughly, "the town is not yet fired, -'tis true; but it might be so, erelong, if you went on in this way." - -"What do you mean?" the general asked, as he turned pale. "Are matters -so serious?" - -"They are most serious. We have not a moment to lose, if we wish to -avoid heavy disasters." - -The general started. - -"Gentlemen," he then said, in an ill-assured voice, "it is our duty to -watch over the safety of the population. I follow you." - -And taking no further heed of the soldier he had ordered to be sent in, -he proceeded towards the council hall. - -The disorder that prevailed without had at length gained the interior of -the palace. Nothing was to be heard but shrieks or exclamations of anger -and terror. The Mexican officers assembled in the hall were tumultuously -discussing the measures to be adopted in order to save a contest and the -town. The entrance of the governor produced a healthy effect upon them, -in so far that the discussion, which was degenerating into personalities -and reproaches, dictated by individual fear, suddenly ceased, and -calmness was restored. - -General Ventura regretted in his heart having counted on imaginary help, -and not having listened to the sensible advice of some of his officers, -who urged him the previous day to satisfy the Indians by giving them -what they asked. In spite of the terror he felt, however, his pride -revolted at being compelled to treat on equal terms with barbarians, and -accept harsh conditions which they would doubtless impose on him, in the -consciousness of having the upper hand. - -The governor, in entering the hall, looked around the assembly -anxiously. All had taken their places, and, externally at least, had -assumed that grace and stern appearance belonging to men who are -penetrated with the grandeur of the duties they have to perform, and are -resolved to carry them out at all hazards. But this appearance was very -deceptive. If the faces were impassive the hearts were timorous. All -these men, habituated to a slothful and effeminate life, did not feel -capable of waging a contest with the rude enemies who menaced them so -audaciously, even at the doors of the governor's palace. - -Under present circumstances, however, resistance was impossible. The -Indians, by the fact of their presence on the square, were masters of -the town. There were no troops to oppose to them; hence, the only hope -was to make the easiest terms possible with the Comanches. Still, as all -these men wished to save appearances at any rate, the discussion began -anew. When everyone had given his opinion, the governor rose, and said -in a trembling voice-- - -"Caballeros, all of us here present: are men of courage, and have -displayed that quality in many difficult circumstances. Certainly, if -the only thing, was to sacrifice our lives to save the hapless townsmen, -we would not hesitate to do so, for we are too well imbued with the -soundness of our duties tot hesitate; but, unhappily, that sacrifice -would not avail to save those whom we wish before all to protect. Let us -treat, then, with the barbarians, as we cannot conquer them. Perhaps in -this way we shall succeed in protecting our wives; and children from the -danger that menaces them. In acting thus, under the grave circumstances -in which we find ourselves, we shall at least have the consolation of -having done our duty, even if we do not obtain all we desire." - -Hearty applause greeted this harangue, and the governor, turning to the -porter, who stood motionless at the door, gave orders to introduce the -principal Indian chiefs. - - - - -CHAPTER XLVI. - -THE COMANCHES. - - -Valentine and his friends awoke at daybreak. The Comanches were already -prepared to start; and Unicorn, dressed in his great war costume, -presented himself to the hunter. - -"Is my brother going?" Valentine asked him. - -"Yes," the sachem answered. "I am returning to the Presidio to receive -the answer of the chief of the palefaces." - -"What is my brother's intention, should his demand be rejected?" - -Unicorn smiled. - -"The Comanches have long lances," he said; "the palefaces will not -refuse." - -"My anxiety will be extreme till you return, chief; the Spaniards are -perfidious; take care they have not planned some treachery." - -"They would not dare," Unicorn said, haughtily. "If the chief, whom my -brother loves, is not delivered to me safe and sound, the Spanish -prisoners shall be tortured on the plaza of Santa Fe, the town burned -and sacked. I have spoken; my brother's mind may be at rest." - -"Good! Unicorn is a wise chief; he will do what is necessary." - -In the meantime the Comanche warriors had formed their ranks, and only -awaited the signal of the sachem to start. The Spanish prisoners taken -during the night were placed in the centre bound and half naked. -Suddenly a disturbance was heard in the camp, and two men rushed panting -toward the spot where stood Valentine, the sachem and Curumilla. They -were Don Pablo and Father Seraphin, their clothes in disorder, their -features haggard, and their faces glistening with perspiration. On -reaching their friends, they fell, almost in a fainting state, on the -ground. The proper attentions were at once paid them, and the missionary -was the first to recover. Don Pablo seemed stupefied; the tears poured -incessantly down his cheeks, and he could not utter a word. Valentine -felt strangely alarmed. - -"Good heavens!" he exclaimed, "What has happened? Don Miguel--?" - -The missionary shook his head. - -"No," he said, "nothing has happened to him, as far as I know." - -"Heaven be praised! But what is the matter, father? What misfortune have -you to announce to me?" - -"A frightful one, indeed, my son," the missionary replied, as he buried -his face in his hands. - -"Speak, in Heaven's name! Your delay is killing me." - -"Dona Clara--" - -"Well!" he hunter said, sharply. - -"Was captured again last night by Red Cedar, and torn from the refuge -where I placed her." - -"Oh!" Valentine exclaimed, with concentrated fury, as he stamped his -foot, "Always that demon--that accursed Red Cedar. My curses on him! But -take courage, father; let us first save Don Miguel, and then I swear to -you that I will restore his daughter to him." - -Unicorn advanced. - -"Master of prayer," he said to Father Seraphin, in a soft and impressive -voice, "your heart is good. The Comanches love you. Unicorn will help -you. Pray to your God. He will protect us in our researches, since He -is, as you say, so powerful." - -Then the chief turned to Don Pablo, and laid his hand firmly on his -shoulder. - -"Women weep," he said; "men avenge themselves. Has not my brother his -rifle?" - -On feeling the Comanche's hand laid on him--on hearing these words--the -young man quivered as if he had received an electric shock. He drew -himself up, and fixed on the chief his eyes burning with the fever of -sorrow. - -"Yes," he said, in a broken voice, "you are right, chief, and," passing -his hand over his eyes, with a gesture of rage, "let us leave tears to -women, who have no other weapons to protect their weakness. I am a man, -and will avenge myself." - -"Good. My brother speaks well: he is a warrior; Unicorn esteems him; he -will become great on the war path." - -Don Pablo, crushed for a moment, had regained all his energy; he was no -longer the same man; he looked around him. - -"Where are you going?" he asked. - -"To Santa Fe, to deliver your father." - -"I will go with you." - -"Come," said Unicorn. - -"No," Valentine interposed, authoritatively. "Your place is not there, -Don Pablo; leave the Comanche warriors to act as they please; they do -not need your help to carry out their plans properly. Remain with me." - -"Command me, my friend," the young man said with resignation; "I have -perfect confidence in your experience." - -"Good. You are reasonable. Brother," he added, turning to the chief, -"you can start. The sun is already high in the horizon; may Heaven grant -that you may succeed!" - -Unicorn gave the signal for departure. The Comanches uttered their war -yell, while brandishing their arms, and started at a quick amble, the -only pace they know. Curumilla then rose, and wrapped himself in his -buffalo robe; Valentine watching him, inquiringly. - -"Does my brother leave us?" he said. - -"Yes," the Araucano answered, laconically. - -"For long?" - -"For a few hours?" - -"Where is my brother going?" - -"To look for the camp of Red Cedar's gambusinos," the Indian replied -with a cunning smile. - -"Good," Valentine said, gleefully. "My brother is a wise chief; he -forgets nothing." - -"Curumilla loves his brother; he thinks for him," the chief answered, -simply. - -After uttering these words, the Unicorn bowed gracefully, and proceeded -in the direction of the Paso del Norte, soon disappearing in the -windings of the road. Valentine looked after him for a long while. When -he no longer saw him, he let his head fall pensively on his chest, -murmuring in a low voice-- - -"Good, intelligent fellow! Heart of gold! The only friend left me! The -only one remaining of my old and faithful comrades! Louis, my poor -Louis, where are you now?" A deep sigh burst from his bosom, and he -remained absorbed in a gloomy reverie. - -At length Valentine raised his head, passed his hand over his brow, as -if to dispel these sad thoughts, and turned to his friends. - -"Pardon me," he said, "but I, at times, give way to my thoughts in that -fashion. Alas! I, too, have suffered; but let us leave that," he added, -gaily. "Bygones must be bygones. Let us attend to your affairs." - -He made them a sign to sit down by his side on the grass, rummaged his -alforjas and produced some slight food, which he laid before them. - -"Eat," he said to them; "we do not know what awaits us within the next -few hours, and we must recruit our strength. When you have satisfied -your appetite, you will tell me all about Dona Clara being carried off -again, for I must have the fullest details." - -We will leave the three now conversing, and join the Comanches and -Unicorn again. - -When the Comanches reached the Plaza Mayor, opposite the Cabildo, they -halted. At an order from Unicorn, the prisoners were completely stripped -of their clothing and placed some distance in front of the first rank of -Indians, each of them having at his side a fully armed Indian ready to -massacre him mercilessly at the slightest sign from Unicorn. When the -preparations were completed, and the Comanches had stationed sentinels -at each corner of the streets, opening in the square, in order not to be -taken in reverse, and surrounded by the Spaniards, if they felt any -inclination for fighting, the Spider, the chief who had already -performed the duty of flag of truce, pranced up to the gate of the -palace, and demanded speech with the governor. - -The officer of the guard, who was no other than Don Lopez, politely -requested the Indian warrior to wait a few moments, and then proceeded -in all haste to General Ventura. We have seen what took place, and, -after a delay of nearly half an hour, Captain Don Lopez returned. It was -time, for the Comanches were beginning to grow tired of waiting, and -were preparing to force the passage which was not voluntarily granted -them. After some preliminary explanations, Captain Lopez informed the -Spider that the general, surrounded by his staff, was awaiting, in the -hall of audience, the sachem of the nation and his three principal -warriors. - -The Spider communicated this answer to Unicorn, who gave a nod of -assent, dismounted, and entered the Cabildo. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -NEGOTIATIONS. - - -When Unicorn entered the council chamber, preceded by Captain Lopez, and -followed by the three Indian chiefs, the deepest silence prevailed among -the Spanish officers assembled to meet him. The governor, seated in a -chair placed in the centre of the hall, was looking nervously round him, -while tapping on the arm of the chair with the fingers of his right -hand. Still, his countenance was tolerably composed; nothing externally -revealed the terror that devoured him. He answered by a nod the -ceremonious bow of the Comanches, and drew himself up as if intending to -address them; but if such were his desire, Unicorn did not grant him -time to do so. The sachem draped himself in his buffalo robe with that -majestic grace possessed by all those untamed sons of the desert, drew -his head up proudly, and walked toward General Ventura, who watched him -approach with an anxious eye. On coming within four paces of the -governor, Unicorn stopped, crossed his arms on his chest, and took the -word. - -"I salute my father!" he said, in a loud and fierce voice. "I have come, -as was agreed on yesterday, to fetch the answer he owes me." - -The general hesitated for an instant. - -"I am waiting!" the Indian went on, with a frown that augured ill. - -The general, forced almost into his last entrenchments, saw that the -hour for surrender had at length arrived, and that no way of escape was -left him. - -"Chief," he answered, in anything but a firm voice, "your behavior -naturally surprises me. To my knowledge the Spaniards are not at war -with your nation; the whites have not done anything of which you have a -right to complain. For what reason do you come, then, against the sworn -faith, and when nothing authorises you, to invade a defenceless town, -and interfere in matters that only concern ourselves?" - -The sachem understood that the Spaniard was trying to shift the question -on to other ground; he saw the snare offered him, and was not to be -caught. - -"My father does not answer my request," he said. "Still, in order to -have finished at once with the recriminations he brings up, I will -answer his questions peremptorily, separating them one from the other. -In the first place, my father knows very well that the palefaces and -redskins have been in a constant state of warfare since the arrival of -white men in America. This war may have slightly relaxed at intervals, -but has never really ceased. Our two races are hostile; the struggle -will not end between them until one of the two families, whether white -or red, has given place to the other by its general extinction. -Secondly, my father said that nothing has been done of which we had a -right to complain. My father is mistaken, we have a cause, the -imprisonment of Don Miguel Zarate, who, himself an Indian, has never -belied his origin. Hence my father must no longer ask by what right I am -here, for that is perfectly established; it is that which every honest -man possesses of defending an innocent person who is oppressed. Now that -fact is cleared up, let us pass to another. When I came here yesterday, -my father gave me to understand that my propositions would be accepted, -and the exchange of prisoners carried out." - -"It is possible, chief," the general replied; "but things are so in this -world, no one knows today what he will do tomorrow. With night -reflection has come, and, in short, your propositions have appeared to -me unacceptable." - -"Wah!" the Indian said, though not testifying his surprise otherwise. - -"Yes," the general continued, growing animated, "I should be ashamed to -grant them, for I should have the appearance of only yielding to -threats. No, it cannot be. The two gentlemen you claim are guilty, and -shall die; and if you venture to oppose the execution of the just -sentence of the court, we will defend ourselves, and God will protect -the good cause." - -The Mexican officers warmly applauded this haughty response, which they -were far from expecting. They felt their courage rekindled, and did not -despair of obtaining better conditions. A smile of disdain played round -the chiefs haughty lips. - -"Good," he said; "my father speaks very loudly. The coyotes are bold -when they hunt the buffalo in packs. My father has carefully reflected, -and is determined to accept the consequences of his answer. He wishes -for war, then?" - -"No," the general quickly interposed, "heaven forbid! I should be glad -to settle this matter amicably with you, chief, but honor forbids me -subscribing those disgraceful proposals which you did not fear to lay -before me." - -"Is it really honour that has dictated my father's answer?" the Indian -asked, ironically. "He will permit me to doubt it. In short, whatever be -the reason that guides him, I can but withdraw; but, before doing so, I -will give him news of a friend whom he doubtless impatiently expects." - -"What means that word, doubtless?" - -"This," the Indian said, sharply. "The warriors whom my father expected -to arrive to his aid this day have been dispersed by my young men, as -the autumn breeze sweeps away the leaves. They will not come." - -A murmur of surprise, almost of terror, ran through the assembly. The -sachem let the long folds of his buffalo robe fall back, tore from his -girdle the bleeding scalp that hung there, and threw it at the general's -feet. - -"That," he said, gloomily, "is the scalp of the man who commanded my -father's warriors! Does the chief of the palefaces recognise it? This -scalp was raised by me from the head of the man who was to arrive, and -who, at this hour, has set out for the happy hunting grounds of his -nation." - -A shudder of terror ran round the room at the sight of the scalp; the -general felt the small dose of courage that had still animated him -oozing out. - -"Chief," he exclaimed, in a trembling voice "is it possible you have -done that?" - -"I have done it," the sachem answered, coldly. "Now, farewell. I am -about to join my young men, who are impatient at my long absence." - -With these words the Comanche haughtily turned his back on the governor, -and walked toward the door. - -"A few moments longer, chief," the general said; "perhaps we are nearer -an understanding than you suppose." - -The Comanche gave the speaker a glance which made him quiver. - -"Here is my last word," he said. "I insist on the two prisoners being -handed over to me." - -"They shall be." - -"Good; but no perfidity, no treachery." - -"We will act honourably," the general replied, not dreaming, of resenting -the insult conveyed in the Indian's words. - -"We shall see. My warriors and myself will remain on the square till my -father has performed his promise. If, within an hour, the palefaces are -not free, the prisoners I hold will be pitilessly massacred, and the -_altepetl_ plundered. I have spoken." - -A gloomy silence greeted these terrible threats. The pride of the -Mexicans was quelled, and they at length recognised that nothing could -save them from the vengeance of the Comanche chief. The general bowed in -assent, not having strength to answer otherwise. The sight of the scalp -had paralyzed in him all desire to contend longer. Unicorn left the -hall, mounted his horse again, and calmly awaited the fulfilment of the -promise made to him. - -When the Indians had left the council chamber, the Mexicans rose -tumultuously, for each feared the execution of the chief's threats. -General Ventura was pressed on all sides to make haste, and run no risk -of breaking his word. When the governor saw that his officers were as -terrified as himself, he re-assumed his coolness, and cleverly profited -by this state of mind, in order to throw the responsibility off himself, -and appear only to act under the impulse of others. - -"Caballeros," he said, "you have heard this man. You understood as well -as I did the menaces he dared to offer us. Shall such an insult be left -unpunished? Will you allow yourselves to be thus braved in the heart of -the town by a handful of scoundrels, and not attempt to inflict on them -the chastisement they deserve? To arms, caballeros, and let us die -bravely, if it must be so, sooner than suffer this stain on the old -Spanish honor our fathers transmitted to us!" - -This warm address produced the effect the general anticipated from it; -that is to say, it redoubled, were that possible, the terror of the -hearers, who had long been acquainted with their chiefs cowardice, and -knew how little he could be depended on. This sudden warlike order -seemed to them so unusual, and before all so inopportune, that they -pressed him to accept without delay the proposals dictated by the -sachem. - -This was all the governor wanted. He had the minutes of the council at -once drawn up, when it was signed by all present, he put it in his -pocket. - -"As you insist," he said, "and nothing can induce you to offer an -honourable resistance, I will myself proceed to the prison, in order to -avoid any misunderstanding, and have the doors opened for Don Miguel -Zarate and General Ibanez." - -"Make haste, pray?" the officers answered. - -The general, glad in his heart at having got out of the scrape so well, -left the Cabildo, and walked across the square to the prison, which -stood on the opposite side. The Comanches were motionless as statues of -Florentine bronze, leaning on their weapons, with their eyes fixed on -the chief, ready to carry out his orders. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -FREE. - - -Don Miguel and General Ibanez were completely ignorant of what was going -on outside, and the rumours of the town did not reach their ears. Had -they deigned to question their jailer, the latter, who was beginning to -fear for himself the effects of the ill-treatment he had made the two -gentlemen undergo, would doubtless not have hesitated to give them all -possible information, for the sake of regaining their favour; but each -time this man presented himself before them, and opened his mouth to -speak, they turned their backs contemptuously, giving him a sign to -withdraw at once, and be silent. - -On this day, according to their wont, the two prisoners had risen at -sunrise, and then, with incredible coolness, began conversing on -indifferent topics. Suddenly a great noise was heard in the prison; a -clang of arms reached the prisoners' ears, and hurried footsteps -approached the rooms in which they were confined. They listened. - -"Oh, oh!" said Ibanez, "I fancy it is for today at last." - -"Heaven be praised!" Don Miguel answered; "I am glad they have made up -their minds to bring matters to a conclusion." - -"On my honour, and so am I," the general said, gaily; "time was -beginning to hang heavy in this prison, where a man has not the -slightest relaxation. We are going to see again that splendid sun which -seems afraid of showing itself in this den. _Viva Cristo_! I feel -delighted at the mere thought, and gladly pardon my judges." - -Still the noise drew nearer and nearer, and confused voices were mingled -with the echoing steps in the passage, and the rattling of sabres. - -"Here they are," said Don Miguel; "we shall see them in a minute." - -"They are welcome if they bring us death, that supreme solace of the -afflicted." - -At this moment a key creaked in the lock, and the door opened. The two -prisoners fell back in surprise on seeing the general, who rushed into -the cell followed by two or three officers. Assuredly, if the prisoners -expected to see anybody, it was not the worthy General Ventura. Ibanez' -surprise was so great at this unexpected apparition, that he could not -refrain from exclaiming, with that accent of caustic gaiety which formed -the basis of his character-- - -"What the deuce do you want here, Senor Governor? Have you, too, -suddenly become a frightful conspirator, such as we are accused of -being?" - -Before answering, the general fell back into a chair, wiping away the -perspiration that trickled down his forehead, such speed had he -displayed in coming to the prison. Three or four officers stood -motionless on the threshold of the widely open door. The condemned men -could not at all understand the affair. - -"Have you by any chance, my dear governor," General Ibanez said, gaily, -though not believing a word of it, "come to restore us to liberty? That -would be a most gallant action, and I should feel deeply indebted to you -for it." - -General Ventura raised his head, fixed on the prisoners eyes sparkling -with joy, and said, in a panting voice-- - -"Yes, my friends, yes; I _would_ come myself to tell you that you are -free; I would not yield to anyone else the pleasure of announcing the -good news." - -The prisoners fell back in amazement. - -"What!" General Ibanez exclaimed, "You are speaking seriously?" - -Don Miguel attentively looked at the governor, trying to read in his -face the reasons of his conduct. - -"Come, come," General Ventura cried, "this hole is frightful; do not -remain any longer in it." - -"Ah!" Don Miguel remarked, bitterly, "You find it frightful; you have -been a long time in discovering the fact; for we have lived in it nearly -a month, and the thought never once occurred to you of disturbing our -repose." - -"Do not be angry with me, Don Miguel," the governor answered eagerly, -"it was greatly against my will you were detained so long; had it only -depended on me you would have been free; but, thanks to Heaven, all is -settled now, and I have succeeded in having justice done you. Come away; -do not remain a moment longer in this pestilential den." - -"Pardon me, Caballero," Don Miguel said coldly, "but, with your -permission, we will remain a few moments longer in it." - -"Why so?" General Ventura asked, opening his eyes to their fullest -extent. - -"I will tell you." - -Don Miguel pointed to a chair, and sat down himself. Ibanez following -his example. There was a moment of deep silence between these three men -as they strove to read each other's real secret thoughts. - -"I am waiting your pleasure to explain yourself," the governor at last -said, as he was anxious to get away, and time pressed. - -"I am about doing so," Don Miguel answered; "you have come to tell us we -are free, sir; but you do not say on what conditions." - -"What do you mean by conditions?" the general asked, not understanding -him. - -"Of course," Ibanez went on, supporting his friend; "and these -conditions, too, must suit us; you must see, my dear sir, we cannot -leave this delightful place without knowing the why or wherefore. _Viva -Cristo_! We are not vagabonds to be got rid of in that way; we must know -if we are justified in accepting the proposals you have just made." - -"The general is right, sir," the hacendero said in his turn; "the care -of our honor does not permit us to accept a liberation which might stain -it; hence, we shall not leave this prison until you have given us an -explanation." - -The governor hardly knew whether he was on his head or his heels; he had -never before had to deal with such obstinate prisoners. He racked his -brains in vain to discover why it was that men condemned to death could -so peremptorily decline their liberty. His ideas were too narrow, his -heart was too cowardly for him to comprehend the grandeur and nobility -in this determination on the part of two men, who preferred an honourable -death to a branded life which they only owed to the pity of their -judges. Still, he must induce them to quit the prison, for time was fast -slipping away, and their obstinacy might ruin everything. Hence, General -Ventura made up his mind like a man. - -"Gentlemen," he said, with feigned admiration, "I understand what -nobleness there is in your scruples, and am happy to see that I was not -mistaken in the greatness of your character. You can leave this prison -in full security, and take once more the station that belongs to you in -the world. I will lay no conditions on you; you are free, purely and -simply. Here are the documents connected with your trial, the proofs -produced against you; take them and destroy them, and accept my sincere, -apologies for all that has passed." - -While saying this, the governor drew from his breast an enormous bundle -of papers, which he offered Don Miguel. The latter declined them with an -air of disgust; but General Ibanez, less scrupulous or wiser in his -generation, eagerly clutched them, looked through them to see that the -governor was not deceiving him, and then threw them into the _brasero_, -standing in the middle of the room. In less than four minutes, all this -undigested mass was consumed. General Ibanez watched them burning with a -certain degree of pleasure, for he began to feel himself really free. - -"I am waiting for you, gentlemen," said the governor. - -"One word more, by your leave," the hacendero remarked. - -"Speak, sir." - -"On leaving this prison, where are we to go?" - -"Wherever you please, gentlemen. I repeat to you that you are perfectly -free, and can act as you think proper. I do not even ask your word of -honor to enter into no further conspiracy." - -"Good sir," Don Miguel said, holding out his hand to General Ventura, -"your conduct affects me--thanks." - -The governor blushed. - -"Come, come," he said, to hide his embarrassment on receiving this so -ill-deserved praise. - -The prisoners no longer hesitated to follow him. - -In the meanwhile, the news of Don Miguel's deliverance had spread -through the town with the rapidity of a train of gunpowder. The -inhabitants, reassured by the continence of the Comanches, and knowing -that they had only come to save a man, in whose fate the entire -population felt interested, had ventured to leave their houses, and at -length thronged the streets and squares; the windows and roofs were -filled with men, women, and children, whose eyes, fixed on the prison, -awaited the moment of Don Miguel's appearance. When he did so, -tremendous shouts greeted him. - -Unicorn walked up to the governor. - -"My father has kept his promise," he said, gravely, "I will keep mine; -the white prisoners are free; I now depart." - -The governor listened to these words with a blush; the sachem returned -to the head of his war party, which rapidly retired, followed by the -shouts of a mob intoxicated with joy. Don Miguel, perplexed by the scene -which had taken place in his presence, and who began to suspect a -mystery in the governor's conduct, turned to him to ask an explanation -of the Indian chief's words--an explanation the governor luckily -escaped, owing to the eagerness of the people who flocked up to -congratulate the prisoners on their release. - -On reaching the gate of the Cabildo, General Ventura bowed courteously -to the two gentlemen, and hurried into his palace, happy at having -escaped so cheaply, and not tearing with his own hands the cloak of -generosity which he had paraded in the sight of his prisoners. - -"What do you think of all that?" the hacendero asked his friend. - -"Hum!" General Ibanez muttered, "The governor's conduct seems to me -rather queer; but, no matter, we are free. I confess to you, my friend, -that I should have no objection to go a little distance from this place, -the air of which, despite General Ventura's protestations, appears to me -remarkably unhealthy for us." - -At this moment, and ere Don Miguel could answer, the general felt a -slight touch on his shoulders; he turned and saw Curumilla before him, -with a smiling face. Don Miguel and the general suppressed a cry of joy -at the sight of the grave and excellent Indian. - -"Come!" he said to them, laconically. - -They followed him, with some difficulty, through the crowd that -accompanied them with shouts, and whom they were obliged to stop and -thank. On reaching a small street near the square, and which was nearly -deserted, Curumilla led them to a house before which he stopped. - -"It is here," he said, as he tapped twice. - -The door opened, and they entered a courtyard, in which were three ready -saddled horses, held by a groom, which they at once mounted. - -"Thanks, brother," the hacendero said, warmly, as he pressed the chiefs -hand; "but how did you learn our deliverance?" - -The Araucano smiled pleasantly. "Let us go," he said, making no other -answer. - -"Where to?" Don Miguel asked. - -"To join Koutonepi." - -The three men started at full speed. Ten minutes later they were out of -the town, and galloping across the plain. - -"Oh!" General Ibanez said, gaily, "How pleasant the fresh air is! How -good it is to inhale it after remaining for two months stifled between -the walls of a prison!" - -"Shall we soon arrive? Don Miguel asked. - -"In an hour," the chief answered. - -And they went on with renewed speed. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIX. - -THE MEETING. - - -On reaching a spot where the trail they were following formed a species -of fork, Curumilla stopped, and the two gentlemen imitated him. - -"That is your road," the Araucano chief said. "At the end of that path -you will see Koutonepi's bivouac fire. I must leave you here." - -After uttering these words, Curumilla turned his horse and started, -after giving them a parting wave of the hand. The Unicorn was not much -of a talker naturally; generally, he did more than he said. His friends, -convinced that urgent necessity could alone have forced him thus to -break through his habits, made no observation, but let him go. When they -were alone, they gently relaxed the pace of their horses, and proceeded -at a canter. - -General Ibanez was radiant. He inhaled the fresh air Of the desert, -which dilated his wide chest, revelling in his liberty. He thought of -nothing but enjoying the present, regardless of the past, which, with -his careless character, he had already forgotten, only to dream of the -future, which he gazed on through a prism of brilliant hues. Don Miguel, -on the contrary, felt, during the last few moments, a sad melancholy -invade his mind. Not able to account for the emotion he experienced, he -had a species of secret presentiment that a misfortune was suspended -over his head. In vain did he try to dispel these ideas, but they -constantly returned more obstinately than ever and it was with a sort of -dread that he advanced in the direction where he was to meet Valentine, -although he was his best friend, so much did he fear that he would greet -his arrival with evil tidings. - -The two gentlemen went on thus for nearly half an hour without -exchanging a syllable; but, just as they turned a corner in the path, -they saw a horseman about thirty paces in front of them, barring the -road, and apparently waiting for them. The Mexicans examined him -attentively. He was a tall man, well armed, and wearing the garb of the -rich hacenderos; but, singularly enough, a black velvet mask prevented -them distinguishing his features. By an instinctive movement Don Miguel -and his friend moved a hand to their holsters, but they were empty. - -"What is to be done?" the hacendero asked the general. - -"Go on, of course. We have just escaped too great a peril for us to fear -this. Even in the event of the mysterious being planted there before us, -like an equestrian statue, trying to play us a trick, which is not -impossible." - -"Let us trust to Heaven," Don Miguel muttered, and pushed on. - -The distance separating them from the stranger was soon cleared. On -coming within five yards of him, they stopped. - -"_Santas tardes_, caballeros," said the stranger, in a friendly voice. - -"_Santas tardes_!" the gentlemen answered, in accord. - -"I salute you, Don Miguel Zarate, and you, General Ibanez," the stranger -then said. "I am happy to see you at length safe and sound out of the -claws of that worthy General Ventura, who, if he could, would certainly -have played you a trick." - -"Caballero," Don Miguel made answer, "I thank you for the kind words you -address to me, and which can only come from a friend's lips. I should be -pleased if you would take off the mask that conceals your features, so -that I may recognise you." - -"Gentlemen, if I removed my mask you would be disappointed, for my -features are unfamiliar to you. Do not be angry with me for keeping it -on; but, be assured that you are not mistaken with regard to me, and I -am really your friend." - -The two Mexicans bowed courteously to each other, and the stranger went -on. - -"I knew that so soon as you were free you would hasten to join that -worthy hunter Valentine, whom the trappers and gambusinos along the -frontier have christened the 'Trail-hunter.' I placed myself here, where -you must infallibly pass, in order to make you a communication of the -utmost importance, which interests you extremely." - -"I am listening, sir," Don Miguel responded with secret alarm; "and I -beg you to accept, beforehand, my sincere thanks for the step you have -taken on my behalf." - -"You will thank me when the proper time comes, Don Miguel. Today I only -warn you: at a later date I hope to aid you, and my help will not prove -useless." - -"Speak, sir! You excite my curiosity to the highest pitch, and I am -anxious to learn the news of which you have condescended to be the -bearer." - -The stranger shook his head sadly, and there was a moment's silence. -This meeting of three horsemen, one of whom was masked, in this deserted -place, where no sound troubled the imposing silence of solitude, had -something strange about it. At length the mask spoke again. - -"Two months have elapsed, Don Miguel, since, through the treachery of -Red Cedar, you were arrested and made prisoner at the Paso del Norte. -Many events of which you are ignorant have occurred since then; but -there is one I must inform you of at once. On the very night of your -arrest, at the moment you laid down your arms, your daughter was carried -off by Red Cedar." - -"My daughter!" the hacendero exclaimed; "And Valentine to whom I -confided her, and who was responsible for her safety?" - -"Valentine attempted impossibilities to save her; but what can one man -effect against twenty?" - -Don Miguel shook his head mournfully. - -"After researches, long, sterile, and extraordinary efforts, a man -providentially aided by Father Seraphin, at length succeeded last night -in taking Dona Clara from her ravishers; but Red Cedar, advised by some -extraordinary chance, entered the house where the maiden had sought -shelter, and carried her off again." - -"Oh! I will avenge myself on that man!" the hacendero shouted, -passionately. - -The stranger's eyes flashed with a lurid light though the holes in his -mask. - -"You will find your son and Father Seraphin with Valentine. Red Cedar -intends to start this evening at the head of a band of gambusinos, to go -into the deserts of the Rio Gila in search of a placer, which his -accomplice, Fray Ambrosio, had indicated to him." - -"Fray Ambrosio!" the hacendero repeated, in stupor. - -"Yes. Your former chaplain, who served as spy to the squatter, revealed -your plans to him, and provided him the means to enter the hacienda and -carry off your daughter." - -"Good," Don Miguel said, in a hollow voice. "I will remember." - -"Red Cedar, I know not with what design, is taking your daughter with -him into the desert." - -"I will follow him, were it for a thousand leagues," Don Miguel said, -resolutely. "Thanks to you for having instructed me so fully. But whence -comes the interest you take in me so gratuitously, since, as you say, I -do not know you?" - -"You shall learn at a later date, Don Miguel. Now, before I leave you, -one last word--an earnest warning." - -"I listen attentively, caballero." - -"Do not tell anyone--not even the French hunter, not even your son--of -our meeting. Let this secret be buried in your breast. When you reach -the far west, if you see before you, at one of your bivouacs, a piece of -mahogany bearing the impress of a horse's shoe, rise at midnight, and -leave the camp, not letting anyone see you. When you have gone one -hundred paces in the tall grass, whistle thrice; a similar whistle will -answer you, and then you will learn many things important for you to -know, but which I cannot tell you today." - -"Good. Thanks. I will do what you tell me." - -"You promised it?" - -"I swear it on my word as a gentleman," Don Miguel said, as he took off -his hat. - -"I accept your oath. Farewell." - -"Farewell." - -The stranger dug his spurs into his horse's sides and the animal started -off as if impelled by a tornado. - -The two gentlemen looked after him for a long time, admiring the grace -and ease of his movements; at length, when horse and rider had -disappeared in the distance, Don Miguel went on again pensively, while -saying to the general-- - -"Who can that man be?" - -"I know no more than you do. _Viva Cristo_!" his friend answered, "but I -assure you I will know, even if to do so I have to search all the -thickets and caverns in the desert." - -"What," Don Miguel exclaimed, "do you intend to come with me?" - -"Did you ever doubt it, Don Miguel? If so, you insulted me. You will -need all your friends to go in search of your daughter, and inflict on -that demon of a gringo squatter the chastisement he deserves. No, no; I -will not leave you under such circumstances, for that would be -committing a bad action; besides, I shall not be sorry," he added with a -smile, "to get out of the sight of the government for a time." - -"My friend, I thank you," the hacendero said, as he took his hand. "I -have long known that you were entirely devoted to me; I am pleased to -receive this new proof of your friendship." - -"And you accept it?" the general asked gaily. - -"Most heartily; the help of an iron arm like yours must be most useful -to me under the painful circumstances in which I am placed." - -"That is settled, then; we will start together, _Mil rayas!_ and I swear -we will deliver Dona Clara." - -"May Heaven grant it," the hacendero said, sadly. - -The conversation then dropped, and the two friends proceeded in silence. -A quarter of an hour later they reached the Trail-hunter's bivouac. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -DONA CLARA. - - -Valentine had been warned, nearly an hour previously, by Unicorn of the -result of the negotiations with the governor of Santa Fe, and the -immediate liberation of the prisoners; he was, therefore, expecting -them. Though they were ignorant where to find him, Valentine presumed -that the chief would leave some Indian to direct them, and, therefore, -did not feel at all surprised at seeing them. So soon as he noticed -their approach he walked to meet them, followed by Don Pablo and the -missionary, while the hacendero and his comrade on their side pricked -on to join them sooner. - -A few hours were spent, after the first greetings were over, in a -conference, of which the poor child so audaciously carried off was the -sole subject. Valentine drew up with his friends the plan of the -campaign against Red Cedar, which was so daring that it would have made -a European nervous; but the free adventurers who were about to carry it -out in no way feared the mysterious dangers of the desert which they -were going to confront. We say, free, because Father Seraphin had taken -leave of his friends and found Unicorn, with whom he wished to go to the -Comanche villages, in the hope of spreading the light of the Gospel -there. Still, he did not despair about, meeting his friends in the -prairies, whither he was himself proceeding. Toward evening, Curumilla -arrived. The Araucano was covered with dust, and his face damp with -perspiration; Not uttering a word, he sat down by the fire, took his -calumet from his girdle, and began smoking. Valentine let him do so -without asking a question, but so soon as he saw him absorbed in his -pipe, he laid his hand on his shoulder. - -"Well?" he said to him. - -"Curumilla has seen them." - -"Good; are they numerous?" - -"Ten times the number of fingers on my two hands, and one more." - -"_Caramba!_" Valentine exclaimed, "Are they so many as that? We shall -have a tough job in that case." - -"They are bold hunters," the chief added. - -"Hum! Do you know when they will start?" - -"This evening, when the new moon rises." - -"Ah, ah! I read their plan," the hunter said. "They intend crossing the -ford of the Toro before day." - -Curumilla bowed his head in affirmation. - -"That is true," Valentine remarked; "once the ford is passed they will -be in the desert, and have comparatively nothing to fear, or at least -they suppose so. I must confess," he added, addressing his friends, -"that Red Cedar is a remarkably clever scoundrel; nothing, escapes him, -but this time he has a' tough adversary. I have my revenge to take on -him, and, with the help of Heaven, it shall be exemplary." - -"What shall we do?" Don Miguel asked. - -"Sleep," Valentine answered, "we have still several hours before us, so -let us profit by them; in the new life we are beginning, we must neglect -nothing, the body and mind must repose, so that we may act vigorously." - -Curumilla had slipped away but now returned, bringing with him two -rifles, pistols, and knives. - -"My brothers had no weapons," he said, as he laid his load before the -Mexicans. - -The latter thanked him heartily; for, owing to the foresight of -Curumilla, who thought of everything, they could now enter the desert -boldly. Two minutes later the five men were fast asleep, and we will -take advantage of their slumber to return to Red Cedar, whom we left on -the point of climbing through Dona Clara's window, while Fray Ambrosio -and Andres Garote were watching at either end of the street. - -At one bound the bandit was in the room, after breaking open the window -with a blow of his fist. Dona Clara, suddenly aroused, leaped from the -bed, uttering fearful cries at the sight of the terrible apparition -before her. - -"Silence," Red Cedar said to her, in a threatening voice, as he placed -the point of his knife on her chest, "one cry more, and I kill you like -a dog." - -The maiden, trembling with fright, looked pitifully at the bandit; but -Red Cedar's face wore such an expression of cruelty, that she understood -how little she had to hope from this man. She addressed a silent prayer -to Heaven, and resigned herself to her fate. The bandit gagged the poor -child with the rebozo that lay on the bed, threw her over his shoulder, -and clambered out of the window again. So soon as he put foot on the -ground, he whistled lightly for his comrades to rejoin him, which they -did immediately, and, still carrying his burthen, he proceeded with them -in the direction of the Rancho del Coyote. - -During the walk, which was not a long one, the bandits did not meet a -soul. Andres opened the door and lit a candle; the ruffians entered, and -the door was carefully bolted again. Thus, after only a few hours of -liberty, the wretched girl had fallen once more into the hands of her -ravishers, and placed again by them in the wretched room where she had -spent so many days in prayer and weeping. Red Cedar carried Dona Clara, -who was in a half-fainting state, to her room, removed the rebozo, and -then returned to the bar. - -"There;" he said, with satisfaction, "that is all right; the sheep has -returned to the fold. What do you say, reverend father? This time let us -hope she will not escape us." - -The monk smiled. - -"We shall do well in not remaining here long," he said. - -"Why so?" - -"Because this hiding place is known and will soon be visited." - -The squatter shrugged his shoulders. - -"Listen! Fray Ambrosio," he said, with a sinister grimace, which he -intended for a smile. "I predict that, rogue as you are, you run a great -chance of dying in a fool's skin, if you are not flayed beforehand, -which may easily be the case." - -The monk shuddered. Red Cedar's gaiety had the peculiarity of being even -more fearful than his anger. The squatter sat down on a bench, and -turned to the gambusino. - -"Drink!" he said roughly. - -Garote fetched a jar of mezcal, which he placed before his terrible -accomplice. The latter, not taking the trouble to pour the liquor into a -glass, raised the jar to his lips, and drank till breath failed him. - -"Hum!" he said, with a click of his tongue, "That's pleasant tipple when -you're thirsty. Listen to my orders, my dear children, and try to carry -them out to the letter; or, if not, your roguish hides will bear the -blame." - -The three men bowed silently. - -"You, Nathan," he went on, "will come with me, for you are not wanted -here, but your presence is necessary at. Cerro Prieto, where our -comrades are encamped." - -"I will follow you," the young man replied, laconically. - -"Good! Now, you others, bear this carefully in mind:--Our enemies will -never suppose that I have made such a mistake as to bring my prisoner -back here; for that is so absurd, that the idea will never enter their -heads; so you can be at ease, and no one will trouble your peace of -mind. Tomorrow, so soon as the moon rises, you will make the girl put on -an Indian dress, mount her, and come to me at Cerro Prieto. Immediately -after your arrival we shall start." - -"Good!" Fray Ambrosio answered. "We will take care." - -"I expect so; for, if you do not, I wouldn't give a _cuartillo_ for your -accursed hide, my reverend friend." - -After uttering these friendly words, the squatter seized the jar of -mezcal, emptied it at a draught, and sent it flying across the room, -where it broke to pieces. - -"Good bye till tomorrow," he then said, "come, Nathan." - -"Till tomorrow," they answered. - -The squatter and his son left the rancho, and walked on silently side by -side, plunged in gloomy reflections produced by the events of the night. -They soon left the town. The night was gloomy, but darkness did not -exist for squatters accustomed to find their way anywhere, and never -dreaming of going astray. They walked thus for a long time, with slung -rifle, not exchanging a word, but listening to the slightest noise and -sounding, the darkness with their tiger-cat eyes. All at once they heard -the firm footfall of a man coming towards them. They cocked their -rifles, ready for any emergency. A voice was then heard, though the -person to whom it belonged was invisible. - -"My brothers must not fire; they would kill a friend." - -The words were Apache--a language well known to the squatters. - -"Tis an Indian," said Nathan. - -"Do you think I did not recognise him?" Red Cedar replied, brutally; -"then," he added, in the same dialect, "there are no friends in the -shadow of the desert. My brother must get out of my path, or I will kill -him like a coyote." - -"Is it thus," the Indian continued, "that the 'maneater' receives the -guide whom Stanapat, the Great Chief of the Apaches, sends him? In that -case, good-bye. I will retire." - -"One moment," the squatter said, sharply, as he lowered his rifle, and -made his son a sign to follow his example. "I could not guess who you -were. Advance without fear and be welcome, brother, for I was anxiously -expecting you." - -The Indian stepped forward. He wore the costume and characteristic paint -of the Apache warriors; in a word, he was so well disguised, that -Valentine himself could not, have recognised in him his friend, -Eagle-wing the Chief of the Coras, though it was he. - -Red Cedar, delighted at the arrival of his guide, received him in the -most affable manner. He had long been acquainted with Stanapat, the most -ferocious warrior of all the Indian nations that traverse the immense -regions of the Rio Gila, and whom we shall presently visit. After -several questions, which Eagle-wing answered without hesitation or once -tripping, Red Cedar, convinced that he was really the man the Apache -chief had promised to send him, dismissed all doubt, and conversed with -him in the most friendly spirit, inquiring after certain warriors he had -formerly known. - -"What is my brother's name?" he asked, in conclusion. - -"The Heart of Stone!" Eagle-wing replied. - -"Good!" the squatter said, "My brother has a grand name. He must be a -renowned warrior in his tribe." - -A short time after, the three men reached the camp of the gambusinos, -established in a formidable position on the top of a rock called the -Cerro Prieto (Black Mountain). The miners greeted Red Cedar's arrival -with the most lively joy, for his presence announced a speedy departure; -and all these semi-savages, the greater part of whose life had been -spent in the prairies, were anxious to quit civilization to re-assume -their adventurous career, which was so full of charms and strange -incidents. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -EL VADO DEL TORO. - - -Red Cedar reasoned correctly when he told Fray Ambrosio and Garote that -Dona Clara was in safety at the rancho, and no one would dream of -seeking her there. In truth, Valentine knew the squatter's cunning too -well to suppose that he would commit the impudence of bringing his -prisoner back to the very spot where she was discovered. - -The squatter's two accomplices passed the day quietly in playing, on -credit, at monte; each cheating with a dexterity which did honor to -their knowledge of that noble game. No one came to disturb them, or cast -an indiscreet glance into this famous den, which, in the bright -sunshine, had an air of respectability pleasant to look on, and amply -sufficient to dispel all suspicions. About nine in the evening, the -moon, though new, rose magnificently on a deep blue sky, studded with -brilliant stars. - -"I fancy it is time to get ready, gossip," Fray Ambrosio said, "the moon -is peering through the trees in your neighbour's garden." - -"You are right, senor Padre, we will be off; but let me, I implore you, -first finish this deal; it is one of the most magnificent I ever -witnessed. _Caspita!_ I will bet a nugget as big as my thumb on the -seven of clubs." - -"I'll back the two of spades. Something tells me it will turn up first, -especially if you pull up the sleeves of your jacket, which must be -horribly in the way when dealing." - -"Oh dear, no, I assure you; but stay, what did I tell you? There is the -seven of clubs." - -"That is really extraordinary," Fray Ambrosio replied, with feigned -surprise, for he was not duped by the gambusino's trickery; "but I fancy -we had better make haste." - -"Decidedly," said Andres, as he hid his greasy cards in his vaquera -boots, and proceeded to the room in which Dona Clara was confined. She -followed him out, weeping bitterly. - -"Come, come," the gambusino said to her, "dry your tears, senorita; we -do not mean you any harm. Hang it all! Who knows but this may end -perhaps better than you expect; ask that holy monk what he thinks." - -Fray Ambrosio bowed an assent, but the maiden made no response to the -gambusino's consolation; she allowed herself to be disguised -unresistingly, but still continued to weep. - -"In truth, it is absurd," the worthy Andres muttered, in an aside to -himself, while attiring his prisoner and looking covetously at the -pearls with which she was adorned, "to waste gold and pearls in this -fashion; would it not be much better to use them in buying something -serviceable? What she has on her is worth at least three thousand -piastres--what a splendid game of monte a fellow could have with that -sum--and if that demon of a Red Cedar had only been willing--well, we -shall see presently." - -While making these judicious reflections, the gambusino had completed -the maiden's Indian toilet. He perfected the disguise by throwing a -zarape over her shoulders; then giving a parting glance round his -domicile, he put in his pocket a pack of cards accidentally left on the -table, drank a large glass of spirits, and left the room, followed by -Dona Clara and the monk, who, in spite of the varying incidents of the -last few days had regained all his good humour, doubtless owing to the -good company in which he was, and the game of monte--that inveterate -passion in every Mexican. - -Dona Clara was placed on a horse; Andres and the monk also mounted, and -leaving the house to the problemical care of Providence, the gambusino -gave the signal for departure. He made a wide circuit, to avoid passing -through the Presidio, and then started at a gallop in the direction of -the Cerro Prieto. - -Red Cedar had lost no time, and all was ready for departure. The -newcomers did not even dismount, but so soon as they were sighted, the -caravan, composed, as we have stated of some hundred and twenty resolute -men, after forming in Indian file, started in the direction of the -prairies, having first prudently detached two scouts to watch the -neighbourhood. - -Nothing is so mournful as a night march in an unknown country, covered -with snares of every description, when you fear least the ever-watchful -enemy may pounce on you from every bush. Thus, the gambusinos, restless, -and starting at the slightest rustling of the leaves, advanced silently -and gloomily, with their eyes fixed on the clumps that grew along the -wayside, rifle in hand, ready to fire at the slightest suspicious -movement. They marched, however, for upwards of three hours, and nothing -happened to justify their fears; a solemn calmness continued to prevail -around them. Gradually these apprehensions were dissipated; they began -talking in a suppressed voice, and laughing at their past terrors, when -they reached, on the banks of the Del Norte, the _vado_, or Ford del -Toro. - -In the interior of Southern America, and specially in New Mexico, a -country still almost entirely unknown, the means of communication are -_nil_, and consequently bridges may be looked for in vain. There are -only two methods of crossing even the widest rivers--looking for a ford, -or, if you are in a great hurry, forcing your horse into the oft-times -rapid current, and trying to reach the other bank by swimming. - -The squatter had selected the first method, and in a few minutes the -whole party was in the water. Although the ground of the ford was -uneven, and at times the horses were up to their chests, and compelled -to swim, the gambusinos managed to get across safely. The only persons -left on the bank were Red Cedar, Eagle-wing, the guide, Dona Clara, and -Andres Garote. - -"It is our turn now, Heart of Stone," the squatter said, addressing -Eagle-wing; "you see that our men are in safety, and only await us to -set out again." - -"The squaw first," the Indian replied, laconically. - -"That is true, chief," the squatter said, and, turning to the prisoner, -"Go across," he said to her, coarsely. - -The maiden, not deigning to answer, boldly made her horse enter the -river, and the three men followed. The night was dark, the sky covered -with clouds, and the moon, constantly veiled, only shone forth at -lengthened intervals, which rendered the passage difficult and even -dangerous, as it did not allow objects to be distinguished, even at a -distance. Still, after a few seconds, Red Cedar fancied he saw that Dona -Clara's horse was not following the line traced by the ford, but was -turning to the left, as if carried away by the current. He pushed his -horse forward, to assure himself of the reality of the fact; but -suddenly a vigorous hand seized his right leg, and before he could even -think of resisting, he was hurled back into the water, and his throat -seized by an Indian. Andres Garote hurried to his assistance. - -During this time, Dona Clara's horse, probably obeying a hidden impulse, -was proceeding still further from the spot where the gambusinos had -landed. Some of them, at the head of whom were Dick, Harry, and the -squatter's three sons, perceiving what was going on, returned to the -water, to proceed to their chiefs help, while the others, guided by Fray -Ambrosio, galloped down the river bank, in order to cut off retreat, -when Dona Clara's horse landed. - -Andres Garote, after several fruitless efforts, succeeded in catching -Red Cedar's horse, which he brought to him at the moment when the latter -had scalped his enemy. The American got into his saddle again, reached -the bank, and tried to restore some order among his band, while actually -watching the incidents of the silent drama being played in the river -between Eagle-wing and the young Spanish girl. - -The Coras sachem had urged his steed in pursuit of Dona Clara's, and -both were following almost the same line down the stream, the former -striving to catch up the latter, who, for her part, was doing her utmost -to widen the distance between them. Suddenly the Coras horse gave a -leap, while uttering a snort of pain, and began madly beating the water -with its forelegs, while the river was tinged with blood around it. The -chief, perceiving that his horse was mortally wounded, leaped from the -saddle, and leant over the side, ready to leap off. At this moment, a -hideous face appeared flush with water, and a hand was stretched out to -grasp him. With that imperturbable coolness that never deserts the -Indians, even under the most critical circumstances, the Coras seized -his tomahawk, split his enemy's skull open, and glided into the river. - -A formidable war yell was, at this moment, heard from the forest, and -some fifty shots were fired from both banks at once, illumining the -scene with their fugitive flashes. A multitude of redskins rushed on the -gambusinos, and a terrible fight commenced. The Mexicans, taken -unawares, defended themselves at first poorly, giving ground and seeking -shelter behind trees; but, obeying the thundering voice of the squatter, -who performed prodigies of valor while exciting his comrades to sell -their lives dearly, they regained courage, formed in close column, and -charged the Indians furiously, beating them down with the butts of their -muskets, or slashing them with their machetes. - -The combat was short; the redskins, who were only a party of marauding -Pawnees, seeing the ill-result of their surprise, grew discouraged, and -disappeared as rapidly as they had come. Two minutes later calmness and -silence were so perfectly re-established, that had it not been for a few -wounded gambusinos, and several Indians stretched dead on the -battlefield, the strange scene would have appeared as a dream. - -So soon as the Indians were routed, Red Cedar bent an eager glance up -the river; on that side the struggle was also over, and Eagle-wing, -mounted behind the young lady, was guiding her horse to the bank, which -it soon reached. - -"Well?" the squatter asked. - -"The Pawnees are cowardly coyotes," the Coras answered, pointing to two -human scalps that hung all bloody from his girdle; "they fly like old -women, so soon as they see the war plume of a warrior of my nation." - -"Good!" the squatter said, gleefully, "My brother is a great warrior; he -has a friend." - -The Coras bowed with a smile of indescribable meaning. His object was -gained; he had acquired the confidence of the man he meant to destroy. -Dona Clara, Ellen, and the squatter's wife were placed in the centre of -the caravan, and the band started again. - -An hour later, a second party of horsemen also crossed the Vado del -Toro. It was much less numerous than the first, as it consisted of only -five men, but they were Valentine, Curumilla, Don Miguel, his son, and -General Ibanez. The real struggle was about to commence: behind them -they left the civilised world, to find themselves face to face on the -desert with their enemies. - -(Those of our readers who take an interest in the Trail-hunter, we must -ask to follow his adventures through a second volume, to be called--THE -PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES.) - - -THE END - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Trail-Hunter, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAIL-HUNTER *** - -***** This file should be named 42115.txt or 42115.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/1/1/42115/ - -Produced by Camilo Bernard and Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images at the Internet -Archive, scanned by Google) - - -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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