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diff --git a/42532-0.txt b/42532-0.txt index 6a15a80..367f6c4 100644 --- a/42532-0.txt +++ b/42532-0.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42532 *** +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42532 *** THE GOLD-SEEKERS: @@ -10212,5 +10212,4 @@ THE END. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gold-Seekers, by Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42532 *** diff --git a/42532-8.txt b/42532-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c11c52f..0000000 --- a/42532-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10600 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Gold-Seekers, by Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Gold-Seekers - A Tale of California - -Author: Gustave Aimard - Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: April 14, 2013 [EBook #42532] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Scanned by Google) - - - - - -THE GOLD-SEEKERS: - -A TALE OF CALIFORNIA - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC. - - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -1861 - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The "Gold-Seekers" must be regarded as forming the connecting link -between the "Tiger-Slayer" and the "Indian Chief," the concluding volume -of this series. It must not be forgotten that the author is dealing with -real characters, and that the hero lived and died in the way hereafter -to be described; and the three volumes may be considered a life-history -of a very remarkable man. Although they may be perused separately with -equal interest, I feel confident that those readers who have gone so far -with me will desire to know the conclusion of this strange eventful -history. - - LASCELLES WRAXALL. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - PROLOGUE:-- - - I. THE MEETING - II. EL MESÓN DE SAN JUAN - III. THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD - IV. THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO - - - I. THE NIGHT HALT - II. FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION - III. A SAD MISTAKE - IV. EXPLANATIONS - V. THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LOVE SONG - VI. DELILAH - VII. A RETROSPECT - VIII. A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS - IX. THE NEXT DAY - X. IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED - XI. A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION - XII. CONVERSATION - XIII. PREPARATIONS - XIV. VALENTINE'S RETURN - XV. THE DEPARTURE - XVI. TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER - XVII. GUAYMAS - XVIII. THE FIRST FORTNIGHT - XIX. PITIC - XX. DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND - XXI. THE TAPADA - XXII. THE REVOLT - - - - - -THE GOLD-SEEKERS - - -PROLOGUE - - - -I.--THE MEETING. - - -On the 5th of July, 184-, at about six in the evening, a party of -well-mounted horsemen started at a gallop from Guadalajara, the capital -of the state of Jalisco, and proceeded along the road that traverses the -village of Zapopan, celebrated for its miraculous virgin. After crossing -the escarped summits of the Cordilleras, this road reaches the charming -little town of Tepic, the usual refuge of those Europeans and rich -Mexicans whom business carries to San Blas, but to whom the insalubrity -of the air breathed in that port, the maritime arsenal of the Mexican -union, would be mortal. - -We have said that six o'clock was striking as the cavalcade passed the -gateway. The officer of the watch, after bowing respectfully to the -travellers, watched them for a long time, then re-entered the guardroom, -shaking his head, and muttering to himself,-- - -"Heaven save me! What can Colonel Guerrero be thinking of, to set out on -a Friday, and at such an hour as this? Does he fancy that the -_salteadores_ will allow him to pass? Hum! He will see what they are -about at the _barranca del mal paso_ (the gorge of the evil step)." - -The travellers, however, probably unaffected by the superstitious fears -that ruled the worthy officer, rapidly sped on the long poplar alley -that extends from the town to Zapopan, caring neither for the advanced -hour nor the ill-omened day of the week. - -They were six in number--Colonel Sebastian Guerrero, his daughter, and -four peons, or Indian criados. The colonel was a tall man, with harsh, -marked features, and a bronzed complexion. The few silvery threads -mingled with his black hair showed that he had passed middle life, -although his robust limbs, upright stature, and the brilliancy of his -glance denoted that years had not yet gained the mastery over this -vigorous organisation. He wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer -with the ease and nonchalance peculiar to old soldiers; but, in addition -to the sabre hanging by his side, his holsters held pistols; and a rifle -laid across the saddle-bow proved that, in case of need, he would offer -a vigorous resistance to any robbers who ventured to attack him. - -His daughter, Doña Angela, rode on his right hand. In Europe, where the -growth of girls is not nearly so precocious as in America, she would -only have been a child; for she counted scarce thirteen summers. As far -as could be judged, she was slight, but graceful, and perfectly -proportioned; her features were delicate and noble; her mouth laughing; -her eyes black, quick, and flashing with wit; while her brown hair fell -in two enormous tresses down upon her horse. She was wrapped up -coquettishly in her _rebozo_, and laughed madly at every bound of her -steed, which she maliciously tormented, in spite of her father's -reiterated remonstrances. - -The servants were powerfully-built Indians, armed to the teeth, and -appeared capable of defending their master in case of need. They rode -some ten paces behind the colonel, and led two mules loaded with -provisions and baggage--an indispensable precaution in Mexico, if -travellers do not wish to die of hunger by the way. - -Mexico combines all the climates of the globe. From the icy peaks of the -Cordilleras, down to the burning coasts of the ocean, the traveller in -that country undergoes every temperature. Hence this vast territory has -been divided into three distinct zones: _las tierras calientes_, or hot -lands, composed of the plains on the seashore, and which produce sugar, -indigo, and cotton in truly tropical abundance; _las tierras templadas_, -or temperate lands, regions formed by the Cordilleras, and which enjoy -an eternal spring, great heat and extreme cold being equally unknown -there; and lastly, _las tierras frias_, or cold lands, which include the -central plateaux, and where the temperature is relatively much lower -than in the other zones. - -Still we should remark that in Mexico the expressions "heat," and -"cold," have not an absolute value as in Europe, and that the lofty -plateaux, known as the _tierras frias_, enjoy a temperature like that of -Lombardy, which would seem to any European a very pleasant climate. -Owing to its position, Guadalajara shares in two of the three zones that -divide Mexico. Situated on the limit of the _tierra caliente_ and the -_tierra templada,_ the tepid breezes and pure sky reveal the warm -regions of the seaboard, which extend thus far. The arid sands are -succeeded by fertile and well-cultivated plains, fields of sugar-cane, -Indian corn, bananas, goyaviers, and other productions of the tropical -flora. By degrees the gloomy black oaks and pines, which only grow on -the mountains, become rarer, and eventually disappear entirely, to make -room for poplars, fan-palms, calabash trees, sumachs, Peru trees, and -thousands of others, which proudly wave their superb crowns over the -spontaneous vegetation that surrounds them. - -In _las tierras calientes_, where the heat of the day is stifling, -persons generally only travel from five to eleven A.M., and from three -in the afternoon till ten at night, so as to enjoy the morning and -evening freshness. Colonel Guerrero had, therefore, only conformed to -the general custom by commencing his journey in the evening; but, as so -often occurs, he had started later than he wished, owing to those -numberless obstacles which ever supervene at the moment of departure, -and cause a lengthened delay for no visible reason. But the colonel -cared little about the advanced hour: a night march possessed no terrors -for him, as he had been accustomed for years to modify his humour by -circumstances, and yield to the exigencies of the situation in which he -found himself. - -The sun set behind the Peak of Teguilla, and the Cerro del Col -disappeared in the centre of the chain of tall, abrupt hills which -borders the Rio Tololotlan: gradually the scene was veiled in darkness. -The travellers progressed gaily conversing together, while following the -winding and accidented course of the Rio Grande del Norte, along whose -banks their road ran. The latter was wide, well made, and easy to -follow. Hence the colonel, after taking a careful glance around to -assure himself there was nothing suspicious in the neighbourhood, -trusted entirely to the vigilance of the criados, and resumed the -conversation with his daughter, which he had for a moment broken off. - -"Angela, my child," he said to her, "you are wrong to tease your horse -so. Rebecca is a good beast, very gentle, and very sure-footed; and you -should be more merciful to her than you are." - -"I assure you, papa," the pretty girl answered with a laugh, "I am not -in the least teasing Rebecca; on the contrary, I am only tickling her to -render her lively." - -"Yes, and to make her dance too, as I can plainly see, little madcap. -That would be all very well if we were only taking a ride for a few -hours, instead of a journey which will last a month. Remember, niña, -that a rider must also treat his horse carefully if he wish to reach his -destination safe, and sound. You would not like, I fancy, to be left on -the road by your horse." - -"Heaven forbid, father! If it be so, I will obey you. Rebecca may be at -ease in future; I will not tease her." - -And, while speaking thus, she bent over her horse's neck and gently -patted it. - -"There!" the colonel continued, "now that peace, as I suppose, is made -between you, what do you think of our way of travelling? Does it please -you?" - -"I think it charming, father; the night is magnificent, the moon lights -us as if it were day; the breeze is fresh, and yet not cold. I never was -so happy." - -"All the better, my child. I am the more pleased to hear you speak thus, -because I so feared the effects of such a journey for you, that I was on -the point of leaving you at the convent." - -"Thank you, father, for having changed your mind, and bringing me with -you. I was so wearied with that wretched convent; and then it is so long -since I have seen my dear mother, whom I long to embrace." - -"This time, child, you will have ample leisure to do so for I propose -leaving you with your mother." - -"Then I shall not return to Guadalajara with you?" - -"No, child; you will live at my large _hacienda_, Aguas Frescas, with -your mother and my most faithful servants, during the period of my -absence; for so soon as I have ended the urgent business that demands my -presence at San Blas, I shall go to Mexico and join General Santa Anna. -His Excellency has done me the honour to send for me." - -"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in entreaty, "you ought to take me -with you to the _ciudad_." - -"Little madcap, you know perfectly well that is impossible; but on my -return I will bring you and your mother the finest things from the -Portales des Mercaderes and the Parian, in order that you may eclipse -the most coquettish señoras of Tepic, when it may please you to walk on -the Alameda of the Pueblo." - -"Oh! That is not the same thing," she said with a charming pout; "and -yet," she added, suddenly regaining her good humour, "I thank you, -father; for you are kind--you love me; and when you do not satisfy my -whims, it is because you find it impossible." - -"I am glad that you recognise that fact, and at length do me justice, -little rattle-brain; for you spend your life in teasing me." - -The girl began laughing, and by a sudden impulse letting her reins fall, -she threw her arms round her father's neck and kissed him several times. - -"Take care what you are about," the colonel said, at once happy and -alarmed. "If Rebecca were to bolt you would be killed. Take up your -reins at once, I say!" - -"Nonsense!" she said, laughing, and shaking her brown tresses -carelessly; "Rebecca is too well trained to behave in such a way." - -Still she caught up her reins and settled herself in her saddle. - -"Angelita mia," the father continued, perhaps more seriously than the -circumstances demanded, "you are no longer a child. You ought to begin -to grow more reasonable, and moderate the vivacity of your character." - -"Do you scold me for loving you, my father?" - -"Heaven forbid, my child! I only make a remark which I consider just; -for, if you yield in this way to your first impressions, you will -prepare great grief for yourself at a future day." - -"Do not think that, my kind father. I am quick, careless, -impressionable, that is true; but, by the side of those defects, I have -the family pride I derive from you, and which will defend me from many -faults." - -"I hope so, my daughter." - -"Do not assume that stern air for a harmless act of folly, father, or I -shall fancy that you are angry with me." Then she added, with a laugh, -"I remember that our family descends in a straight line from the Mexican -king, Chimalpopocatzin, who, as his name indicates, had for his emblem a -buckler from which smoke is issuing. You see, father, our character has -not degenerated since that valorous king, and we have ever remained as -firm as he was himself." - -"Come, come," the colonel said good-humouredly, "I shall give up -scolding you in future, for I see that it is labour wasted." - -The girl smiled maliciously, and was about to reply, when a flash of -light was seen in front of the party. - -"What is that?" the colonel asked, raising his voice. "Is there anyone -on the road?" - -"I think so, colonel," one of the domestics answered at once, "for that -flash seems to me produced by the flint of a _mechero_. - -"That is my opinion too," the colonel said. "Let us hasten on, in order -to see this delayed smoker." - -The little band, which had hitherto proceeded at a slow pace, broke into -an amble. At the expiration of an hour, at the same time as the sound of -a horse's hoofs reached the travellers, they also heard the shrill and -discordant sounds of a _jarana_ (guitar), and the refrain of the -following song, so familiar in Mexico, was borne on the breeze:-- - - "Sin pena vivamos - En calma feliz: - Gozar es mi estrella, - Cantar y reir."[1] - -"Bravo!" the colonel shouted, who reached the singer at this moment. -"Bravely and joyously said, comrade!" - -The latter, with a husk cigarette in his mouth, bowed his head in -affirmation, and defiantly twanged an air on his jarana; then, throwing -it across his shoulder, where it was held by a species of brace, he -turned to his addresser, and ceremoniously doffed his vicuna-skin hat. - -"May God protect you, caballero!" he said politely. "It seems that the -music pleases you." - -"Greatly," the colonel answered, scarce able to retain his laughter at -the sight of the singular person before him. - -He was a tall fellow of eight-and-twenty at the most, marvellously thin, -dressed in a ragged jacket, and haughtily folded in a cloak, whose -primitive colour it was impossible to recognise, and which was as full -of holes as a sieve. Still, in spite of this apparent wretchedness and -starving face, the man had a joyous and decided expression about him, -which it was a pleasure to look upon. His little black eyes, which -looked as if pierced by an auger, sparkled with humour, and his manner -had something _distingué_ about it. He was mounted on a horse as thin -and lanky as himself, against whose hollow flanks beat the straight -sword called a _machete_, which the Mexicans continually wear at their -side, passed through an iron ring instead of a sheath. - -"You are very late on the road, compañero," the colonel continued, whose -escort had by this time caught him up. "Is it prudent for you to travel -alone at this hour?" - -"What have I to fear?" the stranger replied. "What salteador would be -such a fool as to stop me?" - -"Who knows?" the colonel remarked with a smile. "Appearances are often -deceitful, and it is not a bad plan to pretend poverty, in order to -travel in safety along the high roads of our beloved country." - -Though uttered purposelessly, these words visibly troubled the stranger; -still he at once recovered, and continued in a hearty voice,-- - -"Unfortunately for me, any feint is useless. I am really as poor as I -seem at this moment, although I have seen happier days, and my cloak was -not always so ragged as you now see it." - -The colonel, perceiving that the subject of conversation was -disagreeable to his new acquaintance, said,-- - -"As you did not stop either at San Pedro or at Zapopan, for I presume -that, like myself, you came from Guadalajara----" - -"It is true," the stranger interrupted him; "I quitted the city about -three in the afternoon." - -"I suppose," the colonel continued, "that you intend to halt at the -mesón of San Juan; so, if you have no objection, we will proceed thither -together, for I intend to halt for the night there." - -"The mesón of San Juan is a good hostelry," the other said, respectfully -lifting his hand to his hat; "but what shall I do there? I have not an -_ochavo_ to expend uselessly, and have far to go. I will bivouac on the -road; and while my horse, poor brute, is sucking its bit, I will smoke -cigarettes, and sing that romance of King Rodrigo, which, as you are -aware, commences thus." - -And quickly bringing his guitar to the front, he began singing in a loud -voice,-- - - "Cuando las pintadas aves - Mudas están, y la tierra - Atenta escucha los rio - Que al mar su tributo llevan: - Al escaso resplandor--"[2] - -"Eh!" the colonel exclaimed, brusquely interrupting, "what musical rage -possesses you? It is frenzy." - -"No," the singer replied in melancholy mood; "it is philosophy." - -The colonel examined the poor fellow for a moment; then drawing nearer -to him,-- - -"I am Colonel Don Sebastian Guerrero de Chimalpos. I am travelling with -my daughter and a few servants. Grant me the honour of your company for -this night: tomorrow we will separate, and go our several ways." - -The stranger hesitated for a moment, and frowned. This shade of -dissatisfaction, however, soon disappeared. - -"I am a proud fool," he replied with affecting frankness; "misery -renders me so susceptible that I fancy people are ever trying to -humiliate me. I accept your gracious invitation as frankly as it is -offered. Perhaps I may be able to prove my gratitude to you ere long." - -The colonel paid no great attention to these words, because, just at the -moment, the party arrived at the mesón of San Juan, whose lighted -windows had revealed its proximity to the travellers for some time past. - - -[1] Let us live without annoyance in a happy calm: playing is my star, -singing and laughing. - -[2] When the spangled birds are dumb, and the attentive earth listens to -the rivers that bear their tribute to the sea by the weak light--. - - - - -II.--EL MESÓN DE SAN JUAN. - - -A great deal has been written about the cool and inhospitable way in -which Spanish and Sicilian landlords receive the travellers whom -Providence sends them; but it is evident to us that those who write in -such wise are not acquainted, even by hearsay, with the _mesoneros_ or -Mexican hosts. Were it so, they would doubtlessly, at their own risk -and peril, have rehabilitated those worthy fellows, to discharge the -whole weight of their indignation on the _huéspedes_ of New Spain. - -It is a justice to render to the Spanish and Sicilian landlords, that if -they are utterly unable to satisfy in any way the exigencies of -travellers, by giving the latter the provisions they demand, still they -greet them with so affable a countenance, and veil their refusal under -such an exquisite politeness, that in nine cases out of ten the -traveller is compelled to allow that he was himself to blame for not -laying in the necessary provisions, and therefore sups on apologies. - -In Mexico things are very different. On the few high roads formerly -constructed by the Spaniards, and which the neglect of the different -governments that succeeded them has left in such a state that they will -soon disappear completely, there stand, at long distances from each -other, vast buildings which resemble fortresses, for they are nearly all -surrounded by embattled and loopholed walls. These buildings are the -_mesones_, or inns. - -The interior is composed, first, of an enormous court, with a _noria_, -or well, intended to water the horses. Corrals for the beasts of burden -occupy the four corners of this yard. In a separate building are the -travellers' _cuartos_; that is to say, miserable dens furnished only -with a frame of oak, covered with a cowhide, which serves as a bed. -These cuartos are numbered, and all open on long corridors. Each -traveller is obliged to bring with him the indispensable bedding, for -the host only supplies the alfalfa for the horses' provender, and water -from the noria. - -It was about ten at night when Colonel Guerrero arrived at the door of -the mesón of San Juan, which was hermetically closed. Upon the repeated -blows dealt by one of the servants, a wicket pierced in the wall, about -two paces from the gate, at length opened; an ill-tempered face was -visible, and a rough voice shouted,-- - -"Who dares to make such a disturbance at the gate of so honest and -respectable a mesón as this?" - -"Travellers have arrived, Don Cristoval Saccaplata," the colonel -answered. "Come, open quickly, for we have made a long journey, and are -tired." - -"Hum! They all say the same thing," the host growled. "What do I care -for that? I shall not open, it is too late; so go your way, and Heaven -protect you!" - -And he prepared to close the wicket. - -"One moment. Confound you!" the colonel shouted, "you will not let us -bivouac in front of your door? That would not be at all honourable for -you." - -"Bah! A night is soon passed," the host replied with a grin; "besides, -you can go on to the mesón del Salto: they will open to you there." - -"Don't you know that is eight miles off?" - -"Of course I do." - -"Come, open, Señor Saccaplata: you would not have the barbarity to leave -us out here?" - -"Why not?" - -"Because, if you do open, you will be rewarded in a way which you will -not repent of." - -"Yes, yes, all travellers are the same; they make plenty of promises so -long as they are outside; but once in, they are not in a hurry to untie -their purse-strings." - -"That will not be the case with us." - -"How do I know?" the _huésped_ said, shrugging his shoulders. "My house -is full; I have no room left." - -"We will find some, dear Saccaplata." - -"Halloh! Who are you, pray, who know me so well? Maybe you are one of -those _caballeros de la noche_ who have been ransacking the country for -some time past." - -"You are mistaken grossly, and I will prove it to you," the colonel -answered, anxious to cut short this open-air conversation. "Take that -first," he said, throwing two ounces through the wicket; "and now, to -prevent any misunderstanding, know that I am Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -The worthy landlord was only sensible to one argument--that which the -colonel had so judiciously employed to overcome his resistance. He -stooped, picked up the two ounces, which disappeared in a second, and -again addressing the travellers, but this time with a tone which he -strove to render more amiable,-- - -"Come," he said, "I must e'en do what you wish, I am too good-hearted. -You have provisions, I hope?" - -"We have everything we require." - -"All the better, for I could not have supplied you. Do not be impatient; -I am coming down." - -He disappeared from the wicket, and within five minutes could be heard -unbarring the door, growling fearfully the while. The travellers then -entered the yard of the mesón. The huésped had lied like the true -landlord he was; he only had in the house two or three muleteers with -their animals, and three travellers, who, by their dress, seemed to be -hacenderos from the vicinity. - -"Halloh!" Don Sebastian shouted, "someone to take my horse." - -"If you begin in that way we shall not be friends long," the huésped -said in the sharp tone he had previously employed. "Here, everyone, big -or little, waits on himself, and attends to his own horse." - -The colonel was far from being of a patient temper. If he had previously -endured the host's insolence, it was solely because it was impossible to -chastise him; but that reason no longer existed. Sharply dismounting, he -drew his pistols from his holsters, thrust them in his belt, and walking -boldly toward Señor Saccaplata, seized him by the collar and shook him -roughly. - -"Listen, master rogue!" he said to him. "A truce to your insolence, and -wait on me, unless you would repent it." - -The host was so amazed at this brusque way of replying to him, and this -assault on his inviolability, that for a moment he remained dumb through -confusion and wrath. His face became crimson, his eyes rolled, and he at -length shouted in a strangled voice,-- - -"Help! Help me! Such an insult! By the body of Christ, I will not -overlook it! Leave my house at once!" - -"I shall not go," the colonel answered peaceably, but firmly; "and you -will attend to me immediately." - -"Oh! We shall see that. Here, help, Pedro, Juan, Jacinto! Come, all of -you, and on to these rascals!" - -Seven or eight servants rushed from the corrals at the sound of their -master's voice, and ranged themselves behind him. - -"Very good," the colonel said, raising his pistols. "I'll blow out the -brains of the first scamp who moves a step toward me with bad -intention." - -We need not say that the peons remained motionless, as if they had -suddenly been changed into blocks of granite. One of the colonel's -servants had assisted Doña Angela from her horse, and accompanied her to -a cuarto, in which he installed her; then he returned in all haste to -his master's side, foreseeing that his co-operation would be speedily -needed. - -The courtyard of the mesón offered a most singular aspect at this moment -by the light of the torches of ocote wood, passed through iron rings -along the walls. On one side stood the host and his servants; on the -other, Don Sebastian's four footmen, with their hands on their weapons, -and the guitar player, with his jarana on his back, and his hands folded -on his chest; a little on one side, the travellers and arrieros -previously arrived; and in the centre, alone, with his pistols in his -hand, the colonel, with frowning brow and flashing eyes. - -"Enough of this, scoundrel!" he shouted. "For a long time you have been -plundering and insulting the travellers whom Providence sends to you. -By heavens! If you do not on the instant demand my pardon for your -insolence, and if you do not serve me with all that politeness I have a -right to demand from you, I will inflict on you, upon the spot, a -correction which you will remember your life long." - -"Take care what you are about, my master," the huésped answered -ironically. "You see that I have men to help me. If you do not decamp at -once, all the worse for you. I have witnesses, and the _juez de letras_ -shall decide." - -"Good heavens!" the colonel shouted, "that is too much, and removes all -my scruples. The scoundrel threatens me with the law. Level your pieces, -men, and fire on the first who stirs!" - -The domestics obeyed. Don Sebastian then seized the host, despite his -cries and desperate resistance, and in a second had him down on the -ground. - -"I believe I shall do a service to all the travellers whom their evil -star may in future bring to this den," he continued, "by punishing this -scamp as he deserves." - -The witnesses of this scene--peons, arrieros, or travellers--had not -made a move to help the host. It was evident that all, for certain -reasons, were in their hearts pleased with what was happening to him. -Not one of them would have dared to take on himself the responsibility -of such an act; but as there was someone ready to do so, they were -careful not to offer the slightest obstacle to him. By the peremptory -order of the colonel, the poor landlord was fastened by two of his own -servants to the long pole of the noria, and debarred from making the -slightest movement. - -"Now," the colonel continued, "each of you take a _reata_, and thrash -him till he confesses himself conquered, and consents to do what I ask -of him." - -Despite their feigned repugnance, the host's two peons were compelled to -obey the colonel; for his orders were supported by four rifles and two -pistols, whose gaping muzzles were directed point blank at them. To -honour the truth, we must confess that, either through terror or for -some other cause, the two peons conscientiously performed their duty. - -The host howled like a bull. He was mad with rage, and writhed like a -viper in the bonds which he tried in vain to break. The colonel stood -stoically by his side, only asking him from time to time, ironically, -how he liked his arguments, and if he would soon make up his mind to -yield. Human strength has limits which it cannot pass. In spite of all -his fury and obstinacy, the host was forced to confess to himself, -aside, that he had to do with a man more obstinate than he was, and -that, if he did not wish to die under the lash, he must resolve to -endure the humiliation imposed on him. - -"I surrender," he said, in a voice broken as much by anger as by pain. - -"Already!" the colonel remarked coldly. "Pooh! I fancied you braver. -Why, you have hardly received thirty lashes. Stop, you fellows, and -unfasten your master!" - -The peons eagerly obeyed. When free, the host tried to rise, but his -strength failed him, and he fell back on the ground, where he lay for -several moments powerless to move. At length he made a desperate effort, -and picked himself up. His face was pale; his features were contracted; -an abundant perspiration stood on his temples, which throbbed as if -ready to burst; he had a buzzing in his ears; and tears of shame poured -from his eyes. He took a few tottering steps toward the colonel. - -"I am at your orders, caballero," he said, bowing his head humbly. -"Speak: what must I do?" - -"Good!" the latter remarked. "Now you are reasonable; you are much -better so. Give some provender to my horses, and assist my servants to -wait on me." - -"Pardon, caballero!" the huésped said. "Will you allow me to say two -words to you?" - -The colonel smiled contemptuously. - -"To what end? I know them, and I will repeat them myself. You wish to -warn me that, obliged to yield to superior force, you have done so, but -you will avenge yourself on the first opportunity. Is not that it?" - -"Yes," he muttered in a hollow voice. - -"Very well; you are quite at liberty to do so, master host; but take -your precautions, for I warn you that, if you miss me, I shall not miss -you. So now wait on me, and make haste." - -And, shrugging his shoulders, the colonel turned his back on him with a -smile of disdain. - -The host watched him depart with a hateful expression, which imparted -something hideous to his face; and when he saw that the colonel was out -of the yard, he shook his head twice or thrice, muttering to himself,-- - -"Yes, I will avenge myself, demon, and sooner than you imagine." - -After this aside, he composed his face and attended to his household -duties with an activity and apparent indifference that caused his -servants to be thoughtful, for they knew his rancorous character. Still -he did not complain; he made no allusion to the cruel punishment he had -undergone, but, on the contrary, waited on the travellers with an -attention and politeness they had not been accustomed to prior to this -unlucky day; and they took advantage of the change, while keeping on -their guard. - -Still nothing apparently happened to justify their suspicions--all went -on calmly: the travellers retired to bed one after the other; then the -host made his round to assure himself that all was in order, and retired -to the room reserved for his private use. - -The colonel had already been asleep some hours, and was in a deep sleep, -from which he was suddenly aroused by a noise he heard at his door. - -"Who's there?" he asked. - -"Silence!" someone answered outside. "Open; it is a friend." - -"Friend or foe, tell me who you are, that I may know with whom I have to -deal." - -"I am," the voice made answer, "the man you met on the road." - -"Hem! What do you want with me? Why are you not asleep at this hour, -instead of coming to rouse me?" - -"Open, in Heaven's name! I have important news to tell you." - -The colonel hesitated for a moment, but soon reflecting that this man, -to whom he had done no harm, could have no motive, for being his enemy, -he decided on getting up. Still, through prudence, he cocked one of his -pistols, which he had placed by his side on retiring to bed, and went to -open the door. The stranger walked in quickly, and closed it after him. - -"Speak low," he said hurriedly. "Listen to me: the host is forming some -scheme against you." - -"I suspect it," the colonel said, who, while speaking, had lit a candle; -"but whatever he may do, I am out of his reach, and the scoundrel will -be crushed if he attack me." - -"Who knows?" the stranger said. - -"Come, you know something positive. Have I any plot to fear inside the -house?" - -"I do not think so." - -"Tell me what you have discovered, then." - -"I will do so; but in the first place, as I am a total stranger to you, -allow me to tell you my name." - -"For what good?" - -"No one knows what may happen in this world: it is useful to be able to -distinguish one's friends from one's enemies." - -"Speak; I am listening." - -"You nearly guessed the truth. Under my starving appearance I conceal a -certain monetary value. My name is Don Cornelio Mendoza. I am a student. -I had at Guadalajara an aunt, who, on dying, appointed me her heir. I am -carrying with me in my belt one hundred and fifty gold ounces, and in my -portfolios bills for an equal amount payable at San Blas. You see that I -am not so poor as I appear to be. But the road between the two cities is -long and dangerous, and I assumed this disguise to escape the robbers, -if that be possible." - -"Very good, Don Cornelio: you can now, if you please, change your -attire, for I hope that we shall pursue our journey together." - -"With all my heart; but if it make no difference, I will retain my -lepero dress provisionally." - -"As you please; but now to the fact. What have you to tell me?" - -"Not much, but yet enough to put us on our guard. Our landlord, after -making his round and assuring himself that everyone had retired, woke up -one of his servants, the very one who thrashed him with such good will." - -"Yes, I remember that rogue's face." - -"Very good. After calling him into his room, he remained shut up with -him for ten minutes; then he opened a window, the peon leaped out on the -highway, and ran off at full speed." - -"Oh, oh!" the colonel said. - -"The landlord looked after him till he disappeared, then muttered -several words I could not understand, excepting one name, which, thanks -to Heaven, reached my ear." - -"What was it?" - -"El Buitre (the Vulture)." - -"Hum! Is that all?" - -"Yes." - -"It does not teach me much; but how did you learn all this? The landlord -did not make you his confidant, I suppose?" - -"No, not a bit in the world. I became his confidant in spite of himself, -and in the most natural way. My cuarto is just over his room. I heard -him open a window, and I listened." - -"Yes, but unfortunately you heard nothing." - -"Yes, a name." - -"But a name which has no meaning for us." - -"On the contrary, it is of enormous significance." - -"How so?" - -"The famous leader of the salteadores, whose band has been desolating -the province for a year, is called El Buitre. Do you now understand?" - -"Body o' me!" the colonel shouted, as he jumped up hurriedly, "I rather -think I do understand." - - - - -III.--THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD. - - -We will for the moment quit the mesón of San Juan, and proceed about two -leagues further on, where certain persons, with whom the reader must -form an acquaintance, are assembled. - -Hardly one hundred and fifty yards beyond the mesón the road begins to -grow narrower; the mountains approach, as if wishful to shake hands, and -that so abruptly and unexpectedly, that they form all at once a narrow -and long gorge, which is known throughout the country as the _barranca -del mal paso_. - -After passing through this gorge, the scenery leaves its abrupt and -savage aspect to resume a smiling character; the road widens again; a -charming valley, intersected by a stream, presents itself to sight; and -on all sides the eye surveys a deliciously accidented horizon. - -On either side of the barranca begin impenetrable forests, through which -a road can only be cut axe in hand, unless the traveller has a deep -knowledge of the narrow and almost invisible paths which lead into the -interior with innumerable twinings. - -We must ask the reader to follow us to one of the most hidden and least -known resorts in this forest. - -In the centre of a vast clearing, where burned a cedar eighty feet in -height, emitting incessant sparks, some twenty men in sordid garments--a -horrible medley of luxury and indigence--with faces in which crime was -written in capital letters, but all armed to the teeth, were assembled -in groups of three or four each, drinking, eating, smoking, and singing. - -Not far from them, their horses, saddled and ready to mount at the first -signal, were eating their provender of alfalfa and climbing peas; while, -on the edge of the covert, four or five men, motionless as bronze -statues, were attentively surveying the surrounding country. - -A little on one side, two men, seated on low stools, were talking and -puffing in each other's faces enormous volleys of smoke. The first and -elder of the two appeared about eight-and-twenty years of age; his long, -light hair fell in heavy curls on his shoulders; his features were -effeminate; but his aquiline nose, his bright blue eyes, and narrow -forehead, imparted to his face a character of baseness and cold cruelty. -He wore the splendid costume of the Mexican hacenderos, and was -carelessly playing with the trigger of a splendid silver-mounted -American rifle. - -His companion offered a striking contrast to him: while the first was -tall, well built, and endowed with pleasing manners, the second was -short, stumpy, heavy, and repulsive in face, gestures, and even in -language. The richness of his attire only seemed to render more striking -the hideousness imprinted as an indelible stigma on this odious person. -Everything announced in him the prowling jackal, that possesses all the -ferocity of the lion, but none of that animal's nobility or courage. - -The clearing we have described was one of the principal haunts of the -Vulture, that terrible bandit who, at the time we write of, was -ravaging the state of Guadalajara. The men collected in it formed his -band, and the two men we have just introduced were, the first, _El -Buitre_ himself; the second, _El Garrucholo_, his lieutenant and dearest -friend. - -At the moment we bring them on the stage, these two interesting -personages were engaged, as we shall see, in a confidential -conversation. We may observe that, strangely enough, this conversation -was not held in Spanish, but in English. - -"Hem!" El Garrucholo said, as he inhaled a mouthful of smoke, which he -immediately sent forth again from his mouth and nostrils. "What do you -find so disagreeable in our profession, John? For my part, I consider it -delightful. These worthy Mexicans are gentle as lambs; they allow -themselves to be plundered with unequalled patience; and you will agree -with me, my dear fellow, that we gain more by cutting the buttons from -their _calzoneras_ than by easing the richest gentleman down there." - -"All that is possible, my friend," El Buitre answered, throwing away his -cigarette with a gesture of impatience. "I do not assert the contrary. -Assuredly the profit is large, and the risk nothing, I grant; but--" - -"Well, why do you stop? Go on." - -"In a word, I was not born for such a trade." - -El Garrucholo gave vent to a hearty laugh. - -"That's where the shoe galls you, then?" he said, with a shrug of his -shoulders. "You are mad, comrade: every man is born for the trade he -carries on, especially when he chose it himself." - -"Would you assert by that----?" - -"What I say I mean. When I picked you up in Mexico, under the arcades of -the Plaza Mayor, with a dagger buried in your breast up to the hilt, and -not a real in your pockets, I should have done better, deuce take me, to -let you die like a masterless dog, instead of curing you; at least, I -should not have heard such nonsense from you." - -"Why did you not do so? At any rate I should have died without -dishonouring an honourable name." - -"Deuce take the honourable name, and the man who bears it! My dear -fellow, you annoy me by your ridiculous pretensions; you forget, with -your mania for nobility, that you are only a foundling." - -El Buitre frowned and seized his lieutenant's arm. - -"Enough on that subject, Red Blood; you know that I have already warned -you that I would not suffer any jesting on that head." - -"Bah! What's the odds about being a foundling? A man ought not to feel -annoyed at that; it is one of those accidents for which the most honest -fellow cannot be responsible." - -"You are my friend, Red Blood; or, at least, seem to be so." - -"In your turn, my noble Mr. John Stanley," the bandit sharply -interrupted him, "do not express such doubts about me; they grieve and -insult me more than I can express. I am attached to you as the blade of -my bowie-knife is to the hilt I am yours, body and soul. I have only -that one virtue, if it be one; so pray do not strip me of it." - -El Buitre remained silent for a moment, and then continued in a -conciliating voice,-- - -"I am wrong. Pardon me, brother; in truth, I have had sufficient proofs -of your friendship to have no right to doubt it. Still it seems to me so -strange, that I at times ask myself how it comes that you, Red Blood, -who hate humanity in a mass--you to whom nothing is respectable or -sacred--feel for me a friendship which rises to the most complete -abnegation and the most utter weakness. That appears to me so -extraordinary, that I would give much to hold the solution of the -problem." - -"You are an ass, John!" the bandit replied in a mocking tone. "What is -the use of telling you why I love you? You would not understand me. -Suffice it for you to know that it is so. Do you believe me, then, a -perfect ferocious brute, incapable of generous instincts?" - -"I do not say that." - -"You think it, which comes to the same thing. But it is of no matter to -me: I dispense you from gratitude; you may even hate me, and I should -not care. I do not love you for yourself, but for myself. But suppose we -talk of something else, if you are agreeable?" - -"I wish nothing better, for I see that I should lose as much time in -trying to draw a good reason from you as in washing a blackamoor -white." - -"Ta, ta, ta! You are an ass, I repeat. But let me alone; if a certain -thing I am now scheming succeed, we shall soon bury El Buitre to bring -John Stanley to life again." - -The salteador quivered. - -"May Heaven hear you!" he exclaimed involuntarily. - -"You had better appeal to the other place if you wish to succeed," the -bandit said with a grin; "but you trust to me. Soon, I hope, we shall so -completely change our skins that fellows will be very clever who -recognise us. Look ye, John: in, this world all that is needful is to -take the ball on the bound and turn with the wind." - -"I confess, my good fellow, that I do not understand a syllable of what -you are saying to me." - -"Eh! What do you want to understand for? You never were the worse off -for leaving me to guide you. Two words are as good as a thousand. Before -long we shall turn our coats, and change, not the trade we carry on so -agreeably, but the name under which we do it, to assume one better -sounding and more lofty. Look there!" he added, pointing sarcastically -at his comrades. "What an imposing collection of honest fellows we shall -restore to circulation under our auspices! Will it not be magnificent, -after having so long plundered individuals, to become suddenly the -defenders of a nation to the prejudice of the government?" - -"Yes," El Buitre said thoughtfully, "I have always dreamed--" - -"Of carrying on our trade on a grand scale, eh? You were right: there -is nothing like doing things properly, if you wish to be held in -estimation. Well, be at ease; I will procure that pleasure. At any rate, -if luck desert you, you will have the advantage of being shot instead of -being hanged or garotted, and that is a consolation." - -"Yes," El Buitre said quickly; "in that way a man dies like a -gentleman." - -"And is not dishonoured, I allow. Ah! The filibusters of old were lucky -fellows; they conquered empires, and handed down their names to -posterity, the exploits of the hero easily causing the crimes of the -bandit to be forgotten." - -"Will you never be serious?" - -"I am only too much so, on the contrary; for, as you see, although you -did not confide in me, I am preparing you a place by the side of the -Cortez, the Almagros, and Pizarros, whose glory has so long prevented -you sleeping." - -"You may jest, Red Blood," the salteador said with an accent of profound -emotion; "but if, as I suppose, you appreciate my character at its true -value, you know that I only seek one thing--to regenerate these unhappy -races, whom a brutalising subjection has plunged during so many -centuries into a degrading barbarism." - -"You only wish for the welfare of humanity of course," the bandit said -with an ironical laugh. "We should not be worthy sons of Uncle Sam, that -land of liberty and theoretical philanthropy, did we not dream of the -amelioration of society. That is the reason why, while biding our time, -we have become of our private authority redressers of wrong, and -gentlemen of the road--a charming trade, I may remark parenthetically, -and which we carry on conscientiously." - -"Go to the deuce, you inexplicable scamp!" the young man exclaimed in a -passion. "Shall I never know how to speak or how to deal with you?" - -"No," he replied seriously, "no, John, so long as you try to play at -hide and seek with me, who know every thought of your heart. Cease to -display these pretensions to honesty, which deceive nobody, not even -yourself, and become frankly a bandit chief till you can be something -else. When the moment has arrived it will be time to put on a cloak of -hypocrisy, which will deceive the fools, and consolidate the position -you have acquired." - -At this moment the shriek of the owl was heard in the thickest part of -the forest. - -"What's that?" El Buitre asked, not sorry to break off a conversation -which was taking a personal turn rather disagreeable to him. - -"A signal given by a sentry," El Garrucholo answered; "a spy who -doubtlessly brings us news. We are awaiting, as you know, the passing of -certain travellers." - -"I know it; but they are said to be well armed, and under good escort." - -"All the better; they will defend themselves, and that will be a -change." - -"The truth is, that those we have stopped for some time past seemed to -have agreed to let themselves be plundered without a murmur." - -"If the information I have received be exact, that will not be the case -with the present party." - -The owl cry was heard a second time, but now much nearer. - -"It is time," El Garrucholo observed. - -The two chiefs then put on black velvet masks, and almost immediately a -man appeared, led by two bandits. On entering the clearing this -individual threw around a glance rather of astonishment than terror: -nothing in his conduct showed that he had fallen into an ambuscade, for -his face was calm, though rather pale, and his step was assured. - -The bandits who escorted him led him before the two chiefs, who examined -him attentively through the holes in their masks. El Buitre then -addressed the bandits in Spanish. - -"Where the deuce did you catch that scoundrel?" he said in a rough -voice. "He has not an ochavo about him. Hang him, and let us have no -more bother." - -"Yes," the lieutenant observed, "he is only fit for that, as he was such -an ass as to rush into the net prepared for more noble game." - -"Permit me, excellency," one of the bandits said, bowing respectfully; -"this man was not caught by us." - -"How is he here, then?" - -"Because, illustrious captain, he earnestly asked to be led into your -excellency's presence, as he had matters of the utmost importance to -impart to you." - -"Ah!" the chief said, but added, "I know the fellow; he is, if I am not -mistaken, the huésped of the mesón of San Juan." - -The prisoner bowed in affirmation. - -It was really the worthy Saccaplata himself. After sending off his -criado, and while Don Cornelio was with the colonel, the host thought -that nobody could do one's business so well as one's self; and as he was -probably anxious that it should succeed, he had started off after the -peon, whom he had no difficulty in catching up, for the poor fellow was -not at all anxious to execute the commission his master had intrusted to -him. Saccaplata sent him back to the mesón; and, while the peon returned -in delight, had himself attempted the adventure. - -"Indeed!" the lieutenant remarked. "Does Señor Saccaplata wish to enter -into business relations with us? That would be an excellent idea." - -"I do not say no, honourable caballero," the landlord replied in a -honeyed voice. "Business is very bad at this moment, and it is certain -that a little extra profit, honestly come by, would be acceptable; but, -for the present, I only desire--" - -"To the point," El Buitre suddenly interrupted him; "we have no time to -lose in silly remarks." - -The landlord understood that he must be brief, if he did not wish to -bring down certain unpleasantnesses on himself. - -"The fact is this," he said: "I have in my house, at the present moment, -several rich travellers." - -"We know it. What next?" - -"Among them is the Señor Colonel--" - -"Don Sebastian Guerrero, proceeding to Tepic with his daughter and four -servants," the lieutenant interrupted him. "What next?" - -"What next?" the landlord said, sadly discountenanced. - -"Yes, what next?" - -"That is all." - -"What, you scoundrel! And you had the effrontery to venture among us, -only to tell us a thing we knew as well as yourself?" El Garrucholo -exclaimed. - -"I thought I was doing you a service." - -"You wished to be a spy on us." - -"I!" - -"Of course. Do you take us for fools like yourself, you wretch? But you -shall remember this visit. The _orejada_" he added, turning to the two -bandits, who had remained by the landlord's side. - -"One moment," the captain said. - -Saccaplata, fancying he should escape with the fright, grimaced a smile. - -"I will tell you," the captain continued, "why you came to us. You want -to revenge yourself on Colonel Guerrero, who a few hours back inflicted -on you a well-merited correction." - -"But--" the landlord ventured. - -"Silence! Do not attempt to deny it. I was there. I saw what occurred. -As you are too great a coward to dare to avenge yourself, you thought of -us, supposing that we should not refuse to render you that slight -service. What do you say--is that the truth?" - -"Hum! I would not venture to contradict your excellency," the landlord -said, now beginning to regret having entered this wasp's nest. - -The bandits, attracted by the colloquy, had gradually drawn nearer, and -formed a circle round the speakers, while laughing cunningly to each -other. Still, although accustomed to the pleasing eccentricities of -their worthy chief, they were far from anticipating the _dénouement_ of -this scene. - -After having proved to Saccaplata as clearly as the day that he knew the -motive that led him to offer his good services to the salteadores, the -captain continued in these terms, while smiling cunningly:-- - -"Dear huésped of my heart, we do not refuse to undertake revenging you, -the more so as we had already made up our minds to stop the colonel." - -"Ah!" the landlord said, beginning to feel easier. - -"Yes: still, after reflecting on it thoroughly, we gave up the plan. The -colonel is brave--he will defend himself; moreover, he has with him four -well-armed and determined men. My faith, it was too great a risk; but if -you insist--" - -"Immensely!" the other exclaimed, deceived by the bandit's feigned -kindliness. - -"Very good," the other answered, changing his tone; "then it is a matter -of business between us. Now, such things are always paid for, as you -know, my scamp." - -Saccaplata turned involuntarily toward the other salteadores, who were -grinning affably at him. - -"Consequently," the captain continued with perfect calmness, "you will -pay me twenty ounces for your vengeance, which I take on my own account, -and ten for your ransom." - -"Heaven save me!" the landlord said, clasping his hands in despair. "I -never possessed such a sum, not even in a dream." - -"That is a matter of perfect indifference to me. I never recall my -decision under any circumstances. Another time you will think twice -before venturing so rashly into the claws of El Buitre. The orejada--" - -"Oh, my lord!" the luckless Saccaplata exclaimed, as he fell on his -knees, "I am a poor devil. Have pity on me, noble captain, I implore -you!" - -"Come, put an end to this." - -In spite of his cries and protestations, the landlord was seized and -haled off by his guardians, amid the laughter and sarcasms of the -bandits, whom the sight promised by the captain delighted. - -"Stop!" the huésped suddenly exclaimed; "I think I have a little money -about me." - -"No, no!" the salteadores shouted. "Give him the orejada all the same." - -El Garrucholo made a sign, and order was restored. - -"Let us see," he said. - -The wretch gave a sigh, and with extreme difficulty, after ransacking -all his pockets with many a protestation that he was utterly ruined, -which the bandits listened to with stoical indifference, he at last -succeeded in making up a little more than half the sum. - -"Hum!" the lieutenant said as he pocketed the money, "that is nothing; -but I am a good fellow. You have no more?" - -"Oh! I swear it, excellency," he said, turning out all his pockets. - -"Well," El Garrucholo continued philosophically, "no man is bound to do -impossibilities, and as you have only that--" - -"I am sure of it," the other said, fancying himself saved. - -"Well, then," the lieutenant continued, "let him be only attached by one -ear: we must be honest." - -An immense burst of laughter from the whole band greeted this -proposition. The landlord was carried off to a tree, and before he -understood what they meant to do to him, he uttered a frightful yell of -pain. A bandit had fastened him to the tree by the right ear, by simply -driving his knife through it. - -"There, that's settled," the lieutenant said. "Now, I warn you that, if -you continue to howl, I will have you gagged." - -"Traitors, dogs, assassins, kill me!" - -"No. But listen; that wound is nothing. It is easy for you to deliver -yourself by a slight tug. Your ear will be torn, I allow, but you can't -have everything. As soon as you are free, return home; one of our -friends will accompany you, and you will pay him the rest of the sum." - -"Never!" the landlord howled, "Never! I would sooner die!" - -"Very good; then you shall die, and after that we will carry off the -contents of the hiding place you have so cleverly made in the wall of -your cuarto, by placing before it a picture of Nuestra Señora de -Guadalupe. Eh! What do you think of that?" - -The lieutenant had hardly finished speaking ere the landlord, by a sharp -movement, had regained his liberty. Without thinking of his -frightfully-mutilated ear, he threw himself at the feet of El -Garrucholo. - -"I accept, my lord, I accept; but I implore you, do not ruin me." - -"I was certain you would understand. Be off, scoundrel; and if it is any -consolation, know that you will be avenged on the colonel." - -"Yes," the landlord muttered to himself, "but who will avenge me on you? -Thanks," he added aloud; "that promise causes me to forget my -suffering." - -"All the better; but mind you, no treachery, or we shall manage to get -hold of you again." - -Saccaplata bowed, but made no reply. He understood that it would have -been better for him to remain at home, and allow matters to follow their -course, without seeking a problematic vengeance which cost him thirty -gold ounces and an ear. On reaching the mesón he paid the rest of his -ransom, and banging the door in the face of the bandit who accompanied -him, and thanked him with an air of mockery, he sank on a bench, and -overcome by so many terrible emotions, fainted away. - - - - -IV.--THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO. - - -The rest of the night passed, apparently at any rate, calmly and -tranquilly, and nothing occurred to disturb the rest enjoyed by the -guests at the mesón of San Juan. About four in the morning the doors of -the travellers' cuartos began to open one after the other, and lights -flashed in the patios. The shouts of the muleteers, and the bells of -their animals, aroused the colonel and his daughter, warning them that -it was time to prepare for their departure. - -Don Sebastian, after the suspicions Don Cornelio had suggested to him, -did not at all wish, as he had a young lady with him, to start before -sunrise, especially as he had to traverse the gorge we have already -described, and where it would be easy to form an ambuscade. - -By the sunlight he had a better chance, for two reasons: in the first -place, the servants who accompanied him were old soldiers, accustomed to -war, and greatly attached to him; the second was, that the Mexican -brigands are usually great cowards, and whenever they meet with any -serious resistance from those they attack, they immediately give up the -game. - -These two reasons, and, before all, the fear of alarming his daughter, -and uselessly exposing her to danger during the darkness, obliged the -colonel to let all the other travellers at the mesón start before him; -and, in fact, they soon quitted the hostelry, and dispersed in various -directions. - -The Señor Saccaplata, with pallid face, compressed eyebrows, and head -bandaged up, was walking up and down the patio, with his arms behind his -back, every now and then raising his eyes angrily to the colonel's -window, and growling in a low voice,-- - -"Body and bones! Will not that trumpery colonel make up his mind to -start soon, if he is so ready to give the bastinado to poor folk? But -let him do what he will, he will not escape the fate that awaits him." - -At this moment a young man appeared in the patio, strumming a guitar, -and singing in a low voice,-- - - "No sabo donde mirar, - De todo teme y rezela, - Si al cielo teme su furia, - Porque hizo al cielo ofensa."[3] - -These verses, taken from the romance of King Rodrigo, though probably -sung without any malignant meaning, still referred so closely to the -landlord's present position, that he turned furiously to the unlucky -singer, and attacked him in a brutal voice. - -"Deuce take your howling! Why do you come buzzing in this way in my -ears, when you ought, on the contrary, to be preparing for your -departure?" - -"Why, it is our worthy huésped," Don Cornelio replied with that joyful -accent peculiar to him. "What! You are not fond of music? You are -wrong, my worthy friend, for what I am singing to you is really fine." - -"That is possible," the other said in a rough voice; "but I should feel -obliged by your giving me no more of it." - -"Oh, oh! You are not in a good temper this morning. What's the matter -with you, that you are so bandaged up? On my soul, you must be ill. Oh! -I see what it is; you slept with your window open, and have caught a -toothache." - -The landlord turned green with impotent fury. - -"Caballero," he shouted, "take care." - -"Of what?" Don Cornelio said peacefully. "Toothache is not catching, as -I am aware. Poor man! Pain causes him to wander. Take care of yourself, -my good man; take care of yourself, I advise you." - -And without further ceremony he turned his back on him, and began again -the song which so annoyed the landlord at the point where he broke it -off. - -"Hum!" the latter growled, shaking his fist at the singer; "I hope that -you will catch something in the row. Ah!" he added, "the sun is rising: -perhaps that will induce him to come down." - -In fact, the sun appeared at this moment in a bed of vapour, and after a -twilight, whose duration was almost nothing, the day succeeded, as it -were, immediately to night. - -Don Cornelio, aided by the colonel's servants, fed the horses and -saddled the mules--preparations which brought a smile to the landlord's -lips which would have caused the colonel to feel uncomfortable had he -seen it. - -Suddenly a sound of horses was heard outside, and two men trotted into -the patio, through the gateway left open after the departure of the -arrieros and other travellers. At this unexpected arrival the landlord -turned as if a viper had stung him. - -"Confusion!" he muttered; "day has hardly broken ere these accursed -fellows come across my path." - -The two arrivals troubled themselves in no way about their host's -ill-temper, but dismounted, and taking the bridles off their horses, led -them to the noria to let them drink. - -The travellers were dressed in the garb of the frontier men, and -appeared to be from forty to forty-five years of age. Like all wayfarers -in this blessed country, where every man must depend on himself alone, -they were armed; but, in lieu of the lance or fusil usual in the -interior, they had excellent Mexican rifles--a peculiarity which, in -addition to their _zarapés_ of Indian manufacture, and their fiery and -half-wild mustangs, allowed them to be recognised as Sonorians, or at -least men domiciled in that state. - -The landlord, seeing that the newcomers did not appear to trouble -themselves in the least about him, decided at length on walking toward -them and addressing them. - -"What do you want?" he said to them. - -"Nothing just at present," the elder replied; "but so soon as our horses -have finished drinking, you will give each of them a measure of maize -and a truss of alfalfa." - -"I am the mesonero, and not a peon. It is not my place to wait upon -you," he said brutally. - -The traveller who had spoken looked askance at the host. - -"I don't care whether it is you or your criados who do it," he answered -dryly, "provided that the order I have given is executed promptly, for I -am in a hurry." - -In the face of this rebuff, and especially the glance that accompanied -it, the huésped judged it prudent to draw in his horns and assume a more -conciliatory tone. For the last few hours poor Saccaplata had not been -fortunate with his travellers. All those Heaven sent him had the air of -young bulls escaped from the _toril_. - -"Your excellencies are doubtless anxious to set out again?" he said in -an insinuating voice. - -The strangers made no answer. - -"Not to be too curious," the landlord continued, not yet discouraged, -"may I ask in what direction your honourable seigneuries intend to -proceed?" - -One of the travellers then raised his head, and, looking the indiscreet -mesonero full in the face, said with a mocking air,-- - -"If you are asked, you will answer that you do not know. Come, my good -fellow, have us attended to, and blow your own _puchero_, without -troubling yourself about ours: you might find it too hot for you." - -The host shrugged his shoulders and slipped away, the more nimbly -because he noticed the colonel entering the patio at the moment, and -felt no desire to come in contact with him. - -The two strangers exchanged a smile, and, without further remark, -watched the peon who was giving their horses the provender they had -ordered. - -Don Sebastian was ready to start: he had come to give a final glance to -the horses before leading his daughter downstairs. Don Cornelio walked -up to him so soon as he saw him, and after wishing him good day, drew -him a little aside and whispered,-- - -"Look there, colonel," and he pointed to the two strangers; "those are -sturdy fellows, if I am not mistaken." - -"They are so," Don Sebastian made answer; "I did not notice them -before." - -"They have only just arrived. They would be famous recruits added to our -party, if they would consent to travel with us. What do you think of -it?" - -"I think you are right; but will they consent?" - -"Why not? If they are going the same road as ourselves they will derive -the same benefit from our presence as we shall from theirs." - -"That is true. Have you spoken to them?" - -"No: as I told you, they arrived this moment. You ought to try to -persuade them." - -"I see no harm in attempting it, at least," the colonel answered. - -Hereupon, leaving Don Cornelio, he advanced toward the strangers, and -saluting them politely, said,-- - -"You have magnificent horses, caballeros. I see that they come from the -prairies." - -"Yes, they are real mustangs," one of the strangers replied, returning -the bow. - -"You are finishing your journey at a very early hour," the colonel -continued. "With horses like yours a deal of ground could be covered." - -"What makes you suppose, caballero, that our journey is ended?" - -"Why, your arrival at this hostelry at so early an hour." - -"Ah! You might be mistaken." - -"Pardon my indiscretion, caballeros. Do you come from Guadalajara, or -are you going there?" - -"Caballero," the stranger replied dryly, who had hitherto spoken, "we -the more readily pardon your indiscretion, because it appears that in -this hostelry everybody passes his time in asking questions; still, you -will permit me not to answer yours. My companion and myself are old -travellers, and we know that on the roads of this country men too often -repent gossiping about their business, but never of keeping it to -themselves." - -The colonel drew himself up with an air of pique. - -"As you please, caballero," he replied coldly. "I cannot feel annoyed at -your prudence; still, I would observe that you have given a wrong -meaning to my remarks. I only wished to offer you my escort in crossing -an ill-famed gorge, in which the band of the dangerous robber, El -Buitre, is at this moment ensconced." - -"I know the man by repute," the stranger said in a somewhat more affable -tone. "My friend and myself will, I hope, be sufficient to keep him at -arm's length; still, though I do not accept your offer, I thank you for -the cordiality which urged you to make it." - -The conversation broke off here. The two men bowed with all the marks of -the most exquisite politeness, and turned their backs on each other. The -colonel, annoyed at the way in which his advances had been met, gave the -order for departure, and went to fetch his daughter. An instant later he -reappeared with her; the band mounted, and, on a signal from Don -Sebastian, set out. On passing before the strangers, who watched their -departure, the colonel took off his hat, as did Don Cornelio. Doña -Angela gave a graceful bow, accompanied by a charming smile. The -strangers, in their turn, uncovered and bowed respectfully to the party. - -"There, scoundrel," the colonel said as he threw an ounce to the -landlord, who watched their departure with a cunning look, "there's a -plaster for your wounds." - -Saccaplata sharply picked up the ounce, thrust it into his pocket, and -crossed himself as he muttered,-- - -"You will want a good many ounces to cure your wounds, you will. Bah!" -he added, with a sinister laugh, "it is now El Buitre's affair; let them -settle it together." - -When Don Sebastian had left the hostelry he divided his party into -three: two of his servants rode in front, gun on thigh; two others -behind; while he and Don Cornelio, having Doña Angela between them, rode -in the middle. All being thus arranged, and the order given to keep a -careful outlook, the cavalcade started at a sharp trot. - -In the meanwhile the two strangers, as we have said, remained at the -mesón. They watched the little party for a long time, and then, as their -horses had finished eating, they put on their bridles and tightened -their girths. - -"My faith, Don Louis!" the younger of the two at length said, "I can't -help it; I must tell you what I have on my mind, or I shall choke." - -"Speak, my friend," his comrade said with a sad smile. "I know as well -as you do what is troubling your mind." - -"Perhaps so; still that would surprise me." - -"Listen, then, Belhumeur. You are asking yourself at this moment why I -was so rude to that gentleman whom I do not know, and whom I saw for a -moment for the first time in my life?" - -"By my faith! You have guessed it: that was, in truth, my thought. I -seek in vain the reason for such extraordinary conduct on your part, and -I confess that I give it up as a bad job." - -"Do not trouble yourself any further, my good fellow. I was -involuntarily guided by a secret presentiment, by a species of -incomprehensible instinct, which forced me to act as I did." - -"That is strange." - -"Yes, is it not so? You know the feeling of instinctive repulsion one -experiences on touching a reptile?" - -"Of course." - -"Well, when that man advanced toward me, even before I saw him, I felt -his presence, if I may say so; my heart beat violently; and when he -addressed me I felt a sudden and incomprehensible pain." - -Belhumeur regarded him for a moment with fixed attention. - -"And you conclude from that?" he said. - -"That this man will be my enemy at some appointed moment; that he will -stand in my path, gloomy and implacable, and prove fatal to me." - -"Come, my friend, that is not possible. You are leaving this country, -never to return to it, since, in spite of all your researches, you have -been unable to find the man on whose behalf you came. The man you saw -this morning is a field officer in the Mexican army, and it is not very -likely he will leave his country: everything opposes it. Where can you -meet again?" - -"I do not know, Belhumeur; I seek neither to guess nor to foresee the -future. It is evident that, after leaving you at the Hacienda del -Milagro, I shall proceed to Guaymas, where I shall embark, I know not -yet for what country; and it is my settled purpose never to set foot in -Mexico again. Still I repeat to you, although it may appear absurd, I am -convinced that that man will be my enemy some day, and that one of us -will kill the other." - -"Come, come, I will not discuss that subject with you; it is better for -us, I fancy, to start, for we have a long journey before us today." - -"That is true, my friend. Let us start, and think no more of my -forebodings. They will turn out as Heaven may direct." - -"Amen!" Belhumeur said. "That is how I like to see you; thus you -resemble my brave Raphael, my dear Loyal Heart, to whom I wish to make -you known before leaving you." - -"You will afford me the greatest pleasure." - -They mounted their horses, paid the landlord, and in their turn quitted -the mesón de San Juan, walking their horses in the direction of the -barranca del mal paso, where the colonel had preceded them. They -proceeded for some time in silence, side by side. At length the -Canadian, who could not remain long without speaking, took the word. - -"Do you not think, Don Louis, that, supposing the colonel spoke the -truth, two men like ourselves would prove very useful to him?" - -"What does that concern us?" Don Louis asked sharply. - -"Us nothing; and assuredly, if only that soldier, to whom you have such -an antipathy, were concerned, I should not trouble myself about him, but -leave him to settle with the bandits as best he could." - -"Well?" - -"Don't you understand me?" - -"No, on my honour." - -"Did you not notice the charming girl that accompanies him?" - -"Of course I did." - -"Would it not be frightful--?" - -"Good heavens!" the Count de Prébois Crancé, whom the reader has -doubtlessly recognised,[4] quickly interrupted him, "that would be -fearful. Poor child! Forward, Belhumeur, forward! We must save her." - -"Ah!" the Canadian thought to himself, "I was sure I should find the -soft place." - -The two men bowed over their horses' necks, and started with the -velocity of the tempest. They had scarce gone a mile when cries and -shots reached their ears. - -"Forward--confound it, forward!" the count shouted, urging his horse to -increased speed. - -"Forward!" Belhumeur repeated. - -They rushed into the barranca at headlong speed, and fell like two -demons into the midst of the bandits, whom they saluted with two shots; -then clubbing their rifles, they employed them like maces, bounding into -the medley with indescribable fury. - -It was high time for this assistance to reach the colonel. Three of his -servants were killed; Don Cornelio was lying wounded on the ground; -while Don Sebastian, with his back against a block of granite, was -desperately defending himself against five or six bandits who assailed -him. - -El Buitre had seized Doña Angela, and thrown her across his saddle-bow, -in spite of her shrieks and resistance; but suddenly Don Louis dealt the -bandit a crushing blow on the head, which hurled him to the ground, and -delivered the girl. Belhumeur all this time did not remain inactive; he -wounded and trampled under his horse's hoofs all those who dared to -oppose his passage. - -The salteadores, surprised by this sudden attack, which they were far -from anticipating--frightened by the carnage the newcomers caused among -their comrades, and not knowing how many foes they might have upon them, -were seized with a panic fear, and fled in the utmost disorder, -clambering up the rocks. El Garrucholo, at the peril of his life, picked -up his captain, whom he would not abandon, and El Buitre once again -escaped the garota. The salteadores lost in this skirmish more than -two-thirds of their numbers. - -When tranquillity was restored, and the bandits had completely -disappeared, Don Sebastian warmly thanked the two adventurers for the -timely aid they had rendered him. Don Louis received politely, but very -coldly, the colonel's advances, confining himself to saying that if he -had been so fortunate as to save his life, he found a reward in his own -heart, and that was sufficient for him; but, in spite of the colonel's -pressing, he refused to tell him who he was, alleging as his sole reason -that he was about to leave Mexico for ever, and that he did not wish to -lay on him a burden so heavy as gratitude. At this remark Doña Angela -drew nearer to Don Louis, and said with a smile of gentle reproach,-- - -"It is quite natural that you who have saved our lives should forget the -fact, or at least attach but slight importance to it; but my father and -myself will remember it for ever." - -And before Don Louis could prevent it, the lovely girl bounded like a -fawn, threw her arms round his neck, and holding up her pure forehead, -which was still rather pale,-- - -"Kiss me, my saviour!" she said, with tears in her eyes. - -The count, affected, in spite of himself, by an action full of such -simple frankness, respectfully kissed the maiden's brow, then turned -away, that she might not read the sweet and yet painful impression so -simple an action had produced on him. - -Doña Angela, smiling and blushing, sought refuge in her father's arms, -leaving in Don Louis' hand a small relic she usually wore round her -neck. - -"Keep it," she said to him, with that sweet Spanish superstition so full -of grace; "it will bring you good fortune." - -"Yes, I will keep it, señorita," the count replied, hiding it in his -bosom, "as a reminiscence of a moment of happiness you unconsciously -caused me this day, by proving to me that, in spite of misfortunes, my -heart is not so dead as I fancied." - -The preparations for departure were made. Don Sebastian, deprived of his -servants, could not dream of continuing his journey. He decided on -returning to Guadalajara, in order to obtain another escort -sufficiently strong to protect his daughter from such a danger as that -she had escaped by a miracle. He was, however, greatly embarrassed by -Don Cornelio, whom he did not wish to abandon, and yet could not -transport. - -"I will take charge of this man, caballero," Don Louis then said to him. -"Do not trouble yourself about him further. My friend and I are in no -great haste. We will carry him to the mesón of San Juan, and not leave -him till he is thoroughly cured." - -Two hours later the two parties separated in front of Saccaplata's -mesón, who saw them return with great terror; but the colonel thought it -advisable, for Don Cornelio's sake, to appear ignorant of the part the -landlord had played in the attack, to which himself and daughter had so -nearly fallen victims. - -Don Sebastian and Don Louis separated with a frigid bow, like men who -are persuaded they will never meet again. But no one can foresee the -future, and unconsciously chance was about to bring them hereafter face -to face under strange circumstances, the realisation of which neither -assuredly suspected at the moment. - - -End Of Prologue. - - -[3] He knows not where to look; he fears or distrusts everything. If he -is afraid of the anger of Heaven, why did he insult it? - -[4] See the "Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE NIGHT HALT. - - -Before the discovery of the rich placers in the neighbourhood of San -Francisco, California was completely wild and almost unknown. The port -of San Francisco, the finest and largest in the world, destined to -become very shortly the commercial _entrepôt_ of the Pacific, was at -that time only frequented by whalers, who, at the period when the whales -retire to the shallow water, came to fish there, cut them up, and melt -down their blubber. - -A few Flat-head Indians wandered haphazard through the vast forests that -covered the seaboard; and in this country, which trade has now seized -on, and which is entering, with all sail set, into the movement of -progress, wild beasts lorded it as masters. - -An old officer of Charles X.'s Swiss Guard had founded a poor colony on -the territory of San Francisco, and cut down trees, which he converted -into planks by the aid of a few watermills. - -Such was the condition in which this magnificent country languished, -when suddenly the news of the discovery of rich placers in California -burst on the world like a shell. Then the country, as if touched by the -magic wand of some powerful enchanter, became all at once transformed. -From all parts of the world adventurers flocked in, bearing with them -that feverish activity and boundless audacity which ignore all -difficulties, and surmount every obstacle. - -At a spot where, a few days previously, gloomy and mysterious forests, -old as the world, stretched out, a city was created, improvised, and -within a few months counted its inhabitants by tens of thousands. The -port, so long deserted, was crammed with vessels of every sort and every -size, and the gold fever renewed the Saturnalia of the Spanish -conquistadors of the Middle Ages. - -For some time after, this country offered to the eye of the observer a -sight the most hideous, the most grand, the most heart-rending, and most -striking that can be imagined. All was mingled, confounded, and -upturned. It was a confusion, a hurly-burly impossible to describe, -where nothing existed any longer--where every tie was broken, every -social idea annihilated; and in this terrible pell-mell, in this -frightful race to the placers, rogues and gentlemen, soldiers and -priests, diplomatists and physicians, jostled each other, all running, -howling, wielding the dagger or the revolver, possessed by only one -idea, instinct, or passion--that of gold. For gold these men would have -sold everything--conscience, honour, probity, everything, even to -themselves! - -We will not enter into fuller details of this wondrous period, during -which California emerged from her nothingness, to take her place, after -ten years of desperate struggling, among the civilised peoples. Other -pens, far more eloquent than ours, have undertaken the rude task of -telling us the history of these striking incidents. We will confine -ourselves to stating that, at the period of our story, gold had only -just been discovered, and California was struggling against the first -raging attack of _delirium tremens_. - -It was about three years after the events we narrated in our prologue. - -In the Sierra Nevada, upon the picturesque slopes that descend gradually -to the sea, in the heart of an immense virgin forest a hundred leagues -from San Francisco, between that city and Los Angeles, the heat had been -stifling during the day. At sunset the sea breeze had risen, and -slightly refreshed the atmosphere; but it sank again almost immediately, -and the temperature had again become heavy and oppressive. - -The motionless trees concealed beneath their dense foliage birds of -every description, which only revealed their presence at intervals by -shrill and discordant cries. Hideous alligators wallowing in the mud of -the swamps, or holding on to the trunks of dead trees scattered here and -there, were the only living beings that animated the landscape, which -was rendered even more gloomy and mournful by the pale, uncertain, and -tremulous flickering of the moonbeams that filtered with great -difficulty through the rare openings in the verdurous forest dome, and -sported capriciously and fantastically about the trees and branches, -though unable to lessen the mysterious obscurity that reigned in the -leafy covert. - -A noise of horses' hoofs was heard on one of the innumerable tracks made -by the wild beasts as they proceed in search of water, and two men -debouched into a clearing formed by the fall of several trees that had -died of old age, and whose mossy trunks were already in a state of -decomposition. - -These men were both dressed in the costume of hunters or wood rangers, -and were armed with American rifles, long knives, and _machetes_. A -_reata_, rolled up and fastened to the saddle-bow, allowed them to be -recognised as partisans from the Mexican frontiers. - -Both had passed middle life; but there the resemblance between them -ended. At the first glance it was easy to guess that one belonged to the -Northern European race; while his comrade, on the contrary, by the olive -tint of his complexion, and his angular features, offered a perfect type -of the Indian aborigines of Chili, so eloquently celebrated by Ercilla, -and known in South America by the name of Araucanos--a powerful, -intelligent, and energetic race, the only one of all the native tribes -of the New World which has managed to retain its nationality, and caused -its independence to be respected to the present day. - -These two men were Valentine Guillois, better known as the -"Trail-hunter," and Curumilla, his silent and devoted companion ever -since the day that chance so many years previously had led Valentine -into Araucania.[1] - -Years, while accumulating on the heads of the two men, had produced but -a slight change in their external appearance. They were still quite -upright, and seemed equally vigorous. A few more wrinkles had formed on -the Frenchman's pensive brow, and some silvery threads were added to his -locks; his features, more angular than before, had assumed those firm -and distinct lines, alone produced by reflection and long contests -valiantly sustained; his eye was still equally frank, but the flash was -more incisive; and his face wore that melancholy impression which -deceptions of every description, and great grief, stamp indelibly on the -countenance of powerful men, whom the fearful storms of life have bowed, -though not broken. - -The Indian was still morose and concentrated. Age, which had laid even a -smaller hold on his organisation than on that of his comrade, had merely -increased the worthy Araucanian's habitual taciturnity, and drawn over -his gloomy face a thicker veil of that stoical fatalism peculiar to the -aboriginal race of America. - -The two men advanced slowly side by side, apparently plunged in deep -thought. At times Valentine stopped, looked cautiously around him, and -then resumed his march, shaking his head dubiously. Each time that the -hunter reined in his horse Curumilla imitated him, though not evidencing -by the slightest sign that he took any interest in his companion's -operations. - -The forest grew with each step denser, the paths became narrower, and -all appeared to forebode that the horses would soon be unable to -advance, impeded as they were by the creepers that were intertwined into -a thick trellis-work in front of them. - -The two horsemen at length reached the clearing to which we have -already alluded, after intense difficulty. On arriving there, Valentine -stopped, and heaving a sigh of relief,-- - -"By Jove!" he said, "Curumilla, my good friend, I was mad to believe you -and follow you so far; it is evident that we are lost." - -The Indian shook his head in denial. - -"Hem! I am aware that you fellows have a marvellous talent for following -a trail, and that you rarely lose your way, even in a place you have -never visited before. Still the darkness is so intense here, that I can -hardly distinguish objects only two paces ahead of me. Come, allow that -we have lost ourselves. Hang it! That may happen to anybody. I propose -that we stop here and await sunrise before we renew our search, the more -so because, for nearly two hours, it has been impossible to discover the -slightest trace proving to us that we are still on the right road." - -Curumilla, without replying, dismounted, and explored the clearing on -all sides; then, at the expiration of a few minutes, he returned to his -friend's side, and gave him a sign to mount again. Valentine had -carefully followed his movements. - -"Well," he said, checking him, "are you not convinced yet?" - -"One hour more," the Indian replied, liberating himself gently, and -getting into his saddle. - -"Hang, it all!" Valentine said, "I confess I am growing tired of playing -at hide and seek in this inextricable forest, and if you do not give me -a positive proof of what you assert, I will not stir from this spot." - -Curumilla bent toward him, and, showing him a small object, said,-- - -"Look!" - -"Eh?" Valentine remarked in surprise, after carefully examining the -object his comrade handed him. "What the deuce is it? Why," he added -almost immediately, "I ought to have recognised it at once: it is a -cigar-case, and a handsome one too. There is a cigar still in it, if I -am not mistaken." - -He remained for an instant in thought. - -"It is true," he went on, "that I have not seen these luxurious products -of civilisation for a long time; indeed, since I gave them up to lead -the life of a free hunter. Where did you find it, Curumilla?" - -"There," he answered, stretching out his arm. - -"Good! The owner of that case cannot be far from us, so let us push on." - -He pocketed the case, and the two horsemen set out once more. - -After crossing the clearing, the path on which they entered began -gradually to widen, and soon they noticed, by the moonbeams that lighted -them at intervals, that the path had been trodden by a large number of -cloven-footed animals, which had cropped the leaves and broken down the -branches on both sides. These traces were still quite fresh. - -"Come," Valentine said gaily, "I was wrong just now, Curumilla. We were -really on the right track, and I believe we shall soon catch up the -persons we have so long been seeking." - -Something like a smile attempted to contract the Indian's features; but -the attempt was not a happy one, and stopped at a grimace. All at once -Curumilla laid his hand on his comrade's bridle, and bending forward,-- - -"Listen," he said. - -Valentine listened attentively; but, for all that, several moments -passed ere he could distinguish aught else than those confused and -mysterious sounds which never expire in the desert: at length something -resembling a musical note borne on the breeze gently died away on his -ear. The hunter started back in surprise. - -"Ah, by Jupiter!" he exclaimed, "that musician has chosen a strange time -to give a concert. I am curious to see such an original a little nearer. -Let us push on." - -After marching for about a quarter of a mile further they began to see a -fire flashing through the trees, and distinctly heard a masculine and -sonorous voice singing to the accompaniment of a jarana. The hunters -stopped in surprise, and listened. - -"By heaven!" the Frenchman muttered, "it is the romancero of King -Rodrigo, sung by an unknown voice at night in the heart of a virgin -forest. Never has that powerful poetry affected me so deeply. In truth, -everything here harmonises with that song, which is so thoroughly -sorrowful and despairing. Whoever he may be, I must see the man who has -unconsciously caused me a few moments of such gentle emotion. Were it -the demon in person, I would shake his hand ere the last strains had -ceased vibrating on the strings of his jarana." - -And without further deliberation, Valentine, after giving Curumilla a -sign to follow him, resolutely entered the circle of light. At the sound -of horses' hoofs, the stranger, with a movement swift as thought, threw -the guitar across his back, and leaped up with a sabre in his right hand -and a revolver in the other. - -"Hold!" he shouted boldly; "stop, if you please, caballero, or I shall -fire." - -"Pray do not do so, señor," Valentine answered, who considered it -prudent to obey the order given him, "for you would run the risk of -killing a friend, and they are too rare in the desert to be received, -when met, by a pistol shot." - -"Hum! I trust what you say is true," the other answered, still on the -defensive; "still I should feel obliged by your explaining to me, in two -words, who you are, and what you are seeking after the acquaintance -becomes more intimate between us." - -"Of course, caballero; I see no inconvenience in satisfying your wishes, -especially as prudence is one of the theological virtues recommended in -the regions where we now are." - -"On my soul, you appear to me to be a jolly fellow! I hope we shall -become friends ere long; and to prove to you that I sincerely desire it, -and at the same time to arouse your confidence, I will begin by telling -you who I am, which will not take long." - -"Pray do so." - -The stranger then thrust his revolver into his belt, took three paces -forward, removed his wide-brimmed hat, whose long feather swept the -ground, and saluted his new acquaintance ceremoniously. - -"Señor caballero," he said with infinite grace and politeness, "my name -is Don Cornelio Mendoza de Arrizabal, gentleman of the Asturias, noble -as the king, and poor at this moment as Job of Bohemian memory. The few -_novillos_ lying around me are my property, and that of my partner, -absent at this moment in search of a few strayed members of the herd, -but whom I expect at any moment. These animals were purchased by us at -Los Angeles, and we are taking them to San Francisco, with the purpose -of selling them at the best price to the gold-seekers and other -adventurers collected in that curious city." - -After uttering this short speech the young man bowed again, put his hat -on his head, placed the point of his sabre on his boot, and waited, foot -forward, and his hand on his hip. - -Valentine had listened attentively, and when he spoke of his partner a -flash of joy sparkled in the hunter's eyes. - -"Caballero," he answered, uncovering in his turn, "my friend and myself -are two wood rangers, hunters, or trail-seekers, whichever you may -please to term us. Attracted by the light of your fire, and the -harmonious song that reached our ears, we came toward you for the -purpose of claiming from you that hospitality which is never refused in -the desert, offering to share our provisions with you, and to be hail -fellows well met so long as we may remain in your agreeable company." - -"You are welcome, caballeros," Don Cornelio replied nobly. "Pray -consider the little we possess as your own." - -The hunters bowed and dismounted. - - -[1] These two characters have been introduced in another work by our -author, and are old friends to French readers. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION. - - -The reception offered the travellers by Don Cornelio was stamped with -that graceful kindness and careless ease which so eminently distinguish -the Spanish character. Although the adventurer's resources were -extremely limited, still he gave the little he possessed with such -complacency and so much good humour to his guests, that the latter knew -not how to thank him for the attentions he lavished upon them. - -After supping as well as they could on _tasajo_ (jerked meat) and -_tortillas_ of maize, washed down with _pulque_ and _mezcal_, they -carefully wrapped themselves in their zarapés, lay down on the ground -with their feet to the fire, and soon appeared to be buried in a deep -sleep. - -Don Cornelio took up his jarana, and leaning against a larch tree, -hummed one of those interminable Spanish romances he was so fond of, in -order to keep awake while awaiting his partner's return. - -The bivouac where our friends now found themselves was certainly not -without a degree of the picturesque. The uncertain gleams of the fire -were reflected fantastically on the heads of some seven hundred and -fifty novillos, lying side by side, ruminating and sleeping, while the -horses were devouring their provender, stamping and neighing. The -Spaniard twanged his guitar, and the two hunters slept peacefully. This -scene, at once so simple and so singular, was worthy the pencil of -Callot. - -Two hours thus passed away, and nothing occurred to disturb the repose -the encampment enjoyed, and the moon sank lower and lower on the -horizon. Don Cornelio's fingers stiffened; his eyes closed; and at -times, despite his efforts to keep awake, his head fell on his chest. In -despair, the Spaniard at last, beaten by fatigue, was about to yield to -the sleep that overpowered him, when a distant noise suddenly dispelled -his somnolency, and restored him the full use of his mind and other -faculties. - -By degrees this noise, at first vague and indistinct, became louder; and -a horseman, armed with a long goad, entered the clearing, driving before -him a dozen novillos and half-savage bulls. After being helped by Don -Cornelio in stockading the straying animals he brought back, the -partner, who was no other than Count Louis de Prébois, dismounted and -sat down to the fire with that nonchalance and careless motion produced -in energetic natures, not so much by fatigue as by discouragement and -moral lassitude. - -"Ah!" he said, looking at the two men stretched out at the fire, and -who, in spite of the noise caused by his arrival, still slept, or -appeared to do so, "we have visitors, I see." - -"Yes," Don Cornelio made answer, "two hunters from the great prairies. I -thought I ought not to refuse them hospitality." - -"You have done well, Don Cornelio: no one has a right in the desert to -refuse the stranger, who asks for them courteously, the heat of his fire -and a moiety of his _tasajo_." - -"That was my idea." - -"Now, my friend, lie down by our guests and rest yourself. This long -watch after the day's toil must have fatigued you beyond measure." - -"But will you not sleep a few moments, Don Louis? Rest must be more -necessary to you than to myself." - -"Permit me to watch," the count answered with a sad smile. "Rest was not -made for me." - -Don Cornelio did not press him any further. Long accustomed to his -companion's character, he considered it useless to make any more -objections. A few moments later, wrapped in his zarapé, and with his -head on his jarana for a pillow, he slept soundly. - -Don Louis threw a few handfuls of dry wood on the fire, which threatened -to expire, crossed his arms on his chest, and, leaning his back against -a tree, indulged in his thoughts, which were doubtlessly sorrowful and -very bitter; for the tears soon fell from his eyes, and ran down his -pallid cheeks, while stifled sighs exhaled from his bosom, and muttered -words escaped from his lips, crushed between his teeth by sorrow. - -So soon as the count, after ordering Don Cornelio to take some repose, -fell down exhausted at the foot of a tree, the hunter, who appeared to -be sleeping so profoundly, suddenly opened his eyes, rose, and walked -gently toward him step by step. - -Several hours passed away thus, Louis being still plunged in mournful -thoughts, Valentine standing behind him, leaning on his rifle, and -fixing on him a glance full of strange meaning. - -The stars gradually expired in the depths of the sky, an opal-coloured -band began slowly to stripe the horizon, the birds awoke beneath the -foliage, sunrise was at hand. Don Louis let his head fall on his chest. - -"Why struggle longer?" he said in a hoarse, deep voice. "What good to go -farther?" - -"Those are very despairing words in the mouth of a man so strong as -Count Louis de Prébois," a low but firm voice whispered in his ear, with -a tone of gentle and sympathising reproach. - -The count shuddered as if he had received an electric shock; a -convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs; and he bounded to his feet, -examining with haggard eye, pale brow, and disordered features, the man -who had so suddenly replied to the words pain had torn from him. The -hunter had not changed his position; his eye remained obstinately fixed -upon him, with an expression of melancholy, pity, and paternal kindness. - -"Oh!" the count muttered in terror, as he passed his hand over his dank -forehead; "it is not he--it cannot be he! Valentine, my brother!--you -whom I never hoped to see again--answer, in Heaven's name, is it you?" - -"'Tis I, brother," the hunter said gently, "whom Heaven brings a second -time across your path when all seems once again to fail you." - -"Oh!" the count said with an expression impossible to render, "for a -long time I have been seeking you--for a long time I have called on -you." - -"Here I am." - -"Yes," he continued, shaking his head mournfully, "you are here, -Valentine; but now, alas! It is too late. All is dead in me -henceforth--faith, hope, courage: nothing is left to me--nothing but the -desire to lie in that tomb, where all my belief and all my departed -happiness are buried eternally!" - -Valentine remained silent for a few moments, regarding his friend with a -glance at once gentle and stern. A flood of memories poured over the -hunter's heart; two glistening tears escaped from his eyes, and slowly -coursed down his bronzed cheeks; then, without any apparent effort, he -drew the count toward him, laid his head on his wide and loyal chest, -and kissed him paternally on the forehead. - -"You have suffered, then, severely, my poor Louis," he said to him -tenderly. "Alas, alas! I was not there to sustain and protect you; but," -he added, turning to heaven a glance of bitter sadness and sublime -resignation, "I too, Louis, I too, in the heart of the desert, where I -sought a refuge, have endured agonising grief. Many times I felt myself -strangled by despair; often and often my temples were crushed in by the -pressure of the furious madness that invaded my brain; my heart was -broken by the terrible anguish I endured; and yet, brother," he added in -a soft voice, filled with an ineffable melodiousness, "yet I live, I -struggle, and I hope," he said, so low that the count could hardly hear -him. - -"Oh! Blessed be the chance that brings us together again when I -despaired of seeing you, Valentine." - -"There is no such thing as chance, brother: it is God who prepares the -accomplishment of all events. I was seeking you." - -"You were seeking me over here?" - -"Why not? Did you not yourself come to Mexico to find me?" - -"Yes; but how did you learn the fact?" - -Valentine smiled. - -"There is nothing extraordinary in it. If you wish it, I will prove to -you in a few words that I am much better informed than you suppose, and -that I know nearly all that has happened to you since our separation at -the hacienda of the Paloma." - -"That is strange." - -"Why so? About three months ago were you not at the Hacienda del -Milagro?" - -"I was." - -"You left it after spending some days there on your return from a -journey you had undertaken to the far west, in search of a rich -auriferous placer?" - -"It is true." - -"During that expedition, full of strange and terrible incidents, two men -accompanied you?"[1] - -"Yes; a Canadian hunter and a Comanche chief." - -"Very good. The hunter's name was Belhumeur, the chief's Eagle-head, I -think?" - -"They were." - -"Do you not remember revealing to Belhumeur (a worthy and honourable -hunter, by the way) the reason of the gloomy sorrow that devours you, -and for what motives, mere vague suspicions though they were, you had -come to Mexico in order to look for your dearest friend, from whom you -had been separated so many years?" - -"Yes, I remember telling him all that." - -"The rest is not difficult to comprehend. I have known Belhumeur many -years, and Heaven brought us together during a hunt on the Rio Colorado. -One night, while seated at the fire, where our supper was roasting, -after talking about a thousand indifferent things, Belhumeur, whom you -had left only a few days previously, began by degrees to talk about you. -At first, absorbed in my own thoughts, I paid but slight attention to -his recital; but when he described to me your meeting with Count de -Lhorailles in the desert, your name, uttered by Belhumeur -unintentionally, made me tremble. It was then my turn to cross-question -him. When I had learned everything, by making him tell the story twenty -times over, my resolution was immediately formed, and two days later I -set out on your track. For three months I have been following you, and -have at last come up with you--this time, I hope, never to part again," -he added with a stifled sigh. "Still I do not know what has occurred to -you during the last three months. Tell me what you have been about. I am -listening." - -"Yes, I will tell you all. My object, indeed, in seeking you was to -demand the fulfilment of a solemn promise." - -The hunter's brow grew dark, and he frowned. - -"Speak," he said; "I am listening. As for the promise to which you -allude, when the moment has arrived I shall know how to fulfil it." - -"The sun is rising," Louis answered with a sad smile; "I must pay the -proper attention to my herd." - -"I will help you. You are right; those poor brutes must not be -neglected." - -At this moment the gloom was dispersed as if by enchantment; the sun -appeared radiant on the horizon; and thousands of birds of every -variety, hidden beneath the foliage, gaily celebrated its advent by -singing their matin hymn to it. - -Don Cornelio and Curumilla shook off the torpor of sleep, and opened -their eyes. The Indian chief rose, and walked toward Valentine with that -slow and majestic step peculiar to him. - -"Brother," the latter said, taking the Araucanian's hand in his own, "I -was not alone in my search for you. I had near me a friend whose heart -and arm never failed me, and whom I have ever found ready to help me in -weal and woe." - -Don Louis gazed doubtfully at the man whom the hunter pointed out to -him, and who stood motionless and stoical before him. Gradually his -features were expanded, his memory returned, and he affectionately -offered his hand to the Indian, saying with deep emotion,-- - -"Curumilla, my brother!" - -At this proof of memory and friendship, after the lapse of so many -years--this frank and true emotion on the part of a man to whom he had -already given so many marks of devotion--the crust of ice that -surrounded the Indian's heart suddenly melted, his face assumed an -earthy hue, and a convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs. - -"Oh, my brother Louis!" he exclaimed with an accent impossible to -describe. - -A sob resembling a roar burst from his chest; and, ashamed of having -thus betrayed his weakness, the chief turned quickly away, and hid his -face in the folds of his robe. - -Like all primitive and energetic natures, this man, on whom adversity -had no effect, was moved like a weak child by the immense joy he -experienced at seeing once again Don Louis, the man whom Valentine loved -more than a brother, and whose absence he had so long lamented. - -"Then you will not leave me again, brother?" Louis asked anxiously. - -"No, nothing shall separate us henceforth." - -"Thanks," the count answered. - -"Come, come," Valentine gaily remarked, "let us attend to the cattle." - -All were soon on the move in the bivouac. Don Cornelio understood -nothing of what he saw. These strangers, who had arrived but a few hours -ago, already so attached to his friend, talking with him like old -acquaintances, produced in him a series of notions each more extravagant -than the other; but Don Cornelio was a philosopher, and more than that, -remarkably curious. Certain that all would end sooner or, later in a -satisfactory explanation, he gaily made up his mind, and had no idea of -asking any information, especially as the two helps chance had sent him -could not fail to be extremely useful to him in guiding the -undisciplined animals which the count and himself had burdened -themselves with, and had yet so far to drive. - -A person must have himself been a _vaquero_ in the great American -savannahs, in order to form an idea of the numberless difficulties met -with in guiding novillos and untamed bulls for hundreds of leagues -across virgin forests and arid plains, defending them against wild -beasts which follow their track, and snap them up under your very eyes -if you do not take care, and, like the roaring lion of the Gospel, -wander incessantly round the herd, seeking what they may devour. At -other times the animals must be defended against the raving madness, or -_estampida_, caused by the want of water and the refraction of the sun, -during which they rush in every direction, and gore those who try to -bring them back. A man must be desperate like Don Louis, or a careless -philosopher like Don Cornelio, not to recoil before the perils and -difficulties of so hazardous a trade; for, among the eventualities we -have enumerated, we have not mentioned the _temporales_, or tempests, -which in a few minutes overthrow the face of nature, hollow out lakes, -and throw up mountains; nor the _Indios bravos_, or nomadic Indians, who -watch the caravans, plunder the merchandise, and murder the drivers or -traders. - -Valentine in vain racked his brains in order to discover why his friend, -whom he had known to be so effeminate and weak, could have resolved on -adopting such a mode of life. But his astonishment almost became -admiration when he saw him at work, and recognised the complete -metamorphosis that had been effected in him, both morally and -physically, and the cold, indomitable energy which had usurped the place -of the careless weakness and original irresolution of his character. - -He studied him thus carefully during the whole time he was employed in -restoring order among the herd, and organising everything for the day's -march. - -"Oh!" he said to himself, "this chosen organisation has been purified by -misfortune. There remain at the bottom of that half-broken heart a few -noble chords, which I will manage to set in motion when the time comes." - -And for the first time since many days a feeling of hearty joy caused -the trail-seeker to quiver. - - -[1] See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A SAD MISTAKE. - - -Several days elapsed ere the two friends resumed their interrupted -conversation. - -They had continued their journey toward San Francisco without any -incident worth noticing, owing to the skill of Valentine and Curumilla. -Although this was the first time they had advanced so far from the -regions they were accustomed to traverse, their sagacity made up so well -for their want of knowledge that they avoided, with extreme good -fortune, the dangers that menaced the success of their journey, and -foresaw obstacles still remote, but which their knowledge of the desert -caused them to guess, as it were, intuitively. - -The two old friends observed, we may say studied, each other. After so -long a separation they required to restore a community of ideas. That -communion of thoughts and feelings which had existed so long between -them might be eternally broken through the different media into which -they had been thrown, and the circumstances that had modified their -characters. Each of them rendered greater by events--having acquired the -consciousness of his personal value and his intellectual power--had -possibly the right no longer to admit, without previous discussion, -certain theories which were formerly recognised without a contest. - -Still the friendship between the two men was so lively, the confidence -so entire, and the devotion so true, that, after a fortnight's -travelling side by side--a fortnight during which they touched on the -most varying subjects without once introducing the one they had so much -interest in thoroughly discussing--they convinced themselves that they -stood to each other precisely in the same position as before their -separation. - -Either through lassitude or deference, or perhaps the tacit recognition -of his foster brother's superiority over him, during this fortnight, Don -Louis, happy, perhaps, at having found once more the man who had been -wont to think and act for him, had not once attempted to assume an -independent position, but insensibly fell back under that moral -guardianship which Valentine had so long exercised over him. - -The two other persons lived on a perfectly good understanding--Don -Cornelio through carelessness, perhaps, Curumilla through pride. - -The Spaniard--a dear lover of liberty, happy at living in the open air -without troubles or annoyances of any description--goaded his novillos, -strummed his jarana, and sang the interminable _Romancero del Rey -Rodrigo,_ which he began again imperturbably so soon as he had finished, -in spite of Valentine's repeated remarks about the silence that must be -maintained in the desert, in order to avoid the ambuscades which the -Indians constantly place like so many spiders' webs in the path of -incautious travellers. The Spaniard listened docilely, and with a -contrite air, to the hunter's remonstrances; but, so soon as they were -ended, he twanged a tune, and recommenced his romancero--a philosophy -which the trail-seeker, while blaming, could not refrain from admiring. - -Curumilla was always the man we have seen him--prudent, foresighted, and -silent--but with a double dose of each quality. With eyes ever opened -and ears alert, the Araucanian chief rode from one end of the file to -the other, watching so carefully over its safety that no accident -occurred up to the day when we resume our narrative. - -They thus descended the woody slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and entered -the naked and sandy plains that stretch down to the sea, and on which, -with the exception of San José and Monterey (two towns in the last -throes of existence), the traveller only sees stunted trees and thorny -shrubs scattered at a great distance apart. - -Three days before reaching San José--a miserable _pueblo_, which serves -as a gathering place for hunters and arrieros who frequent these parts; -but where the population, decimated by fevers and misery, can do but -little for the _forasteros_ (strangers)--the caravan encamped on the -banks of a stream, beneath the shelter of a few trees that had grown -there by accident, and which the sea breeze shook incessantly, and -covered with that fine sand which enters the eyes, nose, ears, and -nothing can keep out. - -The sun was plunging into the sea under the form of a huge fire-ball; -there was a fresh breeze; in the distance appeared a few white sails, -which, like light kingfishers fearing a tempest, were hastening to -reach San Francisco; the coyotes were beginning to bark furiously on -the plain; and the few birds nestled on the branches tucked their heads -under their wings, and prepared to go to sleep. - -The fires were lighted, the animals penned, and after supper each -hastened to repair, by a few hours' sleep, the fatigue of a long day's -journey beneath a burning sky. - -"Sleep!" Louis said. "I will keep the first watch--the idler's watch," -he added with a smile. - -"I will take the second, then," Valentine said. - -"No, I will take that," Curumilla objected. "An Indian's eyes see -clearly in the night." - -"Hum!" the hunter remarked; "and yet I fancy my eyes are not so bad -either." - -Curumilla, without further reply, placed his finger on his lips. - -"Good!" the hunter said; "as you wish it, keep watch in my place, chief. -When you are tired, however, be sure and wake me." - -The Indian bowed. The three men wrapped themselves in their zarapés, and -lay on the ground, Don Louis alone remaining awake. - -It was a magnificent night: the sky, of a deep azure, was studded with -an infinity of stars that sparkled like diamonds; the moon poured forth -its tremulous and pallid beams; the atmosphere, wondrously pure and -transparent, allowed the country to be surveyed for an enormous -distance; the evening breeze had risen, and deliciously refreshed the -air; the earth exhaled acrid and balmy perfumes; the waves died away -amorously, and with mysterious murmurs, on the beach; and in the -distance might be indistinctly traced the outlines of the coyotes which -prowled about, howling mournfully, for they scented the novillos. - -Louis, seduced by this splendid evening, and yielding to that prairie -languor which conquers the strongest minds, was indulging in a gentle -reverie. He had attained that stage of mental somnolency which is not -waking, and yet not sleeping. He was enjoying the magic pictures his -fancy conjured up, when he was suddenly roused from this charming -sensation by a hand pressing heavily on his shoulder, while a voice -muttered in his ear the single word,-- - -"Prudence." - -Louis, suddenly recalled to a consciousness of the present, opened his -half-closed eyes, and turned sharply round. Curumilla was leaning over -him, and repeated his warning, with a sign of terrible meaning. The -count seized his rifle, which rested near him. - -"What is the matter?" he asked in a low voice. - -"Come, but keep in the shade," Curumilla replied in the same tone. - -Louis obeyed the hint, whose importance he recognised. Lying down on the -ground, he glided gently in the direction indicated by the Indian. - -He soon found himself sheltered behind a thicket, where he saw Don -Cornelio and Valentine in ambush, with their bodies bent forward, and -looking anxiously into the darkness. - -"Good heavens, friends!" the count said, "what is the meaning of this? -The profoundest silence prevails around us. All appears tranquil. Why -this alarm?" - -"Curumilla noticed this evening, before our halt, traces of Yaqui -Indians. You know, brother, that these demons are the most daring -robbers in the world. It is plain that they are after our beasts." - -"But what makes you suppose that? These traces, whose existence I do not -deny, may belong to travellers as well as to vagabonds. Nothing up to -the present makes us suppose that these fellows intend attacking us, and -we have not even seen them." - -A sinister smile contracted the chief's thin lips, and, touching the -count's arm with his finger, while at the same time lifting his own -robe, he showed him a bleeding scalp hanging from his belt. - -"Oh, oh!" Don Louis said, "have those demons ventured so near us, then?" - -"Yes; and had it not been for Curumilla, whose eye is never closed, and -mind ever on the watch, our animals would probably have been carried off -more than an hour ago." - -"Thanks for his vigilance, then," the count said with an expression of -annoyance, which he could not entirely conceal; "but you know the -Indians, comrades: so soon as they find they are detected, they are no -longer to be feared. I believe that, after the lesson they have -received, we are now in safety, and we need not trouble ourselves about -them more." - -"No, brother, you are mistaken. Look at your novillos; they are -restless. At each instant they raise their heads, and do not eat their -food in comfort. God has given animals an instinct of self-preservation -which never deceives them. Believe me, they fear a danger, and scent -enemies not far from them." - -"It is possible, indeed. Let us watch, then." - -The four men remained thus silent and attentive. An hour almost passed -away, and nothing happened to confirm their suspicions. Still the bulls -pressed more closely together. They had left off eating, and their -restlessness increased instead of diminishing. - -Suddenly Curumilla stretched out his arm in a north-eastern direction, -and after laconically whispering, "Do not stir," he gave Valentine his -rifle to hold, and before his friends had time to guess the direction he -had taken, he disappeared in the gloom. The three hunters exchanged a -silent glance, and cocked their rifles, so as to be ready for any event. - -There cannot be a more painful position than that of the brave man who, -in a strange country and on a dark night, is obliged to stand on guard -against a danger whose extent he cannot calculate. Affected by the -silent majesty of solitude, he creates phantasms a hundredfold more -terrible than the actual danger, and feels his courage fly away -piecemeal beneath the harsh pressure of waiting for something unseen. - -Such was the situation in which our three friends now were; and yet they -were three lion hearts, accustomed for many years to Indian warfare, and -whom no peril, however great it might have been, would have been able -to affect beneath the warm beams of the sun; but, during the darkness, -imagination creates such horrible phantoms, that, if we may be allowed -to employ a trivial comparison, we might say that people are not so much -afraid of the danger itself as of the fear of that danger. - -The three men had remained in this awkward situation for some time; when -suddenly a fearful yell rose in the air, followed by the fall of a body -to the ground, and the flight of several men, whose black outlines stood -out on the horizon. The adventurers fired at random, and rushed rapidly -in the direction where they heard the struggle, which seemed still going -on. - -At the moment they arrived, Curumilla, whom they recognised, had his -right knee pressed into the chest of a man he held down under him, while -his left hand compressed his throat, and reduced him to the most perfect -state of powerlessness. - -"Wah!" the Araucanian said, turning to his comrades with a look of -inexpressible ferocity, "a chief!" - -"Good prize," Valentine said. "Thrust your knife into the scoundrel's -chest, and there's an end of him." - -Curumilla raised his knife, whose blade sent forth a bluish flash. - -"A moment," Don Louis exclaimed. "Let us see first who he is; we shall -still be able to kill him if we think fit." - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"Let the chief settle that business," he said; "he understands it -better than we do. When you have one of those vipers under your heel you -must crush him, lest he may sting you presently." - -"No," the count remarked resolutely, "I will never consent to see a man -murdered before me. That poor wretch has acted in accordance with his -nature; let us act in accordance with ours, then. Curumilla, I implore -you, allow your prisoner to rise, but watch him, so that he cannot -escape." - -"You are wrong, brother," the implacable hunter replied; "you do not -know these demons so well as I do. Still act as you please; but you will -eventually see that you have committed a folly." - -The count made no reply, but only gave Curumilla another sign to do as -he ordered. The Araucanian obeyed with repugnance. Still he helped his -half-strangled prisoner to rise, and while carefully watching him, led -him to the fire, where the hunters had already preceded him. - -The count took a rapid glance at the Indian. He was a man of Herculean -stature, powerfully built, and still young, with haughty, gloomy, and -cruel features; in a word, though he was a handsome rather than an ugly -man in appearance, there was an expression of roguery, baseness, and -ferocity about him, which in no way pleaded in his favour. He wore a -species of hunting shirt, without sleeves, of striped calico, drawn in -round the waist by a large girdle of untanned deer hide; breeches of the -same stuff as the shirt hung down to his knees; and the lower part of -his legs was protected from stings by leather gaiters fastened to the -knee and ankle. He wore on his feet moccasins artistically worked, and -adorned behind by several wolf tails--a mark of distinction only allowed -to renowned warriors. His plaited hair was raised on either side his -head, while behind it fell to his waist, and was decorated with plumes -of every possible colour. Round his neck hung several medals, among -which was one rather larger than the rest, representing General Jackson, -ex-President of the American Union. His face was painted with four -different colours--blue, black, white, and red. - -So soon as he found himself in the presence of the hunters seated round -the fire, he crossed his arms on his chest, raised his head haughtily, -and waited stoically till they thought proper to address him. - -"Who are you?" Don Louis asked him in Spanish. - -"Mixcoatzin (the Serpent of the Cloud)." - -"Hum!" Valentine muttered to himself, "the scoundrel is well named. I -never saw such a hangdog face as his before." - -"What did Mixcoatzin want in my camp?" - -"Does not the _Yori_ know?" the Indian said imperturbably. "Mixcoatzin -is a chief among the Yaquis." - -"You wished to steal my cattle, I suppose?" - -"The Yaquis are not robbers; all that is on their land belongs to them. -The palefaces need only return to their home on the other side of the -great salt lake." - -"If I condemn you to death what will you say?" - -"Nothing; it is the law of war. The paleface will see how a Yaqui chief -endures pain." - -"You allow, then, that you deserve death?" - -"No; the paleface is the stronger--he is the master." - -"If I let you go what will you think?" - -The Indian shrugged his shoulders. - -"The paleface is not a fool," he said. - -"But suppose I do act in that way?" - -"I shall say that the paleface is afraid." - -"Afraid of what?" - -"Of the vengeance of the warriors of my nation." - -It was Don Louis' turn to shrug his shoulders. - -"Then," he proceeded, "if I restored you your liberty you would feel no -gratitude?" - -"Why should I be grateful? A warrior should kill his enemy when he holds -him. If he does not do so he is a coward." - -The hunters could not refrain from a start of surprise at the -enunciation of this singular theory. Don Louis rose. - -"Listen," he said. "I do not fear you, and I will give you a proof of -it." - -And, with a movement quick as thought, he seized the long tail that hung -down the chiefs back, and cut it off with his knife. - -"Now," he added, buffeting him with the tress he had cut off, "be off, -villain: you are free. I despise you too much to inflict on you any -other punishment than that you have undergone. Return to your tribe, -and tell your friends how the whites avenge themselves on enemies so -contemptible as yourself, and those that resemble you." - -At the deadly insult he received the Indian's face became hideous; he -suffered a momentary stupor caused by shame and anger; but by a -supernatural effort he suddenly overcame his feelings, seized Don Louis' -arm, and thrusting his face into the Frenchman's,-- - -"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," he hissed. "Let the Yori remember his -name, for he will meet him again." - -And, bounding like a tiger, he dashed into the plain, where he at once -disappeared. - -"Stop!" Don Louis shouted to his friends, who were rushing in pursuit; -"Let him escape. What do I care for such a wretch's hatred? He can do -nothing to me." - -The hunters reluctantly took their seats again by the fire. - -"Hum!" Louis added, "I have perhaps committed a folly." - -Valentine looked at him. - -"Worse than a folly, brother," he said; "a sad mistake. Take care of -that man: one day or other he will revenge himself on you." - -"Possibly," the count said carelessly; "but when did you begin to fear -the Indians so greatly, brother?" - -"From the day I first learned to know them," the hunter said coldly. -"You have offered that man an insult which demands blood; be assured -that he will make you repent of it." - -"I care little." - -After these few words the hunters resumed their interrupted sleep, and -the rest of the night passed without any fresh incident. - -At sunrise the adventurers continued their journey; and by night, after -a day of incredible fatigue through the burning sands of the savannah, -they at length reached the _pueblo_ or _lugar_ of San José, where the -inhabitants received them with shouts of joy, persuaded as they were -that the strangers would not leave without supplying them with a few of -those objects of primary necessity which they have themselves no means -of procuring. - -San José is the last caravan halt before reaching San Francisco. The -travellers had made a journey of more than one hundred and eighty -leagues in less than three weeks, through difficulties and dangers -without end--a speed hitherto unexampled. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -EXPLANATIONS. - - -The hunters placed their animals in a vast corral; then they sought a -shelter for themselves in a mesón, the landlord of which, a perfect -likeness of the worthy Knight of La Mancha, received them to the best of -his ability. After the rough journey they had made, it was a great -delight to the adventurers to rest their heads once again beneath a -roof, and be, for a few hours at least, lodged in a manner almost -civilised. - -Don Louis and Valentine occupied the same cuarto, while Curumilla and -Don Cornelio selected that exactly facing theirs. So soon as these -provisional arrangements were made, and supper enjoyed in common, all -retired to rest. - -Before lying down on the _cuadro_, covered with an oxhide, intended for -his bed, Don Louis walked up to Valentine, who, lying back in a _butaca_ -(easy chair), was smoking a cigarette, and idly watching the blue smoke -ascend in spirals. - -"What are you thinking about?" he asked him, as he leant familiarly on -the back of the butaca. - -"About you," Valentine replied, turning to him with a smile. - -"About me?" - -"Yes. What other anxiety can I have at present, save to see you happy?" - -The count looked down on the ground and sighed. - -"It is impossible," he said. - -Valentine looked at him. - -"Impossible!" he repeated. "Oh, oh! Have we reached that point? Come, -let us have an explanation, once for all." - -"You are right; the hour has arrived: let us have a hearty explanation." - -The count drew up a butaca, sat down opposite Valentine, took a cigar -from the case his foster brother handed him, and lit it. The hunter -followed all his movements attentively. When he saw him comfortably -installed, he said,-- - -"Speak." - -"Alas! My life has nothing very interesting in it; it has resembled that -of all adventurers. At one time rich, at another poor, I have wandered -about, traversing Mexico in every direction, dragging after me the -memory of my lost happiness, like the galley slaves cannon ball. For a -moment I imagined that a future might still exist for me, and that I -might at least regain my rank in the world, if I did not secure again a -position like that I had lost I started for San Francisco, that weird -Eldorado, whose marvels the hundred-mouthed rumour was narrating. There -I found myself mixed up with a crowd of greedy and unbridled -adventurers, whose life was one continued orgy, and whose sole passion -was gold. I saw there, within a few months, the most prodigious -metamorphoses. I saw the most scandalous fortunes spring up and collapse -again, and plunging resolutely into this gulf, I demanded from chance my -share of feverish joys and intoxicating emotions; but I lacked faith, -and nothing succeeded with me. I tried every profession, ever pursued by -that implacable fatality which was determined to crush me. I had great -difficulty in saving myself from a death by hunger. In turn hunter, -porter, Heaven knows what, my efforts availed nothing in that Babel, -where the condemned of civilisation jostled each other, who, all marked -with the indelible seal of Dante's reprobates, piled ruin on ruin to -form themselves a pedestal of ingots, which was immediately overthrown -by another. Disgusted with this mingled life of blood, filth, rags, and -gold, I set off, resolved to become a drover. A noble profession, is it -not, for a Count de Prébois, whose ancestors made three crusades?" he -added, with a bitter laugh. "But I knew generals ostlers, marquises -waiters; hence I, who had never been anything, could, without any great -degradation, become a trader in cattle. And then I had another object in -the choice of my profession. Ever since my arrival in North America I -have been looking for you: I hoped to find you again some day. For the -first time fortune has smiled on me, you see, as I have succeeded in -meeting with you. That is all I had to say to you. Now you know as much -about my life as I do; so ask me no more." - -After these words, uttered in a sharp voice, the count threw himself -back on his butaca, relit his cigar, crossed his arms on his chest, and -seemed determined not to add a word. Valentine looked at him for a long -time with the most concentrated attention, at times tossing his head, -and frowning with evident dissatisfaction. At length he resolved to -renew the conversation. - -"Hum!" he said, "I now know your whole life, I grant it. There is -nothing very extraordinary about it in a country like that where we are. -It in no way departs from the common law. You would do very wrong to -complain." - -"I do not complain," the count exclaimed quickly; "I merely assert a -fact." - -"Of course," Valentine said; "and yet, in all you have told me, one -point remains obscure to me." - -"Which?" - -"You told me all you wished to do--that is well; but leaving out of the -question the fraternal friendship that attaches us, and which, however -powerful it may be, cannot to my mind account for your settled -determination to find me again, you have not told me for what purpose -you sought me so obstinately." - -The count sprang up, and his eye flashed. - -"Have you not guessed it, Valentine?" - -"No!" - -The count let his head fall, and for a few moments the conversation was -again interrupted. - -"You are right, Valentine: better finish at once, and never return to -the subject again; besides, you know as well as I what I wish to say," -the count replied, with the accent of a man whose mind is made up. - -"Perhaps so," the hunter said laconically. - -"Come, come, I am not an ass; and on the morning of that day when you -asked a shelter at my bivouac, you understood me at the first word I let -fall." - -"It is possible," Valentine said imperturbably; "still, as I have no -pretence to the art of divination, be good enough to explain yourself -clearly and categorically." - -"You insist on it?" - -The hunter bowed his assent. - -"Well, be it so," the count went on; "you are still the same man you -were fifteen years ago." - -"Are we not referring to that very period now?" Valentine said with a -smile. - -"Ah!" the count exclaimed, striking the arm of his butaca, "you see that -you understood me." - -"Did I say the contrary?" - -"Why, then, do you demand----?" - -"Because it must be so," the hunter said dryly. - -"Be at rest, for I will repeat your own words." - -"I am listening." - -"You remember, I suppose, a cold winter night, in the bedroom of my -house at Paris?" - -"December 31st, 1834, at eleven in the evening," Valentine remarked. - -"Yes; the rain lashed the window panes, the wind whistled in the long -passages. I was awaiting your coming. You arrived. Then, as now, I was -face to face with ruin. I wished to die: you prevented me." - -"It is true. Did I do wrong?" - -"Perhaps," the count said in a hollow voice; "but these are the words -you made use of." - -"Allow me to repeat them myself; for, in spite of the fifteen years that -have elapsed, Louis, that scene is as present to my mind as if it took -place yesterday. After proving to you that you did wrong to despair," -Valentine said in a solemn voice, "that all was not lost, I replied to a -final objection you raised, 'Be easy, Louis, be easy. If I have not -fulfilled my promise in two years, I will hand you the pistols myself, -and then--' 'Then?' you asked. 'Then,' I added, 'you shall not kill -yourself alone.' 'I accept,' you answered. Those were the words that -passed between us on that night, which decided your future and made a -man of you. Is it not so? Have I forgotten the slightest detail? -Answer." - -"No, you have forgotten nothing, Valentine." - -"Well?" - -"Well, now that I have faithfully fulfilled the promise I made you, I -come to claim of you the complete execution of our compact." - -"I do not comprehend you." - -"What! You do not comprehend me?" the count said, bounding from his -butaca. - -"No," Valentine answered coldly. "Did I not keep my promise? Ah, Louis, -since you insist on it, by heavens!" he added, growing animated in his -turn, "let us reckon up accounts. I ask nothing better. What do you mean -by talking to me of fulfilling an agreement? Have I not fulfilled my -engagements? Did I not find for you that woman you despaired of ever -seeing again? Did you not marry her? Did you not enjoy with her ten -years of perfect happiness? By what right do you complain of the -fatality that pursues you? By what right do you curse your destiny, -ungrateful man! Whose happiness lasted ten years--ten ages in this -earth? Look around you. Show me a man who, throughout his whole life, -can reckon one year of that happiness you rail at, and then I will pity -you, will weep with you, and, if it must be, help you to die. Oh! All -men are the same--weak in the presence of joy as in grief, forgetting, -in a few hours of adversity, years of happiness. And so, after fifteen -years, you have returned to the same point. Insensate! Do you know, you -who speak in that way, what it is to pass a whole existence of suffering -and horrible agony: to feel hour by hour, minute by minute, your heart -lacerated, and that without hope, and yet smile and seem gay--in a word, -live? Have you for a single day endured that atrocious suffering, you -who speak so deliberately about dying?" - -Gradually, while speaking, Valentine had grown animated, his features -were contracted, and his eyes flashed flames. Louis gazed on his friend -without comprehending him, but startled at the state of exaltation in -which he saw him. - -"Valentine," he exclaimed, "Valentine, in heaven's name, calm yourself!" - -"Ah!" the hunter continued, with a ghastly laugh, "you suffer, you -say--you are unhappy; and yet listen. That woman you loved, whom I found -for you again, whom I enabled you to marry--well, it was not love I felt -for her, but idolatry. To be able to tell her so I would joyfully have -parted with my blood drop by drop; and yet I, to whom you have just told -your grief, I placed you in each other's arms. I smiled--do you -understand me?--smiled on your love, and without a murmur, a word, to -reveal that passion which gnawed my heart, I fled into the desert, alone -with my love. Face to face with it I suffered for fifteen years. Oh, my -God, my God! The wound is as painful now as on the first day. Tell me, -Louis, now that you know all--for we are frank with each other--what are -your sufferings compared with mine? By what right would you die?" - -"Oh, pardon me, pardon me, Valentine!" Louis exclaimed, as he rushed -into his arms. "Oh! You are right; I am very ungrateful to you." - -"No," Valentine answered sadly, as he returned his embrace; "no, Louis, -you are a man; you have followed the common law. I cannot and ought not -to be angry with you. Pardon me, on the contrary, for allowing myself to -be carried away so far as to reveal to you the secret which I had sworn -to bury eternally in my heart. Alas! We have all our cross to bear in -this world, and mine has been rude. God doubtlessly decreed it so, -because I am strong," he added, with an attempt at a smile. "But, to -return to yourself, it is true that youth has fled far from us, with its -gay perspective and smiling illusions; life has no longer anything to -offer us, save the painful trials of a ripe age. I am as wearied of -existence as yourself; it weighs equally on me as on you. You see, my -friend, I am fully of your opinion. I will not only not prevent you from -dying, but I wish to accomplish my promise fully by accompanying you -into the tomb." - -"You, Valentine! O no! It is impossible." - -"Why so? Is not our position the same? Have we not both suffered -equally? An implacable creditor, you have asked me to honour my -signature. Very good; but on one condition." - -Louis was too well acquainted with his foster brother's firm and -resolute character to try and combat his will. - -"What is it?" he asked simply. - -"I shall choose the mode of death." - -"Be it so." - -"Oh, pardon me, Louis! I shall not propose an ordinary suicide, so I -must have your word of honour before I explain myself more fully." - -"I give it you." - -"Good! There are two difficult things for a man to do in this -world--arranging his life, and arranging his death. The man who kills -himself coldly by blowing out his brains in his room, after writing to -his friends to announce his suicide, is either a coward or a madman. -That is not the sort of suicide I wish; it means nothing, it proves -nothing, and is of no service. But there is a manner of suicide which I -have ever dreamed of, because it is noble and great: it is that of the -man who, unable or unwilling to do more with a life he despises, -sacrifices it for his fellow men, with no other object than that of -being useful to them, and falls after accomplishing his task." - -"I believe I understand you, Valentine." - -"Perhaps so; but let me finish. We are in the country best prepared for -such a design. Already several attempts--all unsuccessful, however--have -been made, especially by the Count de Lhorailles in his colony of -Guetzalli. Sonora, which is the richest country in the world, is in the -last throes, under the brutalising and unintelligent system of the -Mexican government. Well, let us restore life to this country; let us -galvanise it, summon to our aid the French emigrants in California, and -come here to give liberty to a people whose energetic character will -comprehend us. What do we risk in the event of non-success? Death! Why, -that is exactly what we desire. At any rate, when we have fallen, we -shall sleep in a shroud of glory as martyrs, bearing with us the regrets -and sympathies of all. Instead of killing ourselves like cowards, we -shall have died in the breach like heroes. Is not that martyrdom the -noblest, the most sublime of all? - -"Yes, Valentine, you are right--always right Oh, men like ourselves can -only die in that fashion!" - -"Good!" Valentine exclaimed; "you have understood me." - -"Not only have I understood you, brother, but I guessed your meaning -before." - -"How so?" - -"When I met the Count de Lhorailles for the last time in the desert, I -was returning with Belhumeur and an Indian chief from visiting a placer -of incalculable value which that Indian had discovered, and the -ownership of which he gave to Belhumeur, who, in his turn, handed it -over to me. On my return, I proceeded to Mexico, where I entered into -negotiations with several notable persons; among others, the French -_chargé d'affaires_. You of course know how slow everything is to -succeed in this unhappy country. Still, owing to the rich samples I had -the precaution to bring with me, and, above all, the powerful protection -of certain persons, I succeeded in founding a company, of which I was -appointed chief, with the right of levying a French company, armed and -disciplined, in order to take possession of the placer, and work it on -behalf of the company." - -"What then?" - -"Well, I returned to San Francisco, and made a few arrangements; but I -needed two things--first, patience, and next, money to enlist my men and -purchase the necessary stores; and--shall I confess it to you?--what I -most needed was the desire to succeed. But you, Valentine, have caused -that desire to spring up in me; your presence has restored all my -energy, and though I know not how I shall remove all the obstacles that -oppose the execution of my plan, I shall do so, I swear it to you." - -"What were you doing in Sonora, then?" - -"I can hardly explain it to you. My speculation in cattle was more a -flight than anything else. I was disgusted with everything, and tried to -make an end of it, no matter how." - -"Now it is my turn. Tomorrow, at sunrise, you will start. You will -proceed at full speed to San Francisco. Your excursion in Sonora was -only an exploring tour. You will employ any pretext you like, in a word, -and set to work earnestly forming your company. During that time I will -sell your herd, and arrange so as to procure you the funds you require. -Trouble yourself about nothing, but push ahead boldly." - -"But how will you manage it? The sum I need is large." - -"That does not concern you: let me arrange matters in my way; At the -appointed hour I will furnish you with more than you want, so it is -settled. You will start at sunrise?" - -"I will do so; but when and where shall I see you again?" - -"Ah! That is true. On the twenty-fifth day from this, at sunset, I will -enter your room." - -"But I do not know myself yet where I shall lodge." - -"Do not let that trouble you; I shall find out." - -"So, then, at sunset of the twenty-fifth day?" - -"Yes, I will arrive with the treasure ships," Valentine replied with a -laugh. - -"Thanks, brother; you are my good genius. If my life has had a few -blemishes, you are preparing me a glorious death to expiate them." - -"Pity yourself, pray! I am going to make of you a Francisco Pizarro and -an Almagro." - -The two men shook hands affectionately, while exchanging a sorrowful -smile. After a few more unimportant remarks, they threw themselves on -their beds, where they soon fell asleep, overpowered as they were by -fatigue. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE CONSEQUENCES OP A LOVE SONG. - - -During the conversation between the foster brothers, certain events we -must describe to the reader occurred in the cuarto to which Curumilla -and Don Cornelio had retired. - -On entering the room, Curumilla, instead of lying down on the cuadro -intended for him, laid his zarapé on the tiled flooring, stretched -himself out upon it, and immediately closed his eyes. Don Cornelio, on -the contrary, after hanging the lamp to a nail in the wall, trimmed up -the smoking wick with the point of his knife, sat down on the side of -the bed, with his legs hanging down, and then began in a sonorous voice -the romance of King Rodrigo. - -At this slightly unseasonable music Curumilla half opened one eye, -though without protesting in any other way against this unwonted -disturbance of his rest. Don Cornelio may or may not have noticed the -Indian's silent protest; but in either case he took no heed of it, but -went on singing, raising his voice to the highest compass of which it -was capable. - -"Wah!" the chief said, raising his bead. - -"I was certain," Don Cornelio remarked with a friendly smile, "that the -music would please you." - -And he redoubled his flourishes. - -The Araucanian rose, went up to the singer, and touched him gently on -the shoulder. - -"We must sleep," he said in his guttural voice, and with an ill-tempered -grimace. - -"Bah, chief! Music makes a man forget sleep. Just listen. - - "'Oh, si yo naciera ciego! - Oh, tú sin beldad nacieras! - Maldito sea el punto--'"[1] - -The Indian seemed to listen with sustained attention, his body bent well -forward, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the singer. Don Cornelio -felicitated himself internally on the effect he fancied he had produced -on this primitive native, when suddenly Curumilla, seizing him by the -hips, squeezed him in his nervous hands at in iron pincers, and lifting -him with as much ease as if he had been but a child, carried him, spite -of his resistance, into the patio, and seated him on the side of the -wall. - -"Wah!" he said, "music is good here." - -And, without adding another word, he turned his back on the Spaniard, -walked into his cuarto, laid himself on his zarapé, and went to sleep -immediately. - -At first Don Cornelio was quite confounded by this sudden attack, and -knew not if he ought to laugh or feel vexed at the simple way in which -his companion had got rid of his company; but Don Cornelio was a -philosopher, gifted with an admirable character. What had happened to -him seemed so droll that he burst into an Homeric laugh, which lasted -several minutes. - -"No matter," he said, when he had at length regained his seriousness, -"the adventure is curious, and I shall laugh at it for many a long day. -After all, the fellow was not entirely in the wrong. I am famously -situated here to sing and play my jarana as long as I think proper; at -any rate I shall run no risk of disturbing the sleepers, as I am quite -alone." - -And after this consolation, which he administered to himself to satisfy -his somewhat offended pride, he prepared to continue his serenade. - -The night was clear and serene; the sky was studded with a profusion of -stars, in the midst of which sparkled the dazzling southern cross; a -slight breeze, laden with the perfumes of the desert, gently refreshed -the air; the deepest silence brooded over San José; for, in the retired -Mexican pueblos, everybody returns home at an early hour. Everybody -appeared asleep, too, in the mesón, although at a few windows the weak -and dying light of the candles gleamed behind the cotton curtains. - -Thus Don Cornelio, unconsciously yielding to the influences of this -magnificent evening, omitted the first four verses of the romancero, and -after a skilful prelude, struck up the sublime description of night:-- - - "A l'escaso resplendor, - De cualque luciente estrella, - Que en el medroso silencio, - Tristamente centellea."[2] - -And he continued thus with eyes uplifted to heaven, and brow glowing -with enthusiasm to the end of the romance; that is to say, until he had -sung the ninety-six verses of which this touching piece of poetry is -composed. - -The Mexicans, children of the Andalusians, the musicians and dancers -_par excellence_, have not degenerated in this respect from their -forefathers; on the contrary, they have, if that be possible, -exaggerated these two passions, to which they sacrifice everything. - -When Don Cornelio began singing, the patio, as we have, already -remarked, was completely deserted; but gradually, as the musician became -more animated, doors opened in every corner of the yard, men and women -appeared, advanced gently to the singer, and formed a circle round him; -so that after the final strophe he found himself surrounded by a group -of enthusiastic hearers, who applauded him frenziedly. - -Don Cornelio rose from the wall on which he was seated, lifted his hat, -and saluted his audience gracefully. - -"Come," he said to himself, "this will be something for that Indian, who -appreciates music so slightly, to reflect upon." - -"_Capa de Dios!_" an arriero said, "that is what I call singing." - -"Poor Señor Don Rodrigo, how he must have suffered!" a young criada -exclaimed in short petticoats, and with a flashing eye. - -"And that perfidious _picaro_ of a Count Julian, who introduced the -Moors into a Catholic country!" the landlord said with an angry gesture. - -"God be praised!" the audience said in chorus; "Let us hope that he is -roasting in the lowest pit." - -Don Cornelio was at the pinnacle of jubilation. Never before had he -obtained such a success. All his hearers thanked him for the pleasure he -had caused them, with those noisy demonstrations and cries of joy which -distinguish southern races. The Spaniard did not know whom to listen to, -or on which side to turn. The shouts assumed such a character of -enthusiasm, that the singer began to fear that he would be unable to get -rid of his frenzied audience the whole long night. - -Fortunately for him, at the moment when, half willingly, half perforce, -he was preparing, on the general request, to recommence his romance, -there was a movement in the crowd; it parted to the right and left, and -left a passage for a tall and pretty girl, who, with a well-turned leg -confined in silk stockings with gold clocks, her _rebozo_ coquettishly -drawn over her head, and her hair buried beneath a profusion of jasmine -flowers, placed herself resolutely before the singer, and said with a -graceful smile, which allowed her double row of pearly teeth to be -seen,-- - -"Are you not, caballero, a noble hidalgo of Spain, of the name of Don -Cornelio?" - -We must do Don Cornelio the justice to allow that he was so dazzled by -this delicious apparition that he remained for some seconds with gaping -mouth, unable to find a word. - -The girl stamped her foot impatiently. - -"Have you been suddenly turned into stone?" she asked, with a slightly -mocking accent. - -"Heaven forbid, señorita!" he at length stammered. - -"Then be good enough to answer the question I asked you." - -"Nothing easier, señorita. I am indeed Don Cornelio Mendoza de -Arrizabal, and have the honour to be a Spanish gentleman." - -"That is what I call plain speaking," she said, with a slight pout. "If -it be so, caballero, I must ask you to follow me." - -"To the end of the world," the young man exclaimed impetuously. "I -should never travel in pleasanter company." - -"I thank you for the compliment, caballero, but I do not intend to take -you so far. I only wish to conduct you to my mistress, who desires to -see you and speak with you for an instant." - -"_Rayo del cielo!_ If the mistress be only as pretty as the maid, I -shall not regret the trip if it last a week." - -The girl smiled again. - -"My mistress is staying in this inn, only a few steps off." - -"All the worse, all the worse! I should have preferred a journey of -several leagues before meeting her." - -"A truce to gallantry. Are you willing to follow me?" - -"At once, señorita." - -And throwing his jarana on his back, and bowing for the last time to the -audience, who opened a passage for him respectfully,-- - -"I am at your orders," he said. - -"Come, then." - -The girl turned away and hurried off rapidly, the Spaniard following -close at her heels. - -Don Cornelio, like all the adventurers whom a hazardous life in Europe -had cast on the American shores, nourished in his heart a secret hope -of re-establishing, by a rich marriage, his fortunes, which were more -than compromised. Several instances, though rare, we allow, of marriages -contracted in this romantic fashion, had imbedded this idea deeply in -the Spaniard's somewhat windy brain. - -He was young, noble, handsome--at least he thought so; hence he -possessed all needed for success. It is true that, until this moment, -fortune had never deigned to smile on him; no young girl seemed to care -for his assassinating glances, or respond to his interested advances. -But this ill success had in no way rebuffed him, and what happened at -this moment seemed to justify his schemes, by offering him, at the -moment he least expected it, that occasion he had so long awaited. - -Only one thing saddened his brow, and clouded the internal joy he -experienced, and that was the seedy condition of his attire, sadly -ill-treated by the brambles, and torn by the sharp points of the rocks, -during his long journey in Sonora. But with that characteristic fatuity -innate in the Spaniards, he consoled himself by the reflection that his -personal advantages would amply compensate for the seedy condition of -his dress, and that the lady who had sent for him, if she felt any -tender interest in him, would attach but slight value to a new cloak or -a faded cloak. It was with these conquering feelings that Don Cornelio -arrived behind the _camarista_ at the door of a cuarto, before which she -stopped. - -"It is here," she said, turning round to him. - -"Very good," he said, drawing himself up. "We will enter whenever you -please." - -She smiled cunningly with a twinkle of her black eyes, and turned the -key in the lock. The door opened. - -"Señorita," the waiting-maid said, "I have brought you the gentleman." - -"Let him come in, Violanta," a sweet voice answered. - -The girl stepped aside to make room for Don Cornelio, who walked in, -twisting his moustache with a conquering air. - -The room in which he found himself was small, and rather better -furnished than the other cuartos in the hostelry, probably owing to the -indispensable articles the temporary occupier of the room had the -precaution to bring with her. Several pink candles burned in silver -chandeliers, and on a sofa lay a lovely young girl of sixteen to -seventeen years of age, buried in muslin, like a hummingbird in a nest -of roses, who bent on the Spanish gentleman two large black eyes -sparkling with humour, maliciousness, and curiosity. - -In spite of the immense dose of self-love with which he was cuirassed, -and the intimate conviction he had of his own merits, Don Cornelio -stopped in considerable embarrassment on the threshold, and bowed -profoundly, without daring to advance into the interior of this cuarto, -which appeared to him a sanctuary. - -By a charming sign the young woman invited him to draw nearer, and -pointed out a butaca, about two paces from the sofa on which she was -reclining. The young man hesitated; but the camarista, laughing like a -madcap, pushed him by the shoulders and compelled him to sit down. - -Still the position of our two actors, opposite each other, was rather -singular. Don Cornelio, a prey to the most powerful embarrassment he -ever experienced, twisted the brim of his beaver in his hands, as he -cast investigating glances cautiously around; while the girl, no less -confused, timidly looked down, and seemed at present almost to regret -the inconsiderate step she had let herself be led to take. - -Still, as in all difficult circumstances of life, women possess a will -of initiative greater than that of men, because they make a strength of -their weakness, and know at once how to approach the most awkward -questions, it was the lady who first regained her coolness and commenced -the conversation. - -"Do you recognise me, Don Cornelio?" she asked him in a deliberate tone, -which made the Spaniard quiver. - -"Alas, señorita!" he replied, trying to gain time, "where could I have -had the happiness of ever seeing you? I have only lived up to the -present in an _inferno_." - -"Let us speak seriously," she said with an almost imperceptible frown. -"Look me well in the face, caballero, and answer me frankly: do you -recognise me--yes or no?" - -Don Cornelio timidly raised his eyes, obeyed the order he had received -in so peremptory a fashion, and after a few seconds,-- - -"No, señorita," he said with a suppressed sigh, "I do not recognise you; -I do not believe that I ever had the happiness of meeting you before -today." - -"You are mistaken," she replied. - -"I! O no! It is impossible." - -"Do not swear, Don Cornelio; I will prove to you the truth of what I -assert." - -The young man shook his head incredulously. - -"When a man has had once the happiness of seeing you--" he murmured. - -She interrupted him sharply. - -"You do not know what you say, and your gallantry is misplaced. Before -contradicting me you would do better by listening to what I have to say -to you." - -Don Cornelio protested. - -"I repeat," she said distinctly, "that you are mad. For two days you -travelled in the company of my father and myself." - -"I!" - -"Yes, you." - -"Oh!" - -"It is just three years ago. At that period I was only a child, scarce -fourteen: there is, consequently, nothing extraordinary in your having -forgotten me. At that period you sang your inevitable romance of Don -Rodrigo, of which I will say no harm, however," she added, with an -enchanting smile, "because I recognised you by that song. My father, now -governor and political chief of Sonora, was at that time only a -colonel." - -The Spaniard struck his forehead. - -"I remember," he exclaimed. "You were going from Guadalajara to Tepic, -when I had the pleasure of meeting you in the middle of the night." - -"Yes." - -"That is it. Let me see, your father's name is Don Sebastian Guerrero, -and yours--" - -"Well, and mine?" she said, with a pretty challenging pout. - -"Yours, señorita," he said gallantly, "is Doña Angela. What other name -could you bear?" - -"Come," she said, clapping her dainty hands together with a ringing -laugh, "I am glad to see that you have a better memory than I believed." - -"Oh!" he muttered reproachfully. - -"We had a rather disagreeable adventure, if I remember right, with -certain bandits?" she continued. - -"Extremely disagreeable, for I was half killed." - -"That is true; I remember something of the sort. Were you not rescued by -a hunter, a wood ranger? I can hardly remember." - -"A noble gentleman, señorita," Don Cornelio replied with fire, "to whom -I owe my life." - -"Ah!" she said carelessly, "that is possible. The man helped you, nursed -you, and then you parted?" - -"Not exactly." - -"What!" she said, with some agitation, "you continued to live together?" - -"Yes." - -"Always?" - -"Yes." - -"But now?" she said, with a certain hesitation in her voice. - -"I repeat to you, señorita, that we have not separated." - -"Indeed! Is he here?" - -"Yes." - -"In this hostelry?" - -"On the other side of the yard." - -"Ah!" she murmured, letting her head fall on her breast. - -"What's the matter now?" the Spaniard asked himself. - -And not interrupting the sudden reverie into which the young lady had -fallen, he waited respectfully until it pleased her to renew the -conversation. - - -[1] Oh, if I had been born blind, or if you had been born ugly! Accursed -be the day and hour-- - -[2] By the feeble light of some clear star, which, in the midst of the -gloomy silence, mournfully twinkles. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -DELILAH. - - -The position of our two characters toward each other was somewhat -singular. Both appeared to be watching each other, and trying to -discover the flaw in the armour; but in this struggle of a man against a -woman, the latter must inevitably prove the conqueror. - -Don Cornelio had possibly a rather exaggerated opinion of himself. This -was what ruined him, and delivered him bound hand and foot over to his -dangerous adversary. - -Doña Angela, resting coquettishly on her elbow, with her chin on the -palm of her dainty hand, fixed on him two eyes sparkling with -maliciousness, so that the Spaniard, as it were, fascinated by the -brilliancy of this irresistible glance, had not even the will to turn -his head, and liberate himself from the deceptive charm that fascinated -him. - -"Violanta," the girl said, in a voice soft and pure as the song of the -_centzontle_, the American nightingale, "have you no refreshments to -offer this caballero?" - -"Oh, certainly," said the crafty camarista, with a look sufficient to -tempt St. Anthony; and she rose quickly to obey her mistress's -directions. - -Don Cornelio, flattered in his heart by this politeness, which he was -far from expecting, thought it necessary to break out in excuses; but -Doña Angela cut him short by herself saying,-- - -"You will forgive me, caballero, for receiving you so poorly, but I did -not expect to have the honour of your visit in this wretched pueblo." - -Naturally enough, Don Cornelio, infatuated with the advantages he -fancied he possessed, regarded this remark as a compliment. - -Angela maliciously bit her rosy lips, and continued, with a bow,-- - -"But now that I have been so fortunate as to meet again with an old -friend, for I hope you will permit me to give you that appellation----" - -"Oh, señorita!" the young man said with a movement of joy. - -"I flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of enjoying your -company more frequently." - -"Señorita, believe me that I shall be too happy." - -"I know your gallantry, Don Cornelio," she interrupted him with a smile. -"I am aware that you will seize every opportunity to offer me your -homage." - -"Heaven is my witness, señorita. Unfortunately, adverse fate will -possibly ordain differently." - -"Why so?" - -"You are only passing through this wretched town." - -"Yes. My father is proceeding to Tepic, where his new position as -governor of the province demands his residence." - -"That is true. You see, then, madam, that it is almost impossible for us -ever to meet again." - -"Do you think so?" she asked. - -"Alas! I am atrociously afraid of it." - -"Why so?" she said, bending her body forward in curiosity. - -"Because, according to every probability, tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall -take diametrically opposite routes, señorita." - -"Oh, that is not possible!" - -"Unfortunately it is too true." - -"Explain this enigma to me." - -"I would it were one; but a child can read it." - -"I do not at all understand you?" - -"I will explain myself more clearly." - -"Go on." - -"When you and your father, madam, start tomorrow for Tepic, my friends -and myself will set out for San Francisco." - -"San Francisco!" - -"Alas! Yes." - -"What need have you to go there?" - -"I! None." - -"Well, then?" - -Don Cornelio behaved like most men when in a state of embarrassment; -that is to say, he scratched his head. At length he said,-- - -"I cannot leave my friends." - -"What friends?" - -"Those in whose company I am." - -"Then they want to go to San Francisco?" - -"Yes." - -"What to do?" - -"Ah! That is it," the Spaniard replied, more and more embarrassed by the -obligation of confessing the trade in which he was engaged, and which he -fancied must lower him to an extraordinary degree in the eyes of the -young lady whose heart he fancied he had touched. - -"I am waiting," she said with a slight frown of her arched brows. - -Don Cornelio, driven into his last retrenchments, determined to make a -clean breast of it. - -"You must know," he said in a honeyed voice, "that my friends are -hunters." - -"Ah!" she remarked. - -"Yes." - -"Well, what then?" - -"Why, then, why, they hunt, I suppose," he continued, discountenanced by -the lady's singular tone. - -"That is probable," she said, with a little silvery laugh. "And what do -they hunt?" - -"Well, pretty nearly all sorts of animals." - -"Specify." - -"Wild bulls, for instance." - -"Very good; we will say, then, that they hunt wild bulls?" - -"Yes." - -"Why those animals more than others?" - -"I will tell you." - -"I shall feel delighted." - -Don Cornelio bowed. - -"You must know that at San Francisco--" - -"San Francisco again?" - -"Alas! Yes." - -"Very good: proceed." - -"Oxen, bullocks, and generally all animals that serve for food, are -extremely dear." - -"Ah!" - -"O dear, yes! You understand that people in that country pay great -attention to finding gold, and very little to seeking food." - -"Quite correct." - -"So my friend reasoned thus." - -"Which friend?" - -"The hunter, Don Louis." - -"Don Louis?" - -"Yes, the man who three years back, when the bandits attacked you, -arrived so opportunely, and whom I have never quitted since." - -Doña Angela experienced such a startling emotion that her face suddenly -turned pale. Don Cornelio, busied with his story, did not perceive the -effect the accidental mention of that name produced, but continued,-- - -"'Very good, then,' he said to himself. 'Bulls obtain fabulous prices in -California; in Mexico they may be had for almost nothing. Let us go and -buy or lasso them in Mexico.'" - -"So then?" - -"Well, we set out." - -"You were in California at that time?" - -"At San Francisco, with Don Louis." - -"And now?" - -"We have a magnificent herd of novillos, which we have driven a long -distance, and which we hope to dispose of at a large profit at San -Francisco." - -"I hope so." - -"Thank you, madam; the more so as we had an enormous difficulty in -procuring them." - -"But all that does not teach me why you cannot separate from your -friends." - -"At any rate not until we have sold the bullocks. You understand, -señorita, that acting otherwise would be ungentlemanly." - -"That is true; but why insist on selling your bulls nowhere save at San -Francisco?" - -"We do not at all insist on that." - -"Then, supposing you found a good price here, you would dispose of -them?" - -"I see nothing to prevent it." - -Doña Angela gave a start of joy, which Don Cornelio naturally -interpreted to his own advantage. - -"That might be arranged," she said. - -"You think so?" - -"Yes, if you are not too craving." - -"You need not apprehend that, señorita." - -"My father possesses a hacienda a few leagues from this town. I know -that he intends to re-form his _ganado_, and he stopped here today in -order to have an interview with his _mayordomo_." - -"Oh! That is a providential chance." - -"Is it not?" - -"It is really. Has the mayordomo arrived?" - -"Not yet: we do not expect him till tomorrow. I fancy that a day's delay -will do you no injury." - -"Not the slightest." - -"Well, then, if you consent, we will settle this affair while we are -together; that is to say," she added, "you will tell me the prices, that -I may inform my father." - -"Ah!" he said, with a certain hesitation, "I can, unfortunately, say -nothing on that head." - -"Why so? Are you not the owner of the herd?" - -"Pardon me." - -"Well, what then?" she interrupted, looking at him with fixed attention. - -"That is to say, I am not sole owner." - -"You have partners?" - -"Yes, I have one." - -"And that partner----?" - -"Stay, madam, I prefer being frank with you, and telling you clearly how -matters stand." - -"I am listening, caballero." - -"I am owner without being so." - -"I do not understand you at all." - -"It is very simple, however, as you will see." - -"I am all anxiety." - -"Just imagine that Don Louis, after curing me of my wounds, felt that -loyal and open friendship for me which has no counterpart in town life. -Not only would he not consent to my leaving him, but aware that, owing -to reverses too long to repeat to you, I was almost penniless, he -insisted on my becoming a sharer in all the enterprises he thought -proper to undertake; so that, without the outlay of a penny, I hold one -half the property. Hence, as you will see, I can do nothing until I have -first taken his instructions." - -"That is only just, it seems to me." - -"And to me too, madam; and that is the reason why, in spite of the -lively desire I entertain to settle the business with you at once, I -find it impossible to do so." - -Doña Angela seemed to reflect for a moment, then went on with a -palpitation of the heart and a tremor in her voice, which she could not -conceal, in spite of all her efforts:-- - -"After all, the matter is perfectly simple, and may be arranged very -easily." - -"I ask nothing better; still I confess, to my shame, that I do not see -what means I should employ." - -"It is a trifle, tomorrow, before the mayordomo's arrival, I will speak -with my father: he will, I doubt not, be delighted to render a service -to the man who saved our lives. You will tell your friend, he will come -to an arrangement with my father, and all will be settled." - -"Indeed, madam, I did not think of that. All can be arranged in that -way." - -"Unless your friend--Don Louis, I think you called him----?" - -"Yes, madam, Don Louis. He is a gentleman belonging to one of the -noblest and oldest families in France." - -"Ah! All the better. Unless, I say, he should not consent to deal with -my father." - -"And why should he not, señorita?" - -"Oh! I do not know; but on our first meeting, after saving my father's -life and mine, that caballero behaved so singularly toward us that I -fear----" - -"You are wrong, madam, to suppose that Don Louis could refuse an offer -so advantageous as that you make him; besides, I will talk with him, and -am certain to bring him over to my views." - -"O dear me!" she said negligently, "I have but a very slight interest in -all this. I should not like the proposal to cause you the slightest -annoyance with your partner. I am only looking after your interests in -the affair, Don Cornelio." - -"I am convinced of it, madam, and thank you humbly," he replied, with a -low bow. - -"I only know you. Your partner, though he rendered me a great service, -is but a stranger to me, especially after the peremptory manner in which -he declined my father's advances and offers of service." - -"You are perfectly right, señorita. Believe me that I attach full value -to the delicacy of your conduct." - -"Still," she continued, in an insinuating and slightly malicious voice, -"I confess to you that I should not be sorry to find myself once more -face to face with that strange man, were it only to convince myself that -the opinion I formed of him was wrong." - -"Don Louis, madam," the Spaniard answered complacently, "is a true -caballero, kind, noble, and generous, ever ready to help with purse or -sword those who claim his assistance. Since I have had the honour of -living in his society I have had many opportunities of appreciating the -greatness of his character." - -"I am happy to hear what you tell me, señor, for I confess that this -caballero left a very bad impression on me, doubtlessly through the -rough manner in which he parted from us." - -"That bad impression was unjust, madam. As for the roughness with which -you reproach him alas! It is only melancholy." - -"What!" she exclaimed quickly, while a rosy tinge suddenly invaded her -forehead, "melancholy, do you say? Is the gentleman unhappy?" - -"Who is not so?" Don Cornelio asked with a sigh. - -"Perhaps, though, you are mistaken." - -"Alas! No, madam. Don Louis has been the victim of frightful disasters: -judge for yourself. He had a wife he adored, who had presented him with -several charming children. One night the Indians surprised his hacienda, -fired it, massacred his wife, his children, his whole family, in a word, -and himself only escaped by a miracle." - -"Oh, that is horrible!" she exclaimed, as she buried her face in her -hands. "Poor man! Now I heartily pardon what appeared singularity in his -manners. Alas! The society of his fellow men must weigh upon him." - -"Yes, madam, it doubtlessly does so; for the grief he endures is of that -nature which cannot be consoled. And yet, when he knows of a misfortune -to alleviate, or any good deed to do, he forgets himself only to think -of those he wishes to aid." - -"Yes, you are right, caballero; that man has a noble heart." - -"Alas, madam! I should ever remain below the truth in what I might tell -you of him. You must live his life, be constantly by his side, in order -to understand and appreciate him at his full value." - -There were a few moments of silence. The night was drawing on; the -candles were beginning to dim; the camarista, who had but a very slight -interest in this conversation, had laid her head against the back of her -butaca; her eyes were closed, and she was enjoying that catlike sleep -peculiar to women and the feline race, and which does not prevent them -being constantly on the watch. - -"Tell me, Don Cornelio," Doña Angela continued with a smile, "have you -never spoken with Don Louis about our meeting during the long period -that has since elapsed?" - -"Never, madam." - -"Ah!" - -"Once, and only once, I remember that I tried to bring the conversation -round to that subject by some rather direct allusions." - -"Well?" - -"Don Louis, who, till then, had seemed to listen kindly to my -observations, suddenly requested me, in very distinct language, never to -return to that subject, remarking that he had only acted in accordance -with his duty; that he would do the same again; and that it was not -worth while talking about, the less so as chance would, in all -probability, never again bring him into contact with the persons to whom -he had been so fortunate as to render this slight service." - -The young lady frowned. - -"I thank you," she said in a slightly affected voice, "I thank you, Don -Cornelio, for the kindness with which you have treated the whims of a -woman you did not know." - -"Oh, madam!" he exclaimed in protest; "for a long time I have been your -most humble slave." - -"I know your gallantry, but will not abuse it longer. Be assured that I -shall keep our long conversation in pleasant memory. Be kind enough not -to forget the proposals I wish to make to Don Louis." - -"Tomorrow, madam, at the hour you think most suitable, my friend and -myself will have the honour to present ourselves to the general." - -"Do not derange yourselves, caballero; a criado will warn you when my -father is ready to receive you. Farewell!" - -"Farewell!" he replied, bowing respectfully to the young lady, who -dismissed him with a gracious smile. - -The Spaniard went out with joy in his heart. - -"Oh!" Doña Angela murmured, so soon as she was alone, "I love him!" - -Whom was she speaking of? - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A RETROSPECT. - - -Before carrying our story further we must give the reader certain -details about the family and antecedents of Don Sebastian Guerrero, who -is destined to play a great part in our narrative. - -The family of Don Sebastian was rich; he descended in a straight line -from one of the early kings of Mexico, and pure Aztec blood flowed in -his veins. Like several other great Mexican families, his ancestors had -not been dispossessed by the conquerors, to whom they rendered important -services; but they were obliged to add a Spanish name to the Mexican -one, which sounded harshly in Castilian ears. - -Still the Guerrero family boasted loudly of its Aztec origin, and if it -seemed ostensibly devoted to Spain, it secretly maintained the hope of -seeing Mexico one day regain her liberty. - -Thus, when the heroic Hidalgo, the humble curate of the little village -of Dolores, suddenly raised the standard of revolt against the -oppressors of his country, Don Eustaquio Guerrero, though married but a -short time previously to a woman he adored, and father of a son hardly -six years of age, was one of the first to respond to the appeal of the -insurgents, and join Hidalgo at the head of four hundred resolute men -raised on his own enormous estates. - -The Mexican revolution was a singular one; for nearly all the promoters -and heroes were priests--the only country in the world where the clergy -have openly taken the initiative in progress, and thus displayed -profound sympathy for the liberty of the people. - -Don Eustaquio Guerrero was in turn companion of those modest heroes whom -disdainful history has almost forgotten, and whose names were, Hidalgo, -Morelos, Hermenegildo Galeana, Allende, Abasolo, Aldama, Valerio -Trujano, Torres, Rayon, Sotomayor, Manuel Mier-y-Teran, and many others -whose names have escaped me; and who, after fighting gloriously for the -liberty of their country, now repose in their bloody tombs, protected by -that glorious nimbus which Heaven places round the brow of martyrs, -whatever be the cause they have defended, so long as that cause is just. - -More fortunate than the majority of his brave comrades in arms, who were -destined to fall one after the other, some as victims to Spanish -barbarity, others conquered by treachery, Don Eustaquio escaped as if by -a miracle from the innumerable dangers of this war, which lasted ten -years, and at length witnessed the complete expulsion of the Spaniards -and the proclamation of independence. - -The brave soldier, prematurely aged, covered with wounds, and disgusted -by the ingratitude of his fellow countrymen, who, scarce free, began -attacking each other, and inaugurated that fatal era of -_pronunciamientos,_ the list of which is already so long, and will only -be closed by the ruin of the country, and the loss of its nationality, -retired, gloomy and sad, to his Hacienda del Palmar, situated in the -province of Valladolid, and sought, in the company of his wife and son, -to recover some sparks of that happiness he had formerly enjoyed when he -was but an obscure citizen. - -But this supreme consolation was denied him; his wife died in his arms -scarce two years after their reunion, attacked by an unknown disease, -which dragged her to the grave in a few weeks. - -After the death of the woman he loved with all the strength of his soul, -Don Eustaquio, crushed by sorrow, only dragged on a wretched existence, -which terminated exactly one year after his wife's death. Her name was -the last word that wandered on his pallid lips as he drew his parting -breath. - -Don Sebastian, who was scarce twenty years of age, was left an orphan. -Alone, without relatives or friends, the young man shut himself up in -his hacienda, where he silently bewailed the two beings he had lost, -and on whom he had concentrated all his affections. - -Don Sebastian would probably have remained for many years in retirement, -without seeing the world, or caring how it went on--leading the -careless, idle, and brutalising life of those great land-holders whom no -idea of progress or amelioration impels to trouble themselves about -their estates, timid and fearful, like all men who live alone, spending -his days in hunting and sleeping--had not chance, or rather his lucky -star, brought to Palmar an old partisan chief who had long fought by the -side of Don Eustaquio, and who, happening to pass a few leagues from the -place, felt old reminiscences aroused in him, and determined to press -the hand of his old comrade, whose death he was not aware of. - -The name of this man was Don Isidro Vargas. He was of lofty stature, his -shoulders were wide, his limbs athletic, and his features imprinted with -an uncommon energy; in a word, he presented in his person the type of -that powerful and devoted race which is daily dying out in Mexico, and -of which, ere long, not a specimen will be left. - -The unexpected arrival of this guest, whose heavy spurs and long -steel-scabbarded sabre re-echoed noisily on the tiled floors of the -hacienda, brought life into the mansion which had been so long devoted -to silence and the gloomy tranquillity of the cloister. - -Like all old soldiers, Captain Don Isidro had a rough voice and sharp -way of speaking; his manners were brusque, but his character was gay, -and gifted with a rare equanimity of temper. - -When he entered the house Don Sebastian was out hunting, and the -hacienda seemed uninhabited. The captain at first found enormous -difficulty in meeting with anyone to address. At length, by careful -search, he detected a peon half asleep under a verandah, who gave some -sort of answer to the questions asked him. By great patience and -questions made with that craft peculiar to the Mexicans, the captain -succeeded in obtaining some valuable information. - -The death of Don Eustaquio only astonished the worthy _soldado_ -slightly; he expected it, indeed, from the moment he learnt the death of -the señora, for whom he knew his old comrade professed so deep a love; -but on learning the idle life Don Sebastian had led since his father's -death, the captain burst out in a furious passion, and swore by all the -saints in the Spanish calendar (and they are tolerably numerous), that -this state of things should not last much longer. - -The captain had known the young man when he was but a child. Many times -he had dandled him on his knee, and thus, with his ideas of honour and -generosity, he thought himself obliged, as an old friend of his father, -to remove the son from the slothful existence he led. - -Consequently the old soldier installed himself authoritatively in the -hacienda, and firmly awaited the return of the man he had been -accustomed to regard for a long time almost in the light of a son. - -The day passed peacefully. The Indian peons, long accustomed to profess -the greatest respect for embroidered hats and jingling sabres, left him -free to act as he pleased--a liberty the old soldier did not at all -abuse, for he contented himself with ordering an immense vase full of an -infusion of tamarinds, which he placed on a table, up to which he drew a -butaca, and amused himself with smoking an enormous quantity of husk -cigarettes, which he made as he wanted them, with that dexterity alone -possessed by the Spanish race. - -At about _oración_ time, or six in the evening, the captain, who had -fallen quietly asleep, was aroused by a great noise, mingled with -shouts, barking, and the neighing of horses, which he heard outside. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, turning up his moustache, "I fancy the _muchacho_ has -at last arrived." - -It was, indeed, Don Sebastian returning from the chase. - -The old partisan, who was sitting opposite a window, was enabled to -examine his friend's son at his ease, without being perceived in his -turn. He could not repress a smile of satisfaction at the sight of the -vigorous young man, with his haughty features bearing the imprint of -boldness, wildness, and timidity, and his well-built limbs. - -"What a pity," he muttered to himself, "if such a fine fellow were to be -expended here without profit to himself or to others! It will not be my -fault if I do not succeed in rousing the boy from the state of lethargy -into which he is plunged. I owe that to the memory of his poor father." - -While making these reflections, as he heard the clanking of spurs in the -room before that in which he was, he fell back on his butaca, and put on -again his usual look of indifference. Don Sebastian entered. He had not -seen the captain for several years. The greeting he gave him, though -slightly awkward and embarrassed, was, however, affectionate. After the -first compliments they sat down face to face. - -"Well, muchacho," the captain said, suddenly plunging _in medias res_, -"you did not expect a visit from me, I fancy?" - -"I confess, captain, that I was far from supposing that you would come. -To what fortunate accident do I owe your presence in my house?" - -"I will tell you presently, muchacho. For the present we will talk about -other matters, if you have no objection." - -"At your ease, captain; I do not wish to displease you in any way." - -"We will see that presently, _cuerpo de Dios!_ And in the first place, -to speak frankly, I will tell you that I did not come to see you, but -your worthy father, my brave general. _Voto a brios!_ The news of his -death quite upset me, and I am not myself again yet." - -"I am very grateful, captain, for the kindly memory in which you hold my -father." - -"_Capa de Cristo!_" the captain said, who, among other habits more or -less excellent, possessed to an eminent degree that of seasoning each of -his phrases with an oath, at times somewhat unorthodox, "of course I -hold in kind memory the man by whose side I fought for ten years, and -to whom I owe it that I am what I am. Yes, I do remember him, and I hope -soon, _canarios!_ To prove it to his son." - -"I thank you, captain, though I do not perceive in what way you can give -me this proof." - -"Good, good!" he said, gnawing his moustache. "I know how to do it, and -that is enough. Everything will come at its right season." - -"As you please, my old friend. At any rate, you will be kind enough to -remember that you are at home here, and that the longer you stay the -greater pleasure you will afford me." - -"Good, muchacho! I expected that from you. I will avail myself of the -hospitality so gracefully offered, but will not abuse it." - -"An old comrade in arms of my father's cannot do that in his house, -captain, and you less than anyone else. But," he added, seeing a peon -enter, "here is a servant come to announce that the dinner is served. I -confess to you that, as I have been hunting all day, I am now dying of -hunger: if you will follow me we will sit down to the table and renew -our acquaintance glass in hand." - -"I ask nothing better, _rayo de Dios!_" the captain said as he rose. -"Though I have not been hunting, I think I shall do honour to the -repast." - -And without further talking they passed into a dining room, where a -sumptuously and abundantly-served table awaited them. - -According to a patriarchal custom, which, unfortunately, like all good -things, is beginning to die out, at Palmar the master and servants took -their meals together. This custom, which had existed in the family since -the conquest, Don Sebastian kept up--in the first place, through respect -for his father's memory, and secondly, because the servants at the -hacienda were devoted to their master, and to some extent supplied the -place of a family. - -The evening passed away, without any incident worthy of remark, in -chatting about war and the chase. Captain Don Isidro Vargas was an old -soldier, as cunning as a monk. Too clever to assail the young man's -ideas straightforwardly, he resolved to study him for some time, in -order to discover the weak points of his character, and see how he must -attack him in order to drag him out of that slothful and purposeless -life he led in this forgotten province. Thus several days were passed in -hunting and other amusements, and the captain never once alluded to the -subject he had at heart. At times he might make a covert allusion to the -active life of the capital, the opportunities of securing a fine -position which a man of Don Sebastian's age could not fail to find at -Mexico, if he would take the trouble to go there, and many other -insinuations of the same nature; but the young man let them pass without -making the slightest observation, or even appearing to understand them. - -"Patience!" the captain muttered. "I shall eventually find the flaw in -his cuirass; and if I do not succeed, I must be preciously clumsy." - -And he recommenced his covert attacks, not allowing the young man's -impassive indifference to rebuff him. - -Don Sebastian performed his duties as master of the house with -thoroughly Mexican grace, amenity, and sumptuousness; that is, he -invented every sort of amusement which he thought would be most suited -to the worthy captain's tastes. The latter let him do so with the utmost -coolness, and conscientiously enjoyed the pleasures the young man -procured him, charmed in his heart by the activity he displayed in -pleasing him, and more and more persuaded that, if he succeeded in -arousing in him the feelings which he supposed were slumbering in his -mind, it would be easy to convert him to his own ideas, and make him -abandon the absorbing life of a _campesino_. - -More than once, during the few days they spent in hunting in the -magnificent plains that surrounded the hacienda, accident enabled the -captain to admire the skill with which the young man managed his steed, -and his superiority in all those exercises which demand strength, -activity, and, above all, skill. - -On one occasion especially, at the moment the hunters galloped in -pursuit of a magnificent stag they had put up, they found themselves -suddenly face to face with a cougouar, which threatened to dispute their -progress. The cougouar is the American lion. It has no mane. Like all -the other carnivora of the New World it cares little about attacking a -man, and it is only when reduced to the last extremity that it turns -upon him; but then it fights with a courage and energy that frequently -render its approach extremely dangerous. - -On the occasion to which we allude the cougouar seemed resolved to await -its enemies boldly. The captain, but little accustomed to find himself -face to face with such enemies, experienced that internal tremor which -assails the bravest man when he finds himself exposed to a serious -danger. Still, as the old soldier was notoriously brave, he soon -recovered from this involuntary emotion, and cocked his gun, while -watching the crouching animal, which fixed its glaring eyes on him. - -"Do not fire, captain," Don Sebastian said with a perfectly calm voice; -"you are not used to this chase, and, without wishing it, might injure -the skin, which you see is magnificent, and that would be a pity." - -Don Sebastian thereupon let his gun fall, took a pistol from his -holster, and spurring his horse at the same time that he checked it, -made it rear. The animal rose, and stood almost on its hind legs; the -cougouar suddenly bounded forward with a terrible roar; the young man -dug his knees into his horse, which bounded on one side, while Don -Sebastian pulled the trigger. The monster rolled on the ground in -convulsive agony. - -"_Cuerpo de Cristo!_" the captain shouted; "why, you've killed it on the -spot! No matter, muchacho; you played for a heavy stake." - -"Bah!" the other said as he dismounted; "it is not so difficult as you -fancy; it only requires practice." - -"Hum! It must require practice to shoot such an animal on the wing. The -ball has entered its eye." - -"Yes, we generally shoot them there, so as not to spoil the skin." - -"Ah, very good! To tell you the truth, though, I, who am by no means a -bad shot, should not like to try the experiment." - -"You are calumniating yourself." - -"Very possibly." - -"Poor Pepe, my tigrero, will lose by that a reward of ten piastres--all -the worse for him. Shall we return to the hacienda, and send someone to -bring the brute in?" - -"With all my heart." - -They went back. - -"Hum!" the captain said to himself as they galloped on, "I must have a -definitive explanation with him this very evening." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS. - - -The Hispano-Americans usually drink nothing with their meals: it is only -when the _dulces_, or cakes and sweetmeats, have been eaten, and each -guest has swallowed the glass of water intended to facilitate digestion, -that the liquors are put on the table, and the Catalonian _refino_ -begins to circulate; then the _puros_ and _pajillos_ are lighted, and -the conversation, always rather stiff during the meal, becomes more -intimate and friendly, owing to the absence of the inferior guests, who -then retire, leaving the master of the house and his guests at perfect -liberty. - -The captain had judiciously chosen this moment to commence his attack. -Not that he hoped to have a better chance with the young man at the -termination of the meal--for the sobriety of the Southern Americans is -proverbial--but because at that moment Don Sebastian, being freed from -all cares, must more easily yield to the influence the captain fancied -he could exercise over him. - -The captain poured some refino into a large glass, which he filled with -water, lit a puro, leant his elbows on the table, and looked fixedly at -the young man. - -"Muchacho," he said to him abruptly, "does the life you lead in the -desert possess a great charm for you?" - -Surprised at this question, which he was far from expecting, Don -Sebastian hesitated ere he replied. - -"Yes," the captain said, emptying his glass, "do you amuse yourself -greatly here? Answer me frankly." - -"On my word, captain, as I never knew any other existence than that I am -leading at this moment, I cannot answer your question thoroughly: it is -certain that I feel myself hipped at times." - -The captain struck his tongue against his palate with evident -satisfaction. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, "I am glad to hear you speak so." - -"Why?" - -"Because I hope you will easily accept the proposition I am about to -make to you." - -"You!" - -"Who else, then, if not I?" - -"Speak!" the young man said with a careless air; "I am listening." - -The captain threw away his cigar, gave vent to two or three sonorous -_hums_, and at length said in a sharp voice,-- - -"Sebastian, my dear fellow! Do you think that, if your worthy father -could return to this world, he would be well pleased to see you thus -idly wasting the precious hours of your youth?" - -"I do not at all understand your meaning, captain." - -"That is possible. I never pretended to be a great orator, and today -less than at any other period of my long career. I will, however, try to -explain myself so clearly that, if you do not understand me, _caray!_ It -is because you will not." - -"Go on; I am listening." - -"Your father, muchacho, whose history you probably do not know, was at -once a brave soldier and a good officer. He was one of the founders of -our liberty, and his name is a symbol of loyalty and devotion to every -Mexican. For ten years your father fought the enemies of his country on -every battlefield, enduring, though rich and a gentleman, hunger and -thirst, heat and cold, gaily and without complaining; and yet, had he -wished it, he might have led a luxurious and thoroughly easy life. You -loved your father?" - -"Alas, captain! Can I ever be consoled for his loss?" - -"You will be consoled. You have many things to learn yet, and that among -others. Poor boy! There is nothing eternal in the world--neither joy, -nor sorrow, nor pleasure. But let us return to what I was saying. Were -your father permitted to quit the abode of the just, where he is -doubtlessly sojourning, and return for a few moments to earth, he would -speak to you as I am now doing; he would ask an account of the useless -indolence in which you spend your youth, thinking no more of your -country, which you can and ought to serve, than if you lived in the -heart of a desert. Did your father endure so many sacrifices in order to -create such an existence--tell me, muchacho?" - -The worthy captain, who had probably never preached so much in his life, -stopped, awaiting a reply to the question he had asked; but this reply -did not come. The young man, with his arms crossed on his chest, his -body thrown back, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the ground, seemed -plunged in deep thought. The captain continued after a lengthened -delay,-- - -"We," he said, "demolished; you young men must rebuild. No one at the -present day has the right to deprive the Republic of his services. Each -must, under penalty of being considered a bad citizen, carry his stone -to the social edifice, and you more than anyone else, muchacho--you, the -son of one of the most celebrated heroes of the War of Independence. -Your country calls you--it claims you: you can no longer remain deaf to -its voice. What are you doing here among your dogs and horses, wasting -ingloriously your courage, dissipating your energy without profit to -anyone, and growing daily more brutalised in a disgraceful solitude? -_Cuerpo de Cristo!_ I can understand that a man may love his father, and -even weep for him--for that is the duty of a good son, and your father -certainly deserves the sacred recollection you give him--but to make of -that grief a pretext to caress and satisfy your egotism, that is worse -than a bad action--it is cowardice!" - -At this word the young man's tawny eye flashed lightning. - -"Captain!" he shouted, as he struck the table with his clenched fist. - -"_Rayo de Dios!_" the old soldier continued boldly, "the word is spoken, -and I will not withdraw it: your father, if he hear me, must approve me. -Now, muchacho, I have emptied my heart; I have spoken frankly and -loyally, as it was my duty to do. I owed it to myself to fulfil this -painful duty. If you do not understand the feeling that dictated the -rough words I uttered, all the worse for you; it is because your heart -is dead to every generous impulse, and you are incapable of feeling how -much I must have loved you to find the courage to speak to you in that -way. Now do as you think proper; I shall not have to reproach myself for -having hidden the truth from you. It is late. Good night, muchacho. I -will go to bed, for I start early tomorrow. Reflect on what I have said -to you. The night is a good counsellor, if you will listen in good -faith to the voices that chatter round your pillow in the darkness." - -And the captain emptied his glass and rose. Don Sebastian imitated him, -took a step toward him, and laid his hand on his shoulder. - -"One moment," he said to him. - -"What do you want?" - -"Listen to me in your turn," the young man said in a gloomy voice. "You -have been harsh with me, captain. Those truths you have told me you -might perhaps have expressed in milder language, in consideration of my -age, and the solitude and isolation in which I have hitherto lived. -Still I am not angry at your rude frankness; on the contrary, I am -grateful to you for it, for I know that you love me, and the interest -you take in me alone urged you to be so severe. You say that you depart -tomorrow?" - -"Yes." - -"Where do you intend going?" - -"To Mexico." - -"Very good, captain; you will not go alone. I shall accompany you." - -The old soldier looked at the young man for a moment tenderly; then -pressing with feverish energy the hand held out to him,-- - -"It is well, muchacho," he said to him with great emotion. "I was not -mistaken in you; you are a brave lad, and, _caray!_ I am satisfied with -you." - -The two men left Palmar together the next morning, and rode toward -Mexico, which city they reached after a ten days' journey. But during -those ten days, spent _tête-à-tête_ with the captain, the young man's -ideas were completely modified, and a perfect change came over his -aspirations. - -General Guerrero's son belonged unconsciously to that numerous class of -men who are utterly ignorant of themselves, and pass their lives in -indolence until the moment when, an object being suddenly offered them, -their imagination is inflamed, their ambition is aroused, and they -become as eager in the chase as they had been previously negligent and -indifferent as to their future. - -Captain Don Isidro Vargas heartily praised the intelligence with which -the young man he emphatically called his pupil understood the lessons he -gave him as to his behaviour in the world. - -Don Sebastian experienced no difficulty--thanks to his name, and the -reputation his father so justly enjoyed--in obtaining his grade as -lieutenant in the army. This step was, for the young man, the first rung -of the ladder, which he prepared to climb as rapidly as possible. - -It was fine work at that day, in Mexico, for an intelligent man to fish -in troubled waters; and, unfortunately, we are obliged to confess that, -in spite of the long years that have passed since the proclamation of -its independence, nothing is as yet changed in that unhappy country, -where anarchy has been systematised. - -If ever a country could do without an army, it was Mexico after the -recognition of her liberty and the entire expulsion of the Spaniards, -owing to her isolation in the midst of peaceful nations, and the -security of her frontiers, which no enemy menaced. Unhappily, the war of -independence had lasted ten years. During that long period the peaceful -and gentle population of that country, held in guardianship by its -oppressors, had become transformed. A warlike ardour had seized on all -classes of society, and a species of martial fever had aroused in every -brain a love of arms. - -Hence that naturally came about which all sensible people expected; that -is to say, when the army had no longer enemies before it to combat, the -troops turned their arms against their fellow citizens, vexing and -tyrannising over them at their pleasure. - -The government, instead of disbanding this turbulent army, or at any -rate reducing it to a _minimum_ by only keeping up the depôts of the -various corps, considered it far more advantageous to lean on it, and -organise a military oligarchy, which pressed heavily on the country. -This deplorable system has plunged this unhappy country into disastrous -complications, against which it struggles in vain, and has dug the abyss -in which its nationality will sooner or later be swallowed up. - -The army, then, after the war, assumed an influence which it has ever -since retained, and which increased in proportion as the men placed at -the head of the government more fully understood that it alone could -maintain them in power or overthrow them at its good pleasure. The army, -therefore, made revolutions that its leaders might become powerful. From -the lowest _alférez_ up to the general of division, all the officers -look to troubles for promotion--the alférez to become lieutenant, the -colonel to exchange his red scarf for the green one of the brigadier -general, and the general of division to become President of the -Republic. - -Hence pronunciamientos are continual; for every officer wearied of a -subaltern grade, and who aspires to a higher rank, pronounces himself; -that is to say, aided by a nucleus of malcontents like himself, which is -never wanting, he revolts by refusing obedience to the government, and -that the more easily because, whether conqueror or conquered, the rank -he has thus appropriated always remains his. - -The military career is, therefore, a perfect steeplechase. We know a -certain general, whose name we could write here in full if we wished, -who attained the presidency by stepping from pronunciamiento to -pronunciamiento without ever having smelt fire, or knowing the first -movement of platoon drill--an ignorance which is not at all -extraordinary in a country where one of our sergeant conductors would be -superior to the most renowned generals. - -Don Sebastian judged his position with the infallible eye of an -ambitious man; and suddenly attacked by a fever of immense activity, he -resolved to profit cleverly by the general anarchy to gain a position. -He clambered up the first steps at full speed and became a full colonel -with startling rapidity. On reaching that position he married, in order -to secure himself, and to give him that solidity he desired for the -great game he intended to play, and which, in his mind, only ended with -the presidential chair. - -Already very rich, his marriage increased his fortune, which he sought -to augment, however, by every possible scheme; for he was aware what the -cost of a successful pronunciamiento was, and he did not mean to suffer -a defeat. - -As if everything was destined to favour this man in all he undertook, -his wife, a dear and charming woman, whose love and devotion he never -comprehended, died after a short illness, and left him father of a girl -as charming and amiable as herself--that lovely Angela whom we have -already met several times in the course of our narrative. - -Don Sebastian could have married again if he liked; but by his first -marriage he had obtained what he wanted, and preferred to remain free. -At the period we have now reached he had attained general's rank, and -secured the appointment of political governor of the state of Sonora, -the first stepping-stone for his ambitious projects. - -Colossally rich, he was interested in all the great industrial -enterprises, and a shareholder in most of the mining operations. It was -for the object of watching these operations more closely, that he had -asked for the government of Sonora, a new country, almost unknown, where -he hoped to fish more easily in troubled waters, owing to its distance -from the capital, and the slight surveillance he had to fear from the -government, in which he had, moreover, all-powerful influences. - -In a word, General Guerrero was one of those gloomy personages who, -under a most fascinating exterior, the most affable manners, and most -seductive smiles, conceal the most perverse instincts, the coldest -ferocity, and the most rotten soul. - -Still this man had in his heart one feeling which, by its intensity, -expiated many faults. - -He loved his daughter. - -He loved her passionately, without calculation or afterthought; yet this -paternal love had something terrible about it: he loved his daughter as -the jaguar or the panther loves its cubs, with fury and jealousy. - -Doña Angela, though she had never tried to sound her father's -impenetrable heart, had still divined the uncontrolled power she -exercised over this haughty nature which crushed everything, but became -suddenly weak and almost timid in her presence. The charming maid -employed her power despotically, but ever with the intention of doing a -good deed, as, for instance, to commute the sentence of a prisoner or -succour the unfortunate; in a word, to render lighter the yoke of iron -under which the general, with his feline manners, crushed his -subordinates. - -Thus the girl was as much adored by all those who approached her as the -general was feared and hated. God had doubtlessly wished, in His -ineffable goodness, to place an angel by the side of a demon, so that -the wounds inflicted by the latter might be cured by the former. - -Now that we have described these two persons to the best of our ability, -whose characters will be more fully developed in the course of our -story, we will resume our narrative at the point where we interrupted -it. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE NEXT DAY. - - -The sky was just beginning to be tinted with shades of opal--a few stars -still shone feebly here and there in the gloomy depths of the sky. It -was about half past three in the morning. - -Within the _locanda_ men and animals were sleeping that calm sleep which -precedes sunrise. Not a sound, save at intervals the barking of a dog -baying at the moon, broke the silence that brooded over the pueblo of -San José. - -The door of the cuarto in which the foster brothers rested was -cautiously opened, a thin thread of light found its way through the -orifice, and Valentine and the count came out. Don Louis had no reason -for departing unseen; he had no motives for hiding himself. If he took -so many precautions, it was only through a fear of disturbing the sleep -of the other lodgers, who had not such good reasons as himself for -rising so early, and whom, consequently, it was unnecessary to arouse. - -On arriving in the patio Don Louis prepared his horse's trappings, while -Valentine led the animal from the corral, carefully rubbed it down, and -gave it water. When all was in order Valentine opened the gate, the two -men shook hands for the last time, and Don Louis entered the gloom of -the only street of the pueblo, where he soon disappeared, amid the -barking of the masterless dogs aroused by his passing, and who rushed -after him howling furiously, and snapping at his horse's legs. - -Valentino remained for a moment motionless and thoughtful, listening -mechanically to the decreasing sound of the hoofs on the hardened -ground. - -"Perhaps I ought not to have put him on that path," he muttered. "Who -knows what awaits him at the other end?" A stifled sigh broke from his -bosom. "Bah!" he added a moment after, "all roads do not lead to the -same point--death! Why let such foolish forebodings have any effect over -me? Live and learn." - -The worthy hunter, somewhat comforted by these philosophic reflections, -re-entered the patio, and set to work shutting the outer door, before -throwing himself for an hour or two on his cuadro. While engaged in this -occupation, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps behind him: he -turned his head, and recognised Don Cornelio. - -"Ah, ah, my dear friend!" he said gaily, offering him his hand, which -the other pressed affectionately; "You are up very early." - -"Eh?" the Spaniard answered with a laugh. "I think it a good joke for -you to make that remark to me." - -"Why so?" - -"Because, if I have risen so early, it appears as if you had not been to -bed at all." - -Valentine began laughing. - -"By Jove! You are right. The fact is that, with the exception of -yourself and myself, it is certain that everybody is asleep in the -pueblo; and now that this door is closed again, with your permission, I -will go and do the same for an hour or two." - -"What! You are going to bed again?" - -"Certainly." - -"What to do?" - -"Why, to sleep, I suppose." - -"Pardon me, but I did not mean that." - -"I suppose not." - -"And you know what I wish to say to you?" - -"I! Not the least in the world. But, as you are a man far too -intelligent to spend in walking about the time you might pass far more -agreeably in sleeping, I presume that you have certain weighty reasons -for being here now." - -"That is true, on my word." - -"You see!" - -"Yes; but I did not wish exactly to speak with you." - -"Whom with, then?" - -"With Don Louis." - -"Hum! And you cannot tell it to me?" - -"O yes, I can; but I think it would be better to speak with him myself." - -"Confuse the thing!" - -Don Cornelio gave that shrug of the shoulders which in all countries and -languages signifies the same thing; that is, that the shrugger declines -all responsibility. - -"And," Valentine continued, "what you have to communicate to Don Louis -is probably very important?" - -"Very." - -"Hang it all, that is annoying; for it is impossible for you to speak -with him." - -"Bah! How so?" - -"Because there is an obstacle." - -"For me?" - -"For you and for everybody else." - -"Oh, oh! And what is that obstacle, Don Valentine, if you please?" - -"Oh, I do not want to make any mystery of it; I am more vexed than -yourself at what has happened; but the obstacle is very simply that Don -Louis has gone away." - -"Gone! Don Louis!" the other said in amazement. - -"Yes." - -"How was that--without speaking to anybody? Gone off at a venture?" - -"Not exactly. There were urgent reasons to speed his departure; and see, -I was engaged in shutting the gate after him when you arrived. A moment -earlier and you would have met him." - -"How unlucky!" - -"It is; but what would you do? After all, the misfortune is not so -great as it may seem to you at the first blush. We shall see him again -in a few days." - -"You are sure of it?" - -"Quite; for it is arranged between us. So soon as I have succeeded in -selling the herd, we shall go and join our friend again. So take -patience, Don Cornelio; the separation will not be long. Console -yourself with that thought, and good night." - -Valentine turned and walked a few steps, but the Spaniard stopped him. - -"What do you want now?" - -"Only one word." - -"Make haste, for I am dropping with sleep." - -"Pardon me, but you made a remark this moment which struck me greatly." - -"Ah! What was it?" - -"You said that Don Louis had commissioned you to sell the herd." - -"Yes, I did. What then?" - -"That was the very subject I wished to speak with him about." - -"Bah!" - -"Yes, I have found a purchaser." - -"What! For the whole herd?" - -"Yes, in a lump." - -"Stay, stay!" Valentine said, fixing his piercing eyes upon him; "that -would singularly simplify matters." - -"Would it not?" - -"Where on earth have you dug up this strange purchaser since last -night?" - -"There is nothing at all strange about him, I assure you. I found him -here." - -"Here, in this locanda?" - -"On my word, yes." - -"I really beg your pardon," Valentine said. "I am too well acquainted -with the gravity of your character to suppose that you have any -intention of deceiving me--" - -"Oh!" - -"But all this is so extraordinary--" - -"I am as much astonished as yourself at it." - -"Really!" - -"The more so because I did not know that Don Louis wished to sell the -herd here, and consequently the proposition does not emanate from me." - -"That is true. So you have been offered--" - -"To take the whole herd off my hands this very day--yes." - -"That is strange. Tell me all about it, my dear friend. What a pity that -Don Louis has started!" - -"Is it not?" - -"Well, you said, then--" - -"Permit me, if you have no objection, we will proceed to your cuarto, -where we can converse much more agreeably than here." - -"You are right, especially as people are beginning to get up in the -house." - -In fact, the servants of the hostelry and the muleteers were already -stirring, and walking round our two friends, whom they examined -curiously, while attending to their own business. Valentine and Don -Cornelio left the patio, and proceeded to the hunter's cuarto. So soon -as they had installed themselves Valentine said,-- - -"Now I am all attention. Speak, my good fellow. I confess I am anxious -to hear the solution of this riddle." - -Don Cornelio was aware of the friendship existing between Don Louis and -Valentine; hence he had not the slightest difficulty in telling the -hunter what had happened to him that night in the minutest details. - -"Is that all?" Valentine said, who had listened with the greatest -attention. - -"Yes; and now what do you think of it?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said thoughtfully, "if I must give you my opinion, it -appears to me rather less clear now than an hour ago." - -"Nonsense!" - -"That is my opinion. Still we must not neglect this opportunity which -presents itself so famously to get rid of our cattle advantageously." - -"That is what I think." - -"Very good; then do not stir. Above all, do not say a syllable about Don -Louis' departure." - -"Do you think so?" - -"That is important." - -"As you please." - -"Then supposing you are summoned?" - -"I will go." - -"No, we will both go; that will be more proper. Is that understood?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then good night; I am going to sleep a little. If there is anything new -wake me up." - -"All right." - -And Don Cornelio withdrew. - -Valentine was not at all inclined to sleep; but he wished to be alone, -that he might reflect on what he had just heard. He perfectly understood -that the young lady had been playing with the Spaniard like a cat with a -mouse, feigning an interest in him which she did not at all feel. But -what was her object in all this? Did she love Don Louis? Had the maiden -retained in her heart the remembrance of what had happened to the child? -Had gratitude unconsciously changed in her into love with growing years? - -This was what the hunter could not fathom. Valentine had never been very -expert in the matter of women; their hearts were to him as a dead -letter, an unknown tongue, in which he could not read a word. The life -he had constantly led in the desert, ever contending either with Indians -or with wild beasts, had not been at all favourable to the study of the -feminine heart; and besides, the deep love of his early youth--a love -the memory of which still palpitated in his heart--had prevented him -paying the slightest attention to the few women chance had at times -thrown in his way, and who had only appeared to him weak, defenceless -creatures, whom it was his duty to defend. - -Thus the worthy hunter was now considerably bothered, and knew not what -to do in order to read the young lady's intentions. It was evident to -him that Doña Angela had a secret object she desired to gain, and that -the purchase of the novillos was only a pretext to draw nearer to Don -Louis. But what was that object? Why did she wish to see his friend? -That was what he vainly sought, and was unable to discover. - -"After all," he muttered to himself, while going over the chaos of -thoughts that jostled each other in his brain, "it is perhaps better -that she should not see Louis. Who knows what might be the result of -such an interview? The lady's father is governor of Sonora, and we must -be most careful not to get into any trouble with him. Who knows whether -we may not need him hereafter? It is strange, I do not know where I have -heard his name before; but I am certain I do not hear it today for the -first time. Guerrero--Don Sebastian Guerrero. Under what circumstances -can that name have been pronounced in my presence?" - -The hunter had reached this point in his monologue when the door opened -gently, and a man entered. It was Curumilla. Valentine started with joy -on seeing him. - -"You are welcome, chief," he said. - -The Araucanian pressed his hand, and sat down silently by his side. - -"Well, chief," Valentine continued, "you are awake. Have you been taking -a turn in the pueblo?" - -The Indian smiled disdainfully. - -"No," he said. - -An idea crossed the hunter's mind. - -"My brother should go down into the patio," he said. "It seems there are -other travellers beside us: he should see them." - -"Curumilla has seen them." - -"Ah!" - -"He knows them." - -Valentine made a sign of astonishment. - -"What! You know them?" he exclaimed. - -"Only the man. Curumilla is a chief: his memory is long." - -"Ah, ah!" the hunter went on. "Is it possible that I shall obtain in -this way the information I have been racking my brains to find?" - -The Indian smiled and shook his head. - -"Who is the man, chief? Is he a friend?" - -"He is an enemy." - -"An enemy, by Jupiter! I was certain I had heard his name before." - -"Let my brother listen," the chief went on. "Curumilla has seen the -paleface: he will kill him." - -"Hum! Do not go to work so fast, chief. In the first place tell me who -he is; then we shall see what we have to do. Unfortunately we are not -here on the prairies: the death of that individual, whoever he may be, -might cost us dear." - -"The palefaces are women," the Indian replied disdainfully. - -"That is possible, chief; but prudent. Tomorrow is not passed, as you -gentlemen say, and every man gains his point who knows how to wait. For -the present let us be shy; we are not the stronger." - -Curumilla shrugged his shoulders. It was plain that the worthy Indian -was not a friend to temporising measures; still he did not raise the -slightest objection. - -"Come, chief, tell me who he is, and under what circumstances we had a -quarrel with him." - -The Indian rose and stood right in front of Valentine. - -"Does not my brother remember?" he asked. - -"No." - -"Wah! The conspiracy of the Paso del Norte, when Curumilla killed -Dog-face." - -"Oh!" Valentine exclaimed, striking his forehead, "I have it; it is the -general who commanded the Mexican troops, and to whom Don Miguel de -Zarate surrendered." - -"Yes." - -"Well, he was a brave and honest soldier in those days; he kept his word -to our friend nobly. I cannot be angry with him." - -"He is a traitor." - -"From your point of view, chief, possibly so, but not from mine. It is -true; I perfectly remember him now. Poor General Ibañez often spoke to -me about him: he was not fond of him either. It is a strange -coincidence. Good! Fear nothing, chief; I will watch. Whether friend or -foe, this man has never seen me--he knows not who I am; hence I have a -great advantage over him. Thanks, chief!" - -"Is my brother satisfied?" - -"You have rendered me an immense service, chief; so you can judge -whether I am satisfied." - -Curumilla smiled. - -"Wah!" he said, "all the better." - -"Yes, chief, all the better, and let us breakfast. I feel a ferocious -appetite ever since, thanks to you, I have been able to see my way a -little more clearly." - -Curumilla and Don Cornelio had prepared their frugal meal in their -cuarto, consisting of red haricot beans with pepper, a few _varas_ of -dried meat, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with aloe pulque -of the first quality, and a few _tragos_ of excellent Catalonian refino. - -The three friends ate with good appetite, and were preparing to light -their cigars, the obligato termination of every American meal, when they -heard a discreet tap at the door, which was only leaned to. - -"Come in," Valentine said. - -A criado appeared, and after bowing courteously to all present, said,-- - -"My master, his Excellency General Don Sebastian Guerrero, presents his -civilities to the caballeros here assembled, and desires that Señor Don -Cornelio and Señor Don Louis will favour him with a moment's interview, -if their occupations will permit of it." - -"Tell his Excellency," Valentine answered, "that we shall have the -honour of obeying his orders." - -The servant bowed and retired. - -"Why, you know, señor," Don Cornelio then said, "that Don Louis is -absent." - -"No matter: am I not here?" - -"That is true, but--" - -"Leave me alone," the hunter quickly interrupted him; "I will answer for -everything." - -"Very good; do as you think proper." - -"Trust to me. How can it concern this man whether he deals with Don -Louis or anyone else, so long as the ganado is young, vigorous, and -cheap?" - -"That is true; it must be a matter of indifference to him." - -"Come on: you will see that I shall settle this affair satisfactorily." - -And he went out, followed by Don Cornelio, who, however, did not seem -completely satisfied. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED. - - -What Doña Angela had told Don Cornelio was true: her father was really -expecting his mayordomo that morning, in order to consult with him about -certain improvements he wished to introduce at one of his haciendas, and -also about buying cattle to re-stock his prairies, which had been -devastated during the last periodical incursion which the Apache and -Comanche Indians are in the habit of making upon the Mexican territory. - -Still, Doña Angela, like the true Creole she was, had never hitherto -troubled herself about her father's domestic affairs, having too much to -do in thinking of her toilet and pleasures. Hence she did not know how -to bring the conversation gently round to that point, without allowing -the interest she took in it to be suspected. But the most simple-minded -woman becomes crafty when her interest is at stake. After the Spaniard -had withdrawn the girl remained pensive for a few moments; but then a -smile played on her rosy lips, she patted her dainty little hands -gleefully together, and fell asleep murmuring softly,-- - -"I have found it." - -The Mexicans are early risers, that they may enjoy the freshness of the -morning hours. At half past seven Doña Angela opened her eyes, and -devoutly paid her matin orisons to the Virgin; then, aided by Violanta, -her clever camarista, she proceeded to the charming mystery of her -toilet. - -Her sleep had been as peaceful as that of a bird: hence she was calm, -and gloriously lovely. At the moment that Violanta put in the last pin, -intended to hold the long and thick tresses of her magnificent hair, a -knock was heard at the door. It was the general. - -Don Sebastian was dressed in the rich costume of the Sonorian country -gentry; but his masculine and sharply-cut features, his haughty glance, -his long moustaches, but, above all, his decided walk, allowed him to be -recognised for a soldier at the first glance, in spite of the dress he -had assumed. It had been the general's custom for many long years to -come thus every morning, and wish his daughter good day: his child's -frank and simple smile sent a gentle ray of sunshine into his heart, -whose reflection aided him during the rest of the day in supporting the -inseparable cares of power. - -Violanta hastened to open, and the general walked in. Doña Angela -cunningly watched the expression of his face, and she bounded with -delight on fancying she saw that he was pleased in spite of the severe -appearance he sought to give his features. Don Sebastian kissed his -daughter affectionately, and sat down on a butaca which Violanta drew -forward for him. - -"Oh, my child!" he said, "how fresh and radiant you are this morning! It -is easy to see that you have passed an excellent night." - -"At any rate, papa," she said with a little pout, "if it was not so, it -was not my fault, I assure you; for I was greatly inclined to sleep when -I retired last night." - -"What do you mean? Was your sleep disturbed?" - -"Yes, several times." - -"_Caramba!_ Dear little one, it was the same with me. Some scamp -persisted in strumming the most melancholy airs on the guitar, that -would have frightened the cats themselves, and kept me awake all night -Deuce take the musician and his silly instrument!" - -"It was not that, papa. I scarcely heard the man of whom you are -speaking." - -"What was it, then? I was not aware of any other noises last night but -that." - -"I cannot explain to you positively what I heard; but Violanta was also -aroused several times like myself." - -"Is that true, little one?" the general asked, turning to the camarista, -apparently busy at the moment in arranging the cuarto. - -"Oh, señor general," she exclaimed, clasping her hands, "it was a -fearful noise--a noise to wake the dead!" - -"What the deuce could it be?" - -"I do not know," she replied, assuming her most innocent air. - -"Did it last long?" - -"All the night," she said, trumping what her mistress had alleged. - -"Hum! But it must have resembled something, I suppose?" - -"Certainly, papa; but I do not know with what to compare it." - -"And you, little wench, cannot you make a guess?" - -"I fancy I know." - -"Ah! Well, then, tell us at once, instead of leaving us in the dark." - -"I will, Excellency. This morning, taking advantage of my lady's -sleeping, I went down very gently to try and discover the cause of the -noise that kept us awake all night." - -"And you found it?" - -"I think I did." - -"Very good: go on." - -"It seems that hunters arrived here yesterday with a large herd of -novillos, toros, &c., which they are taking, I believe, to California. -It was these animals which, by stamping and roaring, prevented us -sleeping, for their corral adjoins this house." - -"And how did you learn all this?" - -"Oh! Very easily, Excellency. Accident willed it that I should address -one of the owners of the herd." - -"Listen to that! Accident was very kind." - -Violanta blushed. The general did not notice it, but continued, "Are you -sure they were not vaqueros belonging to some hacienda?" - -"O no, Excellency; they are hunters." - -"Good; and they want to sell their _ganado_?" - -"The man I spoke with said so." - -"I suppose he asks a high price?" - -"I do not know." - -"That is true. Well, my child," he added, rising and turning to his -daughter, "so soon as you are ready we will breakfast, and perhaps I -will deliver you from the horrible noise of these animals." - -The general kissed his daughter once again, and left the room. So soon -as he was gone the two girls began laughing like little madcaps. - -We must allow that both had played their part to perfection, and though -he little suspected it, had, in a few moments, led the general to do -exactly what they wanted, while leaving him persuaded that he was merely -acting from his own impulse. - -A few minutes later Doña Angela joined her father in the cuarto, which -was employed as dining room. The mayordomo had arrived, and the general -only awaited his daughter's presence to begin the meal. This mayordomo, -already known to the reader, was no other than Don Isidro Vargas, who -had accepted this situation as a retiring pension. - -The Mexican haciendas, especially in Sonora, are often eight to ten -leagues in extent. To watch so large a tract of country, on which -immense bands of wild horses and numerous herds of cattle pasture at -liberty, a young, robust, and active man is generally selected, who is -called in that country a _hombre de a caballo_. In truth, the profession -of a mayordomo is excessively severe: he must constantly be on -horseback, galloping day and night, in heat or cold, doing everything -and looking after everything himself, and obliging the peons to work, -who are the idlest fellows in existence, and the biggest thieves -imaginable. - -Don Isidro was no longer young. At the period when we bring him again on -the stage he was nearly seventy; but this long, thin man, on whose bones -a yellow skin, dry as parchment, seemed to be glued, was as upright and -vigorous as if he were but thirty: age had gained no power over his -body, which was solely composed of muscles and nerves. Thus, by his -continual vigilance, his indefatigable ardour, and his uncommon energy, -he was the terror of the poor fellows whom their evil destiny had placed -under his orders, and who fully believed that their mayordomo had made a -compact with the demon, so closely did he watch them, and so thoroughly -was he acquainted with their slightest actions. - -The mayordomo had retained his _botas vaqueras_, and his spurs with -enormous rowels, which compel the wearer to walk tiptoe. His zarapé and -hat of vicuna skin were negligently thrown on a butaca in a corner, and -at his left side hung a sheathless machete, passed through an iron ring. - -So soon as he perceived the young lady he walked up to her, wished her -good day, and embraced her affectionately. The captain knew Doña Angela -from the day of her birth, and loved her as his daughter. She, for her -part, entertained a great friendship for the old soldier, with whom she -had played when a child, and whom she still liked to tease, to which the -worthy mayordomo lent himself with the best grace in the world. - -They sat down to table; but that expression is somewhat pretentious when -applied to a Mexican breakfast. - -We have already frequently remarked that the Spanish Americans are the -most sober people in the world. The least thing suffices them. Thus the -breakfast in question was only composed of a small cup of that excellent -chocolate which the Spaniards alone know how to make, of a few maize -tortillas, and a large glass of water. This meal, if it be one, is -common to all classes of society in Mexico. - -The party sat down to table, then, Doña Angela said the benedicite and -the chocolate was served. The conversation, at the outset, was -completely in the hands of the general and the captain, and turned -exclusively on what had happened at the hacienda since the general's -last visit; then it gradually veered round to the subject of the ganado. - -"By the way," Don Sebastian said, "have you recovered any of the cattle -those demons of Apaches took from us in their last attack?" - -"Not a head, general, _Válgame Dios!_ You might as well pursue the wind -and the tempest as try to catch up those red devils." - -"Then we have lost--" - -"All that was within their reach; that is to say, about 2500 head." - -"That is hard; and how have you repaired the loss?" - -"Up to the present I have only succeeded in collecting 1500 head; and if -you remember, it was on this very subject that you gave me the meeting -here." - -"I remember the fact perfectly; still I do not exactly see what we can -do, except buy other cattle." - -"Hang it! That is the only way we have of completing our herds." - -"Have you any in view?" - -"At this moment?" - -"Yes." - -"No, indeed, I have not, for the ganado is growing beyond all price. The -discovery of gold in California has caused an enormous number of -adventurers from every country to flock there. You know what the -_gringos_ are; they must have meat. These miserable heretics are such -gluttons that they could not do without it; and thus they have devoured -all the ganado they could find in their neighbourhood, and are now -obliged to fetch it for nearly two hundred leagues. You can understand -that such a thing sends prices up enormously." - -"That is annoying." - -"And yet, general, only an instant agone, while placing my horse in the -corral. I saw the most magnificent herd of novillos that can be -imagined. It is evident that the poor animals have travelled at least -one hundred leagues, for they appear so fatigued." - -Doña Angela gave a sly glance at her camarista, who was standing behind -her. - -"I have heard of them," the general said carelessly; "they are on the -road to San Francisco, I believe." - -"What did I say not a moment ago?" the captain exclaimed, striking his -fist on the table. "_Caray!_ If those confounded gringos are let alone, -they will have devoured all our cattle before ten years have passed." - -"Can we not try to purchase these?" - -"It would be an excellent business for us, even if we paid dearly; but -their owners will not be inclined to sell." - -"Who knows? I fancy, on the contrary, that they are willing to get rid -of them." - -"_Rayo de Dios!_ Buy them, then." - -"Yes; but at what price?" - -"It is certain that cattle are growing scarcer and scarcer: offer them -for each head bought here the price it would fetch at San Francisco." - -"Hum! And how is the market down there?" - -"About eighteen piastres." - -"Oh, oh! That is to say, for six hundred head--" - -"Ten thousand eight hundred piastres: offer the even money." - -"That is dear." - -"What would you have? You will have to do it." - -"That is true; but it is hard." - -The general reflected for a moment, and then turned to his daughter. - -"Angela," he said, "what is the name of the hunter who owns the herd?" - -The young lady started. - -"Why do you ask me, papa?" she replied, with feigned astonishment; "I -really do not know what you mean. I am entirely ignorant whether there -is a herd in this hostelry." - -"That is true," the general said, recollecting. "Where the deuce is my -head gone? It was your camarista, I believe, who spoke to one of the -fellows." - -"Yes, papa." - -"Pardon me. Come, Violanta, my child, can you tell me this man's name?" - -The girl approached with downcast eyes, and twisting the hem of her fine -muslin apron between her fingers with an embarrassed air. It was evident -she was trying all she knew to blush. The general awaited her answer for -several minutes, but then lost patience. - -"Come, you little fool," he exclaimed, "will you make up your mind to -speak, yes or no? People would fancy I was asking you a question unfit -for a maiden to answer." - -"I do not say that, general," she replied hesitatingly. - -"Enough of that mock modesty. What is the name of the owner of this -ganado?" - -"There are two, general." - -"What are their names, then?" - -"One is a Spaniard, the other a Frenchman, Excellency." - -"What do I care what country the scamps belong to? I only want to know -their names." - -"One is called Don Cornelio." - -"And the other?" - -"Don Louis." - -"But they have other names beside those?" - -Violanta exchanged a rapid glance with her mistress. - -"I do not know them," she said. - -"Hum!" the general remarked sarcastically, "you only know people, it -appears, by their baptismal names. That's worth knowing." - -This time the girl really blushed, and retired in great confusion. Don -Sebastian made a sign to a peon who was standing respectfully a few -paces off. - -"Gregorio," he said, "go and present the compliments of General Don -Sebastian Guerrero to the Señores Don Louis and Don Cornelio, and beg -them to honour him with a visit. You understand me?" - -The peon bowed and went out. - -"We must be polite with these people," the general observed. "Now that -the discovery of the Californian placers has overthrown all classes of -society, who knows with whom we may have to deal?" - -And he accompanied this remark by a sarcastic laugh, in which the -captain, as the worthy Mexican he was, noisily joined. - -We will observe parenthetically that General Guerrero, like the majority -of his countrymen, professed the most inveterate hatred for Europeans, a -hatred which nothing justified, unless it was that superiority which the -Creoles are obliged to recognise in the Europeans--a superiority which -they submit to unwillingly, but before which they are forced to bow -their heads. - -Several minutes elapsed, and then the peon returned. - -"Well?" the general asked him. - -"Excellency," the peon answered respectfully, "the caballeros will have -the honour of waiting on you. They are following me." - -"Very good. Put a bottle of Catalonian refino and glasses on the table. -I know from experience that these gentry have no partiality for pure -water." - -After this new jest the general rolled a _papelito,_ lighted it, and -waited. Within five minutes the sound of footsteps was heard in the -corridor; the door opened, and two men appeared. - -"It is not he!" Doña Angela murmured in a low voice, for her eyes were -anxiously fixed on the door. - -The two men were Valentine and Don Cornelio. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION. - - -We have mentioned in a previous chapter the object for which Valentine -presented himself in his friend's place. He wished to try and discover -for what reason Doña Angela desired so ardently to see Louis again. As -for Don Cornelio, he was intimately persuaded that his personal merits -had done it all, and that the young lady's sole wish was to have another -interview with himself. - -On the other hand, the hunter, warned by Curumilla, was not sorry to see -the man with whom he had been indirectly connected at another period of -his life--a connection which might at any moment become more intimate, -owing to the general's new position and Don Louis' projects. - -The two strangers presented themselves boldly; their manner was -respectful, without arrogance or excessive humility; such, in a word, as -might be expected from men long tried by the innumerable hazards of an -adventurous life. - -The general probably expected to see men of low habits and vulgar -features. At the sight of the two men, whose masculine and honest faces -struck him, he started imperceptibly, rose, saluted them courteously, -and invited them to sit down on chairs he ordered to be placed for them. - -Doña Angela knew not what to think after Don Cornelio's positive -statement. The absence of Don Louis, and the substitution for him of a -man she did not know, appeared inexplicable. Still, without exactly -understanding her feelings, she guessed, under this substitution, a -mystery which she sought in vain to fathom. Violanta was as confused and -astonished as her mistress: the captain alone remained indifferent to -what passed. The old soldier, profiting cleverly by the fact of the -bottle of refino having been placed on the table, had poured out a large -glass of aguardiente, which he swallowed in small doses, while patiently -waiting till the general thought proper to open the ball. - -When the hunters had at length taken their seats, after repeated -pressing, the general took the word. - -"You will pardon me, gentlemen, for having disturbed you by compelling -you to come here, when it should have been my place to go to your -cuarto, as it is I who wish to speak with you." - -"General," Valentine answered with a respectful bow, "my friend and -myself would have been in despair had we caused you the least annoyance. -Pray believe that we shall always be happy to obey your orders, whatever -they may be." - -After this mutual interchange of compliments the speakers bowed again. -No people in the world carry to such an extent as the Mexican the feline -gentleness of manner, if we may be permitted to employ the expression. - -"Which of you two gentlemen," the general continued gracefully, "is -Señor Don Cornelio?" - -"It is I, caballero," the Spaniard answered with a bow. - -"In that case," Don Sebastian went on, turning to the hunter with an -amiable smile, "this caballero is Don Louis?" - -"Pardon me, general," the Frenchman answered distinctly, "my name is -Valentine." - -The general started. - -"What?" he said in surprise. "And where, then, is Señor Don Louis?" - -"It is impossible for him to obey your orders." - -"Why so?" - -"Because," Valentine continued, casting a side glance at the young lady, -who, though she appeared to be very busily talking with her camarista, -did not lose a word that was said, "because, general, Don Louis, unaware -that he should have the honour of being received by your Excellency this -morning, started at sunrise for San Francisco." - -Doña Angela turned pale as death, and was on the point of fainting at -this news; still she overcame the emotion she experienced, and became -apparently calm. She wished to learn all. This emotion, though so -transitory, had not escaped Valentine's observation. The general nearly -turned his back on his daughter: hence it was impossible for him to see -anything that passed. - -"That is annoying," he answered. - -"I am in despair, general." - -"His absence will doubtlessly be of short duration?" - -"He will not return." - -Valentine pronounced these words dryly. The emotion Doña Angela -experienced was so lively that she could not check a slight cry of pain. - -"What is the matter, niña?" her father asked her, turning sharply. "What -is the meaning of that cry?" - -"I cut myself," she answered with the most innocent air possible. - -"Oh, oh!" her father said in alarm; "it is not dangerous?" - -"No; a mere scratch. I was a goose to be frightened. Forgive me, papa." - -The general asked no further questions, but continued his conversation -with the Frenchman. - -"I am vexed at this _contretemps_," he said, "for I wished to consult -with your friend on very important business." - -"No matter; I am here. My friend, on starting, gave me full power to act -in his name. You can speak, general; that is to say, if you do not -consider me unworthy of your confidence." - -"Such a supposition would be an insult, sir." - -Valentine bowed. - -"Well, caballero," the general continued, "the affair I wished to -discuss with your friend is certainly important; but if your full powers -extend to commercial transactions, I do not see why I should not treat -with you as well as with him." - -"Speak openly, then, general, for I am Don Louis' partner." - -"This is the affair in two words--" - -"Pardon me," Doña Angela suddenly said, with a little air of resolution, -which even imposed on the general himself; "before you begin talking -about trade, I should like to ask this gentleman a few questions." - -The general turned in surprise, and bent an inquiring glance on his -daughter. - -"What can you have to ask this caballero?" he said. - -"You will soon know, my dear papa," she replied with a slight tone of -sarcasm, "if you will permit me to ask him two or three questions." - -"Speak, then, you little madcap," the general exclaimed with a shrug of -his shoulders; "speak, and make a finish as soon as you can." - -"Thank you, papa. Your permission is, perhaps, not very graciously -granted, but I shall not bear you malice on that account." - -"As you permit it, general, I am at the lady's orders." - -"In the first place, sir, promise me one thing." - -"What is it, señorita?" - -"That you will answer frankly and honestly all the questions I may ask -you." - -"What is the meaning of this folly, Angela?" the general said -impatiently. "Is this the moment or the place? Is it befitting for--?" - -"Papa," the young lady boldly interrupted him, "you gave me permission -to speak." - -"Granted; but not in the way you seemed inclined to do so." - -"Have a little patience, papa." - -"Bah!" the captain said, interposing, "let her speak as she likes. Go -on, my child--go on." - -"I am waiting this gentleman's answer," she said. - -"I make you the promise you ask, señorita," Valentine answered. - -"I hold your word. What is your friend's name, sir?" - -"Which one, señorita?". - -"The one whose place you have taken." - -"His name is Count Louis de Prébois Crancé." - -"He is a Frenchman?" - -"Born at Paris." - -"You have known him a long time?" - -"Since his birth, señorita. My mother was his nurse." - -"Ah!" she said with pleasure; "then you are really his friend?" - -"I am his foster brother." - -"He has no secrets from you?" - -"None, I fancy." - -"Good!" - -"Come, come," the general exclaimed, "this is becoming intolerable. What -is the meaning of this interrogatory to which you subject the caballero, -and to which he has the goodness to yield so complacently? Confound it, -niña! I beg the señor's pardon in your name; for your conduct toward him -is most improper." - -"What is there improper in it, papa? My intentions are good, and I am -certain that you will agree with me when you learn why I asked the -caballero these simple questions, which, however, appear to you so -extraordinary." - -"Well, go on. What is the reason?" - -"This. Three years back, during your journey from Guadalajara to Tepic, -were you not attacked by salteadores at the spot called the Mal Paso?" - -"Yes; but what has that in common, I ask--?" - -"Wait," she said gaily. "Two men came to your assistance?" - -"Yes, and I am not ashamed to confess that, without them, I should -probably have not only been robbed, but murdered by the bandits. -Unfortunately these men obstinately refused to tell me their names. All -my researches up to the present have been fruitless. I have been unable -to find them again, and show them my gratitude, which I assure you vexes -me extremely." - -"Yes, papa, I know that you have often in my presence regretted your -inability to find the courageous man to whom you owe your life, as well -as I do, who was but a child at the time." - -The young lady uttered these words with an emotion that affected all her -hearers. - -"Unfortunately," the general said a moment later, "three years have -elapsed since that adventure. Who knows what has become of that man?" - -"I do, papa." - -"You, Angela!" he exclaimed in surprise. "It is impossible." - -"My father, the questions I addressed to the gentleman, and which he -answered so kindly, had only one object; to acquire a certainty by -corroborating through the answers I received certain information I had -obtained elsewhere." - -"So that--?" - -"The man who saved your life is the Count Don Louis, who started this -very morning for San Francisco." - -"Oh!" the general said in great agitation, "it is impossible. You are -mistaken, my child." - -"Pardon me, general, but my friend has frequently told me the story in -its amplest details," Valentine observed. "Why seek to hide longer a -thing you now know?" - -"And to remove all doubts, if any remain, which I hardly suppose, papa, -in the presence of this caballero's loyal assurance, look at this man," -she added, pointing to the Spaniard. "Do you not recognise Don Cornelio, -our old travelling companion, who constantly sang to his jarana the -romance of El Rey Rodrigo?" - -The general examined the young man attentively. - -"It is true," he said presently; "I now recognise this caballero, whom I -left wounded, at his own request, in the hands of my generous -liberator." - -"Whom I have not left since," Don Cornelio affirmed. - -"Ah!" the general said. "But why this obstinacy on Don Louis' part to -keep his secret? Did he fancy that gratitude was too heavy a burden for -me to bear?" - -"Do not think such a thing of my friend," Valentine exclaimed quickly. -"Don Louis believed, and still believes, that the service he rendered -you was too trifling to have such great importance attached to it." - -"_Caspita!_ When he saved my honour! But now that I know him he shall -not escape me longer. I will find him sooner or later, and prove to him -that we Mexicans have a memory as long for good as for ill. I am his -debtor, and, by heavens! I will pay him my debt." - -"That is good, papa," the young lady exclaimed, as she threw herself -into his arms. - -"Enough, little madcap, enough. Confusion! You are stifling me. But tell -me, little rogue, I believe that in all this you have been playing me a -nice little trick." - -"Oh, father!" she answered with a blush. - -"Would you, miss, have the goodness to explain to me how you obtained -all this information? I confess that it puzzles me considerably, and I -should like to know." - -Doña Angela, began laughing to conceal her embarrassment; but suddenly -making up her mind with that decision which marked her character,-- - -"I will tell you, if you promise not to scold me too severely," she -said. - -"Go on; we will see afterwards." - -"I told you a story this morning, papa," she said, letting her eyes -fall. - -"I suspect it: go on." - -"If you frown in that way, and put on your naughty air, I warn you that -I shall not say a word." - -"And you will be right, niña," the captain supported her. - -The general smiled. - -"Come," he said, "you are taking her part, are you?" - -"_Caspita!_ I should think so." - -"Come, come, be at your ease; I will not be angry, the more so because I -suspect that the pretty baggage behind you, with her cunning looks, has -something to do with the plot," he said, looking at Violanta, who could -not keep her countenance. - -"You have guessed it, papa. I slept splendidly last night: nothing -disturbed my slumbers." - -"Just listen to that, the little deceiver!" - -"Last evening, however, I heard the sound of a jarana accompanying the -Romance del Rey Rodrigo. I remembered our old travelling companion who -never sang anything else. I know not how it was, but I persuaded myself -that he was the singer, and so I sent Violanta to invite him to my room. -Then--" - -"Then he told you all?" - -"Yes, papa. As I knew the desire you felt to know your liberator, I -wished to surprise you by letting you find him at the moment you least -expected. Unfortunately chance has thwarted all my plans, and destroyed -my combinations." - -"That was right, niña, for it will teach you not to have any secrets -from your father. But console yourself, my child; we will find him -again, and then he must allow us to express our gratitude to him, which -time, far from lessening, has only heightened." - -The young lady, without saying anything further, returned pensively to -her seat. The general turned to Valentine. - -"It is now our turn, caballero. You are the owner of the herd of -cattle?" - -"Yes, general; but I am not the only one." - -"Who are your partners?" - -"Don Louis and the caballero here present." - -"Very good. Do you wish to dispose of your cattle advantageously?" - -"It is my intention." - -"How many head have you?" - -"Seven hundred and seventy." - -"And you are taking them--?" - -"To San Francisco." - -"_Caramba!_ That is a tough job." - -"We purpose hiring peons to drive the animals." - -"But if you could find a purchaser here?" - -"I should prefer it." - -"Well, I want cattle: most of mine have been stolen by the -Apaches--those infernal plunderers! If you consent we will strike a -bargain. Your herd suits me. My mayordomo has seen it, and I will buy it -in the lump." - -"I wish nothing better." - -"We say seven hundred and seventy head, I think?" - -"Yes." - -"At twenty-five piastres apiece: that makes 19,250 piastres, if I am -not mistaken. Does that suit you?" - -"No, general," Valentine replied firmly. - -Don Sebastian looked at him in amazement. - -"Why so?" he said. - -"Because I should rob you." - -"Hum! That is my business." - -"That is possible, general; but it is not mine." - -"What do you mean?" - -"I mean that cattle are sold, one with the other, at eighteen piastres -in San Francisco, and I cannot sell them for twenty-five here." - -"Nonsense! I fancy I know the value of ganado as well as any man; and I -offer you the price your herd is worth." - -"No, general, it is not worth it, and you know it as well as I do," the -hunter objected resolutely. "I thank you for your generosity, but I -cannot accept it: my friend would be angry with me for making such a -bargain." - -"Then you refuse?" - -"I do." - -"It is perfectly novel for a merchant to refuse to gain a profit on his -wares." - -"Pardon me, general, I do not refuse an honest profit; but I will not -rob you, that is all." - -"On my word, you are the first man I ever knew to look at trade in that -light." - -"Probably, general, because you have never had dealings with a -Frenchman." - -"I must yield. What do you ask for the beasts?" - -"Nineteen piastres per head, which, I assure you, will give me a very -handsome profit." - -"Be it so. That makes--?" - -"Fourteen thousand six hundred and thirty piastres." - -"Very good. If that will suit you, I will give you an order for that sum -on Messrs. Torribi, Dellaporta, and Co., at Guaymas." - -"That will do admirably." - -"You hear, captain, the herd is ours?" - -"Good! This night it will start for the hacienda." - -"When do you propose leaving, señores?" - -"As soon as our business is settled here, general. We are anxious to -rejoin our friend." - -"In an hour the bill of exchange will be ready." - -Valentine bowed. - -"Still," the general continued, "you will be good enough to tell Don -Louis that I regard myself as his debtor, and if ever he come to Sonora -I will prove it." - -"Possibly he may soon arrive," the hunter replied, with a side glance at -Doña Angela, who blushed. - -"I hope so; and now, gentlemen, I am at your service. If I can be of any -use to you, remember that you can always apply to me." - -"Receive my thanks, general." - -After exchanging a few more words they parted. In passing Doña Angela, -Valentine bowed respectfully. - -"Don Louis still has your reliquary," he muttered in so low a voice that -she guessed the words rather than heard them. - -"Thank you," she answered; "you are kind." - -"She loves Louis," Valentine said to himself as he returned to the -cuarto, accompanied by Don Cornelio. - -"The man is a fool to refuse a profit of 5000 piastres," the general -said to Don Isidro so soon as he found himself alone with him. - -"Perhaps so," the latter replied thoughtfully; "but I fancy he is an -enemy." - -The general shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, not deigning to -attach the slightest importance to this insinuation. - -The same evening Valentine and his two companions left San José, and -proceeded toward Guaymas, without seeing Doña Angela or the general -again. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -CONVERSATION. - - -During the few thousand years since the world on which we vegetate -issued from the hands of the Creator, many revolutions have taken place, -many extraordinary facts have been accomplished. How many nations have -succeeded each other, rising and falling in turn, disappearing without -even leaving a trace, after traversing history like dazzling meteors, -and then going out eternally in the night of ages! - -But of all the strange facts of which the memory has been preserved, -none in our opinion can be compared with what we have seen accomplished -under our own eyes, with extraordinary audacity and success, during -about three-quarters of a century. - -Adventurers bursting from every quarter of the globe--some impelled by -the fanaticism of religious faith, others by a spirit of adventure, -others again, and the large majority, urged on by wretchedness--after -landing as pilgrims on the American shores, asking shelter from the poor -and innocent inhabitants of those hospitable countries, and purchasing -for a song fertile estates, gradually congregated, expelled the first -possessors of the soil, founded cities and ports, built arsenals, and -one day shaking off the yoke of the mother country under whose ægis they -had timidly sought shelter, constituted themselves an independent state, -and founded that colossus, with feet of clay, body of gold, and head of -mud, which is called the United States of America. - -Humble at the outset, this poor Republic, singing in a loud voice the -words, "Liberty and Fraternity!"--words whose noble and grand -significance it never comprehended--displaying a rigid tolerance, an -exaggerated virtue and puritanism, stepped insidiously into the councils -of the European powers, climbed cunningly up to the thrones of -sovereigns, and, beneath the mask of disinterestedness, gained -acceptance from all. Suddenly, when the favourable moment arrived, the -United States rose and assumed a haughty posture. They who had laid down -in their Act of Independence that they would never consent to any -aggrandisement, said in a domineering voice to Europe, surprised and -almost terrified by such audacity, "This quarter of the globe is ours. -We are a powerful nation. You must henceforth settle with us." - -Unfortunately for themselves, in uttering these proud words, the -Northern Americans did not believe them. On the one hand they were -perfectly aware of their weakness; and, on the other, they knew very -well that a multitude of individuals collected from all sides, without -any tie of family or language among them, cannot form a people--that, is -to say, a nation--in one century, not even in two. - -Still, to be just and impartial to the United States, we must allow that -their inhabitants possess to a supreme degree that feverish ardour -which, if well directed, produces great results. - -It is evident that these bold adventurers are accomplishing, though they -little suspect it, a providential mission. What it is no one can say, -themselves least of all. These men who stifle on the frontiers, which -their population, though daily increasing, cannot fill; who aspire -continually to leap over the barriers which other nations oppose to -them; who only dream of the unknown, and are perpetually gazing at the -distant horizon--these men, in whose ear a secret voice constantly -murmurs, as to the Jew of the legend, "Onward, onward!"--these men are -destined, ere long, to play a grand, glorious, and noble part in modern -civilisation, if the profound egotism that undermines, and the thirst -for gold which devours them, does not kill in them those regenerating -virtues with which they are unconsciously endowed; and if, forgetting -the spirit of conquest and desire for further aggrandisement, they draw -more closely together the ties between the several states, and practise -among themselves that liberty and fraternity of which they talk so -jactantly abroad, but know so little at home. - -No people equals the Americans in the art of founding towns. In a few -days, on the spot where a virgin forest full of mystery and shadow -stood, they lay out streets, build houses, light gas; and in the midst -of these streets and squares, created as if by enchantment, the forest -trees are not yet dead, and a few forgotten oaks flourish with a -melancholy air. - -It is true that many of these towns, improvised for the exigencies of -the moment, are frequently deserted as rapidly as they were built; for -the North American is the true nomadic race. Nothing attaches it to the -soil: convenience alone can keep it at any given spot. It has none of -those heart affections, none of those memories of childhood or youth, -which induce us often to endure suffering in a place rather than quit it -for others where we should be comparatively much better off. In a word, -the American has no _home_, that word so endearing to Europeans. To him -the most agreeable and comfortable abode is that where he can pile -dollar on dollar with the greatest facility. - -San Francisco, that city which now counts more than 60,000 inhabitants, -and in which all the refinements of luxury can be found, is an evident -proof of the marvellous facility with which the Americans improvise -towns. We can remember bartering, scarce fifteen years back, with -Flat-head Indians, beneath the shade of secular trees, on sites where -splendid edifices now rise. We have fished alone in this immense bay, -the finest in the world, which is at present almost too small to hold -the innumerable vessels that follow each other in rapid succession. - -At the period of our story San Francisco was not yet a city in the true -acceptation of the word. It was a conglomeration of huts and clumsy -cabins built of wood, and which afforded some sort of shelter to the -adventurers of every nation whom the gold fever cast on its shores, and -who only stopped there long enough to prepare for proceeding to the -mines, or throw into the bottomless abysses of the gambling houses the -nuggets they had collected with so much difficulty and suffering. - -The police were almost non-existing: the stronger man made the law. The -knife and revolver were the _última ratio_, and lorded it over this -heterogeneous population, composed of the worst specimens the five parts -of the globe could throw up. - -A population incessantly renewed, never the same, lived in this Hades, a -prey to that constant and fatal intoxication which the sight of that -terrible metal called gold produces in even the strongest-minded men. - -Still, at the period of which we are writing, the first fury of the race -to the placers had somewhat cooled down. Owing to the impulse given by a -few resolute men, gifted with lofty intellects and generous hearts, the -normal life was beginning to be gradually organised; the bandits no -longer daringly held the top of the causeway, honest men could at length -breathe and raise their heads, all foreboded better days, and the dawn -of an era of order, peace, and tranquillity had arrived. - -About two months after the events we narrated in our preceding chapter -we will lead the reader to a charming house built a little out of the -throng, as if the inhabitants had sought to isolate themselves as much -as possible; and after introducing him into a room modestly furnished -with a few common chairs and a table, on which lay a large map of -Mexico, we will listen to the conversation of the two men who were -leaning over this map. - -One of them is already well known to us, for he is the Count Louis; the -other was a man of middle age, with a fine and intelligent face, whose -eye sparkled with boldness and frankness; his manners were also very -elegant. He appeared to be a Frenchman; at least he was talking in that -language. At the moment we joined them the two gentlemen were inserting -black-headed pins into certain districts of the map spread out before -them. - -"I am perfectly of your opinion, my dear count," the stranger said as he -rose: "that road is the most direct, and at the same time the safest." - -"Is it not?" Louis answered. - -"Without any doubt. But tell me--you are quite resolved to disembark at -Guaymas?" - -"That is the most favourable point." - -"I ask you that question, my dear countryman, because I have written to -our representative in that town." - -"Well?" the count said quickly, rising in his turn. - -"All goes well; at least he tells me so in his letter." - -"He has answered you?" - -"Courier for courier. The Mexican authorities will see your arrival with -the greatest pleasure; a barrack will be prepared for your men, and the -principal posts of the town intrusted to them. You are expected with the -most lively impatience." - -"All the better, for I confess to you that I feared much annoyance in -that quarter: the Mexicans have such a singular character, that one -never knows how to deal with them." - -"What you say is perfectly true, my friend; but remember that your -position is an exceptional one, and can in no possible manner cause -umbrage to the authorities of the town. You are the owner of a placer of -incalculable richness, situated in a country where you will have -continually to apprehend attacks from the Indians; you will, therefore, -only pass through Guaymas." - -"Literally so; for I declare to you that I shall set out with the least -possible delay for the mine." - -"Another thing, too: most of the men whose hatred or envy you might have -occasion to fear are shareholders in the company you represent. If they -show you any ill will, or try to impede your operations, they will -carry on the war at their own expense, and naturally will be the first -punished." - -"That is true." - -"And then you have no political object: your conduct is clearly laid -down. Your desire is to find gold." - -"Yes, and to insure a happy and independent position for the brave men -who accompany me." - -"What more noble task could you undertake?" - -"So you are satisfied, sir?" - -"I could not be more so, my dear count. Everything smiles on you: the -company is definitively formed at Mexico." - -"I knew that before. During my stay in that city I drew up the plans and -prepared everything; besides, I believe I can reckon on the friends we -have there." - -"I believe so too. Did not the President of the Republic himself seem to -adopt your views?" - -"Enthusiastically." - -"Very good. Now, in Sonora, the governor, with whom you will have alone -to deal, is one of our largest shareholders, so you have nothing to fear -in that quarter." - -"Tell me, sir, do you know our representative at Guaymas?" - -At this question a cloud passed over the stranger's forehead. - -"Not personally," he answered, after a certain degree of hesitation. - -"Then you can give me no information about him? You understand that it -is important for me to know the character of the man with whom I shall -doubtlessly enter into permanent relations, and from whom I shall be -compelled to ask protection in certain difficult circumstances, such as -may occur at any moment." - -"That is true, my dear count. As you observe, you know not in what -position accident may place you; it is, therefore, necessary that I -should instruct you, so listen to me." - -"I am giving you the most earnest attention." - -"Guaymas, as you are very well aware, is of very slight importance to -our nation in a commercial point of view. During the whole year not a -dozen ships bearing our flag put in there. The French Government, -therefore, considered it useless to send a French agent to that town, -and acted like most of the powers--it selected one of the most -respectable merchants in Guaymas, and made him its representative." - -"Ah, ah!" the count said thoughtfully; "then our consular agent in that -port is not a Frenchman?" - -"No; he is a Mexican. It is unlucky for you; for I will not hide from -you that our countrymen have several times complained of not obtaining -from him that protection which it is his duty to give them. It seems, -too, that this man is wonderfully greedy for gain." - -"As far as that is concerned I do not alarm myself at all." - -"The rest need not trouble you either. The Mexicans generally are not -bad. They are children--that is all. You will easily master this man by -talking to him firmly, and not yielding an inch of what you consider -your right." - -"Trust to me for doing that." - -"There is nothing else to be done." - -"Thanks for this precious information, which I shall profit by, be -assured, at the proper time and place. What is his name?" - -"Don Antonio Mendez Pavo; but, before your departure, I will give you a -letter for him, which I am sure will prevent your having any vexatious -disputes with the fellow." - -"I accept with great pleasure." - -"And now another point." - -"Go on." - -"Are your enlistments completed?" - -"Nearly so; I only need ten more men at the most." - -"You are organising your expedition in a military manner?" - -"I wished to avoid it, but that is impossible, owing to the Indian -tribes through which we must pass, and with whom we shall have -doubtlessly a tussle." - -"You may expect it." - -"So you see, my dear sir, I take my precautions in consequence." - -"You act wisely. What will be the strength of your company?" - -"Two hundred and fifty to three hundred men at the outside." - -"You are right: a larger force would arouse the susceptibility of the -Mexicans, and perhaps cause them alarm as to the purity and loyalty of -your intentions." - -"That is what I wish to avoid at any price." - -"Are your men French?" - -"All. I do not wish to have any men with me on whose devotion I cannot -calculate. I should be afraid, by mixing strangers among my fellows, -that I might relax those family ties so necessary for the success of an -expedition like mine, and which can be easily established among men all -belonging to the same nation." - -"That is extremely logical." - -"And then," the count went on, "I only enlist old soldiers or sailors, -all men accustomed to military discipline, and who are familiar with the -use of arms." - -"Then your organisation is terminated?" - -"Nearly so, as I told you." - -"All the better. In spite of the pleasure I feel in your delightful -society, I should like to see you at work already." - -"Thank you, but that will not be long first: the vessel is chartered, -and if nothing happen to derange my plans, I shall say good-by to you -within a week. You know that, in an affair like this, speed is the great -point." - -"Success depends, above all, on celerity and decision." - -"I shall be deficient in neither, be assured." - -"Above all, do not forget to take with you two or three men you can -trust, and who are thoroughly acquainted with the country you are about -explore." - -"I have with me two wood rangers, from whom the desert has no secrets." - -"You can trust in them?" - -"As in myself." - -"Bravo! I feel a presentiment that we shall succeed." - -"Heaven grant it! For my part, I will do all to deserve it." - -The stranger took his hat. - -"Ah, ah! I have been here a long time, and forget that people may be -waiting for me at the office. I must leave you, my dear count." - -"Already?" - -"Needs must. Shall I see you this evening?" - -"I cannot promise. You know that I am not my own master either, -especially at this moment." - -"That is true; still try to come." - -"I will." - -"That's right. Good-by till I see you again." - -The two men shook hands affectionately, and the stranger departed. - -So soon as he was alone the count bent again over the map, which he -studied carefully: it was not till night had completely set in that he -gave up his task. - -"How is it," he said to himself thoughtfully, "that Valentine has not -yet arrived? He should have been here." - -As he finished this monologue he heard a rap at the door. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -PREPARATIONS. - - -The period at which our story happens was a happy time for desperate -enterprises and filibustering expeditions. - -In fact, the political commotions that had overthrown Europe some time -previously had brought to the surface, and set in motion, a great number -of those unprincipled men, whose sole object is to secure from the -revolutions that desolate their country very lucrative, if not very -honourable, positions, and for whom anarchy is the sole safety valve. - -But, after the first convulsions inseparable from a revolution, when the -popular effervescence began gradually to cool down, and the overflowing -waters returned to their bed--in a word, when society, wearied of paltry -struggles sustained for no avowable motives, and merely kept up to -satisfy the disgraceful ambition of a few men of no value, understood -that the re-establishment of order was the sole path of salvation, all -those individuals who had for a season played a part more or less -important found themselves cast on the pavement of the towns without -resources; for, with that improvidence inherent in their natures, -squandering day by day the favours which blind fortune had lavished on -them, they had kept nothing for bad times, convinced as they were that -the state of things they had produced would last for ever. - -For a few months they struggled, not courageously, but obstinately, -against adversity, seeking by every means to recapture the prey which -they had so foolishly allowed to slip from their grasp. But they were -soon compelled to allow that times had changed, that their hour was -past, and that the ground which had hitherto maintained them was sinking -hourly beneath their feet, and threatened to swallow them up. - -Their position was becoming critical. It was impossible for them to -resume their humble and peaceful avocations, and return to that -nothingness from which a mad caprice of chance had drawn them. The idea -did not even occur to them. They had tasted luxury and honour; they -could not and would not work again: pride and sloth imperiously forbade -it. - -Cincinnatus has never found an imitator in history, and that is the -reason why his memory has been so preciously kept up by all to the -present day. The men of whom we are speaking were far from being like -Cincinnatus, though they in so far resembled the Roman Dictator that -they claimed to govern nations. - -What was to be done? - -Fortunately Providence, whose ways are incomprehensible, watched over -them. - -The discovery of the rich placers of California, the news of which had -been almost stifled under the blow of the terrible European political -commotions, suddenly returned to the surface, and in a short time -assumed a considerable extension. The most extravagant stories -circulated about the incalculable riches that lay almost on the ground -in the soil of the new Eldorado. Then all the vagabond imaginations -began to ferment. All eyes were fixed on America, and the birds of prey -that wanted a booty in Europe rushed with a loud cry of joy toward that -unknown land, where they fancied they should find in a few days all the -joys with which they had been gorged, and which they hoped this time to -satisfy. - -Unfortunately, in California, as elsewhere, the first condition for -acquiring wealth is incessant, permanent, and regular labour. - -On landing in America numerous poignant deceptions awaited the -adventurers. The mines, indeed, existed--they were rich; but the gold -they contained could only be extracted with great difficulty, great -fatigue, and, above all, great expense--three impossibilities which our -gold-seekers could not overcome. - -Many perished either of want, or of a violent death through pot-house -quarrels, or through the change of climate, to which they had not the -time to grow accustomed. Those who survived, wan and ragged, displayed -their starving faces in all the bad places of San Francisco, ready to do -anything for the smallest sum of money that would lull their wolfish -appetite. - -In the meanwhile the first adventurers had been succeeded by others, and -still they flocked in. The few, privileged by fortune, who returned to -Europe rich in a few months, had naturally aroused the cupidity of the -numberless pariahs of civilisation; and San Francisco, that country -blessed by Heaven, whose climate is so fine and soil so fertile, -threatened to become a vast and mournful cemetery. - -At this time it happened that a few enterprising men, seeing their -illusions fading away, and perceiving that the gold they coveted so -ardently constantly fled before them while they were unable to catch it, -turned their glances in another direction, and, despairing of growing -rich in the mines, resolved to seize, sword and revolver in hand, those -riches which it was impossible for them to acquire otherwise; that is to -say, they resuscitated for their own behoof the filibustering -expeditions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. - -Thus was a new path opened to emerge from the frightful wretchedness in -which they languished, and the adventurers eagerly entered upon it. -Filibustering enterprises sprang up on all sides with as much regularity -as if they had been perfectly respectable financial operations; and the -plethora of San Francisco began, to the great relief of the peaceful -population, to be diverted on the surrounding countries. - -The count had, therefore, arrived at a propitious moment to put in -execution the plan he meditated. He belonged to one of the oldest and -noblest families in France. He enjoyed, and that justly, a spotless -reputation in California; moreover, he was very strict in the selection -of the men he enlisted; finally, he offered an honourable scope for -their ambition, which is very flattering to men who have nothing to -lose. Nothing more was needed to excite the emulation of all the -ragamuffins, and urge them to place themselves under his orders. - -Among the adventurers were many really estimable persons, who in no way -merited the sad fate they were undergoing, and who, seduced by the -unknown, had been attracted to California by the fallacious promises of -European speculators, and had been the victims of the scoundrels who -induced them to emigrate. These men endured their sufferings nobly, -awaiting with the patience of well-tempered hearts the opportunity to -take their revenge and regain that position which a moment of mad -intoxication and credulous simplicity had made them forfeit. - -The Count, with that infallible glance he possessed, and the knowledge -of mankind which lengthened misfortune had enabled him to acquire, had -picked out the best men from the crowd that daily invaded his house so -soon as his intention became known, and assured himself of the -co-operation of devoted comrades of tried courage, who, regarding the -count's enterprise as the sole means of emerging from their frightful -position, attached themselves to him with a firm resolve to do or die. - -Hence we will assert here that of all the expeditions formed at that -period in California, the only really honourable one which contained the -elements of success was that led by Count Louis de Prébois Crancé. - -We do not go beyond the mark when we say that the count was adored by -his comrades. These rude adventurers, so harshly tried by destiny, had -guessed, with the ineffable perspicacity of men who have suffered -greatly, the inexhaustible kindness, perfect loyalty, and vast -intelligence locked up in the heart of their chief, and how much tender -solicitude and friendship for them were concealed beneath his mournful -countenance and the imposing severity of his liquid blue eye. Thus it -was not merely respect he inspired them with, but veneration and -devotion, extending almost to fanaticism. - -An expedition like that the count was preparing was no easy thing to -organise, especially with the scanty resources he had at his disposal; -for he only obtained vague promises from his partners, and was forced to -seek in himself the means for satisfying all. - -The rich placer which Belhumeur and Eagle-head pointed out to him had -been worked in the time of the Spanish monarchy; but since the -declaration of independence, carelessness and disorder having taken the -place of the energy displayed by the Castilians, the Indians soon -expelled the miners: the placer had, therefore, been temporarily -abandoned. Then gradually the Apaches and Comanches, growing bolder as -they perceived the weakness of the white men, advanced and recaptured -vast territories, on which they established themselves permanently, -knowing that the Mexicans would never attempt to drive them out. In this -way the placer to which we allude, formerly situated in the possessions -of New Spain, was now surrounded by Indian territory, and to reach it it -was necessary to wage a mortal contest with the two most dangerous -nations of the desert, the Apaches and Comanches, who would under no -pretext suffer the invasion of their frontiers by the whites, but would -defend their ground inch by inch against them. - -The Mexican government had only authorised the formation of the mining -company founded by the count on the express condition that the miners, -organised as a military force, should pursue the Indians, attack them -whenever they came up with them, and definitively expel them from the -territory they had usurped since the proclamation of independence. The -count had accepted a rough and almost impossible mission: any other in -his place would have backed out and refused to accept such terms. But -Count Louis was a man in a thousand, gifted with a rare energy, which -obstacles only rendered greater. And then, personally, what did he care -for the issue of the affair? It was not wealth, but death, he sought; -still he did not wish to fall till he had given his comrades that wealth -he had promised them, and rescued them from the stings of adverse -fortune. - -He accepted the conditions, then, but not blindly, ambitiously, or -egotistically. He accepted them as a man of heart, who sacrifices -himself for an idea, and for the general happiness; and who, while -recognising the almost insurmountable difficulties that oppose the -success of his noble projects, hopes to succeed in overcoming them by -his courage, perseverance, and abnegation. - -The energy, patience, and intelligence which the count had displayed -during the two months since his parting with Valentine, no one but -himself could have told. One of the clauses in his contract with the -suspicious and shifting Mexican government obliged him not to take more -than three hundred men with him. The President of the Republic, General -Arista, doubtlessly feared the invasion and conquest of Mexico by the -French, had they been four hundred in number. - -These wretched conditions are so ridiculous, that they would be -incredible were they not rigorously true. We could, if we pleased, write -down here the words uttered in the Senate of Mexico, in which this fear -of invasion is distinctly expressed. - -The count, in order to dissipate all doubts on this head, and, above -all, not to arouse suspicions, decided on only taking two hundred and -sixty men instead of three hundred. - -But this company, destined to traverse a country swarming with obstinate -enemies, compelled during the journey to fight perhaps several times a -day, constrained in this desolate country to supply its own wants (for -it had no help to expect anywhere), must receive a powerful -organisation. - -This was what the count thought of first. - -Those persons who have never worn that heavy harness called a military -tunic cannot form even a distant idea of the thousand difficulties of -detail which arise at every step in the complete organisation of a -company, so that the service may be done properly, and the soldier not -suffer needlessly. - -The count was obliged to improvise. He had never served, and was not at -all aware of the nature of such a task as his; but he was a gentleman -and a Frenchman, two reasons for inventing what a man is ignorant of -when war is the subject. The military genius is so innate in the French -nation, that we may say every man is a soldier. At any rate, Louis -proved it in an undeniable manner. - -Obliged to foresee everything, and provide for all eventualities, he -undertook everything; and, on seeing the nature of his arrangements, his -men, all old soldiers and connoisseurs in such matters, were convinced -that their chief had been long engaged in military affairs. - -He made a regular army of his company; that is to say, he had infantry, -cavalry, and artillery. In order that the discipline might be strictly -maintained the infantry were divided into sections, commanded by tried -men selected by himself. A few sailors, accustomed to handle guns, were -appointed to serve a small mountain howitzer, which the count carried -with him, more for the purpose of terrifying the Indians than in the -hope that it would ever prove of use to him. - -Lastly, some forty picked men, most of them old Chasseurs d'Afrique, -formed the cavalry, and were placed under the orders of an officer for -whom the count felt a peculiar esteem, whom he had known a long time, -and in whose ability he placed entire confidence. - -But what we have described was nothing when compared with what still -remained to be done--purchasing arms, provisions, the necessary tools -for working the mine, ammunition, and, above all, means of transport. - -The count was not discouraged. He improvised a commissariat, and -alone--alone we repeat; for he had refused the offer of large American -bankers, who at length, recognising his value, had proposed to take an -interest in his enterprise--with his scanty resources, he had done -everything, organised everything, and now only awaited his foster -brother's arrival, in order to pay the balance of his accounts, ship his -company, and set sail. - -Now that we have fully explained these matters to our reader, which are -so important to a proper understanding of what follows, we will resume -our narrative at the point where we were compelled to break it off. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -VALENTINE'S RETURN. - - -As we have already said, the count sprang up on hearing a rap at the -door of his house. - -"Who can come at this hour," he muttered. "I expect nobody." - -And he went to the door and opened it. Three men entered, wrapped -closely in their cloaks. The darkness in the room prevented Don Louis -recognising their features, which were, besides, half hidden by the -brims of their sombreros. - -"Good evening, gentlemen," he said to them. "Who are you, and what would -you with me?" - -"Oh, oh!" one of the newcomers said with a laugh. "By Jupiter! That is a -very dry reception." - -Don Louis started at the sound of this voice, which he recognised at -once. - -"Valentine!" he exclaimed with emotion. - -"By Jove!" the other said gaily, as he threw off his cloak, "I suppose -you thought I was dead?" - -"And do you not recognise me, Señor Don Louis?" the second person said, -also throwing off his cloak. - -"Don Cornelio, my friend, you are welcome." - -"That's right," Valentine went on; "we are beginning to understand one -another at last--that is fortunate. Were you going out?" - -"Yes, but for no urgent matter." - -"I do not disturb you, then?" - -"On the contrary, sit down and let us talk." - -"All right." - -"Have you supped?" - -"Not yet; and you?" - -"Nor I either. That is capital--we will sup here together. In that way -we can say what we like, and not fear listeners, unless you prefer going -to the hotel." - -"St! Deuce take me if I care about it. Let us sup here, my boy; it will -be better in every way." - -"That is what I thought. Let me give some orders, and I shall be at your -service." - -Louis went out. - -"Ouf!" Valentine said, stretching himself in an easy chair, "I am -beginning to get tired. How do you feel, Don Cornelio?" - -"I!" the latter replied with a sigh. "I can move neither arm nor leg; I -walk about like a somnambulist." - -"Nonsense! Such a stout fellow as you." - -"Stout as you please--do you know we have not been to bed or to sleep -for seven nights?" - -"Do you think so?" the Frenchman said carelessly. - -"_Capa de Dios!_ Do I think so? I am sure of it. The proof of it is, -that in those seven days we rode three hundred leagues, and killed ten -horses." - -"On my word, that is true." - -"So you see----" - -"Well, what do you conclude from that?" - -"Why, that you were in a hurry." - -"And yet, in spite of all our diligence, my friend thinks that we have -been too slow." - -"Then I must say he is not reasonable. But are we going to leave the -chief kicking his heels at the door?" - -"Good gracious! I never thought of him," Valentine said as he rose. - -And he walked toward the door. - -At the same moment Curumilla appeared at one end of the room, while Don -Louis came in at the other, at the head of several servants. Louis -placed the candlesticks he held in his hand on the table, and turning to -his friend,-- - -"Where are you going?" he asked him. - -"To look for Curumilla, whom I left in charge of the horses; but there -he is!" - -"Do not trouble yourself about the horses; I have given orders as to -them." - -"To supper, then, for I am dying of hunger; my comrades and myself have -eaten nothing for sixteen hours." - -The four men sat down to the table, which had been copiously covered -with dishes of every description. The meal began: the guests ate for a -long time without exchanging a word. The newcomers had an imperious -necessity to recruit their strength. At length, when the edge was -slightly taken off his appetite, Valentine poured out some drink, and -addressing his foster brother, began the conversation. - -"Why, Louis, do you know that you are not difficult to find in this -deuce of a city? Your reputation appears to be enormous." - -"How so?" Louis said with a smile. - -"By Jove! Everybody knows your address: they only call you the general. -I did not need to ask many questions to find this house--everybody -offered to guide me. It seems as if affairs are going on well, eh?" - -The count smiled softly; but, before replying, he made the servants a -sign to leave the room, and when the door was closed upon them,-- - -"All goes on very well," he said; "but now that you have arrived it will -go on better still." - -"Ah, ah! You think so?" Valentine said, sipping like an amateur the -Bordeaux in his glass. - -"I hope so." - -"Well, you are not mistaken, brother; I hope so too." - -Louis gave a start of joy. - -"You have been a long time in coming," he said. - -"Do you think so?" - -"If you knew how impatiently I expected you." - -"I suppose so; but believe me, my friend, when you have heard all I have -done, only one thing will astonish you--that I am here already." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Patience! Tell me first what you have been doing during our separation. -But one word first--have you beds for us?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then, as supper is over, through pity for Don Cornelio, who is -asleep in that easy chair, let him be taken to a bed, where he can -repose at his ease: he needs it, I assure you." - -"The fact is," the Spaniard stammered, "that my eyes _will_ close, in -spite of all my efforts to keep them open." - -Louis had risen. On a signal he gave, a servant took charge of Don -Cornelio, and led him away. Curumilla had lighted his calumet, and was -smoking silently. - -"Now for us two," Valentine said. - -"But the chief," Louis observed: "does he not wish to rest?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about him--he is made of iron; but if by any -accident sleep comes upon him, you need not be alarmed--he will stretch -himself in a corner of this room." - -"Very good. Now, then, listen to me." - -"I am all attention." - -Louis gave his friend a detailed account of all he had done since his -return to San Francisco. The narrative was long, for the count had much -to tell. Valentine listened with the closest attention, not interrupting -him once. The night was far advanced when Louis at length ended his -report. Curumilla was still smoking. - -When the count stopped there was a moment's silence, and then Valentine -took the word. - -"You have done miracles. You have accomplished impossibilities." - -"Then you are satisfied with me?" - -"I admire you. You have displayed in all this business incredible energy -and intelligence. Now let us arrive at the financial question." - -"Yes, that is the serious point at this moment. Unfortunately it will -not be so easy to settle as the others." - -"Who knows? Then you owe a deal of money?" - -"An enormous sum." - -"Oh, oh!" - -"Why, you understand I had everything to buy." - -"That is right; and you possessed?" - -"As you know, nothing." - -"Hum, hum! The account is clear. Then you owe for everything?" - -"Nearly so." - -"Are your accounts in order?" - -"Of course, as I only waited for you to start." - -"Let us have a look at them." - -Louis opened a drawer, from which he took several papers covered with -figures. He spread them out on the table with a stifled sigh. - -"Why do you sigh?" Valentine asked him. - -"Because I am anxious." - -"Anxious about what?" - -"Why, hang it! About paying them." - -Valentine smiled. - -"Nonsense!" he said, "let us look all the same." - -The count bent over the papers. - -"What are you doing?" Valentine said. - -"I am calculating." - -"What is the good? Tell me the totals only--that will be quicker." - -"You are right: 17,533 piastres, 6 reals." - -"Good!" Valentine commenced writing the amount in pencil on a piece of -waste paper. "Next." - -"Twenty-one thousand two hundred and seven piastres, five reals." - -"Very good: go on." - -"Twelve thousand eight hundred and twenty-three piastres." - -"No reals?" - -"No." - -"Go on." - -"Seven thousand six hundred and seventy-five piastres, six reals." - -"Six reals. Very good. What next?" - -"That is all." - -"What! No more?" - -"Is not that enough?" - -"I do not mean that; but, from the way you spoke, I expected a -formidable amount." - -"Is not this so?" - -"Not so very. Come, let us add it up." - -"That is very easy. Here it is: total, 59,239 piastres, 7 reals." - -"Seven reals. The total is correct. Have you not a few small debts -beside?" - -"Of course, I have a few personal matters to pay; and then I should not -like to start empty-handed." - -"That would be awkward; so that, as far as I can see you will want about -eighty or one hundred thousand piastres to be perfectly clear?" - -"Oh! Then I should have more than I require." - -"It is better to have too much than not enough." - -"That is true; but where to find such a sum?" - -"Let me tell you a story." - -"Eh?" Louis said in surprise. "Are you jesting, brother?" - -"I never jest in serious matters. Listen to my story, I am convinced -that it will interest you." - -Louis could not suppress a movement of ill temper. He fell back in his -chair, and crossed his arms. - -"Speak," he said, "I am listening." - -"Patience!" Valentine said, with a smile. - -The count tossed his head. - -"I am beginning," the hunter went on. "You remember in what way we -parted at the _venta_ of San José?" - -"Perfectly." - -"The next day I sold the herd in a lump. Another time, I will explain to -you in what way; and I shall have certain explanations to ask of you. -For the present, suffice it for you to know that I made an excellent -deal, and sold it for 14,630 piastres." - -"A famous sum! Unfortunately, we are still far from our reckoning." - -"Patience! Then the bargain was a good one." - -"Excellent: I should not have got such a price here." - -"All the better; at Guaymas I took a bill on Wilson and Baker. Do you -know them?" - -"Very well; it is a substantial house." - -"Good! Then tomorrow we will cash it. After selling the herd, I left San -José with my two friends, not knowing, I confess, how to procure the -money I had promised you, and of which you had such pressing need." - -"A need I still have," Louis observed. - -"Agreed," Valentine continued; "after galloping about for a long time, -without knowing exactly where we were going, I resolved to ask my -companions' advice. Of course Don Cornelio could suggest nothing. He -contented himself with strumming a melancholy air on his guitar: you -know that is his resource in embarrassing circumstances. You have known -Curumilla as long as I have: the worthy chief only speaks when he is -compelled; but when he opens his mouth, he speaks gold, and this time it -really occurred." - -While saying this, Valentine could not refrain from smiling. Louis -turned to the chief, to whom he offered his hand, which the other -pressed with a grimace of pleasure. The hunter continued,-- - -"From the descriptions you had given me, I knew pretty nearly the -position of the mine of which you had become proprietor. Curumilla -offered to take us there. 'We shall be very unlucky,' he said, 'we who -know the desert so well, if we do not succeed in foiling the Indians and -reaching the mine. Once there, we will take as much native gold as we -want to satisfy our friend's wants.' As the advice was good, I resolved -to follow it." - -"What!" Louis shouted, rising hurriedly, "you did that, brother?" - -"Of course I did." - -"But you ran a risk of assassination at every step." - -"I knew it; but I knew also that you must have a large sum." - -"Oh, brother, brother!" Louis exclaimed, in great emotion, "so much -devotion, while I was accusing you." - -"You did not know what I was doing; you were right." - -"Oh! I shall never forgive myself." - -"Nonsense! Did we not swear once for all, to be entirely devoted to each -other?" - -"That is true. Oh! You have nobly kept your oath everywhere and ever, -brother." - -"And have you not done the same? Besides, this time the idea does not -belong to me; I only followed the chief's advice." - -"Oh, he is like you; you dare not say anything to him, or he would be -vexed." - -Curumilla laid down his calumet for an instant; and, approaching the -count, laid his hand on his shoulder, and looking at him with an -expression impossible to describe, while touching the Frenchman's chest -and his own in turn,-- - -"Koutenepi," he said, in a quivering voice, "Louis, Curumilla--three -brothers, one heart." - -And he sat down again. - -There was a long pause. The two white men were admiring the devotion and -admiration of this brave Indian, who only lived for and through them, -and asked themselves in their hearts, if, in spite of the warm -friendship they bore him, they were really worthy of so profound an -attachment. - -"In short," Valentine went on at last, "no sooner said than done. I will -not describe to you the incidents of our journey, for that would occupy -too much precious time. Suffice it for you to know that, thanks to our -lengthened prairie experience, after surmounting innumerable obstacles, -and almost falling into the clutches of the redskins a hundred times, we -at length reached the mine. Oh, brother, I know not the riches of the -Californian placers, but I doubt whether they can be compared to the one -of which you are now owner." - -"Ah!" Louis exclaimed; "it is true then, it is rich?" - -"Brother, its riches are incalculable; the native gold is found on the -surface. Even I, whose, I will not say disinterestedness, but whose -indifference for gold you know, was dazzled, so dazzled, that for some -moments I could not imagine what I saw was real. I asked myself was I -awake, or if I was not dreaming." - -While Valentine spoke thus, Louis walked up and down the room, wiping -away the perspiration that stood on his forehead. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, much agitated; "now I shall succeed, no matter what -may happen." - -"Do not defy chance, brother," Valentine replied sorrowfully. - -"Do not fancy, brother, that these immense riches turn me mad. No, no; -what do I care for self? I am thinking of the poor fellows I have -attached to my fortunes; those who have placed confidence in me, and who -will be happy through me. No, I do not defy chance; I thank Providence." - -He sat down again, poured out a glass of water, which he swallowed at a -draught, and passing his hand over his brow,-- - -"Go on, now," he said; "I am calm." - -"I have not much more to add. I had taken with me three bât horses; I -loaded them. I put gold, too, in my _alforjas_, in Curumilla's, and in -Don Cornelio's. That worthy gentleman was perfectly mad: he bounded like -a wild colt, and strummed his guitar furiously. He would not leave the -placer, but insisted on awaiting our return there, alone. I was almost -obliged to employ force to carry him off, so greatly had the sight of -that gold fascinated him. In conclusion, you asked me for 80,000 -piastres. Here are bills for 150,000 on Wilson and Baker. Add the price -of the herd sold at San José, and you have a sum of 164,000 piastres, -which is a very pretty lump of money in my opinion. What do you say?" - -He then drew the bills from his breast, and handed them to his foster -brother. Louis was confounded. He could not find words to reply. - -"Ah!" Valentine added carelessly, "I forgot. As I supposed you would not -be sorry to have a specimen of your placer, to show your partners, I -brought you this." - -He handed him a lump of gold, about as large as a man's fist. Louis took -it mechanically, laid it on the table, and looked at it for an instant -with a fixed and haggard eye; then two tears coursed down his pallid -cheeks, and a sob burst from his chest. He stretched out his arms; and, -seizing Valentine and Curumilla, drew them to him, and embraced them -passionately, murmuring,-- - -"Brothers, brothers! Thanks not only for myself, but for our poor -countrymen, whom your sublime devotion has saved from wretchedness, -perhaps from crime!" - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE DEPARTURE. - - -French emigration, in America or elsewhere, has rarely, or, to speak -more truthfully, has never succeeded. - -Whence does this result? The Frenchman is brave to rashness, -intelligent, and laborious. He laughs and sings continually, supporting -with the greatest philosophy the rudest blows of fortune, and carelessly -confiding in the future. All that is true. But the Frenchman is no -coloniser; that is to say, under all circumstances, he remains a -Frenchman, and does not wish to be anything else. - -The French emigrant, when he quits his country, retains always, not only -the desire, but the intention of seeing it again some day. All his -efforts tend to acquire the necessary sum to return to the village or -town where he was born. No matter whether chance deserts him, he ever -regards himself as a traveller and not as a sojourner; whatever be the -position he may achieve, his eyes are incessantly fixed on France, the -only country, in his opinion, where men can live and die happily. - -Infatuated by his nationality, never willing to make the slightest -concession to the habits, creeds, and manners of the people, with whom -he is temporarily obliged to live, esteeming them as far beneath himself -in intelligence and civilisation, the Frenchman passes through foreign -nations with a sardonic smile on his lips, and a mocking -glance--shrugging his shoulders in contempt at all that he sees, without -trying to explain it, and preferring a sarcasm to a good lesson. Hence -it generally happens that the Frenchman is not only not loved; but in -spite of his open, frank, and merry character, is almost detested, by -foreigners. - -At San Francisco, the French emigrants--being without any socialities, -and composed of individuals of every description, who shunned or tried -to injure each other, instead of affording mutual aid--were, we are -forced to confess, very slightly esteemed by the Americans, those -colonisers _par excellence_. A few energetic men had contrived -individually to make the French name respected. - -Count de Prébois' expedition was consequently, in every respect, a -blessing for his unhappy countrymen: in the first place by delivering -them from the frightful want that held them in its iron clutches; and -secondly by elevating them in their own eyes, and in those of the -adventurers of every country whom the _mineral yellow fever_ had -attracted to these parts. - -The count's enterprise had the result of rendering the French colony, at -first so despised, highly respectable; and the Americans now began to -feel secretly jealous of it. The enlistment of the French company to -work the rich placers of Apacheria, was the important event of the day; -it was spoken of everywhere. A number of adventurers burnt to take part -in the expedition, and employed every means to gain acceptance. - -But, as we have said, the count had laid down in this respect a line of -conduct from which he would not deviate: the principal condition of -enlistment was the fact of being a Frenchman; thus any number of poor -fellows was rejected by the count, and many a violent enmity did he -collect on his head, but the count cared little for all the disturbance; -he continued his work imperturbably. Thus, as we have said, when -Valentine arrived at San Francisco, the company was almost complete, and -composed of picked men. - -The hunter heard the news from his friend's lips, with the greatest -satisfaction. - -"Come," he said; "you have lost no time." - -"Have I?" - -"By Jove! To form a mining company, and collect a body of men in less -than two months, is no trifle. I congratulate you with all my heart." - -"Thank you. Still, without you nothing would have been effected; for -mark the fact, Valentine, that although I have the richest capitalists -and highest men in Mexico as shareholders in the _Atravida_, not one of -them would have advanced me an ochavo to pay the expenses of the -organisation, which I was bound to settle alone." - -"That is a clever arrangement, brother. You have to deal with cunning -shareholders." - -"All the better. I will soon prove to them that they did wrong in not -giving me all that confidence I deserve." - -"I like that way of revenging yourself. But tell me----" - -"What?" - -"Have you influential men among your shareholders?" - -"What do you mean by influential?" - -"Why, men whose political position offers you a certain guarantee -against the annoyances which will be inevitably created down there, to -prevent the success of your enterprise, and prepare its failure." - -"I fear nothing of the sort." - -"All the better." - -"Judge for yourself. I have among my shareholders the French envoy at -Mexico, the French consul at Guaymas, the Governor of Sonora, and many -others." - -"Did you not say the Governor of Sonora?" - -"Yes." - -"Ah, ah, ah!" - -"Well?" - -"Oh, nothing." - -"Yes, you mean something; so speak." - -"Indeed, why should I make a mystery of it? Do you know this governor?" - -"No. I only know that he is colossally rich, that his name is Don -Sebastian Guerrero, and he is a general." - -"Is that all?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, you are mistaken in fancying you do not know him." - -"Nonsense." - -"Yes; and as it appears, you have even rendered him a great service." - -"You are jesting; I never saw him." - -"That is your mistake. Like the worthy knight errant, you are, you saved -him from the hands of the miscreants." - -"Come, speak seriously." - -"I am doing so. In one word, you saved his life and his daughter's." - -"I? You are mad." - -"Not the least in the world. Indeed the father, and especially the young -lady--who, between ourselves, is delightful--entertain the most -affecting reminiscences of you." - -"Who on earth told you that fine story?" - -"Who? why the general himself." - -"That is a little too strong." - -"Come, think a little. About three or four years back, I do not know -exactly which, did you not after leaving Guadalajara----?" - -"Wait a minute," the count said hurriedly. "It would be strange if the -person I saved were really the same----" - -"Strange or no, it is." - -"Well, then, that is famous for us." - -"By Jove! We have a powerful friend, who will defend us tooth and nail -against all comers. That is famous. I really believe Providence is -declaring for us." - -"I did not know that the Mexicans were gifted with so excellent a -memory." - -"I rather think it is the Mexican ladies in this case." - -"No matter; the circumstance is of good augury." - -"I hope you will profit by it." - -"As much as I can." - -"Bravo! And now that your affairs are settled, or nearly so, when do you -intend to make a move?" - -"I have certain arrangements still to make; so I cannot leave San -Francisco before ten days." - -"Can I be of any service to you?" - -"None here; but over there, great." - -"That is to say----" - -"Are you fatigued?" - -"Fatigued of what?" - -"Why, of riding about in the fashion you have done, for some time past?" - -"Once for all, and let that be carefully understood between us, remember -that I am never tired." - -"Good! Then you can render me a service?" - -"What is it?" - -"Though I cannot start for ten days, you can be in the saddle by -daybreak, I suppose?" - -"Of course." - -"You must return by land to Sonora, to deliver three letters I will give -you, one for Don Antonio Pavo, consular agent at Guaymas, the second for -the Governor of Sonora, and the third for a certain Canadian hunter whom -you will probably find at the Hacienda del Milagro, in the neighbourhood -of Tepic." - -"I will do it. Is that all?" - -"Yes. You understand that I do not wish to arrive there, before -preparations have been made for my reception." - -"You are right: so I start----" - -"Tomorrow." - -"You mean today: it is now two o'clock." - -"By Jove! That is true. How time slips away." - -"Where shall I wait for you?" - -"At Guaymas." - -"That is understood. Write the letters while Curumilla and I saddle the -three horses." - -"Will you take your Spaniard with you?" - -"Yes, he will be useful to me there." - -"As you please." - -Valentine and Curumilla went out, while Louis began his letters. -Valentine, after saddling the horses, was conducted to the room where -Don Cornelio was asleep. We must do the Spaniard the justice of saying -that he offered the most obstinate resistance to the hunter, and it was -not till he was compelled, that he left the bed in which he slept so -comfortably. At length, when Valentine had succeeded, part by -persuasion, part by carrying him, in placing him on his saddle and -confiding him to Curumilla, he returned to the room where he had left -his foster brother. The letters were ready; and Valentine took them. - -"Now, brother, good-bye," he said, "and may you be fortunate." - -The two men remained for a long time in an affectionate embrace. Louis -knew the hunter too well, to try and induce him to take a few hours' -rest; he, therefore, accompanied him to the gate, where the four men -exchanged a parting greeting, and, at a sign from Valentine, the horses -started at full speed. They soon disappeared in the darkness, but the -sound of their horses' hoofs re-echoed for a long time on the hardened -soil. Louis remained motionless in the gateway, so long as the -slightest sound reached his ear, and then went in again, murmuring:-- - -"A man must be accursed who does not succeed, with such devoted -friends." - -The count worked through the whole night, not thinking of taking a -moment's rest. The sun was already high on the horizon, and he still -remained bent over the table, writing figures after figures. The door -opened; and the person we saw talking confidentially with the count on -the previous evening entered. Louis started at the noise, but on -recognising his visitor a smile played over his stern countenance. - -"You are welcome, consul," he said gaily, as he offered him his hand; -"you could not have arrived at a better moment. Have you come to -breakfast?" - -"Yes, my dear count; for I wish to talk seriously with you." - -"All the better, for I shall keep you the longer. Take a chair, and -pardon my being surprised in this state, but I have spent the night in -arranging these documents. Deuce take the man who invented writing and -accounts." - -The consul, for the gentleman was no other than the French -representative in California, sat down, smiling; and, by the count's -orders, an appetising breakfast was served almost immediately. The two -gentlemen sat down opposite each other, and began a vigorous attack on -the dishes. - -"Well," Louis said presently, "any news?" - -"Bad." - -"Ah, ah! That worthy Jonathan is yelping, I suppose?" - -"Louder than ever." - -"Look at that! And why, may I ask?" - -"You can guess it." - -"Nearly so; but no matter, out with it." - -"You are aware that you have made a number of enemies here?" - -"Well, it was not my own fault." - -"That is true! Well, these enemies are stirring, and making loud -remarks." - -"About what?" - -"Why, you know people can always find something to turn into scandal. -They say that the expedition will fail, that you are reduced to -expedients, and that you do not know how to escape from your present -position." - -"Is that all?" - -"No. They add, that you have contracted enormous debts, which you will -never succeed in paying." - -"Good again!" - -"You understand that these calumnies produce a very bad effect." - -"Naturally." - -"I have therefore come to you, my dear count. I am not rich, -unfortunately; still, I have at my disposal some 20,000 piastres. I am a -shareholder in the company, and it is therefore my duty to come to its -assistance; so I frankly offer you the money, which may be of some -slight service to you." - -The count cordially pressed his guest's hand. - -"Thanks!" he said to him, with suppressed emotion, touched by the -delicacy of this noble and generous procedure. - -"Yes," the consul continued, ransacking his pockets, and producing a -bundle of notes; "we must silence these scoundrels. Here is the amount." - -And he offered the notes to the count, who declined them with a gentle -smile. - -"You are mistaken as to the meaning of the word I used," he remarked. "I -thanked you, not because I accept your generous offer, but because it -proves to me the esteem in which you hold me." - -"Still----" the consul urged him. - -"Again I thank you; but all my debts will be paid within an hour. I have -at this moment nearly 200,000 piastres at my disposal." - -The consul looked at him, open-eyed. - -"But yesterday----?" he said. - -"Yes!" the count interrupted him quietly, "yesterday I had nothing, -today I am rich. I will explain to you this very simple miracle." - -When the count ended his narrative, the consul pressed his hand -joyfully. - -"Good gracious!" he said, "you do not know, my dear count, what pleasure -you cause me at this moment; you have staunch friends." - -"Among whom I may reckon yourself." - -"Oh! As for me," he said simply; "that is not astonishing; for am I not -one of your shareholders?" - -As soon as breakfast was over, the count set out to settle with his -creditors, or rather those of the company, in order to destroy all -excuse for malevolence, and close the mouth of the envious. After this, -the count lost no time in making his final arrangements, and enlisting -the few men he was still short of. - -In a word, as he told Valentine when he left him, ten days had scarce -elapsed since their nocturnal meeting, ere all the preparations were -ended, and the company only awaited a favourable moment to embark and -start. - -The day on which the French company embarked for Sonora was a memorable -one for San Francisco. The North American, beneath his cold and -straight-laced appearance, conceals a warm and enthusiastic heart. When -the Frenchmen entered the boats which were to bear them to the ship, for -a moment and as if by enchantment, all enmities were silenced; and an -enthusiastic mob, congregated on the pier, accompanied them with shouts -and wishes for success, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs. - -The count, as was his duty, was the last to embark. Several of his -friends, among them being the consul, bore him company. As he leaped -into the boat, the count turned, and pressed the consul's hand in -parting. - -"Good-bye," he said. "I will succeed, or Sonora shall be my tomb." - -"Good-bye, till we meet again, my friend," the other answered. "I will -not say farewell; I feel convinced that you will succeed." - -"God grant it," Louis murmured, as he leaped into the boat and shook his -head sadly. - -A formidable shout burst from the crowd. The count bowed with a smile, -and the boat started. An hour later, the white sails of the ship that -bore the adventurers glistened, like a kingfisher's wing, on the -horizon. The consul, who remained on the beach till the last moment, -slowly walked homeward, saying to himself:-- - -"Whatever may happen, that man is not an adventurer, but a hero. He has -more genius than Cortez. Will he be equally lucky?" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. - - -As several interesting events of our narrative will take place at -Guaymas, we will describe that town in a few words. - -Mexico possesses several roadsteads in the Pacific; but in reality has -only two ports worthy that name, Guaymas and Acapulco. For the present, -we will confine ourselves to the former. - -Owing to a large quantity of islands which surround the port like a -hill, and the lofty coasts, the roads are in all weathers as sure and -calm as a lake. The sea breaks gently on shores adorned with mango -trees, whose pale green forms a strange contrast to the earthy red of -the beach, and gives the port a wild and desolate aspect, further -increased by the continual silence of the roads, where a few ships seek -shelter at rare intervals under the isle Del Venado, but, where usually -only a few coasters are visible, or wretched canoes, hollowed out of -trunks of trees, and belonging to the Hiaqui Indians. - -The town stretches carelessly along the beach, with its white, low, and -flat-roofed houses, defended by a fort built of red clay, armed with a -few rusty and unserviceable guns. Guaymas, like all the pueblos of the -republic, is dirty, ill built, and the streets are unpaved; in short, at -each step you acquire proofs of that carelessness and egotistic -incapacity which characterises the Mexicans. Behind the town, rise lofty -and denuded mountains, which protect it from the cold winds of the -Cordilleras. - -Still, Guaymas, founded only a few years back, and whose population is -but 6,000 at the utmost, is destined ere long, owing to the security of -its port, and its magnificent position, to acquire a great commercial -importance. - -The day on which we resume our story, about an hour after the _oración_, -or at seven in the evening, a man, wrapped in a thick cloak, and with -the brim of his sombrero pulled down over his eyes, stopped at the door -of a rather handsome house, and after casting a furtive glance around, -to see that he was not watched, gave discreetly three separate knocks. -This manner of rapping was evidently a signal; and the man we allude to -must have been expected, for the door opened at once. The stranger -entered, and the door was noiselessly closed after him. - -The stranger then found himself in one of those inner patios found in -all the houses of Guaymas; but he probably was perfectly acquainted with -the place; for, without a second's hesitation, he turned to the left, -mounted a few steps, and rapped at a second door, which was before him, -in the same way as he had done at the first. - -"Come in," a voice shouted from within. - -The stranger pushed the door, which yielded to the pressure, and entered -a large room, which might be considered to be furnished with a certain -degree of luxury for Mexico, and especially for a province so remote as -Sonora. But this luxury was in bad taste, and smelled of the _parvenu_. -The furniture and pictures that decorated the room had been probably -purchased or exchanged with the captain of the vessels that at times put -into Guaymas, and presented the strangest possible discordance of style. - -A man was seated in a butaca, almost in the centre of the room, and -carelessly smoking a pajillo. When the stranger entered, he nodded to -him, pointed to a chair, and said laconically,-- - -"Shut the door, and sit down." - -The stranger took off his cloak and hat, which he threw on a sideboard; -and, after closing the door as he had been recommended, he fell into a -butaca with a sigh of satisfaction. We will describe these two new -characters in a few words. - -The first--that is to say, the master of the house--was a plump little -fellow, as broad as he was long, with ordinary features, while his -little sharp eyes gave his face an expression of soothing falseness and -cowardly villainy. He was about fifty years of age, though he did not -appear so, owing to the freshness of his apoplectic complexion, and -long, flat, and greasy masses of black hair, which fell below his red -and coarse ears. This worthy personage was dressed in the European -fashion, with a profusion of jewellery, and rings on his fingers; and, -through his costume and manners, which were made up of effrontery and -timidity, he bore a considerable likeness to a butcher or a cattle -dealer in his Sunday clothes. - -His visitor, whom we have met before by the way, formed a perfect -contrast with him. He was a half-breed, of Indian and Mexican descent, -tall, dry, and thin as a lath; his face, like a knife blade, was adorned -with an enormous beaked nose, which overshadowed a mouth stretching from -ear to ear, and full of teeth white as almonds; round eyes with -blood-shot eyelids, constantly agitated by a convulsive movement, -completed the strangest and most sinister face that could be conceived. -A cruel mocking smile continually moved his thin lips, and added to the -feeling of discomfort his entire person inspired. In a word, his -approach produced that clammy coldness felt in touching a viper or any -other reptile. Beneath his cloak he wore the gold embroidered uniform of -the higher Mexican officers. His name was Don Francisco Florés, and he -wore the badge of a colonel in the Mexican service. We shall soon learn -who was the hideous person, concealed under this borrowed name. - -The colonel, after seating himself, took out some tobacco, made a -cigarette, and began smoking with the most superb nonchalance. For some -minutes the two men remained silent, examining each other with the -corner of the eye. At last, the former, doubtlessly fatigued by this -obstinate inquisition, which weighed upon him, and from which he could -not escape, resolved to take the word. - -"Caballero," he said, "you see that the instructions conveyed in the -letter you did me the honour of writing to me, have been followed out -point for point." - -The colonel made a sign of assent, while emitting an enormous puff of -smoke. The other continued,-- - -"Now I will take the liberty of observing that I do not at all -understand your singular missive, and that I see no reason why you -should surround yourself with so great a mystery." - -"Ah!" the colonel said, with a laugh peculiar to himself, and which bore -a strong likeness to a pile of plates breaking. - -"Yes," the first speaker continued, annoyed by this irreverence; "and I -should not be sorry, I confess, to have a clear and categorical -explanation." - -And, saying this, he drew himself up haughtily in his butaca; and -regarded his visitor fixedly. The latter did not appear at all affected -by this hostile manifestation; on the contrary, he stretched out his -legs, and said, as he threw himself back in his chair,-- - -"Don Antonio, are you fond of money?" - -"Eh?" the other remarked. - -"I beg your pardon. I should have said gold: I will therefore modify my -question. Are you fond of gold?" - -"Really, sir----" - -"Answer clearly, without any hesitation, as a caballero should do. I -suppose that I am not talking Hebrew; so reply, yes or no." - -"But----" - -"_Capa de Dios!_ if you go on in that way we shall never finish, master, -_caray_. You are too sharp a greyhound, not to have recognised at the -first glance with whom you have to deal. Answer clearly, then, without -further tergiversation." - -"Well, then, yes," Antonio answered, subjugated involuntarily by the -man's accent. - -"Very good. Do you love it much?" - -"Well, tolerably." - -"That is not enough." - -"Very much, then, if you absolutely insist." - -"I beg your pardon. It is a matter of indifference to me. It is not I -who am in question, but only yourself." - -"Well, well, I understand you." - -"That is lucky; but you took your time to do so." - -"Come, what is the business?" - -"Ah, ah! You are coming to the point." - -Don Antonio smiled. - -"Well, I am only doing what you wish." - -"That is true; so we shall not dispute about that." - -"Go on; I am listening." - -"You received my letter, as you allowed. Now, do you know why I arranged -this meeting?" - -"I am waiting to hear it from your lips." - -"I will tell you at once. You are aware that a society has been formed -at Mexico, called the Atravida?" - -"I have heard it mentioned." - -"Of course, as you are a partner in it." - -"That is possible; but the question is not about that, I presume?" - -"Perhaps it is. Well, this company, established under the auspices of -the first Mexican capitalists, supported by the government, is intended -to work the rich mines of the _Plancha de Plata_, situated in the heart -of Apacheria." - -"I am aware of it." - -"Very good. You see we shall soon understand each other." - -"I doubt it." - -"I hope so. This company, composed of Frenchmen, all resolute men, -organised as soldiers, and under the command of a skilful chief----" - -"Count Don Louis de Prébois----" - -"I know him. Spare your praise of him. This company, supported by high -influences, must not, however, reach the mines." - -"Ah, ah! And what will prevent it, if you please?" - -"Yourself first of all." - -"Oh, oh! I do not believe it." - -"Nonsense! You shall see. Let me finish first." - -"Go on." - -"How much do you think this affair will bring you in?" - -"I cannot tell you." - -"What, not even approximatively?" - -"It is very difficult to calculate, for the mines are rich." - -"Yes, but they are remote. Come, mention a figure." - -"It is impossible." - -"Nonsense! Even supposing I were to help you----?" - -"Ah! If you help me----" - -"I thought so." - -"But stay," Don Antonio remarked sharply. "What great interest have you, -then, in spoiling this affair?" - -"I, none; it is you." - -"I!" Don Antonio exclaimed in amazement; "that is a little too much." - -"You shall see." - -"I am most eager to do so." - -"So soon as the Atravida company was established, another, under the -name of the _Conciliadora_, was at once set on foot, as always happens, -and naturally for the same object." - -"Come, the name is a capital one." - -"It is. Now you know that competition is the backbone of trade." - -Don Antonio bowed in assent; and the colonel continued, with his dry and -harsh smile. - -"The Conciliadora, although powerfully protected at Mexico, required an -active, intelligent, and upright agent in Sonora; and it immediately -turned its eyes on you. Indeed, Don Antonio Mendez Pavo, performing the -duties of French consul at Guaymas, was the only man capable of serving -it efficaciously. As the result of this reasoning, you were put down for -200 paid up shares of 500 piastres each; the coupons of which were -intrusted to me to deliver to you. That makes, if I am not mistaken, a -very nice little sum, which I shall have the honour of handing to you." - -And he felt in the pocket of his uniform; but Don Antonio disdainfully -checked him. - -"You are strangely mistaken about me, caballero," he said; "when a man -has the honour of representing France, he cannot be bribed in so -miserable a way." - -"Nonsense!" the colonel said, laughing. - -"My duty orders me to protect the French company; and whatever may -happen, I will do so." - -"Magnificently spoken." - -"So now," Don Antonio continued with fire, "return to the persons who -sent you, and tell them that Don Antonio Pavo is not one of those men -who can be induced to forget his duty so easily." - -"That is charming, and you really spoke it with proper emphasis." - -Don Antonio rose, and with a majestic smile shewed the colonel the door. - -"Begone, sir," he said coldly; "or I shall not answer for the -consequences of my anger." - -The colonel did not stir; he made no change in the carelessly insolent -position he had adopted from the outset. Still, when Don Antonio ceased, -he threw away his cigarette, and giving the last speaker a glance of -most peculiar significance,-- - -"Have you done?" he answered quietly. - -"Caballero!" Don Antonio exclaimed, drawing himself up majestically. - -"Permit me, Don Antonio, I have no wish to remain any longer here and -waste your precious time. Still, you will allow with me, that every man -intrusted with a mission must accomplish it in its entirety; and you are -too conversant with business to deny this fact." - -"I allow it, sir," Don Antonio answered, suddenly calmed by these words. - -"Very good; then, be kind enough to sit down again and listen to me a -few moments longer." - -"Be brief, sir." - -"I only ask for five minutes." - -"I grant them." - -"You are generous, sir; I will, therefore, profit by your permission. I -go on, then. You are inscribed for 200 shares, representing, if I am not -mistaken, 100,000 piastres, which I consider a very respectable sum." - -"Not a word more on that subject, sir." - -"I know," the colonel continued imperturbably, "what you would object; a -bird in the hand is worth a vulture in the air." - -Don Antonio, troubled by the meaning attached to his words, could find -no reply. The colonel continued; - -"The chiefs of the company employed the same line of reasoning as -yourself, sir. They understood that they must act fairly and above board -with a man holding so high as yourself, and so worthy in every respect -of their confidence; consequently, they commissioned me to hand you, in -addition to the shares----" - -"Sir," Señor Pavo essayed again. - -"Fifty thousand piastres," the colonel said distinctly. - -Don Antonio made a bound of surprise. - -"What!" he exclaimed. "What did you say, señor?" - -"I mentioned 50,000 piastres." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"In good bills, payable at sight." - -"On what house?" - -"Torribio de la Porta and Co." - -"An excellent house, sir." - -"Is it not?" - -"Most assuredly." - -"But," the colonel said as he rose, "since you refuse our offers, and my -mission is now accomplished, I need only withdraw, after begging to -pardon the loss of time I have occasioned you; for you _do_ refuse, I -think?" - -Don Antonio had turned green; his small grey eyes, obstinately fixed on -the papers the colonel toyed with, sparkled like live coals. - -"Permit me," he said stammering. - -"Eh? Can I be mistaken, señor?" - -"I--I--I fancy you are." - -"This time, bear in mind, we must understand each other thoroughly, in -order to avoid any future misunderstanding, which might entail regret." - -"Be at your ease. I believe there will no longer be any misapprehension -between us. An affair, as you know, does not always strike a man at the -first glance." - -"That is true; but now you fully understand it?" - -"Perfectly." - -"All the better. Now we can have a frank explanation." - -"Yes," Don Antonio said, with a mocking accent; "and, to begin, Señor -Garrucholo, doff for a moment your borrowed character, for I like to -know with whom I am dealing." - -El Garrucholo, for the ex-bandit was really hidden under Colonel -Francisco Florés, shuddered involuntarily at finding himself thus -detected. He cast a viper's glance at the man who had unmasked him, and -seized him fiercely by the arm. - -"Take care, Don Antonio, there are secrets which kill those who hold -them." - -"That is possible, my master," the other answered, triumphing in his -heart at the effect his revelation had produced. "But as, if I am not -mistaken, we are about to complete together a very dirty transaction, I -wished to prove to you that, if you held my secret, I had yours; and -that it is to your interest to deal fairly by me." - -"Threatened persons live a long time," the bandit said with a shrug of -his shoulders. - -"I do not threaten; I merely take my precautions--that is all. Now, let -us converse." - -The two men drew their chairs together and commenced a conversation, ear -to ear, in so low a voice that no one could have overheard them. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -GUAYMAS. - - -The Mexicans are only children, though terrible children we allow, on -whom it is impossible to calculate, no matter in what way. Their -deplorable conduct, under all circumstances, since they succeeded in -constituting themselves an independent nation, proves that, unless an -entire change takes place in their character, no more is to be hoped -from them in the future than they have effected in the past. - -Curious, fickle, cowardly, rash, distrustful, cruel, and -superstitious--such is the Mexican. - -Let it not be supposed that we speak thus through a hatred of a people, -among whom we lived so long; on the contrary, we love the Mexicans, we -pity them, we should like to see them regard seriously their position, -as a free nation, and behave as men; but we repeat it, they are -terrible, stormy, and obstinate children, from whom no good can be -derived, we are honestly afraid. - -One of the manias of this people is to attract, by the most handsome -promises, fallacious offers, and most friendly demonstrations, those -strangers whom they fancy may prove useful in any way. They receive -these foreigners with open arms, weep with joy while embracing them, -offer them the most tenderly fraternal caresses, and give them more than -they ever ventured to ask. Then one fine day, without any reason, -motive, or slightest pretext, they change from white to black, begin -hating with their whole soul the foreigners they have so greatly petted, -insult and betray them, lay snares for them, and eventually ill treat or -assassinate them, and that, too, while offering them a hand, and smiling -on them. - -If we wished to recriminate, how many names could we quote, how many -shades would it be easy for us to evoke in support of our statements, -without counting the noble and unfortunate De Raousset Boulbon, and the -impetuous and generous Lapuillade, victims offered in a cowardly way to -that hideous Mexican prejudice--a prejudice which is the basis of the -policy of this unlucky people, and which will ruin it--not through a -hatred of the foreigner, for that is a noble and national feeling, but -through a hatred of Europeans, whom they despair of ever equalling, and -to whom, in their ignorance and carelessness, they feel a mortal -jealousy and envy. - -It is evident that during the ten years' struggle Mexico had to sustain -against Spain, the former country produced grand and noble characters; -but it seems that, exhausted by that gigantic effort, it was incapable -of casting others like them into the crucible, for since the first hour -of its liberty to the present day, it has not produced a single man -worthy of walking, even at a distance, in the footsteps of the -illustrious founders of its independence. - -This is very sad to say; and yet, if we passed it over in silence, we -might be reproached for not stating the truth, and for recoiling from -the task we imposed on ourselves in writing this story, in which we have -merely changed the names through a feeling that will be appreciated. - -The arrival of the French company, however, was anxiously expected at -Guaymas. The most absurd and contradictory reports were spread about it, -its chief, and the object of the expedition; and as is generally the -rule, the most absurd rumours obtained the greatest and firmest -credence. Even before the arrival of the French, malevolence was -watching in the shade, and seeking darkly to arouse the ill will of the -population against the new arrivals. - -What Colonel Florés stated in his conversation with Don Antonio Pavo was -perfectly correct. Hardly had the organisation of the Atravida company -been completed in San Francisco, ere two American houses, perfectly -comprehending the advantages of this enterprise in which they were not -allowed to join, for reasons we will be silent about for their credit, -treacherously established a rival company, intended to impede the -operations of the elder company by all means, even the most dishonest. - -Hatred never slumbers. The affair went on rapidly, so rapidly that the -second company had all its batteries prepared for effective action -before the French had quitted San Francisco. This operation was managed -with such Machiavellism, and the secret was so well kept, that the -count, in spite of his extensive relations, suspected nothing, and -embarked for Sonora with his heart full of hope and illusions. - -Valentine was awaiting his friend with the most lively impatience. The -hunter had conscientiously fulfilled the commissions the count gave him; -and all had, apparently, succeeded famously. A comfortable barrack was -prepared for the company: the French agent had been most honeyed, and -placed himself at the hunter's disposal to do all he might desire with -the most charming affability. Still the latter was not satisfied. With -no plausible reason, with nothing arising to contradict these offers of -friendship, Valentine, by one of those forebodings which Heaven sends to -those it loves and wishes to protect, felt that all this amenity -concealed a snare; the lips smiled, it is true, but the eyebrows -frowned, and the brow was wrinkled. - -General Guerrero, while testifying his delight at the arrival of the -company, and placing himself at the orders of the hunter, had continued -under various pretexts to reside at Hermosillo, instead of coming to -Guaymas to welcome the company, as he should have done; in the first -place as governor of the province, secondly, as member of the company; -two reasons more than sufficient to suggest his change of abode. - -Valentine, hence, was very restless; and the more so because, while -feeling that a storm was collecting, he could not foresee whence it -would come. Hence, he remained a greater part of the day by the -seashore, watching anxiously every sail that appeared, hoping to see his -friend arrive at any moment; for he supposed, with some show of reason, -that the presence of the count and his brave comrades would suffice to -silence those who sought to injure him: for the majority of the people -was not only far from being hostile to the expedition, but seemed well -disposed toward it. - -Things were in this state one morning, when, according to his custom, -Valentine was preparing to proceed to his observatory, as he called the -rock on which he passed whole days. All at once, Don Antonio and Colonel -Florés rushed into the cuarto where he resided, crying, gesticulating, -and repeating, both at once:-- - -"Here they are, here they are! They are coming!" - -"Who?" Valentine asked them, hardly able yet to put faith in such -blessed news. - -"El conde! El conde!" - -"He will be here in an hour at the latest," said Don Antonio. - -"Perhaps before," the colonel backed him up. "We are going to meet him." - -"And I, too," Valentine exclaimed. - -They went out. The news had spread with the rapidity of a powder train. -Guaymas took a holiday. Immediately, before any orders were given by the -authorities, the houses were hung with flags; for, as it happened, -Corpus Christi would be celebrated a few days later, and the banners had -been got in readiness. - -The inhabitants, dressed in their best clothes, the Hiaqui Indians, of -whom a great number let themselves out to private persons as workmen and -servants--in a word, everybody, hurried and ran toward the beach, -shouting, laughing, singing, and uttering interminable hurrahs. It was -really a curious sight,--this crowd, hastening joyously to meet a few -Frenchmen, whose good intentions toward them they instinctively guessed. - -The authorities of the town followed the popular movement; but it was -easy to read that they did not act from their own will, but were carried -onward by the current of public opinion. - -When Valentine and the two men who had constituted themselves his -companions reached the beach, it was already invaded by the whole -population. A few cable's lengths from shore the ship that brought the -French might be distinctly seen. It advanced majestically, impelled by a -strong breeze. It had its top-gallant sails set, and its lower sails -clewed up, which allowed a large crowd to be seen on the poop. When the -vessel had passed a little beyond Venado Island--the usual anchorage of -large ships--it tacked, and sent down top-sails; then the anchor was let -go, and the main jib lowered. - -Valentine leaped hurriedly into a canoe, and, before Don Antonio and the -colonel could follow him, pushed off. Not noticing the signs his -companions made him, the hunter proceeded rapidly in the direction of -the ship, vigorously aided by the man already in the canoe, and who was -no other than Curumilla. In a few minutes they reached the vessel. Louis -perceived them from a distance, so that when they came alongside he -received them, and helped them aboard. Even before embracing his foster -brother, or pressing his hand, Valentine turned and looked searchingly -along the beach. - -"Good!" he said, "they have not found a boat yet. Come, brother, let us -go down into your cabin, I must speak with you without delay." - -"Let me, at least, say 'how do you do' to you," Louis remarked, with a -smile. - -"Come: we have not a moment to lose." - -The count looked at the hunter, and saw that his face was grave. He -understood at once that he had important news to communicate. He no -longer resisted. He gave his orders hurriedly to one of his officers, to -prepare everything for the debarkation, and followed his foster brother -who was anxiously awaiting him. Louis led him into the modest berth -which he had engaged during the passage, and prepared to shut the door. - -"No," Valentine said, preventing him, "leave it open, on the contrary; -in that way we shall see the persons who come." - -"As you please. Speak." - -"I have only two words to say to you; but they are two I would advise -you to profit by." - -"You may be sure of that." - -"You have powerful enemies here. Who they are I know not; but they -detest you." - -"What do you say?" - -"A thing of which I am certain." - -"But, my dear fellow, whoever those enemies may be, I have nothing to -fear from them. My papers are all regular, my grant is clearly and -carefully registered. I have not only the authorisation, but also the -support of the government. I only act by formal orders, and, therefore, -fear nothing." - -"Brother," Valentine answered sententiously, "when you have to deal with -Mexicans, you must always apprehend treachery. I have known them many a -long year, and unfortunately know also what dependence is to be placed -in them." - -"You startle me." - -"No, I warn you, that is all. It is your duty to be constantly on your -guard." - -"Do you know that, before Heaven, I am responsible for the lives of all -these brave fellows intrusted to me?" - -"That is why I advise you to be prudent, and not to trust in any one. -There are two men above all whom I recommend you to distrust." - -"Their names?" - -"Don Antonio Pavo, and Colonel Don Francisco Florés." - -Louis could hardly refrain from a start of surprise, as he looked his -brother in the face. - -"It is not possible," he exclaimed; "you must be mistaken." - -"Why so?" - -"Because these two men, one of whom is agent to the French government -here, and the other the delegate of the Atravida, are both shareholders -in the company. I am specially recommended to them, and have letters -for both." - -"As you please; but I assure you these men are betraying you." - -"Have you any proof?" - -"None." - -"How do you know it, then?" - -"I do not know it, and yet I am sure of it. Believe me, brother; for you -are aware that I am rarely mistaken." - -Louis shook his head sadly. - -"All this is strange," he said. - -At this moment a man leaned over the companion, and uttered the one -word, "Spies!" in a low voice, yet sufficiently loud to be heard by the -two men. - -"Halloh!" Louis exclaimed with a start. - -"It is nothing," Valentine observed; "only Curumilla warning us that our -two men are coming. Let us return to the deck, for they must not fancy -we have any doubts of them. Examine the two men carefully, when you find -yourself in their presence; and I am certain you will come over to my -opinion afterwards." - -Louis made no reply. They went on deck, and Valentine left him. - -"I am returning to land," he said; "you will see me again on the beach." - -The hunter leaped into the canoe, which Curumilla had allowed to fall -behind the vessel, so that it might not be noticed; and he pushed off -for land at the very moment the colonel and Don Antonio set foot on -deck. - -No people is possessed, to so eminent a degree as the Mexican, of the -most refined politeness and most graceful gallantry. By their feline and -gentle manners they can seduce and charm persons they have an interest -in cheating, whenever they please. Unfortunately, in spite of all the -efforts they made, and the cajolery they employed to convince Don Louis -of their sincerity and profound attachment to him, Don Antonio and the -colonel had physiognomies which so clearly revealed the disgraceful -passions that moved them, that all their labour was thrown away. - -As Valentine had warned him, on the approach of these two men the count -had involuntarily experienced a feeling of repulsion, so strong, that he -was compelled to make an effort over himself, to prevent them seeing the -effect they produced upon him. The count, however, thought it advisable -to pretend to be their dupe, in order to profit by the faults their -fancied security might induce them to commit, and derive from them all -the information he might need at a future date. - -He therefore responded to their advances and offers of service with such -frankness and cordiality, that he succeeded in completely duping the -crafty scoundrels who fancied him their dupe. - -The count had scarce arrived in Sonora, he had not yet set foot on land, -ere he had to commence his diplomatic apprenticeship, and contend in -craft and falsehood with people, from whom he should have expected the -frankest friendship and most absolute devotion--a rude task for a -character so loyal and thoroughly honest as that of the count; but the -success of the expedition depended on his finesse, and the skill with -which he eluded the snares which would be incessantly spread beneath his -feet. He understood this, and made up his mind to his course of action, -though it was against the grain. - -After conversing for some time with the two men, the count, seeing that -all was in readiness for the landing, gave orders for it. Immediately -the adventurers took their stations with admirable order in the boats -brought from the port to receive them. The small flotilla advanced -steadily toward the beach, amid the shouts of the crowd assembled on the -shore, and the clangor of all the town bells, rung as a symbol of -rejoicing. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE FIRST FORTNIGHT. - - -A man must have been essentially a pessimist, or thoroughly acquainted -with the Mexican character, to apprehend treachery on seeing the warm -reception accorded to the Frenchmen by the inhabitants of Guaymas. It -was a madness--a delirium impossible to describe. Leperos, rancheros, -campesinos, rich hacenderos, all pressed round the French, vying with -each other in offering them a hearty welcome. It seemed as if this -little band of adventurers, who were only passing through the town, -brought to Sonora peace, tranquillity, and liberty; in a word, all those -things the Mexicans want, and for which they sigh in vain. The cries -of, _Viva los Franceses! Viva el conde!_ rose on all sides with a -deafening sound. - -So soon as the company landed, by Don Louis' orders, the ranks were -speedily formed; and the count, having Colonel Florés on his right hand, -Don Antonio on his left, led his men to the barrack prepared for them, -clearing his way with difficulty through the dense masses of spectators. -In front of the barrack the alcalde mayor, and the juez de letras--that -is to say, the two principal authorities of the town--flanked by their -ragged alguaciles, were awaiting the arrival of the company; and on -perceiving them, Don Louis commanded a halt. - -The two magistrates then walked a few paces toward the count, whom they -saluted respectfully, and began a long address stuffed with all sorts of -pompous Mexican hyperboles, from among which Don Louis managed to -discover that the Sonorians rejoiced in the depths of their hearts at -the arrival of the valiant French company; that they set on his courage -all their hope of being protected against their ferocious neighbours, -the Apaches; that the French had not landed on a foreign shore, but amid -brethren and sincere friends, who would be delighted to have it in their -power to prove their devotion; and a thousand other things too long to -repeat here. - -When the alcalde mayor had ended his discourse amid the warm applause of -the crowd, the juez de letras began one in his turn, equally long, -equally diffuse, and equally perfidious as the first, and which met with -the same success. - -We will remark here that the Mexicans adore long speeches. - -At length, when the two magistrates had finished speaking, the count -bowed gracefully, and replied to them with a few of those words which -come straight from the heart. They produced a perfect frenzy. The crowd -yelled with joy, waving their hats and handkerchiefs; while from every -window a perfect shower of flowers escaped from the dainty hands of the -señoritas, and literally inundated the adventurers, who cordially -responded to this delicate attention. - -The company then entered the barrack; it was a large house, with an -enormous inner court, admirably adapted for the use to which it was put -at this moment. Within an hour, the adventurers, with that eminent knack -peculiar to Frenchmen, were comfortably installed, and appeared to have -occupied their quarters for the last six months. - -The count fancied he had got rid of the alcalde and juez de letras: but -it was not so; they had still several requests to make of him before -they left him at liberty, and would not neglect them. - -As in all other centres of population in Mexico, at Guaymas everyone -lives pretty much as he pleases, without troubling himself greatly about -the authorities. This liberty, or rather license, may be advantageous to -one portion of the population, but is evidently extremely prejudicial to -the other; in this sense, that the rascals, having entire liberty to -commit all the wicked actions Satan constantly breathes in their ear, -the honest people are obliged to defend themselves, and not count in -any way upon the protection of a problematical police, which, if it -happen to exist, naturally makes common cause with the brigands. - -The magistrates had judged in their wisdom to profit by the stay of the -Frenchmen at Guaymas, in order to disperse the scoundrels of every -description, with whom the city abounds, with a salutary terror. -Consequently, they begged the count to guard the principal posts of the -pueblo with men belonging to his company, and to organise patrols to -traverse the streets by night, and watch over the tranquillity of the -citizens and public security. - -When, after much circumlocution, the magistrates at length ventilated -their request, the count answered them with a smile, that he was -entirely at the service of the Mexican government, and if they -considered his assistance useful, they might dispose of him and his men -as they thought proper. The magistrates thanked him heartily, and, -incited by the facility with which the count granted their first -request, they ventured to bring forward the second, which, in their idea -being of much more delicate nature, they feared would be refused. It was -as follows:-- - -_Corpus Christi_ is the most important religious ceremony of Mexico. -This festival, to augment the splendour of which the people undergo the -heaviest sacrifices, fell this year just a few days after the arrival of -the French in Sonora. They wished the count to promise to have his -little mountain guns fired during the whole period the procession went -about the streets. - -Guaymas had many guns in the forts; but unfortunately they were -dismounted, and completely honeycombed with rust. - -It may be easily understood, that in the mind of the superstitious -Sonorians, on so solemn a festival as this, the bells were not -sufficient, and that the ceremony would entirely lose its solemn -character, unless a few gunshots were fired. - -The worthy magistrates little expected that they were causing the count -a lively pleasure, by asking of him two things as a favour, which, had -he dared, he would have claimed as a right, for the following reasons. - -Since the discovery of gold, so many scamps of every description had -sought refuge in San Francisco, that the Californian population justly -enjoyed a frightful reputation for vice, crime, and debauchery, in all -the adjacent countries, and especially in the Pacific ports, on which -they sometimes pounced like swarms of predacious birds. The count -ardently desired on behalf of his undertaking, to show the Sonorians -among whom they were destined to live, that the French emigrants had -nothing in common with these sinister bandits, and that the men he had -the honour to command were brave men, resolved to behave themselves -properly, wherever chance took them, and never to molest the Mexican -population. - -As for the second question, it was even more serious in the count's -eyes. The Mexicans are not only ignorant and superstitious, but even -more. Although they do not understand a syllable of the religion they -profess, or perhaps on account of that, they are exaggerated fanatics, -and sooner pardon a murder than an insult, however slight in its nature, -not to the religion itself, but merely to its exaggerated ceremonial. -This fanaticism, carefully maintained during the Spanish dominion, was -intended to keep foreigners, that is to say the English, whom they -feared greatly, from the shores of New Spain. At that time, indeed, the -English were almost the only Europeans who ventured to visit the Spanish -colonies. - -The monks profited by the difference of our religion, to make the most -exaggerated portraits of the English to their parishioners, investing -them with horns and claws, as the children of Lucifer must necessarily -have. The Indians, credulous as babes, accepted, with closed eyes, all -the fables the monks thought proper to tell them; and, with them, every -foreigner became an Englishman, that is to say a heretic, a gringo. - -The declaration of independence, while enabling the Mexicans to see -foreigners of all nations, made no change in their convictions; for it -is not so easy to destroy a prejudice rooted for centuries. They -continued, as in the past, to see in foreigners only Englishmen, and -consequently gringos; hence, that smouldering hatred which breaks out -every time that occasion offers, and that secret horror they experience -at the sight of every European. - -Being on the point of burying himself with his company in the heart of -Mexico--of passing through fanatic, credulous, and ignorant tribes, with -whom it was important to live in peace, and give them no pretext for -quarrelling--it was of the highest interest to the count to show by an -undeniable proof that the French were not gringos, but, on the contrary, -as good catholics as the Sonorians. - -Hence he favourably greeted the magistrates' request--a request which -probably concealed a trap--and promised them not only that the guns -should thunder during the whole period of the procession, but that the -company would be happy to accompany the holy sacrament during its -progress through the streets of the town. The more so, the count added, -because the French were catholics, and would eagerly seize the -opportunity to manifest their fervour for their revered religion. - -The magistrates, having at length obtained all they desired, took leave -of the count with great demonstrations of gratitude and respect. The -count breathed again, for the _sederunt_ had been long. Still, all was -not over yet, as the count soon perceived. - -Don Antonio, and his inseparable friend the colonel, would not so easily -loose their hold, and only consented to withdraw when the count promised -to be present that same evening with all his officers at a banquet Don -Antonio had prepared, to _fête_ the arrival of the French company. The -count gave his word, and was at length left at liberty for a few hours. - -Now that the company had arrived at Guaymas, that is to say, the first -halt on the road to the mines, the expedition had really commenced, the -first obstacles were cleared. According to the count's idea, all -required now was to give his men a few days' rest, and then push -resolutely onward. - -Profiting by the first impression produced by the Frenchmen, the count, -without loss of a moment, had his papers put in order, and easily -obtained his passports for the interior. Several days passed thus, the -French reigned as masters in Guaymas, petted and caressed by the -inhabitants whom their gaiety and carelessness pleased above all, and -who, having hitherto seen a few ragged outcast Mexican soldiers, could -not leave off admiring the training, martial aspect, and the perfect -dexterity with which the foreigners manoeuvred and managed their -weapons. - -The company performed the police duties of the town with the greatest -care; thefts and assassinations ceased as if by enchantment; and the -Sonorians slept tranquilly, on the faith of their new friends. - -On Corpus Christi day, as had been arranged, the French cannon were -fired during a portion of the day, and the adventurers accompanied the -procession, bearing bouquets in their muzzles, and behaving with the -greatest decency. Their presence at church produced all the effect the -count anticipated from it; and the certainty acquired by the inhabitants -that the strangers were good catholics, still further increased the -friendship they entertained for them. - -Matters went on thus for several days, and nothing occurred to trouble -the azure of the count's projects. In fact, the most perfect harmony -prevailed between him and the magistrates, at least apparently; hence, -with the native frankness of his character, the count began to reproach -himself secretly for the distrust he had at first felt, or rather -Valentine inspired him with; and in his heart he accused his friend of -having yielded to unjust prejudices against men who seemed to study not -merely to satisfy him, but to anticipate the slightest desires of the -members of the expedition. - -Indeed, how could the count suspect treachery? He had only come on the -entreaty of the Mexican government. It was that government which -demanded that his company should be trained, numerous, and well armed. -The chief authorities of the country had a greater interest in the -success of the enterprise, because they were nearly all shareholders. To -suppose that, under such circumstances, these persons intended to cheat -him, the count must have at first admitted that they were insane; for no -one ever carries on war at his own expense, and the Mexicans are -generally known to have a clutching hand for money. - -In the meanwhile, time passed rapidly; the count was afraid, lest the -_morale_ of his comrades might suffer by a longer stay in the heart of a -Sonorian city. He was burning to set out; but, unfortunately, it was -impossible for him to do so, until depôts of provisions had been made -along the road, and the government of the state had arranged with him -the definitive movements of the company on its march to the mines. - -Don Louis complained bitterly both to the colonel and Don Antonio of the -continual delays he was obliged to suffer, and the pretexts, more or -less plausible, employed to keep him in disgraceful inaction. The -governor, who declined to quit Pitic, only made evasive answers to his -letters, or declared that he had received no instructions. - -This state of things could not, and must not, last longer. As there was -a risk of the company dissolving, and all the fruit of the preliminary -labours being lost, before the enterprise had been seriously entered on, -Don Louis resolved at all risks to emerge from this equivocal position. -Consequently, after having formally stated his wishes to Colonel Florés -and Don Antonio, he informed them that since General Guerrero did not -appear to understand the tenour of his letters, he was resolved to -proceed himself to Pitic, and have a categorical explanation with him. - -The two men started with joy at this news; for they required the count's -absence for the success of the plans they had formed. Instead, -therefore, of turning him from his project, they urged him warmly to put -it in execution without delay, and start as soon as possible. Don Louis -had no need to be stimulated and urged on thus. So soon as he left the -two men, he proceeded to the barrack, assembled the company, and told -them of his speedy departure, which was joyfully heard by all these -energetic and ardent men whom rest fatigued, and on whom idleness began -to weigh heavily. The count intrusted the temporary command to one of -the officers on whom he thought he could most count, giving him the -order that, if he heard nothing from him within four days, the company -would start at once to join him, and after again urging the men to keep -up the strictest discipline, the count finally quitted the barrack. - -At his house he found Valentine awaiting him. The latter approved his -conduct, but refused to accompany him, giving as his reason, that he -believed he should serve the good cause better by remaining at Guaymas. -The truth was, that the hunter did not wish to leave out of sight the -men he had undertaken to watch, until he had discovered their -machinations. - -Louis did not insist. He knew that with a man of Valentine's character -there was no chance of discussing, when he had once formed a -determination. Followed by Don Cornelio and an escort of ten -well-mounted horsemen, the count set out, after once again pressing his -friend's hand, and proceeded toward Pitic, where--at least he hoped -so--he should at length find the word of the enigma. - -"Hum!" Valentine muttered, following him with a thoughtful glance; -"either I am greatly mistaken, or, now that he is no longer here, to -thwart by his presence the gloomy machinations of the scoundrels who -wish to make him their dupe, we shall soon have something new." - -After this aside, the hunter walked with his usual measured step toward -the barrack, where he arrived in a few moments, and found the -adventurers in a state of great excitement, produced by the departure of -their leader. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -PITIC. - - -The distance is not great from Guaymas to Pitic, and the count covered -it in a few hours. - -Pitic, or Hermosillo, is a delightful town, enclosed with walls, and -surrounded by kitchen gardens, whose produce is rather important. -Unfortunately, the night had completely set in when the count arrived -there, and he could only take a vague glance at the scenery, which, seen -through the obscurity, had entirely changed its character, and assumed a -gloomy appearance, which painfully contracted the adventurer's heart. -The count had considerably recovered from his first illusions; the -paltry annoyances of which he was the object now made him see the future -under a different light, and he already doubted the success of an -enterprise against which, from the outset, so many underhand obstacles -were raised. - -At the moment of mounting his horse, he had received from the general -commandant of the province a note giving him peremptory orders to remain -at Guaymas, with his company, and not to march forward until more ample -information, that is to say, until the general had received positive -instructions on the subject, from the central government at Mexico. As -may be easily supposed, this order, intimated in so brutal a manner -after all that had passed, had obtained the sole result of pressing the -count's departure; for he was outraged by this flagrant violation of all -the conditions stipulated in his treaty. - -The little band entered Pitic without exciting the slightest attention. -At this hour the streets were nearly deserted; and the few travellers -they met _en route,_ deceived by their Mexican costume, did not even -take the trouble to look at them. The count dismounted in the Calle San -Agostino, before a house which he had got in readiness for the occasion, -without saying a word to anyone. After a gentle rap at the door, it -opened, and the party entered. The house belonged to a Frenchman, who -had gone on a journey in the interior, for commercial reasons; but -during his absence, the servants, in obedience to his instructions, -received the count with the utmost attention. The latter, after -whispering a few words to Don Cornelio, who went out at once, retired to -the cuarto prepared for him. - -Don Louis was a man of powerful and energetic temper, a man of action -before all. He understood that, after the turn that matters had taken, -he must act energetically and without losing a moment, unless he wished -to receive an irreparable check. His plan was formed, and he prepared to -carry it out without delay. - -Don Cornelio returned at the moment when the count, who had changed his -costume, was giving a final glance at his appearance. - -"Already!" he said, on perceiving the Spaniard. - -"I have found the house, it is only a few paces from here." - -"All the better, we shall have less distance to go." - -"Five minutes at the most." - -"Is General Guerrero in Pitic?" - -"He is. Still I fancy you would do better by delaying your visit till -tomorrow." - -"Why so?" - -"Because there is a _tertulia_ this evening at the palace." - -The count turned. - -"What difference does that make?" he asked. - -"Oh, as you please, señor; but, perhaps, you do not know what a tertulia -is." - -"Not exactly; but you will explain it to me?" - -"Nothing more easy. A tertulia is a party, a festival--a ball, in a -word." - -"I understand. And you are sure, Don Cornelio, that there is a tertulia -this evening at the governor's palace?" - -"Positively sure, your excellency." - -"Bravo! That will do our business." - -The Spaniard looked at him in amazement. - -"Don Cornelio," the count continued, "change your travelling dress. I -mean to take you with me." - -"The fact is----," he said hesitating. - -"What then?" - -"I must confess to you, señor conde, that I have no other clothes save -those I wear." - -"Ah, that is of no consequence," the count replied with a smile, -pointing at the same time to a heap of clothes thrown pell-mell on the -furniture. "I suppose that you are sufficiently my friend not to feel -annoyed at the cool way in which I treat you." - -"Oh, not at all," the Spaniard exclaimed, with a movement of joy. - -"I must ask you to make haste, though; for I am waiting." - -"I only ask for five minutes." - -"I give you ten. You will find me in the patio; I am going to give my -escort orders to mount." - -The count went out, and Don Cornelio eagerly set to work obeying him. We -must add, to the glory of the Spaniard, that Don Louis' treatment of -him, so far from annoying him, had caused him to feel a deep gratitude. - -The Spaniard was not mistaken; there was really a tertulia at the -governor's palace. General Guerrero was extremely rich: hence, the ball -he gave this evening was sumptuous, and in every way worthy of the -exalted post he occupied in the province. - -The crowd filled his rooms, which glistened with light and dazzled with -gilding. All the higher society of Pitic was assembled at the palace; -tables, covered with gold, were surrounded by players, who, with that -proud carelessness characteristic of Mexicans, risked enormous sums on a -card. In a vast hall, a band, perhaps rather wild to European ears, -regulated the movements of the dancers; while a private room was -reserved for the ladies. Doña Angela, ravishingly beautiful, was seated -on her throne, in the midst of this bevy of pretty women. - -But, despite all the general's efforts to please his guests, and excite -them to amuse themselves, the festivities languished. The young ladies, -generally so impassioned for dancing, refused all invitations; they -preferred to remain talking together in the apartment reserved for them. -The fact was, they were discussing at this moment a most interesting -point, which had the privilege of arousing feminine curiosity to the -highest pitch. The news of the French landing at Guaymas supplied the -staple of the conversation. - -"Good gracious!" a young woman said, with a charming smile, "will the -English come here?" - -"Doubtlessly," another observed; "but they are not English, _Querida_." - -"Oh, you are mistaken, Carmencita. All foreigners are English, that is -to say heretics; my confessor told me so." - -"They must be hideous," a third asserted, advancing her head in -curiosity. - -"Indeed not, I assure you; they are men like others," the second speaker -observed, a pretty brunette, with black eyes that sparkled with malice. -"I spent Corpus Christi with my uncle at Guaymas, and saw them. Some of -them, indeed, are very good-looking." - -"That is impossible!" they exclaimed in chorus. "They are heretics!" - -"They will massacre us." - -"They are said to be very cruel." - -"Their chief especially." - -Till then Doña Angela had remained silent, absorbed in silent thought; -but at this remark she suddenly raised her head. - -"Their chief is a caballero," she said in a loud voice. "He is a conde -in his own country; and if he has come to Sonora, it is probably only on -our behalf." - -All the young women were silent; for they were amazed at this strange -outbreak on the part of Doña Angela; then they began chattering -together. The young lady, vexed at having thrust herself forward so -imprudently, bit her lips, blushed slightly, and fell back in her -reverie. At this moment Don Sebastian entered the room. - -"Ah, here is the general!" three or four young girls exclaimed gaily, as -they rose and eagerly surrounded him. - -"Yes, here I am, señoritas," he answered with a smile. "What do you want -of me?" - -"Merely some information." - -"About what?" - -"We wish to know," Doña Carmencita began; then she corrected herself. -"It is not I, general, but these ladies." - -"I am persuaded of that," Don Sebastian said, gallantly; "be good -enough, then, to be their interpreter. What do they desire to know?" - -"Who are the Ingleses?" - -"What Ingleses?" - -"Those who have landed at Guaymas." - -"Ah! Very good." - -"You will tell us, will you not, general?" they all exclaimed at once. - -"If it is agreeable to you." - -"Oh! Greatly so." - -"In the first place, they are not English." - -"They must be, as they are foreigners." - -The general smiled at this simple observation; but mentally recognising -the impossibility of destroying an opinion so deeply rooted, he turned -the question. - -"These men are two hundred and odd in number." - -"So many as that?" two or three young ladies exclaimed, with a gesture -of terror. - -"Yes, indeed, so many as that, señoritas; but reassure yourselves--you -have nothing to fear from them. They are kind and obliging, and their -chief is a perfect caballero." - -"But why do they come here?" - -"They came for the purpose of working certain mines." - -"I beg your pardon, papa," Doña Angela observed, who had been -attentively listening to the conversation. "Did you not say they came?" - -"Yes, my child, I said so." - -"But they are still at the port, I think?" - -"Yes, they are; but it is probable that they will soon depart." - -"For the mines?" - -"No. To return whence they came." - -Doña Angela contracted her eyebrows, a movement in her which denoted -grave annoyance and great mental preoccupation, and was silent again. - -"All the better. Let them go, the heretics!" one of the ladies -exclaimed. "These accursed English only come to our country to plunder -us." - -"That is true." The majority warmly supported her. - -"Besides, I do not care what is said; I assert that they are frightfully -ugly." - -"Well!" a young lady said, with a delicious pout, "I should have liked -to see one--only one--to know what to think about them." - -"I am very much afraid, Doña Redempción," the general remarked with a -smile, "that it will now be impossible to satisfy your curiosity." - -"All the worse; for a heretic must be an extraordinary animal. Are they -as ugly as the Indios Bravos?" - -"That is a different matter." - -"Ah! And are you certain, general, that I shall not be able to see one? -That annoys me." - -"I regret it, señorita." - -"And I, too. But supposing one of them were to come to Hermosillo?" - -"That is peremptorily forbidden them. They will be cautious not to -disobey the order they have received." - -"Ah!" she said with a pout. - -At the same moment, a door was thrown open with a crash; and a servant -announced in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,-- - -"His Excellency the Count Louis de Prébois. His Excellency Don Cornelio -Mendoza." - -If the count purposed to produce an effect, his object was completely -attained. His sudden entrance was a regular tableau, and caused a -general emotion, whose immense extent it was certainly impossible for -him to calculate. - -All the ladies had risen, and, grouped round the general, examined with -a curious and timid eye the chief of the adventurers. - -The count, whose splendid ranchero costume, which he wore with -inimitable grace, added to the fascinating charm spread over his whole -person, walked a few steps with a smile, bowed around with a gesture -full of elegance, and waited. The general had suddenly turned of a livid -pallor. - -The news of the count's arrival, spreading through the other rooms with -incomprehensible rapidity, suddenly stopped the dancing and gambling; -all the guests quitted the other rooms, and proceeded toward the one in -which the count was said to be. - -Still, each second that elapsed added to the embarrassment of the -position; the general felt it, and sought in vain a mode of escape. Don -Louis understood, or rather guessed, the general's perplexity; hence, -advancing two paces, he said with exquisite politeness,-- - -"I am confounded, general, by the trouble I have involuntarily caused -among your guests. It seems that I was not expected at Pitic." - -The general succeeded in regaining a little self-possession. - -"I allow it, caballero," he replied. "Still the impromptu visit you have -deigned to make me must be most agreeable to me, be assured." - -"I hope so, general; and yet, to judge by the glances directed upon me -from all sides, I may be permitted to doubt it." - -"You are mistaken, señor conde," the general continued, attempting to -smile. "For the last few days fame has been so occupied with you, that -the eagerness of which you are now the object ought not at all to -astonish you." - -"I should wish, general," the count said, with a bow, "that this -eagerness were more friendly. My conduct, since my arrival in Sonora, -should have attracted greater sympathy toward me." - -"What would you? We are savages, señor conde," the general said with a -sarcastic smile; "we have the misfortune not to love what comes from -foreign parts; so you must forgive us. But enough on that subject, for -the present," he added, changing his tone. "As you have been kind enough -to become my guest, allow me to present you officially to these ladies, -who are burning to become better acquainted with you." - -Don Louis yielded gracefully to the general's wishes. The latter then, -affecting the most exquisite courtesy, presented his guest, as he called -him, to the most influential persons at the ball. Then he led him to his -daughter, who, since the count's entrance, had stood motionless, with -her eyes obstinately fixed upon him. - -"Señor conde," the general said, "my daughter, Doña Angela. Doña Angela, -the Count Don Louis de Prébois Crancé." - -Don Louis bowed respectfully before the young lady. - -"I have had the honour of knowing the count for a long while," she said -with a graceful smile. - -"It is true," the general said, suddenly pretending to remember; "we -have been acquainted for a long time, caballero." - -"It was not my place to remind you under what circumstances we met." - -"That is true, count, it was mine; believe me that I have not forgotten -it." - -"Nor I," the young lady murmured; "for I owe you my life, señor." - -"Oh, señorita!" - -"Permit me, permit me, señor conde," the general said, with an emphasis -assuredly affected; "we Mexican caballeros have a long memory for good -as for ill. You risked your life to defend mine, and that is one of the -debts we like to pay. I am your debtor, señor Don Louis." - -"Are you speaking seriously, general?" the count asked, looking at him -fixedly. - -"Certainly, caballero; the subject is too serious for me to treat it -otherwise. I will even add that my most lively desire would be soon to -find the occasion to acquit my debt." - -"If that be so, general, I can offer you the occasion, if you will allow -me?" - -"How so?" the general asked, somewhat taken aback by finding himself -taken at his word. "I am too happy to be agreeable to you. What do you -want of me?" - -"I want nothing, general; I only wish to make a request of you." - -"A request! You, Don Louis? Oh, oh, what is it? Pray speak." - -"I would beg you to grant me a few moments of private conversation." - -"This night?" - -"This very instant." - -"Come," the general continued, "I hoped to be free from business for a -few hours at least, but you order otherwise. Your request shall be -satisfied, Don Louis; a caballero has but his word." - -"Pray pardon me, general. I am really confounded by pressing you so -greatly; but imperious reasons----" - -"Not a word more, I implore you, Don Louis, or you will make me suppose -that you attach to this interview an importance which it cannot possibly -possess." - -Don Louis contented himself with bowing in reply. The general then -turned to his guests, the majority of whom, their first curiosity -satisfied, had returned to the various amusements they had quitted for a -moment. - -"Señoras and caballeros," he said, "I must ask you to pardon me for -leaving you for a few minutes; but as you see, Don Louis has my word, -and I must free it." - -The guests bowed courteously. Doña Angela had summoned Don Cornelio to -her side, and, profiting by the liberty Mexican manners give young -girls, she was conversing with him in a low voice. - -"Go, papa," she said with a soft smile, intended for the count; "but do -not keep Señor Don Louis too long. Now that the ladies know him, they -would like some conversation with him." - -"Do not be alarmed, ladies; in ten minutes we shall return. Any -discussion between myself and the count cannot be long." - -"Heaven grant that be true," Louis said in his heart; "but I believe the -contrary." - -The general passed his arm through the count's, led him through the -saloons, and stopped at a door he opened. - -"Go in, caballero," he said to him. - -The count entered, and the general followed, carefully closing the door -behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. - - -The room to which the general led the count was a study. Don Sebastian -pointed to a chair, and took another himself. There was a moment's -silence, during which the two men examined each other carefully. On -passing the study threshold, both doffed that gaiety they had imprinted -on their faces, to assume a severe and thoughtful look, harmonising -better with the grave questions they were probably about to discuss. - -"I am waiting, señor conde," the general at length said, "till it please -you to explain yourself." - -"I hesitate to do so, general," Don Louis answered. - -"You hesitate, count!" - -"Yes, because, in what I have to say to you, there are some matters so -delicate that I almost fear to approach them." - -The general was mistaken as to the meaning of the count's words. How -could he understand the exquisite delicacy that dictated them? - -"You can speak without fear," he said; "no one can hear you. Precautions -have been taken, so that nothing said in this room can transpire -outside. Banish then, I implore you, all reserve, and explain yourself -frankly." - -"I will do so, as you demand it; indeed, it is, perhaps, better that it -should be so. In this way, I shall know at once what I have to hope or -fear." - -"You are bound to hope everything from me," the general said in an -insinuating voice. "I wish you no harm; on the contrary, I desire to -serve you; and to give you an example of frankness, I will begin by -declaring to you, that your fate depends on yourself alone, and that the -success or ruin of your enterprise is in your own hands." - -"If it be really so, general, the discussion between us will not be -long. But, allow me in the first place to set forth my grievances, in -order to throw full light on the state of the case." - -"Do so." - -"In the first place, permit me one question. Do you know the conditions -of my treaty with the Mexican government?" - -"Of course I do, count, as I have in my possession a copy of it." - -Don Louis made a sign of surprise. - -"That must not astonish you," the general continued; "remember what -occurred at Mexico. Do you not owe to an influential person, whose name -you are ignorant of, the removal of those insurmountable obstacles which -prevented the acceptance of your treaty by the President of the -Republic?" - -"I allow it." - -"That person, I can now tell you, was myself." - -"You, general?" - -"Myself. Then, do you remember that when all was concluded, I became the -first shareholder who gave his signature, and supplied funds?" - -"That is perfectly correct; but this only renders more incomprehensible -the strange position in which I have been placed." - -"How so?" - -"Pardon me, general, the frankness with which I express myself." - -"Go on, count. We are here to tell each other the truth." - -"In reality, since my arrival at Guaymas, your conduct toward me has -been inexplicable." - -"You are jesting. I consider it most natural." - -"Still, it appears to me----" - -"Come, what do you find so extraordinary in my conduct?" - -"Well, everything." - -"Mention details." - -"I will do so." - -"Let us see." - -"Shall I start from the commencement?" - -"Certainly." - -"Very good. You know, as you have a copy of my agreement, that it is -stated in it that I shall only stay at Guaymas just the time necessary -for the company to settle the halting places, and prepare provision and -fodder." - -"Perfectly correct." - -"I have been kept at the port nearly a fortnight under excuses, each -more frivolous than the other. Comprehending how injurious inaction may -prove to my company, I made repeated applications to the captain-general -and yourself. All my letters were answered by want of instructions." - -"Go on." - -"Wearied with this abnormal position, I at length succeed in obtaining -my passports to start for the mine. At that moment I receive from you, -general, a note giving me orders not to leave Guaymas." - -"Very good. Proceed." - -Don Louis, confounded by the impassiveness of the speaker, whose face -remained calm and voice tranquil, began to feel himself growing angry. - -"Now, general," he said, raising his voice, "I have a right to ask you -clearly what game we are playing. - -"A very simple one, my dear count, I repeat to you; and you can, if you -really desire it, hold all the trumps in your hand." - -"I confess that I do not at all understand you." - -"That is impossible!" - -"On my honour! I should feel most sincerely obliged by your explaining -to me clearly what is happening; for I assure you that I am in a fog -from which I despair ever to escape." - -"That depends on yourself alone." - -"By Heavens, general, you will allow that you are jesting with me?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"What? At the request of your government, I come to Sonora with -permission to work the mines. Owing to your influence, as you yourself -allow, my treaty is signed. Confiding in Mexican honesty, I organise an -expedition--I arrive; and my partners, yourself first of all, turn -against me and treat me, not as their friend, their representative, not -with even the respect due to a gentleman, but affect to consider me as -almost a filibuster." - -"O count! You are going too far." - -"On my soul, general, such things can only be witnessed in Mexico." - -"My dear count, you are mistaken. No one is seeking to injure you, on -the contrary." - -"Still, up to the present, you, one of the largest shareholders in the -company, whose interests are at stake, you in a word, who, owing to the -influence you possess, should have helped us in the most effective -manner, have only employed that power to impede our movements and injure -us in every way." - -"O count! What terms you are employing." - -"Good Heavens, general, excuse me! But it is time for all these absurd -annoyances to cease, and for me to be allowed to proceed to the mines. -All this has lasted too long." - -The general appeared to reflect for a moment. - -"Come, frankly," he said at last; "did you not understand why I acted -toward you in that way?" - -"I swear it." - -"That is strange. Pardon me in your turn, count; but I had a very -different opinion of you." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Then you did not guess why I, general, military governor of Sonora, -supported so warmly your petition to the President?" - -"But----" - -"You did not guess," he went on sharply, "why I demanded that your -companions should be well armed, and organised as soldiers?" - -"It appears to me----" - -"You did not understand why I had you invested with a military power as -extensive as if you were chief of an army? Come, count, you are not -speaking seriously at this moment; or else you wish to play a cunning -game with me." - -While pronouncing these words with a certain degree of vehemence, this -time real, the general had left his chair, and was walking about the -room in agitation. The count listened to him with the greatest -attention, while watching him closely. When he was silent, he replied:-- - -"I will tell you, general, what I did understand." - -"Speak." - -"I understood, that the Mexican government, too weak to recover for -itself the rich placers of the Plancha de la Plata, which by its -carelessness, had fallen once more into the hands of the Indians, would -gladly see strangers carry out an expedition from which it would reap -the greatest profit. I understood, besides, that the government, unable -effectively to protect the inhabitants of Sonora against the incursions -of the Apaches and Comanches, would be delighted if the same strangers -took on themselves at their risk and peril to restrain these ferocious -plunderers within their frontiers. I understood lastly, that General Don -Guerrero, (whose life and his daughter's I had been so fortunate as to -save, and who felt such deep gratitude toward me), had gladly seized on -the opportunity to do me a service in his turn, by placing at my -disposal that great influence he possesses, to obtain for me that which -I had so long solicited in vain. That is all I understood, general." - -"Ah! That is all?" - -"Yes; but am I mistaken?" - -"Perhaps." - -"Then, be kind enough to explain yourself categorically, general." - -"What use would it be now? It is too late," the general answered, -darting at him a glance of strange meaning. - -"Why, then, too late?" - -Don Sebastian walked quickly up to the count, and stopped in front of -him. - -"Because now," he said, "we can never understand each other." - -"You believe so, general?" - -"I am sure of it." - -"But, for what reason?" - -"You wish me to tell it you?" - -"I beg you." - -"Well, then, señor conde, the reason is this: you are a man of too much -sense and vast intelligence--in a word, you are a man in a thousand----" - -"General, I implore you----" - -"I do not flatter you, count; I tell you the truth. Unfortunately, -though you speak Spanish with rare perfection, you are not sufficiently -acquainted with _Mexican_ for us ever to understand each other." - -"Ah!" the count said, without adding another word. - -"I am right, I think; this time you caught the meaning of my words?" - -"Perhaps, general, I will reply in the remark you employed an instant -ago." - -"Very good. Now, I think, we have nothing more to say to each other." - -"Permit me a few words." - -"Speak." - -"Whatever may happen, general, on passing the door of the room, I shall -not remember one word of our conversation." - -"As you please, count; we have said nothing the whole town might not -hear." - -"That is true; but others might possibly put a different interpretation -on them than mine. There are so many ways of understanding words." - -"Oh! But ours were remarkably innocent." - -"They were. I trust, general, we shall not part as foes." - -"Why should we be so, my dear count? I desire, on the contrary, that the -agreeable acquaintance we have renewed this evening may be changed ere -long--on your side at least, for on mine it has long been so--into a -durable friendship." - -"You overwhelm me, general." - -"Do I not owe you my life?" - -"So I may always count on you?" - -"As on yourself, my dear friend." - -These words were uttered by the two speakers with such delicately -sharpened irony, that no one could have guessed, beneath the charming -smile that played on their lips, the rage and hatred which swelled their -hearts. - -"Now," the general continued, "I believe we can return to the ballroom?" - -"I am at your orders, general." - -Don Sebastian opened the door of the room, and stood against the wall. -The count passed him. - -"Do you play, Don Louis?" the general asked him. - -"Rarely; still, if you wish it, I shall be happy to cover your stake." - -"This way then." - -They entered a room in which several monte tables were established. The -gamblers were collected before a table, at which a man, who had an -enormous pile of gold before him, was enjoying extraordinary good luck. -The man was Don Cornelio. After conversing for some time with Doña -Angela, the Spaniard, attracted by the irresistible charm of gold, -approached the monte tables, and, fascinated in spite of himself, he had -risked the few ounces he possessed. - -Luck had been favourable to him; so constantly favourable, that in less -than an hour he had gained nearly all the gold of all the players who -had ventured to hold their ground against him; so that he eventually won -an enormous sum. At the moment the count and the general arrived near -him, Don Cornelio's last adversary retired, completely cleaned out, and -the fight ceased for want of combatants; so that the Spaniard, after -looking around him, and seeing that no one cared longer to contend with -him, began with unchangeable coolness thrusting into the vast pockets of -his _calzoneras_ the ounces piled up before him. - -"Oh, oh!" the general said, gaily, "it seems that the Atravida company -is in luck to-night, Señor Don Louis; it gains on all sides at once." - -The count smiled at this double-edged compliment. - -"Let us see if I shall change the vein?" Don Sebastian continued, "Will -you play against me, Don Louis?" - -"On one condition." - -"What? I accept it beforehand." - -"This: I have a peculiar custom of never playing more than three -stakes." - -"Good." - -"Wait a minute. I play them, doubling each time." - -"The deuce! And if you lose one of the three?" - -"That is of no consequence; still, I do not think I shall lose," he said -with perfect calmness. - -"What! You do not think you will lose?" - -"No; I confess to you that I have great luck in play. The reason is, -probably, because I care very little about winning." - -"That is possible; still, what you tell me is so curious, that I should -like to convince myself of the fact." - -"It only depends on you." - -By degrees, the guests had drawn nearer the two gentlemen, and formed a -group around them. Doña Angela had also advanced, and was now close to -Don Louis' side. - -"Come," the general said, "let us play three stakes." - -"At your orders." - -"How much shall we set?" - -"What you please." - -"Suppose we say 2000 piastres?" - -"Agreed." - -The general took up a pack of new cards. - -"If you have no objection," he remarked, "we will neither of us cut." - -"As you please." - -"But who shall be dealer?" - -"I," Doña Angela suddenly exclaimed, as she seized the pack of cards. - -"Oh, oh!" the general said with a smile, "take care, Don Louis; my -daughter is enlisted against you." - -"I cannot believe that the señorita is my enemy," the count replied, as -he bowed to the young lady. - -Doña Angela blushed, but said nothing; she unfastened the pack, and -shuffled the cards. - -"Two thousand piastres," the general said. "Deal, my child." - -She began turning up the cards. - -"Lost!" she said in a moment. - -"That is true," said the general; "I have lost; now for the second. -_Caramba!_ Take care, niña, we are playing this time for 4000 piastres." - -"Lost!" she cried. - -"Again! That is singular. Come, Don Louis, the last one." - -"Perhaps it would be better to stop here; neither you nor I, general, -care for this money." - -"That is the reason I wish for the third stake; besides, luck may have -favoured you hitherto." - -"Did I not warn you?" - -"Come, come; I wish to be certain." - -"Lost!" the young lady said for the third time, in her harmonious voice. - -"_Caramba!_ This is really singular. I owe you 14,000 piastres, Don -Louis. I allow that you have really extraordinary fortune." - -"I know it," the count answered, still perfectly cool; "and now permit -me to leave you. Señorita, accept my grateful thanks for the kind -assistance you granted me in this matter." - -The young lady bowed, ashamed and blushing, - -"Tomorrow, at daybreak, the 14,000 piastres will be at your house, Don -Louis." - -"Do not hurry yourself, general; I shall have the honour of seeing you -again." - -The count thereupon took leave, and withdrew with Don Cornelio, -obsequiously accompanied to the door of the last room by the general. - -"Double traitor!" the count muttered, as he mounted. "Take care of -yourself, for now I see your game. In spite of your cunning, you have -let me read your thoughts." - -The count, followed by his escort, thoughtfully returned to the house he -inhabited. He was reflecting on the means to be employed in foiling the -machinations of his enemies, and carrying out his expedition -successfully. As for Don Cornelio, he only thought of one thing--the -luck he had had during the evening; and, while galloping by Don Louis' -side, he mentally calculated the number of ounces he had gained, of -which fact he had not yet been able to assure himself satisfactorily. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE TAPADA. - - -The American character is made up of contrasts; and one of the strangest -of these is the honesty and punctuality with which play debts are -liquidated. The man who would remorselessly assassinate another to rob -him of two reals, would not fail to pay him, within twenty-four hours, -any gambling debt, however large it might be. - -The next morning, on waking, Don Louis found on the table of his room -several canvas bags, filled with ounces. They contained the 14,000 -piastres, lost on the previous evening by the general, and which the -latter had sent at sunrise. - -Louis was annoyed at this punctuality, which, in his ignorance of -Mexican habits, he was far from expecting. It appeared to him of evil -omen. He dressed; and, after breakfasting, left Don Cornelio engaged in -counting his previous evening's gains, and wrapping himself in his -cloak, went out with the intention of looking at the town. - -As, during his walk, he passed before the palace, he took advantage of -this circumstance to give his card to one of the general's criados, not -wishing, after the conversation they had held, to force himself upon -him, but intending to call in person the next day. - -The count employed several hours in traversing the town, visiting the -churches, of which two or three are rather fine, and smoking sundry -cigarettes on the Alameda, a delightful promenade shaded by noble -trees, where the fair sex of Pitic breathe the fresh air every evening. -At length, he returned home, shut himself up in his room, and earned on -his correspondence till a late hour. - -The next day, as he had resolved, he proceeded to the palace: it was -closed. The general, summoned by an important affair, had started at -four o'clock the previous afternoon on horseback, only taking with him a -small squadron of lancers. But, the man added who gave the count this -information, his excellency the general would not be long absent; he -would probably return within four days. The count, try all he knew, -could obtain no more positive information. The Mexicans, ordinarily so -gossiping, can become, when their interests demand it, as dumb as fish; -and in that case it is impossible, either by money or promises, to get a -single syllable from them. - -Don Louis retired, excessively annoyed at this _contretemps_, which -seemed expressly prepared for him; still, in order to clear up his -doubts, and not wishing, under circumstances so grave, to act lightly, -and commit any imprudence, although the general's behaviour seemed to -him highly improper, he resolved to wait a few days, in order that he -might have right on his side, by proving that Don Sebastian's departure -had been premeditated for the purpose of avoiding any further -explanation with him. - -Daily, the count sent one of his men to the palace to inquire whether -the general had returned. The answer was always the same. The general -was absent, but it was certain he would soon return: he was indeed -expected at any moment. Eight days passed thus. Another subject of -restlessness then arose, to increase the count's annoyances and the -impatient feeling that was beginning to conquer him. - -On leaving Guaymas, he had given orders to the officer to whom he gave -the temporary command of the company, to start to join him after four -days. The men, then, must not only have started, but must be close to -Pitic, as the two towns were only fifteen leagues apart, a distance -which an armed body can easily cover between two suns; and yet, since -his leaving the port, the count had received no news--no reply to his -letters; and the company did not make its appearance. - -What had happened since his leaving Guaymas? What new obstacles had been -interposed to the movement of his company? Whence resulted this -incomprehensible delay of four days? Why had not the officer left in -charge informed him of what had occurred? Or had his couriers been -interrupted on the road? Why had not Valentine or Curumilla, those two -resolute and devoted men, for whom the greatest obstacles had no -existence, come to warn him? - -All these suppositions, and many others that offered themselves to the -count's perplexed mind, threw him into a state of moral excitement -impossible to describe. He knew not what to resolve, what means to -employ, in order to acquire a certainty a hundred fold preferable to -the doubt that gnawed him. At length, he decided on sending Don -Cornelio, in whom he believed he could trust, at full gallop to Guaymas. -That gentleman was out, however, and was sought for without being found. - -This new obstacle culminated the count's feverish impatience. He mounted -his horse, and started with the intention of exploring the environs of -the town, in the secret hope of discovering some traces of his comrades, -or at least learning some news about them. During the four hours he -galloped in every direction, he saw nothing, and heard nothing. He -turned back--a prey to a mighty sorrow, and heavy discouragement. - -On approaching his house, the sound of a jarana reached his ears, and he -hurried on his steed. Don Cornelio, carelessly seated on a stool in the -porch of the house, was strumming his guitar, singing, as was his wont, -his inevitable romance of King Rodrigo. On perceiving Don Louis, the -Spaniard threw his instrument far from him, and rose with a cry of joy. - -"At length!" he shouted. - -"Why at length?" the count answered. "I consider the exclamation -curious, since I have been searching after you, and could not lay my -hand on you." - -The Spaniard smiled mysteriously. - -"I know it," he said; "but this place is not propitious for talking. Don -Louis, will you permit me to accompany you to your cuarto?" - -"With the greatest pleasure; the more so, as I also wish to speak with -you." - -"Come, that is a charming coincidence." - -On reaching his room, Don Louis turned to his companion. - -"Well," he said to him; "what have you to tell me?" - -"Listen. This morning, according to my daily custom, I was walking about -after breakfast, smoking a papelito, when, at the corner of the Calle de -la Merced and the Calle San Francisco, I felt a slight touch on my arm. -I turned sharply. A charming woman, or at least I suppose so, for it was -impossible for me to distinguish her features, so carefully were they -hidden in the folds of her rebozo, made me a sign to follow her. What -would you have done in my place, Don Louis?" - -"I do not know, my friend; but I entreat you, be brief, for I am in a -hurry." - -"Well, I followed her. You know that I have an idea about Mexican women, -and am convinced that some day or other----" - -"In Heaven's name, my friend, come to the point," Don Louis interrupted -him, stamping his foot impatiently. - -"I am doing so. I followed her then. She entered the church of la -Merced, I at her heels. The church was deserted at that moment, which -caused me a lively pleasure; because in such a case a man can talk at -his ease. Do not be impatient, I have come to it. When I reached a -rather dark corner, the young and charming female, for I assert that she -is both, turned so suddenly that I almost trod on her toes. 'Are you not -Don Cornelio Mendoza?' she asked me. 'Yes,' I replied. - -"'In that case,' she said, 'you are a friend of the count.' I guessed at -once that the stranger alluded to you. 'I am his intimate friend,' I -continued. 'That is well,' she added, drawing from her bosom a small -note, which she placed in my hand; 'give him this as quickly as -possible, it alludes to very grave matters.' I seized the paper, on -which I mechanically fixed my eyes; when I raised them again, my -incognita had disappeared, fled like a sylph, leaving no trace. It was -impossible for me to catch her up, for the confounded place was so -dark." - -"Well, and where is the note?" Don Louis asked. - -"Here it is. Oh, I did not lose it! It was too warmly recommended to -me." - -The count took it, and, without deigning a glance, threw it on the -table. Since his arrival at Pitic he had received twenty a day, and had -not answered one; he did not even read them now, as he felt convinced -they all meant the same thing. - -"And now," he added, "you have finished, I presume?" - -"Yes." - -"Then listen to me in your turn," he continued, handing him the letter -he had prepared for the hunter during his absence. "You will mount this -instant, start for Guaymas; give this letter to Don Valentine, and bring -me back the answer. You understand?" - -"Of course." - -"I can rely on your diligence?" - -"I start." - -He went out. Ten minutes later, Don Louis heard the hurried footfalls of -a horse re-echoing before the gateway. - -"Tomorrow, at this hour, I shall know on what I have to depend," Don -Louis muttered. - -He threw himself on a butaca; and, resting his elbows on a table, he -buried his head in his hands, and fell into deep thought. In this -position, his eyes were involuntarily fixed on the note Don Cornelio had -given him, and which was just in front of him. A sickly smile played on -his lips. - -"Poor fools!" he muttered, "who only dream of love and pleasure, to whom -life is only one long festival. What need have I of your false -protestations, to which I cannot respond? Love for me no longer exists. -Like all the women who have preceded her, this one, doubtlessly, offers -me an eternal love, which she will forget tomorrow. Why trouble myself -about such absurdities? My heart is dead to joy--only too dead, alas!" - -And he thrust the paper away. - -The night was rapidly falling, and the count kindled a lucifer match to -light a candle; but, as frequently happens to people deeply engaged, -when he held the lucifer to the candle, he perceived that the former was -nearly burnt out. Then, mechanically, he took up the note he had -spurned, folded it up, and was going to twist it into a spill; but all -at once he stopped, threw the match on the floor, lit another, and read -this note, so despised a moment previously. The following were the -contents:-- - -"A person interested in the Count Don Louis begs him, for his own sake, -to go this evening to the Alameda at ten o'clock, under the first walk -on the left. A person seated on the third bench will say to him -'Guaymas,' he will answer 'Atravida,' and follow her at a distance, -without addressing other questions to her, to the spot where she is -directed to lead him, and where the count will learn matters which, for -his own safety and that of his comrades, it is important for him to -know." - -This strange note was not signed. - -"What is the meaning of this?" the count said to himself. "Is it a -mystification? For what object? Is it a snare offered me, in which they -wish me to fall? By Heaven, I will know the truth! What hour is -it--nine? I have still an hour before me. If my mysterious correspondent -meditates an assassination, he will find with whom he has to deal. Who -knows? Perhaps it is really a warning a good friend wishes to give me? I -shall soon see." - -While saying this, the count had changed his clothes for others of a -dark hue. He put on his waist belt, through an iron ring of which, -according to the Mexican fashion, he passed a sheathless machete; he -placed two excellent revolvers in his girdle, wrapped himself carefully -in the folds of a wide cloak, pulled his broad brimmed hat over his -eyes, and prepared to go out. - -"By Jove!" he said, as he crossed the threshold of the house, "armed as -I am, the brigands who attempt to attack me will have their work cut -out." - -At the moment the count entered the street, it struck a quarter to ten -by the clock of the Cabildo. - -"I have just time," he said. - -And he began walking quickly. The night was dark, the streets were -deserted. As the count had expected, he reached the Alameda exactly as -the clock struck ten. - -"Let us see," he said. - -He then walked with a firm step, though looking carefully around, and -with his hand on his arms, in fear of a surprise. Conforming to the -instructions of the note, he proceeded toward the walk indicated to him. -He soon distinguished a dark form, which he recognised as that of a -female seated on a bench. The count was then ashamed of his suspicions, -left his hold of his arms, and, after reflection, was on the point of -returning, supposing that this rendezvous was not so serious as he had -at first supposed. Still, after a moment's reflection, he resolved on -carrying out the affair to the end, and walked toward the stranger, who -remained perfectly calm. At the moment he was passing her she coughed -gently, and the count turned to her. - -"_Guaymas_" she said in a low voice. - -"_Atravida_" the count replied in the same tone. - -"Come." - -"Go on." - -The strange woman rose, and not turning once, proceeded with a firm and -hasty step along the Alameda, and turned into a narrow street inhabited -by leperos, stopping before a house of rather wretched appearance. She -then opened the door with a key she held in her hand, and went in, -being careful to leave the door ajar. The count was close at her heels, -and entered without any hesitation. He found himself in dense obscurity, -and heard the door close behind him with a spasm at his heart. - -"It is plain that I am in a wasp's nest," he said to himself. - -"Fear nothing," a soft and melodious voice suddenly said, almost in his -ear; "you have no occasion to alarm yourself, for these precautions are -not taken against yourself." - -The affectionate and almost mournful accent of this voice completely -reassured the count. - -"I fear nothing," he said. "Were I afraid of a snare, should I have -come?" - -"Listen, moments are precious. I have only a few seconds at my command." - -"I am listening." - -"You have powerful enemies; one especially has sworn your destruction. -Take care! You would not serve his plans and become the agent of -disorder, in order to help that man in gaining the object of his -ambition; so that man has resolved your death." - -"I despise the man's threats, for I know him." - -"Perhaps so, I mention no names. Still, he is not alone against you. If -you wish to foil your enemy's plans, act vigorously; above all be -prudent. Treason is everywhere in Mexico, it is breathed in the air; so -trust to none but well tried men. You have traitors even among those who -come nearest to you." - -"What do my enemies want?" - -"To destroy you, I tell you, because you have refused to become their -accomplice." - -"Oh! I will avenge myself." - -"Take care! Above all, do not remain long here. Your enemies can act the -more surely in the dark, when, they know you are away from your company. -Rejoin your comrades." - -"I will do so this very night." - -"Yes, start at once for the mines. If you can reach them before your -enemies are in a position to raise the mask, you will be saved." - -"Thanks for your advice, I will follow it." - -"So now, good-by." - -"Good-bye," the count said, with an accent of regret. - -"We must not meet again." - -"What! After the signal service you render me at this moment----" - -"It must be. Everything parts us." - -"Tell me one thing, pray." - -"What?" - -"Whence comes the interest you deign to show me?" - -"Is the motive for a woman's actions ever known?" - -"Oh, you are jesting with me, señora; that is wrong." - -The strange lady sighed. - -"No, Don Louis," she continued, "I am not jesting with you. What need -that you should know me? Sufficient for you that I watch over you. Seek -not for the motive." - -"On the contrary, I am anxious to know it." - -"Were I to tell you that I loved you, would you believe it, Don Louis?" -she said, sorrowfully. - -"Oh!" he said, with emotion, "I would pity you, madam, if you attached -yourself to a wretched being like myself, whose life has only been one -long suffering." - -"Do you not know, then, that we women love the unhappy before all? Our -mission upon earth is to offer consolation." - -"Madam, I implore you, do not let me leave you thus. I should carry away -in my heart a grief which nothing could cure." - -"I was wrong to come," she murmured, mournfully. - -"Oh! Say not so, as you have perchance saved my life." - -"Farewell, Don Louis," she replied, with an accent of ineffable -gentleness; "we must part. Whatever may occur, remember that you have a -devoted friend--a sister." - -"A sister!" he remarked, bitterly, "be it so. If that is your wish; -madam, I do not insist." - -"Take this ring, as you wish absolutely to know who I am. My name is -engraved upon it, but promise me not to read it for three days." - -"I swear it," he replied, holding out his hand in the darkness. - -A hand seized on his, pressed it gently, left a ring in it; and then he -heard a slight rustling of silk, and a soft voice murmured farewell for -the last time. The count heard a door close, and that was all. In a -second, the door which had granted him admission to the house opened -again. Don Louis wrapped himself in his cloak, and went out, a prey to -considerable agitation. He reached his abode at full speed; from a -distance he perceived a man standing before his gateway. The count, -through a secret presentiment he could not explain, hurried onward. - -"Valentine!" he suddenly exclaimed, with marks of amazement. - -"Yes, brother," the other answered; "fortunately I met Don Cornelio. -Your horse is ready; come, let us start." - -"What is the matter, then?" he exclaimed, anxiously. - -"Off, off! I will tell you all on the road." - -Five minutes later, the adventurers started at full speed on the road -from Pitic to Guaymas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE REVOLT. - - -We will leave Don Louis and Valentine galloping on the road to Guaymas, -and explain to the reader what had occurred in that town during the -count's absence. - -The French company formed at San Francisco was not completely made up, -when the hunter brought his friend the money he required: about a dozen -men were still deficient. Pressed by time and wishful to reach Sonora as -soon as possible, Don Louis neglected to employ the same precautions in -enrolling these men, as he had with the rest. He accepted almost anybody -that presented himself. Unfortunately, among the new recruits were four -or five scamps, to whom any restraint was unendurable, and who entered -the company solely impelled by that instinct for evil which governs -vicious natures; that is to say, with the secret intention of committing -every crime that might prove profitable to them, so soon as they reached -Mexico. - -During the passage from San Francisco to Guaymas, and even so long as -the count remained in the latter town, these persons carefully avoided -showing themselves in their true colours, justly fearing punishment; but -so soon as the count left Guaymas for Pitic, they threw off the mask, -and in company with a few scamps of their own stamp, whom they picked up -in the slums about the port, commenced a life of disorder and -debauchery. - -Colonel Florés and Don Antonio did not fail to profit by the irregular -conduct of these men, and planted spies upon them, who excited them by -all the means at their command to redouble their disorderly conduct. -These emissaries cleverly spread the report that Don Louis had purposely -deceived his comrades, that the mines of the Plancha de la Plata had no -existence, that he had obtained no concession, and that his object was -very different from what he had stated to his followers. - -These calumnies, at first weak and as it were ashamed to expose -themselves in broad daylight, in a short time obtained a degree of -consistency; and a great fermentation was visible in the company. The -officers, justly alarmed at what was passing, assembled in council, and -resolved to warn the count of the alarming state of matters, and the -dangers that menaced the expedition. Colonel Florés, as delegate of the -government, was present at this council, and gave his opinion that a -courier should be despatched to the count at once. The courier was -really sent off, but almost immediately intercepted. This happened on -the third day after the count's departure. The officer to whom he -intrusted the command, reassured by the departure of the courier, and -desirous to cover his responsibility by executing the orders he had -received, ordered the assembly to be sounded at daybreak of the fourth -day, and issued orders for immediate departure. - -Murmurs broke out on all sides, cries and yells were heard, and for some -time there was an inextricable confusion. Colonel Florés had hurried up, -on hearing what was taking place. He insinuated that it would be -probably imprudent to leave Guaymas, with the soldiers in their present -state of excitement, and that it would be better to await the count's -return, who, warned by the courier sent off the previous day, would -doubtlessly arrive at once, and a hundred other more or less specious -arguments. - -But the temporary commandant was an old African soldier, trained in -habits of discipline, and who only obeyed his orders. He replied sharply -to the colonel that he begged him to attend to his own affairs, for what -was occurring in no way concerned him. As for himself he had his orders, -and would obey them, whatever the consequences might be. - -Colonel Florés finding himself so sharply taken up, and perceiving that -he was on the wrong road, immediately changed his batteries, and -perfectly coincided with the officer, whom he urged to continue as he -had begun, and not yield an inch to the insubordination of his soldiers. -The commandant shrugged his shoulders contemptuously at these new -suggestions from the worthy colonel, and walking into the middle of the -yard, where the soldiers, forming scattered groups, were consulting -together, he ordered the buglers to sound the assembly. - -He was at once obeyed; but the adventurers yelled at the buglers, and -redoubled their shouts and vociferations. The commandant remained -motionless on the spot he had selected, with his arms folded on his -chest; when the buglers had given the call, he pulled out his watch and -coolly looked at the hour. The insurgents watched him closely, the other -officers had come up, and ranged themselves round their chief. - -"Return to your squads, gentlemen," he said to them in a clear voice, -which, though not raised above the tone of an ordinary conversation, was -distinctly heard by all. "Your men have five minutes to fall in; we -shall start in a quarter of an hour." - -A prolonged laugh greeted these words. The commandant returned his sabre -to its scabbard, and walked with a measured step straight up to one of -the scamps who had been the originator of the tumult, and who appeared -to insult him most of all. The man started on seeing his chief walking -toward him, and instinctively looked behind him. The shouts had ceased, -and the adventurers, were waiting curiously the issue. When the -commandant was only two paces from the man, he stopped, and looking him -firmly in the face said,--- - -"Were you laughing at me just now?" - -The other hesitated to reply. - -"It is not the chief who is speaking to you at this moment," the officer -continued, "but the man you have insulted." - -The adventurer felt that the eyes of all his comrades were fixed upon -him; so he recalled all his effrontery. - -"Well, supposing I was?" he said insolently. - -"In that case," the officer continued quietly, "you are a scoundrel." - -"A scoundrel?" the other retorted, in a passion. "You must be more -careful in your language, I advise you." - -"You are a scoundrel, I repeat; and I am going to punish you." - -"Punish me?" he said, sneeringly; "come on then." - -"Give the fellow a sabre," the officer said, turning to the spectators. - -"A sabre? What for?" - -"To give me satisfaction for your insult." - -"I do not know how to use a sabre." - -"Ah, that is the case, is it? You insult me because, you fancy yourself -supported by your comrades, and that I am alone; but your comrades are -brave men; they know me, and would not wish to insult me." - -"No, no!" several voices exclaimed. - -"While you are a miserable coward, unworthy longer to belong to the -company. I dismiss you; you are no Frenchman; be off!" - -Then, with a strength he little thought he possessed, the officer seized -the man by the collar of his coat, and hurled him twenty paces. He -jumped up, and ran off at full speed followed by a general yell. - -The officer was not mistaken. The fellow was not a Frenchman. But why -need we divulge his nationality? A whole nation must not be responsible -for the villainy of a single man. - -When the officer turned round again after this summary execution, he saw -that all the adventurers had fallen in, and were standing motionless and -silent. The commandant reproached nobody, and did not appear to remember -any longer the resistance offered to him. All men are alike. To subdue -them, you must prove to them that you possess a decided superiority over -them. - -Colonel Florés was stupefied. He understood nothing of what was taking -place. - -"Hum!" he muttered to himself; "what energy! What courage! I fancy we -shall not find it an easy matter to master men like these." - -The commandant, after assuring himself by a glance that the company had -really returned to its duty, gave the order for starting. This order, at -once repeated by the subaltern officers, was obeyed without the -slightest murmur; and the adventurers set out on their march, preceded -by a long file of mules, carrying the baggage, and two or three carts, -conveying invalids. The guns (for the count had judged it necessary to -augment his artillery), were in the centre, dragged by mules. The march -was closed by the cavalry, a detachment of ten men having been -previously told off to form the vanguard. - -The Frenchmen traversed Guaymas at a quick step, amid the shouts and -wishes of success of the population collected on their road. Don Antonio -accompanied the company to the Rancho de San José, which forms, as it -were, a suburb of Guaymas. On arriving there, he took leave of the -officers in the most friendly manner, repeating his offers of service; -and after pressing the hand of Colonel Florés, who went on with the -adventurers, and exchanging a glance with him, he returned to the port. - -It was late when the Frenchmen started. The heat was stifling; -consequently they could not cover much ground, retarded, as they were, -by the mules and carts. At sunset, they encamped at the entrance of a -village, about four leagues from the town. - -The commandant imagined he had gained everything by inducing the company -to leave Guaymas; but he was mistaken. The leaven of discord, artfully -spread among the adventurers, was still at work, and was carefully kept -up by the men to whom we have alluded. It was by no means the interest -of these fellows to bury themselves in the interior of the country, -where they would have no chance of finding what they had come to Mexico -for, namely, opportunities for robbery and debauch. Thus, far from -feeling discouraged by the check they had received that very morning, -they intended to begin again, as soon as the occasion presented itself. - -Valentine, who carefully watched all that went on around him, took the -commandant on one side when the camp was formed, and warned him of the -insubordination in the company. The latter, however, attached no great -importance to the hunter's observations; for he was persuaded that, -after the vigorous manner in which he had behaved, the adventurers would -not dare to mutiny again. - -Valentine's previsions were only too well founded, as the commandant had -proof the next morning, when he wished to start again. The adventurers -bluntly refused; threats or prayers were equally unavailing; they -remained deaf to every observation. It was no longer mutiny, but a -perfect revolt, followed only too soon by utter anarchy. The promoters -of disorder triumphed; still they could not succeed in inducing their -comrades to return to Guaymas. - -Through a remnant of that feeling of duty which never deserts soldiers, -the adventurers were unwilling to abandon the count; they returned -merely to the old charges that had been suggested to them. They wanted a -proof that the mines really existed, that their chief had a regular -concession, and that they were not cheated. In addition to these demands -they set up another, which would completely compromise the future of the -company, were it granted. They demanded that all the officers chosen by -Don Louis should be broken, and the company be permitted to choose -others by vote. - -Valentine remarked to them that they could do nothing during their -chiefs absence. They must await his return, or commit a flagrant act of -illegality; for Don Louis was at liberty to choose whom he pleased for -officers, as he was the sole leader of the expedition, and alone -responsible for its conduct. - -The adventurers at length yielded to this reasoning, which appeared to -them just; and, in order to stop as soon as possible these discussions -which only delayed the affairs of the company, it was settled that -Valentine should start the next morning for Pitic, and bring back the -count with him. Valentine promised to do what they wanted, and -tranquillity was gradually restored for the remainder of the day. - -The next morning, at daybreak, therefore, Valentine mounted his horse, -and started for Pitic. We have seen that he was fortunate enough to find -Don Louis, and in what way he brought him off. On the road he told his -friend all that had occurred, in the fullest details. Hence, the count -was burning to arrive at the camp to check the disorder, and prevent the -dissolution of the company, whose existence was seriously menaced, if -such a state of things was allowed to continue only a few hours longer. - -At daybreak, the horsemen reached the camp. All was topsy-turvy; -confusion and disorder prevailed on all sides. The adventurers would -listen to nothing. The officers, rendered powerless, knew not what to -do, or how to turn away the storm that threatened them. But the sudden -arrival of the count was a thunderbolt for the mutineers. - -Don Louis leaped off his horse, and walked resolutely toward them. At -the sight of him, the adventurers involuntarily felt the feeling of duty -re-aroused in their hearts, which they had vainly striven to stifle. - -"The assembly!" the count shouted in a thundering voice. - -Yielding to this man's magical influence, which they had so long been -accustomed to respect, they obeyed orders, and assembled around him. - -"Not so," he continued; "fall in." - -The first step was taken, they formed their ranks. The count surveyed -them, looking closely along the ranks. The adventurers stood silent and -gloomy; they felt themselves guilty. These hardened men trembled, not -from fear but shame. The count addressed them. - -"What have you to reproach me with, comrades?" he said to them, in his -gentle and sympathising voice. "Since the moment I first collected you -around me, have I not done all in my power to improve your position? -Have I not constantly treated you as my children? Speak: if I have -injured one of you, or committed a single act of injustice, tell it me? -You have been led to believe that I am deceiving you, that I was not the -owner of the Plancha de Plata, that this mine did not exist. Look here," -he added, as he drew a document from his chest, "here are the papers; -the agreement is regularly drawn up, the stations are prepared up to -the mines. Now, have you faith in me? do you now suppose that I am -deceiving you. Answer!" - -He was silent for a moment; but not a voice was raised to answer him. - -"Ah! That is the state of the case," he continued; "now listen to me. -The mines to which I am leading you contain incalculable wealth. These -riches will be yours. I shall only take what you give me. You shall -settle my share. Will you now accuse me of wishing to cheat you for my -own profit? You ask for fresh officers chosen by yourselves. I will -never consent to such a condition. Your officers are men in whose -capacity I have full and entire confidence: they well keep their -positions. Among you there are cowards, who have become the tools of my -enemies for the purpose of destroying us. These men all belong to the -second squad. They had better spare me the trouble of discharging them -with ignominy." - -The adventurers, carried away by their chiefs frank and honourable -language, rushed toward him, uttering shouts of joy. Peace was made: all -was forgotten. The emissaries, so suddenly discharged, profited by the -general enthusiasm to disappear without beat of drum. - -"Here is a courier!" Valentine suddenly said. - -The count turned sharply. A _lancero_ was coming up at full gallop. - -"_El señor conde?_" he asked. - -"I am he," Don Louis answered. - -The soldier held out to him a sealed despatch. The count took it with an -indescribable flutter of the heart, and rapidly ran over the lines. -Suddenly he uttered a shout of joy. - -"Listen," he said; "here is the order I have so long been expecting. The -President of the Republic authorizes us to set out immediately for the -mines. Comrades, we will be off at once for the Plancha de Plata." - -"To the mines!" the adventurers shouted. - -On folding up the paper, Don Louis noticed a few words in French written -at the foot of the envelope. - -"What is this?" he muttered. - -He then read:-- - -"Start at once. Perhaps counter orders have already been given. Your -enemies are on the alert." - -"Oh!" the count said, "what do I care now? I will manage to foil all -their tricks." - -The adventurers set to work gaily in preparing the carts for the long -journey they would have to go. The two field pieces were carefully -fastened on their carriages; in short, all preparations were taken to -avoid the accidents inseparable from a journey across the desert. - -The adventurers worked with such zeal to terminate their preparations, -that within two hours the column was on their march for Apacheria. The -joy was at its height, the enthusiasm general. One man alone doubted, -and that man was Valentine. - -The fact was, that the hunter was acquainted with the Mexican character, -the groundwork of which is cunning, treachery, and roguery; and, in -spite of himself, he trembled for his comrades. - -[The further adventures of the gold-seekers will be found in the -concluding volume of this series, which is called "The Indian Chief."] - - -THE END. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gold-Seekers, by -Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - -***** This file should be named 42532-8.txt or 42532-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/5/3/42532/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (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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diff --git a/42532.txt b/42532.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 45ec77e..0000000 --- a/42532.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10600 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Gold-Seekers, by Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Gold-Seekers - A Tale of California - -Author: Gustave Aimard - Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: April 14, 2013 [EBook #42532] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Scanned by Google) - - - - - -THE GOLD-SEEKERS: - -A TALE OF CALIFORNIA - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC. - - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -1861 - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The "Gold-Seekers" must be regarded as forming the connecting link -between the "Tiger-Slayer" and the "Indian Chief," the concluding volume -of this series. It must not be forgotten that the author is dealing with -real characters, and that the hero lived and died in the way hereafter -to be described; and the three volumes may be considered a life-history -of a very remarkable man. Although they may be perused separately with -equal interest, I feel confident that those readers who have gone so far -with me will desire to know the conclusion of this strange eventful -history. - - LASCELLES WRAXALL. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - PROLOGUE:-- - - I. THE MEETING - II. EL MESON DE SAN JUAN - III. THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD - IV. THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO - - - I. THE NIGHT HALT - II. FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION - III. A SAD MISTAKE - IV. EXPLANATIONS - V. THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LOVE SONG - VI. DELILAH - VII. A RETROSPECT - VIII. A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS - IX. THE NEXT DAY - X. IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED - XI. A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION - XII. CONVERSATION - XIII. PREPARATIONS - XIV. VALENTINE'S RETURN - XV. THE DEPARTURE - XVI. TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER - XVII. GUAYMAS - XVIII. THE FIRST FORTNIGHT - XIX. PITIC - XX. DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND - XXI. THE TAPADA - XXII. THE REVOLT - - - - - -THE GOLD-SEEKERS - - -PROLOGUE - - - -I.--THE MEETING. - - -On the 5th of July, 184-, at about six in the evening, a party of -well-mounted horsemen started at a gallop from Guadalajara, the capital -of the state of Jalisco, and proceeded along the road that traverses the -village of Zapopan, celebrated for its miraculous virgin. After crossing -the escarped summits of the Cordilleras, this road reaches the charming -little town of Tepic, the usual refuge of those Europeans and rich -Mexicans whom business carries to San Blas, but to whom the insalubrity -of the air breathed in that port, the maritime arsenal of the Mexican -union, would be mortal. - -We have said that six o'clock was striking as the cavalcade passed the -gateway. The officer of the watch, after bowing respectfully to the -travellers, watched them for a long time, then re-entered the guardroom, -shaking his head, and muttering to himself,-- - -"Heaven save me! What can Colonel Guerrero be thinking of, to set out on -a Friday, and at such an hour as this? Does he fancy that the -_salteadores_ will allow him to pass? Hum! He will see what they are -about at the _barranca del mal paso_ (the gorge of the evil step)." - -The travellers, however, probably unaffected by the superstitious fears -that ruled the worthy officer, rapidly sped on the long poplar alley -that extends from the town to Zapopan, caring neither for the advanced -hour nor the ill-omened day of the week. - -They were six in number--Colonel Sebastian Guerrero, his daughter, and -four peons, or Indian criados. The colonel was a tall man, with harsh, -marked features, and a bronzed complexion. The few silvery threads -mingled with his black hair showed that he had passed middle life, -although his robust limbs, upright stature, and the brilliancy of his -glance denoted that years had not yet gained the mastery over this -vigorous organisation. He wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer -with the ease and nonchalance peculiar to old soldiers; but, in addition -to the sabre hanging by his side, his holsters held pistols; and a rifle -laid across the saddle-bow proved that, in case of need, he would offer -a vigorous resistance to any robbers who ventured to attack him. - -His daughter, Dona Angela, rode on his right hand. In Europe, where the -growth of girls is not nearly so precocious as in America, she would -only have been a child; for she counted scarce thirteen summers. As far -as could be judged, she was slight, but graceful, and perfectly -proportioned; her features were delicate and noble; her mouth laughing; -her eyes black, quick, and flashing with wit; while her brown hair fell -in two enormous tresses down upon her horse. She was wrapped up -coquettishly in her _rebozo_, and laughed madly at every bound of her -steed, which she maliciously tormented, in spite of her father's -reiterated remonstrances. - -The servants were powerfully-built Indians, armed to the teeth, and -appeared capable of defending their master in case of need. They rode -some ten paces behind the colonel, and led two mules loaded with -provisions and baggage--an indispensable precaution in Mexico, if -travellers do not wish to die of hunger by the way. - -Mexico combines all the climates of the globe. From the icy peaks of the -Cordilleras, down to the burning coasts of the ocean, the traveller in -that country undergoes every temperature. Hence this vast territory has -been divided into three distinct zones: _las tierras calientes_, or hot -lands, composed of the plains on the seashore, and which produce sugar, -indigo, and cotton in truly tropical abundance; _las tierras templadas_, -or temperate lands, regions formed by the Cordilleras, and which enjoy -an eternal spring, great heat and extreme cold being equally unknown -there; and lastly, _las tierras frias_, or cold lands, which include the -central plateaux, and where the temperature is relatively much lower -than in the other zones. - -Still we should remark that in Mexico the expressions "heat," and -"cold," have not an absolute value as in Europe, and that the lofty -plateaux, known as the _tierras frias_, enjoy a temperature like that of -Lombardy, which would seem to any European a very pleasant climate. -Owing to its position, Guadalajara shares in two of the three zones that -divide Mexico. Situated on the limit of the _tierra caliente_ and the -_tierra templada,_ the tepid breezes and pure sky reveal the warm -regions of the seaboard, which extend thus far. The arid sands are -succeeded by fertile and well-cultivated plains, fields of sugar-cane, -Indian corn, bananas, goyaviers, and other productions of the tropical -flora. By degrees the gloomy black oaks and pines, which only grow on -the mountains, become rarer, and eventually disappear entirely, to make -room for poplars, fan-palms, calabash trees, sumachs, Peru trees, and -thousands of others, which proudly wave their superb crowns over the -spontaneous vegetation that surrounds them. - -In _las tierras calientes_, where the heat of the day is stifling, -persons generally only travel from five to eleven A.M., and from three -in the afternoon till ten at night, so as to enjoy the morning and -evening freshness. Colonel Guerrero had, therefore, only conformed to -the general custom by commencing his journey in the evening; but, as so -often occurs, he had started later than he wished, owing to those -numberless obstacles which ever supervene at the moment of departure, -and cause a lengthened delay for no visible reason. But the colonel -cared little about the advanced hour: a night march possessed no terrors -for him, as he had been accustomed for years to modify his humour by -circumstances, and yield to the exigencies of the situation in which he -found himself. - -The sun set behind the Peak of Teguilla, and the Cerro del Col -disappeared in the centre of the chain of tall, abrupt hills which -borders the Rio Tololotlan: gradually the scene was veiled in darkness. -The travellers progressed gaily conversing together, while following the -winding and accidented course of the Rio Grande del Norte, along whose -banks their road ran. The latter was wide, well made, and easy to -follow. Hence the colonel, after taking a careful glance around to -assure himself there was nothing suspicious in the neighbourhood, -trusted entirely to the vigilance of the criados, and resumed the -conversation with his daughter, which he had for a moment broken off. - -"Angela, my child," he said to her, "you are wrong to tease your horse -so. Rebecca is a good beast, very gentle, and very sure-footed; and you -should be more merciful to her than you are." - -"I assure you, papa," the pretty girl answered with a laugh, "I am not -in the least teasing Rebecca; on the contrary, I am only tickling her to -render her lively." - -"Yes, and to make her dance too, as I can plainly see, little madcap. -That would be all very well if we were only taking a ride for a few -hours, instead of a journey which will last a month. Remember, nina, -that a rider must also treat his horse carefully if he wish to reach his -destination safe, and sound. You would not like, I fancy, to be left on -the road by your horse." - -"Heaven forbid, father! If it be so, I will obey you. Rebecca may be at -ease in future; I will not tease her." - -And, while speaking thus, she bent over her horse's neck and gently -patted it. - -"There!" the colonel continued, "now that peace, as I suppose, is made -between you, what do you think of our way of travelling? Does it please -you?" - -"I think it charming, father; the night is magnificent, the moon lights -us as if it were day; the breeze is fresh, and yet not cold. I never was -so happy." - -"All the better, my child. I am the more pleased to hear you speak thus, -because I so feared the effects of such a journey for you, that I was on -the point of leaving you at the convent." - -"Thank you, father, for having changed your mind, and bringing me with -you. I was so wearied with that wretched convent; and then it is so long -since I have seen my dear mother, whom I long to embrace." - -"This time, child, you will have ample leisure to do so for I propose -leaving you with your mother." - -"Then I shall not return to Guadalajara with you?" - -"No, child; you will live at my large _hacienda_, Aguas Frescas, with -your mother and my most faithful servants, during the period of my -absence; for so soon as I have ended the urgent business that demands my -presence at San Blas, I shall go to Mexico and join General Santa Anna. -His Excellency has done me the honour to send for me." - -"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in entreaty, "you ought to take me -with you to the _ciudad_." - -"Little madcap, you know perfectly well that is impossible; but on my -return I will bring you and your mother the finest things from the -Portales des Mercaderes and the Parian, in order that you may eclipse -the most coquettish senoras of Tepic, when it may please you to walk on -the Alameda of the Pueblo." - -"Oh! That is not the same thing," she said with a charming pout; "and -yet," she added, suddenly regaining her good humour, "I thank you, -father; for you are kind--you love me; and when you do not satisfy my -whims, it is because you find it impossible." - -"I am glad that you recognise that fact, and at length do me justice, -little rattle-brain; for you spend your life in teasing me." - -The girl began laughing, and by a sudden impulse letting her reins fall, -she threw her arms round her father's neck and kissed him several times. - -"Take care what you are about," the colonel said, at once happy and -alarmed. "If Rebecca were to bolt you would be killed. Take up your -reins at once, I say!" - -"Nonsense!" she said, laughing, and shaking her brown tresses -carelessly; "Rebecca is too well trained to behave in such a way." - -Still she caught up her reins and settled herself in her saddle. - -"Angelita mia," the father continued, perhaps more seriously than the -circumstances demanded, "you are no longer a child. You ought to begin -to grow more reasonable, and moderate the vivacity of your character." - -"Do you scold me for loving you, my father?" - -"Heaven forbid, my child! I only make a remark which I consider just; -for, if you yield in this way to your first impressions, you will -prepare great grief for yourself at a future day." - -"Do not think that, my kind father. I am quick, careless, -impressionable, that is true; but, by the side of those defects, I have -the family pride I derive from you, and which will defend me from many -faults." - -"I hope so, my daughter." - -"Do not assume that stern air for a harmless act of folly, father, or I -shall fancy that you are angry with me." Then she added, with a laugh, -"I remember that our family descends in a straight line from the Mexican -king, Chimalpopocatzin, who, as his name indicates, had for his emblem a -buckler from which smoke is issuing. You see, father, our character has -not degenerated since that valorous king, and we have ever remained as -firm as he was himself." - -"Come, come," the colonel said good-humouredly, "I shall give up -scolding you in future, for I see that it is labour wasted." - -The girl smiled maliciously, and was about to reply, when a flash of -light was seen in front of the party. - -"What is that?" the colonel asked, raising his voice. "Is there anyone -on the road?" - -"I think so, colonel," one of the domestics answered at once, "for that -flash seems to me produced by the flint of a _mechero_. - -"That is my opinion too," the colonel said. "Let us hasten on, in order -to see this delayed smoker." - -The little band, which had hitherto proceeded at a slow pace, broke into -an amble. At the expiration of an hour, at the same time as the sound of -a horse's hoofs reached the travellers, they also heard the shrill and -discordant sounds of a _jarana_ (guitar), and the refrain of the -following song, so familiar in Mexico, was borne on the breeze:-- - - "Sin pena vivamos - En calma feliz: - Gozar es mi estrella, - Cantar y reir."[1] - -"Bravo!" the colonel shouted, who reached the singer at this moment. -"Bravely and joyously said, comrade!" - -The latter, with a husk cigarette in his mouth, bowed his head in -affirmation, and defiantly twanged an air on his jarana; then, throwing -it across his shoulder, where it was held by a species of brace, he -turned to his addresser, and ceremoniously doffed his vicuna-skin hat. - -"May God protect you, caballero!" he said politely. "It seems that the -music pleases you." - -"Greatly," the colonel answered, scarce able to retain his laughter at -the sight of the singular person before him. - -He was a tall fellow of eight-and-twenty at the most, marvellously thin, -dressed in a ragged jacket, and haughtily folded in a cloak, whose -primitive colour it was impossible to recognise, and which was as full -of holes as a sieve. Still, in spite of this apparent wretchedness and -starving face, the man had a joyous and decided expression about him, -which it was a pleasure to look upon. His little black eyes, which -looked as if pierced by an auger, sparkled with humour, and his manner -had something _distingue_ about it. He was mounted on a horse as thin -and lanky as himself, against whose hollow flanks beat the straight -sword called a _machete_, which the Mexicans continually wear at their -side, passed through an iron ring instead of a sheath. - -"You are very late on the road, companero," the colonel continued, whose -escort had by this time caught him up. "Is it prudent for you to travel -alone at this hour?" - -"What have I to fear?" the stranger replied. "What salteador would be -such a fool as to stop me?" - -"Who knows?" the colonel remarked with a smile. "Appearances are often -deceitful, and it is not a bad plan to pretend poverty, in order to -travel in safety along the high roads of our beloved country." - -Though uttered purposelessly, these words visibly troubled the stranger; -still he at once recovered, and continued in a hearty voice,-- - -"Unfortunately for me, any feint is useless. I am really as poor as I -seem at this moment, although I have seen happier days, and my cloak was -not always so ragged as you now see it." - -The colonel, perceiving that the subject of conversation was -disagreeable to his new acquaintance, said,-- - -"As you did not stop either at San Pedro or at Zapopan, for I presume -that, like myself, you came from Guadalajara----" - -"It is true," the stranger interrupted him; "I quitted the city about -three in the afternoon." - -"I suppose," the colonel continued, "that you intend to halt at the -meson of San Juan; so, if you have no objection, we will proceed thither -together, for I intend to halt for the night there." - -"The meson of San Juan is a good hostelry," the other said, respectfully -lifting his hand to his hat; "but what shall I do there? I have not an -_ochavo_ to expend uselessly, and have far to go. I will bivouac on the -road; and while my horse, poor brute, is sucking its bit, I will smoke -cigarettes, and sing that romance of King Rodrigo, which, as you are -aware, commences thus." - -And quickly bringing his guitar to the front, he began singing in a loud -voice,-- - - "Cuando las pintadas aves - Mudas estan, y la tierra - Atenta escucha los rio - Que al mar su tributo llevan: - Al escaso resplandor--"[2] - -"Eh!" the colonel exclaimed, brusquely interrupting, "what musical rage -possesses you? It is frenzy." - -"No," the singer replied in melancholy mood; "it is philosophy." - -The colonel examined the poor fellow for a moment; then drawing nearer -to him,-- - -"I am Colonel Don Sebastian Guerrero de Chimalpos. I am travelling with -my daughter and a few servants. Grant me the honour of your company for -this night: tomorrow we will separate, and go our several ways." - -The stranger hesitated for a moment, and frowned. This shade of -dissatisfaction, however, soon disappeared. - -"I am a proud fool," he replied with affecting frankness; "misery -renders me so susceptible that I fancy people are ever trying to -humiliate me. I accept your gracious invitation as frankly as it is -offered. Perhaps I may be able to prove my gratitude to you ere long." - -The colonel paid no great attention to these words, because, just at the -moment, the party arrived at the meson of San Juan, whose lighted -windows had revealed its proximity to the travellers for some time past. - - -[1] Let us live without annoyance in a happy calm: playing is my star, -singing and laughing. - -[2] When the spangled birds are dumb, and the attentive earth listens to -the rivers that bear their tribute to the sea by the weak light--. - - - - -II.--EL MESON DE SAN JUAN. - - -A great deal has been written about the cool and inhospitable way in -which Spanish and Sicilian landlords receive the travellers whom -Providence sends them; but it is evident to us that those who write in -such wise are not acquainted, even by hearsay, with the _mesoneros_ or -Mexican hosts. Were it so, they would doubtlessly, at their own risk -and peril, have rehabilitated those worthy fellows, to discharge the -whole weight of their indignation on the _huespedes_ of New Spain. - -It is a justice to render to the Spanish and Sicilian landlords, that if -they are utterly unable to satisfy in any way the exigencies of -travellers, by giving the latter the provisions they demand, still they -greet them with so affable a countenance, and veil their refusal under -such an exquisite politeness, that in nine cases out of ten the -traveller is compelled to allow that he was himself to blame for not -laying in the necessary provisions, and therefore sups on apologies. - -In Mexico things are very different. On the few high roads formerly -constructed by the Spaniards, and which the neglect of the different -governments that succeeded them has left in such a state that they will -soon disappear completely, there stand, at long distances from each -other, vast buildings which resemble fortresses, for they are nearly all -surrounded by embattled and loopholed walls. These buildings are the -_mesones_, or inns. - -The interior is composed, first, of an enormous court, with a _noria_, -or well, intended to water the horses. Corrals for the beasts of burden -occupy the four corners of this yard. In a separate building are the -travellers' _cuartos_; that is to say, miserable dens furnished only -with a frame of oak, covered with a cowhide, which serves as a bed. -These cuartos are numbered, and all open on long corridors. Each -traveller is obliged to bring with him the indispensable bedding, for -the host only supplies the alfalfa for the horses' provender, and water -from the noria. - -It was about ten at night when Colonel Guerrero arrived at the door of -the meson of San Juan, which was hermetically closed. Upon the repeated -blows dealt by one of the servants, a wicket pierced in the wall, about -two paces from the gate, at length opened; an ill-tempered face was -visible, and a rough voice shouted,-- - -"Who dares to make such a disturbance at the gate of so honest and -respectable a meson as this?" - -"Travellers have arrived, Don Cristoval Saccaplata," the colonel -answered. "Come, open quickly, for we have made a long journey, and are -tired." - -"Hum! They all say the same thing," the host growled. "What do I care -for that? I shall not open, it is too late; so go your way, and Heaven -protect you!" - -And he prepared to close the wicket. - -"One moment. Confound you!" the colonel shouted, "you will not let us -bivouac in front of your door? That would not be at all honourable for -you." - -"Bah! A night is soon passed," the host replied with a grin; "besides, -you can go on to the meson del Salto: they will open to you there." - -"Don't you know that is eight miles off?" - -"Of course I do." - -"Come, open, Senor Saccaplata: you would not have the barbarity to leave -us out here?" - -"Why not?" - -"Because, if you do open, you will be rewarded in a way which you will -not repent of." - -"Yes, yes, all travellers are the same; they make plenty of promises so -long as they are outside; but once in, they are not in a hurry to untie -their purse-strings." - -"That will not be the case with us." - -"How do I know?" the _huesped_ said, shrugging his shoulders. "My house -is full; I have no room left." - -"We will find some, dear Saccaplata." - -"Halloh! Who are you, pray, who know me so well? Maybe you are one of -those _caballeros de la noche_ who have been ransacking the country for -some time past." - -"You are mistaken grossly, and I will prove it to you," the colonel -answered, anxious to cut short this open-air conversation. "Take that -first," he said, throwing two ounces through the wicket; "and now, to -prevent any misunderstanding, know that I am Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -The worthy landlord was only sensible to one argument--that which the -colonel had so judiciously employed to overcome his resistance. He -stooped, picked up the two ounces, which disappeared in a second, and -again addressing the travellers, but this time with a tone which he -strove to render more amiable,-- - -"Come," he said, "I must e'en do what you wish, I am too good-hearted. -You have provisions, I hope?" - -"We have everything we require." - -"All the better, for I could not have supplied you. Do not be impatient; -I am coming down." - -He disappeared from the wicket, and within five minutes could be heard -unbarring the door, growling fearfully the while. The travellers then -entered the yard of the meson. The huesped had lied like the true -landlord he was; he only had in the house two or three muleteers with -their animals, and three travellers, who, by their dress, seemed to be -hacenderos from the vicinity. - -"Halloh!" Don Sebastian shouted, "someone to take my horse." - -"If you begin in that way we shall not be friends long," the huesped -said in the sharp tone he had previously employed. "Here, everyone, big -or little, waits on himself, and attends to his own horse." - -The colonel was far from being of a patient temper. If he had previously -endured the host's insolence, it was solely because it was impossible to -chastise him; but that reason no longer existed. Sharply dismounting, he -drew his pistols from his holsters, thrust them in his belt, and walking -boldly toward Senor Saccaplata, seized him by the collar and shook him -roughly. - -"Listen, master rogue!" he said to him. "A truce to your insolence, and -wait on me, unless you would repent it." - -The host was so amazed at this brusque way of replying to him, and this -assault on his inviolability, that for a moment he remained dumb through -confusion and wrath. His face became crimson, his eyes rolled, and he at -length shouted in a strangled voice,-- - -"Help! Help me! Such an insult! By the body of Christ, I will not -overlook it! Leave my house at once!" - -"I shall not go," the colonel answered peaceably, but firmly; "and you -will attend to me immediately." - -"Oh! We shall see that. Here, help, Pedro, Juan, Jacinto! Come, all of -you, and on to these rascals!" - -Seven or eight servants rushed from the corrals at the sound of their -master's voice, and ranged themselves behind him. - -"Very good," the colonel said, raising his pistols. "I'll blow out the -brains of the first scamp who moves a step toward me with bad -intention." - -We need not say that the peons remained motionless, as if they had -suddenly been changed into blocks of granite. One of the colonel's -servants had assisted Dona Angela from her horse, and accompanied her to -a cuarto, in which he installed her; then he returned in all haste to -his master's side, foreseeing that his co-operation would be speedily -needed. - -The courtyard of the meson offered a most singular aspect at this moment -by the light of the torches of ocote wood, passed through iron rings -along the walls. On one side stood the host and his servants; on the -other, Don Sebastian's four footmen, with their hands on their weapons, -and the guitar player, with his jarana on his back, and his hands folded -on his chest; a little on one side, the travellers and arrieros -previously arrived; and in the centre, alone, with his pistols in his -hand, the colonel, with frowning brow and flashing eyes. - -"Enough of this, scoundrel!" he shouted. "For a long time you have been -plundering and insulting the travellers whom Providence sends to you. -By heavens! If you do not on the instant demand my pardon for your -insolence, and if you do not serve me with all that politeness I have a -right to demand from you, I will inflict on you, upon the spot, a -correction which you will remember your life long." - -"Take care what you are about, my master," the huesped answered -ironically. "You see that I have men to help me. If you do not decamp at -once, all the worse for you. I have witnesses, and the _juez de letras_ -shall decide." - -"Good heavens!" the colonel shouted, "that is too much, and removes all -my scruples. The scoundrel threatens me with the law. Level your pieces, -men, and fire on the first who stirs!" - -The domestics obeyed. Don Sebastian then seized the host, despite his -cries and desperate resistance, and in a second had him down on the -ground. - -"I believe I shall do a service to all the travellers whom their evil -star may in future bring to this den," he continued, "by punishing this -scamp as he deserves." - -The witnesses of this scene--peons, arrieros, or travellers--had not -made a move to help the host. It was evident that all, for certain -reasons, were in their hearts pleased with what was happening to him. -Not one of them would have dared to take on himself the responsibility -of such an act; but as there was someone ready to do so, they were -careful not to offer the slightest obstacle to him. By the peremptory -order of the colonel, the poor landlord was fastened by two of his own -servants to the long pole of the noria, and debarred from making the -slightest movement. - -"Now," the colonel continued, "each of you take a _reata_, and thrash -him till he confesses himself conquered, and consents to do what I ask -of him." - -Despite their feigned repugnance, the host's two peons were compelled to -obey the colonel; for his orders were supported by four rifles and two -pistols, whose gaping muzzles were directed point blank at them. To -honour the truth, we must confess that, either through terror or for -some other cause, the two peons conscientiously performed their duty. - -The host howled like a bull. He was mad with rage, and writhed like a -viper in the bonds which he tried in vain to break. The colonel stood -stoically by his side, only asking him from time to time, ironically, -how he liked his arguments, and if he would soon make up his mind to -yield. Human strength has limits which it cannot pass. In spite of all -his fury and obstinacy, the host was forced to confess to himself, -aside, that he had to do with a man more obstinate than he was, and -that, if he did not wish to die under the lash, he must resolve to -endure the humiliation imposed on him. - -"I surrender," he said, in a voice broken as much by anger as by pain. - -"Already!" the colonel remarked coldly. "Pooh! I fancied you braver. -Why, you have hardly received thirty lashes. Stop, you fellows, and -unfasten your master!" - -The peons eagerly obeyed. When free, the host tried to rise, but his -strength failed him, and he fell back on the ground, where he lay for -several moments powerless to move. At length he made a desperate effort, -and picked himself up. His face was pale; his features were contracted; -an abundant perspiration stood on his temples, which throbbed as if -ready to burst; he had a buzzing in his ears; and tears of shame poured -from his eyes. He took a few tottering steps toward the colonel. - -"I am at your orders, caballero," he said, bowing his head humbly. -"Speak: what must I do?" - -"Good!" the latter remarked. "Now you are reasonable; you are much -better so. Give some provender to my horses, and assist my servants to -wait on me." - -"Pardon, caballero!" the huesped said. "Will you allow me to say two -words to you?" - -The colonel smiled contemptuously. - -"To what end? I know them, and I will repeat them myself. You wish to -warn me that, obliged to yield to superior force, you have done so, but -you will avenge yourself on the first opportunity. Is not that it?" - -"Yes," he muttered in a hollow voice. - -"Very well; you are quite at liberty to do so, master host; but take -your precautions, for I warn you that, if you miss me, I shall not miss -you. So now wait on me, and make haste." - -And, shrugging his shoulders, the colonel turned his back on him with a -smile of disdain. - -The host watched him depart with a hateful expression, which imparted -something hideous to his face; and when he saw that the colonel was out -of the yard, he shook his head twice or thrice, muttering to himself,-- - -"Yes, I will avenge myself, demon, and sooner than you imagine." - -After this aside, he composed his face and attended to his household -duties with an activity and apparent indifference that caused his -servants to be thoughtful, for they knew his rancorous character. Still -he did not complain; he made no allusion to the cruel punishment he had -undergone, but, on the contrary, waited on the travellers with an -attention and politeness they had not been accustomed to prior to this -unlucky day; and they took advantage of the change, while keeping on -their guard. - -Still nothing apparently happened to justify their suspicions--all went -on calmly: the travellers retired to bed one after the other; then the -host made his round to assure himself that all was in order, and retired -to the room reserved for his private use. - -The colonel had already been asleep some hours, and was in a deep sleep, -from which he was suddenly aroused by a noise he heard at his door. - -"Who's there?" he asked. - -"Silence!" someone answered outside. "Open; it is a friend." - -"Friend or foe, tell me who you are, that I may know with whom I have to -deal." - -"I am," the voice made answer, "the man you met on the road." - -"Hem! What do you want with me? Why are you not asleep at this hour, -instead of coming to rouse me?" - -"Open, in Heaven's name! I have important news to tell you." - -The colonel hesitated for a moment, but soon reflecting that this man, -to whom he had done no harm, could have no motive, for being his enemy, -he decided on getting up. Still, through prudence, he cocked one of his -pistols, which he had placed by his side on retiring to bed, and went to -open the door. The stranger walked in quickly, and closed it after him. - -"Speak low," he said hurriedly. "Listen to me: the host is forming some -scheme against you." - -"I suspect it," the colonel said, who, while speaking, had lit a candle; -"but whatever he may do, I am out of his reach, and the scoundrel will -be crushed if he attack me." - -"Who knows?" the stranger said. - -"Come, you know something positive. Have I any plot to fear inside the -house?" - -"I do not think so." - -"Tell me what you have discovered, then." - -"I will do so; but in the first place, as I am a total stranger to you, -allow me to tell you my name." - -"For what good?" - -"No one knows what may happen in this world: it is useful to be able to -distinguish one's friends from one's enemies." - -"Speak; I am listening." - -"You nearly guessed the truth. Under my starving appearance I conceal a -certain monetary value. My name is Don Cornelio Mendoza. I am a student. -I had at Guadalajara an aunt, who, on dying, appointed me her heir. I am -carrying with me in my belt one hundred and fifty gold ounces, and in my -portfolios bills for an equal amount payable at San Blas. You see that I -am not so poor as I appear to be. But the road between the two cities is -long and dangerous, and I assumed this disguise to escape the robbers, -if that be possible." - -"Very good, Don Cornelio: you can now, if you please, change your -attire, for I hope that we shall pursue our journey together." - -"With all my heart; but if it make no difference, I will retain my -lepero dress provisionally." - -"As you please; but now to the fact. What have you to tell me?" - -"Not much, but yet enough to put us on our guard. Our landlord, after -making his round and assuring himself that everyone had retired, woke up -one of his servants, the very one who thrashed him with such good will." - -"Yes, I remember that rogue's face." - -"Very good. After calling him into his room, he remained shut up with -him for ten minutes; then he opened a window, the peon leaped out on the -highway, and ran off at full speed." - -"Oh, oh!" the colonel said. - -"The landlord looked after him till he disappeared, then muttered -several words I could not understand, excepting one name, which, thanks -to Heaven, reached my ear." - -"What was it?" - -"El Buitre (the Vulture)." - -"Hum! Is that all?" - -"Yes." - -"It does not teach me much; but how did you learn all this? The landlord -did not make you his confidant, I suppose?" - -"No, not a bit in the world. I became his confidant in spite of himself, -and in the most natural way. My cuarto is just over his room. I heard -him open a window, and I listened." - -"Yes, but unfortunately you heard nothing." - -"Yes, a name." - -"But a name which has no meaning for us." - -"On the contrary, it is of enormous significance." - -"How so?" - -"The famous leader of the salteadores, whose band has been desolating -the province for a year, is called El Buitre. Do you now understand?" - -"Body o' me!" the colonel shouted, as he jumped up hurriedly, "I rather -think I do understand." - - - - -III.--THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD. - - -We will for the moment quit the meson of San Juan, and proceed about two -leagues further on, where certain persons, with whom the reader must -form an acquaintance, are assembled. - -Hardly one hundred and fifty yards beyond the meson the road begins to -grow narrower; the mountains approach, as if wishful to shake hands, and -that so abruptly and unexpectedly, that they form all at once a narrow -and long gorge, which is known throughout the country as the _barranca -del mal paso_. - -After passing through this gorge, the scenery leaves its abrupt and -savage aspect to resume a smiling character; the road widens again; a -charming valley, intersected by a stream, presents itself to sight; and -on all sides the eye surveys a deliciously accidented horizon. - -On either side of the barranca begin impenetrable forests, through which -a road can only be cut axe in hand, unless the traveller has a deep -knowledge of the narrow and almost invisible paths which lead into the -interior with innumerable twinings. - -We must ask the reader to follow us to one of the most hidden and least -known resorts in this forest. - -In the centre of a vast clearing, where burned a cedar eighty feet in -height, emitting incessant sparks, some twenty men in sordid garments--a -horrible medley of luxury and indigence--with faces in which crime was -written in capital letters, but all armed to the teeth, were assembled -in groups of three or four each, drinking, eating, smoking, and singing. - -Not far from them, their horses, saddled and ready to mount at the first -signal, were eating their provender of alfalfa and climbing peas; while, -on the edge of the covert, four or five men, motionless as bronze -statues, were attentively surveying the surrounding country. - -A little on one side, two men, seated on low stools, were talking and -puffing in each other's faces enormous volleys of smoke. The first and -elder of the two appeared about eight-and-twenty years of age; his long, -light hair fell in heavy curls on his shoulders; his features were -effeminate; but his aquiline nose, his bright blue eyes, and narrow -forehead, imparted to his face a character of baseness and cold cruelty. -He wore the splendid costume of the Mexican hacenderos, and was -carelessly playing with the trigger of a splendid silver-mounted -American rifle. - -His companion offered a striking contrast to him: while the first was -tall, well built, and endowed with pleasing manners, the second was -short, stumpy, heavy, and repulsive in face, gestures, and even in -language. The richness of his attire only seemed to render more striking -the hideousness imprinted as an indelible stigma on this odious person. -Everything announced in him the prowling jackal, that possesses all the -ferocity of the lion, but none of that animal's nobility or courage. - -The clearing we have described was one of the principal haunts of the -Vulture, that terrible bandit who, at the time we write of, was -ravaging the state of Guadalajara. The men collected in it formed his -band, and the two men we have just introduced were, the first, _El -Buitre_ himself; the second, _El Garrucholo_, his lieutenant and dearest -friend. - -At the moment we bring them on the stage, these two interesting -personages were engaged, as we shall see, in a confidential -conversation. We may observe that, strangely enough, this conversation -was not held in Spanish, but in English. - -"Hem!" El Garrucholo said, as he inhaled a mouthful of smoke, which he -immediately sent forth again from his mouth and nostrils. "What do you -find so disagreeable in our profession, John? For my part, I consider it -delightful. These worthy Mexicans are gentle as lambs; they allow -themselves to be plundered with unequalled patience; and you will agree -with me, my dear fellow, that we gain more by cutting the buttons from -their _calzoneras_ than by easing the richest gentleman down there." - -"All that is possible, my friend," El Buitre answered, throwing away his -cigarette with a gesture of impatience. "I do not assert the contrary. -Assuredly the profit is large, and the risk nothing, I grant; but--" - -"Well, why do you stop? Go on." - -"In a word, I was not born for such a trade." - -El Garrucholo gave vent to a hearty laugh. - -"That's where the shoe galls you, then?" he said, with a shrug of his -shoulders. "You are mad, comrade: every man is born for the trade he -carries on, especially when he chose it himself." - -"Would you assert by that----?" - -"What I say I mean. When I picked you up in Mexico, under the arcades of -the Plaza Mayor, with a dagger buried in your breast up to the hilt, and -not a real in your pockets, I should have done better, deuce take me, to -let you die like a masterless dog, instead of curing you; at least, I -should not have heard such nonsense from you." - -"Why did you not do so? At any rate I should have died without -dishonouring an honourable name." - -"Deuce take the honourable name, and the man who bears it! My dear -fellow, you annoy me by your ridiculous pretensions; you forget, with -your mania for nobility, that you are only a foundling." - -El Buitre frowned and seized his lieutenant's arm. - -"Enough on that subject, Red Blood; you know that I have already warned -you that I would not suffer any jesting on that head." - -"Bah! What's the odds about being a foundling? A man ought not to feel -annoyed at that; it is one of those accidents for which the most honest -fellow cannot be responsible." - -"You are my friend, Red Blood; or, at least, seem to be so." - -"In your turn, my noble Mr. John Stanley," the bandit sharply -interrupted him, "do not express such doubts about me; they grieve and -insult me more than I can express. I am attached to you as the blade of -my bowie-knife is to the hilt I am yours, body and soul. I have only -that one virtue, if it be one; so pray do not strip me of it." - -El Buitre remained silent for a moment, and then continued in a -conciliating voice,-- - -"I am wrong. Pardon me, brother; in truth, I have had sufficient proofs -of your friendship to have no right to doubt it. Still it seems to me so -strange, that I at times ask myself how it comes that you, Red Blood, -who hate humanity in a mass--you to whom nothing is respectable or -sacred--feel for me a friendship which rises to the most complete -abnegation and the most utter weakness. That appears to me so -extraordinary, that I would give much to hold the solution of the -problem." - -"You are an ass, John!" the bandit replied in a mocking tone. "What is -the use of telling you why I love you? You would not understand me. -Suffice it for you to know that it is so. Do you believe me, then, a -perfect ferocious brute, incapable of generous instincts?" - -"I do not say that." - -"You think it, which comes to the same thing. But it is of no matter to -me: I dispense you from gratitude; you may even hate me, and I should -not care. I do not love you for yourself, but for myself. But suppose we -talk of something else, if you are agreeable?" - -"I wish nothing better, for I see that I should lose as much time in -trying to draw a good reason from you as in washing a blackamoor -white." - -"Ta, ta, ta! You are an ass, I repeat. But let me alone; if a certain -thing I am now scheming succeed, we shall soon bury El Buitre to bring -John Stanley to life again." - -The salteador quivered. - -"May Heaven hear you!" he exclaimed involuntarily. - -"You had better appeal to the other place if you wish to succeed," the -bandit said with a grin; "but you trust to me. Soon, I hope, we shall so -completely change our skins that fellows will be very clever who -recognise us. Look ye, John: in, this world all that is needful is to -take the ball on the bound and turn with the wind." - -"I confess, my good fellow, that I do not understand a syllable of what -you are saying to me." - -"Eh! What do you want to understand for? You never were the worse off -for leaving me to guide you. Two words are as good as a thousand. Before -long we shall turn our coats, and change, not the trade we carry on so -agreeably, but the name under which we do it, to assume one better -sounding and more lofty. Look there!" he added, pointing sarcastically -at his comrades. "What an imposing collection of honest fellows we shall -restore to circulation under our auspices! Will it not be magnificent, -after having so long plundered individuals, to become suddenly the -defenders of a nation to the prejudice of the government?" - -"Yes," El Buitre said thoughtfully, "I have always dreamed--" - -"Of carrying on our trade on a grand scale, eh? You were right: there -is nothing like doing things properly, if you wish to be held in -estimation. Well, be at ease; I will procure that pleasure. At any rate, -if luck desert you, you will have the advantage of being shot instead of -being hanged or garotted, and that is a consolation." - -"Yes," El Buitre said quickly; "in that way a man dies like a -gentleman." - -"And is not dishonoured, I allow. Ah! The filibusters of old were lucky -fellows; they conquered empires, and handed down their names to -posterity, the exploits of the hero easily causing the crimes of the -bandit to be forgotten." - -"Will you never be serious?" - -"I am only too much so, on the contrary; for, as you see, although you -did not confide in me, I am preparing you a place by the side of the -Cortez, the Almagros, and Pizarros, whose glory has so long prevented -you sleeping." - -"You may jest, Red Blood," the salteador said with an accent of profound -emotion; "but if, as I suppose, you appreciate my character at its true -value, you know that I only seek one thing--to regenerate these unhappy -races, whom a brutalising subjection has plunged during so many -centuries into a degrading barbarism." - -"You only wish for the welfare of humanity of course," the bandit said -with an ironical laugh. "We should not be worthy sons of Uncle Sam, that -land of liberty and theoretical philanthropy, did we not dream of the -amelioration of society. That is the reason why, while biding our time, -we have become of our private authority redressers of wrong, and -gentlemen of the road--a charming trade, I may remark parenthetically, -and which we carry on conscientiously." - -"Go to the deuce, you inexplicable scamp!" the young man exclaimed in a -passion. "Shall I never know how to speak or how to deal with you?" - -"No," he replied seriously, "no, John, so long as you try to play at -hide and seek with me, who know every thought of your heart. Cease to -display these pretensions to honesty, which deceive nobody, not even -yourself, and become frankly a bandit chief till you can be something -else. When the moment has arrived it will be time to put on a cloak of -hypocrisy, which will deceive the fools, and consolidate the position -you have acquired." - -At this moment the shriek of the owl was heard in the thickest part of -the forest. - -"What's that?" El Buitre asked, not sorry to break off a conversation -which was taking a personal turn rather disagreeable to him. - -"A signal given by a sentry," El Garrucholo answered; "a spy who -doubtlessly brings us news. We are awaiting, as you know, the passing of -certain travellers." - -"I know it; but they are said to be well armed, and under good escort." - -"All the better; they will defend themselves, and that will be a -change." - -"The truth is, that those we have stopped for some time past seemed to -have agreed to let themselves be plundered without a murmur." - -"If the information I have received be exact, that will not be the case -with the present party." - -The owl cry was heard a second time, but now much nearer. - -"It is time," El Garrucholo observed. - -The two chiefs then put on black velvet masks, and almost immediately a -man appeared, led by two bandits. On entering the clearing this -individual threw around a glance rather of astonishment than terror: -nothing in his conduct showed that he had fallen into an ambuscade, for -his face was calm, though rather pale, and his step was assured. - -The bandits who escorted him led him before the two chiefs, who examined -him attentively through the holes in their masks. El Buitre then -addressed the bandits in Spanish. - -"Where the deuce did you catch that scoundrel?" he said in a rough -voice. "He has not an ochavo about him. Hang him, and let us have no -more bother." - -"Yes," the lieutenant observed, "he is only fit for that, as he was such -an ass as to rush into the net prepared for more noble game." - -"Permit me, excellency," one of the bandits said, bowing respectfully; -"this man was not caught by us." - -"How is he here, then?" - -"Because, illustrious captain, he earnestly asked to be led into your -excellency's presence, as he had matters of the utmost importance to -impart to you." - -"Ah!" the chief said, but added, "I know the fellow; he is, if I am not -mistaken, the huesped of the meson of San Juan." - -The prisoner bowed in affirmation. - -It was really the worthy Saccaplata himself. After sending off his -criado, and while Don Cornelio was with the colonel, the host thought -that nobody could do one's business so well as one's self; and as he was -probably anxious that it should succeed, he had started off after the -peon, whom he had no difficulty in catching up, for the poor fellow was -not at all anxious to execute the commission his master had intrusted to -him. Saccaplata sent him back to the meson; and, while the peon returned -in delight, had himself attempted the adventure. - -"Indeed!" the lieutenant remarked. "Does Senor Saccaplata wish to enter -into business relations with us? That would be an excellent idea." - -"I do not say no, honourable caballero," the landlord replied in a -honeyed voice. "Business is very bad at this moment, and it is certain -that a little extra profit, honestly come by, would be acceptable; but, -for the present, I only desire--" - -"To the point," El Buitre suddenly interrupted him; "we have no time to -lose in silly remarks." - -The landlord understood that he must be brief, if he did not wish to -bring down certain unpleasantnesses on himself. - -"The fact is this," he said: "I have in my house, at the present moment, -several rich travellers." - -"We know it. What next?" - -"Among them is the Senor Colonel--" - -"Don Sebastian Guerrero, proceeding to Tepic with his daughter and four -servants," the lieutenant interrupted him. "What next?" - -"What next?" the landlord said, sadly discountenanced. - -"Yes, what next?" - -"That is all." - -"What, you scoundrel! And you had the effrontery to venture among us, -only to tell us a thing we knew as well as yourself?" El Garrucholo -exclaimed. - -"I thought I was doing you a service." - -"You wished to be a spy on us." - -"I!" - -"Of course. Do you take us for fools like yourself, you wretch? But you -shall remember this visit. The _orejada_" he added, turning to the two -bandits, who had remained by the landlord's side. - -"One moment," the captain said. - -Saccaplata, fancying he should escape with the fright, grimaced a smile. - -"I will tell you," the captain continued, "why you came to us. You want -to revenge yourself on Colonel Guerrero, who a few hours back inflicted -on you a well-merited correction." - -"But--" the landlord ventured. - -"Silence! Do not attempt to deny it. I was there. I saw what occurred. -As you are too great a coward to dare to avenge yourself, you thought of -us, supposing that we should not refuse to render you that slight -service. What do you say--is that the truth?" - -"Hum! I would not venture to contradict your excellency," the landlord -said, now beginning to regret having entered this wasp's nest. - -The bandits, attracted by the colloquy, had gradually drawn nearer, and -formed a circle round the speakers, while laughing cunningly to each -other. Still, although accustomed to the pleasing eccentricities of -their worthy chief, they were far from anticipating the _denouement_ of -this scene. - -After having proved to Saccaplata as clearly as the day that he knew the -motive that led him to offer his good services to the salteadores, the -captain continued in these terms, while smiling cunningly:-- - -"Dear huesped of my heart, we do not refuse to undertake revenging you, -the more so as we had already made up our minds to stop the colonel." - -"Ah!" the landlord said, beginning to feel easier. - -"Yes: still, after reflecting on it thoroughly, we gave up the plan. The -colonel is brave--he will defend himself; moreover, he has with him four -well-armed and determined men. My faith, it was too great a risk; but if -you insist--" - -"Immensely!" the other exclaimed, deceived by the bandit's feigned -kindliness. - -"Very good," the other answered, changing his tone; "then it is a matter -of business between us. Now, such things are always paid for, as you -know, my scamp." - -Saccaplata turned involuntarily toward the other salteadores, who were -grinning affably at him. - -"Consequently," the captain continued with perfect calmness, "you will -pay me twenty ounces for your vengeance, which I take on my own account, -and ten for your ransom." - -"Heaven save me!" the landlord said, clasping his hands in despair. "I -never possessed such a sum, not even in a dream." - -"That is a matter of perfect indifference to me. I never recall my -decision under any circumstances. Another time you will think twice -before venturing so rashly into the claws of El Buitre. The orejada--" - -"Oh, my lord!" the luckless Saccaplata exclaimed, as he fell on his -knees, "I am a poor devil. Have pity on me, noble captain, I implore -you!" - -"Come, put an end to this." - -In spite of his cries and protestations, the landlord was seized and -haled off by his guardians, amid the laughter and sarcasms of the -bandits, whom the sight promised by the captain delighted. - -"Stop!" the huesped suddenly exclaimed; "I think I have a little money -about me." - -"No, no!" the salteadores shouted. "Give him the orejada all the same." - -El Garrucholo made a sign, and order was restored. - -"Let us see," he said. - -The wretch gave a sigh, and with extreme difficulty, after ransacking -all his pockets with many a protestation that he was utterly ruined, -which the bandits listened to with stoical indifference, he at last -succeeded in making up a little more than half the sum. - -"Hum!" the lieutenant said as he pocketed the money, "that is nothing; -but I am a good fellow. You have no more?" - -"Oh! I swear it, excellency," he said, turning out all his pockets. - -"Well," El Garrucholo continued philosophically, "no man is bound to do -impossibilities, and as you have only that--" - -"I am sure of it," the other said, fancying himself saved. - -"Well, then," the lieutenant continued, "let him be only attached by one -ear: we must be honest." - -An immense burst of laughter from the whole band greeted this -proposition. The landlord was carried off to a tree, and before he -understood what they meant to do to him, he uttered a frightful yell of -pain. A bandit had fastened him to the tree by the right ear, by simply -driving his knife through it. - -"There, that's settled," the lieutenant said. "Now, I warn you that, if -you continue to howl, I will have you gagged." - -"Traitors, dogs, assassins, kill me!" - -"No. But listen; that wound is nothing. It is easy for you to deliver -yourself by a slight tug. Your ear will be torn, I allow, but you can't -have everything. As soon as you are free, return home; one of our -friends will accompany you, and you will pay him the rest of the sum." - -"Never!" the landlord howled, "Never! I would sooner die!" - -"Very good; then you shall die, and after that we will carry off the -contents of the hiding place you have so cleverly made in the wall of -your cuarto, by placing before it a picture of Nuestra Senora de -Guadalupe. Eh! What do you think of that?" - -The lieutenant had hardly finished speaking ere the landlord, by a sharp -movement, had regained his liberty. Without thinking of his -frightfully-mutilated ear, he threw himself at the feet of El -Garrucholo. - -"I accept, my lord, I accept; but I implore you, do not ruin me." - -"I was certain you would understand. Be off, scoundrel; and if it is any -consolation, know that you will be avenged on the colonel." - -"Yes," the landlord muttered to himself, "but who will avenge me on you? -Thanks," he added aloud; "that promise causes me to forget my -suffering." - -"All the better; but mind you, no treachery, or we shall manage to get -hold of you again." - -Saccaplata bowed, but made no reply. He understood that it would have -been better for him to remain at home, and allow matters to follow their -course, without seeking a problematic vengeance which cost him thirty -gold ounces and an ear. On reaching the meson he paid the rest of his -ransom, and banging the door in the face of the bandit who accompanied -him, and thanked him with an air of mockery, he sank on a bench, and -overcome by so many terrible emotions, fainted away. - - - - -IV.--THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO. - - -The rest of the night passed, apparently at any rate, calmly and -tranquilly, and nothing occurred to disturb the rest enjoyed by the -guests at the meson of San Juan. About four in the morning the doors of -the travellers' cuartos began to open one after the other, and lights -flashed in the patios. The shouts of the muleteers, and the bells of -their animals, aroused the colonel and his daughter, warning them that -it was time to prepare for their departure. - -Don Sebastian, after the suspicions Don Cornelio had suggested to him, -did not at all wish, as he had a young lady with him, to start before -sunrise, especially as he had to traverse the gorge we have already -described, and where it would be easy to form an ambuscade. - -By the sunlight he had a better chance, for two reasons: in the first -place, the servants who accompanied him were old soldiers, accustomed to -war, and greatly attached to him; the second was, that the Mexican -brigands are usually great cowards, and whenever they meet with any -serious resistance from those they attack, they immediately give up the -game. - -These two reasons, and, before all, the fear of alarming his daughter, -and uselessly exposing her to danger during the darkness, obliged the -colonel to let all the other travellers at the meson start before him; -and, in fact, they soon quitted the hostelry, and dispersed in various -directions. - -The Senor Saccaplata, with pallid face, compressed eyebrows, and head -bandaged up, was walking up and down the patio, with his arms behind his -back, every now and then raising his eyes angrily to the colonel's -window, and growling in a low voice,-- - -"Body and bones! Will not that trumpery colonel make up his mind to -start soon, if he is so ready to give the bastinado to poor folk? But -let him do what he will, he will not escape the fate that awaits him." - -At this moment a young man appeared in the patio, strumming a guitar, -and singing in a low voice,-- - - "No sabo donde mirar, - De todo teme y rezela, - Si al cielo teme su furia, - Porque hizo al cielo ofensa."[3] - -These verses, taken from the romance of King Rodrigo, though probably -sung without any malignant meaning, still referred so closely to the -landlord's present position, that he turned furiously to the unlucky -singer, and attacked him in a brutal voice. - -"Deuce take your howling! Why do you come buzzing in this way in my -ears, when you ought, on the contrary, to be preparing for your -departure?" - -"Why, it is our worthy huesped," Don Cornelio replied with that joyful -accent peculiar to him. "What! You are not fond of music? You are -wrong, my worthy friend, for what I am singing to you is really fine." - -"That is possible," the other said in a rough voice; "but I should feel -obliged by your giving me no more of it." - -"Oh, oh! You are not in a good temper this morning. What's the matter -with you, that you are so bandaged up? On my soul, you must be ill. Oh! -I see what it is; you slept with your window open, and have caught a -toothache." - -The landlord turned green with impotent fury. - -"Caballero," he shouted, "take care." - -"Of what?" Don Cornelio said peacefully. "Toothache is not catching, as -I am aware. Poor man! Pain causes him to wander. Take care of yourself, -my good man; take care of yourself, I advise you." - -And without further ceremony he turned his back on him, and began again -the song which so annoyed the landlord at the point where he broke it -off. - -"Hum!" the latter growled, shaking his fist at the singer; "I hope that -you will catch something in the row. Ah!" he added, "the sun is rising: -perhaps that will induce him to come down." - -In fact, the sun appeared at this moment in a bed of vapour, and after a -twilight, whose duration was almost nothing, the day succeeded, as it -were, immediately to night. - -Don Cornelio, aided by the colonel's servants, fed the horses and -saddled the mules--preparations which brought a smile to the landlord's -lips which would have caused the colonel to feel uncomfortable had he -seen it. - -Suddenly a sound of horses was heard outside, and two men trotted into -the patio, through the gateway left open after the departure of the -arrieros and other travellers. At this unexpected arrival the landlord -turned as if a viper had stung him. - -"Confusion!" he muttered; "day has hardly broken ere these accursed -fellows come across my path." - -The two arrivals troubled themselves in no way about their host's -ill-temper, but dismounted, and taking the bridles off their horses, led -them to the noria to let them drink. - -The travellers were dressed in the garb of the frontier men, and -appeared to be from forty to forty-five years of age. Like all wayfarers -in this blessed country, where every man must depend on himself alone, -they were armed; but, in lieu of the lance or fusil usual in the -interior, they had excellent Mexican rifles--a peculiarity which, in -addition to their _zarapes_ of Indian manufacture, and their fiery and -half-wild mustangs, allowed them to be recognised as Sonorians, or at -least men domiciled in that state. - -The landlord, seeing that the newcomers did not appear to trouble -themselves in the least about him, decided at length on walking toward -them and addressing them. - -"What do you want?" he said to them. - -"Nothing just at present," the elder replied; "but so soon as our horses -have finished drinking, you will give each of them a measure of maize -and a truss of alfalfa." - -"I am the mesonero, and not a peon. It is not my place to wait upon -you," he said brutally. - -The traveller who had spoken looked askance at the host. - -"I don't care whether it is you or your criados who do it," he answered -dryly, "provided that the order I have given is executed promptly, for I -am in a hurry." - -In the face of this rebuff, and especially the glance that accompanied -it, the huesped judged it prudent to draw in his horns and assume a more -conciliatory tone. For the last few hours poor Saccaplata had not been -fortunate with his travellers. All those Heaven sent him had the air of -young bulls escaped from the _toril_. - -"Your excellencies are doubtless anxious to set out again?" he said in -an insinuating voice. - -The strangers made no answer. - -"Not to be too curious," the landlord continued, not yet discouraged, -"may I ask in what direction your honourable seigneuries intend to -proceed?" - -One of the travellers then raised his head, and, looking the indiscreet -mesonero full in the face, said with a mocking air,-- - -"If you are asked, you will answer that you do not know. Come, my good -fellow, have us attended to, and blow your own _puchero_, without -troubling yourself about ours: you might find it too hot for you." - -The host shrugged his shoulders and slipped away, the more nimbly -because he noticed the colonel entering the patio at the moment, and -felt no desire to come in contact with him. - -The two strangers exchanged a smile, and, without further remark, -watched the peon who was giving their horses the provender they had -ordered. - -Don Sebastian was ready to start: he had come to give a final glance to -the horses before leading his daughter downstairs. Don Cornelio walked -up to him so soon as he saw him, and after wishing him good day, drew -him a little aside and whispered,-- - -"Look there, colonel," and he pointed to the two strangers; "those are -sturdy fellows, if I am not mistaken." - -"They are so," Don Sebastian made answer; "I did not notice them -before." - -"They have only just arrived. They would be famous recruits added to our -party, if they would consent to travel with us. What do you think of -it?" - -"I think you are right; but will they consent?" - -"Why not? If they are going the same road as ourselves they will derive -the same benefit from our presence as we shall from theirs." - -"That is true. Have you spoken to them?" - -"No: as I told you, they arrived this moment. You ought to try to -persuade them." - -"I see no harm in attempting it, at least," the colonel answered. - -Hereupon, leaving Don Cornelio, he advanced toward the strangers, and -saluting them politely, said,-- - -"You have magnificent horses, caballeros. I see that they come from the -prairies." - -"Yes, they are real mustangs," one of the strangers replied, returning -the bow. - -"You are finishing your journey at a very early hour," the colonel -continued. "With horses like yours a deal of ground could be covered." - -"What makes you suppose, caballero, that our journey is ended?" - -"Why, your arrival at this hostelry at so early an hour." - -"Ah! You might be mistaken." - -"Pardon my indiscretion, caballeros. Do you come from Guadalajara, or -are you going there?" - -"Caballero," the stranger replied dryly, who had hitherto spoken, "we -the more readily pardon your indiscretion, because it appears that in -this hostelry everybody passes his time in asking questions; still, you -will permit me not to answer yours. My companion and myself are old -travellers, and we know that on the roads of this country men too often -repent gossiping about their business, but never of keeping it to -themselves." - -The colonel drew himself up with an air of pique. - -"As you please, caballero," he replied coldly. "I cannot feel annoyed at -your prudence; still, I would observe that you have given a wrong -meaning to my remarks. I only wished to offer you my escort in crossing -an ill-famed gorge, in which the band of the dangerous robber, El -Buitre, is at this moment ensconced." - -"I know the man by repute," the stranger said in a somewhat more affable -tone. "My friend and myself will, I hope, be sufficient to keep him at -arm's length; still, though I do not accept your offer, I thank you for -the cordiality which urged you to make it." - -The conversation broke off here. The two men bowed with all the marks of -the most exquisite politeness, and turned their backs on each other. The -colonel, annoyed at the way in which his advances had been met, gave the -order for departure, and went to fetch his daughter. An instant later he -reappeared with her; the band mounted, and, on a signal from Don -Sebastian, set out. On passing before the strangers, who watched their -departure, the colonel took off his hat, as did Don Cornelio. Dona -Angela gave a graceful bow, accompanied by a charming smile. The -strangers, in their turn, uncovered and bowed respectfully to the party. - -"There, scoundrel," the colonel said as he threw an ounce to the -landlord, who watched their departure with a cunning look, "there's a -plaster for your wounds." - -Saccaplata sharply picked up the ounce, thrust it into his pocket, and -crossed himself as he muttered,-- - -"You will want a good many ounces to cure your wounds, you will. Bah!" -he added, with a sinister laugh, "it is now El Buitre's affair; let them -settle it together." - -When Don Sebastian had left the hostelry he divided his party into -three: two of his servants rode in front, gun on thigh; two others -behind; while he and Don Cornelio, having Dona Angela between them, rode -in the middle. All being thus arranged, and the order given to keep a -careful outlook, the cavalcade started at a sharp trot. - -In the meanwhile the two strangers, as we have said, remained at the -meson. They watched the little party for a long time, and then, as their -horses had finished eating, they put on their bridles and tightened -their girths. - -"My faith, Don Louis!" the younger of the two at length said, "I can't -help it; I must tell you what I have on my mind, or I shall choke." - -"Speak, my friend," his comrade said with a sad smile. "I know as well -as you do what is troubling your mind." - -"Perhaps so; still that would surprise me." - -"Listen, then, Belhumeur. You are asking yourself at this moment why I -was so rude to that gentleman whom I do not know, and whom I saw for a -moment for the first time in my life?" - -"By my faith! You have guessed it: that was, in truth, my thought. I -seek in vain the reason for such extraordinary conduct on your part, and -I confess that I give it up as a bad job." - -"Do not trouble yourself any further, my good fellow. I was -involuntarily guided by a secret presentiment, by a species of -incomprehensible instinct, which forced me to act as I did." - -"That is strange." - -"Yes, is it not so? You know the feeling of instinctive repulsion one -experiences on touching a reptile?" - -"Of course." - -"Well, when that man advanced toward me, even before I saw him, I felt -his presence, if I may say so; my heart beat violently; and when he -addressed me I felt a sudden and incomprehensible pain." - -Belhumeur regarded him for a moment with fixed attention. - -"And you conclude from that?" he said. - -"That this man will be my enemy at some appointed moment; that he will -stand in my path, gloomy and implacable, and prove fatal to me." - -"Come, my friend, that is not possible. You are leaving this country, -never to return to it, since, in spite of all your researches, you have -been unable to find the man on whose behalf you came. The man you saw -this morning is a field officer in the Mexican army, and it is not very -likely he will leave his country: everything opposes it. Where can you -meet again?" - -"I do not know, Belhumeur; I seek neither to guess nor to foresee the -future. It is evident that, after leaving you at the Hacienda del -Milagro, I shall proceed to Guaymas, where I shall embark, I know not -yet for what country; and it is my settled purpose never to set foot in -Mexico again. Still I repeat to you, although it may appear absurd, I am -convinced that that man will be my enemy some day, and that one of us -will kill the other." - -"Come, come, I will not discuss that subject with you; it is better for -us, I fancy, to start, for we have a long journey before us today." - -"That is true, my friend. Let us start, and think no more of my -forebodings. They will turn out as Heaven may direct." - -"Amen!" Belhumeur said. "That is how I like to see you; thus you -resemble my brave Raphael, my dear Loyal Heart, to whom I wish to make -you known before leaving you." - -"You will afford me the greatest pleasure." - -They mounted their horses, paid the landlord, and in their turn quitted -the meson de San Juan, walking their horses in the direction of the -barranca del mal paso, where the colonel had preceded them. They -proceeded for some time in silence, side by side. At length the -Canadian, who could not remain long without speaking, took the word. - -"Do you not think, Don Louis, that, supposing the colonel spoke the -truth, two men like ourselves would prove very useful to him?" - -"What does that concern us?" Don Louis asked sharply. - -"Us nothing; and assuredly, if only that soldier, to whom you have such -an antipathy, were concerned, I should not trouble myself about him, but -leave him to settle with the bandits as best he could." - -"Well?" - -"Don't you understand me?" - -"No, on my honour." - -"Did you not notice the charming girl that accompanies him?" - -"Of course I did." - -"Would it not be frightful--?" - -"Good heavens!" the Count de Prebois Crance, whom the reader has -doubtlessly recognised,[4] quickly interrupted him, "that would be -fearful. Poor child! Forward, Belhumeur, forward! We must save her." - -"Ah!" the Canadian thought to himself, "I was sure I should find the -soft place." - -The two men bowed over their horses' necks, and started with the -velocity of the tempest. They had scarce gone a mile when cries and -shots reached their ears. - -"Forward--confound it, forward!" the count shouted, urging his horse to -increased speed. - -"Forward!" Belhumeur repeated. - -They rushed into the barranca at headlong speed, and fell like two -demons into the midst of the bandits, whom they saluted with two shots; -then clubbing their rifles, they employed them like maces, bounding into -the medley with indescribable fury. - -It was high time for this assistance to reach the colonel. Three of his -servants were killed; Don Cornelio was lying wounded on the ground; -while Don Sebastian, with his back against a block of granite, was -desperately defending himself against five or six bandits who assailed -him. - -El Buitre had seized Dona Angela, and thrown her across his saddle-bow, -in spite of her shrieks and resistance; but suddenly Don Louis dealt the -bandit a crushing blow on the head, which hurled him to the ground, and -delivered the girl. Belhumeur all this time did not remain inactive; he -wounded and trampled under his horse's hoofs all those who dared to -oppose his passage. - -The salteadores, surprised by this sudden attack, which they were far -from anticipating--frightened by the carnage the newcomers caused among -their comrades, and not knowing how many foes they might have upon them, -were seized with a panic fear, and fled in the utmost disorder, -clambering up the rocks. El Garrucholo, at the peril of his life, picked -up his captain, whom he would not abandon, and El Buitre once again -escaped the garota. The salteadores lost in this skirmish more than -two-thirds of their numbers. - -When tranquillity was restored, and the bandits had completely -disappeared, Don Sebastian warmly thanked the two adventurers for the -timely aid they had rendered him. Don Louis received politely, but very -coldly, the colonel's advances, confining himself to saying that if he -had been so fortunate as to save his life, he found a reward in his own -heart, and that was sufficient for him; but, in spite of the colonel's -pressing, he refused to tell him who he was, alleging as his sole reason -that he was about to leave Mexico for ever, and that he did not wish to -lay on him a burden so heavy as gratitude. At this remark Dona Angela -drew nearer to Don Louis, and said with a smile of gentle reproach,-- - -"It is quite natural that you who have saved our lives should forget the -fact, or at least attach but slight importance to it; but my father and -myself will remember it for ever." - -And before Don Louis could prevent it, the lovely girl bounded like a -fawn, threw her arms round his neck, and holding up her pure forehead, -which was still rather pale,-- - -"Kiss me, my saviour!" she said, with tears in her eyes. - -The count, affected, in spite of himself, by an action full of such -simple frankness, respectfully kissed the maiden's brow, then turned -away, that she might not read the sweet and yet painful impression so -simple an action had produced on him. - -Dona Angela, smiling and blushing, sought refuge in her father's arms, -leaving in Don Louis' hand a small relic she usually wore round her -neck. - -"Keep it," she said to him, with that sweet Spanish superstition so full -of grace; "it will bring you good fortune." - -"Yes, I will keep it, senorita," the count replied, hiding it in his -bosom, "as a reminiscence of a moment of happiness you unconsciously -caused me this day, by proving to me that, in spite of misfortunes, my -heart is not so dead as I fancied." - -The preparations for departure were made. Don Sebastian, deprived of his -servants, could not dream of continuing his journey. He decided on -returning to Guadalajara, in order to obtain another escort -sufficiently strong to protect his daughter from such a danger as that -she had escaped by a miracle. He was, however, greatly embarrassed by -Don Cornelio, whom he did not wish to abandon, and yet could not -transport. - -"I will take charge of this man, caballero," Don Louis then said to him. -"Do not trouble yourself about him further. My friend and I are in no -great haste. We will carry him to the meson of San Juan, and not leave -him till he is thoroughly cured." - -Two hours later the two parties separated in front of Saccaplata's -meson, who saw them return with great terror; but the colonel thought it -advisable, for Don Cornelio's sake, to appear ignorant of the part the -landlord had played in the attack, to which himself and daughter had so -nearly fallen victims. - -Don Sebastian and Don Louis separated with a frigid bow, like men who -are persuaded they will never meet again. But no one can foresee the -future, and unconsciously chance was about to bring them hereafter face -to face under strange circumstances, the realisation of which neither -assuredly suspected at the moment. - - -End Of Prologue. - - -[3] He knows not where to look; he fears or distrusts everything. If he -is afraid of the anger of Heaven, why did he insult it? - -[4] See the "Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE NIGHT HALT. - - -Before the discovery of the rich placers in the neighbourhood of San -Francisco, California was completely wild and almost unknown. The port -of San Francisco, the finest and largest in the world, destined to -become very shortly the commercial _entrepot_ of the Pacific, was at -that time only frequented by whalers, who, at the period when the whales -retire to the shallow water, came to fish there, cut them up, and melt -down their blubber. - -A few Flat-head Indians wandered haphazard through the vast forests that -covered the seaboard; and in this country, which trade has now seized -on, and which is entering, with all sail set, into the movement of -progress, wild beasts lorded it as masters. - -An old officer of Charles X.'s Swiss Guard had founded a poor colony on -the territory of San Francisco, and cut down trees, which he converted -into planks by the aid of a few watermills. - -Such was the condition in which this magnificent country languished, -when suddenly the news of the discovery of rich placers in California -burst on the world like a shell. Then the country, as if touched by the -magic wand of some powerful enchanter, became all at once transformed. -From all parts of the world adventurers flocked in, bearing with them -that feverish activity and boundless audacity which ignore all -difficulties, and surmount every obstacle. - -At a spot where, a few days previously, gloomy and mysterious forests, -old as the world, stretched out, a city was created, improvised, and -within a few months counted its inhabitants by tens of thousands. The -port, so long deserted, was crammed with vessels of every sort and every -size, and the gold fever renewed the Saturnalia of the Spanish -conquistadors of the Middle Ages. - -For some time after, this country offered to the eye of the observer a -sight the most hideous, the most grand, the most heart-rending, and most -striking that can be imagined. All was mingled, confounded, and -upturned. It was a confusion, a hurly-burly impossible to describe, -where nothing existed any longer--where every tie was broken, every -social idea annihilated; and in this terrible pell-mell, in this -frightful race to the placers, rogues and gentlemen, soldiers and -priests, diplomatists and physicians, jostled each other, all running, -howling, wielding the dagger or the revolver, possessed by only one -idea, instinct, or passion--that of gold. For gold these men would have -sold everything--conscience, honour, probity, everything, even to -themselves! - -We will not enter into fuller details of this wondrous period, during -which California emerged from her nothingness, to take her place, after -ten years of desperate struggling, among the civilised peoples. Other -pens, far more eloquent than ours, have undertaken the rude task of -telling us the history of these striking incidents. We will confine -ourselves to stating that, at the period of our story, gold had only -just been discovered, and California was struggling against the first -raging attack of _delirium tremens_. - -It was about three years after the events we narrated in our prologue. - -In the Sierra Nevada, upon the picturesque slopes that descend gradually -to the sea, in the heart of an immense virgin forest a hundred leagues -from San Francisco, between that city and Los Angeles, the heat had been -stifling during the day. At sunset the sea breeze had risen, and -slightly refreshed the atmosphere; but it sank again almost immediately, -and the temperature had again become heavy and oppressive. - -The motionless trees concealed beneath their dense foliage birds of -every description, which only revealed their presence at intervals by -shrill and discordant cries. Hideous alligators wallowing in the mud of -the swamps, or holding on to the trunks of dead trees scattered here and -there, were the only living beings that animated the landscape, which -was rendered even more gloomy and mournful by the pale, uncertain, and -tremulous flickering of the moonbeams that filtered with great -difficulty through the rare openings in the verdurous forest dome, and -sported capriciously and fantastically about the trees and branches, -though unable to lessen the mysterious obscurity that reigned in the -leafy covert. - -A noise of horses' hoofs was heard on one of the innumerable tracks made -by the wild beasts as they proceed in search of water, and two men -debouched into a clearing formed by the fall of several trees that had -died of old age, and whose mossy trunks were already in a state of -decomposition. - -These men were both dressed in the costume of hunters or wood rangers, -and were armed with American rifles, long knives, and _machetes_. A -_reata_, rolled up and fastened to the saddle-bow, allowed them to be -recognised as partisans from the Mexican frontiers. - -Both had passed middle life; but there the resemblance between them -ended. At the first glance it was easy to guess that one belonged to the -Northern European race; while his comrade, on the contrary, by the olive -tint of his complexion, and his angular features, offered a perfect type -of the Indian aborigines of Chili, so eloquently celebrated by Ercilla, -and known in South America by the name of Araucanos--a powerful, -intelligent, and energetic race, the only one of all the native tribes -of the New World which has managed to retain its nationality, and caused -its independence to be respected to the present day. - -These two men were Valentine Guillois, better known as the -"Trail-hunter," and Curumilla, his silent and devoted companion ever -since the day that chance so many years previously had led Valentine -into Araucania.[1] - -Years, while accumulating on the heads of the two men, had produced but -a slight change in their external appearance. They were still quite -upright, and seemed equally vigorous. A few more wrinkles had formed on -the Frenchman's pensive brow, and some silvery threads were added to his -locks; his features, more angular than before, had assumed those firm -and distinct lines, alone produced by reflection and long contests -valiantly sustained; his eye was still equally frank, but the flash was -more incisive; and his face wore that melancholy impression which -deceptions of every description, and great grief, stamp indelibly on the -countenance of powerful men, whom the fearful storms of life have bowed, -though not broken. - -The Indian was still morose and concentrated. Age, which had laid even a -smaller hold on his organisation than on that of his comrade, had merely -increased the worthy Araucanian's habitual taciturnity, and drawn over -his gloomy face a thicker veil of that stoical fatalism peculiar to the -aboriginal race of America. - -The two men advanced slowly side by side, apparently plunged in deep -thought. At times Valentine stopped, looked cautiously around him, and -then resumed his march, shaking his head dubiously. Each time that the -hunter reined in his horse Curumilla imitated him, though not evidencing -by the slightest sign that he took any interest in his companion's -operations. - -The forest grew with each step denser, the paths became narrower, and -all appeared to forebode that the horses would soon be unable to -advance, impeded as they were by the creepers that were intertwined into -a thick trellis-work in front of them. - -The two horsemen at length reached the clearing to which we have -already alluded, after intense difficulty. On arriving there, Valentine -stopped, and heaving a sigh of relief,-- - -"By Jove!" he said, "Curumilla, my good friend, I was mad to believe you -and follow you so far; it is evident that we are lost." - -The Indian shook his head in denial. - -"Hem! I am aware that you fellows have a marvellous talent for following -a trail, and that you rarely lose your way, even in a place you have -never visited before. Still the darkness is so intense here, that I can -hardly distinguish objects only two paces ahead of me. Come, allow that -we have lost ourselves. Hang it! That may happen to anybody. I propose -that we stop here and await sunrise before we renew our search, the more -so because, for nearly two hours, it has been impossible to discover the -slightest trace proving to us that we are still on the right road." - -Curumilla, without replying, dismounted, and explored the clearing on -all sides; then, at the expiration of a few minutes, he returned to his -friend's side, and gave him a sign to mount again. Valentine had -carefully followed his movements. - -"Well," he said, checking him, "are you not convinced yet?" - -"One hour more," the Indian replied, liberating himself gently, and -getting into his saddle. - -"Hang, it all!" Valentine said, "I confess I am growing tired of playing -at hide and seek in this inextricable forest, and if you do not give me -a positive proof of what you assert, I will not stir from this spot." - -Curumilla bent toward him, and, showing him a small object, said,-- - -"Look!" - -"Eh?" Valentine remarked in surprise, after carefully examining the -object his comrade handed him. "What the deuce is it? Why," he added -almost immediately, "I ought to have recognised it at once: it is a -cigar-case, and a handsome one too. There is a cigar still in it, if I -am not mistaken." - -He remained for an instant in thought. - -"It is true," he went on, "that I have not seen these luxurious products -of civilisation for a long time; indeed, since I gave them up to lead -the life of a free hunter. Where did you find it, Curumilla?" - -"There," he answered, stretching out his arm. - -"Good! The owner of that case cannot be far from us, so let us push on." - -He pocketed the case, and the two horsemen set out once more. - -After crossing the clearing, the path on which they entered began -gradually to widen, and soon they noticed, by the moonbeams that lighted -them at intervals, that the path had been trodden by a large number of -cloven-footed animals, which had cropped the leaves and broken down the -branches on both sides. These traces were still quite fresh. - -"Come," Valentine said gaily, "I was wrong just now, Curumilla. We were -really on the right track, and I believe we shall soon catch up the -persons we have so long been seeking." - -Something like a smile attempted to contract the Indian's features; but -the attempt was not a happy one, and stopped at a grimace. All at once -Curumilla laid his hand on his comrade's bridle, and bending forward,-- - -"Listen," he said. - -Valentine listened attentively; but, for all that, several moments -passed ere he could distinguish aught else than those confused and -mysterious sounds which never expire in the desert: at length something -resembling a musical note borne on the breeze gently died away on his -ear. The hunter started back in surprise. - -"Ah, by Jupiter!" he exclaimed, "that musician has chosen a strange time -to give a concert. I am curious to see such an original a little nearer. -Let us push on." - -After marching for about a quarter of a mile further they began to see a -fire flashing through the trees, and distinctly heard a masculine and -sonorous voice singing to the accompaniment of a jarana. The hunters -stopped in surprise, and listened. - -"By heaven!" the Frenchman muttered, "it is the romancero of King -Rodrigo, sung by an unknown voice at night in the heart of a virgin -forest. Never has that powerful poetry affected me so deeply. In truth, -everything here harmonises with that song, which is so thoroughly -sorrowful and despairing. Whoever he may be, I must see the man who has -unconsciously caused me a few moments of such gentle emotion. Were it -the demon in person, I would shake his hand ere the last strains had -ceased vibrating on the strings of his jarana." - -And without further deliberation, Valentine, after giving Curumilla a -sign to follow him, resolutely entered the circle of light. At the sound -of horses' hoofs, the stranger, with a movement swift as thought, threw -the guitar across his back, and leaped up with a sabre in his right hand -and a revolver in the other. - -"Hold!" he shouted boldly; "stop, if you please, caballero, or I shall -fire." - -"Pray do not do so, senor," Valentine answered, who considered it -prudent to obey the order given him, "for you would run the risk of -killing a friend, and they are too rare in the desert to be received, -when met, by a pistol shot." - -"Hum! I trust what you say is true," the other answered, still on the -defensive; "still I should feel obliged by your explaining to me, in two -words, who you are, and what you are seeking after the acquaintance -becomes more intimate between us." - -"Of course, caballero; I see no inconvenience in satisfying your wishes, -especially as prudence is one of the theological virtues recommended in -the regions where we now are." - -"On my soul, you appear to me to be a jolly fellow! I hope we shall -become friends ere long; and to prove to you that I sincerely desire it, -and at the same time to arouse your confidence, I will begin by telling -you who I am, which will not take long." - -"Pray do so." - -The stranger then thrust his revolver into his belt, took three paces -forward, removed his wide-brimmed hat, whose long feather swept the -ground, and saluted his new acquaintance ceremoniously. - -"Senor caballero," he said with infinite grace and politeness, "my name -is Don Cornelio Mendoza de Arrizabal, gentleman of the Asturias, noble -as the king, and poor at this moment as Job of Bohemian memory. The few -_novillos_ lying around me are my property, and that of my partner, -absent at this moment in search of a few strayed members of the herd, -but whom I expect at any moment. These animals were purchased by us at -Los Angeles, and we are taking them to San Francisco, with the purpose -of selling them at the best price to the gold-seekers and other -adventurers collected in that curious city." - -After uttering this short speech the young man bowed again, put his hat -on his head, placed the point of his sabre on his boot, and waited, foot -forward, and his hand on his hip. - -Valentine had listened attentively, and when he spoke of his partner a -flash of joy sparkled in the hunter's eyes. - -"Caballero," he answered, uncovering in his turn, "my friend and myself -are two wood rangers, hunters, or trail-seekers, whichever you may -please to term us. Attracted by the light of your fire, and the -harmonious song that reached our ears, we came toward you for the -purpose of claiming from you that hospitality which is never refused in -the desert, offering to share our provisions with you, and to be hail -fellows well met so long as we may remain in your agreeable company." - -"You are welcome, caballeros," Don Cornelio replied nobly. "Pray -consider the little we possess as your own." - -The hunters bowed and dismounted. - - -[1] These two characters have been introduced in another work by our -author, and are old friends to French readers. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION. - - -The reception offered the travellers by Don Cornelio was stamped with -that graceful kindness and careless ease which so eminently distinguish -the Spanish character. Although the adventurer's resources were -extremely limited, still he gave the little he possessed with such -complacency and so much good humour to his guests, that the latter knew -not how to thank him for the attentions he lavished upon them. - -After supping as well as they could on _tasajo_ (jerked meat) and -_tortillas_ of maize, washed down with _pulque_ and _mezcal_, they -carefully wrapped themselves in their zarapes, lay down on the ground -with their feet to the fire, and soon appeared to be buried in a deep -sleep. - -Don Cornelio took up his jarana, and leaning against a larch tree, -hummed one of those interminable Spanish romances he was so fond of, in -order to keep awake while awaiting his partner's return. - -The bivouac where our friends now found themselves was certainly not -without a degree of the picturesque. The uncertain gleams of the fire -were reflected fantastically on the heads of some seven hundred and -fifty novillos, lying side by side, ruminating and sleeping, while the -horses were devouring their provender, stamping and neighing. The -Spaniard twanged his guitar, and the two hunters slept peacefully. This -scene, at once so simple and so singular, was worthy the pencil of -Callot. - -Two hours thus passed away, and nothing occurred to disturb the repose -the encampment enjoyed, and the moon sank lower and lower on the -horizon. Don Cornelio's fingers stiffened; his eyes closed; and at -times, despite his efforts to keep awake, his head fell on his chest. In -despair, the Spaniard at last, beaten by fatigue, was about to yield to -the sleep that overpowered him, when a distant noise suddenly dispelled -his somnolency, and restored him the full use of his mind and other -faculties. - -By degrees this noise, at first vague and indistinct, became louder; and -a horseman, armed with a long goad, entered the clearing, driving before -him a dozen novillos and half-savage bulls. After being helped by Don -Cornelio in stockading the straying animals he brought back, the -partner, who was no other than Count Louis de Prebois, dismounted and -sat down to the fire with that nonchalance and careless motion produced -in energetic natures, not so much by fatigue as by discouragement and -moral lassitude. - -"Ah!" he said, looking at the two men stretched out at the fire, and -who, in spite of the noise caused by his arrival, still slept, or -appeared to do so, "we have visitors, I see." - -"Yes," Don Cornelio made answer, "two hunters from the great prairies. I -thought I ought not to refuse them hospitality." - -"You have done well, Don Cornelio: no one has a right in the desert to -refuse the stranger, who asks for them courteously, the heat of his fire -and a moiety of his _tasajo_." - -"That was my idea." - -"Now, my friend, lie down by our guests and rest yourself. This long -watch after the day's toil must have fatigued you beyond measure." - -"But will you not sleep a few moments, Don Louis? Rest must be more -necessary to you than to myself." - -"Permit me to watch," the count answered with a sad smile. "Rest was not -made for me." - -Don Cornelio did not press him any further. Long accustomed to his -companion's character, he considered it useless to make any more -objections. A few moments later, wrapped in his zarape, and with his -head on his jarana for a pillow, he slept soundly. - -Don Louis threw a few handfuls of dry wood on the fire, which threatened -to expire, crossed his arms on his chest, and, leaning his back against -a tree, indulged in his thoughts, which were doubtlessly sorrowful and -very bitter; for the tears soon fell from his eyes, and ran down his -pallid cheeks, while stifled sighs exhaled from his bosom, and muttered -words escaped from his lips, crushed between his teeth by sorrow. - -So soon as the count, after ordering Don Cornelio to take some repose, -fell down exhausted at the foot of a tree, the hunter, who appeared to -be sleeping so profoundly, suddenly opened his eyes, rose, and walked -gently toward him step by step. - -Several hours passed away thus, Louis being still plunged in mournful -thoughts, Valentine standing behind him, leaning on his rifle, and -fixing on him a glance full of strange meaning. - -The stars gradually expired in the depths of the sky, an opal-coloured -band began slowly to stripe the horizon, the birds awoke beneath the -foliage, sunrise was at hand. Don Louis let his head fall on his chest. - -"Why struggle longer?" he said in a hoarse, deep voice. "What good to go -farther?" - -"Those are very despairing words in the mouth of a man so strong as -Count Louis de Prebois," a low but firm voice whispered in his ear, with -a tone of gentle and sympathising reproach. - -The count shuddered as if he had received an electric shock; a -convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs; and he bounded to his feet, -examining with haggard eye, pale brow, and disordered features, the man -who had so suddenly replied to the words pain had torn from him. The -hunter had not changed his position; his eye remained obstinately fixed -upon him, with an expression of melancholy, pity, and paternal kindness. - -"Oh!" the count muttered in terror, as he passed his hand over his dank -forehead; "it is not he--it cannot be he! Valentine, my brother!--you -whom I never hoped to see again--answer, in Heaven's name, is it you?" - -"'Tis I, brother," the hunter said gently, "whom Heaven brings a second -time across your path when all seems once again to fail you." - -"Oh!" the count said with an expression impossible to render, "for a -long time I have been seeking you--for a long time I have called on -you." - -"Here I am." - -"Yes," he continued, shaking his head mournfully, "you are here, -Valentine; but now, alas! It is too late. All is dead in me -henceforth--faith, hope, courage: nothing is left to me--nothing but the -desire to lie in that tomb, where all my belief and all my departed -happiness are buried eternally!" - -Valentine remained silent for a few moments, regarding his friend with a -glance at once gentle and stern. A flood of memories poured over the -hunter's heart; two glistening tears escaped from his eyes, and slowly -coursed down his bronzed cheeks; then, without any apparent effort, he -drew the count toward him, laid his head on his wide and loyal chest, -and kissed him paternally on the forehead. - -"You have suffered, then, severely, my poor Louis," he said to him -tenderly. "Alas, alas! I was not there to sustain and protect you; but," -he added, turning to heaven a glance of bitter sadness and sublime -resignation, "I too, Louis, I too, in the heart of the desert, where I -sought a refuge, have endured agonising grief. Many times I felt myself -strangled by despair; often and often my temples were crushed in by the -pressure of the furious madness that invaded my brain; my heart was -broken by the terrible anguish I endured; and yet, brother," he added in -a soft voice, filled with an ineffable melodiousness, "yet I live, I -struggle, and I hope," he said, so low that the count could hardly hear -him. - -"Oh! Blessed be the chance that brings us together again when I -despaired of seeing you, Valentine." - -"There is no such thing as chance, brother: it is God who prepares the -accomplishment of all events. I was seeking you." - -"You were seeking me over here?" - -"Why not? Did you not yourself come to Mexico to find me?" - -"Yes; but how did you learn the fact?" - -Valentine smiled. - -"There is nothing extraordinary in it. If you wish it, I will prove to -you in a few words that I am much better informed than you suppose, and -that I know nearly all that has happened to you since our separation at -the hacienda of the Paloma." - -"That is strange." - -"Why so? About three months ago were you not at the Hacienda del -Milagro?" - -"I was." - -"You left it after spending some days there on your return from a -journey you had undertaken to the far west, in search of a rich -auriferous placer?" - -"It is true." - -"During that expedition, full of strange and terrible incidents, two men -accompanied you?"[1] - -"Yes; a Canadian hunter and a Comanche chief." - -"Very good. The hunter's name was Belhumeur, the chief's Eagle-head, I -think?" - -"They were." - -"Do you not remember revealing to Belhumeur (a worthy and honourable -hunter, by the way) the reason of the gloomy sorrow that devours you, -and for what motives, mere vague suspicions though they were, you had -come to Mexico in order to look for your dearest friend, from whom you -had been separated so many years?" - -"Yes, I remember telling him all that." - -"The rest is not difficult to comprehend. I have known Belhumeur many -years, and Heaven brought us together during a hunt on the Rio Colorado. -One night, while seated at the fire, where our supper was roasting, -after talking about a thousand indifferent things, Belhumeur, whom you -had left only a few days previously, began by degrees to talk about you. -At first, absorbed in my own thoughts, I paid but slight attention to -his recital; but when he described to me your meeting with Count de -Lhorailles in the desert, your name, uttered by Belhumeur -unintentionally, made me tremble. It was then my turn to cross-question -him. When I had learned everything, by making him tell the story twenty -times over, my resolution was immediately formed, and two days later I -set out on your track. For three months I have been following you, and -have at last come up with you--this time, I hope, never to part again," -he added with a stifled sigh. "Still I do not know what has occurred to -you during the last three months. Tell me what you have been about. I am -listening." - -"Yes, I will tell you all. My object, indeed, in seeking you was to -demand the fulfilment of a solemn promise." - -The hunter's brow grew dark, and he frowned. - -"Speak," he said; "I am listening. As for the promise to which you -allude, when the moment has arrived I shall know how to fulfil it." - -"The sun is rising," Louis answered with a sad smile; "I must pay the -proper attention to my herd." - -"I will help you. You are right; those poor brutes must not be -neglected." - -At this moment the gloom was dispersed as if by enchantment; the sun -appeared radiant on the horizon; and thousands of birds of every -variety, hidden beneath the foliage, gaily celebrated its advent by -singing their matin hymn to it. - -Don Cornelio and Curumilla shook off the torpor of sleep, and opened -their eyes. The Indian chief rose, and walked toward Valentine with that -slow and majestic step peculiar to him. - -"Brother," the latter said, taking the Araucanian's hand in his own, "I -was not alone in my search for you. I had near me a friend whose heart -and arm never failed me, and whom I have ever found ready to help me in -weal and woe." - -Don Louis gazed doubtfully at the man whom the hunter pointed out to -him, and who stood motionless and stoical before him. Gradually his -features were expanded, his memory returned, and he affectionately -offered his hand to the Indian, saying with deep emotion,-- - -"Curumilla, my brother!" - -At this proof of memory and friendship, after the lapse of so many -years--this frank and true emotion on the part of a man to whom he had -already given so many marks of devotion--the crust of ice that -surrounded the Indian's heart suddenly melted, his face assumed an -earthy hue, and a convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs. - -"Oh, my brother Louis!" he exclaimed with an accent impossible to -describe. - -A sob resembling a roar burst from his chest; and, ashamed of having -thus betrayed his weakness, the chief turned quickly away, and hid his -face in the folds of his robe. - -Like all primitive and energetic natures, this man, on whom adversity -had no effect, was moved like a weak child by the immense joy he -experienced at seeing once again Don Louis, the man whom Valentine loved -more than a brother, and whose absence he had so long lamented. - -"Then you will not leave me again, brother?" Louis asked anxiously. - -"No, nothing shall separate us henceforth." - -"Thanks," the count answered. - -"Come, come," Valentine gaily remarked, "let us attend to the cattle." - -All were soon on the move in the bivouac. Don Cornelio understood -nothing of what he saw. These strangers, who had arrived but a few hours -ago, already so attached to his friend, talking with him like old -acquaintances, produced in him a series of notions each more extravagant -than the other; but Don Cornelio was a philosopher, and more than that, -remarkably curious. Certain that all would end sooner or, later in a -satisfactory explanation, he gaily made up his mind, and had no idea of -asking any information, especially as the two helps chance had sent him -could not fail to be extremely useful to him in guiding the -undisciplined animals which the count and himself had burdened -themselves with, and had yet so far to drive. - -A person must have himself been a _vaquero_ in the great American -savannahs, in order to form an idea of the numberless difficulties met -with in guiding novillos and untamed bulls for hundreds of leagues -across virgin forests and arid plains, defending them against wild -beasts which follow their track, and snap them up under your very eyes -if you do not take care, and, like the roaring lion of the Gospel, -wander incessantly round the herd, seeking what they may devour. At -other times the animals must be defended against the raving madness, or -_estampida_, caused by the want of water and the refraction of the sun, -during which they rush in every direction, and gore those who try to -bring them back. A man must be desperate like Don Louis, or a careless -philosopher like Don Cornelio, not to recoil before the perils and -difficulties of so hazardous a trade; for, among the eventualities we -have enumerated, we have not mentioned the _temporales_, or tempests, -which in a few minutes overthrow the face of nature, hollow out lakes, -and throw up mountains; nor the _Indios bravos_, or nomadic Indians, who -watch the caravans, plunder the merchandise, and murder the drivers or -traders. - -Valentine in vain racked his brains in order to discover why his friend, -whom he had known to be so effeminate and weak, could have resolved on -adopting such a mode of life. But his astonishment almost became -admiration when he saw him at work, and recognised the complete -metamorphosis that had been effected in him, both morally and -physically, and the cold, indomitable energy which had usurped the place -of the careless weakness and original irresolution of his character. - -He studied him thus carefully during the whole time he was employed in -restoring order among the herd, and organising everything for the day's -march. - -"Oh!" he said to himself, "this chosen organisation has been purified by -misfortune. There remain at the bottom of that half-broken heart a few -noble chords, which I will manage to set in motion when the time comes." - -And for the first time since many days a feeling of hearty joy caused -the trail-seeker to quiver. - - -[1] See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A SAD MISTAKE. - - -Several days elapsed ere the two friends resumed their interrupted -conversation. - -They had continued their journey toward San Francisco without any -incident worth noticing, owing to the skill of Valentine and Curumilla. -Although this was the first time they had advanced so far from the -regions they were accustomed to traverse, their sagacity made up so well -for their want of knowledge that they avoided, with extreme good -fortune, the dangers that menaced the success of their journey, and -foresaw obstacles still remote, but which their knowledge of the desert -caused them to guess, as it were, intuitively. - -The two old friends observed, we may say studied, each other. After so -long a separation they required to restore a community of ideas. That -communion of thoughts and feelings which had existed so long between -them might be eternally broken through the different media into which -they had been thrown, and the circumstances that had modified their -characters. Each of them rendered greater by events--having acquired the -consciousness of his personal value and his intellectual power--had -possibly the right no longer to admit, without previous discussion, -certain theories which were formerly recognised without a contest. - -Still the friendship between the two men was so lively, the confidence -so entire, and the devotion so true, that, after a fortnight's -travelling side by side--a fortnight during which they touched on the -most varying subjects without once introducing the one they had so much -interest in thoroughly discussing--they convinced themselves that they -stood to each other precisely in the same position as before their -separation. - -Either through lassitude or deference, or perhaps the tacit recognition -of his foster brother's superiority over him, during this fortnight, Don -Louis, happy, perhaps, at having found once more the man who had been -wont to think and act for him, had not once attempted to assume an -independent position, but insensibly fell back under that moral -guardianship which Valentine had so long exercised over him. - -The two other persons lived on a perfectly good understanding--Don -Cornelio through carelessness, perhaps, Curumilla through pride. - -The Spaniard--a dear lover of liberty, happy at living in the open air -without troubles or annoyances of any description--goaded his novillos, -strummed his jarana, and sang the interminable _Romancero del Rey -Rodrigo,_ which he began again imperturbably so soon as he had finished, -in spite of Valentine's repeated remarks about the silence that must be -maintained in the desert, in order to avoid the ambuscades which the -Indians constantly place like so many spiders' webs in the path of -incautious travellers. The Spaniard listened docilely, and with a -contrite air, to the hunter's remonstrances; but, so soon as they were -ended, he twanged a tune, and recommenced his romancero--a philosophy -which the trail-seeker, while blaming, could not refrain from admiring. - -Curumilla was always the man we have seen him--prudent, foresighted, and -silent--but with a double dose of each quality. With eyes ever opened -and ears alert, the Araucanian chief rode from one end of the file to -the other, watching so carefully over its safety that no accident -occurred up to the day when we resume our narrative. - -They thus descended the woody slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and entered -the naked and sandy plains that stretch down to the sea, and on which, -with the exception of San Jose and Monterey (two towns in the last -throes of existence), the traveller only sees stunted trees and thorny -shrubs scattered at a great distance apart. - -Three days before reaching San Jose--a miserable _pueblo_, which serves -as a gathering place for hunters and arrieros who frequent these parts; -but where the population, decimated by fevers and misery, can do but -little for the _forasteros_ (strangers)--the caravan encamped on the -banks of a stream, beneath the shelter of a few trees that had grown -there by accident, and which the sea breeze shook incessantly, and -covered with that fine sand which enters the eyes, nose, ears, and -nothing can keep out. - -The sun was plunging into the sea under the form of a huge fire-ball; -there was a fresh breeze; in the distance appeared a few white sails, -which, like light kingfishers fearing a tempest, were hastening to -reach San Francisco; the coyotes were beginning to bark furiously on -the plain; and the few birds nestled on the branches tucked their heads -under their wings, and prepared to go to sleep. - -The fires were lighted, the animals penned, and after supper each -hastened to repair, by a few hours' sleep, the fatigue of a long day's -journey beneath a burning sky. - -"Sleep!" Louis said. "I will keep the first watch--the idler's watch," -he added with a smile. - -"I will take the second, then," Valentine said. - -"No, I will take that," Curumilla objected. "An Indian's eyes see -clearly in the night." - -"Hum!" the hunter remarked; "and yet I fancy my eyes are not so bad -either." - -Curumilla, without further reply, placed his finger on his lips. - -"Good!" the hunter said; "as you wish it, keep watch in my place, chief. -When you are tired, however, be sure and wake me." - -The Indian bowed. The three men wrapped themselves in their zarapes, and -lay on the ground, Don Louis alone remaining awake. - -It was a magnificent night: the sky, of a deep azure, was studded with -an infinity of stars that sparkled like diamonds; the moon poured forth -its tremulous and pallid beams; the atmosphere, wondrously pure and -transparent, allowed the country to be surveyed for an enormous -distance; the evening breeze had risen, and deliciously refreshed the -air; the earth exhaled acrid and balmy perfumes; the waves died away -amorously, and with mysterious murmurs, on the beach; and in the -distance might be indistinctly traced the outlines of the coyotes which -prowled about, howling mournfully, for they scented the novillos. - -Louis, seduced by this splendid evening, and yielding to that prairie -languor which conquers the strongest minds, was indulging in a gentle -reverie. He had attained that stage of mental somnolency which is not -waking, and yet not sleeping. He was enjoying the magic pictures his -fancy conjured up, when he was suddenly roused from this charming -sensation by a hand pressing heavily on his shoulder, while a voice -muttered in his ear the single word,-- - -"Prudence." - -Louis, suddenly recalled to a consciousness of the present, opened his -half-closed eyes, and turned sharply round. Curumilla was leaning over -him, and repeated his warning, with a sign of terrible meaning. The -count seized his rifle, which rested near him. - -"What is the matter?" he asked in a low voice. - -"Come, but keep in the shade," Curumilla replied in the same tone. - -Louis obeyed the hint, whose importance he recognised. Lying down on the -ground, he glided gently in the direction indicated by the Indian. - -He soon found himself sheltered behind a thicket, where he saw Don -Cornelio and Valentine in ambush, with their bodies bent forward, and -looking anxiously into the darkness. - -"Good heavens, friends!" the count said, "what is the meaning of this? -The profoundest silence prevails around us. All appears tranquil. Why -this alarm?" - -"Curumilla noticed this evening, before our halt, traces of Yaqui -Indians. You know, brother, that these demons are the most daring -robbers in the world. It is plain that they are after our beasts." - -"But what makes you suppose that? These traces, whose existence I do not -deny, may belong to travellers as well as to vagabonds. Nothing up to -the present makes us suppose that these fellows intend attacking us, and -we have not even seen them." - -A sinister smile contracted the chief's thin lips, and, touching the -count's arm with his finger, while at the same time lifting his own -robe, he showed him a bleeding scalp hanging from his belt. - -"Oh, oh!" Don Louis said, "have those demons ventured so near us, then?" - -"Yes; and had it not been for Curumilla, whose eye is never closed, and -mind ever on the watch, our animals would probably have been carried off -more than an hour ago." - -"Thanks for his vigilance, then," the count said with an expression of -annoyance, which he could not entirely conceal; "but you know the -Indians, comrades: so soon as they find they are detected, they are no -longer to be feared. I believe that, after the lesson they have -received, we are now in safety, and we need not trouble ourselves about -them more." - -"No, brother, you are mistaken. Look at your novillos; they are -restless. At each instant they raise their heads, and do not eat their -food in comfort. God has given animals an instinct of self-preservation -which never deceives them. Believe me, they fear a danger, and scent -enemies not far from them." - -"It is possible, indeed. Let us watch, then." - -The four men remained thus silent and attentive. An hour almost passed -away, and nothing happened to confirm their suspicions. Still the bulls -pressed more closely together. They had left off eating, and their -restlessness increased instead of diminishing. - -Suddenly Curumilla stretched out his arm in a north-eastern direction, -and after laconically whispering, "Do not stir," he gave Valentine his -rifle to hold, and before his friends had time to guess the direction he -had taken, he disappeared in the gloom. The three hunters exchanged a -silent glance, and cocked their rifles, so as to be ready for any event. - -There cannot be a more painful position than that of the brave man who, -in a strange country and on a dark night, is obliged to stand on guard -against a danger whose extent he cannot calculate. Affected by the -silent majesty of solitude, he creates phantasms a hundredfold more -terrible than the actual danger, and feels his courage fly away -piecemeal beneath the harsh pressure of waiting for something unseen. - -Such was the situation in which our three friends now were; and yet they -were three lion hearts, accustomed for many years to Indian warfare, and -whom no peril, however great it might have been, would have been able -to affect beneath the warm beams of the sun; but, during the darkness, -imagination creates such horrible phantoms, that, if we may be allowed -to employ a trivial comparison, we might say that people are not so much -afraid of the danger itself as of the fear of that danger. - -The three men had remained in this awkward situation for some time; when -suddenly a fearful yell rose in the air, followed by the fall of a body -to the ground, and the flight of several men, whose black outlines stood -out on the horizon. The adventurers fired at random, and rushed rapidly -in the direction where they heard the struggle, which seemed still going -on. - -At the moment they arrived, Curumilla, whom they recognised, had his -right knee pressed into the chest of a man he held down under him, while -his left hand compressed his throat, and reduced him to the most perfect -state of powerlessness. - -"Wah!" the Araucanian said, turning to his comrades with a look of -inexpressible ferocity, "a chief!" - -"Good prize," Valentine said. "Thrust your knife into the scoundrel's -chest, and there's an end of him." - -Curumilla raised his knife, whose blade sent forth a bluish flash. - -"A moment," Don Louis exclaimed. "Let us see first who he is; we shall -still be able to kill him if we think fit." - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"Let the chief settle that business," he said; "he understands it -better than we do. When you have one of those vipers under your heel you -must crush him, lest he may sting you presently." - -"No," the count remarked resolutely, "I will never consent to see a man -murdered before me. That poor wretch has acted in accordance with his -nature; let us act in accordance with ours, then. Curumilla, I implore -you, allow your prisoner to rise, but watch him, so that he cannot -escape." - -"You are wrong, brother," the implacable hunter replied; "you do not -know these demons so well as I do. Still act as you please; but you will -eventually see that you have committed a folly." - -The count made no reply, but only gave Curumilla another sign to do as -he ordered. The Araucanian obeyed with repugnance. Still he helped his -half-strangled prisoner to rise, and while carefully watching him, led -him to the fire, where the hunters had already preceded him. - -The count took a rapid glance at the Indian. He was a man of Herculean -stature, powerfully built, and still young, with haughty, gloomy, and -cruel features; in a word, though he was a handsome rather than an ugly -man in appearance, there was an expression of roguery, baseness, and -ferocity about him, which in no way pleaded in his favour. He wore a -species of hunting shirt, without sleeves, of striped calico, drawn in -round the waist by a large girdle of untanned deer hide; breeches of the -same stuff as the shirt hung down to his knees; and the lower part of -his legs was protected from stings by leather gaiters fastened to the -knee and ankle. He wore on his feet moccasins artistically worked, and -adorned behind by several wolf tails--a mark of distinction only allowed -to renowned warriors. His plaited hair was raised on either side his -head, while behind it fell to his waist, and was decorated with plumes -of every possible colour. Round his neck hung several medals, among -which was one rather larger than the rest, representing General Jackson, -ex-President of the American Union. His face was painted with four -different colours--blue, black, white, and red. - -So soon as he found himself in the presence of the hunters seated round -the fire, he crossed his arms on his chest, raised his head haughtily, -and waited stoically till they thought proper to address him. - -"Who are you?" Don Louis asked him in Spanish. - -"Mixcoatzin (the Serpent of the Cloud)." - -"Hum!" Valentine muttered to himself, "the scoundrel is well named. I -never saw such a hangdog face as his before." - -"What did Mixcoatzin want in my camp?" - -"Does not the _Yori_ know?" the Indian said imperturbably. "Mixcoatzin -is a chief among the Yaquis." - -"You wished to steal my cattle, I suppose?" - -"The Yaquis are not robbers; all that is on their land belongs to them. -The palefaces need only return to their home on the other side of the -great salt lake." - -"If I condemn you to death what will you say?" - -"Nothing; it is the law of war. The paleface will see how a Yaqui chief -endures pain." - -"You allow, then, that you deserve death?" - -"No; the paleface is the stronger--he is the master." - -"If I let you go what will you think?" - -The Indian shrugged his shoulders. - -"The paleface is not a fool," he said. - -"But suppose I do act in that way?" - -"I shall say that the paleface is afraid." - -"Afraid of what?" - -"Of the vengeance of the warriors of my nation." - -It was Don Louis' turn to shrug his shoulders. - -"Then," he proceeded, "if I restored you your liberty you would feel no -gratitude?" - -"Why should I be grateful? A warrior should kill his enemy when he holds -him. If he does not do so he is a coward." - -The hunters could not refrain from a start of surprise at the -enunciation of this singular theory. Don Louis rose. - -"Listen," he said. "I do not fear you, and I will give you a proof of -it." - -And, with a movement quick as thought, he seized the long tail that hung -down the chiefs back, and cut it off with his knife. - -"Now," he added, buffeting him with the tress he had cut off, "be off, -villain: you are free. I despise you too much to inflict on you any -other punishment than that you have undergone. Return to your tribe, -and tell your friends how the whites avenge themselves on enemies so -contemptible as yourself, and those that resemble you." - -At the deadly insult he received the Indian's face became hideous; he -suffered a momentary stupor caused by shame and anger; but by a -supernatural effort he suddenly overcame his feelings, seized Don Louis' -arm, and thrusting his face into the Frenchman's,-- - -"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," he hissed. "Let the Yori remember his -name, for he will meet him again." - -And, bounding like a tiger, he dashed into the plain, where he at once -disappeared. - -"Stop!" Don Louis shouted to his friends, who were rushing in pursuit; -"Let him escape. What do I care for such a wretch's hatred? He can do -nothing to me." - -The hunters reluctantly took their seats again by the fire. - -"Hum!" Louis added, "I have perhaps committed a folly." - -Valentine looked at him. - -"Worse than a folly, brother," he said; "a sad mistake. Take care of -that man: one day or other he will revenge himself on you." - -"Possibly," the count said carelessly; "but when did you begin to fear -the Indians so greatly, brother?" - -"From the day I first learned to know them," the hunter said coldly. -"You have offered that man an insult which demands blood; be assured -that he will make you repent of it." - -"I care little." - -After these few words the hunters resumed their interrupted sleep, and -the rest of the night passed without any fresh incident. - -At sunrise the adventurers continued their journey; and by night, after -a day of incredible fatigue through the burning sands of the savannah, -they at length reached the _pueblo_ or _lugar_ of San Jose, where the -inhabitants received them with shouts of joy, persuaded as they were -that the strangers would not leave without supplying them with a few of -those objects of primary necessity which they have themselves no means -of procuring. - -San Jose is the last caravan halt before reaching San Francisco. The -travellers had made a journey of more than one hundred and eighty -leagues in less than three weeks, through difficulties and dangers -without end--a speed hitherto unexampled. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -EXPLANATIONS. - - -The hunters placed their animals in a vast corral; then they sought a -shelter for themselves in a meson, the landlord of which, a perfect -likeness of the worthy Knight of La Mancha, received them to the best of -his ability. After the rough journey they had made, it was a great -delight to the adventurers to rest their heads once again beneath a -roof, and be, for a few hours at least, lodged in a manner almost -civilised. - -Don Louis and Valentine occupied the same cuarto, while Curumilla and -Don Cornelio selected that exactly facing theirs. So soon as these -provisional arrangements were made, and supper enjoyed in common, all -retired to rest. - -Before lying down on the _cuadro_, covered with an oxhide, intended for -his bed, Don Louis walked up to Valentine, who, lying back in a _butaca_ -(easy chair), was smoking a cigarette, and idly watching the blue smoke -ascend in spirals. - -"What are you thinking about?" he asked him, as he leant familiarly on -the back of the butaca. - -"About you," Valentine replied, turning to him with a smile. - -"About me?" - -"Yes. What other anxiety can I have at present, save to see you happy?" - -The count looked down on the ground and sighed. - -"It is impossible," he said. - -Valentine looked at him. - -"Impossible!" he repeated. "Oh, oh! Have we reached that point? Come, -let us have an explanation, once for all." - -"You are right; the hour has arrived: let us have a hearty explanation." - -The count drew up a butaca, sat down opposite Valentine, took a cigar -from the case his foster brother handed him, and lit it. The hunter -followed all his movements attentively. When he saw him comfortably -installed, he said,-- - -"Speak." - -"Alas! My life has nothing very interesting in it; it has resembled that -of all adventurers. At one time rich, at another poor, I have wandered -about, traversing Mexico in every direction, dragging after me the -memory of my lost happiness, like the galley slaves cannon ball. For a -moment I imagined that a future might still exist for me, and that I -might at least regain my rank in the world, if I did not secure again a -position like that I had lost I started for San Francisco, that weird -Eldorado, whose marvels the hundred-mouthed rumour was narrating. There -I found myself mixed up with a crowd of greedy and unbridled -adventurers, whose life was one continued orgy, and whose sole passion -was gold. I saw there, within a few months, the most prodigious -metamorphoses. I saw the most scandalous fortunes spring up and collapse -again, and plunging resolutely into this gulf, I demanded from chance my -share of feverish joys and intoxicating emotions; but I lacked faith, -and nothing succeeded with me. I tried every profession, ever pursued by -that implacable fatality which was determined to crush me. I had great -difficulty in saving myself from a death by hunger. In turn hunter, -porter, Heaven knows what, my efforts availed nothing in that Babel, -where the condemned of civilisation jostled each other, who, all marked -with the indelible seal of Dante's reprobates, piled ruin on ruin to -form themselves a pedestal of ingots, which was immediately overthrown -by another. Disgusted with this mingled life of blood, filth, rags, and -gold, I set off, resolved to become a drover. A noble profession, is it -not, for a Count de Prebois, whose ancestors made three crusades?" he -added, with a bitter laugh. "But I knew generals ostlers, marquises -waiters; hence I, who had never been anything, could, without any great -degradation, become a trader in cattle. And then I had another object in -the choice of my profession. Ever since my arrival in North America I -have been looking for you: I hoped to find you again some day. For the -first time fortune has smiled on me, you see, as I have succeeded in -meeting with you. That is all I had to say to you. Now you know as much -about my life as I do; so ask me no more." - -After these words, uttered in a sharp voice, the count threw himself -back on his butaca, relit his cigar, crossed his arms on his chest, and -seemed determined not to add a word. Valentine looked at him for a long -time with the most concentrated attention, at times tossing his head, -and frowning with evident dissatisfaction. At length he resolved to -renew the conversation. - -"Hum!" he said, "I now know your whole life, I grant it. There is -nothing very extraordinary about it in a country like that where we are. -It in no way departs from the common law. You would do very wrong to -complain." - -"I do not complain," the count exclaimed quickly; "I merely assert a -fact." - -"Of course," Valentine said; "and yet, in all you have told me, one -point remains obscure to me." - -"Which?" - -"You told me all you wished to do--that is well; but leaving out of the -question the fraternal friendship that attaches us, and which, however -powerful it may be, cannot to my mind account for your settled -determination to find me again, you have not told me for what purpose -you sought me so obstinately." - -The count sprang up, and his eye flashed. - -"Have you not guessed it, Valentine?" - -"No!" - -The count let his head fall, and for a few moments the conversation was -again interrupted. - -"You are right, Valentine: better finish at once, and never return to -the subject again; besides, you know as well as I what I wish to say," -the count replied, with the accent of a man whose mind is made up. - -"Perhaps so," the hunter said laconically. - -"Come, come, I am not an ass; and on the morning of that day when you -asked a shelter at my bivouac, you understood me at the first word I let -fall." - -"It is possible," Valentine said imperturbably; "still, as I have no -pretence to the art of divination, be good enough to explain yourself -clearly and categorically." - -"You insist on it?" - -The hunter bowed his assent. - -"Well, be it so," the count went on; "you are still the same man you -were fifteen years ago." - -"Are we not referring to that very period now?" Valentine said with a -smile. - -"Ah!" the count exclaimed, striking the arm of his butaca, "you see that -you understood me." - -"Did I say the contrary?" - -"Why, then, do you demand----?" - -"Because it must be so," the hunter said dryly. - -"Be at rest, for I will repeat your own words." - -"I am listening." - -"You remember, I suppose, a cold winter night, in the bedroom of my -house at Paris?" - -"December 31st, 1834, at eleven in the evening," Valentine remarked. - -"Yes; the rain lashed the window panes, the wind whistled in the long -passages. I was awaiting your coming. You arrived. Then, as now, I was -face to face with ruin. I wished to die: you prevented me." - -"It is true. Did I do wrong?" - -"Perhaps," the count said in a hollow voice; "but these are the words -you made use of." - -"Allow me to repeat them myself; for, in spite of the fifteen years that -have elapsed, Louis, that scene is as present to my mind as if it took -place yesterday. After proving to you that you did wrong to despair," -Valentine said in a solemn voice, "that all was not lost, I replied to a -final objection you raised, 'Be easy, Louis, be easy. If I have not -fulfilled my promise in two years, I will hand you the pistols myself, -and then--' 'Then?' you asked. 'Then,' I added, 'you shall not kill -yourself alone.' 'I accept,' you answered. Those were the words that -passed between us on that night, which decided your future and made a -man of you. Is it not so? Have I forgotten the slightest detail? -Answer." - -"No, you have forgotten nothing, Valentine." - -"Well?" - -"Well, now that I have faithfully fulfilled the promise I made you, I -come to claim of you the complete execution of our compact." - -"I do not comprehend you." - -"What! You do not comprehend me?" the count said, bounding from his -butaca. - -"No," Valentine answered coldly. "Did I not keep my promise? Ah, Louis, -since you insist on it, by heavens!" he added, growing animated in his -turn, "let us reckon up accounts. I ask nothing better. What do you mean -by talking to me of fulfilling an agreement? Have I not fulfilled my -engagements? Did I not find for you that woman you despaired of ever -seeing again? Did you not marry her? Did you not enjoy with her ten -years of perfect happiness? By what right do you complain of the -fatality that pursues you? By what right do you curse your destiny, -ungrateful man! Whose happiness lasted ten years--ten ages in this -earth? Look around you. Show me a man who, throughout his whole life, -can reckon one year of that happiness you rail at, and then I will pity -you, will weep with you, and, if it must be, help you to die. Oh! All -men are the same--weak in the presence of joy as in grief, forgetting, -in a few hours of adversity, years of happiness. And so, after fifteen -years, you have returned to the same point. Insensate! Do you know, you -who speak in that way, what it is to pass a whole existence of suffering -and horrible agony: to feel hour by hour, minute by minute, your heart -lacerated, and that without hope, and yet smile and seem gay--in a word, -live? Have you for a single day endured that atrocious suffering, you -who speak so deliberately about dying?" - -Gradually, while speaking, Valentine had grown animated, his features -were contracted, and his eyes flashed flames. Louis gazed on his friend -without comprehending him, but startled at the state of exaltation in -which he saw him. - -"Valentine," he exclaimed, "Valentine, in heaven's name, calm yourself!" - -"Ah!" the hunter continued, with a ghastly laugh, "you suffer, you -say--you are unhappy; and yet listen. That woman you loved, whom I found -for you again, whom I enabled you to marry--well, it was not love I felt -for her, but idolatry. To be able to tell her so I would joyfully have -parted with my blood drop by drop; and yet I, to whom you have just told -your grief, I placed you in each other's arms. I smiled--do you -understand me?--smiled on your love, and without a murmur, a word, to -reveal that passion which gnawed my heart, I fled into the desert, alone -with my love. Face to face with it I suffered for fifteen years. Oh, my -God, my God! The wound is as painful now as on the first day. Tell me, -Louis, now that you know all--for we are frank with each other--what are -your sufferings compared with mine? By what right would you die?" - -"Oh, pardon me, pardon me, Valentine!" Louis exclaimed, as he rushed -into his arms. "Oh! You are right; I am very ungrateful to you." - -"No," Valentine answered sadly, as he returned his embrace; "no, Louis, -you are a man; you have followed the common law. I cannot and ought not -to be angry with you. Pardon me, on the contrary, for allowing myself to -be carried away so far as to reveal to you the secret which I had sworn -to bury eternally in my heart. Alas! We have all our cross to bear in -this world, and mine has been rude. God doubtlessly decreed it so, -because I am strong," he added, with an attempt at a smile. "But, to -return to yourself, it is true that youth has fled far from us, with its -gay perspective and smiling illusions; life has no longer anything to -offer us, save the painful trials of a ripe age. I am as wearied of -existence as yourself; it weighs equally on me as on you. You see, my -friend, I am fully of your opinion. I will not only not prevent you from -dying, but I wish to accomplish my promise fully by accompanying you -into the tomb." - -"You, Valentine! O no! It is impossible." - -"Why so? Is not our position the same? Have we not both suffered -equally? An implacable creditor, you have asked me to honour my -signature. Very good; but on one condition." - -Louis was too well acquainted with his foster brother's firm and -resolute character to try and combat his will. - -"What is it?" he asked simply. - -"I shall choose the mode of death." - -"Be it so." - -"Oh, pardon me, Louis! I shall not propose an ordinary suicide, so I -must have your word of honour before I explain myself more fully." - -"I give it you." - -"Good! There are two difficult things for a man to do in this -world--arranging his life, and arranging his death. The man who kills -himself coldly by blowing out his brains in his room, after writing to -his friends to announce his suicide, is either a coward or a madman. -That is not the sort of suicide I wish; it means nothing, it proves -nothing, and is of no service. But there is a manner of suicide which I -have ever dreamed of, because it is noble and great: it is that of the -man who, unable or unwilling to do more with a life he despises, -sacrifices it for his fellow men, with no other object than that of -being useful to them, and falls after accomplishing his task." - -"I believe I understand you, Valentine." - -"Perhaps so; but let me finish. We are in the country best prepared for -such a design. Already several attempts--all unsuccessful, however--have -been made, especially by the Count de Lhorailles in his colony of -Guetzalli. Sonora, which is the richest country in the world, is in the -last throes, under the brutalising and unintelligent system of the -Mexican government. Well, let us restore life to this country; let us -galvanise it, summon to our aid the French emigrants in California, and -come here to give liberty to a people whose energetic character will -comprehend us. What do we risk in the event of non-success? Death! Why, -that is exactly what we desire. At any rate, when we have fallen, we -shall sleep in a shroud of glory as martyrs, bearing with us the regrets -and sympathies of all. Instead of killing ourselves like cowards, we -shall have died in the breach like heroes. Is not that martyrdom the -noblest, the most sublime of all? - -"Yes, Valentine, you are right--always right Oh, men like ourselves can -only die in that fashion!" - -"Good!" Valentine exclaimed; "you have understood me." - -"Not only have I understood you, brother, but I guessed your meaning -before." - -"How so?" - -"When I met the Count de Lhorailles for the last time in the desert, I -was returning with Belhumeur and an Indian chief from visiting a placer -of incalculable value which that Indian had discovered, and the -ownership of which he gave to Belhumeur, who, in his turn, handed it -over to me. On my return, I proceeded to Mexico, where I entered into -negotiations with several notable persons; among others, the French -_charge d'affaires_. You of course know how slow everything is to -succeed in this unhappy country. Still, owing to the rich samples I had -the precaution to bring with me, and, above all, the powerful protection -of certain persons, I succeeded in founding a company, of which I was -appointed chief, with the right of levying a French company, armed and -disciplined, in order to take possession of the placer, and work it on -behalf of the company." - -"What then?" - -"Well, I returned to San Francisco, and made a few arrangements; but I -needed two things--first, patience, and next, money to enlist my men and -purchase the necessary stores; and--shall I confess it to you?--what I -most needed was the desire to succeed. But you, Valentine, have caused -that desire to spring up in me; your presence has restored all my -energy, and though I know not how I shall remove all the obstacles that -oppose the execution of my plan, I shall do so, I swear it to you." - -"What were you doing in Sonora, then?" - -"I can hardly explain it to you. My speculation in cattle was more a -flight than anything else. I was disgusted with everything, and tried to -make an end of it, no matter how." - -"Now it is my turn. Tomorrow, at sunrise, you will start. You will -proceed at full speed to San Francisco. Your excursion in Sonora was -only an exploring tour. You will employ any pretext you like, in a word, -and set to work earnestly forming your company. During that time I will -sell your herd, and arrange so as to procure you the funds you require. -Trouble yourself about nothing, but push ahead boldly." - -"But how will you manage it? The sum I need is large." - -"That does not concern you: let me arrange matters in my way; At the -appointed hour I will furnish you with more than you want, so it is -settled. You will start at sunrise?" - -"I will do so; but when and where shall I see you again?" - -"Ah! That is true. On the twenty-fifth day from this, at sunset, I will -enter your room." - -"But I do not know myself yet where I shall lodge." - -"Do not let that trouble you; I shall find out." - -"So, then, at sunset of the twenty-fifth day?" - -"Yes, I will arrive with the treasure ships," Valentine replied with a -laugh. - -"Thanks, brother; you are my good genius. If my life has had a few -blemishes, you are preparing me a glorious death to expiate them." - -"Pity yourself, pray! I am going to make of you a Francisco Pizarro and -an Almagro." - -The two men shook hands affectionately, while exchanging a sorrowful -smile. After a few more unimportant remarks, they threw themselves on -their beds, where they soon fell asleep, overpowered as they were by -fatigue. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE CONSEQUENCES OP A LOVE SONG. - - -During the conversation between the foster brothers, certain events we -must describe to the reader occurred in the cuarto to which Curumilla -and Don Cornelio had retired. - -On entering the room, Curumilla, instead of lying down on the cuadro -intended for him, laid his zarape on the tiled flooring, stretched -himself out upon it, and immediately closed his eyes. Don Cornelio, on -the contrary, after hanging the lamp to a nail in the wall, trimmed up -the smoking wick with the point of his knife, sat down on the side of -the bed, with his legs hanging down, and then began in a sonorous voice -the romance of King Rodrigo. - -At this slightly unseasonable music Curumilla half opened one eye, -though without protesting in any other way against this unwonted -disturbance of his rest. Don Cornelio may or may not have noticed the -Indian's silent protest; but in either case he took no heed of it, but -went on singing, raising his voice to the highest compass of which it -was capable. - -"Wah!" the chief said, raising his bead. - -"I was certain," Don Cornelio remarked with a friendly smile, "that the -music would please you." - -And he redoubled his flourishes. - -The Araucanian rose, went up to the singer, and touched him gently on -the shoulder. - -"We must sleep," he said in his guttural voice, and with an ill-tempered -grimace. - -"Bah, chief! Music makes a man forget sleep. Just listen. - - "'Oh, si yo naciera ciego! - Oh, tu sin beldad nacieras! - Maldito sea el punto--'"[1] - -The Indian seemed to listen with sustained attention, his body bent well -forward, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the singer. Don Cornelio -felicitated himself internally on the effect he fancied he had produced -on this primitive native, when suddenly Curumilla, seizing him by the -hips, squeezed him in his nervous hands at in iron pincers, and lifting -him with as much ease as if he had been but a child, carried him, spite -of his resistance, into the patio, and seated him on the side of the -wall. - -"Wah!" he said, "music is good here." - -And, without adding another word, he turned his back on the Spaniard, -walked into his cuarto, laid himself on his zarape, and went to sleep -immediately. - -At first Don Cornelio was quite confounded by this sudden attack, and -knew not if he ought to laugh or feel vexed at the simple way in which -his companion had got rid of his company; but Don Cornelio was a -philosopher, gifted with an admirable character. What had happened to -him seemed so droll that he burst into an Homeric laugh, which lasted -several minutes. - -"No matter," he said, when he had at length regained his seriousness, -"the adventure is curious, and I shall laugh at it for many a long day. -After all, the fellow was not entirely in the wrong. I am famously -situated here to sing and play my jarana as long as I think proper; at -any rate I shall run no risk of disturbing the sleepers, as I am quite -alone." - -And after this consolation, which he administered to himself to satisfy -his somewhat offended pride, he prepared to continue his serenade. - -The night was clear and serene; the sky was studded with a profusion of -stars, in the midst of which sparkled the dazzling southern cross; a -slight breeze, laden with the perfumes of the desert, gently refreshed -the air; the deepest silence brooded over San Jose; for, in the retired -Mexican pueblos, everybody returns home at an early hour. Everybody -appeared asleep, too, in the meson, although at a few windows the weak -and dying light of the candles gleamed behind the cotton curtains. - -Thus Don Cornelio, unconsciously yielding to the influences of this -magnificent evening, omitted the first four verses of the romancero, and -after a skilful prelude, struck up the sublime description of night:-- - - "A l'escaso resplendor, - De cualque luciente estrella, - Que en el medroso silencio, - Tristamente centellea."[2] - -And he continued thus with eyes uplifted to heaven, and brow glowing -with enthusiasm to the end of the romance; that is to say, until he had -sung the ninety-six verses of which this touching piece of poetry is -composed. - -The Mexicans, children of the Andalusians, the musicians and dancers -_par excellence_, have not degenerated in this respect from their -forefathers; on the contrary, they have, if that be possible, -exaggerated these two passions, to which they sacrifice everything. - -When Don Cornelio began singing, the patio, as we have, already -remarked, was completely deserted; but gradually, as the musician became -more animated, doors opened in every corner of the yard, men and women -appeared, advanced gently to the singer, and formed a circle round him; -so that after the final strophe he found himself surrounded by a group -of enthusiastic hearers, who applauded him frenziedly. - -Don Cornelio rose from the wall on which he was seated, lifted his hat, -and saluted his audience gracefully. - -"Come," he said to himself, "this will be something for that Indian, who -appreciates music so slightly, to reflect upon." - -"_Capa de Dios!_" an arriero said, "that is what I call singing." - -"Poor Senor Don Rodrigo, how he must have suffered!" a young criada -exclaimed in short petticoats, and with a flashing eye. - -"And that perfidious _picaro_ of a Count Julian, who introduced the -Moors into a Catholic country!" the landlord said with an angry gesture. - -"God be praised!" the audience said in chorus; "Let us hope that he is -roasting in the lowest pit." - -Don Cornelio was at the pinnacle of jubilation. Never before had he -obtained such a success. All his hearers thanked him for the pleasure he -had caused them, with those noisy demonstrations and cries of joy which -distinguish southern races. The Spaniard did not know whom to listen to, -or on which side to turn. The shouts assumed such a character of -enthusiasm, that the singer began to fear that he would be unable to get -rid of his frenzied audience the whole long night. - -Fortunately for him, at the moment when, half willingly, half perforce, -he was preparing, on the general request, to recommence his romance, -there was a movement in the crowd; it parted to the right and left, and -left a passage for a tall and pretty girl, who, with a well-turned leg -confined in silk stockings with gold clocks, her _rebozo_ coquettishly -drawn over her head, and her hair buried beneath a profusion of jasmine -flowers, placed herself resolutely before the singer, and said with a -graceful smile, which allowed her double row of pearly teeth to be -seen,-- - -"Are you not, caballero, a noble hidalgo of Spain, of the name of Don -Cornelio?" - -We must do Don Cornelio the justice to allow that he was so dazzled by -this delicious apparition that he remained for some seconds with gaping -mouth, unable to find a word. - -The girl stamped her foot impatiently. - -"Have you been suddenly turned into stone?" she asked, with a slightly -mocking accent. - -"Heaven forbid, senorita!" he at length stammered. - -"Then be good enough to answer the question I asked you." - -"Nothing easier, senorita. I am indeed Don Cornelio Mendoza de -Arrizabal, and have the honour to be a Spanish gentleman." - -"That is what I call plain speaking," she said, with a slight pout. "If -it be so, caballero, I must ask you to follow me." - -"To the end of the world," the young man exclaimed impetuously. "I -should never travel in pleasanter company." - -"I thank you for the compliment, caballero, but I do not intend to take -you so far. I only wish to conduct you to my mistress, who desires to -see you and speak with you for an instant." - -"_Rayo del cielo!_ If the mistress be only as pretty as the maid, I -shall not regret the trip if it last a week." - -The girl smiled again. - -"My mistress is staying in this inn, only a few steps off." - -"All the worse, all the worse! I should have preferred a journey of -several leagues before meeting her." - -"A truce to gallantry. Are you willing to follow me?" - -"At once, senorita." - -And throwing his jarana on his back, and bowing for the last time to the -audience, who opened a passage for him respectfully,-- - -"I am at your orders," he said. - -"Come, then." - -The girl turned away and hurried off rapidly, the Spaniard following -close at her heels. - -Don Cornelio, like all the adventurers whom a hazardous life in Europe -had cast on the American shores, nourished in his heart a secret hope -of re-establishing, by a rich marriage, his fortunes, which were more -than compromised. Several instances, though rare, we allow, of marriages -contracted in this romantic fashion, had imbedded this idea deeply in -the Spaniard's somewhat windy brain. - -He was young, noble, handsome--at least he thought so; hence he -possessed all needed for success. It is true that, until this moment, -fortune had never deigned to smile on him; no young girl seemed to care -for his assassinating glances, or respond to his interested advances. -But this ill success had in no way rebuffed him, and what happened at -this moment seemed to justify his schemes, by offering him, at the -moment he least expected it, that occasion he had so long awaited. - -Only one thing saddened his brow, and clouded the internal joy he -experienced, and that was the seedy condition of his attire, sadly -ill-treated by the brambles, and torn by the sharp points of the rocks, -during his long journey in Sonora. But with that characteristic fatuity -innate in the Spaniards, he consoled himself by the reflection that his -personal advantages would amply compensate for the seedy condition of -his dress, and that the lady who had sent for him, if she felt any -tender interest in him, would attach but slight value to a new cloak or -a faded cloak. It was with these conquering feelings that Don Cornelio -arrived behind the _camarista_ at the door of a cuarto, before which she -stopped. - -"It is here," she said, turning round to him. - -"Very good," he said, drawing himself up. "We will enter whenever you -please." - -She smiled cunningly with a twinkle of her black eyes, and turned the -key in the lock. The door opened. - -"Senorita," the waiting-maid said, "I have brought you the gentleman." - -"Let him come in, Violanta," a sweet voice answered. - -The girl stepped aside to make room for Don Cornelio, who walked in, -twisting his moustache with a conquering air. - -The room in which he found himself was small, and rather better -furnished than the other cuartos in the hostelry, probably owing to the -indispensable articles the temporary occupier of the room had the -precaution to bring with her. Several pink candles burned in silver -chandeliers, and on a sofa lay a lovely young girl of sixteen to -seventeen years of age, buried in muslin, like a hummingbird in a nest -of roses, who bent on the Spanish gentleman two large black eyes -sparkling with humour, maliciousness, and curiosity. - -In spite of the immense dose of self-love with which he was cuirassed, -and the intimate conviction he had of his own merits, Don Cornelio -stopped in considerable embarrassment on the threshold, and bowed -profoundly, without daring to advance into the interior of this cuarto, -which appeared to him a sanctuary. - -By a charming sign the young woman invited him to draw nearer, and -pointed out a butaca, about two paces from the sofa on which she was -reclining. The young man hesitated; but the camarista, laughing like a -madcap, pushed him by the shoulders and compelled him to sit down. - -Still the position of our two actors, opposite each other, was rather -singular. Don Cornelio, a prey to the most powerful embarrassment he -ever experienced, twisted the brim of his beaver in his hands, as he -cast investigating glances cautiously around; while the girl, no less -confused, timidly looked down, and seemed at present almost to regret -the inconsiderate step she had let herself be led to take. - -Still, as in all difficult circumstances of life, women possess a will -of initiative greater than that of men, because they make a strength of -their weakness, and know at once how to approach the most awkward -questions, it was the lady who first regained her coolness and commenced -the conversation. - -"Do you recognise me, Don Cornelio?" she asked him in a deliberate tone, -which made the Spaniard quiver. - -"Alas, senorita!" he replied, trying to gain time, "where could I have -had the happiness of ever seeing you? I have only lived up to the -present in an _inferno_." - -"Let us speak seriously," she said with an almost imperceptible frown. -"Look me well in the face, caballero, and answer me frankly: do you -recognise me--yes or no?" - -Don Cornelio timidly raised his eyes, obeyed the order he had received -in so peremptory a fashion, and after a few seconds,-- - -"No, senorita," he said with a suppressed sigh, "I do not recognise you; -I do not believe that I ever had the happiness of meeting you before -today." - -"You are mistaken," she replied. - -"I! O no! It is impossible." - -"Do not swear, Don Cornelio; I will prove to you the truth of what I -assert." - -The young man shook his head incredulously. - -"When a man has had once the happiness of seeing you--" he murmured. - -She interrupted him sharply. - -"You do not know what you say, and your gallantry is misplaced. Before -contradicting me you would do better by listening to what I have to say -to you." - -Don Cornelio protested. - -"I repeat," she said distinctly, "that you are mad. For two days you -travelled in the company of my father and myself." - -"I!" - -"Yes, you." - -"Oh!" - -"It is just three years ago. At that period I was only a child, scarce -fourteen: there is, consequently, nothing extraordinary in your having -forgotten me. At that period you sang your inevitable romance of Don -Rodrigo, of which I will say no harm, however," she added, with an -enchanting smile, "because I recognised you by that song. My father, now -governor and political chief of Sonora, was at that time only a -colonel." - -The Spaniard struck his forehead. - -"I remember," he exclaimed. "You were going from Guadalajara to Tepic, -when I had the pleasure of meeting you in the middle of the night." - -"Yes." - -"That is it. Let me see, your father's name is Don Sebastian Guerrero, -and yours--" - -"Well, and mine?" she said, with a pretty challenging pout. - -"Yours, senorita," he said gallantly, "is Dona Angela. What other name -could you bear?" - -"Come," she said, clapping her dainty hands together with a ringing -laugh, "I am glad to see that you have a better memory than I believed." - -"Oh!" he muttered reproachfully. - -"We had a rather disagreeable adventure, if I remember right, with -certain bandits?" she continued. - -"Extremely disagreeable, for I was half killed." - -"That is true; I remember something of the sort. Were you not rescued by -a hunter, a wood ranger? I can hardly remember." - -"A noble gentleman, senorita," Don Cornelio replied with fire, "to whom -I owe my life." - -"Ah!" she said carelessly, "that is possible. The man helped you, nursed -you, and then you parted?" - -"Not exactly." - -"What!" she said, with some agitation, "you continued to live together?" - -"Yes." - -"Always?" - -"Yes." - -"But now?" she said, with a certain hesitation in her voice. - -"I repeat to you, senorita, that we have not separated." - -"Indeed! Is he here?" - -"Yes." - -"In this hostelry?" - -"On the other side of the yard." - -"Ah!" she murmured, letting her head fall on her breast. - -"What's the matter now?" the Spaniard asked himself. - -And not interrupting the sudden reverie into which the young lady had -fallen, he waited respectfully until it pleased her to renew the -conversation. - - -[1] Oh, if I had been born blind, or if you had been born ugly! Accursed -be the day and hour-- - -[2] By the feeble light of some clear star, which, in the midst of the -gloomy silence, mournfully twinkles. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -DELILAH. - - -The position of our two characters toward each other was somewhat -singular. Both appeared to be watching each other, and trying to -discover the flaw in the armour; but in this struggle of a man against a -woman, the latter must inevitably prove the conqueror. - -Don Cornelio had possibly a rather exaggerated opinion of himself. This -was what ruined him, and delivered him bound hand and foot over to his -dangerous adversary. - -Dona Angela, resting coquettishly on her elbow, with her chin on the -palm of her dainty hand, fixed on him two eyes sparkling with -maliciousness, so that the Spaniard, as it were, fascinated by the -brilliancy of this irresistible glance, had not even the will to turn -his head, and liberate himself from the deceptive charm that fascinated -him. - -"Violanta," the girl said, in a voice soft and pure as the song of the -_centzontle_, the American nightingale, "have you no refreshments to -offer this caballero?" - -"Oh, certainly," said the crafty camarista, with a look sufficient to -tempt St. Anthony; and she rose quickly to obey her mistress's -directions. - -Don Cornelio, flattered in his heart by this politeness, which he was -far from expecting, thought it necessary to break out in excuses; but -Dona Angela cut him short by herself saying,-- - -"You will forgive me, caballero, for receiving you so poorly, but I did -not expect to have the honour of your visit in this wretched pueblo." - -Naturally enough, Don Cornelio, infatuated with the advantages he -fancied he possessed, regarded this remark as a compliment. - -Angela maliciously bit her rosy lips, and continued, with a bow,-- - -"But now that I have been so fortunate as to meet again with an old -friend, for I hope you will permit me to give you that appellation----" - -"Oh, senorita!" the young man said with a movement of joy. - -"I flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of enjoying your -company more frequently." - -"Senorita, believe me that I shall be too happy." - -"I know your gallantry, Don Cornelio," she interrupted him with a smile. -"I am aware that you will seize every opportunity to offer me your -homage." - -"Heaven is my witness, senorita. Unfortunately, adverse fate will -possibly ordain differently." - -"Why so?" - -"You are only passing through this wretched town." - -"Yes. My father is proceeding to Tepic, where his new position as -governor of the province demands his residence." - -"That is true. You see, then, madam, that it is almost impossible for us -ever to meet again." - -"Do you think so?" she asked. - -"Alas! I am atrociously afraid of it." - -"Why so?" she said, bending her body forward in curiosity. - -"Because, according to every probability, tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall -take diametrically opposite routes, senorita." - -"Oh, that is not possible!" - -"Unfortunately it is too true." - -"Explain this enigma to me." - -"I would it were one; but a child can read it." - -"I do not at all understand you?" - -"I will explain myself more clearly." - -"Go on." - -"When you and your father, madam, start tomorrow for Tepic, my friends -and myself will set out for San Francisco." - -"San Francisco!" - -"Alas! Yes." - -"What need have you to go there?" - -"I! None." - -"Well, then?" - -Don Cornelio behaved like most men when in a state of embarrassment; -that is to say, he scratched his head. At length he said,-- - -"I cannot leave my friends." - -"What friends?" - -"Those in whose company I am." - -"Then they want to go to San Francisco?" - -"Yes." - -"What to do?" - -"Ah! That is it," the Spaniard replied, more and more embarrassed by the -obligation of confessing the trade in which he was engaged, and which he -fancied must lower him to an extraordinary degree in the eyes of the -young lady whose heart he fancied he had touched. - -"I am waiting," she said with a slight frown of her arched brows. - -Don Cornelio, driven into his last retrenchments, determined to make a -clean breast of it. - -"You must know," he said in a honeyed voice, "that my friends are -hunters." - -"Ah!" she remarked. - -"Yes." - -"Well, what then?" - -"Why, then, why, they hunt, I suppose," he continued, discountenanced by -the lady's singular tone. - -"That is probable," she said, with a little silvery laugh. "And what do -they hunt?" - -"Well, pretty nearly all sorts of animals." - -"Specify." - -"Wild bulls, for instance." - -"Very good; we will say, then, that they hunt wild bulls?" - -"Yes." - -"Why those animals more than others?" - -"I will tell you." - -"I shall feel delighted." - -Don Cornelio bowed. - -"You must know that at San Francisco--" - -"San Francisco again?" - -"Alas! Yes." - -"Very good: proceed." - -"Oxen, bullocks, and generally all animals that serve for food, are -extremely dear." - -"Ah!" - -"O dear, yes! You understand that people in that country pay great -attention to finding gold, and very little to seeking food." - -"Quite correct." - -"So my friend reasoned thus." - -"Which friend?" - -"The hunter, Don Louis." - -"Don Louis?" - -"Yes, the man who three years back, when the bandits attacked you, -arrived so opportunely, and whom I have never quitted since." - -Dona Angela experienced such a startling emotion that her face suddenly -turned pale. Don Cornelio, busied with his story, did not perceive the -effect the accidental mention of that name produced, but continued,-- - -"'Very good, then,' he said to himself. 'Bulls obtain fabulous prices in -California; in Mexico they may be had for almost nothing. Let us go and -buy or lasso them in Mexico.'" - -"So then?" - -"Well, we set out." - -"You were in California at that time?" - -"At San Francisco, with Don Louis." - -"And now?" - -"We have a magnificent herd of novillos, which we have driven a long -distance, and which we hope to dispose of at a large profit at San -Francisco." - -"I hope so." - -"Thank you, madam; the more so as we had an enormous difficulty in -procuring them." - -"But all that does not teach me why you cannot separate from your -friends." - -"At any rate not until we have sold the bullocks. You understand, -senorita, that acting otherwise would be ungentlemanly." - -"That is true; but why insist on selling your bulls nowhere save at San -Francisco?" - -"We do not at all insist on that." - -"Then, supposing you found a good price here, you would dispose of -them?" - -"I see nothing to prevent it." - -Dona Angela gave a start of joy, which Don Cornelio naturally -interpreted to his own advantage. - -"That might be arranged," she said. - -"You think so?" - -"Yes, if you are not too craving." - -"You need not apprehend that, senorita." - -"My father possesses a hacienda a few leagues from this town. I know -that he intends to re-form his _ganado_, and he stopped here today in -order to have an interview with his _mayordomo_." - -"Oh! That is a providential chance." - -"Is it not?" - -"It is really. Has the mayordomo arrived?" - -"Not yet: we do not expect him till tomorrow. I fancy that a day's delay -will do you no injury." - -"Not the slightest." - -"Well, then, if you consent, we will settle this affair while we are -together; that is to say," she added, "you will tell me the prices, that -I may inform my father." - -"Ah!" he said, with a certain hesitation, "I can, unfortunately, say -nothing on that head." - -"Why so? Are you not the owner of the herd?" - -"Pardon me." - -"Well, what then?" she interrupted, looking at him with fixed attention. - -"That is to say, I am not sole owner." - -"You have partners?" - -"Yes, I have one." - -"And that partner----?" - -"Stay, madam, I prefer being frank with you, and telling you clearly how -matters stand." - -"I am listening, caballero." - -"I am owner without being so." - -"I do not understand you at all." - -"It is very simple, however, as you will see." - -"I am all anxiety." - -"Just imagine that Don Louis, after curing me of my wounds, felt that -loyal and open friendship for me which has no counterpart in town life. -Not only would he not consent to my leaving him, but aware that, owing -to reverses too long to repeat to you, I was almost penniless, he -insisted on my becoming a sharer in all the enterprises he thought -proper to undertake; so that, without the outlay of a penny, I hold one -half the property. Hence, as you will see, I can do nothing until I have -first taken his instructions." - -"That is only just, it seems to me." - -"And to me too, madam; and that is the reason why, in spite of the -lively desire I entertain to settle the business with you at once, I -find it impossible to do so." - -Dona Angela seemed to reflect for a moment, then went on with a -palpitation of the heart and a tremor in her voice, which she could not -conceal, in spite of all her efforts:-- - -"After all, the matter is perfectly simple, and may be arranged very -easily." - -"I ask nothing better; still I confess, to my shame, that I do not see -what means I should employ." - -"It is a trifle, tomorrow, before the mayordomo's arrival, I will speak -with my father: he will, I doubt not, be delighted to render a service -to the man who saved our lives. You will tell your friend, he will come -to an arrangement with my father, and all will be settled." - -"Indeed, madam, I did not think of that. All can be arranged in that -way." - -"Unless your friend--Don Louis, I think you called him----?" - -"Yes, madam, Don Louis. He is a gentleman belonging to one of the -noblest and oldest families in France." - -"Ah! All the better. Unless, I say, he should not consent to deal with -my father." - -"And why should he not, senorita?" - -"Oh! I do not know; but on our first meeting, after saving my father's -life and mine, that caballero behaved so singularly toward us that I -fear----" - -"You are wrong, madam, to suppose that Don Louis could refuse an offer -so advantageous as that you make him; besides, I will talk with him, and -am certain to bring him over to my views." - -"O dear me!" she said negligently, "I have but a very slight interest in -all this. I should not like the proposal to cause you the slightest -annoyance with your partner. I am only looking after your interests in -the affair, Don Cornelio." - -"I am convinced of it, madam, and thank you humbly," he replied, with a -low bow. - -"I only know you. Your partner, though he rendered me a great service, -is but a stranger to me, especially after the peremptory manner in which -he declined my father's advances and offers of service." - -"You are perfectly right, senorita. Believe me that I attach full value -to the delicacy of your conduct." - -"Still," she continued, in an insinuating and slightly malicious voice, -"I confess to you that I should not be sorry to find myself once more -face to face with that strange man, were it only to convince myself that -the opinion I formed of him was wrong." - -"Don Louis, madam," the Spaniard answered complacently, "is a true -caballero, kind, noble, and generous, ever ready to help with purse or -sword those who claim his assistance. Since I have had the honour of -living in his society I have had many opportunities of appreciating the -greatness of his character." - -"I am happy to hear what you tell me, senor, for I confess that this -caballero left a very bad impression on me, doubtlessly through the -rough manner in which he parted from us." - -"That bad impression was unjust, madam. As for the roughness with which -you reproach him alas! It is only melancholy." - -"What!" she exclaimed quickly, while a rosy tinge suddenly invaded her -forehead, "melancholy, do you say? Is the gentleman unhappy?" - -"Who is not so?" Don Cornelio asked with a sigh. - -"Perhaps, though, you are mistaken." - -"Alas! No, madam. Don Louis has been the victim of frightful disasters: -judge for yourself. He had a wife he adored, who had presented him with -several charming children. One night the Indians surprised his hacienda, -fired it, massacred his wife, his children, his whole family, in a word, -and himself only escaped by a miracle." - -"Oh, that is horrible!" she exclaimed, as she buried her face in her -hands. "Poor man! Now I heartily pardon what appeared singularity in his -manners. Alas! The society of his fellow men must weigh upon him." - -"Yes, madam, it doubtlessly does so; for the grief he endures is of that -nature which cannot be consoled. And yet, when he knows of a misfortune -to alleviate, or any good deed to do, he forgets himself only to think -of those he wishes to aid." - -"Yes, you are right, caballero; that man has a noble heart." - -"Alas, madam! I should ever remain below the truth in what I might tell -you of him. You must live his life, be constantly by his side, in order -to understand and appreciate him at his full value." - -There were a few moments of silence. The night was drawing on; the -candles were beginning to dim; the camarista, who had but a very slight -interest in this conversation, had laid her head against the back of her -butaca; her eyes were closed, and she was enjoying that catlike sleep -peculiar to women and the feline race, and which does not prevent them -being constantly on the watch. - -"Tell me, Don Cornelio," Dona Angela continued with a smile, "have you -never spoken with Don Louis about our meeting during the long period -that has since elapsed?" - -"Never, madam." - -"Ah!" - -"Once, and only once, I remember that I tried to bring the conversation -round to that subject by some rather direct allusions." - -"Well?" - -"Don Louis, who, till then, had seemed to listen kindly to my -observations, suddenly requested me, in very distinct language, never to -return to that subject, remarking that he had only acted in accordance -with his duty; that he would do the same again; and that it was not -worth while talking about, the less so as chance would, in all -probability, never again bring him into contact with the persons to whom -he had been so fortunate as to render this slight service." - -The young lady frowned. - -"I thank you," she said in a slightly affected voice, "I thank you, Don -Cornelio, for the kindness with which you have treated the whims of a -woman you did not know." - -"Oh, madam!" he exclaimed in protest; "for a long time I have been your -most humble slave." - -"I know your gallantry, but will not abuse it longer. Be assured that I -shall keep our long conversation in pleasant memory. Be kind enough not -to forget the proposals I wish to make to Don Louis." - -"Tomorrow, madam, at the hour you think most suitable, my friend and -myself will have the honour to present ourselves to the general." - -"Do not derange yourselves, caballero; a criado will warn you when my -father is ready to receive you. Farewell!" - -"Farewell!" he replied, bowing respectfully to the young lady, who -dismissed him with a gracious smile. - -The Spaniard went out with joy in his heart. - -"Oh!" Dona Angela murmured, so soon as she was alone, "I love him!" - -Whom was she speaking of? - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A RETROSPECT. - - -Before carrying our story further we must give the reader certain -details about the family and antecedents of Don Sebastian Guerrero, who -is destined to play a great part in our narrative. - -The family of Don Sebastian was rich; he descended in a straight line -from one of the early kings of Mexico, and pure Aztec blood flowed in -his veins. Like several other great Mexican families, his ancestors had -not been dispossessed by the conquerors, to whom they rendered important -services; but they were obliged to add a Spanish name to the Mexican -one, which sounded harshly in Castilian ears. - -Still the Guerrero family boasted loudly of its Aztec origin, and if it -seemed ostensibly devoted to Spain, it secretly maintained the hope of -seeing Mexico one day regain her liberty. - -Thus, when the heroic Hidalgo, the humble curate of the little village -of Dolores, suddenly raised the standard of revolt against the -oppressors of his country, Don Eustaquio Guerrero, though married but a -short time previously to a woman he adored, and father of a son hardly -six years of age, was one of the first to respond to the appeal of the -insurgents, and join Hidalgo at the head of four hundred resolute men -raised on his own enormous estates. - -The Mexican revolution was a singular one; for nearly all the promoters -and heroes were priests--the only country in the world where the clergy -have openly taken the initiative in progress, and thus displayed -profound sympathy for the liberty of the people. - -Don Eustaquio Guerrero was in turn companion of those modest heroes whom -disdainful history has almost forgotten, and whose names were, Hidalgo, -Morelos, Hermenegildo Galeana, Allende, Abasolo, Aldama, Valerio -Trujano, Torres, Rayon, Sotomayor, Manuel Mier-y-Teran, and many others -whose names have escaped me; and who, after fighting gloriously for the -liberty of their country, now repose in their bloody tombs, protected by -that glorious nimbus which Heaven places round the brow of martyrs, -whatever be the cause they have defended, so long as that cause is just. - -More fortunate than the majority of his brave comrades in arms, who were -destined to fall one after the other, some as victims to Spanish -barbarity, others conquered by treachery, Don Eustaquio escaped as if by -a miracle from the innumerable dangers of this war, which lasted ten -years, and at length witnessed the complete expulsion of the Spaniards -and the proclamation of independence. - -The brave soldier, prematurely aged, covered with wounds, and disgusted -by the ingratitude of his fellow countrymen, who, scarce free, began -attacking each other, and inaugurated that fatal era of -_pronunciamientos,_ the list of which is already so long, and will only -be closed by the ruin of the country, and the loss of its nationality, -retired, gloomy and sad, to his Hacienda del Palmar, situated in the -province of Valladolid, and sought, in the company of his wife and son, -to recover some sparks of that happiness he had formerly enjoyed when he -was but an obscure citizen. - -But this supreme consolation was denied him; his wife died in his arms -scarce two years after their reunion, attacked by an unknown disease, -which dragged her to the grave in a few weeks. - -After the death of the woman he loved with all the strength of his soul, -Don Eustaquio, crushed by sorrow, only dragged on a wretched existence, -which terminated exactly one year after his wife's death. Her name was -the last word that wandered on his pallid lips as he drew his parting -breath. - -Don Sebastian, who was scarce twenty years of age, was left an orphan. -Alone, without relatives or friends, the young man shut himself up in -his hacienda, where he silently bewailed the two beings he had lost, -and on whom he had concentrated all his affections. - -Don Sebastian would probably have remained for many years in retirement, -without seeing the world, or caring how it went on--leading the -careless, idle, and brutalising life of those great land-holders whom no -idea of progress or amelioration impels to trouble themselves about -their estates, timid and fearful, like all men who live alone, spending -his days in hunting and sleeping--had not chance, or rather his lucky -star, brought to Palmar an old partisan chief who had long fought by the -side of Don Eustaquio, and who, happening to pass a few leagues from the -place, felt old reminiscences aroused in him, and determined to press -the hand of his old comrade, whose death he was not aware of. - -The name of this man was Don Isidro Vargas. He was of lofty stature, his -shoulders were wide, his limbs athletic, and his features imprinted with -an uncommon energy; in a word, he presented in his person the type of -that powerful and devoted race which is daily dying out in Mexico, and -of which, ere long, not a specimen will be left. - -The unexpected arrival of this guest, whose heavy spurs and long -steel-scabbarded sabre re-echoed noisily on the tiled floors of the -hacienda, brought life into the mansion which had been so long devoted -to silence and the gloomy tranquillity of the cloister. - -Like all old soldiers, Captain Don Isidro had a rough voice and sharp -way of speaking; his manners were brusque, but his character was gay, -and gifted with a rare equanimity of temper. - -When he entered the house Don Sebastian was out hunting, and the -hacienda seemed uninhabited. The captain at first found enormous -difficulty in meeting with anyone to address. At length, by careful -search, he detected a peon half asleep under a verandah, who gave some -sort of answer to the questions asked him. By great patience and -questions made with that craft peculiar to the Mexicans, the captain -succeeded in obtaining some valuable information. - -The death of Don Eustaquio only astonished the worthy _soldado_ -slightly; he expected it, indeed, from the moment he learnt the death of -the senora, for whom he knew his old comrade professed so deep a love; -but on learning the idle life Don Sebastian had led since his father's -death, the captain burst out in a furious passion, and swore by all the -saints in the Spanish calendar (and they are tolerably numerous), that -this state of things should not last much longer. - -The captain had known the young man when he was but a child. Many times -he had dandled him on his knee, and thus, with his ideas of honour and -generosity, he thought himself obliged, as an old friend of his father, -to remove the son from the slothful existence he led. - -Consequently the old soldier installed himself authoritatively in the -hacienda, and firmly awaited the return of the man he had been -accustomed to regard for a long time almost in the light of a son. - -The day passed peacefully. The Indian peons, long accustomed to profess -the greatest respect for embroidered hats and jingling sabres, left him -free to act as he pleased--a liberty the old soldier did not at all -abuse, for he contented himself with ordering an immense vase full of an -infusion of tamarinds, which he placed on a table, up to which he drew a -butaca, and amused himself with smoking an enormous quantity of husk -cigarettes, which he made as he wanted them, with that dexterity alone -possessed by the Spanish race. - -At about _oracion_ time, or six in the evening, the captain, who had -fallen quietly asleep, was aroused by a great noise, mingled with -shouts, barking, and the neighing of horses, which he heard outside. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, turning up his moustache, "I fancy the _muchacho_ has -at last arrived." - -It was, indeed, Don Sebastian returning from the chase. - -The old partisan, who was sitting opposite a window, was enabled to -examine his friend's son at his ease, without being perceived in his -turn. He could not repress a smile of satisfaction at the sight of the -vigorous young man, with his haughty features bearing the imprint of -boldness, wildness, and timidity, and his well-built limbs. - -"What a pity," he muttered to himself, "if such a fine fellow were to be -expended here without profit to himself or to others! It will not be my -fault if I do not succeed in rousing the boy from the state of lethargy -into which he is plunged. I owe that to the memory of his poor father." - -While making these reflections, as he heard the clanking of spurs in the -room before that in which he was, he fell back on his butaca, and put on -again his usual look of indifference. Don Sebastian entered. He had not -seen the captain for several years. The greeting he gave him, though -slightly awkward and embarrassed, was, however, affectionate. After the -first compliments they sat down face to face. - -"Well, muchacho," the captain said, suddenly plunging _in medias res_, -"you did not expect a visit from me, I fancy?" - -"I confess, captain, that I was far from supposing that you would come. -To what fortunate accident do I owe your presence in my house?" - -"I will tell you presently, muchacho. For the present we will talk about -other matters, if you have no objection." - -"At your ease, captain; I do not wish to displease you in any way." - -"We will see that presently, _cuerpo de Dios!_ And in the first place, -to speak frankly, I will tell you that I did not come to see you, but -your worthy father, my brave general. _Voto a brios!_ The news of his -death quite upset me, and I am not myself again yet." - -"I am very grateful, captain, for the kindly memory in which you hold my -father." - -"_Capa de Cristo!_" the captain said, who, among other habits more or -less excellent, possessed to an eminent degree that of seasoning each of -his phrases with an oath, at times somewhat unorthodox, "of course I -hold in kind memory the man by whose side I fought for ten years, and -to whom I owe it that I am what I am. Yes, I do remember him, and I hope -soon, _canarios!_ To prove it to his son." - -"I thank you, captain, though I do not perceive in what way you can give -me this proof." - -"Good, good!" he said, gnawing his moustache. "I know how to do it, and -that is enough. Everything will come at its right season." - -"As you please, my old friend. At any rate, you will be kind enough to -remember that you are at home here, and that the longer you stay the -greater pleasure you will afford me." - -"Good, muchacho! I expected that from you. I will avail myself of the -hospitality so gracefully offered, but will not abuse it." - -"An old comrade in arms of my father's cannot do that in his house, -captain, and you less than anyone else. But," he added, seeing a peon -enter, "here is a servant come to announce that the dinner is served. I -confess to you that, as I have been hunting all day, I am now dying of -hunger: if you will follow me we will sit down to the table and renew -our acquaintance glass in hand." - -"I ask nothing better, _rayo de Dios!_" the captain said as he rose. -"Though I have not been hunting, I think I shall do honour to the -repast." - -And without further talking they passed into a dining room, where a -sumptuously and abundantly-served table awaited them. - -According to a patriarchal custom, which, unfortunately, like all good -things, is beginning to die out, at Palmar the master and servants took -their meals together. This custom, which had existed in the family since -the conquest, Don Sebastian kept up--in the first place, through respect -for his father's memory, and secondly, because the servants at the -hacienda were devoted to their master, and to some extent supplied the -place of a family. - -The evening passed away, without any incident worthy of remark, in -chatting about war and the chase. Captain Don Isidro Vargas was an old -soldier, as cunning as a monk. Too clever to assail the young man's -ideas straightforwardly, he resolved to study him for some time, in -order to discover the weak points of his character, and see how he must -attack him in order to drag him out of that slothful and purposeless -life he led in this forgotten province. Thus several days were passed in -hunting and other amusements, and the captain never once alluded to the -subject he had at heart. At times he might make a covert allusion to the -active life of the capital, the opportunities of securing a fine -position which a man of Don Sebastian's age could not fail to find at -Mexico, if he would take the trouble to go there, and many other -insinuations of the same nature; but the young man let them pass without -making the slightest observation, or even appearing to understand them. - -"Patience!" the captain muttered. "I shall eventually find the flaw in -his cuirass; and if I do not succeed, I must be preciously clumsy." - -And he recommenced his covert attacks, not allowing the young man's -impassive indifference to rebuff him. - -Don Sebastian performed his duties as master of the house with -thoroughly Mexican grace, amenity, and sumptuousness; that is, he -invented every sort of amusement which he thought would be most suited -to the worthy captain's tastes. The latter let him do so with the utmost -coolness, and conscientiously enjoyed the pleasures the young man -procured him, charmed in his heart by the activity he displayed in -pleasing him, and more and more persuaded that, if he succeeded in -arousing in him the feelings which he supposed were slumbering in his -mind, it would be easy to convert him to his own ideas, and make him -abandon the absorbing life of a _campesino_. - -More than once, during the few days they spent in hunting in the -magnificent plains that surrounded the hacienda, accident enabled the -captain to admire the skill with which the young man managed his steed, -and his superiority in all those exercises which demand strength, -activity, and, above all, skill. - -On one occasion especially, at the moment the hunters galloped in -pursuit of a magnificent stag they had put up, they found themselves -suddenly face to face with a cougouar, which threatened to dispute their -progress. The cougouar is the American lion. It has no mane. Like all -the other carnivora of the New World it cares little about attacking a -man, and it is only when reduced to the last extremity that it turns -upon him; but then it fights with a courage and energy that frequently -render its approach extremely dangerous. - -On the occasion to which we allude the cougouar seemed resolved to await -its enemies boldly. The captain, but little accustomed to find himself -face to face with such enemies, experienced that internal tremor which -assails the bravest man when he finds himself exposed to a serious -danger. Still, as the old soldier was notoriously brave, he soon -recovered from this involuntary emotion, and cocked his gun, while -watching the crouching animal, which fixed its glaring eyes on him. - -"Do not fire, captain," Don Sebastian said with a perfectly calm voice; -"you are not used to this chase, and, without wishing it, might injure -the skin, which you see is magnificent, and that would be a pity." - -Don Sebastian thereupon let his gun fall, took a pistol from his -holster, and spurring his horse at the same time that he checked it, -made it rear. The animal rose, and stood almost on its hind legs; the -cougouar suddenly bounded forward with a terrible roar; the young man -dug his knees into his horse, which bounded on one side, while Don -Sebastian pulled the trigger. The monster rolled on the ground in -convulsive agony. - -"_Cuerpo de Cristo!_" the captain shouted; "why, you've killed it on the -spot! No matter, muchacho; you played for a heavy stake." - -"Bah!" the other said as he dismounted; "it is not so difficult as you -fancy; it only requires practice." - -"Hum! It must require practice to shoot such an animal on the wing. The -ball has entered its eye." - -"Yes, we generally shoot them there, so as not to spoil the skin." - -"Ah, very good! To tell you the truth, though, I, who am by no means a -bad shot, should not like to try the experiment." - -"You are calumniating yourself." - -"Very possibly." - -"Poor Pepe, my tigrero, will lose by that a reward of ten piastres--all -the worse for him. Shall we return to the hacienda, and send someone to -bring the brute in?" - -"With all my heart." - -They went back. - -"Hum!" the captain said to himself as they galloped on, "I must have a -definitive explanation with him this very evening." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS. - - -The Hispano-Americans usually drink nothing with their meals: it is only -when the _dulces_, or cakes and sweetmeats, have been eaten, and each -guest has swallowed the glass of water intended to facilitate digestion, -that the liquors are put on the table, and the Catalonian _refino_ -begins to circulate; then the _puros_ and _pajillos_ are lighted, and -the conversation, always rather stiff during the meal, becomes more -intimate and friendly, owing to the absence of the inferior guests, who -then retire, leaving the master of the house and his guests at perfect -liberty. - -The captain had judiciously chosen this moment to commence his attack. -Not that he hoped to have a better chance with the young man at the -termination of the meal--for the sobriety of the Southern Americans is -proverbial--but because at that moment Don Sebastian, being freed from -all cares, must more easily yield to the influence the captain fancied -he could exercise over him. - -The captain poured some refino into a large glass, which he filled with -water, lit a puro, leant his elbows on the table, and looked fixedly at -the young man. - -"Muchacho," he said to him abruptly, "does the life you lead in the -desert possess a great charm for you?" - -Surprised at this question, which he was far from expecting, Don -Sebastian hesitated ere he replied. - -"Yes," the captain said, emptying his glass, "do you amuse yourself -greatly here? Answer me frankly." - -"On my word, captain, as I never knew any other existence than that I am -leading at this moment, I cannot answer your question thoroughly: it is -certain that I feel myself hipped at times." - -The captain struck his tongue against his palate with evident -satisfaction. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, "I am glad to hear you speak so." - -"Why?" - -"Because I hope you will easily accept the proposition I am about to -make to you." - -"You!" - -"Who else, then, if not I?" - -"Speak!" the young man said with a careless air; "I am listening." - -The captain threw away his cigar, gave vent to two or three sonorous -_hums_, and at length said in a sharp voice,-- - -"Sebastian, my dear fellow! Do you think that, if your worthy father -could return to this world, he would be well pleased to see you thus -idly wasting the precious hours of your youth?" - -"I do not at all understand your meaning, captain." - -"That is possible. I never pretended to be a great orator, and today -less than at any other period of my long career. I will, however, try to -explain myself so clearly that, if you do not understand me, _caray!_ It -is because you will not." - -"Go on; I am listening." - -"Your father, muchacho, whose history you probably do not know, was at -once a brave soldier and a good officer. He was one of the founders of -our liberty, and his name is a symbol of loyalty and devotion to every -Mexican. For ten years your father fought the enemies of his country on -every battlefield, enduring, though rich and a gentleman, hunger and -thirst, heat and cold, gaily and without complaining; and yet, had he -wished it, he might have led a luxurious and thoroughly easy life. You -loved your father?" - -"Alas, captain! Can I ever be consoled for his loss?" - -"You will be consoled. You have many things to learn yet, and that among -others. Poor boy! There is nothing eternal in the world--neither joy, -nor sorrow, nor pleasure. But let us return to what I was saying. Were -your father permitted to quit the abode of the just, where he is -doubtlessly sojourning, and return for a few moments to earth, he would -speak to you as I am now doing; he would ask an account of the useless -indolence in which you spend your youth, thinking no more of your -country, which you can and ought to serve, than if you lived in the -heart of a desert. Did your father endure so many sacrifices in order to -create such an existence--tell me, muchacho?" - -The worthy captain, who had probably never preached so much in his life, -stopped, awaiting a reply to the question he had asked; but this reply -did not come. The young man, with his arms crossed on his chest, his -body thrown back, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the ground, seemed -plunged in deep thought. The captain continued after a lengthened -delay,-- - -"We," he said, "demolished; you young men must rebuild. No one at the -present day has the right to deprive the Republic of his services. Each -must, under penalty of being considered a bad citizen, carry his stone -to the social edifice, and you more than anyone else, muchacho--you, the -son of one of the most celebrated heroes of the War of Independence. -Your country calls you--it claims you: you can no longer remain deaf to -its voice. What are you doing here among your dogs and horses, wasting -ingloriously your courage, dissipating your energy without profit to -anyone, and growing daily more brutalised in a disgraceful solitude? -_Cuerpo de Cristo!_ I can understand that a man may love his father, and -even weep for him--for that is the duty of a good son, and your father -certainly deserves the sacred recollection you give him--but to make of -that grief a pretext to caress and satisfy your egotism, that is worse -than a bad action--it is cowardice!" - -At this word the young man's tawny eye flashed lightning. - -"Captain!" he shouted, as he struck the table with his clenched fist. - -"_Rayo de Dios!_" the old soldier continued boldly, "the word is spoken, -and I will not withdraw it: your father, if he hear me, must approve me. -Now, muchacho, I have emptied my heart; I have spoken frankly and -loyally, as it was my duty to do. I owed it to myself to fulfil this -painful duty. If you do not understand the feeling that dictated the -rough words I uttered, all the worse for you; it is because your heart -is dead to every generous impulse, and you are incapable of feeling how -much I must have loved you to find the courage to speak to you in that -way. Now do as you think proper; I shall not have to reproach myself for -having hidden the truth from you. It is late. Good night, muchacho. I -will go to bed, for I start early tomorrow. Reflect on what I have said -to you. The night is a good counsellor, if you will listen in good -faith to the voices that chatter round your pillow in the darkness." - -And the captain emptied his glass and rose. Don Sebastian imitated him, -took a step toward him, and laid his hand on his shoulder. - -"One moment," he said to him. - -"What do you want?" - -"Listen to me in your turn," the young man said in a gloomy voice. "You -have been harsh with me, captain. Those truths you have told me you -might perhaps have expressed in milder language, in consideration of my -age, and the solitude and isolation in which I have hitherto lived. -Still I am not angry at your rude frankness; on the contrary, I am -grateful to you for it, for I know that you love me, and the interest -you take in me alone urged you to be so severe. You say that you depart -tomorrow?" - -"Yes." - -"Where do you intend going?" - -"To Mexico." - -"Very good, captain; you will not go alone. I shall accompany you." - -The old soldier looked at the young man for a moment tenderly; then -pressing with feverish energy the hand held out to him,-- - -"It is well, muchacho," he said to him with great emotion. "I was not -mistaken in you; you are a brave lad, and, _caray!_ I am satisfied with -you." - -The two men left Palmar together the next morning, and rode toward -Mexico, which city they reached after a ten days' journey. But during -those ten days, spent _tete-a-tete_ with the captain, the young man's -ideas were completely modified, and a perfect change came over his -aspirations. - -General Guerrero's son belonged unconsciously to that numerous class of -men who are utterly ignorant of themselves, and pass their lives in -indolence until the moment when, an object being suddenly offered them, -their imagination is inflamed, their ambition is aroused, and they -become as eager in the chase as they had been previously negligent and -indifferent as to their future. - -Captain Don Isidro Vargas heartily praised the intelligence with which -the young man he emphatically called his pupil understood the lessons he -gave him as to his behaviour in the world. - -Don Sebastian experienced no difficulty--thanks to his name, and the -reputation his father so justly enjoyed--in obtaining his grade as -lieutenant in the army. This step was, for the young man, the first rung -of the ladder, which he prepared to climb as rapidly as possible. - -It was fine work at that day, in Mexico, for an intelligent man to fish -in troubled waters; and, unfortunately, we are obliged to confess that, -in spite of the long years that have passed since the proclamation of -its independence, nothing is as yet changed in that unhappy country, -where anarchy has been systematised. - -If ever a country could do without an army, it was Mexico after the -recognition of her liberty and the entire expulsion of the Spaniards, -owing to her isolation in the midst of peaceful nations, and the -security of her frontiers, which no enemy menaced. Unhappily, the war of -independence had lasted ten years. During that long period the peaceful -and gentle population of that country, held in guardianship by its -oppressors, had become transformed. A warlike ardour had seized on all -classes of society, and a species of martial fever had aroused in every -brain a love of arms. - -Hence that naturally came about which all sensible people expected; that -is to say, when the army had no longer enemies before it to combat, the -troops turned their arms against their fellow citizens, vexing and -tyrannising over them at their pleasure. - -The government, instead of disbanding this turbulent army, or at any -rate reducing it to a _minimum_ by only keeping up the depots of the -various corps, considered it far more advantageous to lean on it, and -organise a military oligarchy, which pressed heavily on the country. -This deplorable system has plunged this unhappy country into disastrous -complications, against which it struggles in vain, and has dug the abyss -in which its nationality will sooner or later be swallowed up. - -The army, then, after the war, assumed an influence which it has ever -since retained, and which increased in proportion as the men placed at -the head of the government more fully understood that it alone could -maintain them in power or overthrow them at its good pleasure. The army, -therefore, made revolutions that its leaders might become powerful. From -the lowest _alferez_ up to the general of division, all the officers -look to troubles for promotion--the alferez to become lieutenant, the -colonel to exchange his red scarf for the green one of the brigadier -general, and the general of division to become President of the -Republic. - -Hence pronunciamientos are continual; for every officer wearied of a -subaltern grade, and who aspires to a higher rank, pronounces himself; -that is to say, aided by a nucleus of malcontents like himself, which is -never wanting, he revolts by refusing obedience to the government, and -that the more easily because, whether conqueror or conquered, the rank -he has thus appropriated always remains his. - -The military career is, therefore, a perfect steeplechase. We know a -certain general, whose name we could write here in full if we wished, -who attained the presidency by stepping from pronunciamiento to -pronunciamiento without ever having smelt fire, or knowing the first -movement of platoon drill--an ignorance which is not at all -extraordinary in a country where one of our sergeant conductors would be -superior to the most renowned generals. - -Don Sebastian judged his position with the infallible eye of an -ambitious man; and suddenly attacked by a fever of immense activity, he -resolved to profit cleverly by the general anarchy to gain a position. -He clambered up the first steps at full speed and became a full colonel -with startling rapidity. On reaching that position he married, in order -to secure himself, and to give him that solidity he desired for the -great game he intended to play, and which, in his mind, only ended with -the presidential chair. - -Already very rich, his marriage increased his fortune, which he sought -to augment, however, by every possible scheme; for he was aware what the -cost of a successful pronunciamiento was, and he did not mean to suffer -a defeat. - -As if everything was destined to favour this man in all he undertook, -his wife, a dear and charming woman, whose love and devotion he never -comprehended, died after a short illness, and left him father of a girl -as charming and amiable as herself--that lovely Angela whom we have -already met several times in the course of our narrative. - -Don Sebastian could have married again if he liked; but by his first -marriage he had obtained what he wanted, and preferred to remain free. -At the period we have now reached he had attained general's rank, and -secured the appointment of political governor of the state of Sonora, -the first stepping-stone for his ambitious projects. - -Colossally rich, he was interested in all the great industrial -enterprises, and a shareholder in most of the mining operations. It was -for the object of watching these operations more closely, that he had -asked for the government of Sonora, a new country, almost unknown, where -he hoped to fish more easily in troubled waters, owing to its distance -from the capital, and the slight surveillance he had to fear from the -government, in which he had, moreover, all-powerful influences. - -In a word, General Guerrero was one of those gloomy personages who, -under a most fascinating exterior, the most affable manners, and most -seductive smiles, conceal the most perverse instincts, the coldest -ferocity, and the most rotten soul. - -Still this man had in his heart one feeling which, by its intensity, -expiated many faults. - -He loved his daughter. - -He loved her passionately, without calculation or afterthought; yet this -paternal love had something terrible about it: he loved his daughter as -the jaguar or the panther loves its cubs, with fury and jealousy. - -Dona Angela, though she had never tried to sound her father's -impenetrable heart, had still divined the uncontrolled power she -exercised over this haughty nature which crushed everything, but became -suddenly weak and almost timid in her presence. The charming maid -employed her power despotically, but ever with the intention of doing a -good deed, as, for instance, to commute the sentence of a prisoner or -succour the unfortunate; in a word, to render lighter the yoke of iron -under which the general, with his feline manners, crushed his -subordinates. - -Thus the girl was as much adored by all those who approached her as the -general was feared and hated. God had doubtlessly wished, in His -ineffable goodness, to place an angel by the side of a demon, so that -the wounds inflicted by the latter might be cured by the former. - -Now that we have described these two persons to the best of our ability, -whose characters will be more fully developed in the course of our -story, we will resume our narrative at the point where we interrupted -it. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE NEXT DAY. - - -The sky was just beginning to be tinted with shades of opal--a few stars -still shone feebly here and there in the gloomy depths of the sky. It -was about half past three in the morning. - -Within the _locanda_ men and animals were sleeping that calm sleep which -precedes sunrise. Not a sound, save at intervals the barking of a dog -baying at the moon, broke the silence that brooded over the pueblo of -San Jose. - -The door of the cuarto in which the foster brothers rested was -cautiously opened, a thin thread of light found its way through the -orifice, and Valentine and the count came out. Don Louis had no reason -for departing unseen; he had no motives for hiding himself. If he took -so many precautions, it was only through a fear of disturbing the sleep -of the other lodgers, who had not such good reasons as himself for -rising so early, and whom, consequently, it was unnecessary to arouse. - -On arriving in the patio Don Louis prepared his horse's trappings, while -Valentine led the animal from the corral, carefully rubbed it down, and -gave it water. When all was in order Valentine opened the gate, the two -men shook hands for the last time, and Don Louis entered the gloom of -the only street of the pueblo, where he soon disappeared, amid the -barking of the masterless dogs aroused by his passing, and who rushed -after him howling furiously, and snapping at his horse's legs. - -Valentino remained for a moment motionless and thoughtful, listening -mechanically to the decreasing sound of the hoofs on the hardened -ground. - -"Perhaps I ought not to have put him on that path," he muttered. "Who -knows what awaits him at the other end?" A stifled sigh broke from his -bosom. "Bah!" he added a moment after, "all roads do not lead to the -same point--death! Why let such foolish forebodings have any effect over -me? Live and learn." - -The worthy hunter, somewhat comforted by these philosophic reflections, -re-entered the patio, and set to work shutting the outer door, before -throwing himself for an hour or two on his cuadro. While engaged in this -occupation, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps behind him: he -turned his head, and recognised Don Cornelio. - -"Ah, ah, my dear friend!" he said gaily, offering him his hand, which -the other pressed affectionately; "You are up very early." - -"Eh?" the Spaniard answered with a laugh. "I think it a good joke for -you to make that remark to me." - -"Why so?" - -"Because, if I have risen so early, it appears as if you had not been to -bed at all." - -Valentine began laughing. - -"By Jove! You are right. The fact is that, with the exception of -yourself and myself, it is certain that everybody is asleep in the -pueblo; and now that this door is closed again, with your permission, I -will go and do the same for an hour or two." - -"What! You are going to bed again?" - -"Certainly." - -"What to do?" - -"Why, to sleep, I suppose." - -"Pardon me, but I did not mean that." - -"I suppose not." - -"And you know what I wish to say to you?" - -"I! Not the least in the world. But, as you are a man far too -intelligent to spend in walking about the time you might pass far more -agreeably in sleeping, I presume that you have certain weighty reasons -for being here now." - -"That is true, on my word." - -"You see!" - -"Yes; but I did not wish exactly to speak with you." - -"Whom with, then?" - -"With Don Louis." - -"Hum! And you cannot tell it to me?" - -"O yes, I can; but I think it would be better to speak with him myself." - -"Confuse the thing!" - -Don Cornelio gave that shrug of the shoulders which in all countries and -languages signifies the same thing; that is, that the shrugger declines -all responsibility. - -"And," Valentine continued, "what you have to communicate to Don Louis -is probably very important?" - -"Very." - -"Hang it all, that is annoying; for it is impossible for you to speak -with him." - -"Bah! How so?" - -"Because there is an obstacle." - -"For me?" - -"For you and for everybody else." - -"Oh, oh! And what is that obstacle, Don Valentine, if you please?" - -"Oh, I do not want to make any mystery of it; I am more vexed than -yourself at what has happened; but the obstacle is very simply that Don -Louis has gone away." - -"Gone! Don Louis!" the other said in amazement. - -"Yes." - -"How was that--without speaking to anybody? Gone off at a venture?" - -"Not exactly. There were urgent reasons to speed his departure; and see, -I was engaged in shutting the gate after him when you arrived. A moment -earlier and you would have met him." - -"How unlucky!" - -"It is; but what would you do? After all, the misfortune is not so -great as it may seem to you at the first blush. We shall see him again -in a few days." - -"You are sure of it?" - -"Quite; for it is arranged between us. So soon as I have succeeded in -selling the herd, we shall go and join our friend again. So take -patience, Don Cornelio; the separation will not be long. Console -yourself with that thought, and good night." - -Valentine turned and walked a few steps, but the Spaniard stopped him. - -"What do you want now?" - -"Only one word." - -"Make haste, for I am dropping with sleep." - -"Pardon me, but you made a remark this moment which struck me greatly." - -"Ah! What was it?" - -"You said that Don Louis had commissioned you to sell the herd." - -"Yes, I did. What then?" - -"That was the very subject I wished to speak with him about." - -"Bah!" - -"Yes, I have found a purchaser." - -"What! For the whole herd?" - -"Yes, in a lump." - -"Stay, stay!" Valentine said, fixing his piercing eyes upon him; "that -would singularly simplify matters." - -"Would it not?" - -"Where on earth have you dug up this strange purchaser since last -night?" - -"There is nothing at all strange about him, I assure you. I found him -here." - -"Here, in this locanda?" - -"On my word, yes." - -"I really beg your pardon," Valentine said. "I am too well acquainted -with the gravity of your character to suppose that you have any -intention of deceiving me--" - -"Oh!" - -"But all this is so extraordinary--" - -"I am as much astonished as yourself at it." - -"Really!" - -"The more so because I did not know that Don Louis wished to sell the -herd here, and consequently the proposition does not emanate from me." - -"That is true. So you have been offered--" - -"To take the whole herd off my hands this very day--yes." - -"That is strange. Tell me all about it, my dear friend. What a pity that -Don Louis has started!" - -"Is it not?" - -"Well, you said, then--" - -"Permit me, if you have no objection, we will proceed to your cuarto, -where we can converse much more agreeably than here." - -"You are right, especially as people are beginning to get up in the -house." - -In fact, the servants of the hostelry and the muleteers were already -stirring, and walking round our two friends, whom they examined -curiously, while attending to their own business. Valentine and Don -Cornelio left the patio, and proceeded to the hunter's cuarto. So soon -as they had installed themselves Valentine said,-- - -"Now I am all attention. Speak, my good fellow. I confess I am anxious -to hear the solution of this riddle." - -Don Cornelio was aware of the friendship existing between Don Louis and -Valentine; hence he had not the slightest difficulty in telling the -hunter what had happened to him that night in the minutest details. - -"Is that all?" Valentine said, who had listened with the greatest -attention. - -"Yes; and now what do you think of it?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said thoughtfully, "if I must give you my opinion, it -appears to me rather less clear now than an hour ago." - -"Nonsense!" - -"That is my opinion. Still we must not neglect this opportunity which -presents itself so famously to get rid of our cattle advantageously." - -"That is what I think." - -"Very good; then do not stir. Above all, do not say a syllable about Don -Louis' departure." - -"Do you think so?" - -"That is important." - -"As you please." - -"Then supposing you are summoned?" - -"I will go." - -"No, we will both go; that will be more proper. Is that understood?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then good night; I am going to sleep a little. If there is anything new -wake me up." - -"All right." - -And Don Cornelio withdrew. - -Valentine was not at all inclined to sleep; but he wished to be alone, -that he might reflect on what he had just heard. He perfectly understood -that the young lady had been playing with the Spaniard like a cat with a -mouse, feigning an interest in him which she did not at all feel. But -what was her object in all this? Did she love Don Louis? Had the maiden -retained in her heart the remembrance of what had happened to the child? -Had gratitude unconsciously changed in her into love with growing years? - -This was what the hunter could not fathom. Valentine had never been very -expert in the matter of women; their hearts were to him as a dead -letter, an unknown tongue, in which he could not read a word. The life -he had constantly led in the desert, ever contending either with Indians -or with wild beasts, had not been at all favourable to the study of the -feminine heart; and besides, the deep love of his early youth--a love -the memory of which still palpitated in his heart--had prevented him -paying the slightest attention to the few women chance had at times -thrown in his way, and who had only appeared to him weak, defenceless -creatures, whom it was his duty to defend. - -Thus the worthy hunter was now considerably bothered, and knew not what -to do in order to read the young lady's intentions. It was evident to -him that Dona Angela had a secret object she desired to gain, and that -the purchase of the novillos was only a pretext to draw nearer to Don -Louis. But what was that object? Why did she wish to see his friend? -That was what he vainly sought, and was unable to discover. - -"After all," he muttered to himself, while going over the chaos of -thoughts that jostled each other in his brain, "it is perhaps better -that she should not see Louis. Who knows what might be the result of -such an interview? The lady's father is governor of Sonora, and we must -be most careful not to get into any trouble with him. Who knows whether -we may not need him hereafter? It is strange, I do not know where I have -heard his name before; but I am certain I do not hear it today for the -first time. Guerrero--Don Sebastian Guerrero. Under what circumstances -can that name have been pronounced in my presence?" - -The hunter had reached this point in his monologue when the door opened -gently, and a man entered. It was Curumilla. Valentine started with joy -on seeing him. - -"You are welcome, chief," he said. - -The Araucanian pressed his hand, and sat down silently by his side. - -"Well, chief," Valentine continued, "you are awake. Have you been taking -a turn in the pueblo?" - -The Indian smiled disdainfully. - -"No," he said. - -An idea crossed the hunter's mind. - -"My brother should go down into the patio," he said. "It seems there are -other travellers beside us: he should see them." - -"Curumilla has seen them." - -"Ah!" - -"He knows them." - -Valentine made a sign of astonishment. - -"What! You know them?" he exclaimed. - -"Only the man. Curumilla is a chief: his memory is long." - -"Ah, ah!" the hunter went on. "Is it possible that I shall obtain in -this way the information I have been racking my brains to find?" - -The Indian smiled and shook his head. - -"Who is the man, chief? Is he a friend?" - -"He is an enemy." - -"An enemy, by Jupiter! I was certain I had heard his name before." - -"Let my brother listen," the chief went on. "Curumilla has seen the -paleface: he will kill him." - -"Hum! Do not go to work so fast, chief. In the first place tell me who -he is; then we shall see what we have to do. Unfortunately we are not -here on the prairies: the death of that individual, whoever he may be, -might cost us dear." - -"The palefaces are women," the Indian replied disdainfully. - -"That is possible, chief; but prudent. Tomorrow is not passed, as you -gentlemen say, and every man gains his point who knows how to wait. For -the present let us be shy; we are not the stronger." - -Curumilla shrugged his shoulders. It was plain that the worthy Indian -was not a friend to temporising measures; still he did not raise the -slightest objection. - -"Come, chief, tell me who he is, and under what circumstances we had a -quarrel with him." - -The Indian rose and stood right in front of Valentine. - -"Does not my brother remember?" he asked. - -"No." - -"Wah! The conspiracy of the Paso del Norte, when Curumilla killed -Dog-face." - -"Oh!" Valentine exclaimed, striking his forehead, "I have it; it is the -general who commanded the Mexican troops, and to whom Don Miguel de -Zarate surrendered." - -"Yes." - -"Well, he was a brave and honest soldier in those days; he kept his word -to our friend nobly. I cannot be angry with him." - -"He is a traitor." - -"From your point of view, chief, possibly so, but not from mine. It is -true; I perfectly remember him now. Poor General Ibanez often spoke to -me about him: he was not fond of him either. It is a strange -coincidence. Good! Fear nothing, chief; I will watch. Whether friend or -foe, this man has never seen me--he knows not who I am; hence I have a -great advantage over him. Thanks, chief!" - -"Is my brother satisfied?" - -"You have rendered me an immense service, chief; so you can judge -whether I am satisfied." - -Curumilla smiled. - -"Wah!" he said, "all the better." - -"Yes, chief, all the better, and let us breakfast. I feel a ferocious -appetite ever since, thanks to you, I have been able to see my way a -little more clearly." - -Curumilla and Don Cornelio had prepared their frugal meal in their -cuarto, consisting of red haricot beans with pepper, a few _varas_ of -dried meat, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with aloe pulque -of the first quality, and a few _tragos_ of excellent Catalonian refino. - -The three friends ate with good appetite, and were preparing to light -their cigars, the obligato termination of every American meal, when they -heard a discreet tap at the door, which was only leaned to. - -"Come in," Valentine said. - -A criado appeared, and after bowing courteously to all present, said,-- - -"My master, his Excellency General Don Sebastian Guerrero, presents his -civilities to the caballeros here assembled, and desires that Senor Don -Cornelio and Senor Don Louis will favour him with a moment's interview, -if their occupations will permit of it." - -"Tell his Excellency," Valentine answered, "that we shall have the -honour of obeying his orders." - -The servant bowed and retired. - -"Why, you know, senor," Don Cornelio then said, "that Don Louis is -absent." - -"No matter: am I not here?" - -"That is true, but--" - -"Leave me alone," the hunter quickly interrupted him; "I will answer for -everything." - -"Very good; do as you think proper." - -"Trust to me. How can it concern this man whether he deals with Don -Louis or anyone else, so long as the ganado is young, vigorous, and -cheap?" - -"That is true; it must be a matter of indifference to him." - -"Come on: you will see that I shall settle this affair satisfactorily." - -And he went out, followed by Don Cornelio, who, however, did not seem -completely satisfied. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED. - - -What Dona Angela had told Don Cornelio was true: her father was really -expecting his mayordomo that morning, in order to consult with him about -certain improvements he wished to introduce at one of his haciendas, and -also about buying cattle to re-stock his prairies, which had been -devastated during the last periodical incursion which the Apache and -Comanche Indians are in the habit of making upon the Mexican territory. - -Still, Dona Angela, like the true Creole she was, had never hitherto -troubled herself about her father's domestic affairs, having too much to -do in thinking of her toilet and pleasures. Hence she did not know how -to bring the conversation gently round to that point, without allowing -the interest she took in it to be suspected. But the most simple-minded -woman becomes crafty when her interest is at stake. After the Spaniard -had withdrawn the girl remained pensive for a few moments; but then a -smile played on her rosy lips, she patted her dainty little hands -gleefully together, and fell asleep murmuring softly,-- - -"I have found it." - -The Mexicans are early risers, that they may enjoy the freshness of the -morning hours. At half past seven Dona Angela opened her eyes, and -devoutly paid her matin orisons to the Virgin; then, aided by Violanta, -her clever camarista, she proceeded to the charming mystery of her -toilet. - -Her sleep had been as peaceful as that of a bird: hence she was calm, -and gloriously lovely. At the moment that Violanta put in the last pin, -intended to hold the long and thick tresses of her magnificent hair, a -knock was heard at the door. It was the general. - -Don Sebastian was dressed in the rich costume of the Sonorian country -gentry; but his masculine and sharply-cut features, his haughty glance, -his long moustaches, but, above all, his decided walk, allowed him to be -recognised for a soldier at the first glance, in spite of the dress he -had assumed. It had been the general's custom for many long years to -come thus every morning, and wish his daughter good day: his child's -frank and simple smile sent a gentle ray of sunshine into his heart, -whose reflection aided him during the rest of the day in supporting the -inseparable cares of power. - -Violanta hastened to open, and the general walked in. Dona Angela -cunningly watched the expression of his face, and she bounded with -delight on fancying she saw that he was pleased in spite of the severe -appearance he sought to give his features. Don Sebastian kissed his -daughter affectionately, and sat down on a butaca which Violanta drew -forward for him. - -"Oh, my child!" he said, "how fresh and radiant you are this morning! It -is easy to see that you have passed an excellent night." - -"At any rate, papa," she said with a little pout, "if it was not so, it -was not my fault, I assure you; for I was greatly inclined to sleep when -I retired last night." - -"What do you mean? Was your sleep disturbed?" - -"Yes, several times." - -"_Caramba!_ Dear little one, it was the same with me. Some scamp -persisted in strumming the most melancholy airs on the guitar, that -would have frightened the cats themselves, and kept me awake all night -Deuce take the musician and his silly instrument!" - -"It was not that, papa. I scarcely heard the man of whom you are -speaking." - -"What was it, then? I was not aware of any other noises last night but -that." - -"I cannot explain to you positively what I heard; but Violanta was also -aroused several times like myself." - -"Is that true, little one?" the general asked, turning to the camarista, -apparently busy at the moment in arranging the cuarto. - -"Oh, senor general," she exclaimed, clasping her hands, "it was a -fearful noise--a noise to wake the dead!" - -"What the deuce could it be?" - -"I do not know," she replied, assuming her most innocent air. - -"Did it last long?" - -"All the night," she said, trumping what her mistress had alleged. - -"Hum! But it must have resembled something, I suppose?" - -"Certainly, papa; but I do not know with what to compare it." - -"And you, little wench, cannot you make a guess?" - -"I fancy I know." - -"Ah! Well, then, tell us at once, instead of leaving us in the dark." - -"I will, Excellency. This morning, taking advantage of my lady's -sleeping, I went down very gently to try and discover the cause of the -noise that kept us awake all night." - -"And you found it?" - -"I think I did." - -"Very good: go on." - -"It seems that hunters arrived here yesterday with a large herd of -novillos, toros, &c., which they are taking, I believe, to California. -It was these animals which, by stamping and roaring, prevented us -sleeping, for their corral adjoins this house." - -"And how did you learn all this?" - -"Oh! Very easily, Excellency. Accident willed it that I should address -one of the owners of the herd." - -"Listen to that! Accident was very kind." - -Violanta blushed. The general did not notice it, but continued, "Are you -sure they were not vaqueros belonging to some hacienda?" - -"O no, Excellency; they are hunters." - -"Good; and they want to sell their _ganado_?" - -"The man I spoke with said so." - -"I suppose he asks a high price?" - -"I do not know." - -"That is true. Well, my child," he added, rising and turning to his -daughter, "so soon as you are ready we will breakfast, and perhaps I -will deliver you from the horrible noise of these animals." - -The general kissed his daughter once again, and left the room. So soon -as he was gone the two girls began laughing like little madcaps. - -We must allow that both had played their part to perfection, and though -he little suspected it, had, in a few moments, led the general to do -exactly what they wanted, while leaving him persuaded that he was merely -acting from his own impulse. - -A few minutes later Dona Angela joined her father in the cuarto, which -was employed as dining room. The mayordomo had arrived, and the general -only awaited his daughter's presence to begin the meal. This mayordomo, -already known to the reader, was no other than Don Isidro Vargas, who -had accepted this situation as a retiring pension. - -The Mexican haciendas, especially in Sonora, are often eight to ten -leagues in extent. To watch so large a tract of country, on which -immense bands of wild horses and numerous herds of cattle pasture at -liberty, a young, robust, and active man is generally selected, who is -called in that country a _hombre de a caballo_. In truth, the profession -of a mayordomo is excessively severe: he must constantly be on -horseback, galloping day and night, in heat or cold, doing everything -and looking after everything himself, and obliging the peons to work, -who are the idlest fellows in existence, and the biggest thieves -imaginable. - -Don Isidro was no longer young. At the period when we bring him again on -the stage he was nearly seventy; but this long, thin man, on whose bones -a yellow skin, dry as parchment, seemed to be glued, was as upright and -vigorous as if he were but thirty: age had gained no power over his -body, which was solely composed of muscles and nerves. Thus, by his -continual vigilance, his indefatigable ardour, and his uncommon energy, -he was the terror of the poor fellows whom their evil destiny had placed -under his orders, and who fully believed that their mayordomo had made a -compact with the demon, so closely did he watch them, and so thoroughly -was he acquainted with their slightest actions. - -The mayordomo had retained his _botas vaqueras_, and his spurs with -enormous rowels, which compel the wearer to walk tiptoe. His zarape and -hat of vicuna skin were negligently thrown on a butaca in a corner, and -at his left side hung a sheathless machete, passed through an iron ring. - -So soon as he perceived the young lady he walked up to her, wished her -good day, and embraced her affectionately. The captain knew Dona Angela -from the day of her birth, and loved her as his daughter. She, for her -part, entertained a great friendship for the old soldier, with whom she -had played when a child, and whom she still liked to tease, to which the -worthy mayordomo lent himself with the best grace in the world. - -They sat down to table; but that expression is somewhat pretentious when -applied to a Mexican breakfast. - -We have already frequently remarked that the Spanish Americans are the -most sober people in the world. The least thing suffices them. Thus the -breakfast in question was only composed of a small cup of that excellent -chocolate which the Spaniards alone know how to make, of a few maize -tortillas, and a large glass of water. This meal, if it be one, is -common to all classes of society in Mexico. - -The party sat down to table, then, Dona Angela said the benedicite and -the chocolate was served. The conversation, at the outset, was -completely in the hands of the general and the captain, and turned -exclusively on what had happened at the hacienda since the general's -last visit; then it gradually veered round to the subject of the ganado. - -"By the way," Don Sebastian said, "have you recovered any of the cattle -those demons of Apaches took from us in their last attack?" - -"Not a head, general, _Valgame Dios!_ You might as well pursue the wind -and the tempest as try to catch up those red devils." - -"Then we have lost--" - -"All that was within their reach; that is to say, about 2500 head." - -"That is hard; and how have you repaired the loss?" - -"Up to the present I have only succeeded in collecting 1500 head; and if -you remember, it was on this very subject that you gave me the meeting -here." - -"I remember the fact perfectly; still I do not exactly see what we can -do, except buy other cattle." - -"Hang it! That is the only way we have of completing our herds." - -"Have you any in view?" - -"At this moment?" - -"Yes." - -"No, indeed, I have not, for the ganado is growing beyond all price. The -discovery of gold in California has caused an enormous number of -adventurers from every country to flock there. You know what the -_gringos_ are; they must have meat. These miserable heretics are such -gluttons that they could not do without it; and thus they have devoured -all the ganado they could find in their neighbourhood, and are now -obliged to fetch it for nearly two hundred leagues. You can understand -that such a thing sends prices up enormously." - -"That is annoying." - -"And yet, general, only an instant agone, while placing my horse in the -corral. I saw the most magnificent herd of novillos that can be -imagined. It is evident that the poor animals have travelled at least -one hundred leagues, for they appear so fatigued." - -Dona Angela gave a sly glance at her camarista, who was standing behind -her. - -"I have heard of them," the general said carelessly; "they are on the -road to San Francisco, I believe." - -"What did I say not a moment ago?" the captain exclaimed, striking his -fist on the table. "_Caray!_ If those confounded gringos are let alone, -they will have devoured all our cattle before ten years have passed." - -"Can we not try to purchase these?" - -"It would be an excellent business for us, even if we paid dearly; but -their owners will not be inclined to sell." - -"Who knows? I fancy, on the contrary, that they are willing to get rid -of them." - -"_Rayo de Dios!_ Buy them, then." - -"Yes; but at what price?" - -"It is certain that cattle are growing scarcer and scarcer: offer them -for each head bought here the price it would fetch at San Francisco." - -"Hum! And how is the market down there?" - -"About eighteen piastres." - -"Oh, oh! That is to say, for six hundred head--" - -"Ten thousand eight hundred piastres: offer the even money." - -"That is dear." - -"What would you have? You will have to do it." - -"That is true; but it is hard." - -The general reflected for a moment, and then turned to his daughter. - -"Angela," he said, "what is the name of the hunter who owns the herd?" - -The young lady started. - -"Why do you ask me, papa?" she replied, with feigned astonishment; "I -really do not know what you mean. I am entirely ignorant whether there -is a herd in this hostelry." - -"That is true," the general said, recollecting. "Where the deuce is my -head gone? It was your camarista, I believe, who spoke to one of the -fellows." - -"Yes, papa." - -"Pardon me. Come, Violanta, my child, can you tell me this man's name?" - -The girl approached with downcast eyes, and twisting the hem of her fine -muslin apron between her fingers with an embarrassed air. It was evident -she was trying all she knew to blush. The general awaited her answer for -several minutes, but then lost patience. - -"Come, you little fool," he exclaimed, "will you make up your mind to -speak, yes or no? People would fancy I was asking you a question unfit -for a maiden to answer." - -"I do not say that, general," she replied hesitatingly. - -"Enough of that mock modesty. What is the name of the owner of this -ganado?" - -"There are two, general." - -"What are their names, then?" - -"One is a Spaniard, the other a Frenchman, Excellency." - -"What do I care what country the scamps belong to? I only want to know -their names." - -"One is called Don Cornelio." - -"And the other?" - -"Don Louis." - -"But they have other names beside those?" - -Violanta exchanged a rapid glance with her mistress. - -"I do not know them," she said. - -"Hum!" the general remarked sarcastically, "you only know people, it -appears, by their baptismal names. That's worth knowing." - -This time the girl really blushed, and retired in great confusion. Don -Sebastian made a sign to a peon who was standing respectfully a few -paces off. - -"Gregorio," he said, "go and present the compliments of General Don -Sebastian Guerrero to the Senores Don Louis and Don Cornelio, and beg -them to honour him with a visit. You understand me?" - -The peon bowed and went out. - -"We must be polite with these people," the general observed. "Now that -the discovery of the Californian placers has overthrown all classes of -society, who knows with whom we may have to deal?" - -And he accompanied this remark by a sarcastic laugh, in which the -captain, as the worthy Mexican he was, noisily joined. - -We will observe parenthetically that General Guerrero, like the majority -of his countrymen, professed the most inveterate hatred for Europeans, a -hatred which nothing justified, unless it was that superiority which the -Creoles are obliged to recognise in the Europeans--a superiority which -they submit to unwillingly, but before which they are forced to bow -their heads. - -Several minutes elapsed, and then the peon returned. - -"Well?" the general asked him. - -"Excellency," the peon answered respectfully, "the caballeros will have -the honour of waiting on you. They are following me." - -"Very good. Put a bottle of Catalonian refino and glasses on the table. -I know from experience that these gentry have no partiality for pure -water." - -After this new jest the general rolled a _papelito,_ lighted it, and -waited. Within five minutes the sound of footsteps was heard in the -corridor; the door opened, and two men appeared. - -"It is not he!" Dona Angela murmured in a low voice, for her eyes were -anxiously fixed on the door. - -The two men were Valentine and Don Cornelio. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION. - - -We have mentioned in a previous chapter the object for which Valentine -presented himself in his friend's place. He wished to try and discover -for what reason Dona Angela desired so ardently to see Louis again. As -for Don Cornelio, he was intimately persuaded that his personal merits -had done it all, and that the young lady's sole wish was to have another -interview with himself. - -On the other hand, the hunter, warned by Curumilla, was not sorry to see -the man with whom he had been indirectly connected at another period of -his life--a connection which might at any moment become more intimate, -owing to the general's new position and Don Louis' projects. - -The two strangers presented themselves boldly; their manner was -respectful, without arrogance or excessive humility; such, in a word, as -might be expected from men long tried by the innumerable hazards of an -adventurous life. - -The general probably expected to see men of low habits and vulgar -features. At the sight of the two men, whose masculine and honest faces -struck him, he started imperceptibly, rose, saluted them courteously, -and invited them to sit down on chairs he ordered to be placed for them. - -Dona Angela knew not what to think after Don Cornelio's positive -statement. The absence of Don Louis, and the substitution for him of a -man she did not know, appeared inexplicable. Still, without exactly -understanding her feelings, she guessed, under this substitution, a -mystery which she sought in vain to fathom. Violanta was as confused and -astonished as her mistress: the captain alone remained indifferent to -what passed. The old soldier, profiting cleverly by the fact of the -bottle of refino having been placed on the table, had poured out a large -glass of aguardiente, which he swallowed in small doses, while patiently -waiting till the general thought proper to open the ball. - -When the hunters had at length taken their seats, after repeated -pressing, the general took the word. - -"You will pardon me, gentlemen, for having disturbed you by compelling -you to come here, when it should have been my place to go to your -cuarto, as it is I who wish to speak with you." - -"General," Valentine answered with a respectful bow, "my friend and -myself would have been in despair had we caused you the least annoyance. -Pray believe that we shall always be happy to obey your orders, whatever -they may be." - -After this mutual interchange of compliments the speakers bowed again. -No people in the world carry to such an extent as the Mexican the feline -gentleness of manner, if we may be permitted to employ the expression. - -"Which of you two gentlemen," the general continued gracefully, "is -Senor Don Cornelio?" - -"It is I, caballero," the Spaniard answered with a bow. - -"In that case," Don Sebastian went on, turning to the hunter with an -amiable smile, "this caballero is Don Louis?" - -"Pardon me, general," the Frenchman answered distinctly, "my name is -Valentine." - -The general started. - -"What?" he said in surprise. "And where, then, is Senor Don Louis?" - -"It is impossible for him to obey your orders." - -"Why so?" - -"Because," Valentine continued, casting a side glance at the young lady, -who, though she appeared to be very busily talking with her camarista, -did not lose a word that was said, "because, general, Don Louis, unaware -that he should have the honour of being received by your Excellency this -morning, started at sunrise for San Francisco." - -Dona Angela turned pale as death, and was on the point of fainting at -this news; still she overcame the emotion she experienced, and became -apparently calm. She wished to learn all. This emotion, though so -transitory, had not escaped Valentine's observation. The general nearly -turned his back on his daughter: hence it was impossible for him to see -anything that passed. - -"That is annoying," he answered. - -"I am in despair, general." - -"His absence will doubtlessly be of short duration?" - -"He will not return." - -Valentine pronounced these words dryly. The emotion Dona Angela -experienced was so lively that she could not check a slight cry of pain. - -"What is the matter, nina?" her father asked her, turning sharply. "What -is the meaning of that cry?" - -"I cut myself," she answered with the most innocent air possible. - -"Oh, oh!" her father said in alarm; "it is not dangerous?" - -"No; a mere scratch. I was a goose to be frightened. Forgive me, papa." - -The general asked no further questions, but continued his conversation -with the Frenchman. - -"I am vexed at this _contretemps_," he said, "for I wished to consult -with your friend on very important business." - -"No matter; I am here. My friend, on starting, gave me full power to act -in his name. You can speak, general; that is to say, if you do not -consider me unworthy of your confidence." - -"Such a supposition would be an insult, sir." - -Valentine bowed. - -"Well, caballero," the general continued, "the affair I wished to -discuss with your friend is certainly important; but if your full powers -extend to commercial transactions, I do not see why I should not treat -with you as well as with him." - -"Speak openly, then, general, for I am Don Louis' partner." - -"This is the affair in two words--" - -"Pardon me," Dona Angela suddenly said, with a little air of resolution, -which even imposed on the general himself; "before you begin talking -about trade, I should like to ask this gentleman a few questions." - -The general turned in surprise, and bent an inquiring glance on his -daughter. - -"What can you have to ask this caballero?" he said. - -"You will soon know, my dear papa," she replied with a slight tone of -sarcasm, "if you will permit me to ask him two or three questions." - -"Speak, then, you little madcap," the general exclaimed with a shrug of -his shoulders; "speak, and make a finish as soon as you can." - -"Thank you, papa. Your permission is, perhaps, not very graciously -granted, but I shall not bear you malice on that account." - -"As you permit it, general, I am at the lady's orders." - -"In the first place, sir, promise me one thing." - -"What is it, senorita?" - -"That you will answer frankly and honestly all the questions I may ask -you." - -"What is the meaning of this folly, Angela?" the general said -impatiently. "Is this the moment or the place? Is it befitting for--?" - -"Papa," the young lady boldly interrupted him, "you gave me permission -to speak." - -"Granted; but not in the way you seemed inclined to do so." - -"Have a little patience, papa." - -"Bah!" the captain said, interposing, "let her speak as she likes. Go -on, my child--go on." - -"I am waiting this gentleman's answer," she said. - -"I make you the promise you ask, senorita," Valentine answered. - -"I hold your word. What is your friend's name, sir?" - -"Which one, senorita?". - -"The one whose place you have taken." - -"His name is Count Louis de Prebois Crance." - -"He is a Frenchman?" - -"Born at Paris." - -"You have known him a long time?" - -"Since his birth, senorita. My mother was his nurse." - -"Ah!" she said with pleasure; "then you are really his friend?" - -"I am his foster brother." - -"He has no secrets from you?" - -"None, I fancy." - -"Good!" - -"Come, come," the general exclaimed, "this is becoming intolerable. What -is the meaning of this interrogatory to which you subject the caballero, -and to which he has the goodness to yield so complacently? Confound it, -nina! I beg the senor's pardon in your name; for your conduct toward him -is most improper." - -"What is there improper in it, papa? My intentions are good, and I am -certain that you will agree with me when you learn why I asked the -caballero these simple questions, which, however, appear to you so -extraordinary." - -"Well, go on. What is the reason?" - -"This. Three years back, during your journey from Guadalajara to Tepic, -were you not attacked by salteadores at the spot called the Mal Paso?" - -"Yes; but what has that in common, I ask--?" - -"Wait," she said gaily. "Two men came to your assistance?" - -"Yes, and I am not ashamed to confess that, without them, I should -probably have not only been robbed, but murdered by the bandits. -Unfortunately these men obstinately refused to tell me their names. All -my researches up to the present have been fruitless. I have been unable -to find them again, and show them my gratitude, which I assure you vexes -me extremely." - -"Yes, papa, I know that you have often in my presence regretted your -inability to find the courageous man to whom you owe your life, as well -as I do, who was but a child at the time." - -The young lady uttered these words with an emotion that affected all her -hearers. - -"Unfortunately," the general said a moment later, "three years have -elapsed since that adventure. Who knows what has become of that man?" - -"I do, papa." - -"You, Angela!" he exclaimed in surprise. "It is impossible." - -"My father, the questions I addressed to the gentleman, and which he -answered so kindly, had only one object; to acquire a certainty by -corroborating through the answers I received certain information I had -obtained elsewhere." - -"So that--?" - -"The man who saved your life is the Count Don Louis, who started this -very morning for San Francisco." - -"Oh!" the general said in great agitation, "it is impossible. You are -mistaken, my child." - -"Pardon me, general, but my friend has frequently told me the story in -its amplest details," Valentine observed. "Why seek to hide longer a -thing you now know?" - -"And to remove all doubts, if any remain, which I hardly suppose, papa, -in the presence of this caballero's loyal assurance, look at this man," -she added, pointing to the Spaniard. "Do you not recognise Don Cornelio, -our old travelling companion, who constantly sang to his jarana the -romance of El Rey Rodrigo?" - -The general examined the young man attentively. - -"It is true," he said presently; "I now recognise this caballero, whom I -left wounded, at his own request, in the hands of my generous -liberator." - -"Whom I have not left since," Don Cornelio affirmed. - -"Ah!" the general said. "But why this obstinacy on Don Louis' part to -keep his secret? Did he fancy that gratitude was too heavy a burden for -me to bear?" - -"Do not think such a thing of my friend," Valentine exclaimed quickly. -"Don Louis believed, and still believes, that the service he rendered -you was too trifling to have such great importance attached to it." - -"_Caspita!_ When he saved my honour! But now that I know him he shall -not escape me longer. I will find him sooner or later, and prove to him -that we Mexicans have a memory as long for good as for ill. I am his -debtor, and, by heavens! I will pay him my debt." - -"That is good, papa," the young lady exclaimed, as she threw herself -into his arms. - -"Enough, little madcap, enough. Confusion! You are stifling me. But tell -me, little rogue, I believe that in all this you have been playing me a -nice little trick." - -"Oh, father!" she answered with a blush. - -"Would you, miss, have the goodness to explain to me how you obtained -all this information? I confess that it puzzles me considerably, and I -should like to know." - -Dona Angela, began laughing to conceal her embarrassment; but suddenly -making up her mind with that decision which marked her character,-- - -"I will tell you, if you promise not to scold me too severely," she -said. - -"Go on; we will see afterwards." - -"I told you a story this morning, papa," she said, letting her eyes -fall. - -"I suspect it: go on." - -"If you frown in that way, and put on your naughty air, I warn you that -I shall not say a word." - -"And you will be right, nina," the captain supported her. - -The general smiled. - -"Come," he said, "you are taking her part, are you?" - -"_Caspita!_ I should think so." - -"Come, come, be at your ease; I will not be angry, the more so because I -suspect that the pretty baggage behind you, with her cunning looks, has -something to do with the plot," he said, looking at Violanta, who could -not keep her countenance. - -"You have guessed it, papa. I slept splendidly last night: nothing -disturbed my slumbers." - -"Just listen to that, the little deceiver!" - -"Last evening, however, I heard the sound of a jarana accompanying the -Romance del Rey Rodrigo. I remembered our old travelling companion who -never sang anything else. I know not how it was, but I persuaded myself -that he was the singer, and so I sent Violanta to invite him to my room. -Then--" - -"Then he told you all?" - -"Yes, papa. As I knew the desire you felt to know your liberator, I -wished to surprise you by letting you find him at the moment you least -expected. Unfortunately chance has thwarted all my plans, and destroyed -my combinations." - -"That was right, nina, for it will teach you not to have any secrets -from your father. But console yourself, my child; we will find him -again, and then he must allow us to express our gratitude to him, which -time, far from lessening, has only heightened." - -The young lady, without saying anything further, returned pensively to -her seat. The general turned to Valentine. - -"It is now our turn, caballero. You are the owner of the herd of -cattle?" - -"Yes, general; but I am not the only one." - -"Who are your partners?" - -"Don Louis and the caballero here present." - -"Very good. Do you wish to dispose of your cattle advantageously?" - -"It is my intention." - -"How many head have you?" - -"Seven hundred and seventy." - -"And you are taking them--?" - -"To San Francisco." - -"_Caramba!_ That is a tough job." - -"We purpose hiring peons to drive the animals." - -"But if you could find a purchaser here?" - -"I should prefer it." - -"Well, I want cattle: most of mine have been stolen by the -Apaches--those infernal plunderers! If you consent we will strike a -bargain. Your herd suits me. My mayordomo has seen it, and I will buy it -in the lump." - -"I wish nothing better." - -"We say seven hundred and seventy head, I think?" - -"Yes." - -"At twenty-five piastres apiece: that makes 19,250 piastres, if I am -not mistaken. Does that suit you?" - -"No, general," Valentine replied firmly. - -Don Sebastian looked at him in amazement. - -"Why so?" he said. - -"Because I should rob you." - -"Hum! That is my business." - -"That is possible, general; but it is not mine." - -"What do you mean?" - -"I mean that cattle are sold, one with the other, at eighteen piastres -in San Francisco, and I cannot sell them for twenty-five here." - -"Nonsense! I fancy I know the value of ganado as well as any man; and I -offer you the price your herd is worth." - -"No, general, it is not worth it, and you know it as well as I do," the -hunter objected resolutely. "I thank you for your generosity, but I -cannot accept it: my friend would be angry with me for making such a -bargain." - -"Then you refuse?" - -"I do." - -"It is perfectly novel for a merchant to refuse to gain a profit on his -wares." - -"Pardon me, general, I do not refuse an honest profit; but I will not -rob you, that is all." - -"On my word, you are the first man I ever knew to look at trade in that -light." - -"Probably, general, because you have never had dealings with a -Frenchman." - -"I must yield. What do you ask for the beasts?" - -"Nineteen piastres per head, which, I assure you, will give me a very -handsome profit." - -"Be it so. That makes--?" - -"Fourteen thousand six hundred and thirty piastres." - -"Very good. If that will suit you, I will give you an order for that sum -on Messrs. Torribi, Dellaporta, and Co., at Guaymas." - -"That will do admirably." - -"You hear, captain, the herd is ours?" - -"Good! This night it will start for the hacienda." - -"When do you propose leaving, senores?" - -"As soon as our business is settled here, general. We are anxious to -rejoin our friend." - -"In an hour the bill of exchange will be ready." - -Valentine bowed. - -"Still," the general continued, "you will be good enough to tell Don -Louis that I regard myself as his debtor, and if ever he come to Sonora -I will prove it." - -"Possibly he may soon arrive," the hunter replied, with a side glance at -Dona Angela, who blushed. - -"I hope so; and now, gentlemen, I am at your service. If I can be of any -use to you, remember that you can always apply to me." - -"Receive my thanks, general." - -After exchanging a few more words they parted. In passing Dona Angela, -Valentine bowed respectfully. - -"Don Louis still has your reliquary," he muttered in so low a voice that -she guessed the words rather than heard them. - -"Thank you," she answered; "you are kind." - -"She loves Louis," Valentine said to himself as he returned to the -cuarto, accompanied by Don Cornelio. - -"The man is a fool to refuse a profit of 5000 piastres," the general -said to Don Isidro so soon as he found himself alone with him. - -"Perhaps so," the latter replied thoughtfully; "but I fancy he is an -enemy." - -The general shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, not deigning to -attach the slightest importance to this insinuation. - -The same evening Valentine and his two companions left San Jose, and -proceeded toward Guaymas, without seeing Dona Angela or the general -again. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -CONVERSATION. - - -During the few thousand years since the world on which we vegetate -issued from the hands of the Creator, many revolutions have taken place, -many extraordinary facts have been accomplished. How many nations have -succeeded each other, rising and falling in turn, disappearing without -even leaving a trace, after traversing history like dazzling meteors, -and then going out eternally in the night of ages! - -But of all the strange facts of which the memory has been preserved, -none in our opinion can be compared with what we have seen accomplished -under our own eyes, with extraordinary audacity and success, during -about three-quarters of a century. - -Adventurers bursting from every quarter of the globe--some impelled by -the fanaticism of religious faith, others by a spirit of adventure, -others again, and the large majority, urged on by wretchedness--after -landing as pilgrims on the American shores, asking shelter from the poor -and innocent inhabitants of those hospitable countries, and purchasing -for a song fertile estates, gradually congregated, expelled the first -possessors of the soil, founded cities and ports, built arsenals, and -one day shaking off the yoke of the mother country under whose aegis they -had timidly sought shelter, constituted themselves an independent state, -and founded that colossus, with feet of clay, body of gold, and head of -mud, which is called the United States of America. - -Humble at the outset, this poor Republic, singing in a loud voice the -words, "Liberty and Fraternity!"--words whose noble and grand -significance it never comprehended--displaying a rigid tolerance, an -exaggerated virtue and puritanism, stepped insidiously into the councils -of the European powers, climbed cunningly up to the thrones of -sovereigns, and, beneath the mask of disinterestedness, gained -acceptance from all. Suddenly, when the favourable moment arrived, the -United States rose and assumed a haughty posture. They who had laid down -in their Act of Independence that they would never consent to any -aggrandisement, said in a domineering voice to Europe, surprised and -almost terrified by such audacity, "This quarter of the globe is ours. -We are a powerful nation. You must henceforth settle with us." - -Unfortunately for themselves, in uttering these proud words, the -Northern Americans did not believe them. On the one hand they were -perfectly aware of their weakness; and, on the other, they knew very -well that a multitude of individuals collected from all sides, without -any tie of family or language among them, cannot form a people--that, is -to say, a nation--in one century, not even in two. - -Still, to be just and impartial to the United States, we must allow that -their inhabitants possess to a supreme degree that feverish ardour -which, if well directed, produces great results. - -It is evident that these bold adventurers are accomplishing, though they -little suspect it, a providential mission. What it is no one can say, -themselves least of all. These men who stifle on the frontiers, which -their population, though daily increasing, cannot fill; who aspire -continually to leap over the barriers which other nations oppose to -them; who only dream of the unknown, and are perpetually gazing at the -distant horizon--these men, in whose ear a secret voice constantly -murmurs, as to the Jew of the legend, "Onward, onward!"--these men are -destined, ere long, to play a grand, glorious, and noble part in modern -civilisation, if the profound egotism that undermines, and the thirst -for gold which devours them, does not kill in them those regenerating -virtues with which they are unconsciously endowed; and if, forgetting -the spirit of conquest and desire for further aggrandisement, they draw -more closely together the ties between the several states, and practise -among themselves that liberty and fraternity of which they talk so -jactantly abroad, but know so little at home. - -No people equals the Americans in the art of founding towns. In a few -days, on the spot where a virgin forest full of mystery and shadow -stood, they lay out streets, build houses, light gas; and in the midst -of these streets and squares, created as if by enchantment, the forest -trees are not yet dead, and a few forgotten oaks flourish with a -melancholy air. - -It is true that many of these towns, improvised for the exigencies of -the moment, are frequently deserted as rapidly as they were built; for -the North American is the true nomadic race. Nothing attaches it to the -soil: convenience alone can keep it at any given spot. It has none of -those heart affections, none of those memories of childhood or youth, -which induce us often to endure suffering in a place rather than quit it -for others where we should be comparatively much better off. In a word, -the American has no _home_, that word so endearing to Europeans. To him -the most agreeable and comfortable abode is that where he can pile -dollar on dollar with the greatest facility. - -San Francisco, that city which now counts more than 60,000 inhabitants, -and in which all the refinements of luxury can be found, is an evident -proof of the marvellous facility with which the Americans improvise -towns. We can remember bartering, scarce fifteen years back, with -Flat-head Indians, beneath the shade of secular trees, on sites where -splendid edifices now rise. We have fished alone in this immense bay, -the finest in the world, which is at present almost too small to hold -the innumerable vessels that follow each other in rapid succession. - -At the period of our story San Francisco was not yet a city in the true -acceptation of the word. It was a conglomeration of huts and clumsy -cabins built of wood, and which afforded some sort of shelter to the -adventurers of every nation whom the gold fever cast on its shores, and -who only stopped there long enough to prepare for proceeding to the -mines, or throw into the bottomless abysses of the gambling houses the -nuggets they had collected with so much difficulty and suffering. - -The police were almost non-existing: the stronger man made the law. The -knife and revolver were the _ultima ratio_, and lorded it over this -heterogeneous population, composed of the worst specimens the five parts -of the globe could throw up. - -A population incessantly renewed, never the same, lived in this Hades, a -prey to that constant and fatal intoxication which the sight of that -terrible metal called gold produces in even the strongest-minded men. - -Still, at the period of which we are writing, the first fury of the race -to the placers had somewhat cooled down. Owing to the impulse given by a -few resolute men, gifted with lofty intellects and generous hearts, the -normal life was beginning to be gradually organised; the bandits no -longer daringly held the top of the causeway, honest men could at length -breathe and raise their heads, all foreboded better days, and the dawn -of an era of order, peace, and tranquillity had arrived. - -About two months after the events we narrated in our preceding chapter -we will lead the reader to a charming house built a little out of the -throng, as if the inhabitants had sought to isolate themselves as much -as possible; and after introducing him into a room modestly furnished -with a few common chairs and a table, on which lay a large map of -Mexico, we will listen to the conversation of the two men who were -leaning over this map. - -One of them is already well known to us, for he is the Count Louis; the -other was a man of middle age, with a fine and intelligent face, whose -eye sparkled with boldness and frankness; his manners were also very -elegant. He appeared to be a Frenchman; at least he was talking in that -language. At the moment we joined them the two gentlemen were inserting -black-headed pins into certain districts of the map spread out before -them. - -"I am perfectly of your opinion, my dear count," the stranger said as he -rose: "that road is the most direct, and at the same time the safest." - -"Is it not?" Louis answered. - -"Without any doubt. But tell me--you are quite resolved to disembark at -Guaymas?" - -"That is the most favourable point." - -"I ask you that question, my dear countryman, because I have written to -our representative in that town." - -"Well?" the count said quickly, rising in his turn. - -"All goes well; at least he tells me so in his letter." - -"He has answered you?" - -"Courier for courier. The Mexican authorities will see your arrival with -the greatest pleasure; a barrack will be prepared for your men, and the -principal posts of the town intrusted to them. You are expected with the -most lively impatience." - -"All the better, for I confess to you that I feared much annoyance in -that quarter: the Mexicans have such a singular character, that one -never knows how to deal with them." - -"What you say is perfectly true, my friend; but remember that your -position is an exceptional one, and can in no possible manner cause -umbrage to the authorities of the town. You are the owner of a placer of -incalculable richness, situated in a country where you will have -continually to apprehend attacks from the Indians; you will, therefore, -only pass through Guaymas." - -"Literally so; for I declare to you that I shall set out with the least -possible delay for the mine." - -"Another thing, too: most of the men whose hatred or envy you might have -occasion to fear are shareholders in the company you represent. If they -show you any ill will, or try to impede your operations, they will -carry on the war at their own expense, and naturally will be the first -punished." - -"That is true." - -"And then you have no political object: your conduct is clearly laid -down. Your desire is to find gold." - -"Yes, and to insure a happy and independent position for the brave men -who accompany me." - -"What more noble task could you undertake?" - -"So you are satisfied, sir?" - -"I could not be more so, my dear count. Everything smiles on you: the -company is definitively formed at Mexico." - -"I knew that before. During my stay in that city I drew up the plans and -prepared everything; besides, I believe I can reckon on the friends we -have there." - -"I believe so too. Did not the President of the Republic himself seem to -adopt your views?" - -"Enthusiastically." - -"Very good. Now, in Sonora, the governor, with whom you will have alone -to deal, is one of our largest shareholders, so you have nothing to fear -in that quarter." - -"Tell me, sir, do you know our representative at Guaymas?" - -At this question a cloud passed over the stranger's forehead. - -"Not personally," he answered, after a certain degree of hesitation. - -"Then you can give me no information about him? You understand that it -is important for me to know the character of the man with whom I shall -doubtlessly enter into permanent relations, and from whom I shall be -compelled to ask protection in certain difficult circumstances, such as -may occur at any moment." - -"That is true, my dear count. As you observe, you know not in what -position accident may place you; it is, therefore, necessary that I -should instruct you, so listen to me." - -"I am giving you the most earnest attention." - -"Guaymas, as you are very well aware, is of very slight importance to -our nation in a commercial point of view. During the whole year not a -dozen ships bearing our flag put in there. The French Government, -therefore, considered it useless to send a French agent to that town, -and acted like most of the powers--it selected one of the most -respectable merchants in Guaymas, and made him its representative." - -"Ah, ah!" the count said thoughtfully; "then our consular agent in that -port is not a Frenchman?" - -"No; he is a Mexican. It is unlucky for you; for I will not hide from -you that our countrymen have several times complained of not obtaining -from him that protection which it is his duty to give them. It seems, -too, that this man is wonderfully greedy for gain." - -"As far as that is concerned I do not alarm myself at all." - -"The rest need not trouble you either. The Mexicans generally are not -bad. They are children--that is all. You will easily master this man by -talking to him firmly, and not yielding an inch of what you consider -your right." - -"Trust to me for doing that." - -"There is nothing else to be done." - -"Thanks for this precious information, which I shall profit by, be -assured, at the proper time and place. What is his name?" - -"Don Antonio Mendez Pavo; but, before your departure, I will give you a -letter for him, which I am sure will prevent your having any vexatious -disputes with the fellow." - -"I accept with great pleasure." - -"And now another point." - -"Go on." - -"Are your enlistments completed?" - -"Nearly so; I only need ten more men at the most." - -"You are organising your expedition in a military manner?" - -"I wished to avoid it, but that is impossible, owing to the Indian -tribes through which we must pass, and with whom we shall have -doubtlessly a tussle." - -"You may expect it." - -"So you see, my dear sir, I take my precautions in consequence." - -"You act wisely. What will be the strength of your company?" - -"Two hundred and fifty to three hundred men at the outside." - -"You are right: a larger force would arouse the susceptibility of the -Mexicans, and perhaps cause them alarm as to the purity and loyalty of -your intentions." - -"That is what I wish to avoid at any price." - -"Are your men French?" - -"All. I do not wish to have any men with me on whose devotion I cannot -calculate. I should be afraid, by mixing strangers among my fellows, -that I might relax those family ties so necessary for the success of an -expedition like mine, and which can be easily established among men all -belonging to the same nation." - -"That is extremely logical." - -"And then," the count went on, "I only enlist old soldiers or sailors, -all men accustomed to military discipline, and who are familiar with the -use of arms." - -"Then your organisation is terminated?" - -"Nearly so, as I told you." - -"All the better. In spite of the pleasure I feel in your delightful -society, I should like to see you at work already." - -"Thank you, but that will not be long first: the vessel is chartered, -and if nothing happen to derange my plans, I shall say good-by to you -within a week. You know that, in an affair like this, speed is the great -point." - -"Success depends, above all, on celerity and decision." - -"I shall be deficient in neither, be assured." - -"Above all, do not forget to take with you two or three men you can -trust, and who are thoroughly acquainted with the country you are about -explore." - -"I have with me two wood rangers, from whom the desert has no secrets." - -"You can trust in them?" - -"As in myself." - -"Bravo! I feel a presentiment that we shall succeed." - -"Heaven grant it! For my part, I will do all to deserve it." - -The stranger took his hat. - -"Ah, ah! I have been here a long time, and forget that people may be -waiting for me at the office. I must leave you, my dear count." - -"Already?" - -"Needs must. Shall I see you this evening?" - -"I cannot promise. You know that I am not my own master either, -especially at this moment." - -"That is true; still try to come." - -"I will." - -"That's right. Good-by till I see you again." - -The two men shook hands affectionately, and the stranger departed. - -So soon as he was alone the count bent again over the map, which he -studied carefully: it was not till night had completely set in that he -gave up his task. - -"How is it," he said to himself thoughtfully, "that Valentine has not -yet arrived? He should have been here." - -As he finished this monologue he heard a rap at the door. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -PREPARATIONS. - - -The period at which our story happens was a happy time for desperate -enterprises and filibustering expeditions. - -In fact, the political commotions that had overthrown Europe some time -previously had brought to the surface, and set in motion, a great number -of those unprincipled men, whose sole object is to secure from the -revolutions that desolate their country very lucrative, if not very -honourable, positions, and for whom anarchy is the sole safety valve. - -But, after the first convulsions inseparable from a revolution, when the -popular effervescence began gradually to cool down, and the overflowing -waters returned to their bed--in a word, when society, wearied of paltry -struggles sustained for no avowable motives, and merely kept up to -satisfy the disgraceful ambition of a few men of no value, understood -that the re-establishment of order was the sole path of salvation, all -those individuals who had for a season played a part more or less -important found themselves cast on the pavement of the towns without -resources; for, with that improvidence inherent in their natures, -squandering day by day the favours which blind fortune had lavished on -them, they had kept nothing for bad times, convinced as they were that -the state of things they had produced would last for ever. - -For a few months they struggled, not courageously, but obstinately, -against adversity, seeking by every means to recapture the prey which -they had so foolishly allowed to slip from their grasp. But they were -soon compelled to allow that times had changed, that their hour was -past, and that the ground which had hitherto maintained them was sinking -hourly beneath their feet, and threatened to swallow them up. - -Their position was becoming critical. It was impossible for them to -resume their humble and peaceful avocations, and return to that -nothingness from which a mad caprice of chance had drawn them. The idea -did not even occur to them. They had tasted luxury and honour; they -could not and would not work again: pride and sloth imperiously forbade -it. - -Cincinnatus has never found an imitator in history, and that is the -reason why his memory has been so preciously kept up by all to the -present day. The men of whom we are speaking were far from being like -Cincinnatus, though they in so far resembled the Roman Dictator that -they claimed to govern nations. - -What was to be done? - -Fortunately Providence, whose ways are incomprehensible, watched over -them. - -The discovery of the rich placers of California, the news of which had -been almost stifled under the blow of the terrible European political -commotions, suddenly returned to the surface, and in a short time -assumed a considerable extension. The most extravagant stories -circulated about the incalculable riches that lay almost on the ground -in the soil of the new Eldorado. Then all the vagabond imaginations -began to ferment. All eyes were fixed on America, and the birds of prey -that wanted a booty in Europe rushed with a loud cry of joy toward that -unknown land, where they fancied they should find in a few days all the -joys with which they had been gorged, and which they hoped this time to -satisfy. - -Unfortunately, in California, as elsewhere, the first condition for -acquiring wealth is incessant, permanent, and regular labour. - -On landing in America numerous poignant deceptions awaited the -adventurers. The mines, indeed, existed--they were rich; but the gold -they contained could only be extracted with great difficulty, great -fatigue, and, above all, great expense--three impossibilities which our -gold-seekers could not overcome. - -Many perished either of want, or of a violent death through pot-house -quarrels, or through the change of climate, to which they had not the -time to grow accustomed. Those who survived, wan and ragged, displayed -their starving faces in all the bad places of San Francisco, ready to do -anything for the smallest sum of money that would lull their wolfish -appetite. - -In the meanwhile the first adventurers had been succeeded by others, and -still they flocked in. The few, privileged by fortune, who returned to -Europe rich in a few months, had naturally aroused the cupidity of the -numberless pariahs of civilisation; and San Francisco, that country -blessed by Heaven, whose climate is so fine and soil so fertile, -threatened to become a vast and mournful cemetery. - -At this time it happened that a few enterprising men, seeing their -illusions fading away, and perceiving that the gold they coveted so -ardently constantly fled before them while they were unable to catch it, -turned their glances in another direction, and, despairing of growing -rich in the mines, resolved to seize, sword and revolver in hand, those -riches which it was impossible for them to acquire otherwise; that is to -say, they resuscitated for their own behoof the filibustering -expeditions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. - -Thus was a new path opened to emerge from the frightful wretchedness in -which they languished, and the adventurers eagerly entered upon it. -Filibustering enterprises sprang up on all sides with as much regularity -as if they had been perfectly respectable financial operations; and the -plethora of San Francisco began, to the great relief of the peaceful -population, to be diverted on the surrounding countries. - -The count had, therefore, arrived at a propitious moment to put in -execution the plan he meditated. He belonged to one of the oldest and -noblest families in France. He enjoyed, and that justly, a spotless -reputation in California; moreover, he was very strict in the selection -of the men he enlisted; finally, he offered an honourable scope for -their ambition, which is very flattering to men who have nothing to -lose. Nothing more was needed to excite the emulation of all the -ragamuffins, and urge them to place themselves under his orders. - -Among the adventurers were many really estimable persons, who in no way -merited the sad fate they were undergoing, and who, seduced by the -unknown, had been attracted to California by the fallacious promises of -European speculators, and had been the victims of the scoundrels who -induced them to emigrate. These men endured their sufferings nobly, -awaiting with the patience of well-tempered hearts the opportunity to -take their revenge and regain that position which a moment of mad -intoxication and credulous simplicity had made them forfeit. - -The Count, with that infallible glance he possessed, and the knowledge -of mankind which lengthened misfortune had enabled him to acquire, had -picked out the best men from the crowd that daily invaded his house so -soon as his intention became known, and assured himself of the -co-operation of devoted comrades of tried courage, who, regarding the -count's enterprise as the sole means of emerging from their frightful -position, attached themselves to him with a firm resolve to do or die. - -Hence we will assert here that of all the expeditions formed at that -period in California, the only really honourable one which contained the -elements of success was that led by Count Louis de Prebois Crance. - -We do not go beyond the mark when we say that the count was adored by -his comrades. These rude adventurers, so harshly tried by destiny, had -guessed, with the ineffable perspicacity of men who have suffered -greatly, the inexhaustible kindness, perfect loyalty, and vast -intelligence locked up in the heart of their chief, and how much tender -solicitude and friendship for them were concealed beneath his mournful -countenance and the imposing severity of his liquid blue eye. Thus it -was not merely respect he inspired them with, but veneration and -devotion, extending almost to fanaticism. - -An expedition like that the count was preparing was no easy thing to -organise, especially with the scanty resources he had at his disposal; -for he only obtained vague promises from his partners, and was forced to -seek in himself the means for satisfying all. - -The rich placer which Belhumeur and Eagle-head pointed out to him had -been worked in the time of the Spanish monarchy; but since the -declaration of independence, carelessness and disorder having taken the -place of the energy displayed by the Castilians, the Indians soon -expelled the miners: the placer had, therefore, been temporarily -abandoned. Then gradually the Apaches and Comanches, growing bolder as -they perceived the weakness of the white men, advanced and recaptured -vast territories, on which they established themselves permanently, -knowing that the Mexicans would never attempt to drive them out. In this -way the placer to which we allude, formerly situated in the possessions -of New Spain, was now surrounded by Indian territory, and to reach it it -was necessary to wage a mortal contest with the two most dangerous -nations of the desert, the Apaches and Comanches, who would under no -pretext suffer the invasion of their frontiers by the whites, but would -defend their ground inch by inch against them. - -The Mexican government had only authorised the formation of the mining -company founded by the count on the express condition that the miners, -organised as a military force, should pursue the Indians, attack them -whenever they came up with them, and definitively expel them from the -territory they had usurped since the proclamation of independence. The -count had accepted a rough and almost impossible mission: any other in -his place would have backed out and refused to accept such terms. But -Count Louis was a man in a thousand, gifted with a rare energy, which -obstacles only rendered greater. And then, personally, what did he care -for the issue of the affair? It was not wealth, but death, he sought; -still he did not wish to fall till he had given his comrades that wealth -he had promised them, and rescued them from the stings of adverse -fortune. - -He accepted the conditions, then, but not blindly, ambitiously, or -egotistically. He accepted them as a man of heart, who sacrifices -himself for an idea, and for the general happiness; and who, while -recognising the almost insurmountable difficulties that oppose the -success of his noble projects, hopes to succeed in overcoming them by -his courage, perseverance, and abnegation. - -The energy, patience, and intelligence which the count had displayed -during the two months since his parting with Valentine, no one but -himself could have told. One of the clauses in his contract with the -suspicious and shifting Mexican government obliged him not to take more -than three hundred men with him. The President of the Republic, General -Arista, doubtlessly feared the invasion and conquest of Mexico by the -French, had they been four hundred in number. - -These wretched conditions are so ridiculous, that they would be -incredible were they not rigorously true. We could, if we pleased, write -down here the words uttered in the Senate of Mexico, in which this fear -of invasion is distinctly expressed. - -The count, in order to dissipate all doubts on this head, and, above -all, not to arouse suspicions, decided on only taking two hundred and -sixty men instead of three hundred. - -But this company, destined to traverse a country swarming with obstinate -enemies, compelled during the journey to fight perhaps several times a -day, constrained in this desolate country to supply its own wants (for -it had no help to expect anywhere), must receive a powerful -organisation. - -This was what the count thought of first. - -Those persons who have never worn that heavy harness called a military -tunic cannot form even a distant idea of the thousand difficulties of -detail which arise at every step in the complete organisation of a -company, so that the service may be done properly, and the soldier not -suffer needlessly. - -The count was obliged to improvise. He had never served, and was not at -all aware of the nature of such a task as his; but he was a gentleman -and a Frenchman, two reasons for inventing what a man is ignorant of -when war is the subject. The military genius is so innate in the French -nation, that we may say every man is a soldier. At any rate, Louis -proved it in an undeniable manner. - -Obliged to foresee everything, and provide for all eventualities, he -undertook everything; and, on seeing the nature of his arrangements, his -men, all old soldiers and connoisseurs in such matters, were convinced -that their chief had been long engaged in military affairs. - -He made a regular army of his company; that is to say, he had infantry, -cavalry, and artillery. In order that the discipline might be strictly -maintained the infantry were divided into sections, commanded by tried -men selected by himself. A few sailors, accustomed to handle guns, were -appointed to serve a small mountain howitzer, which the count carried -with him, more for the purpose of terrifying the Indians than in the -hope that it would ever prove of use to him. - -Lastly, some forty picked men, most of them old Chasseurs d'Afrique, -formed the cavalry, and were placed under the orders of an officer for -whom the count felt a peculiar esteem, whom he had known a long time, -and in whose ability he placed entire confidence. - -But what we have described was nothing when compared with what still -remained to be done--purchasing arms, provisions, the necessary tools -for working the mine, ammunition, and, above all, means of transport. - -The count was not discouraged. He improvised a commissariat, and -alone--alone we repeat; for he had refused the offer of large American -bankers, who at length, recognising his value, had proposed to take an -interest in his enterprise--with his scanty resources, he had done -everything, organised everything, and now only awaited his foster -brother's arrival, in order to pay the balance of his accounts, ship his -company, and set sail. - -Now that we have fully explained these matters to our reader, which are -so important to a proper understanding of what follows, we will resume -our narrative at the point where we were compelled to break it off. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -VALENTINE'S RETURN. - - -As we have already said, the count sprang up on hearing a rap at the -door of his house. - -"Who can come at this hour," he muttered. "I expect nobody." - -And he went to the door and opened it. Three men entered, wrapped -closely in their cloaks. The darkness in the room prevented Don Louis -recognising their features, which were, besides, half hidden by the -brims of their sombreros. - -"Good evening, gentlemen," he said to them. "Who are you, and what would -you with me?" - -"Oh, oh!" one of the newcomers said with a laugh. "By Jupiter! That is a -very dry reception." - -Don Louis started at the sound of this voice, which he recognised at -once. - -"Valentine!" he exclaimed with emotion. - -"By Jove!" the other said gaily, as he threw off his cloak, "I suppose -you thought I was dead?" - -"And do you not recognise me, Senor Don Louis?" the second person said, -also throwing off his cloak. - -"Don Cornelio, my friend, you are welcome." - -"That's right," Valentine went on; "we are beginning to understand one -another at last--that is fortunate. Were you going out?" - -"Yes, but for no urgent matter." - -"I do not disturb you, then?" - -"On the contrary, sit down and let us talk." - -"All right." - -"Have you supped?" - -"Not yet; and you?" - -"Nor I either. That is capital--we will sup here together. In that way -we can say what we like, and not fear listeners, unless you prefer going -to the hotel." - -"St! Deuce take me if I care about it. Let us sup here, my boy; it will -be better in every way." - -"That is what I thought. Let me give some orders, and I shall be at your -service." - -Louis went out. - -"Ouf!" Valentine said, stretching himself in an easy chair, "I am -beginning to get tired. How do you feel, Don Cornelio?" - -"I!" the latter replied with a sigh. "I can move neither arm nor leg; I -walk about like a somnambulist." - -"Nonsense! Such a stout fellow as you." - -"Stout as you please--do you know we have not been to bed or to sleep -for seven nights?" - -"Do you think so?" the Frenchman said carelessly. - -"_Capa de Dios!_ Do I think so? I am sure of it. The proof of it is, -that in those seven days we rode three hundred leagues, and killed ten -horses." - -"On my word, that is true." - -"So you see----" - -"Well, what do you conclude from that?" - -"Why, that you were in a hurry." - -"And yet, in spite of all our diligence, my friend thinks that we have -been too slow." - -"Then I must say he is not reasonable. But are we going to leave the -chief kicking his heels at the door?" - -"Good gracious! I never thought of him," Valentine said as he rose. - -And he walked toward the door. - -At the same moment Curumilla appeared at one end of the room, while Don -Louis came in at the other, at the head of several servants. Louis -placed the candlesticks he held in his hand on the table, and turning to -his friend,-- - -"Where are you going?" he asked him. - -"To look for Curumilla, whom I left in charge of the horses; but there -he is!" - -"Do not trouble yourself about the horses; I have given orders as to -them." - -"To supper, then, for I am dying of hunger; my comrades and myself have -eaten nothing for sixteen hours." - -The four men sat down to the table, which had been copiously covered -with dishes of every description. The meal began: the guests ate for a -long time without exchanging a word. The newcomers had an imperious -necessity to recruit their strength. At length, when the edge was -slightly taken off his appetite, Valentine poured out some drink, and -addressing his foster brother, began the conversation. - -"Why, Louis, do you know that you are not difficult to find in this -deuce of a city? Your reputation appears to be enormous." - -"How so?" Louis said with a smile. - -"By Jove! Everybody knows your address: they only call you the general. -I did not need to ask many questions to find this house--everybody -offered to guide me. It seems as if affairs are going on well, eh?" - -The count smiled softly; but, before replying, he made the servants a -sign to leave the room, and when the door was closed upon them,-- - -"All goes on very well," he said; "but now that you have arrived it will -go on better still." - -"Ah, ah! You think so?" Valentine said, sipping like an amateur the -Bordeaux in his glass. - -"I hope so." - -"Well, you are not mistaken, brother; I hope so too." - -Louis gave a start of joy. - -"You have been a long time in coming," he said. - -"Do you think so?" - -"If you knew how impatiently I expected you." - -"I suppose so; but believe me, my friend, when you have heard all I have -done, only one thing will astonish you--that I am here already." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Patience! Tell me first what you have been doing during our separation. -But one word first--have you beds for us?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then, as supper is over, through pity for Don Cornelio, who is -asleep in that easy chair, let him be taken to a bed, where he can -repose at his ease: he needs it, I assure you." - -"The fact is," the Spaniard stammered, "that my eyes _will_ close, in -spite of all my efforts to keep them open." - -Louis had risen. On a signal he gave, a servant took charge of Don -Cornelio, and led him away. Curumilla had lighted his calumet, and was -smoking silently. - -"Now for us two," Valentine said. - -"But the chief," Louis observed: "does he not wish to rest?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about him--he is made of iron; but if by any -accident sleep comes upon him, you need not be alarmed--he will stretch -himself in a corner of this room." - -"Very good. Now, then, listen to me." - -"I am all attention." - -Louis gave his friend a detailed account of all he had done since his -return to San Francisco. The narrative was long, for the count had much -to tell. Valentine listened with the closest attention, not interrupting -him once. The night was far advanced when Louis at length ended his -report. Curumilla was still smoking. - -When the count stopped there was a moment's silence, and then Valentine -took the word. - -"You have done miracles. You have accomplished impossibilities." - -"Then you are satisfied with me?" - -"I admire you. You have displayed in all this business incredible energy -and intelligence. Now let us arrive at the financial question." - -"Yes, that is the serious point at this moment. Unfortunately it will -not be so easy to settle as the others." - -"Who knows? Then you owe a deal of money?" - -"An enormous sum." - -"Oh, oh!" - -"Why, you understand I had everything to buy." - -"That is right; and you possessed?" - -"As you know, nothing." - -"Hum, hum! The account is clear. Then you owe for everything?" - -"Nearly so." - -"Are your accounts in order?" - -"Of course, as I only waited for you to start." - -"Let us have a look at them." - -Louis opened a drawer, from which he took several papers covered with -figures. He spread them out on the table with a stifled sigh. - -"Why do you sigh?" Valentine asked him. - -"Because I am anxious." - -"Anxious about what?" - -"Why, hang it! About paying them." - -Valentine smiled. - -"Nonsense!" he said, "let us look all the same." - -The count bent over the papers. - -"What are you doing?" Valentine said. - -"I am calculating." - -"What is the good? Tell me the totals only--that will be quicker." - -"You are right: 17,533 piastres, 6 reals." - -"Good!" Valentine commenced writing the amount in pencil on a piece of -waste paper. "Next." - -"Twenty-one thousand two hundred and seven piastres, five reals." - -"Very good: go on." - -"Twelve thousand eight hundred and twenty-three piastres." - -"No reals?" - -"No." - -"Go on." - -"Seven thousand six hundred and seventy-five piastres, six reals." - -"Six reals. Very good. What next?" - -"That is all." - -"What! No more?" - -"Is not that enough?" - -"I do not mean that; but, from the way you spoke, I expected a -formidable amount." - -"Is not this so?" - -"Not so very. Come, let us add it up." - -"That is very easy. Here it is: total, 59,239 piastres, 7 reals." - -"Seven reals. The total is correct. Have you not a few small debts -beside?" - -"Of course, I have a few personal matters to pay; and then I should not -like to start empty-handed." - -"That would be awkward; so that, as far as I can see you will want about -eighty or one hundred thousand piastres to be perfectly clear?" - -"Oh! Then I should have more than I require." - -"It is better to have too much than not enough." - -"That is true; but where to find such a sum?" - -"Let me tell you a story." - -"Eh?" Louis said in surprise. "Are you jesting, brother?" - -"I never jest in serious matters. Listen to my story, I am convinced -that it will interest you." - -Louis could not suppress a movement of ill temper. He fell back in his -chair, and crossed his arms. - -"Speak," he said, "I am listening." - -"Patience!" Valentine said, with a smile. - -The count tossed his head. - -"I am beginning," the hunter went on. "You remember in what way we -parted at the _venta_ of San Jose?" - -"Perfectly." - -"The next day I sold the herd in a lump. Another time, I will explain to -you in what way; and I shall have certain explanations to ask of you. -For the present, suffice it for you to know that I made an excellent -deal, and sold it for 14,630 piastres." - -"A famous sum! Unfortunately, we are still far from our reckoning." - -"Patience! Then the bargain was a good one." - -"Excellent: I should not have got such a price here." - -"All the better; at Guaymas I took a bill on Wilson and Baker. Do you -know them?" - -"Very well; it is a substantial house." - -"Good! Then tomorrow we will cash it. After selling the herd, I left San -Jose with my two friends, not knowing, I confess, how to procure the -money I had promised you, and of which you had such pressing need." - -"A need I still have," Louis observed. - -"Agreed," Valentine continued; "after galloping about for a long time, -without knowing exactly where we were going, I resolved to ask my -companions' advice. Of course Don Cornelio could suggest nothing. He -contented himself with strumming a melancholy air on his guitar: you -know that is his resource in embarrassing circumstances. You have known -Curumilla as long as I have: the worthy chief only speaks when he is -compelled; but when he opens his mouth, he speaks gold, and this time it -really occurred." - -While saying this, Valentine could not refrain from smiling. Louis -turned to the chief, to whom he offered his hand, which the other -pressed with a grimace of pleasure. The hunter continued,-- - -"From the descriptions you had given me, I knew pretty nearly the -position of the mine of which you had become proprietor. Curumilla -offered to take us there. 'We shall be very unlucky,' he said, 'we who -know the desert so well, if we do not succeed in foiling the Indians and -reaching the mine. Once there, we will take as much native gold as we -want to satisfy our friend's wants.' As the advice was good, I resolved -to follow it." - -"What!" Louis shouted, rising hurriedly, "you did that, brother?" - -"Of course I did." - -"But you ran a risk of assassination at every step." - -"I knew it; but I knew also that you must have a large sum." - -"Oh, brother, brother!" Louis exclaimed, in great emotion, "so much -devotion, while I was accusing you." - -"You did not know what I was doing; you were right." - -"Oh! I shall never forgive myself." - -"Nonsense! Did we not swear once for all, to be entirely devoted to each -other?" - -"That is true. Oh! You have nobly kept your oath everywhere and ever, -brother." - -"And have you not done the same? Besides, this time the idea does not -belong to me; I only followed the chief's advice." - -"Oh, he is like you; you dare not say anything to him, or he would be -vexed." - -Curumilla laid down his calumet for an instant; and, approaching the -count, laid his hand on his shoulder, and looking at him with an -expression impossible to describe, while touching the Frenchman's chest -and his own in turn,-- - -"Koutenepi," he said, in a quivering voice, "Louis, Curumilla--three -brothers, one heart." - -And he sat down again. - -There was a long pause. The two white men were admiring the devotion and -admiration of this brave Indian, who only lived for and through them, -and asked themselves in their hearts, if, in spite of the warm -friendship they bore him, they were really worthy of so profound an -attachment. - -"In short," Valentine went on at last, "no sooner said than done. I will -not describe to you the incidents of our journey, for that would occupy -too much precious time. Suffice it for you to know that, thanks to our -lengthened prairie experience, after surmounting innumerable obstacles, -and almost falling into the clutches of the redskins a hundred times, we -at length reached the mine. Oh, brother, I know not the riches of the -Californian placers, but I doubt whether they can be compared to the one -of which you are now owner." - -"Ah!" Louis exclaimed; "it is true then, it is rich?" - -"Brother, its riches are incalculable; the native gold is found on the -surface. Even I, whose, I will not say disinterestedness, but whose -indifference for gold you know, was dazzled, so dazzled, that for some -moments I could not imagine what I saw was real. I asked myself was I -awake, or if I was not dreaming." - -While Valentine spoke thus, Louis walked up and down the room, wiping -away the perspiration that stood on his forehead. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, much agitated; "now I shall succeed, no matter what -may happen." - -"Do not defy chance, brother," Valentine replied sorrowfully. - -"Do not fancy, brother, that these immense riches turn me mad. No, no; -what do I care for self? I am thinking of the poor fellows I have -attached to my fortunes; those who have placed confidence in me, and who -will be happy through me. No, I do not defy chance; I thank Providence." - -He sat down again, poured out a glass of water, which he swallowed at a -draught, and passing his hand over his brow,-- - -"Go on, now," he said; "I am calm." - -"I have not much more to add. I had taken with me three bat horses; I -loaded them. I put gold, too, in my _alforjas_, in Curumilla's, and in -Don Cornelio's. That worthy gentleman was perfectly mad: he bounded like -a wild colt, and strummed his guitar furiously. He would not leave the -placer, but insisted on awaiting our return there, alone. I was almost -obliged to employ force to carry him off, so greatly had the sight of -that gold fascinated him. In conclusion, you asked me for 80,000 -piastres. Here are bills for 150,000 on Wilson and Baker. Add the price -of the herd sold at San Jose, and you have a sum of 164,000 piastres, -which is a very pretty lump of money in my opinion. What do you say?" - -He then drew the bills from his breast, and handed them to his foster -brother. Louis was confounded. He could not find words to reply. - -"Ah!" Valentine added carelessly, "I forgot. As I supposed you would not -be sorry to have a specimen of your placer, to show your partners, I -brought you this." - -He handed him a lump of gold, about as large as a man's fist. Louis took -it mechanically, laid it on the table, and looked at it for an instant -with a fixed and haggard eye; then two tears coursed down his pallid -cheeks, and a sob burst from his chest. He stretched out his arms; and, -seizing Valentine and Curumilla, drew them to him, and embraced them -passionately, murmuring,-- - -"Brothers, brothers! Thanks not only for myself, but for our poor -countrymen, whom your sublime devotion has saved from wretchedness, -perhaps from crime!" - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE DEPARTURE. - - -French emigration, in America or elsewhere, has rarely, or, to speak -more truthfully, has never succeeded. - -Whence does this result? The Frenchman is brave to rashness, -intelligent, and laborious. He laughs and sings continually, supporting -with the greatest philosophy the rudest blows of fortune, and carelessly -confiding in the future. All that is true. But the Frenchman is no -coloniser; that is to say, under all circumstances, he remains a -Frenchman, and does not wish to be anything else. - -The French emigrant, when he quits his country, retains always, not only -the desire, but the intention of seeing it again some day. All his -efforts tend to acquire the necessary sum to return to the village or -town where he was born. No matter whether chance deserts him, he ever -regards himself as a traveller and not as a sojourner; whatever be the -position he may achieve, his eyes are incessantly fixed on France, the -only country, in his opinion, where men can live and die happily. - -Infatuated by his nationality, never willing to make the slightest -concession to the habits, creeds, and manners of the people, with whom -he is temporarily obliged to live, esteeming them as far beneath himself -in intelligence and civilisation, the Frenchman passes through foreign -nations with a sardonic smile on his lips, and a mocking -glance--shrugging his shoulders in contempt at all that he sees, without -trying to explain it, and preferring a sarcasm to a good lesson. Hence -it generally happens that the Frenchman is not only not loved; but in -spite of his open, frank, and merry character, is almost detested, by -foreigners. - -At San Francisco, the French emigrants--being without any socialities, -and composed of individuals of every description, who shunned or tried -to injure each other, instead of affording mutual aid--were, we are -forced to confess, very slightly esteemed by the Americans, those -colonisers _par excellence_. A few energetic men had contrived -individually to make the French name respected. - -Count de Prebois' expedition was consequently, in every respect, a -blessing for his unhappy countrymen: in the first place by delivering -them from the frightful want that held them in its iron clutches; and -secondly by elevating them in their own eyes, and in those of the -adventurers of every country whom the _mineral yellow fever_ had -attracted to these parts. - -The count's enterprise had the result of rendering the French colony, at -first so despised, highly respectable; and the Americans now began to -feel secretly jealous of it. The enlistment of the French company to -work the rich placers of Apacheria, was the important event of the day; -it was spoken of everywhere. A number of adventurers burnt to take part -in the expedition, and employed every means to gain acceptance. - -But, as we have said, the count had laid down in this respect a line of -conduct from which he would not deviate: the principal condition of -enlistment was the fact of being a Frenchman; thus any number of poor -fellows was rejected by the count, and many a violent enmity did he -collect on his head, but the count cared little for all the disturbance; -he continued his work imperturbably. Thus, as we have said, when -Valentine arrived at San Francisco, the company was almost complete, and -composed of picked men. - -The hunter heard the news from his friend's lips, with the greatest -satisfaction. - -"Come," he said; "you have lost no time." - -"Have I?" - -"By Jove! To form a mining company, and collect a body of men in less -than two months, is no trifle. I congratulate you with all my heart." - -"Thank you. Still, without you nothing would have been effected; for -mark the fact, Valentine, that although I have the richest capitalists -and highest men in Mexico as shareholders in the _Atravida_, not one of -them would have advanced me an ochavo to pay the expenses of the -organisation, which I was bound to settle alone." - -"That is a clever arrangement, brother. You have to deal with cunning -shareholders." - -"All the better. I will soon prove to them that they did wrong in not -giving me all that confidence I deserve." - -"I like that way of revenging yourself. But tell me----" - -"What?" - -"Have you influential men among your shareholders?" - -"What do you mean by influential?" - -"Why, men whose political position offers you a certain guarantee -against the annoyances which will be inevitably created down there, to -prevent the success of your enterprise, and prepare its failure." - -"I fear nothing of the sort." - -"All the better." - -"Judge for yourself. I have among my shareholders the French envoy at -Mexico, the French consul at Guaymas, the Governor of Sonora, and many -others." - -"Did you not say the Governor of Sonora?" - -"Yes." - -"Ah, ah, ah!" - -"Well?" - -"Oh, nothing." - -"Yes, you mean something; so speak." - -"Indeed, why should I make a mystery of it? Do you know this governor?" - -"No. I only know that he is colossally rich, that his name is Don -Sebastian Guerrero, and he is a general." - -"Is that all?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, you are mistaken in fancying you do not know him." - -"Nonsense." - -"Yes; and as it appears, you have even rendered him a great service." - -"You are jesting; I never saw him." - -"That is your mistake. Like the worthy knight errant, you are, you saved -him from the hands of the miscreants." - -"Come, speak seriously." - -"I am doing so. In one word, you saved his life and his daughter's." - -"I? You are mad." - -"Not the least in the world. Indeed the father, and especially the young -lady--who, between ourselves, is delightful--entertain the most -affecting reminiscences of you." - -"Who on earth told you that fine story?" - -"Who? why the general himself." - -"That is a little too strong." - -"Come, think a little. About three or four years back, I do not know -exactly which, did you not after leaving Guadalajara----?" - -"Wait a minute," the count said hurriedly. "It would be strange if the -person I saved were really the same----" - -"Strange or no, it is." - -"Well, then, that is famous for us." - -"By Jove! We have a powerful friend, who will defend us tooth and nail -against all comers. That is famous. I really believe Providence is -declaring for us." - -"I did not know that the Mexicans were gifted with so excellent a -memory." - -"I rather think it is the Mexican ladies in this case." - -"No matter; the circumstance is of good augury." - -"I hope you will profit by it." - -"As much as I can." - -"Bravo! And now that your affairs are settled, or nearly so, when do you -intend to make a move?" - -"I have certain arrangements still to make; so I cannot leave San -Francisco before ten days." - -"Can I be of any service to you?" - -"None here; but over there, great." - -"That is to say----" - -"Are you fatigued?" - -"Fatigued of what?" - -"Why, of riding about in the fashion you have done, for some time past?" - -"Once for all, and let that be carefully understood between us, remember -that I am never tired." - -"Good! Then you can render me a service?" - -"What is it?" - -"Though I cannot start for ten days, you can be in the saddle by -daybreak, I suppose?" - -"Of course." - -"You must return by land to Sonora, to deliver three letters I will give -you, one for Don Antonio Pavo, consular agent at Guaymas, the second for -the Governor of Sonora, and the third for a certain Canadian hunter whom -you will probably find at the Hacienda del Milagro, in the neighbourhood -of Tepic." - -"I will do it. Is that all?" - -"Yes. You understand that I do not wish to arrive there, before -preparations have been made for my reception." - -"You are right: so I start----" - -"Tomorrow." - -"You mean today: it is now two o'clock." - -"By Jove! That is true. How time slips away." - -"Where shall I wait for you?" - -"At Guaymas." - -"That is understood. Write the letters while Curumilla and I saddle the -three horses." - -"Will you take your Spaniard with you?" - -"Yes, he will be useful to me there." - -"As you please." - -Valentine and Curumilla went out, while Louis began his letters. -Valentine, after saddling the horses, was conducted to the room where -Don Cornelio was asleep. We must do the Spaniard the justice of saying -that he offered the most obstinate resistance to the hunter, and it was -not till he was compelled, that he left the bed in which he slept so -comfortably. At length, when Valentine had succeeded, part by -persuasion, part by carrying him, in placing him on his saddle and -confiding him to Curumilla, he returned to the room where he had left -his foster brother. The letters were ready; and Valentine took them. - -"Now, brother, good-bye," he said, "and may you be fortunate." - -The two men remained for a long time in an affectionate embrace. Louis -knew the hunter too well, to try and induce him to take a few hours' -rest; he, therefore, accompanied him to the gate, where the four men -exchanged a parting greeting, and, at a sign from Valentine, the horses -started at full speed. They soon disappeared in the darkness, but the -sound of their horses' hoofs re-echoed for a long time on the hardened -soil. Louis remained motionless in the gateway, so long as the -slightest sound reached his ear, and then went in again, murmuring:-- - -"A man must be accursed who does not succeed, with such devoted -friends." - -The count worked through the whole night, not thinking of taking a -moment's rest. The sun was already high on the horizon, and he still -remained bent over the table, writing figures after figures. The door -opened; and the person we saw talking confidentially with the count on -the previous evening entered. Louis started at the noise, but on -recognising his visitor a smile played over his stern countenance. - -"You are welcome, consul," he said gaily, as he offered him his hand; -"you could not have arrived at a better moment. Have you come to -breakfast?" - -"Yes, my dear count; for I wish to talk seriously with you." - -"All the better, for I shall keep you the longer. Take a chair, and -pardon my being surprised in this state, but I have spent the night in -arranging these documents. Deuce take the man who invented writing and -accounts." - -The consul, for the gentleman was no other than the French -representative in California, sat down, smiling; and, by the count's -orders, an appetising breakfast was served almost immediately. The two -gentlemen sat down opposite each other, and began a vigorous attack on -the dishes. - -"Well," Louis said presently, "any news?" - -"Bad." - -"Ah, ah! That worthy Jonathan is yelping, I suppose?" - -"Louder than ever." - -"Look at that! And why, may I ask?" - -"You can guess it." - -"Nearly so; but no matter, out with it." - -"You are aware that you have made a number of enemies here?" - -"Well, it was not my own fault." - -"That is true! Well, these enemies are stirring, and making loud -remarks." - -"About what?" - -"Why, you know people can always find something to turn into scandal. -They say that the expedition will fail, that you are reduced to -expedients, and that you do not know how to escape from your present -position." - -"Is that all?" - -"No. They add, that you have contracted enormous debts, which you will -never succeed in paying." - -"Good again!" - -"You understand that these calumnies produce a very bad effect." - -"Naturally." - -"I have therefore come to you, my dear count. I am not rich, -unfortunately; still, I have at my disposal some 20,000 piastres. I am a -shareholder in the company, and it is therefore my duty to come to its -assistance; so I frankly offer you the money, which may be of some -slight service to you." - -The count cordially pressed his guest's hand. - -"Thanks!" he said to him, with suppressed emotion, touched by the -delicacy of this noble and generous procedure. - -"Yes," the consul continued, ransacking his pockets, and producing a -bundle of notes; "we must silence these scoundrels. Here is the amount." - -And he offered the notes to the count, who declined them with a gentle -smile. - -"You are mistaken as to the meaning of the word I used," he remarked. "I -thanked you, not because I accept your generous offer, but because it -proves to me the esteem in which you hold me." - -"Still----" the consul urged him. - -"Again I thank you; but all my debts will be paid within an hour. I have -at this moment nearly 200,000 piastres at my disposal." - -The consul looked at him, open-eyed. - -"But yesterday----?" he said. - -"Yes!" the count interrupted him quietly, "yesterday I had nothing, -today I am rich. I will explain to you this very simple miracle." - -When the count ended his narrative, the consul pressed his hand -joyfully. - -"Good gracious!" he said, "you do not know, my dear count, what pleasure -you cause me at this moment; you have staunch friends." - -"Among whom I may reckon yourself." - -"Oh! As for me," he said simply; "that is not astonishing; for am I not -one of your shareholders?" - -As soon as breakfast was over, the count set out to settle with his -creditors, or rather those of the company, in order to destroy all -excuse for malevolence, and close the mouth of the envious. After this, -the count lost no time in making his final arrangements, and enlisting -the few men he was still short of. - -In a word, as he told Valentine when he left him, ten days had scarce -elapsed since their nocturnal meeting, ere all the preparations were -ended, and the company only awaited a favourable moment to embark and -start. - -The day on which the French company embarked for Sonora was a memorable -one for San Francisco. The North American, beneath his cold and -straight-laced appearance, conceals a warm and enthusiastic heart. When -the Frenchmen entered the boats which were to bear them to the ship, for -a moment and as if by enchantment, all enmities were silenced; and an -enthusiastic mob, congregated on the pier, accompanied them with shouts -and wishes for success, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs. - -The count, as was his duty, was the last to embark. Several of his -friends, among them being the consul, bore him company. As he leaped -into the boat, the count turned, and pressed the consul's hand in -parting. - -"Good-bye," he said. "I will succeed, or Sonora shall be my tomb." - -"Good-bye, till we meet again, my friend," the other answered. "I will -not say farewell; I feel convinced that you will succeed." - -"God grant it," Louis murmured, as he leaped into the boat and shook his -head sadly. - -A formidable shout burst from the crowd. The count bowed with a smile, -and the boat started. An hour later, the white sails of the ship that -bore the adventurers glistened, like a kingfisher's wing, on the -horizon. The consul, who remained on the beach till the last moment, -slowly walked homeward, saying to himself:-- - -"Whatever may happen, that man is not an adventurer, but a hero. He has -more genius than Cortez. Will he be equally lucky?" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. - - -As several interesting events of our narrative will take place at -Guaymas, we will describe that town in a few words. - -Mexico possesses several roadsteads in the Pacific; but in reality has -only two ports worthy that name, Guaymas and Acapulco. For the present, -we will confine ourselves to the former. - -Owing to a large quantity of islands which surround the port like a -hill, and the lofty coasts, the roads are in all weathers as sure and -calm as a lake. The sea breaks gently on shores adorned with mango -trees, whose pale green forms a strange contrast to the earthy red of -the beach, and gives the port a wild and desolate aspect, further -increased by the continual silence of the roads, where a few ships seek -shelter at rare intervals under the isle Del Venado, but, where usually -only a few coasters are visible, or wretched canoes, hollowed out of -trunks of trees, and belonging to the Hiaqui Indians. - -The town stretches carelessly along the beach, with its white, low, and -flat-roofed houses, defended by a fort built of red clay, armed with a -few rusty and unserviceable guns. Guaymas, like all the pueblos of the -republic, is dirty, ill built, and the streets are unpaved; in short, at -each step you acquire proofs of that carelessness and egotistic -incapacity which characterises the Mexicans. Behind the town, rise lofty -and denuded mountains, which protect it from the cold winds of the -Cordilleras. - -Still, Guaymas, founded only a few years back, and whose population is -but 6,000 at the utmost, is destined ere long, owing to the security of -its port, and its magnificent position, to acquire a great commercial -importance. - -The day on which we resume our story, about an hour after the _oracion_, -or at seven in the evening, a man, wrapped in a thick cloak, and with -the brim of his sombrero pulled down over his eyes, stopped at the door -of a rather handsome house, and after casting a furtive glance around, -to see that he was not watched, gave discreetly three separate knocks. -This manner of rapping was evidently a signal; and the man we allude to -must have been expected, for the door opened at once. The stranger -entered, and the door was noiselessly closed after him. - -The stranger then found himself in one of those inner patios found in -all the houses of Guaymas; but he probably was perfectly acquainted with -the place; for, without a second's hesitation, he turned to the left, -mounted a few steps, and rapped at a second door, which was before him, -in the same way as he had done at the first. - -"Come in," a voice shouted from within. - -The stranger pushed the door, which yielded to the pressure, and entered -a large room, which might be considered to be furnished with a certain -degree of luxury for Mexico, and especially for a province so remote as -Sonora. But this luxury was in bad taste, and smelled of the _parvenu_. -The furniture and pictures that decorated the room had been probably -purchased or exchanged with the captain of the vessels that at times put -into Guaymas, and presented the strangest possible discordance of style. - -A man was seated in a butaca, almost in the centre of the room, and -carelessly smoking a pajillo. When the stranger entered, he nodded to -him, pointed to a chair, and said laconically,-- - -"Shut the door, and sit down." - -The stranger took off his cloak and hat, which he threw on a sideboard; -and, after closing the door as he had been recommended, he fell into a -butaca with a sigh of satisfaction. We will describe these two new -characters in a few words. - -The first--that is to say, the master of the house--was a plump little -fellow, as broad as he was long, with ordinary features, while his -little sharp eyes gave his face an expression of soothing falseness and -cowardly villainy. He was about fifty years of age, though he did not -appear so, owing to the freshness of his apoplectic complexion, and -long, flat, and greasy masses of black hair, which fell below his red -and coarse ears. This worthy personage was dressed in the European -fashion, with a profusion of jewellery, and rings on his fingers; and, -through his costume and manners, which were made up of effrontery and -timidity, he bore a considerable likeness to a butcher or a cattle -dealer in his Sunday clothes. - -His visitor, whom we have met before by the way, formed a perfect -contrast with him. He was a half-breed, of Indian and Mexican descent, -tall, dry, and thin as a lath; his face, like a knife blade, was adorned -with an enormous beaked nose, which overshadowed a mouth stretching from -ear to ear, and full of teeth white as almonds; round eyes with -blood-shot eyelids, constantly agitated by a convulsive movement, -completed the strangest and most sinister face that could be conceived. -A cruel mocking smile continually moved his thin lips, and added to the -feeling of discomfort his entire person inspired. In a word, his -approach produced that clammy coldness felt in touching a viper or any -other reptile. Beneath his cloak he wore the gold embroidered uniform of -the higher Mexican officers. His name was Don Francisco Flores, and he -wore the badge of a colonel in the Mexican service. We shall soon learn -who was the hideous person, concealed under this borrowed name. - -The colonel, after seating himself, took out some tobacco, made a -cigarette, and began smoking with the most superb nonchalance. For some -minutes the two men remained silent, examining each other with the -corner of the eye. At last, the former, doubtlessly fatigued by this -obstinate inquisition, which weighed upon him, and from which he could -not escape, resolved to take the word. - -"Caballero," he said, "you see that the instructions conveyed in the -letter you did me the honour of writing to me, have been followed out -point for point." - -The colonel made a sign of assent, while emitting an enormous puff of -smoke. The other continued,-- - -"Now I will take the liberty of observing that I do not at all -understand your singular missive, and that I see no reason why you -should surround yourself with so great a mystery." - -"Ah!" the colonel said, with a laugh peculiar to himself, and which bore -a strong likeness to a pile of plates breaking. - -"Yes," the first speaker continued, annoyed by this irreverence; "and I -should not be sorry, I confess, to have a clear and categorical -explanation." - -And, saying this, he drew himself up haughtily in his butaca; and -regarded his visitor fixedly. The latter did not appear at all affected -by this hostile manifestation; on the contrary, he stretched out his -legs, and said, as he threw himself back in his chair,-- - -"Don Antonio, are you fond of money?" - -"Eh?" the other remarked. - -"I beg your pardon. I should have said gold: I will therefore modify my -question. Are you fond of gold?" - -"Really, sir----" - -"Answer clearly, without any hesitation, as a caballero should do. I -suppose that I am not talking Hebrew; so reply, yes or no." - -"But----" - -"_Capa de Dios!_ if you go on in that way we shall never finish, master, -_caray_. You are too sharp a greyhound, not to have recognised at the -first glance with whom you have to deal. Answer clearly, then, without -further tergiversation." - -"Well, then, yes," Antonio answered, subjugated involuntarily by the -man's accent. - -"Very good. Do you love it much?" - -"Well, tolerably." - -"That is not enough." - -"Very much, then, if you absolutely insist." - -"I beg your pardon. It is a matter of indifference to me. It is not I -who am in question, but only yourself." - -"Well, well, I understand you." - -"That is lucky; but you took your time to do so." - -"Come, what is the business?" - -"Ah, ah! You are coming to the point." - -Don Antonio smiled. - -"Well, I am only doing what you wish." - -"That is true; so we shall not dispute about that." - -"Go on; I am listening." - -"You received my letter, as you allowed. Now, do you know why I arranged -this meeting?" - -"I am waiting to hear it from your lips." - -"I will tell you at once. You are aware that a society has been formed -at Mexico, called the Atravida?" - -"I have heard it mentioned." - -"Of course, as you are a partner in it." - -"That is possible; but the question is not about that, I presume?" - -"Perhaps it is. Well, this company, established under the auspices of -the first Mexican capitalists, supported by the government, is intended -to work the rich mines of the _Plancha de Plata_, situated in the heart -of Apacheria." - -"I am aware of it." - -"Very good. You see we shall soon understand each other." - -"I doubt it." - -"I hope so. This company, composed of Frenchmen, all resolute men, -organised as soldiers, and under the command of a skilful chief----" - -"Count Don Louis de Prebois----" - -"I know him. Spare your praise of him. This company, supported by high -influences, must not, however, reach the mines." - -"Ah, ah! And what will prevent it, if you please?" - -"Yourself first of all." - -"Oh, oh! I do not believe it." - -"Nonsense! You shall see. Let me finish first." - -"Go on." - -"How much do you think this affair will bring you in?" - -"I cannot tell you." - -"What, not even approximatively?" - -"It is very difficult to calculate, for the mines are rich." - -"Yes, but they are remote. Come, mention a figure." - -"It is impossible." - -"Nonsense! Even supposing I were to help you----?" - -"Ah! If you help me----" - -"I thought so." - -"But stay," Don Antonio remarked sharply. "What great interest have you, -then, in spoiling this affair?" - -"I, none; it is you." - -"I!" Don Antonio exclaimed in amazement; "that is a little too much." - -"You shall see." - -"I am most eager to do so." - -"So soon as the Atravida company was established, another, under the -name of the _Conciliadora_, was at once set on foot, as always happens, -and naturally for the same object." - -"Come, the name is a capital one." - -"It is. Now you know that competition is the backbone of trade." - -Don Antonio bowed in assent; and the colonel continued, with his dry and -harsh smile. - -"The Conciliadora, although powerfully protected at Mexico, required an -active, intelligent, and upright agent in Sonora; and it immediately -turned its eyes on you. Indeed, Don Antonio Mendez Pavo, performing the -duties of French consul at Guaymas, was the only man capable of serving -it efficaciously. As the result of this reasoning, you were put down for -200 paid up shares of 500 piastres each; the coupons of which were -intrusted to me to deliver to you. That makes, if I am not mistaken, a -very nice little sum, which I shall have the honour of handing to you." - -And he felt in the pocket of his uniform; but Don Antonio disdainfully -checked him. - -"You are strangely mistaken about me, caballero," he said; "when a man -has the honour of representing France, he cannot be bribed in so -miserable a way." - -"Nonsense!" the colonel said, laughing. - -"My duty orders me to protect the French company; and whatever may -happen, I will do so." - -"Magnificently spoken." - -"So now," Don Antonio continued with fire, "return to the persons who -sent you, and tell them that Don Antonio Pavo is not one of those men -who can be induced to forget his duty so easily." - -"That is charming, and you really spoke it with proper emphasis." - -Don Antonio rose, and with a majestic smile shewed the colonel the door. - -"Begone, sir," he said coldly; "or I shall not answer for the -consequences of my anger." - -The colonel did not stir; he made no change in the carelessly insolent -position he had adopted from the outset. Still, when Don Antonio ceased, -he threw away his cigarette, and giving the last speaker a glance of -most peculiar significance,-- - -"Have you done?" he answered quietly. - -"Caballero!" Don Antonio exclaimed, drawing himself up majestically. - -"Permit me, Don Antonio, I have no wish to remain any longer here and -waste your precious time. Still, you will allow with me, that every man -intrusted with a mission must accomplish it in its entirety; and you are -too conversant with business to deny this fact." - -"I allow it, sir," Don Antonio answered, suddenly calmed by these words. - -"Very good; then, be kind enough to sit down again and listen to me a -few moments longer." - -"Be brief, sir." - -"I only ask for five minutes." - -"I grant them." - -"You are generous, sir; I will, therefore, profit by your permission. I -go on, then. You are inscribed for 200 shares, representing, if I am not -mistaken, 100,000 piastres, which I consider a very respectable sum." - -"Not a word more on that subject, sir." - -"I know," the colonel continued imperturbably, "what you would object; a -bird in the hand is worth a vulture in the air." - -Don Antonio, troubled by the meaning attached to his words, could find -no reply. The colonel continued; - -"The chiefs of the company employed the same line of reasoning as -yourself, sir. They understood that they must act fairly and above board -with a man holding so high as yourself, and so worthy in every respect -of their confidence; consequently, they commissioned me to hand you, in -addition to the shares----" - -"Sir," Senor Pavo essayed again. - -"Fifty thousand piastres," the colonel said distinctly. - -Don Antonio made a bound of surprise. - -"What!" he exclaimed. "What did you say, senor?" - -"I mentioned 50,000 piastres." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"In good bills, payable at sight." - -"On what house?" - -"Torribio de la Porta and Co." - -"An excellent house, sir." - -"Is it not?" - -"Most assuredly." - -"But," the colonel said as he rose, "since you refuse our offers, and my -mission is now accomplished, I need only withdraw, after begging to -pardon the loss of time I have occasioned you; for you _do_ refuse, I -think?" - -Don Antonio had turned green; his small grey eyes, obstinately fixed on -the papers the colonel toyed with, sparkled like live coals. - -"Permit me," he said stammering. - -"Eh? Can I be mistaken, senor?" - -"I--I--I fancy you are." - -"This time, bear in mind, we must understand each other thoroughly, in -order to avoid any future misunderstanding, which might entail regret." - -"Be at your ease. I believe there will no longer be any misapprehension -between us. An affair, as you know, does not always strike a man at the -first glance." - -"That is true; but now you fully understand it?" - -"Perfectly." - -"All the better. Now we can have a frank explanation." - -"Yes," Don Antonio said, with a mocking accent; "and, to begin, Senor -Garrucholo, doff for a moment your borrowed character, for I like to -know with whom I am dealing." - -El Garrucholo, for the ex-bandit was really hidden under Colonel -Francisco Flores, shuddered involuntarily at finding himself thus -detected. He cast a viper's glance at the man who had unmasked him, and -seized him fiercely by the arm. - -"Take care, Don Antonio, there are secrets which kill those who hold -them." - -"That is possible, my master," the other answered, triumphing in his -heart at the effect his revelation had produced. "But as, if I am not -mistaken, we are about to complete together a very dirty transaction, I -wished to prove to you that, if you held my secret, I had yours; and -that it is to your interest to deal fairly by me." - -"Threatened persons live a long time," the bandit said with a shrug of -his shoulders. - -"I do not threaten; I merely take my precautions--that is all. Now, let -us converse." - -The two men drew their chairs together and commenced a conversation, ear -to ear, in so low a voice that no one could have overheard them. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -GUAYMAS. - - -The Mexicans are only children, though terrible children we allow, on -whom it is impossible to calculate, no matter in what way. Their -deplorable conduct, under all circumstances, since they succeeded in -constituting themselves an independent nation, proves that, unless an -entire change takes place in their character, no more is to be hoped -from them in the future than they have effected in the past. - -Curious, fickle, cowardly, rash, distrustful, cruel, and -superstitious--such is the Mexican. - -Let it not be supposed that we speak thus through a hatred of a people, -among whom we lived so long; on the contrary, we love the Mexicans, we -pity them, we should like to see them regard seriously their position, -as a free nation, and behave as men; but we repeat it, they are -terrible, stormy, and obstinate children, from whom no good can be -derived, we are honestly afraid. - -One of the manias of this people is to attract, by the most handsome -promises, fallacious offers, and most friendly demonstrations, those -strangers whom they fancy may prove useful in any way. They receive -these foreigners with open arms, weep with joy while embracing them, -offer them the most tenderly fraternal caresses, and give them more than -they ever ventured to ask. Then one fine day, without any reason, -motive, or slightest pretext, they change from white to black, begin -hating with their whole soul the foreigners they have so greatly petted, -insult and betray them, lay snares for them, and eventually ill treat or -assassinate them, and that, too, while offering them a hand, and smiling -on them. - -If we wished to recriminate, how many names could we quote, how many -shades would it be easy for us to evoke in support of our statements, -without counting the noble and unfortunate De Raousset Boulbon, and the -impetuous and generous Lapuillade, victims offered in a cowardly way to -that hideous Mexican prejudice--a prejudice which is the basis of the -policy of this unlucky people, and which will ruin it--not through a -hatred of the foreigner, for that is a noble and national feeling, but -through a hatred of Europeans, whom they despair of ever equalling, and -to whom, in their ignorance and carelessness, they feel a mortal -jealousy and envy. - -It is evident that during the ten years' struggle Mexico had to sustain -against Spain, the former country produced grand and noble characters; -but it seems that, exhausted by that gigantic effort, it was incapable -of casting others like them into the crucible, for since the first hour -of its liberty to the present day, it has not produced a single man -worthy of walking, even at a distance, in the footsteps of the -illustrious founders of its independence. - -This is very sad to say; and yet, if we passed it over in silence, we -might be reproached for not stating the truth, and for recoiling from -the task we imposed on ourselves in writing this story, in which we have -merely changed the names through a feeling that will be appreciated. - -The arrival of the French company, however, was anxiously expected at -Guaymas. The most absurd and contradictory reports were spread about it, -its chief, and the object of the expedition; and as is generally the -rule, the most absurd rumours obtained the greatest and firmest -credence. Even before the arrival of the French, malevolence was -watching in the shade, and seeking darkly to arouse the ill will of the -population against the new arrivals. - -What Colonel Flores stated in his conversation with Don Antonio Pavo was -perfectly correct. Hardly had the organisation of the Atravida company -been completed in San Francisco, ere two American houses, perfectly -comprehending the advantages of this enterprise in which they were not -allowed to join, for reasons we will be silent about for their credit, -treacherously established a rival company, intended to impede the -operations of the elder company by all means, even the most dishonest. - -Hatred never slumbers. The affair went on rapidly, so rapidly that the -second company had all its batteries prepared for effective action -before the French had quitted San Francisco. This operation was managed -with such Machiavellism, and the secret was so well kept, that the -count, in spite of his extensive relations, suspected nothing, and -embarked for Sonora with his heart full of hope and illusions. - -Valentine was awaiting his friend with the most lively impatience. The -hunter had conscientiously fulfilled the commissions the count gave him; -and all had, apparently, succeeded famously. A comfortable barrack was -prepared for the company: the French agent had been most honeyed, and -placed himself at the hunter's disposal to do all he might desire with -the most charming affability. Still the latter was not satisfied. With -no plausible reason, with nothing arising to contradict these offers of -friendship, Valentine, by one of those forebodings which Heaven sends to -those it loves and wishes to protect, felt that all this amenity -concealed a snare; the lips smiled, it is true, but the eyebrows -frowned, and the brow was wrinkled. - -General Guerrero, while testifying his delight at the arrival of the -company, and placing himself at the orders of the hunter, had continued -under various pretexts to reside at Hermosillo, instead of coming to -Guaymas to welcome the company, as he should have done; in the first -place as governor of the province, secondly, as member of the company; -two reasons more than sufficient to suggest his change of abode. - -Valentine, hence, was very restless; and the more so because, while -feeling that a storm was collecting, he could not foresee whence it -would come. Hence, he remained a greater part of the day by the -seashore, watching anxiously every sail that appeared, hoping to see his -friend arrive at any moment; for he supposed, with some show of reason, -that the presence of the count and his brave comrades would suffice to -silence those who sought to injure him: for the majority of the people -was not only far from being hostile to the expedition, but seemed well -disposed toward it. - -Things were in this state one morning, when, according to his custom, -Valentine was preparing to proceed to his observatory, as he called the -rock on which he passed whole days. All at once, Don Antonio and Colonel -Flores rushed into the cuarto where he resided, crying, gesticulating, -and repeating, both at once:-- - -"Here they are, here they are! They are coming!" - -"Who?" Valentine asked them, hardly able yet to put faith in such -blessed news. - -"El conde! El conde!" - -"He will be here in an hour at the latest," said Don Antonio. - -"Perhaps before," the colonel backed him up. "We are going to meet him." - -"And I, too," Valentine exclaimed. - -They went out. The news had spread with the rapidity of a powder train. -Guaymas took a holiday. Immediately, before any orders were given by the -authorities, the houses were hung with flags; for, as it happened, -Corpus Christi would be celebrated a few days later, and the banners had -been got in readiness. - -The inhabitants, dressed in their best clothes, the Hiaqui Indians, of -whom a great number let themselves out to private persons as workmen and -servants--in a word, everybody, hurried and ran toward the beach, -shouting, laughing, singing, and uttering interminable hurrahs. It was -really a curious sight,--this crowd, hastening joyously to meet a few -Frenchmen, whose good intentions toward them they instinctively guessed. - -The authorities of the town followed the popular movement; but it was -easy to read that they did not act from their own will, but were carried -onward by the current of public opinion. - -When Valentine and the two men who had constituted themselves his -companions reached the beach, it was already invaded by the whole -population. A few cable's lengths from shore the ship that brought the -French might be distinctly seen. It advanced majestically, impelled by a -strong breeze. It had its top-gallant sails set, and its lower sails -clewed up, which allowed a large crowd to be seen on the poop. When the -vessel had passed a little beyond Venado Island--the usual anchorage of -large ships--it tacked, and sent down top-sails; then the anchor was let -go, and the main jib lowered. - -Valentine leaped hurriedly into a canoe, and, before Don Antonio and the -colonel could follow him, pushed off. Not noticing the signs his -companions made him, the hunter proceeded rapidly in the direction of -the ship, vigorously aided by the man already in the canoe, and who was -no other than Curumilla. In a few minutes they reached the vessel. Louis -perceived them from a distance, so that when they came alongside he -received them, and helped them aboard. Even before embracing his foster -brother, or pressing his hand, Valentine turned and looked searchingly -along the beach. - -"Good!" he said, "they have not found a boat yet. Come, brother, let us -go down into your cabin, I must speak with you without delay." - -"Let me, at least, say 'how do you do' to you," Louis remarked, with a -smile. - -"Come: we have not a moment to lose." - -The count looked at the hunter, and saw that his face was grave. He -understood at once that he had important news to communicate. He no -longer resisted. He gave his orders hurriedly to one of his officers, to -prepare everything for the debarkation, and followed his foster brother -who was anxiously awaiting him. Louis led him into the modest berth -which he had engaged during the passage, and prepared to shut the door. - -"No," Valentine said, preventing him, "leave it open, on the contrary; -in that way we shall see the persons who come." - -"As you please. Speak." - -"I have only two words to say to you; but they are two I would advise -you to profit by." - -"You may be sure of that." - -"You have powerful enemies here. Who they are I know not; but they -detest you." - -"What do you say?" - -"A thing of which I am certain." - -"But, my dear fellow, whoever those enemies may be, I have nothing to -fear from them. My papers are all regular, my grant is clearly and -carefully registered. I have not only the authorisation, but also the -support of the government. I only act by formal orders, and, therefore, -fear nothing." - -"Brother," Valentine answered sententiously, "when you have to deal with -Mexicans, you must always apprehend treachery. I have known them many a -long year, and unfortunately know also what dependence is to be placed -in them." - -"You startle me." - -"No, I warn you, that is all. It is your duty to be constantly on your -guard." - -"Do you know that, before Heaven, I am responsible for the lives of all -these brave fellows intrusted to me?" - -"That is why I advise you to be prudent, and not to trust in any one. -There are two men above all whom I recommend you to distrust." - -"Their names?" - -"Don Antonio Pavo, and Colonel Don Francisco Flores." - -Louis could hardly refrain from a start of surprise, as he looked his -brother in the face. - -"It is not possible," he exclaimed; "you must be mistaken." - -"Why so?" - -"Because these two men, one of whom is agent to the French government -here, and the other the delegate of the Atravida, are both shareholders -in the company. I am specially recommended to them, and have letters -for both." - -"As you please; but I assure you these men are betraying you." - -"Have you any proof?" - -"None." - -"How do you know it, then?" - -"I do not know it, and yet I am sure of it. Believe me, brother; for you -are aware that I am rarely mistaken." - -Louis shook his head sadly. - -"All this is strange," he said. - -At this moment a man leaned over the companion, and uttered the one -word, "Spies!" in a low voice, yet sufficiently loud to be heard by the -two men. - -"Halloh!" Louis exclaimed with a start. - -"It is nothing," Valentine observed; "only Curumilla warning us that our -two men are coming. Let us return to the deck, for they must not fancy -we have any doubts of them. Examine the two men carefully, when you find -yourself in their presence; and I am certain you will come over to my -opinion afterwards." - -Louis made no reply. They went on deck, and Valentine left him. - -"I am returning to land," he said; "you will see me again on the beach." - -The hunter leaped into the canoe, which Curumilla had allowed to fall -behind the vessel, so that it might not be noticed; and he pushed off -for land at the very moment the colonel and Don Antonio set foot on -deck. - -No people is possessed, to so eminent a degree as the Mexican, of the -most refined politeness and most graceful gallantry. By their feline and -gentle manners they can seduce and charm persons they have an interest -in cheating, whenever they please. Unfortunately, in spite of all the -efforts they made, and the cajolery they employed to convince Don Louis -of their sincerity and profound attachment to him, Don Antonio and the -colonel had physiognomies which so clearly revealed the disgraceful -passions that moved them, that all their labour was thrown away. - -As Valentine had warned him, on the approach of these two men the count -had involuntarily experienced a feeling of repulsion, so strong, that he -was compelled to make an effort over himself, to prevent them seeing the -effect they produced upon him. The count, however, thought it advisable -to pretend to be their dupe, in order to profit by the faults their -fancied security might induce them to commit, and derive from them all -the information he might need at a future date. - -He therefore responded to their advances and offers of service with such -frankness and cordiality, that he succeeded in completely duping the -crafty scoundrels who fancied him their dupe. - -The count had scarce arrived in Sonora, he had not yet set foot on land, -ere he had to commence his diplomatic apprenticeship, and contend in -craft and falsehood with people, from whom he should have expected the -frankest friendship and most absolute devotion--a rude task for a -character so loyal and thoroughly honest as that of the count; but the -success of the expedition depended on his finesse, and the skill with -which he eluded the snares which would be incessantly spread beneath his -feet. He understood this, and made up his mind to his course of action, -though it was against the grain. - -After conversing for some time with the two men, the count, seeing that -all was in readiness for the landing, gave orders for it. Immediately -the adventurers took their stations with admirable order in the boats -brought from the port to receive them. The small flotilla advanced -steadily toward the beach, amid the shouts of the crowd assembled on the -shore, and the clangor of all the town bells, rung as a symbol of -rejoicing. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE FIRST FORTNIGHT. - - -A man must have been essentially a pessimist, or thoroughly acquainted -with the Mexican character, to apprehend treachery on seeing the warm -reception accorded to the Frenchmen by the inhabitants of Guaymas. It -was a madness--a delirium impossible to describe. Leperos, rancheros, -campesinos, rich hacenderos, all pressed round the French, vying with -each other in offering them a hearty welcome. It seemed as if this -little band of adventurers, who were only passing through the town, -brought to Sonora peace, tranquillity, and liberty; in a word, all those -things the Mexicans want, and for which they sigh in vain. The cries -of, _Viva los Franceses! Viva el conde!_ rose on all sides with a -deafening sound. - -So soon as the company landed, by Don Louis' orders, the ranks were -speedily formed; and the count, having Colonel Flores on his right hand, -Don Antonio on his left, led his men to the barrack prepared for them, -clearing his way with difficulty through the dense masses of spectators. -In front of the barrack the alcalde mayor, and the juez de letras--that -is to say, the two principal authorities of the town--flanked by their -ragged alguaciles, were awaiting the arrival of the company; and on -perceiving them, Don Louis commanded a halt. - -The two magistrates then walked a few paces toward the count, whom they -saluted respectfully, and began a long address stuffed with all sorts of -pompous Mexican hyperboles, from among which Don Louis managed to -discover that the Sonorians rejoiced in the depths of their hearts at -the arrival of the valiant French company; that they set on his courage -all their hope of being protected against their ferocious neighbours, -the Apaches; that the French had not landed on a foreign shore, but amid -brethren and sincere friends, who would be delighted to have it in their -power to prove their devotion; and a thousand other things too long to -repeat here. - -When the alcalde mayor had ended his discourse amid the warm applause of -the crowd, the juez de letras began one in his turn, equally long, -equally diffuse, and equally perfidious as the first, and which met with -the same success. - -We will remark here that the Mexicans adore long speeches. - -At length, when the two magistrates had finished speaking, the count -bowed gracefully, and replied to them with a few of those words which -come straight from the heart. They produced a perfect frenzy. The crowd -yelled with joy, waving their hats and handkerchiefs; while from every -window a perfect shower of flowers escaped from the dainty hands of the -senoritas, and literally inundated the adventurers, who cordially -responded to this delicate attention. - -The company then entered the barrack; it was a large house, with an -enormous inner court, admirably adapted for the use to which it was put -at this moment. Within an hour, the adventurers, with that eminent knack -peculiar to Frenchmen, were comfortably installed, and appeared to have -occupied their quarters for the last six months. - -The count fancied he had got rid of the alcalde and juez de letras: but -it was not so; they had still several requests to make of him before -they left him at liberty, and would not neglect them. - -As in all other centres of population in Mexico, at Guaymas everyone -lives pretty much as he pleases, without troubling himself greatly about -the authorities. This liberty, or rather license, may be advantageous to -one portion of the population, but is evidently extremely prejudicial to -the other; in this sense, that the rascals, having entire liberty to -commit all the wicked actions Satan constantly breathes in their ear, -the honest people are obliged to defend themselves, and not count in -any way upon the protection of a problematical police, which, if it -happen to exist, naturally makes common cause with the brigands. - -The magistrates had judged in their wisdom to profit by the stay of the -Frenchmen at Guaymas, in order to disperse the scoundrels of every -description, with whom the city abounds, with a salutary terror. -Consequently, they begged the count to guard the principal posts of the -pueblo with men belonging to his company, and to organise patrols to -traverse the streets by night, and watch over the tranquillity of the -citizens and public security. - -When, after much circumlocution, the magistrates at length ventilated -their request, the count answered them with a smile, that he was -entirely at the service of the Mexican government, and if they -considered his assistance useful, they might dispose of him and his men -as they thought proper. The magistrates thanked him heartily, and, -incited by the facility with which the count granted their first -request, they ventured to bring forward the second, which, in their idea -being of much more delicate nature, they feared would be refused. It was -as follows:-- - -_Corpus Christi_ is the most important religious ceremony of Mexico. -This festival, to augment the splendour of which the people undergo the -heaviest sacrifices, fell this year just a few days after the arrival of -the French in Sonora. They wished the count to promise to have his -little mountain guns fired during the whole period the procession went -about the streets. - -Guaymas had many guns in the forts; but unfortunately they were -dismounted, and completely honeycombed with rust. - -It may be easily understood, that in the mind of the superstitious -Sonorians, on so solemn a festival as this, the bells were not -sufficient, and that the ceremony would entirely lose its solemn -character, unless a few gunshots were fired. - -The worthy magistrates little expected that they were causing the count -a lively pleasure, by asking of him two things as a favour, which, had -he dared, he would have claimed as a right, for the following reasons. - -Since the discovery of gold, so many scamps of every description had -sought refuge in San Francisco, that the Californian population justly -enjoyed a frightful reputation for vice, crime, and debauchery, in all -the adjacent countries, and especially in the Pacific ports, on which -they sometimes pounced like swarms of predacious birds. The count -ardently desired on behalf of his undertaking, to show the Sonorians -among whom they were destined to live, that the French emigrants had -nothing in common with these sinister bandits, and that the men he had -the honour to command were brave men, resolved to behave themselves -properly, wherever chance took them, and never to molest the Mexican -population. - -As for the second question, it was even more serious in the count's -eyes. The Mexicans are not only ignorant and superstitious, but even -more. Although they do not understand a syllable of the religion they -profess, or perhaps on account of that, they are exaggerated fanatics, -and sooner pardon a murder than an insult, however slight in its nature, -not to the religion itself, but merely to its exaggerated ceremonial. -This fanaticism, carefully maintained during the Spanish dominion, was -intended to keep foreigners, that is to say the English, whom they -feared greatly, from the shores of New Spain. At that time, indeed, the -English were almost the only Europeans who ventured to visit the Spanish -colonies. - -The monks profited by the difference of our religion, to make the most -exaggerated portraits of the English to their parishioners, investing -them with horns and claws, as the children of Lucifer must necessarily -have. The Indians, credulous as babes, accepted, with closed eyes, all -the fables the monks thought proper to tell them; and, with them, every -foreigner became an Englishman, that is to say a heretic, a gringo. - -The declaration of independence, while enabling the Mexicans to see -foreigners of all nations, made no change in their convictions; for it -is not so easy to destroy a prejudice rooted for centuries. They -continued, as in the past, to see in foreigners only Englishmen, and -consequently gringos; hence, that smouldering hatred which breaks out -every time that occasion offers, and that secret horror they experience -at the sight of every European. - -Being on the point of burying himself with his company in the heart of -Mexico--of passing through fanatic, credulous, and ignorant tribes, with -whom it was important to live in peace, and give them no pretext for -quarrelling--it was of the highest interest to the count to show by an -undeniable proof that the French were not gringos, but, on the contrary, -as good catholics as the Sonorians. - -Hence he favourably greeted the magistrates' request--a request which -probably concealed a trap--and promised them not only that the guns -should thunder during the whole period of the procession, but that the -company would be happy to accompany the holy sacrament during its -progress through the streets of the town. The more so, the count added, -because the French were catholics, and would eagerly seize the -opportunity to manifest their fervour for their revered religion. - -The magistrates, having at length obtained all they desired, took leave -of the count with great demonstrations of gratitude and respect. The -count breathed again, for the _sederunt_ had been long. Still, all was -not over yet, as the count soon perceived. - -Don Antonio, and his inseparable friend the colonel, would not so easily -loose their hold, and only consented to withdraw when the count promised -to be present that same evening with all his officers at a banquet Don -Antonio had prepared, to _fete_ the arrival of the French company. The -count gave his word, and was at length left at liberty for a few hours. - -Now that the company had arrived at Guaymas, that is to say, the first -halt on the road to the mines, the expedition had really commenced, the -first obstacles were cleared. According to the count's idea, all -required now was to give his men a few days' rest, and then push -resolutely onward. - -Profiting by the first impression produced by the Frenchmen, the count, -without loss of a moment, had his papers put in order, and easily -obtained his passports for the interior. Several days passed thus, the -French reigned as masters in Guaymas, petted and caressed by the -inhabitants whom their gaiety and carelessness pleased above all, and -who, having hitherto seen a few ragged outcast Mexican soldiers, could -not leave off admiring the training, martial aspect, and the perfect -dexterity with which the foreigners manoeuvred and managed their -weapons. - -The company performed the police duties of the town with the greatest -care; thefts and assassinations ceased as if by enchantment; and the -Sonorians slept tranquilly, on the faith of their new friends. - -On Corpus Christi day, as had been arranged, the French cannon were -fired during a portion of the day, and the adventurers accompanied the -procession, bearing bouquets in their muzzles, and behaving with the -greatest decency. Their presence at church produced all the effect the -count anticipated from it; and the certainty acquired by the inhabitants -that the strangers were good catholics, still further increased the -friendship they entertained for them. - -Matters went on thus for several days, and nothing occurred to trouble -the azure of the count's projects. In fact, the most perfect harmony -prevailed between him and the magistrates, at least apparently; hence, -with the native frankness of his character, the count began to reproach -himself secretly for the distrust he had at first felt, or rather -Valentine inspired him with; and in his heart he accused his friend of -having yielded to unjust prejudices against men who seemed to study not -merely to satisfy him, but to anticipate the slightest desires of the -members of the expedition. - -Indeed, how could the count suspect treachery? He had only come on the -entreaty of the Mexican government. It was that government which -demanded that his company should be trained, numerous, and well armed. -The chief authorities of the country had a greater interest in the -success of the enterprise, because they were nearly all shareholders. To -suppose that, under such circumstances, these persons intended to cheat -him, the count must have at first admitted that they were insane; for no -one ever carries on war at his own expense, and the Mexicans are -generally known to have a clutching hand for money. - -In the meanwhile, time passed rapidly; the count was afraid, lest the -_morale_ of his comrades might suffer by a longer stay in the heart of a -Sonorian city. He was burning to set out; but, unfortunately, it was -impossible for him to do so, until depots of provisions had been made -along the road, and the government of the state had arranged with him -the definitive movements of the company on its march to the mines. - -Don Louis complained bitterly both to the colonel and Don Antonio of the -continual delays he was obliged to suffer, and the pretexts, more or -less plausible, employed to keep him in disgraceful inaction. The -governor, who declined to quit Pitic, only made evasive answers to his -letters, or declared that he had received no instructions. - -This state of things could not, and must not, last longer. As there was -a risk of the company dissolving, and all the fruit of the preliminary -labours being lost, before the enterprise had been seriously entered on, -Don Louis resolved at all risks to emerge from this equivocal position. -Consequently, after having formally stated his wishes to Colonel Flores -and Don Antonio, he informed them that since General Guerrero did not -appear to understand the tenour of his letters, he was resolved to -proceed himself to Pitic, and have a categorical explanation with him. - -The two men started with joy at this news; for they required the count's -absence for the success of the plans they had formed. Instead, -therefore, of turning him from his project, they urged him warmly to put -it in execution without delay, and start as soon as possible. Don Louis -had no need to be stimulated and urged on thus. So soon as he left the -two men, he proceeded to the barrack, assembled the company, and told -them of his speedy departure, which was joyfully heard by all these -energetic and ardent men whom rest fatigued, and on whom idleness began -to weigh heavily. The count intrusted the temporary command to one of -the officers on whom he thought he could most count, giving him the -order that, if he heard nothing from him within four days, the company -would start at once to join him, and after again urging the men to keep -up the strictest discipline, the count finally quitted the barrack. - -At his house he found Valentine awaiting him. The latter approved his -conduct, but refused to accompany him, giving as his reason, that he -believed he should serve the good cause better by remaining at Guaymas. -The truth was, that the hunter did not wish to leave out of sight the -men he had undertaken to watch, until he had discovered their -machinations. - -Louis did not insist. He knew that with a man of Valentine's character -there was no chance of discussing, when he had once formed a -determination. Followed by Don Cornelio and an escort of ten -well-mounted horsemen, the count set out, after once again pressing his -friend's hand, and proceeded toward Pitic, where--at least he hoped -so--he should at length find the word of the enigma. - -"Hum!" Valentine muttered, following him with a thoughtful glance; -"either I am greatly mistaken, or, now that he is no longer here, to -thwart by his presence the gloomy machinations of the scoundrels who -wish to make him their dupe, we shall soon have something new." - -After this aside, the hunter walked with his usual measured step toward -the barrack, where he arrived in a few moments, and found the -adventurers in a state of great excitement, produced by the departure of -their leader. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -PITIC. - - -The distance is not great from Guaymas to Pitic, and the count covered -it in a few hours. - -Pitic, or Hermosillo, is a delightful town, enclosed with walls, and -surrounded by kitchen gardens, whose produce is rather important. -Unfortunately, the night had completely set in when the count arrived -there, and he could only take a vague glance at the scenery, which, seen -through the obscurity, had entirely changed its character, and assumed a -gloomy appearance, which painfully contracted the adventurer's heart. -The count had considerably recovered from his first illusions; the -paltry annoyances of which he was the object now made him see the future -under a different light, and he already doubted the success of an -enterprise against which, from the outset, so many underhand obstacles -were raised. - -At the moment of mounting his horse, he had received from the general -commandant of the province a note giving him peremptory orders to remain -at Guaymas, with his company, and not to march forward until more ample -information, that is to say, until the general had received positive -instructions on the subject, from the central government at Mexico. As -may be easily supposed, this order, intimated in so brutal a manner -after all that had passed, had obtained the sole result of pressing the -count's departure; for he was outraged by this flagrant violation of all -the conditions stipulated in his treaty. - -The little band entered Pitic without exciting the slightest attention. -At this hour the streets were nearly deserted; and the few travellers -they met _en route,_ deceived by their Mexican costume, did not even -take the trouble to look at them. The count dismounted in the Calle San -Agostino, before a house which he had got in readiness for the occasion, -without saying a word to anyone. After a gentle rap at the door, it -opened, and the party entered. The house belonged to a Frenchman, who -had gone on a journey in the interior, for commercial reasons; but -during his absence, the servants, in obedience to his instructions, -received the count with the utmost attention. The latter, after -whispering a few words to Don Cornelio, who went out at once, retired to -the cuarto prepared for him. - -Don Louis was a man of powerful and energetic temper, a man of action -before all. He understood that, after the turn that matters had taken, -he must act energetically and without losing a moment, unless he wished -to receive an irreparable check. His plan was formed, and he prepared to -carry it out without delay. - -Don Cornelio returned at the moment when the count, who had changed his -costume, was giving a final glance at his appearance. - -"Already!" he said, on perceiving the Spaniard. - -"I have found the house, it is only a few paces from here." - -"All the better, we shall have less distance to go." - -"Five minutes at the most." - -"Is General Guerrero in Pitic?" - -"He is. Still I fancy you would do better by delaying your visit till -tomorrow." - -"Why so?" - -"Because there is a _tertulia_ this evening at the palace." - -The count turned. - -"What difference does that make?" he asked. - -"Oh, as you please, senor; but, perhaps, you do not know what a tertulia -is." - -"Not exactly; but you will explain it to me?" - -"Nothing more easy. A tertulia is a party, a festival--a ball, in a -word." - -"I understand. And you are sure, Don Cornelio, that there is a tertulia -this evening at the governor's palace?" - -"Positively sure, your excellency." - -"Bravo! That will do our business." - -The Spaniard looked at him in amazement. - -"Don Cornelio," the count continued, "change your travelling dress. I -mean to take you with me." - -"The fact is----," he said hesitating. - -"What then?" - -"I must confess to you, senor conde, that I have no other clothes save -those I wear." - -"Ah, that is of no consequence," the count replied with a smile, -pointing at the same time to a heap of clothes thrown pell-mell on the -furniture. "I suppose that you are sufficiently my friend not to feel -annoyed at the cool way in which I treat you." - -"Oh, not at all," the Spaniard exclaimed, with a movement of joy. - -"I must ask you to make haste, though; for I am waiting." - -"I only ask for five minutes." - -"I give you ten. You will find me in the patio; I am going to give my -escort orders to mount." - -The count went out, and Don Cornelio eagerly set to work obeying him. We -must add, to the glory of the Spaniard, that Don Louis' treatment of -him, so far from annoying him, had caused him to feel a deep gratitude. - -The Spaniard was not mistaken; there was really a tertulia at the -governor's palace. General Guerrero was extremely rich: hence, the ball -he gave this evening was sumptuous, and in every way worthy of the -exalted post he occupied in the province. - -The crowd filled his rooms, which glistened with light and dazzled with -gilding. All the higher society of Pitic was assembled at the palace; -tables, covered with gold, were surrounded by players, who, with that -proud carelessness characteristic of Mexicans, risked enormous sums on a -card. In a vast hall, a band, perhaps rather wild to European ears, -regulated the movements of the dancers; while a private room was -reserved for the ladies. Dona Angela, ravishingly beautiful, was seated -on her throne, in the midst of this bevy of pretty women. - -But, despite all the general's efforts to please his guests, and excite -them to amuse themselves, the festivities languished. The young ladies, -generally so impassioned for dancing, refused all invitations; they -preferred to remain talking together in the apartment reserved for them. -The fact was, they were discussing at this moment a most interesting -point, which had the privilege of arousing feminine curiosity to the -highest pitch. The news of the French landing at Guaymas supplied the -staple of the conversation. - -"Good gracious!" a young woman said, with a charming smile, "will the -English come here?" - -"Doubtlessly," another observed; "but they are not English, _Querida_." - -"Oh, you are mistaken, Carmencita. All foreigners are English, that is -to say heretics; my confessor told me so." - -"They must be hideous," a third asserted, advancing her head in -curiosity. - -"Indeed not, I assure you; they are men like others," the second speaker -observed, a pretty brunette, with black eyes that sparkled with malice. -"I spent Corpus Christi with my uncle at Guaymas, and saw them. Some of -them, indeed, are very good-looking." - -"That is impossible!" they exclaimed in chorus. "They are heretics!" - -"They will massacre us." - -"They are said to be very cruel." - -"Their chief especially." - -Till then Dona Angela had remained silent, absorbed in silent thought; -but at this remark she suddenly raised her head. - -"Their chief is a caballero," she said in a loud voice. "He is a conde -in his own country; and if he has come to Sonora, it is probably only on -our behalf." - -All the young women were silent; for they were amazed at this strange -outbreak on the part of Dona Angela; then they began chattering -together. The young lady, vexed at having thrust herself forward so -imprudently, bit her lips, blushed slightly, and fell back in her -reverie. At this moment Don Sebastian entered the room. - -"Ah, here is the general!" three or four young girls exclaimed gaily, as -they rose and eagerly surrounded him. - -"Yes, here I am, senoritas," he answered with a smile. "What do you want -of me?" - -"Merely some information." - -"About what?" - -"We wish to know," Dona Carmencita began; then she corrected herself. -"It is not I, general, but these ladies." - -"I am persuaded of that," Don Sebastian said, gallantly; "be good -enough, then, to be their interpreter. What do they desire to know?" - -"Who are the Ingleses?" - -"What Ingleses?" - -"Those who have landed at Guaymas." - -"Ah! Very good." - -"You will tell us, will you not, general?" they all exclaimed at once. - -"If it is agreeable to you." - -"Oh! Greatly so." - -"In the first place, they are not English." - -"They must be, as they are foreigners." - -The general smiled at this simple observation; but mentally recognising -the impossibility of destroying an opinion so deeply rooted, he turned -the question. - -"These men are two hundred and odd in number." - -"So many as that?" two or three young ladies exclaimed, with a gesture -of terror. - -"Yes, indeed, so many as that, senoritas; but reassure yourselves--you -have nothing to fear from them. They are kind and obliging, and their -chief is a perfect caballero." - -"But why do they come here?" - -"They came for the purpose of working certain mines." - -"I beg your pardon, papa," Dona Angela observed, who had been -attentively listening to the conversation. "Did you not say they came?" - -"Yes, my child, I said so." - -"But they are still at the port, I think?" - -"Yes, they are; but it is probable that they will soon depart." - -"For the mines?" - -"No. To return whence they came." - -Dona Angela contracted her eyebrows, a movement in her which denoted -grave annoyance and great mental preoccupation, and was silent again. - -"All the better. Let them go, the heretics!" one of the ladies -exclaimed. "These accursed English only come to our country to plunder -us." - -"That is true." The majority warmly supported her. - -"Besides, I do not care what is said; I assert that they are frightfully -ugly." - -"Well!" a young lady said, with a delicious pout, "I should have liked -to see one--only one--to know what to think about them." - -"I am very much afraid, Dona Redempcion," the general remarked with a -smile, "that it will now be impossible to satisfy your curiosity." - -"All the worse; for a heretic must be an extraordinary animal. Are they -as ugly as the Indios Bravos?" - -"That is a different matter." - -"Ah! And are you certain, general, that I shall not be able to see one? -That annoys me." - -"I regret it, senorita." - -"And I, too. But supposing one of them were to come to Hermosillo?" - -"That is peremptorily forbidden them. They will be cautious not to -disobey the order they have received." - -"Ah!" she said with a pout. - -At the same moment, a door was thrown open with a crash; and a servant -announced in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,-- - -"His Excellency the Count Louis de Prebois. His Excellency Don Cornelio -Mendoza." - -If the count purposed to produce an effect, his object was completely -attained. His sudden entrance was a regular tableau, and caused a -general emotion, whose immense extent it was certainly impossible for -him to calculate. - -All the ladies had risen, and, grouped round the general, examined with -a curious and timid eye the chief of the adventurers. - -The count, whose splendid ranchero costume, which he wore with -inimitable grace, added to the fascinating charm spread over his whole -person, walked a few steps with a smile, bowed around with a gesture -full of elegance, and waited. The general had suddenly turned of a livid -pallor. - -The news of the count's arrival, spreading through the other rooms with -incomprehensible rapidity, suddenly stopped the dancing and gambling; -all the guests quitted the other rooms, and proceeded toward the one in -which the count was said to be. - -Still, each second that elapsed added to the embarrassment of the -position; the general felt it, and sought in vain a mode of escape. Don -Louis understood, or rather guessed, the general's perplexity; hence, -advancing two paces, he said with exquisite politeness,-- - -"I am confounded, general, by the trouble I have involuntarily caused -among your guests. It seems that I was not expected at Pitic." - -The general succeeded in regaining a little self-possession. - -"I allow it, caballero," he replied. "Still the impromptu visit you have -deigned to make me must be most agreeable to me, be assured." - -"I hope so, general; and yet, to judge by the glances directed upon me -from all sides, I may be permitted to doubt it." - -"You are mistaken, senor conde," the general continued, attempting to -smile. "For the last few days fame has been so occupied with you, that -the eagerness of which you are now the object ought not at all to -astonish you." - -"I should wish, general," the count said, with a bow, "that this -eagerness were more friendly. My conduct, since my arrival in Sonora, -should have attracted greater sympathy toward me." - -"What would you? We are savages, senor conde," the general said with a -sarcastic smile; "we have the misfortune not to love what comes from -foreign parts; so you must forgive us. But enough on that subject, for -the present," he added, changing his tone. "As you have been kind enough -to become my guest, allow me to present you officially to these ladies, -who are burning to become better acquainted with you." - -Don Louis yielded gracefully to the general's wishes. The latter then, -affecting the most exquisite courtesy, presented his guest, as he called -him, to the most influential persons at the ball. Then he led him to his -daughter, who, since the count's entrance, had stood motionless, with -her eyes obstinately fixed upon him. - -"Senor conde," the general said, "my daughter, Dona Angela. Dona Angela, -the Count Don Louis de Prebois Crance." - -Don Louis bowed respectfully before the young lady. - -"I have had the honour of knowing the count for a long while," she said -with a graceful smile. - -"It is true," the general said, suddenly pretending to remember; "we -have been acquainted for a long time, caballero." - -"It was not my place to remind you under what circumstances we met." - -"That is true, count, it was mine; believe me that I have not forgotten -it." - -"Nor I," the young lady murmured; "for I owe you my life, senor." - -"Oh, senorita!" - -"Permit me, permit me, senor conde," the general said, with an emphasis -assuredly affected; "we Mexican caballeros have a long memory for good -as for ill. You risked your life to defend mine, and that is one of the -debts we like to pay. I am your debtor, senor Don Louis." - -"Are you speaking seriously, general?" the count asked, looking at him -fixedly. - -"Certainly, caballero; the subject is too serious for me to treat it -otherwise. I will even add that my most lively desire would be soon to -find the occasion to acquit my debt." - -"If that be so, general, I can offer you the occasion, if you will allow -me?" - -"How so?" the general asked, somewhat taken aback by finding himself -taken at his word. "I am too happy to be agreeable to you. What do you -want of me?" - -"I want nothing, general; I only wish to make a request of you." - -"A request! You, Don Louis? Oh, oh, what is it? Pray speak." - -"I would beg you to grant me a few moments of private conversation." - -"This night?" - -"This very instant." - -"Come," the general continued, "I hoped to be free from business for a -few hours at least, but you order otherwise. Your request shall be -satisfied, Don Louis; a caballero has but his word." - -"Pray pardon me, general. I am really confounded by pressing you so -greatly; but imperious reasons----" - -"Not a word more, I implore you, Don Louis, or you will make me suppose -that you attach to this interview an importance which it cannot possibly -possess." - -Don Louis contented himself with bowing in reply. The general then -turned to his guests, the majority of whom, their first curiosity -satisfied, had returned to the various amusements they had quitted for a -moment. - -"Senoras and caballeros," he said, "I must ask you to pardon me for -leaving you for a few minutes; but as you see, Don Louis has my word, -and I must free it." - -The guests bowed courteously. Dona Angela had summoned Don Cornelio to -her side, and, profiting by the liberty Mexican manners give young -girls, she was conversing with him in a low voice. - -"Go, papa," she said with a soft smile, intended for the count; "but do -not keep Senor Don Louis too long. Now that the ladies know him, they -would like some conversation with him." - -"Do not be alarmed, ladies; in ten minutes we shall return. Any -discussion between myself and the count cannot be long." - -"Heaven grant that be true," Louis said in his heart; "but I believe the -contrary." - -The general passed his arm through the count's, led him through the -saloons, and stopped at a door he opened. - -"Go in, caballero," he said to him. - -The count entered, and the general followed, carefully closing the door -behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. - - -The room to which the general led the count was a study. Don Sebastian -pointed to a chair, and took another himself. There was a moment's -silence, during which the two men examined each other carefully. On -passing the study threshold, both doffed that gaiety they had imprinted -on their faces, to assume a severe and thoughtful look, harmonising -better with the grave questions they were probably about to discuss. - -"I am waiting, senor conde," the general at length said, "till it please -you to explain yourself." - -"I hesitate to do so, general," Don Louis answered. - -"You hesitate, count!" - -"Yes, because, in what I have to say to you, there are some matters so -delicate that I almost fear to approach them." - -The general was mistaken as to the meaning of the count's words. How -could he understand the exquisite delicacy that dictated them? - -"You can speak without fear," he said; "no one can hear you. Precautions -have been taken, so that nothing said in this room can transpire -outside. Banish then, I implore you, all reserve, and explain yourself -frankly." - -"I will do so, as you demand it; indeed, it is, perhaps, better that it -should be so. In this way, I shall know at once what I have to hope or -fear." - -"You are bound to hope everything from me," the general said in an -insinuating voice. "I wish you no harm; on the contrary, I desire to -serve you; and to give you an example of frankness, I will begin by -declaring to you, that your fate depends on yourself alone, and that the -success or ruin of your enterprise is in your own hands." - -"If it be really so, general, the discussion between us will not be -long. But, allow me in the first place to set forth my grievances, in -order to throw full light on the state of the case." - -"Do so." - -"In the first place, permit me one question. Do you know the conditions -of my treaty with the Mexican government?" - -"Of course I do, count, as I have in my possession a copy of it." - -Don Louis made a sign of surprise. - -"That must not astonish you," the general continued; "remember what -occurred at Mexico. Do you not owe to an influential person, whose name -you are ignorant of, the removal of those insurmountable obstacles which -prevented the acceptance of your treaty by the President of the -Republic?" - -"I allow it." - -"That person, I can now tell you, was myself." - -"You, general?" - -"Myself. Then, do you remember that when all was concluded, I became the -first shareholder who gave his signature, and supplied funds?" - -"That is perfectly correct; but this only renders more incomprehensible -the strange position in which I have been placed." - -"How so?" - -"Pardon me, general, the frankness with which I express myself." - -"Go on, count. We are here to tell each other the truth." - -"In reality, since my arrival at Guaymas, your conduct toward me has -been inexplicable." - -"You are jesting. I consider it most natural." - -"Still, it appears to me----" - -"Come, what do you find so extraordinary in my conduct?" - -"Well, everything." - -"Mention details." - -"I will do so." - -"Let us see." - -"Shall I start from the commencement?" - -"Certainly." - -"Very good. You know, as you have a copy of my agreement, that it is -stated in it that I shall only stay at Guaymas just the time necessary -for the company to settle the halting places, and prepare provision and -fodder." - -"Perfectly correct." - -"I have been kept at the port nearly a fortnight under excuses, each -more frivolous than the other. Comprehending how injurious inaction may -prove to my company, I made repeated applications to the captain-general -and yourself. All my letters were answered by want of instructions." - -"Go on." - -"Wearied with this abnormal position, I at length succeed in obtaining -my passports to start for the mine. At that moment I receive from you, -general, a note giving me orders not to leave Guaymas." - -"Very good. Proceed." - -Don Louis, confounded by the impassiveness of the speaker, whose face -remained calm and voice tranquil, began to feel himself growing angry. - -"Now, general," he said, raising his voice, "I have a right to ask you -clearly what game we are playing. - -"A very simple one, my dear count, I repeat to you; and you can, if you -really desire it, hold all the trumps in your hand." - -"I confess that I do not at all understand you." - -"That is impossible!" - -"On my honour! I should feel most sincerely obliged by your explaining -to me clearly what is happening; for I assure you that I am in a fog -from which I despair ever to escape." - -"That depends on yourself alone." - -"By Heavens, general, you will allow that you are jesting with me?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"What? At the request of your government, I come to Sonora with -permission to work the mines. Owing to your influence, as you yourself -allow, my treaty is signed. Confiding in Mexican honesty, I organise an -expedition--I arrive; and my partners, yourself first of all, turn -against me and treat me, not as their friend, their representative, not -with even the respect due to a gentleman, but affect to consider me as -almost a filibuster." - -"O count! You are going too far." - -"On my soul, general, such things can only be witnessed in Mexico." - -"My dear count, you are mistaken. No one is seeking to injure you, on -the contrary." - -"Still, up to the present, you, one of the largest shareholders in the -company, whose interests are at stake, you in a word, who, owing to the -influence you possess, should have helped us in the most effective -manner, have only employed that power to impede our movements and injure -us in every way." - -"O count! What terms you are employing." - -"Good Heavens, general, excuse me! But it is time for all these absurd -annoyances to cease, and for me to be allowed to proceed to the mines. -All this has lasted too long." - -The general appeared to reflect for a moment. - -"Come, frankly," he said at last; "did you not understand why I acted -toward you in that way?" - -"I swear it." - -"That is strange. Pardon me in your turn, count; but I had a very -different opinion of you." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Then you did not guess why I, general, military governor of Sonora, -supported so warmly your petition to the President?" - -"But----" - -"You did not guess," he went on sharply, "why I demanded that your -companions should be well armed, and organised as soldiers?" - -"It appears to me----" - -"You did not understand why I had you invested with a military power as -extensive as if you were chief of an army? Come, count, you are not -speaking seriously at this moment; or else you wish to play a cunning -game with me." - -While pronouncing these words with a certain degree of vehemence, this -time real, the general had left his chair, and was walking about the -room in agitation. The count listened to him with the greatest -attention, while watching him closely. When he was silent, he replied:-- - -"I will tell you, general, what I did understand." - -"Speak." - -"I understood, that the Mexican government, too weak to recover for -itself the rich placers of the Plancha de la Plata, which by its -carelessness, had fallen once more into the hands of the Indians, would -gladly see strangers carry out an expedition from which it would reap -the greatest profit. I understood, besides, that the government, unable -effectively to protect the inhabitants of Sonora against the incursions -of the Apaches and Comanches, would be delighted if the same strangers -took on themselves at their risk and peril to restrain these ferocious -plunderers within their frontiers. I understood lastly, that General Don -Guerrero, (whose life and his daughter's I had been so fortunate as to -save, and who felt such deep gratitude toward me), had gladly seized on -the opportunity to do me a service in his turn, by placing at my -disposal that great influence he possesses, to obtain for me that which -I had so long solicited in vain. That is all I understood, general." - -"Ah! That is all?" - -"Yes; but am I mistaken?" - -"Perhaps." - -"Then, be kind enough to explain yourself categorically, general." - -"What use would it be now? It is too late," the general answered, -darting at him a glance of strange meaning. - -"Why, then, too late?" - -Don Sebastian walked quickly up to the count, and stopped in front of -him. - -"Because now," he said, "we can never understand each other." - -"You believe so, general?" - -"I am sure of it." - -"But, for what reason?" - -"You wish me to tell it you?" - -"I beg you." - -"Well, then, senor conde, the reason is this: you are a man of too much -sense and vast intelligence--in a word, you are a man in a thousand----" - -"General, I implore you----" - -"I do not flatter you, count; I tell you the truth. Unfortunately, -though you speak Spanish with rare perfection, you are not sufficiently -acquainted with _Mexican_ for us ever to understand each other." - -"Ah!" the count said, without adding another word. - -"I am right, I think; this time you caught the meaning of my words?" - -"Perhaps, general, I will reply in the remark you employed an instant -ago." - -"Very good. Now, I think, we have nothing more to say to each other." - -"Permit me a few words." - -"Speak." - -"Whatever may happen, general, on passing the door of the room, I shall -not remember one word of our conversation." - -"As you please, count; we have said nothing the whole town might not -hear." - -"That is true; but others might possibly put a different interpretation -on them than mine. There are so many ways of understanding words." - -"Oh! But ours were remarkably innocent." - -"They were. I trust, general, we shall not part as foes." - -"Why should we be so, my dear count? I desire, on the contrary, that the -agreeable acquaintance we have renewed this evening may be changed ere -long--on your side at least, for on mine it has long been so--into a -durable friendship." - -"You overwhelm me, general." - -"Do I not owe you my life?" - -"So I may always count on you?" - -"As on yourself, my dear friend." - -These words were uttered by the two speakers with such delicately -sharpened irony, that no one could have guessed, beneath the charming -smile that played on their lips, the rage and hatred which swelled their -hearts. - -"Now," the general continued, "I believe we can return to the ballroom?" - -"I am at your orders, general." - -Don Sebastian opened the door of the room, and stood against the wall. -The count passed him. - -"Do you play, Don Louis?" the general asked him. - -"Rarely; still, if you wish it, I shall be happy to cover your stake." - -"This way then." - -They entered a room in which several monte tables were established. The -gamblers were collected before a table, at which a man, who had an -enormous pile of gold before him, was enjoying extraordinary good luck. -The man was Don Cornelio. After conversing for some time with Dona -Angela, the Spaniard, attracted by the irresistible charm of gold, -approached the monte tables, and, fascinated in spite of himself, he had -risked the few ounces he possessed. - -Luck had been favourable to him; so constantly favourable, that in less -than an hour he had gained nearly all the gold of all the players who -had ventured to hold their ground against him; so that he eventually won -an enormous sum. At the moment the count and the general arrived near -him, Don Cornelio's last adversary retired, completely cleaned out, and -the fight ceased for want of combatants; so that the Spaniard, after -looking around him, and seeing that no one cared longer to contend with -him, began with unchangeable coolness thrusting into the vast pockets of -his _calzoneras_ the ounces piled up before him. - -"Oh, oh!" the general said, gaily, "it seems that the Atravida company -is in luck to-night, Senor Don Louis; it gains on all sides at once." - -The count smiled at this double-edged compliment. - -"Let us see if I shall change the vein?" Don Sebastian continued, "Will -you play against me, Don Louis?" - -"On one condition." - -"What? I accept it beforehand." - -"This: I have a peculiar custom of never playing more than three -stakes." - -"Good." - -"Wait a minute. I play them, doubling each time." - -"The deuce! And if you lose one of the three?" - -"That is of no consequence; still, I do not think I shall lose," he said -with perfect calmness. - -"What! You do not think you will lose?" - -"No; I confess to you that I have great luck in play. The reason is, -probably, because I care very little about winning." - -"That is possible; still, what you tell me is so curious, that I should -like to convince myself of the fact." - -"It only depends on you." - -By degrees, the guests had drawn nearer the two gentlemen, and formed a -group around them. Dona Angela had also advanced, and was now close to -Don Louis' side. - -"Come," the general said, "let us play three stakes." - -"At your orders." - -"How much shall we set?" - -"What you please." - -"Suppose we say 2000 piastres?" - -"Agreed." - -The general took up a pack of new cards. - -"If you have no objection," he remarked, "we will neither of us cut." - -"As you please." - -"But who shall be dealer?" - -"I," Dona Angela suddenly exclaimed, as she seized the pack of cards. - -"Oh, oh!" the general said with a smile, "take care, Don Louis; my -daughter is enlisted against you." - -"I cannot believe that the senorita is my enemy," the count replied, as -he bowed to the young lady. - -Dona Angela blushed, but said nothing; she unfastened the pack, and -shuffled the cards. - -"Two thousand piastres," the general said. "Deal, my child." - -She began turning up the cards. - -"Lost!" she said in a moment. - -"That is true," said the general; "I have lost; now for the second. -_Caramba!_ Take care, nina, we are playing this time for 4000 piastres." - -"Lost!" she cried. - -"Again! That is singular. Come, Don Louis, the last one." - -"Perhaps it would be better to stop here; neither you nor I, general, -care for this money." - -"That is the reason I wish for the third stake; besides, luck may have -favoured you hitherto." - -"Did I not warn you?" - -"Come, come; I wish to be certain." - -"Lost!" the young lady said for the third time, in her harmonious voice. - -"_Caramba!_ This is really singular. I owe you 14,000 piastres, Don -Louis. I allow that you have really extraordinary fortune." - -"I know it," the count answered, still perfectly cool; "and now permit -me to leave you. Senorita, accept my grateful thanks for the kind -assistance you granted me in this matter." - -The young lady bowed, ashamed and blushing, - -"Tomorrow, at daybreak, the 14,000 piastres will be at your house, Don -Louis." - -"Do not hurry yourself, general; I shall have the honour of seeing you -again." - -The count thereupon took leave, and withdrew with Don Cornelio, -obsequiously accompanied to the door of the last room by the general. - -"Double traitor!" the count muttered, as he mounted. "Take care of -yourself, for now I see your game. In spite of your cunning, you have -let me read your thoughts." - -The count, followed by his escort, thoughtfully returned to the house he -inhabited. He was reflecting on the means to be employed in foiling the -machinations of his enemies, and carrying out his expedition -successfully. As for Don Cornelio, he only thought of one thing--the -luck he had had during the evening; and, while galloping by Don Louis' -side, he mentally calculated the number of ounces he had gained, of -which fact he had not yet been able to assure himself satisfactorily. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE TAPADA. - - -The American character is made up of contrasts; and one of the strangest -of these is the honesty and punctuality with which play debts are -liquidated. The man who would remorselessly assassinate another to rob -him of two reals, would not fail to pay him, within twenty-four hours, -any gambling debt, however large it might be. - -The next morning, on waking, Don Louis found on the table of his room -several canvas bags, filled with ounces. They contained the 14,000 -piastres, lost on the previous evening by the general, and which the -latter had sent at sunrise. - -Louis was annoyed at this punctuality, which, in his ignorance of -Mexican habits, he was far from expecting. It appeared to him of evil -omen. He dressed; and, after breakfasting, left Don Cornelio engaged in -counting his previous evening's gains, and wrapping himself in his -cloak, went out with the intention of looking at the town. - -As, during his walk, he passed before the palace, he took advantage of -this circumstance to give his card to one of the general's criados, not -wishing, after the conversation they had held, to force himself upon -him, but intending to call in person the next day. - -The count employed several hours in traversing the town, visiting the -churches, of which two or three are rather fine, and smoking sundry -cigarettes on the Alameda, a delightful promenade shaded by noble -trees, where the fair sex of Pitic breathe the fresh air every evening. -At length, he returned home, shut himself up in his room, and earned on -his correspondence till a late hour. - -The next day, as he had resolved, he proceeded to the palace: it was -closed. The general, summoned by an important affair, had started at -four o'clock the previous afternoon on horseback, only taking with him a -small squadron of lancers. But, the man added who gave the count this -information, his excellency the general would not be long absent; he -would probably return within four days. The count, try all he knew, -could obtain no more positive information. The Mexicans, ordinarily so -gossiping, can become, when their interests demand it, as dumb as fish; -and in that case it is impossible, either by money or promises, to get a -single syllable from them. - -Don Louis retired, excessively annoyed at this _contretemps_, which -seemed expressly prepared for him; still, in order to clear up his -doubts, and not wishing, under circumstances so grave, to act lightly, -and commit any imprudence, although the general's behaviour seemed to -him highly improper, he resolved to wait a few days, in order that he -might have right on his side, by proving that Don Sebastian's departure -had been premeditated for the purpose of avoiding any further -explanation with him. - -Daily, the count sent one of his men to the palace to inquire whether -the general had returned. The answer was always the same. The general -was absent, but it was certain he would soon return: he was indeed -expected at any moment. Eight days passed thus. Another subject of -restlessness then arose, to increase the count's annoyances and the -impatient feeling that was beginning to conquer him. - -On leaving Guaymas, he had given orders to the officer to whom he gave -the temporary command of the company, to start to join him after four -days. The men, then, must not only have started, but must be close to -Pitic, as the two towns were only fifteen leagues apart, a distance -which an armed body can easily cover between two suns; and yet, since -his leaving the port, the count had received no news--no reply to his -letters; and the company did not make its appearance. - -What had happened since his leaving Guaymas? What new obstacles had been -interposed to the movement of his company? Whence resulted this -incomprehensible delay of four days? Why had not the officer left in -charge informed him of what had occurred? Or had his couriers been -interrupted on the road? Why had not Valentine or Curumilla, those two -resolute and devoted men, for whom the greatest obstacles had no -existence, come to warn him? - -All these suppositions, and many others that offered themselves to the -count's perplexed mind, threw him into a state of moral excitement -impossible to describe. He knew not what to resolve, what means to -employ, in order to acquire a certainty a hundred fold preferable to -the doubt that gnawed him. At length, he decided on sending Don -Cornelio, in whom he believed he could trust, at full gallop to Guaymas. -That gentleman was out, however, and was sought for without being found. - -This new obstacle culminated the count's feverish impatience. He mounted -his horse, and started with the intention of exploring the environs of -the town, in the secret hope of discovering some traces of his comrades, -or at least learning some news about them. During the four hours he -galloped in every direction, he saw nothing, and heard nothing. He -turned back--a prey to a mighty sorrow, and heavy discouragement. - -On approaching his house, the sound of a jarana reached his ears, and he -hurried on his steed. Don Cornelio, carelessly seated on a stool in the -porch of the house, was strumming his guitar, singing, as was his wont, -his inevitable romance of King Rodrigo. On perceiving Don Louis, the -Spaniard threw his instrument far from him, and rose with a cry of joy. - -"At length!" he shouted. - -"Why at length?" the count answered. "I consider the exclamation -curious, since I have been searching after you, and could not lay my -hand on you." - -The Spaniard smiled mysteriously. - -"I know it," he said; "but this place is not propitious for talking. Don -Louis, will you permit me to accompany you to your cuarto?" - -"With the greatest pleasure; the more so, as I also wish to speak with -you." - -"Come, that is a charming coincidence." - -On reaching his room, Don Louis turned to his companion. - -"Well," he said to him; "what have you to tell me?" - -"Listen. This morning, according to my daily custom, I was walking about -after breakfast, smoking a papelito, when, at the corner of the Calle de -la Merced and the Calle San Francisco, I felt a slight touch on my arm. -I turned sharply. A charming woman, or at least I suppose so, for it was -impossible for me to distinguish her features, so carefully were they -hidden in the folds of her rebozo, made me a sign to follow her. What -would you have done in my place, Don Louis?" - -"I do not know, my friend; but I entreat you, be brief, for I am in a -hurry." - -"Well, I followed her. You know that I have an idea about Mexican women, -and am convinced that some day or other----" - -"In Heaven's name, my friend, come to the point," Don Louis interrupted -him, stamping his foot impatiently. - -"I am doing so. I followed her then. She entered the church of la -Merced, I at her heels. The church was deserted at that moment, which -caused me a lively pleasure; because in such a case a man can talk at -his ease. Do not be impatient, I have come to it. When I reached a -rather dark corner, the young and charming female, for I assert that she -is both, turned so suddenly that I almost trod on her toes. 'Are you not -Don Cornelio Mendoza?' she asked me. 'Yes,' I replied. - -"'In that case,' she said, 'you are a friend of the count.' I guessed at -once that the stranger alluded to you. 'I am his intimate friend,' I -continued. 'That is well,' she added, drawing from her bosom a small -note, which she placed in my hand; 'give him this as quickly as -possible, it alludes to very grave matters.' I seized the paper, on -which I mechanically fixed my eyes; when I raised them again, my -incognita had disappeared, fled like a sylph, leaving no trace. It was -impossible for me to catch her up, for the confounded place was so -dark." - -"Well, and where is the note?" Don Louis asked. - -"Here it is. Oh, I did not lose it! It was too warmly recommended to -me." - -The count took it, and, without deigning a glance, threw it on the -table. Since his arrival at Pitic he had received twenty a day, and had -not answered one; he did not even read them now, as he felt convinced -they all meant the same thing. - -"And now," he added, "you have finished, I presume?" - -"Yes." - -"Then listen to me in your turn," he continued, handing him the letter -he had prepared for the hunter during his absence. "You will mount this -instant, start for Guaymas; give this letter to Don Valentine, and bring -me back the answer. You understand?" - -"Of course." - -"I can rely on your diligence?" - -"I start." - -He went out. Ten minutes later, Don Louis heard the hurried footfalls of -a horse re-echoing before the gateway. - -"Tomorrow, at this hour, I shall know on what I have to depend," Don -Louis muttered. - -He threw himself on a butaca; and, resting his elbows on a table, he -buried his head in his hands, and fell into deep thought. In this -position, his eyes were involuntarily fixed on the note Don Cornelio had -given him, and which was just in front of him. A sickly smile played on -his lips. - -"Poor fools!" he muttered, "who only dream of love and pleasure, to whom -life is only one long festival. What need have I of your false -protestations, to which I cannot respond? Love for me no longer exists. -Like all the women who have preceded her, this one, doubtlessly, offers -me an eternal love, which she will forget tomorrow. Why trouble myself -about such absurdities? My heart is dead to joy--only too dead, alas!" - -And he thrust the paper away. - -The night was rapidly falling, and the count kindled a lucifer match to -light a candle; but, as frequently happens to people deeply engaged, -when he held the lucifer to the candle, he perceived that the former was -nearly burnt out. Then, mechanically, he took up the note he had -spurned, folded it up, and was going to twist it into a spill; but all -at once he stopped, threw the match on the floor, lit another, and read -this note, so despised a moment previously. The following were the -contents:-- - -"A person interested in the Count Don Louis begs him, for his own sake, -to go this evening to the Alameda at ten o'clock, under the first walk -on the left. A person seated on the third bench will say to him -'Guaymas,' he will answer 'Atravida,' and follow her at a distance, -without addressing other questions to her, to the spot where she is -directed to lead him, and where the count will learn matters which, for -his own safety and that of his comrades, it is important for him to -know." - -This strange note was not signed. - -"What is the meaning of this?" the count said to himself. "Is it a -mystification? For what object? Is it a snare offered me, in which they -wish me to fall? By Heaven, I will know the truth! What hour is -it--nine? I have still an hour before me. If my mysterious correspondent -meditates an assassination, he will find with whom he has to deal. Who -knows? Perhaps it is really a warning a good friend wishes to give me? I -shall soon see." - -While saying this, the count had changed his clothes for others of a -dark hue. He put on his waist belt, through an iron ring of which, -according to the Mexican fashion, he passed a sheathless machete; he -placed two excellent revolvers in his girdle, wrapped himself carefully -in the folds of a wide cloak, pulled his broad brimmed hat over his -eyes, and prepared to go out. - -"By Jove!" he said, as he crossed the threshold of the house, "armed as -I am, the brigands who attempt to attack me will have their work cut -out." - -At the moment the count entered the street, it struck a quarter to ten -by the clock of the Cabildo. - -"I have just time," he said. - -And he began walking quickly. The night was dark, the streets were -deserted. As the count had expected, he reached the Alameda exactly as -the clock struck ten. - -"Let us see," he said. - -He then walked with a firm step, though looking carefully around, and -with his hand on his arms, in fear of a surprise. Conforming to the -instructions of the note, he proceeded toward the walk indicated to him. -He soon distinguished a dark form, which he recognised as that of a -female seated on a bench. The count was then ashamed of his suspicions, -left his hold of his arms, and, after reflection, was on the point of -returning, supposing that this rendezvous was not so serious as he had -at first supposed. Still, after a moment's reflection, he resolved on -carrying out the affair to the end, and walked toward the stranger, who -remained perfectly calm. At the moment he was passing her she coughed -gently, and the count turned to her. - -"_Guaymas_" she said in a low voice. - -"_Atravida_" the count replied in the same tone. - -"Come." - -"Go on." - -The strange woman rose, and not turning once, proceeded with a firm and -hasty step along the Alameda, and turned into a narrow street inhabited -by leperos, stopping before a house of rather wretched appearance. She -then opened the door with a key she held in her hand, and went in, -being careful to leave the door ajar. The count was close at her heels, -and entered without any hesitation. He found himself in dense obscurity, -and heard the door close behind him with a spasm at his heart. - -"It is plain that I am in a wasp's nest," he said to himself. - -"Fear nothing," a soft and melodious voice suddenly said, almost in his -ear; "you have no occasion to alarm yourself, for these precautions are -not taken against yourself." - -The affectionate and almost mournful accent of this voice completely -reassured the count. - -"I fear nothing," he said. "Were I afraid of a snare, should I have -come?" - -"Listen, moments are precious. I have only a few seconds at my command." - -"I am listening." - -"You have powerful enemies; one especially has sworn your destruction. -Take care! You would not serve his plans and become the agent of -disorder, in order to help that man in gaining the object of his -ambition; so that man has resolved your death." - -"I despise the man's threats, for I know him." - -"Perhaps so, I mention no names. Still, he is not alone against you. If -you wish to foil your enemy's plans, act vigorously; above all be -prudent. Treason is everywhere in Mexico, it is breathed in the air; so -trust to none but well tried men. You have traitors even among those who -come nearest to you." - -"What do my enemies want?" - -"To destroy you, I tell you, because you have refused to become their -accomplice." - -"Oh! I will avenge myself." - -"Take care! Above all, do not remain long here. Your enemies can act the -more surely in the dark, when, they know you are away from your company. -Rejoin your comrades." - -"I will do so this very night." - -"Yes, start at once for the mines. If you can reach them before your -enemies are in a position to raise the mask, you will be saved." - -"Thanks for your advice, I will follow it." - -"So now, good-by." - -"Good-bye," the count said, with an accent of regret. - -"We must not meet again." - -"What! After the signal service you render me at this moment----" - -"It must be. Everything parts us." - -"Tell me one thing, pray." - -"What?" - -"Whence comes the interest you deign to show me?" - -"Is the motive for a woman's actions ever known?" - -"Oh, you are jesting with me, senora; that is wrong." - -The strange lady sighed. - -"No, Don Louis," she continued, "I am not jesting with you. What need -that you should know me? Sufficient for you that I watch over you. Seek -not for the motive." - -"On the contrary, I am anxious to know it." - -"Were I to tell you that I loved you, would you believe it, Don Louis?" -she said, sorrowfully. - -"Oh!" he said, with emotion, "I would pity you, madam, if you attached -yourself to a wretched being like myself, whose life has only been one -long suffering." - -"Do you not know, then, that we women love the unhappy before all? Our -mission upon earth is to offer consolation." - -"Madam, I implore you, do not let me leave you thus. I should carry away -in my heart a grief which nothing could cure." - -"I was wrong to come," she murmured, mournfully. - -"Oh! Say not so, as you have perchance saved my life." - -"Farewell, Don Louis," she replied, with an accent of ineffable -gentleness; "we must part. Whatever may occur, remember that you have a -devoted friend--a sister." - -"A sister!" he remarked, bitterly, "be it so. If that is your wish; -madam, I do not insist." - -"Take this ring, as you wish absolutely to know who I am. My name is -engraved upon it, but promise me not to read it for three days." - -"I swear it," he replied, holding out his hand in the darkness. - -A hand seized on his, pressed it gently, left a ring in it; and then he -heard a slight rustling of silk, and a soft voice murmured farewell for -the last time. The count heard a door close, and that was all. In a -second, the door which had granted him admission to the house opened -again. Don Louis wrapped himself in his cloak, and went out, a prey to -considerable agitation. He reached his abode at full speed; from a -distance he perceived a man standing before his gateway. The count, -through a secret presentiment he could not explain, hurried onward. - -"Valentine!" he suddenly exclaimed, with marks of amazement. - -"Yes, brother," the other answered; "fortunately I met Don Cornelio. -Your horse is ready; come, let us start." - -"What is the matter, then?" he exclaimed, anxiously. - -"Off, off! I will tell you all on the road." - -Five minutes later, the adventurers started at full speed on the road -from Pitic to Guaymas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE REVOLT. - - -We will leave Don Louis and Valentine galloping on the road to Guaymas, -and explain to the reader what had occurred in that town during the -count's absence. - -The French company formed at San Francisco was not completely made up, -when the hunter brought his friend the money he required: about a dozen -men were still deficient. Pressed by time and wishful to reach Sonora as -soon as possible, Don Louis neglected to employ the same precautions in -enrolling these men, as he had with the rest. He accepted almost anybody -that presented himself. Unfortunately, among the new recruits were four -or five scamps, to whom any restraint was unendurable, and who entered -the company solely impelled by that instinct for evil which governs -vicious natures; that is to say, with the secret intention of committing -every crime that might prove profitable to them, so soon as they reached -Mexico. - -During the passage from San Francisco to Guaymas, and even so long as -the count remained in the latter town, these persons carefully avoided -showing themselves in their true colours, justly fearing punishment; but -so soon as the count left Guaymas for Pitic, they threw off the mask, -and in company with a few scamps of their own stamp, whom they picked up -in the slums about the port, commenced a life of disorder and -debauchery. - -Colonel Flores and Don Antonio did not fail to profit by the irregular -conduct of these men, and planted spies upon them, who excited them by -all the means at their command to redouble their disorderly conduct. -These emissaries cleverly spread the report that Don Louis had purposely -deceived his comrades, that the mines of the Plancha de la Plata had no -existence, that he had obtained no concession, and that his object was -very different from what he had stated to his followers. - -These calumnies, at first weak and as it were ashamed to expose -themselves in broad daylight, in a short time obtained a degree of -consistency; and a great fermentation was visible in the company. The -officers, justly alarmed at what was passing, assembled in council, and -resolved to warn the count of the alarming state of matters, and the -dangers that menaced the expedition. Colonel Flores, as delegate of the -government, was present at this council, and gave his opinion that a -courier should be despatched to the count at once. The courier was -really sent off, but almost immediately intercepted. This happened on -the third day after the count's departure. The officer to whom he -intrusted the command, reassured by the departure of the courier, and -desirous to cover his responsibility by executing the orders he had -received, ordered the assembly to be sounded at daybreak of the fourth -day, and issued orders for immediate departure. - -Murmurs broke out on all sides, cries and yells were heard, and for some -time there was an inextricable confusion. Colonel Flores had hurried up, -on hearing what was taking place. He insinuated that it would be -probably imprudent to leave Guaymas, with the soldiers in their present -state of excitement, and that it would be better to await the count's -return, who, warned by the courier sent off the previous day, would -doubtlessly arrive at once, and a hundred other more or less specious -arguments. - -But the temporary commandant was an old African soldier, trained in -habits of discipline, and who only obeyed his orders. He replied sharply -to the colonel that he begged him to attend to his own affairs, for what -was occurring in no way concerned him. As for himself he had his orders, -and would obey them, whatever the consequences might be. - -Colonel Flores finding himself so sharply taken up, and perceiving that -he was on the wrong road, immediately changed his batteries, and -perfectly coincided with the officer, whom he urged to continue as he -had begun, and not yield an inch to the insubordination of his soldiers. -The commandant shrugged his shoulders contemptuously at these new -suggestions from the worthy colonel, and walking into the middle of the -yard, where the soldiers, forming scattered groups, were consulting -together, he ordered the buglers to sound the assembly. - -He was at once obeyed; but the adventurers yelled at the buglers, and -redoubled their shouts and vociferations. The commandant remained -motionless on the spot he had selected, with his arms folded on his -chest; when the buglers had given the call, he pulled out his watch and -coolly looked at the hour. The insurgents watched him closely, the other -officers had come up, and ranged themselves round their chief. - -"Return to your squads, gentlemen," he said to them in a clear voice, -which, though not raised above the tone of an ordinary conversation, was -distinctly heard by all. "Your men have five minutes to fall in; we -shall start in a quarter of an hour." - -A prolonged laugh greeted these words. The commandant returned his sabre -to its scabbard, and walked with a measured step straight up to one of -the scamps who had been the originator of the tumult, and who appeared -to insult him most of all. The man started on seeing his chief walking -toward him, and instinctively looked behind him. The shouts had ceased, -and the adventurers, were waiting curiously the issue. When the -commandant was only two paces from the man, he stopped, and looking him -firmly in the face said,--- - -"Were you laughing at me just now?" - -The other hesitated to reply. - -"It is not the chief who is speaking to you at this moment," the officer -continued, "but the man you have insulted." - -The adventurer felt that the eyes of all his comrades were fixed upon -him; so he recalled all his effrontery. - -"Well, supposing I was?" he said insolently. - -"In that case," the officer continued quietly, "you are a scoundrel." - -"A scoundrel?" the other retorted, in a passion. "You must be more -careful in your language, I advise you." - -"You are a scoundrel, I repeat; and I am going to punish you." - -"Punish me?" he said, sneeringly; "come on then." - -"Give the fellow a sabre," the officer said, turning to the spectators. - -"A sabre? What for?" - -"To give me satisfaction for your insult." - -"I do not know how to use a sabre." - -"Ah, that is the case, is it? You insult me because, you fancy yourself -supported by your comrades, and that I am alone; but your comrades are -brave men; they know me, and would not wish to insult me." - -"No, no!" several voices exclaimed. - -"While you are a miserable coward, unworthy longer to belong to the -company. I dismiss you; you are no Frenchman; be off!" - -Then, with a strength he little thought he possessed, the officer seized -the man by the collar of his coat, and hurled him twenty paces. He -jumped up, and ran off at full speed followed by a general yell. - -The officer was not mistaken. The fellow was not a Frenchman. But why -need we divulge his nationality? A whole nation must not be responsible -for the villainy of a single man. - -When the officer turned round again after this summary execution, he saw -that all the adventurers had fallen in, and were standing motionless and -silent. The commandant reproached nobody, and did not appear to remember -any longer the resistance offered to him. All men are alike. To subdue -them, you must prove to them that you possess a decided superiority over -them. - -Colonel Flores was stupefied. He understood nothing of what was taking -place. - -"Hum!" he muttered to himself; "what energy! What courage! I fancy we -shall not find it an easy matter to master men like these." - -The commandant, after assuring himself by a glance that the company had -really returned to its duty, gave the order for starting. This order, at -once repeated by the subaltern officers, was obeyed without the -slightest murmur; and the adventurers set out on their march, preceded -by a long file of mules, carrying the baggage, and two or three carts, -conveying invalids. The guns (for the count had judged it necessary to -augment his artillery), were in the centre, dragged by mules. The march -was closed by the cavalry, a detachment of ten men having been -previously told off to form the vanguard. - -The Frenchmen traversed Guaymas at a quick step, amid the shouts and -wishes of success of the population collected on their road. Don Antonio -accompanied the company to the Rancho de San Jose, which forms, as it -were, a suburb of Guaymas. On arriving there, he took leave of the -officers in the most friendly manner, repeating his offers of service; -and after pressing the hand of Colonel Flores, who went on with the -adventurers, and exchanging a glance with him, he returned to the port. - -It was late when the Frenchmen started. The heat was stifling; -consequently they could not cover much ground, retarded, as they were, -by the mules and carts. At sunset, they encamped at the entrance of a -village, about four leagues from the town. - -The commandant imagined he had gained everything by inducing the company -to leave Guaymas; but he was mistaken. The leaven of discord, artfully -spread among the adventurers, was still at work, and was carefully kept -up by the men to whom we have alluded. It was by no means the interest -of these fellows to bury themselves in the interior of the country, -where they would have no chance of finding what they had come to Mexico -for, namely, opportunities for robbery and debauch. Thus, far from -feeling discouraged by the check they had received that very morning, -they intended to begin again, as soon as the occasion presented itself. - -Valentine, who carefully watched all that went on around him, took the -commandant on one side when the camp was formed, and warned him of the -insubordination in the company. The latter, however, attached no great -importance to the hunter's observations; for he was persuaded that, -after the vigorous manner in which he had behaved, the adventurers would -not dare to mutiny again. - -Valentine's previsions were only too well founded, as the commandant had -proof the next morning, when he wished to start again. The adventurers -bluntly refused; threats or prayers were equally unavailing; they -remained deaf to every observation. It was no longer mutiny, but a -perfect revolt, followed only too soon by utter anarchy. The promoters -of disorder triumphed; still they could not succeed in inducing their -comrades to return to Guaymas. - -Through a remnant of that feeling of duty which never deserts soldiers, -the adventurers were unwilling to abandon the count; they returned -merely to the old charges that had been suggested to them. They wanted a -proof that the mines really existed, that their chief had a regular -concession, and that they were not cheated. In addition to these demands -they set up another, which would completely compromise the future of the -company, were it granted. They demanded that all the officers chosen by -Don Louis should be broken, and the company be permitted to choose -others by vote. - -Valentine remarked to them that they could do nothing during their -chiefs absence. They must await his return, or commit a flagrant act of -illegality; for Don Louis was at liberty to choose whom he pleased for -officers, as he was the sole leader of the expedition, and alone -responsible for its conduct. - -The adventurers at length yielded to this reasoning, which appeared to -them just; and, in order to stop as soon as possible these discussions -which only delayed the affairs of the company, it was settled that -Valentine should start the next morning for Pitic, and bring back the -count with him. Valentine promised to do what they wanted, and -tranquillity was gradually restored for the remainder of the day. - -The next morning, at daybreak, therefore, Valentine mounted his horse, -and started for Pitic. We have seen that he was fortunate enough to find -Don Louis, and in what way he brought him off. On the road he told his -friend all that had occurred, in the fullest details. Hence, the count -was burning to arrive at the camp to check the disorder, and prevent the -dissolution of the company, whose existence was seriously menaced, if -such a state of things was allowed to continue only a few hours longer. - -At daybreak, the horsemen reached the camp. All was topsy-turvy; -confusion and disorder prevailed on all sides. The adventurers would -listen to nothing. The officers, rendered powerless, knew not what to -do, or how to turn away the storm that threatened them. But the sudden -arrival of the count was a thunderbolt for the mutineers. - -Don Louis leaped off his horse, and walked resolutely toward them. At -the sight of him, the adventurers involuntarily felt the feeling of duty -re-aroused in their hearts, which they had vainly striven to stifle. - -"The assembly!" the count shouted in a thundering voice. - -Yielding to this man's magical influence, which they had so long been -accustomed to respect, they obeyed orders, and assembled around him. - -"Not so," he continued; "fall in." - -The first step was taken, they formed their ranks. The count surveyed -them, looking closely along the ranks. The adventurers stood silent and -gloomy; they felt themselves guilty. These hardened men trembled, not -from fear but shame. The count addressed them. - -"What have you to reproach me with, comrades?" he said to them, in his -gentle and sympathising voice. "Since the moment I first collected you -around me, have I not done all in my power to improve your position? -Have I not constantly treated you as my children? Speak: if I have -injured one of you, or committed a single act of injustice, tell it me? -You have been led to believe that I am deceiving you, that I was not the -owner of the Plancha de Plata, that this mine did not exist. Look here," -he added, as he drew a document from his chest, "here are the papers; -the agreement is regularly drawn up, the stations are prepared up to -the mines. Now, have you faith in me? do you now suppose that I am -deceiving you. Answer!" - -He was silent for a moment; but not a voice was raised to answer him. - -"Ah! That is the state of the case," he continued; "now listen to me. -The mines to which I am leading you contain incalculable wealth. These -riches will be yours. I shall only take what you give me. You shall -settle my share. Will you now accuse me of wishing to cheat you for my -own profit? You ask for fresh officers chosen by yourselves. I will -never consent to such a condition. Your officers are men in whose -capacity I have full and entire confidence: they well keep their -positions. Among you there are cowards, who have become the tools of my -enemies for the purpose of destroying us. These men all belong to the -second squad. They had better spare me the trouble of discharging them -with ignominy." - -The adventurers, carried away by their chiefs frank and honourable -language, rushed toward him, uttering shouts of joy. Peace was made: all -was forgotten. The emissaries, so suddenly discharged, profited by the -general enthusiasm to disappear without beat of drum. - -"Here is a courier!" Valentine suddenly said. - -The count turned sharply. A _lancero_ was coming up at full gallop. - -"_El senor conde?_" he asked. - -"I am he," Don Louis answered. - -The soldier held out to him a sealed despatch. The count took it with an -indescribable flutter of the heart, and rapidly ran over the lines. -Suddenly he uttered a shout of joy. - -"Listen," he said; "here is the order I have so long been expecting. The -President of the Republic authorizes us to set out immediately for the -mines. Comrades, we will be off at once for the Plancha de Plata." - -"To the mines!" the adventurers shouted. - -On folding up the paper, Don Louis noticed a few words in French written -at the foot of the envelope. - -"What is this?" he muttered. - -He then read:-- - -"Start at once. Perhaps counter orders have already been given. Your -enemies are on the alert." - -"Oh!" the count said, "what do I care now? I will manage to foil all -their tricks." - -The adventurers set to work gaily in preparing the carts for the long -journey they would have to go. The two field pieces were carefully -fastened on their carriages; in short, all preparations were taken to -avoid the accidents inseparable from a journey across the desert. - -The adventurers worked with such zeal to terminate their preparations, -that within two hours the column was on their march for Apacheria. The -joy was at its height, the enthusiasm general. One man alone doubted, -and that man was Valentine. - -The fact was, that the hunter was acquainted with the Mexican character, -the groundwork of which is cunning, treachery, and roguery; and, in -spite of himself, he trembled for his comrades. - -[The further adventures of the gold-seekers will be found in the -concluding volume of this series, which is called "The Indian Chief."] - - -THE END. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gold-Seekers, by -Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - -***** This file should be named 42532.txt or 42532.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/5/3/42532/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (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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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/42532.zip b/42532.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 339d8da..0000000 --- a/42532.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/42532-8.txt b/old/42532-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c11c52f..0000000 --- a/old/42532-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10600 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Gold-Seekers, by Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Gold-Seekers - A Tale of California - -Author: Gustave Aimard - Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: April 14, 2013 [EBook #42532] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Scanned by Google) - - - - - -THE GOLD-SEEKERS: - -A TALE OF CALIFORNIA - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC. - - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -1861 - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The "Gold-Seekers" must be regarded as forming the connecting link -between the "Tiger-Slayer" and the "Indian Chief," the concluding volume -of this series. It must not be forgotten that the author is dealing with -real characters, and that the hero lived and died in the way hereafter -to be described; and the three volumes may be considered a life-history -of a very remarkable man. Although they may be perused separately with -equal interest, I feel confident that those readers who have gone so far -with me will desire to know the conclusion of this strange eventful -history. - - LASCELLES WRAXALL. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - PROLOGUE:-- - - I. THE MEETING - II. EL MESÓN DE SAN JUAN - III. THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD - IV. THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO - - - I. THE NIGHT HALT - II. FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION - III. A SAD MISTAKE - IV. EXPLANATIONS - V. THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LOVE SONG - VI. DELILAH - VII. A RETROSPECT - VIII. A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS - IX. THE NEXT DAY - X. IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED - XI. A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION - XII. CONVERSATION - XIII. PREPARATIONS - XIV. VALENTINE'S RETURN - XV. THE DEPARTURE - XVI. TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER - XVII. GUAYMAS - XVIII. THE FIRST FORTNIGHT - XIX. PITIC - XX. DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND - XXI. THE TAPADA - XXII. THE REVOLT - - - - - -THE GOLD-SEEKERS - - -PROLOGUE - - - -I.--THE MEETING. - - -On the 5th of July, 184-, at about six in the evening, a party of -well-mounted horsemen started at a gallop from Guadalajara, the capital -of the state of Jalisco, and proceeded along the road that traverses the -village of Zapopan, celebrated for its miraculous virgin. After crossing -the escarped summits of the Cordilleras, this road reaches the charming -little town of Tepic, the usual refuge of those Europeans and rich -Mexicans whom business carries to San Blas, but to whom the insalubrity -of the air breathed in that port, the maritime arsenal of the Mexican -union, would be mortal. - -We have said that six o'clock was striking as the cavalcade passed the -gateway. The officer of the watch, after bowing respectfully to the -travellers, watched them for a long time, then re-entered the guardroom, -shaking his head, and muttering to himself,-- - -"Heaven save me! What can Colonel Guerrero be thinking of, to set out on -a Friday, and at such an hour as this? Does he fancy that the -_salteadores_ will allow him to pass? Hum! He will see what they are -about at the _barranca del mal paso_ (the gorge of the evil step)." - -The travellers, however, probably unaffected by the superstitious fears -that ruled the worthy officer, rapidly sped on the long poplar alley -that extends from the town to Zapopan, caring neither for the advanced -hour nor the ill-omened day of the week. - -They were six in number--Colonel Sebastian Guerrero, his daughter, and -four peons, or Indian criados. The colonel was a tall man, with harsh, -marked features, and a bronzed complexion. The few silvery threads -mingled with his black hair showed that he had passed middle life, -although his robust limbs, upright stature, and the brilliancy of his -glance denoted that years had not yet gained the mastery over this -vigorous organisation. He wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer -with the ease and nonchalance peculiar to old soldiers; but, in addition -to the sabre hanging by his side, his holsters held pistols; and a rifle -laid across the saddle-bow proved that, in case of need, he would offer -a vigorous resistance to any robbers who ventured to attack him. - -His daughter, Doña Angela, rode on his right hand. In Europe, where the -growth of girls is not nearly so precocious as in America, she would -only have been a child; for she counted scarce thirteen summers. As far -as could be judged, she was slight, but graceful, and perfectly -proportioned; her features were delicate and noble; her mouth laughing; -her eyes black, quick, and flashing with wit; while her brown hair fell -in two enormous tresses down upon her horse. She was wrapped up -coquettishly in her _rebozo_, and laughed madly at every bound of her -steed, which she maliciously tormented, in spite of her father's -reiterated remonstrances. - -The servants were powerfully-built Indians, armed to the teeth, and -appeared capable of defending their master in case of need. They rode -some ten paces behind the colonel, and led two mules loaded with -provisions and baggage--an indispensable precaution in Mexico, if -travellers do not wish to die of hunger by the way. - -Mexico combines all the climates of the globe. From the icy peaks of the -Cordilleras, down to the burning coasts of the ocean, the traveller in -that country undergoes every temperature. Hence this vast territory has -been divided into three distinct zones: _las tierras calientes_, or hot -lands, composed of the plains on the seashore, and which produce sugar, -indigo, and cotton in truly tropical abundance; _las tierras templadas_, -or temperate lands, regions formed by the Cordilleras, and which enjoy -an eternal spring, great heat and extreme cold being equally unknown -there; and lastly, _las tierras frias_, or cold lands, which include the -central plateaux, and where the temperature is relatively much lower -than in the other zones. - -Still we should remark that in Mexico the expressions "heat," and -"cold," have not an absolute value as in Europe, and that the lofty -plateaux, known as the _tierras frias_, enjoy a temperature like that of -Lombardy, which would seem to any European a very pleasant climate. -Owing to its position, Guadalajara shares in two of the three zones that -divide Mexico. Situated on the limit of the _tierra caliente_ and the -_tierra templada,_ the tepid breezes and pure sky reveal the warm -regions of the seaboard, which extend thus far. The arid sands are -succeeded by fertile and well-cultivated plains, fields of sugar-cane, -Indian corn, bananas, goyaviers, and other productions of the tropical -flora. By degrees the gloomy black oaks and pines, which only grow on -the mountains, become rarer, and eventually disappear entirely, to make -room for poplars, fan-palms, calabash trees, sumachs, Peru trees, and -thousands of others, which proudly wave their superb crowns over the -spontaneous vegetation that surrounds them. - -In _las tierras calientes_, where the heat of the day is stifling, -persons generally only travel from five to eleven A.M., and from three -in the afternoon till ten at night, so as to enjoy the morning and -evening freshness. Colonel Guerrero had, therefore, only conformed to -the general custom by commencing his journey in the evening; but, as so -often occurs, he had started later than he wished, owing to those -numberless obstacles which ever supervene at the moment of departure, -and cause a lengthened delay for no visible reason. But the colonel -cared little about the advanced hour: a night march possessed no terrors -for him, as he had been accustomed for years to modify his humour by -circumstances, and yield to the exigencies of the situation in which he -found himself. - -The sun set behind the Peak of Teguilla, and the Cerro del Col -disappeared in the centre of the chain of tall, abrupt hills which -borders the Rio Tololotlan: gradually the scene was veiled in darkness. -The travellers progressed gaily conversing together, while following the -winding and accidented course of the Rio Grande del Norte, along whose -banks their road ran. The latter was wide, well made, and easy to -follow. Hence the colonel, after taking a careful glance around to -assure himself there was nothing suspicious in the neighbourhood, -trusted entirely to the vigilance of the criados, and resumed the -conversation with his daughter, which he had for a moment broken off. - -"Angela, my child," he said to her, "you are wrong to tease your horse -so. Rebecca is a good beast, very gentle, and very sure-footed; and you -should be more merciful to her than you are." - -"I assure you, papa," the pretty girl answered with a laugh, "I am not -in the least teasing Rebecca; on the contrary, I am only tickling her to -render her lively." - -"Yes, and to make her dance too, as I can plainly see, little madcap. -That would be all very well if we were only taking a ride for a few -hours, instead of a journey which will last a month. Remember, niña, -that a rider must also treat his horse carefully if he wish to reach his -destination safe, and sound. You would not like, I fancy, to be left on -the road by your horse." - -"Heaven forbid, father! If it be so, I will obey you. Rebecca may be at -ease in future; I will not tease her." - -And, while speaking thus, she bent over her horse's neck and gently -patted it. - -"There!" the colonel continued, "now that peace, as I suppose, is made -between you, what do you think of our way of travelling? Does it please -you?" - -"I think it charming, father; the night is magnificent, the moon lights -us as if it were day; the breeze is fresh, and yet not cold. I never was -so happy." - -"All the better, my child. I am the more pleased to hear you speak thus, -because I so feared the effects of such a journey for you, that I was on -the point of leaving you at the convent." - -"Thank you, father, for having changed your mind, and bringing me with -you. I was so wearied with that wretched convent; and then it is so long -since I have seen my dear mother, whom I long to embrace." - -"This time, child, you will have ample leisure to do so for I propose -leaving you with your mother." - -"Then I shall not return to Guadalajara with you?" - -"No, child; you will live at my large _hacienda_, Aguas Frescas, with -your mother and my most faithful servants, during the period of my -absence; for so soon as I have ended the urgent business that demands my -presence at San Blas, I shall go to Mexico and join General Santa Anna. -His Excellency has done me the honour to send for me." - -"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in entreaty, "you ought to take me -with you to the _ciudad_." - -"Little madcap, you know perfectly well that is impossible; but on my -return I will bring you and your mother the finest things from the -Portales des Mercaderes and the Parian, in order that you may eclipse -the most coquettish señoras of Tepic, when it may please you to walk on -the Alameda of the Pueblo." - -"Oh! That is not the same thing," she said with a charming pout; "and -yet," she added, suddenly regaining her good humour, "I thank you, -father; for you are kind--you love me; and when you do not satisfy my -whims, it is because you find it impossible." - -"I am glad that you recognise that fact, and at length do me justice, -little rattle-brain; for you spend your life in teasing me." - -The girl began laughing, and by a sudden impulse letting her reins fall, -she threw her arms round her father's neck and kissed him several times. - -"Take care what you are about," the colonel said, at once happy and -alarmed. "If Rebecca were to bolt you would be killed. Take up your -reins at once, I say!" - -"Nonsense!" she said, laughing, and shaking her brown tresses -carelessly; "Rebecca is too well trained to behave in such a way." - -Still she caught up her reins and settled herself in her saddle. - -"Angelita mia," the father continued, perhaps more seriously than the -circumstances demanded, "you are no longer a child. You ought to begin -to grow more reasonable, and moderate the vivacity of your character." - -"Do you scold me for loving you, my father?" - -"Heaven forbid, my child! I only make a remark which I consider just; -for, if you yield in this way to your first impressions, you will -prepare great grief for yourself at a future day." - -"Do not think that, my kind father. I am quick, careless, -impressionable, that is true; but, by the side of those defects, I have -the family pride I derive from you, and which will defend me from many -faults." - -"I hope so, my daughter." - -"Do not assume that stern air for a harmless act of folly, father, or I -shall fancy that you are angry with me." Then she added, with a laugh, -"I remember that our family descends in a straight line from the Mexican -king, Chimalpopocatzin, who, as his name indicates, had for his emblem a -buckler from which smoke is issuing. You see, father, our character has -not degenerated since that valorous king, and we have ever remained as -firm as he was himself." - -"Come, come," the colonel said good-humouredly, "I shall give up -scolding you in future, for I see that it is labour wasted." - -The girl smiled maliciously, and was about to reply, when a flash of -light was seen in front of the party. - -"What is that?" the colonel asked, raising his voice. "Is there anyone -on the road?" - -"I think so, colonel," one of the domestics answered at once, "for that -flash seems to me produced by the flint of a _mechero_. - -"That is my opinion too," the colonel said. "Let us hasten on, in order -to see this delayed smoker." - -The little band, which had hitherto proceeded at a slow pace, broke into -an amble. At the expiration of an hour, at the same time as the sound of -a horse's hoofs reached the travellers, they also heard the shrill and -discordant sounds of a _jarana_ (guitar), and the refrain of the -following song, so familiar in Mexico, was borne on the breeze:-- - - "Sin pena vivamos - En calma feliz: - Gozar es mi estrella, - Cantar y reir."[1] - -"Bravo!" the colonel shouted, who reached the singer at this moment. -"Bravely and joyously said, comrade!" - -The latter, with a husk cigarette in his mouth, bowed his head in -affirmation, and defiantly twanged an air on his jarana; then, throwing -it across his shoulder, where it was held by a species of brace, he -turned to his addresser, and ceremoniously doffed his vicuna-skin hat. - -"May God protect you, caballero!" he said politely. "It seems that the -music pleases you." - -"Greatly," the colonel answered, scarce able to retain his laughter at -the sight of the singular person before him. - -He was a tall fellow of eight-and-twenty at the most, marvellously thin, -dressed in a ragged jacket, and haughtily folded in a cloak, whose -primitive colour it was impossible to recognise, and which was as full -of holes as a sieve. Still, in spite of this apparent wretchedness and -starving face, the man had a joyous and decided expression about him, -which it was a pleasure to look upon. His little black eyes, which -looked as if pierced by an auger, sparkled with humour, and his manner -had something _distingué_ about it. He was mounted on a horse as thin -and lanky as himself, against whose hollow flanks beat the straight -sword called a _machete_, which the Mexicans continually wear at their -side, passed through an iron ring instead of a sheath. - -"You are very late on the road, compañero," the colonel continued, whose -escort had by this time caught him up. "Is it prudent for you to travel -alone at this hour?" - -"What have I to fear?" the stranger replied. "What salteador would be -such a fool as to stop me?" - -"Who knows?" the colonel remarked with a smile. "Appearances are often -deceitful, and it is not a bad plan to pretend poverty, in order to -travel in safety along the high roads of our beloved country." - -Though uttered purposelessly, these words visibly troubled the stranger; -still he at once recovered, and continued in a hearty voice,-- - -"Unfortunately for me, any feint is useless. I am really as poor as I -seem at this moment, although I have seen happier days, and my cloak was -not always so ragged as you now see it." - -The colonel, perceiving that the subject of conversation was -disagreeable to his new acquaintance, said,-- - -"As you did not stop either at San Pedro or at Zapopan, for I presume -that, like myself, you came from Guadalajara----" - -"It is true," the stranger interrupted him; "I quitted the city about -three in the afternoon." - -"I suppose," the colonel continued, "that you intend to halt at the -mesón of San Juan; so, if you have no objection, we will proceed thither -together, for I intend to halt for the night there." - -"The mesón of San Juan is a good hostelry," the other said, respectfully -lifting his hand to his hat; "but what shall I do there? I have not an -_ochavo_ to expend uselessly, and have far to go. I will bivouac on the -road; and while my horse, poor brute, is sucking its bit, I will smoke -cigarettes, and sing that romance of King Rodrigo, which, as you are -aware, commences thus." - -And quickly bringing his guitar to the front, he began singing in a loud -voice,-- - - "Cuando las pintadas aves - Mudas están, y la tierra - Atenta escucha los rio - Que al mar su tributo llevan: - Al escaso resplandor--"[2] - -"Eh!" the colonel exclaimed, brusquely interrupting, "what musical rage -possesses you? It is frenzy." - -"No," the singer replied in melancholy mood; "it is philosophy." - -The colonel examined the poor fellow for a moment; then drawing nearer -to him,-- - -"I am Colonel Don Sebastian Guerrero de Chimalpos. I am travelling with -my daughter and a few servants. Grant me the honour of your company for -this night: tomorrow we will separate, and go our several ways." - -The stranger hesitated for a moment, and frowned. This shade of -dissatisfaction, however, soon disappeared. - -"I am a proud fool," he replied with affecting frankness; "misery -renders me so susceptible that I fancy people are ever trying to -humiliate me. I accept your gracious invitation as frankly as it is -offered. Perhaps I may be able to prove my gratitude to you ere long." - -The colonel paid no great attention to these words, because, just at the -moment, the party arrived at the mesón of San Juan, whose lighted -windows had revealed its proximity to the travellers for some time past. - - -[1] Let us live without annoyance in a happy calm: playing is my star, -singing and laughing. - -[2] When the spangled birds are dumb, and the attentive earth listens to -the rivers that bear their tribute to the sea by the weak light--. - - - - -II.--EL MESÓN DE SAN JUAN. - - -A great deal has been written about the cool and inhospitable way in -which Spanish and Sicilian landlords receive the travellers whom -Providence sends them; but it is evident to us that those who write in -such wise are not acquainted, even by hearsay, with the _mesoneros_ or -Mexican hosts. Were it so, they would doubtlessly, at their own risk -and peril, have rehabilitated those worthy fellows, to discharge the -whole weight of their indignation on the _huéspedes_ of New Spain. - -It is a justice to render to the Spanish and Sicilian landlords, that if -they are utterly unable to satisfy in any way the exigencies of -travellers, by giving the latter the provisions they demand, still they -greet them with so affable a countenance, and veil their refusal under -such an exquisite politeness, that in nine cases out of ten the -traveller is compelled to allow that he was himself to blame for not -laying in the necessary provisions, and therefore sups on apologies. - -In Mexico things are very different. On the few high roads formerly -constructed by the Spaniards, and which the neglect of the different -governments that succeeded them has left in such a state that they will -soon disappear completely, there stand, at long distances from each -other, vast buildings which resemble fortresses, for they are nearly all -surrounded by embattled and loopholed walls. These buildings are the -_mesones_, or inns. - -The interior is composed, first, of an enormous court, with a _noria_, -or well, intended to water the horses. Corrals for the beasts of burden -occupy the four corners of this yard. In a separate building are the -travellers' _cuartos_; that is to say, miserable dens furnished only -with a frame of oak, covered with a cowhide, which serves as a bed. -These cuartos are numbered, and all open on long corridors. Each -traveller is obliged to bring with him the indispensable bedding, for -the host only supplies the alfalfa for the horses' provender, and water -from the noria. - -It was about ten at night when Colonel Guerrero arrived at the door of -the mesón of San Juan, which was hermetically closed. Upon the repeated -blows dealt by one of the servants, a wicket pierced in the wall, about -two paces from the gate, at length opened; an ill-tempered face was -visible, and a rough voice shouted,-- - -"Who dares to make such a disturbance at the gate of so honest and -respectable a mesón as this?" - -"Travellers have arrived, Don Cristoval Saccaplata," the colonel -answered. "Come, open quickly, for we have made a long journey, and are -tired." - -"Hum! They all say the same thing," the host growled. "What do I care -for that? I shall not open, it is too late; so go your way, and Heaven -protect you!" - -And he prepared to close the wicket. - -"One moment. Confound you!" the colonel shouted, "you will not let us -bivouac in front of your door? That would not be at all honourable for -you." - -"Bah! A night is soon passed," the host replied with a grin; "besides, -you can go on to the mesón del Salto: they will open to you there." - -"Don't you know that is eight miles off?" - -"Of course I do." - -"Come, open, Señor Saccaplata: you would not have the barbarity to leave -us out here?" - -"Why not?" - -"Because, if you do open, you will be rewarded in a way which you will -not repent of." - -"Yes, yes, all travellers are the same; they make plenty of promises so -long as they are outside; but once in, they are not in a hurry to untie -their purse-strings." - -"That will not be the case with us." - -"How do I know?" the _huésped_ said, shrugging his shoulders. "My house -is full; I have no room left." - -"We will find some, dear Saccaplata." - -"Halloh! Who are you, pray, who know me so well? Maybe you are one of -those _caballeros de la noche_ who have been ransacking the country for -some time past." - -"You are mistaken grossly, and I will prove it to you," the colonel -answered, anxious to cut short this open-air conversation. "Take that -first," he said, throwing two ounces through the wicket; "and now, to -prevent any misunderstanding, know that I am Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -The worthy landlord was only sensible to one argument--that which the -colonel had so judiciously employed to overcome his resistance. He -stooped, picked up the two ounces, which disappeared in a second, and -again addressing the travellers, but this time with a tone which he -strove to render more amiable,-- - -"Come," he said, "I must e'en do what you wish, I am too good-hearted. -You have provisions, I hope?" - -"We have everything we require." - -"All the better, for I could not have supplied you. Do not be impatient; -I am coming down." - -He disappeared from the wicket, and within five minutes could be heard -unbarring the door, growling fearfully the while. The travellers then -entered the yard of the mesón. The huésped had lied like the true -landlord he was; he only had in the house two or three muleteers with -their animals, and three travellers, who, by their dress, seemed to be -hacenderos from the vicinity. - -"Halloh!" Don Sebastian shouted, "someone to take my horse." - -"If you begin in that way we shall not be friends long," the huésped -said in the sharp tone he had previously employed. "Here, everyone, big -or little, waits on himself, and attends to his own horse." - -The colonel was far from being of a patient temper. If he had previously -endured the host's insolence, it was solely because it was impossible to -chastise him; but that reason no longer existed. Sharply dismounting, he -drew his pistols from his holsters, thrust them in his belt, and walking -boldly toward Señor Saccaplata, seized him by the collar and shook him -roughly. - -"Listen, master rogue!" he said to him. "A truce to your insolence, and -wait on me, unless you would repent it." - -The host was so amazed at this brusque way of replying to him, and this -assault on his inviolability, that for a moment he remained dumb through -confusion and wrath. His face became crimson, his eyes rolled, and he at -length shouted in a strangled voice,-- - -"Help! Help me! Such an insult! By the body of Christ, I will not -overlook it! Leave my house at once!" - -"I shall not go," the colonel answered peaceably, but firmly; "and you -will attend to me immediately." - -"Oh! We shall see that. Here, help, Pedro, Juan, Jacinto! Come, all of -you, and on to these rascals!" - -Seven or eight servants rushed from the corrals at the sound of their -master's voice, and ranged themselves behind him. - -"Very good," the colonel said, raising his pistols. "I'll blow out the -brains of the first scamp who moves a step toward me with bad -intention." - -We need not say that the peons remained motionless, as if they had -suddenly been changed into blocks of granite. One of the colonel's -servants had assisted Doña Angela from her horse, and accompanied her to -a cuarto, in which he installed her; then he returned in all haste to -his master's side, foreseeing that his co-operation would be speedily -needed. - -The courtyard of the mesón offered a most singular aspect at this moment -by the light of the torches of ocote wood, passed through iron rings -along the walls. On one side stood the host and his servants; on the -other, Don Sebastian's four footmen, with their hands on their weapons, -and the guitar player, with his jarana on his back, and his hands folded -on his chest; a little on one side, the travellers and arrieros -previously arrived; and in the centre, alone, with his pistols in his -hand, the colonel, with frowning brow and flashing eyes. - -"Enough of this, scoundrel!" he shouted. "For a long time you have been -plundering and insulting the travellers whom Providence sends to you. -By heavens! If you do not on the instant demand my pardon for your -insolence, and if you do not serve me with all that politeness I have a -right to demand from you, I will inflict on you, upon the spot, a -correction which you will remember your life long." - -"Take care what you are about, my master," the huésped answered -ironically. "You see that I have men to help me. If you do not decamp at -once, all the worse for you. I have witnesses, and the _juez de letras_ -shall decide." - -"Good heavens!" the colonel shouted, "that is too much, and removes all -my scruples. The scoundrel threatens me with the law. Level your pieces, -men, and fire on the first who stirs!" - -The domestics obeyed. Don Sebastian then seized the host, despite his -cries and desperate resistance, and in a second had him down on the -ground. - -"I believe I shall do a service to all the travellers whom their evil -star may in future bring to this den," he continued, "by punishing this -scamp as he deserves." - -The witnesses of this scene--peons, arrieros, or travellers--had not -made a move to help the host. It was evident that all, for certain -reasons, were in their hearts pleased with what was happening to him. -Not one of them would have dared to take on himself the responsibility -of such an act; but as there was someone ready to do so, they were -careful not to offer the slightest obstacle to him. By the peremptory -order of the colonel, the poor landlord was fastened by two of his own -servants to the long pole of the noria, and debarred from making the -slightest movement. - -"Now," the colonel continued, "each of you take a _reata_, and thrash -him till he confesses himself conquered, and consents to do what I ask -of him." - -Despite their feigned repugnance, the host's two peons were compelled to -obey the colonel; for his orders were supported by four rifles and two -pistols, whose gaping muzzles were directed point blank at them. To -honour the truth, we must confess that, either through terror or for -some other cause, the two peons conscientiously performed their duty. - -The host howled like a bull. He was mad with rage, and writhed like a -viper in the bonds which he tried in vain to break. The colonel stood -stoically by his side, only asking him from time to time, ironically, -how he liked his arguments, and if he would soon make up his mind to -yield. Human strength has limits which it cannot pass. In spite of all -his fury and obstinacy, the host was forced to confess to himself, -aside, that he had to do with a man more obstinate than he was, and -that, if he did not wish to die under the lash, he must resolve to -endure the humiliation imposed on him. - -"I surrender," he said, in a voice broken as much by anger as by pain. - -"Already!" the colonel remarked coldly. "Pooh! I fancied you braver. -Why, you have hardly received thirty lashes. Stop, you fellows, and -unfasten your master!" - -The peons eagerly obeyed. When free, the host tried to rise, but his -strength failed him, and he fell back on the ground, where he lay for -several moments powerless to move. At length he made a desperate effort, -and picked himself up. His face was pale; his features were contracted; -an abundant perspiration stood on his temples, which throbbed as if -ready to burst; he had a buzzing in his ears; and tears of shame poured -from his eyes. He took a few tottering steps toward the colonel. - -"I am at your orders, caballero," he said, bowing his head humbly. -"Speak: what must I do?" - -"Good!" the latter remarked. "Now you are reasonable; you are much -better so. Give some provender to my horses, and assist my servants to -wait on me." - -"Pardon, caballero!" the huésped said. "Will you allow me to say two -words to you?" - -The colonel smiled contemptuously. - -"To what end? I know them, and I will repeat them myself. You wish to -warn me that, obliged to yield to superior force, you have done so, but -you will avenge yourself on the first opportunity. Is not that it?" - -"Yes," he muttered in a hollow voice. - -"Very well; you are quite at liberty to do so, master host; but take -your precautions, for I warn you that, if you miss me, I shall not miss -you. So now wait on me, and make haste." - -And, shrugging his shoulders, the colonel turned his back on him with a -smile of disdain. - -The host watched him depart with a hateful expression, which imparted -something hideous to his face; and when he saw that the colonel was out -of the yard, he shook his head twice or thrice, muttering to himself,-- - -"Yes, I will avenge myself, demon, and sooner than you imagine." - -After this aside, he composed his face and attended to his household -duties with an activity and apparent indifference that caused his -servants to be thoughtful, for they knew his rancorous character. Still -he did not complain; he made no allusion to the cruel punishment he had -undergone, but, on the contrary, waited on the travellers with an -attention and politeness they had not been accustomed to prior to this -unlucky day; and they took advantage of the change, while keeping on -their guard. - -Still nothing apparently happened to justify their suspicions--all went -on calmly: the travellers retired to bed one after the other; then the -host made his round to assure himself that all was in order, and retired -to the room reserved for his private use. - -The colonel had already been asleep some hours, and was in a deep sleep, -from which he was suddenly aroused by a noise he heard at his door. - -"Who's there?" he asked. - -"Silence!" someone answered outside. "Open; it is a friend." - -"Friend or foe, tell me who you are, that I may know with whom I have to -deal." - -"I am," the voice made answer, "the man you met on the road." - -"Hem! What do you want with me? Why are you not asleep at this hour, -instead of coming to rouse me?" - -"Open, in Heaven's name! I have important news to tell you." - -The colonel hesitated for a moment, but soon reflecting that this man, -to whom he had done no harm, could have no motive, for being his enemy, -he decided on getting up. Still, through prudence, he cocked one of his -pistols, which he had placed by his side on retiring to bed, and went to -open the door. The stranger walked in quickly, and closed it after him. - -"Speak low," he said hurriedly. "Listen to me: the host is forming some -scheme against you." - -"I suspect it," the colonel said, who, while speaking, had lit a candle; -"but whatever he may do, I am out of his reach, and the scoundrel will -be crushed if he attack me." - -"Who knows?" the stranger said. - -"Come, you know something positive. Have I any plot to fear inside the -house?" - -"I do not think so." - -"Tell me what you have discovered, then." - -"I will do so; but in the first place, as I am a total stranger to you, -allow me to tell you my name." - -"For what good?" - -"No one knows what may happen in this world: it is useful to be able to -distinguish one's friends from one's enemies." - -"Speak; I am listening." - -"You nearly guessed the truth. Under my starving appearance I conceal a -certain monetary value. My name is Don Cornelio Mendoza. I am a student. -I had at Guadalajara an aunt, who, on dying, appointed me her heir. I am -carrying with me in my belt one hundred and fifty gold ounces, and in my -portfolios bills for an equal amount payable at San Blas. You see that I -am not so poor as I appear to be. But the road between the two cities is -long and dangerous, and I assumed this disguise to escape the robbers, -if that be possible." - -"Very good, Don Cornelio: you can now, if you please, change your -attire, for I hope that we shall pursue our journey together." - -"With all my heart; but if it make no difference, I will retain my -lepero dress provisionally." - -"As you please; but now to the fact. What have you to tell me?" - -"Not much, but yet enough to put us on our guard. Our landlord, after -making his round and assuring himself that everyone had retired, woke up -one of his servants, the very one who thrashed him with such good will." - -"Yes, I remember that rogue's face." - -"Very good. After calling him into his room, he remained shut up with -him for ten minutes; then he opened a window, the peon leaped out on the -highway, and ran off at full speed." - -"Oh, oh!" the colonel said. - -"The landlord looked after him till he disappeared, then muttered -several words I could not understand, excepting one name, which, thanks -to Heaven, reached my ear." - -"What was it?" - -"El Buitre (the Vulture)." - -"Hum! Is that all?" - -"Yes." - -"It does not teach me much; but how did you learn all this? The landlord -did not make you his confidant, I suppose?" - -"No, not a bit in the world. I became his confidant in spite of himself, -and in the most natural way. My cuarto is just over his room. I heard -him open a window, and I listened." - -"Yes, but unfortunately you heard nothing." - -"Yes, a name." - -"But a name which has no meaning for us." - -"On the contrary, it is of enormous significance." - -"How so?" - -"The famous leader of the salteadores, whose band has been desolating -the province for a year, is called El Buitre. Do you now understand?" - -"Body o' me!" the colonel shouted, as he jumped up hurriedly, "I rather -think I do understand." - - - - -III.--THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD. - - -We will for the moment quit the mesón of San Juan, and proceed about two -leagues further on, where certain persons, with whom the reader must -form an acquaintance, are assembled. - -Hardly one hundred and fifty yards beyond the mesón the road begins to -grow narrower; the mountains approach, as if wishful to shake hands, and -that so abruptly and unexpectedly, that they form all at once a narrow -and long gorge, which is known throughout the country as the _barranca -del mal paso_. - -After passing through this gorge, the scenery leaves its abrupt and -savage aspect to resume a smiling character; the road widens again; a -charming valley, intersected by a stream, presents itself to sight; and -on all sides the eye surveys a deliciously accidented horizon. - -On either side of the barranca begin impenetrable forests, through which -a road can only be cut axe in hand, unless the traveller has a deep -knowledge of the narrow and almost invisible paths which lead into the -interior with innumerable twinings. - -We must ask the reader to follow us to one of the most hidden and least -known resorts in this forest. - -In the centre of a vast clearing, where burned a cedar eighty feet in -height, emitting incessant sparks, some twenty men in sordid garments--a -horrible medley of luxury and indigence--with faces in which crime was -written in capital letters, but all armed to the teeth, were assembled -in groups of three or four each, drinking, eating, smoking, and singing. - -Not far from them, their horses, saddled and ready to mount at the first -signal, were eating their provender of alfalfa and climbing peas; while, -on the edge of the covert, four or five men, motionless as bronze -statues, were attentively surveying the surrounding country. - -A little on one side, two men, seated on low stools, were talking and -puffing in each other's faces enormous volleys of smoke. The first and -elder of the two appeared about eight-and-twenty years of age; his long, -light hair fell in heavy curls on his shoulders; his features were -effeminate; but his aquiline nose, his bright blue eyes, and narrow -forehead, imparted to his face a character of baseness and cold cruelty. -He wore the splendid costume of the Mexican hacenderos, and was -carelessly playing with the trigger of a splendid silver-mounted -American rifle. - -His companion offered a striking contrast to him: while the first was -tall, well built, and endowed with pleasing manners, the second was -short, stumpy, heavy, and repulsive in face, gestures, and even in -language. The richness of his attire only seemed to render more striking -the hideousness imprinted as an indelible stigma on this odious person. -Everything announced in him the prowling jackal, that possesses all the -ferocity of the lion, but none of that animal's nobility or courage. - -The clearing we have described was one of the principal haunts of the -Vulture, that terrible bandit who, at the time we write of, was -ravaging the state of Guadalajara. The men collected in it formed his -band, and the two men we have just introduced were, the first, _El -Buitre_ himself; the second, _El Garrucholo_, his lieutenant and dearest -friend. - -At the moment we bring them on the stage, these two interesting -personages were engaged, as we shall see, in a confidential -conversation. We may observe that, strangely enough, this conversation -was not held in Spanish, but in English. - -"Hem!" El Garrucholo said, as he inhaled a mouthful of smoke, which he -immediately sent forth again from his mouth and nostrils. "What do you -find so disagreeable in our profession, John? For my part, I consider it -delightful. These worthy Mexicans are gentle as lambs; they allow -themselves to be plundered with unequalled patience; and you will agree -with me, my dear fellow, that we gain more by cutting the buttons from -their _calzoneras_ than by easing the richest gentleman down there." - -"All that is possible, my friend," El Buitre answered, throwing away his -cigarette with a gesture of impatience. "I do not assert the contrary. -Assuredly the profit is large, and the risk nothing, I grant; but--" - -"Well, why do you stop? Go on." - -"In a word, I was not born for such a trade." - -El Garrucholo gave vent to a hearty laugh. - -"That's where the shoe galls you, then?" he said, with a shrug of his -shoulders. "You are mad, comrade: every man is born for the trade he -carries on, especially when he chose it himself." - -"Would you assert by that----?" - -"What I say I mean. When I picked you up in Mexico, under the arcades of -the Plaza Mayor, with a dagger buried in your breast up to the hilt, and -not a real in your pockets, I should have done better, deuce take me, to -let you die like a masterless dog, instead of curing you; at least, I -should not have heard such nonsense from you." - -"Why did you not do so? At any rate I should have died without -dishonouring an honourable name." - -"Deuce take the honourable name, and the man who bears it! My dear -fellow, you annoy me by your ridiculous pretensions; you forget, with -your mania for nobility, that you are only a foundling." - -El Buitre frowned and seized his lieutenant's arm. - -"Enough on that subject, Red Blood; you know that I have already warned -you that I would not suffer any jesting on that head." - -"Bah! What's the odds about being a foundling? A man ought not to feel -annoyed at that; it is one of those accidents for which the most honest -fellow cannot be responsible." - -"You are my friend, Red Blood; or, at least, seem to be so." - -"In your turn, my noble Mr. John Stanley," the bandit sharply -interrupted him, "do not express such doubts about me; they grieve and -insult me more than I can express. I am attached to you as the blade of -my bowie-knife is to the hilt I am yours, body and soul. I have only -that one virtue, if it be one; so pray do not strip me of it." - -El Buitre remained silent for a moment, and then continued in a -conciliating voice,-- - -"I am wrong. Pardon me, brother; in truth, I have had sufficient proofs -of your friendship to have no right to doubt it. Still it seems to me so -strange, that I at times ask myself how it comes that you, Red Blood, -who hate humanity in a mass--you to whom nothing is respectable or -sacred--feel for me a friendship which rises to the most complete -abnegation and the most utter weakness. That appears to me so -extraordinary, that I would give much to hold the solution of the -problem." - -"You are an ass, John!" the bandit replied in a mocking tone. "What is -the use of telling you why I love you? You would not understand me. -Suffice it for you to know that it is so. Do you believe me, then, a -perfect ferocious brute, incapable of generous instincts?" - -"I do not say that." - -"You think it, which comes to the same thing. But it is of no matter to -me: I dispense you from gratitude; you may even hate me, and I should -not care. I do not love you for yourself, but for myself. But suppose we -talk of something else, if you are agreeable?" - -"I wish nothing better, for I see that I should lose as much time in -trying to draw a good reason from you as in washing a blackamoor -white." - -"Ta, ta, ta! You are an ass, I repeat. But let me alone; if a certain -thing I am now scheming succeed, we shall soon bury El Buitre to bring -John Stanley to life again." - -The salteador quivered. - -"May Heaven hear you!" he exclaimed involuntarily. - -"You had better appeal to the other place if you wish to succeed," the -bandit said with a grin; "but you trust to me. Soon, I hope, we shall so -completely change our skins that fellows will be very clever who -recognise us. Look ye, John: in, this world all that is needful is to -take the ball on the bound and turn with the wind." - -"I confess, my good fellow, that I do not understand a syllable of what -you are saying to me." - -"Eh! What do you want to understand for? You never were the worse off -for leaving me to guide you. Two words are as good as a thousand. Before -long we shall turn our coats, and change, not the trade we carry on so -agreeably, but the name under which we do it, to assume one better -sounding and more lofty. Look there!" he added, pointing sarcastically -at his comrades. "What an imposing collection of honest fellows we shall -restore to circulation under our auspices! Will it not be magnificent, -after having so long plundered individuals, to become suddenly the -defenders of a nation to the prejudice of the government?" - -"Yes," El Buitre said thoughtfully, "I have always dreamed--" - -"Of carrying on our trade on a grand scale, eh? You were right: there -is nothing like doing things properly, if you wish to be held in -estimation. Well, be at ease; I will procure that pleasure. At any rate, -if luck desert you, you will have the advantage of being shot instead of -being hanged or garotted, and that is a consolation." - -"Yes," El Buitre said quickly; "in that way a man dies like a -gentleman." - -"And is not dishonoured, I allow. Ah! The filibusters of old were lucky -fellows; they conquered empires, and handed down their names to -posterity, the exploits of the hero easily causing the crimes of the -bandit to be forgotten." - -"Will you never be serious?" - -"I am only too much so, on the contrary; for, as you see, although you -did not confide in me, I am preparing you a place by the side of the -Cortez, the Almagros, and Pizarros, whose glory has so long prevented -you sleeping." - -"You may jest, Red Blood," the salteador said with an accent of profound -emotion; "but if, as I suppose, you appreciate my character at its true -value, you know that I only seek one thing--to regenerate these unhappy -races, whom a brutalising subjection has plunged during so many -centuries into a degrading barbarism." - -"You only wish for the welfare of humanity of course," the bandit said -with an ironical laugh. "We should not be worthy sons of Uncle Sam, that -land of liberty and theoretical philanthropy, did we not dream of the -amelioration of society. That is the reason why, while biding our time, -we have become of our private authority redressers of wrong, and -gentlemen of the road--a charming trade, I may remark parenthetically, -and which we carry on conscientiously." - -"Go to the deuce, you inexplicable scamp!" the young man exclaimed in a -passion. "Shall I never know how to speak or how to deal with you?" - -"No," he replied seriously, "no, John, so long as you try to play at -hide and seek with me, who know every thought of your heart. Cease to -display these pretensions to honesty, which deceive nobody, not even -yourself, and become frankly a bandit chief till you can be something -else. When the moment has arrived it will be time to put on a cloak of -hypocrisy, which will deceive the fools, and consolidate the position -you have acquired." - -At this moment the shriek of the owl was heard in the thickest part of -the forest. - -"What's that?" El Buitre asked, not sorry to break off a conversation -which was taking a personal turn rather disagreeable to him. - -"A signal given by a sentry," El Garrucholo answered; "a spy who -doubtlessly brings us news. We are awaiting, as you know, the passing of -certain travellers." - -"I know it; but they are said to be well armed, and under good escort." - -"All the better; they will defend themselves, and that will be a -change." - -"The truth is, that those we have stopped for some time past seemed to -have agreed to let themselves be plundered without a murmur." - -"If the information I have received be exact, that will not be the case -with the present party." - -The owl cry was heard a second time, but now much nearer. - -"It is time," El Garrucholo observed. - -The two chiefs then put on black velvet masks, and almost immediately a -man appeared, led by two bandits. On entering the clearing this -individual threw around a glance rather of astonishment than terror: -nothing in his conduct showed that he had fallen into an ambuscade, for -his face was calm, though rather pale, and his step was assured. - -The bandits who escorted him led him before the two chiefs, who examined -him attentively through the holes in their masks. El Buitre then -addressed the bandits in Spanish. - -"Where the deuce did you catch that scoundrel?" he said in a rough -voice. "He has not an ochavo about him. Hang him, and let us have no -more bother." - -"Yes," the lieutenant observed, "he is only fit for that, as he was such -an ass as to rush into the net prepared for more noble game." - -"Permit me, excellency," one of the bandits said, bowing respectfully; -"this man was not caught by us." - -"How is he here, then?" - -"Because, illustrious captain, he earnestly asked to be led into your -excellency's presence, as he had matters of the utmost importance to -impart to you." - -"Ah!" the chief said, but added, "I know the fellow; he is, if I am not -mistaken, the huésped of the mesón of San Juan." - -The prisoner bowed in affirmation. - -It was really the worthy Saccaplata himself. After sending off his -criado, and while Don Cornelio was with the colonel, the host thought -that nobody could do one's business so well as one's self; and as he was -probably anxious that it should succeed, he had started off after the -peon, whom he had no difficulty in catching up, for the poor fellow was -not at all anxious to execute the commission his master had intrusted to -him. Saccaplata sent him back to the mesón; and, while the peon returned -in delight, had himself attempted the adventure. - -"Indeed!" the lieutenant remarked. "Does Señor Saccaplata wish to enter -into business relations with us? That would be an excellent idea." - -"I do not say no, honourable caballero," the landlord replied in a -honeyed voice. "Business is very bad at this moment, and it is certain -that a little extra profit, honestly come by, would be acceptable; but, -for the present, I only desire--" - -"To the point," El Buitre suddenly interrupted him; "we have no time to -lose in silly remarks." - -The landlord understood that he must be brief, if he did not wish to -bring down certain unpleasantnesses on himself. - -"The fact is this," he said: "I have in my house, at the present moment, -several rich travellers." - -"We know it. What next?" - -"Among them is the Señor Colonel--" - -"Don Sebastian Guerrero, proceeding to Tepic with his daughter and four -servants," the lieutenant interrupted him. "What next?" - -"What next?" the landlord said, sadly discountenanced. - -"Yes, what next?" - -"That is all." - -"What, you scoundrel! And you had the effrontery to venture among us, -only to tell us a thing we knew as well as yourself?" El Garrucholo -exclaimed. - -"I thought I was doing you a service." - -"You wished to be a spy on us." - -"I!" - -"Of course. Do you take us for fools like yourself, you wretch? But you -shall remember this visit. The _orejada_" he added, turning to the two -bandits, who had remained by the landlord's side. - -"One moment," the captain said. - -Saccaplata, fancying he should escape with the fright, grimaced a smile. - -"I will tell you," the captain continued, "why you came to us. You want -to revenge yourself on Colonel Guerrero, who a few hours back inflicted -on you a well-merited correction." - -"But--" the landlord ventured. - -"Silence! Do not attempt to deny it. I was there. I saw what occurred. -As you are too great a coward to dare to avenge yourself, you thought of -us, supposing that we should not refuse to render you that slight -service. What do you say--is that the truth?" - -"Hum! I would not venture to contradict your excellency," the landlord -said, now beginning to regret having entered this wasp's nest. - -The bandits, attracted by the colloquy, had gradually drawn nearer, and -formed a circle round the speakers, while laughing cunningly to each -other. Still, although accustomed to the pleasing eccentricities of -their worthy chief, they were far from anticipating the _dénouement_ of -this scene. - -After having proved to Saccaplata as clearly as the day that he knew the -motive that led him to offer his good services to the salteadores, the -captain continued in these terms, while smiling cunningly:-- - -"Dear huésped of my heart, we do not refuse to undertake revenging you, -the more so as we had already made up our minds to stop the colonel." - -"Ah!" the landlord said, beginning to feel easier. - -"Yes: still, after reflecting on it thoroughly, we gave up the plan. The -colonel is brave--he will defend himself; moreover, he has with him four -well-armed and determined men. My faith, it was too great a risk; but if -you insist--" - -"Immensely!" the other exclaimed, deceived by the bandit's feigned -kindliness. - -"Very good," the other answered, changing his tone; "then it is a matter -of business between us. Now, such things are always paid for, as you -know, my scamp." - -Saccaplata turned involuntarily toward the other salteadores, who were -grinning affably at him. - -"Consequently," the captain continued with perfect calmness, "you will -pay me twenty ounces for your vengeance, which I take on my own account, -and ten for your ransom." - -"Heaven save me!" the landlord said, clasping his hands in despair. "I -never possessed such a sum, not even in a dream." - -"That is a matter of perfect indifference to me. I never recall my -decision under any circumstances. Another time you will think twice -before venturing so rashly into the claws of El Buitre. The orejada--" - -"Oh, my lord!" the luckless Saccaplata exclaimed, as he fell on his -knees, "I am a poor devil. Have pity on me, noble captain, I implore -you!" - -"Come, put an end to this." - -In spite of his cries and protestations, the landlord was seized and -haled off by his guardians, amid the laughter and sarcasms of the -bandits, whom the sight promised by the captain delighted. - -"Stop!" the huésped suddenly exclaimed; "I think I have a little money -about me." - -"No, no!" the salteadores shouted. "Give him the orejada all the same." - -El Garrucholo made a sign, and order was restored. - -"Let us see," he said. - -The wretch gave a sigh, and with extreme difficulty, after ransacking -all his pockets with many a protestation that he was utterly ruined, -which the bandits listened to with stoical indifference, he at last -succeeded in making up a little more than half the sum. - -"Hum!" the lieutenant said as he pocketed the money, "that is nothing; -but I am a good fellow. You have no more?" - -"Oh! I swear it, excellency," he said, turning out all his pockets. - -"Well," El Garrucholo continued philosophically, "no man is bound to do -impossibilities, and as you have only that--" - -"I am sure of it," the other said, fancying himself saved. - -"Well, then," the lieutenant continued, "let him be only attached by one -ear: we must be honest." - -An immense burst of laughter from the whole band greeted this -proposition. The landlord was carried off to a tree, and before he -understood what they meant to do to him, he uttered a frightful yell of -pain. A bandit had fastened him to the tree by the right ear, by simply -driving his knife through it. - -"There, that's settled," the lieutenant said. "Now, I warn you that, if -you continue to howl, I will have you gagged." - -"Traitors, dogs, assassins, kill me!" - -"No. But listen; that wound is nothing. It is easy for you to deliver -yourself by a slight tug. Your ear will be torn, I allow, but you can't -have everything. As soon as you are free, return home; one of our -friends will accompany you, and you will pay him the rest of the sum." - -"Never!" the landlord howled, "Never! I would sooner die!" - -"Very good; then you shall die, and after that we will carry off the -contents of the hiding place you have so cleverly made in the wall of -your cuarto, by placing before it a picture of Nuestra Señora de -Guadalupe. Eh! What do you think of that?" - -The lieutenant had hardly finished speaking ere the landlord, by a sharp -movement, had regained his liberty. Without thinking of his -frightfully-mutilated ear, he threw himself at the feet of El -Garrucholo. - -"I accept, my lord, I accept; but I implore you, do not ruin me." - -"I was certain you would understand. Be off, scoundrel; and if it is any -consolation, know that you will be avenged on the colonel." - -"Yes," the landlord muttered to himself, "but who will avenge me on you? -Thanks," he added aloud; "that promise causes me to forget my -suffering." - -"All the better; but mind you, no treachery, or we shall manage to get -hold of you again." - -Saccaplata bowed, but made no reply. He understood that it would have -been better for him to remain at home, and allow matters to follow their -course, without seeking a problematic vengeance which cost him thirty -gold ounces and an ear. On reaching the mesón he paid the rest of his -ransom, and banging the door in the face of the bandit who accompanied -him, and thanked him with an air of mockery, he sank on a bench, and -overcome by so many terrible emotions, fainted away. - - - - -IV.--THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO. - - -The rest of the night passed, apparently at any rate, calmly and -tranquilly, and nothing occurred to disturb the rest enjoyed by the -guests at the mesón of San Juan. About four in the morning the doors of -the travellers' cuartos began to open one after the other, and lights -flashed in the patios. The shouts of the muleteers, and the bells of -their animals, aroused the colonel and his daughter, warning them that -it was time to prepare for their departure. - -Don Sebastian, after the suspicions Don Cornelio had suggested to him, -did not at all wish, as he had a young lady with him, to start before -sunrise, especially as he had to traverse the gorge we have already -described, and where it would be easy to form an ambuscade. - -By the sunlight he had a better chance, for two reasons: in the first -place, the servants who accompanied him were old soldiers, accustomed to -war, and greatly attached to him; the second was, that the Mexican -brigands are usually great cowards, and whenever they meet with any -serious resistance from those they attack, they immediately give up the -game. - -These two reasons, and, before all, the fear of alarming his daughter, -and uselessly exposing her to danger during the darkness, obliged the -colonel to let all the other travellers at the mesón start before him; -and, in fact, they soon quitted the hostelry, and dispersed in various -directions. - -The Señor Saccaplata, with pallid face, compressed eyebrows, and head -bandaged up, was walking up and down the patio, with his arms behind his -back, every now and then raising his eyes angrily to the colonel's -window, and growling in a low voice,-- - -"Body and bones! Will not that trumpery colonel make up his mind to -start soon, if he is so ready to give the bastinado to poor folk? But -let him do what he will, he will not escape the fate that awaits him." - -At this moment a young man appeared in the patio, strumming a guitar, -and singing in a low voice,-- - - "No sabo donde mirar, - De todo teme y rezela, - Si al cielo teme su furia, - Porque hizo al cielo ofensa."[3] - -These verses, taken from the romance of King Rodrigo, though probably -sung without any malignant meaning, still referred so closely to the -landlord's present position, that he turned furiously to the unlucky -singer, and attacked him in a brutal voice. - -"Deuce take your howling! Why do you come buzzing in this way in my -ears, when you ought, on the contrary, to be preparing for your -departure?" - -"Why, it is our worthy huésped," Don Cornelio replied with that joyful -accent peculiar to him. "What! You are not fond of music? You are -wrong, my worthy friend, for what I am singing to you is really fine." - -"That is possible," the other said in a rough voice; "but I should feel -obliged by your giving me no more of it." - -"Oh, oh! You are not in a good temper this morning. What's the matter -with you, that you are so bandaged up? On my soul, you must be ill. Oh! -I see what it is; you slept with your window open, and have caught a -toothache." - -The landlord turned green with impotent fury. - -"Caballero," he shouted, "take care." - -"Of what?" Don Cornelio said peacefully. "Toothache is not catching, as -I am aware. Poor man! Pain causes him to wander. Take care of yourself, -my good man; take care of yourself, I advise you." - -And without further ceremony he turned his back on him, and began again -the song which so annoyed the landlord at the point where he broke it -off. - -"Hum!" the latter growled, shaking his fist at the singer; "I hope that -you will catch something in the row. Ah!" he added, "the sun is rising: -perhaps that will induce him to come down." - -In fact, the sun appeared at this moment in a bed of vapour, and after a -twilight, whose duration was almost nothing, the day succeeded, as it -were, immediately to night. - -Don Cornelio, aided by the colonel's servants, fed the horses and -saddled the mules--preparations which brought a smile to the landlord's -lips which would have caused the colonel to feel uncomfortable had he -seen it. - -Suddenly a sound of horses was heard outside, and two men trotted into -the patio, through the gateway left open after the departure of the -arrieros and other travellers. At this unexpected arrival the landlord -turned as if a viper had stung him. - -"Confusion!" he muttered; "day has hardly broken ere these accursed -fellows come across my path." - -The two arrivals troubled themselves in no way about their host's -ill-temper, but dismounted, and taking the bridles off their horses, led -them to the noria to let them drink. - -The travellers were dressed in the garb of the frontier men, and -appeared to be from forty to forty-five years of age. Like all wayfarers -in this blessed country, where every man must depend on himself alone, -they were armed; but, in lieu of the lance or fusil usual in the -interior, they had excellent Mexican rifles--a peculiarity which, in -addition to their _zarapés_ of Indian manufacture, and their fiery and -half-wild mustangs, allowed them to be recognised as Sonorians, or at -least men domiciled in that state. - -The landlord, seeing that the newcomers did not appear to trouble -themselves in the least about him, decided at length on walking toward -them and addressing them. - -"What do you want?" he said to them. - -"Nothing just at present," the elder replied; "but so soon as our horses -have finished drinking, you will give each of them a measure of maize -and a truss of alfalfa." - -"I am the mesonero, and not a peon. It is not my place to wait upon -you," he said brutally. - -The traveller who had spoken looked askance at the host. - -"I don't care whether it is you or your criados who do it," he answered -dryly, "provided that the order I have given is executed promptly, for I -am in a hurry." - -In the face of this rebuff, and especially the glance that accompanied -it, the huésped judged it prudent to draw in his horns and assume a more -conciliatory tone. For the last few hours poor Saccaplata had not been -fortunate with his travellers. All those Heaven sent him had the air of -young bulls escaped from the _toril_. - -"Your excellencies are doubtless anxious to set out again?" he said in -an insinuating voice. - -The strangers made no answer. - -"Not to be too curious," the landlord continued, not yet discouraged, -"may I ask in what direction your honourable seigneuries intend to -proceed?" - -One of the travellers then raised his head, and, looking the indiscreet -mesonero full in the face, said with a mocking air,-- - -"If you are asked, you will answer that you do not know. Come, my good -fellow, have us attended to, and blow your own _puchero_, without -troubling yourself about ours: you might find it too hot for you." - -The host shrugged his shoulders and slipped away, the more nimbly -because he noticed the colonel entering the patio at the moment, and -felt no desire to come in contact with him. - -The two strangers exchanged a smile, and, without further remark, -watched the peon who was giving their horses the provender they had -ordered. - -Don Sebastian was ready to start: he had come to give a final glance to -the horses before leading his daughter downstairs. Don Cornelio walked -up to him so soon as he saw him, and after wishing him good day, drew -him a little aside and whispered,-- - -"Look there, colonel," and he pointed to the two strangers; "those are -sturdy fellows, if I am not mistaken." - -"They are so," Don Sebastian made answer; "I did not notice them -before." - -"They have only just arrived. They would be famous recruits added to our -party, if they would consent to travel with us. What do you think of -it?" - -"I think you are right; but will they consent?" - -"Why not? If they are going the same road as ourselves they will derive -the same benefit from our presence as we shall from theirs." - -"That is true. Have you spoken to them?" - -"No: as I told you, they arrived this moment. You ought to try to -persuade them." - -"I see no harm in attempting it, at least," the colonel answered. - -Hereupon, leaving Don Cornelio, he advanced toward the strangers, and -saluting them politely, said,-- - -"You have magnificent horses, caballeros. I see that they come from the -prairies." - -"Yes, they are real mustangs," one of the strangers replied, returning -the bow. - -"You are finishing your journey at a very early hour," the colonel -continued. "With horses like yours a deal of ground could be covered." - -"What makes you suppose, caballero, that our journey is ended?" - -"Why, your arrival at this hostelry at so early an hour." - -"Ah! You might be mistaken." - -"Pardon my indiscretion, caballeros. Do you come from Guadalajara, or -are you going there?" - -"Caballero," the stranger replied dryly, who had hitherto spoken, "we -the more readily pardon your indiscretion, because it appears that in -this hostelry everybody passes his time in asking questions; still, you -will permit me not to answer yours. My companion and myself are old -travellers, and we know that on the roads of this country men too often -repent gossiping about their business, but never of keeping it to -themselves." - -The colonel drew himself up with an air of pique. - -"As you please, caballero," he replied coldly. "I cannot feel annoyed at -your prudence; still, I would observe that you have given a wrong -meaning to my remarks. I only wished to offer you my escort in crossing -an ill-famed gorge, in which the band of the dangerous robber, El -Buitre, is at this moment ensconced." - -"I know the man by repute," the stranger said in a somewhat more affable -tone. "My friend and myself will, I hope, be sufficient to keep him at -arm's length; still, though I do not accept your offer, I thank you for -the cordiality which urged you to make it." - -The conversation broke off here. The two men bowed with all the marks of -the most exquisite politeness, and turned their backs on each other. The -colonel, annoyed at the way in which his advances had been met, gave the -order for departure, and went to fetch his daughter. An instant later he -reappeared with her; the band mounted, and, on a signal from Don -Sebastian, set out. On passing before the strangers, who watched their -departure, the colonel took off his hat, as did Don Cornelio. Doña -Angela gave a graceful bow, accompanied by a charming smile. The -strangers, in their turn, uncovered and bowed respectfully to the party. - -"There, scoundrel," the colonel said as he threw an ounce to the -landlord, who watched their departure with a cunning look, "there's a -plaster for your wounds." - -Saccaplata sharply picked up the ounce, thrust it into his pocket, and -crossed himself as he muttered,-- - -"You will want a good many ounces to cure your wounds, you will. Bah!" -he added, with a sinister laugh, "it is now El Buitre's affair; let them -settle it together." - -When Don Sebastian had left the hostelry he divided his party into -three: two of his servants rode in front, gun on thigh; two others -behind; while he and Don Cornelio, having Doña Angela between them, rode -in the middle. All being thus arranged, and the order given to keep a -careful outlook, the cavalcade started at a sharp trot. - -In the meanwhile the two strangers, as we have said, remained at the -mesón. They watched the little party for a long time, and then, as their -horses had finished eating, they put on their bridles and tightened -their girths. - -"My faith, Don Louis!" the younger of the two at length said, "I can't -help it; I must tell you what I have on my mind, or I shall choke." - -"Speak, my friend," his comrade said with a sad smile. "I know as well -as you do what is troubling your mind." - -"Perhaps so; still that would surprise me." - -"Listen, then, Belhumeur. You are asking yourself at this moment why I -was so rude to that gentleman whom I do not know, and whom I saw for a -moment for the first time in my life?" - -"By my faith! You have guessed it: that was, in truth, my thought. I -seek in vain the reason for such extraordinary conduct on your part, and -I confess that I give it up as a bad job." - -"Do not trouble yourself any further, my good fellow. I was -involuntarily guided by a secret presentiment, by a species of -incomprehensible instinct, which forced me to act as I did." - -"That is strange." - -"Yes, is it not so? You know the feeling of instinctive repulsion one -experiences on touching a reptile?" - -"Of course." - -"Well, when that man advanced toward me, even before I saw him, I felt -his presence, if I may say so; my heart beat violently; and when he -addressed me I felt a sudden and incomprehensible pain." - -Belhumeur regarded him for a moment with fixed attention. - -"And you conclude from that?" he said. - -"That this man will be my enemy at some appointed moment; that he will -stand in my path, gloomy and implacable, and prove fatal to me." - -"Come, my friend, that is not possible. You are leaving this country, -never to return to it, since, in spite of all your researches, you have -been unable to find the man on whose behalf you came. The man you saw -this morning is a field officer in the Mexican army, and it is not very -likely he will leave his country: everything opposes it. Where can you -meet again?" - -"I do not know, Belhumeur; I seek neither to guess nor to foresee the -future. It is evident that, after leaving you at the Hacienda del -Milagro, I shall proceed to Guaymas, where I shall embark, I know not -yet for what country; and it is my settled purpose never to set foot in -Mexico again. Still I repeat to you, although it may appear absurd, I am -convinced that that man will be my enemy some day, and that one of us -will kill the other." - -"Come, come, I will not discuss that subject with you; it is better for -us, I fancy, to start, for we have a long journey before us today." - -"That is true, my friend. Let us start, and think no more of my -forebodings. They will turn out as Heaven may direct." - -"Amen!" Belhumeur said. "That is how I like to see you; thus you -resemble my brave Raphael, my dear Loyal Heart, to whom I wish to make -you known before leaving you." - -"You will afford me the greatest pleasure." - -They mounted their horses, paid the landlord, and in their turn quitted -the mesón de San Juan, walking their horses in the direction of the -barranca del mal paso, where the colonel had preceded them. They -proceeded for some time in silence, side by side. At length the -Canadian, who could not remain long without speaking, took the word. - -"Do you not think, Don Louis, that, supposing the colonel spoke the -truth, two men like ourselves would prove very useful to him?" - -"What does that concern us?" Don Louis asked sharply. - -"Us nothing; and assuredly, if only that soldier, to whom you have such -an antipathy, were concerned, I should not trouble myself about him, but -leave him to settle with the bandits as best he could." - -"Well?" - -"Don't you understand me?" - -"No, on my honour." - -"Did you not notice the charming girl that accompanies him?" - -"Of course I did." - -"Would it not be frightful--?" - -"Good heavens!" the Count de Prébois Crancé, whom the reader has -doubtlessly recognised,[4] quickly interrupted him, "that would be -fearful. Poor child! Forward, Belhumeur, forward! We must save her." - -"Ah!" the Canadian thought to himself, "I was sure I should find the -soft place." - -The two men bowed over their horses' necks, and started with the -velocity of the tempest. They had scarce gone a mile when cries and -shots reached their ears. - -"Forward--confound it, forward!" the count shouted, urging his horse to -increased speed. - -"Forward!" Belhumeur repeated. - -They rushed into the barranca at headlong speed, and fell like two -demons into the midst of the bandits, whom they saluted with two shots; -then clubbing their rifles, they employed them like maces, bounding into -the medley with indescribable fury. - -It was high time for this assistance to reach the colonel. Three of his -servants were killed; Don Cornelio was lying wounded on the ground; -while Don Sebastian, with his back against a block of granite, was -desperately defending himself against five or six bandits who assailed -him. - -El Buitre had seized Doña Angela, and thrown her across his saddle-bow, -in spite of her shrieks and resistance; but suddenly Don Louis dealt the -bandit a crushing blow on the head, which hurled him to the ground, and -delivered the girl. Belhumeur all this time did not remain inactive; he -wounded and trampled under his horse's hoofs all those who dared to -oppose his passage. - -The salteadores, surprised by this sudden attack, which they were far -from anticipating--frightened by the carnage the newcomers caused among -their comrades, and not knowing how many foes they might have upon them, -were seized with a panic fear, and fled in the utmost disorder, -clambering up the rocks. El Garrucholo, at the peril of his life, picked -up his captain, whom he would not abandon, and El Buitre once again -escaped the garota. The salteadores lost in this skirmish more than -two-thirds of their numbers. - -When tranquillity was restored, and the bandits had completely -disappeared, Don Sebastian warmly thanked the two adventurers for the -timely aid they had rendered him. Don Louis received politely, but very -coldly, the colonel's advances, confining himself to saying that if he -had been so fortunate as to save his life, he found a reward in his own -heart, and that was sufficient for him; but, in spite of the colonel's -pressing, he refused to tell him who he was, alleging as his sole reason -that he was about to leave Mexico for ever, and that he did not wish to -lay on him a burden so heavy as gratitude. At this remark Doña Angela -drew nearer to Don Louis, and said with a smile of gentle reproach,-- - -"It is quite natural that you who have saved our lives should forget the -fact, or at least attach but slight importance to it; but my father and -myself will remember it for ever." - -And before Don Louis could prevent it, the lovely girl bounded like a -fawn, threw her arms round his neck, and holding up her pure forehead, -which was still rather pale,-- - -"Kiss me, my saviour!" she said, with tears in her eyes. - -The count, affected, in spite of himself, by an action full of such -simple frankness, respectfully kissed the maiden's brow, then turned -away, that she might not read the sweet and yet painful impression so -simple an action had produced on him. - -Doña Angela, smiling and blushing, sought refuge in her father's arms, -leaving in Don Louis' hand a small relic she usually wore round her -neck. - -"Keep it," she said to him, with that sweet Spanish superstition so full -of grace; "it will bring you good fortune." - -"Yes, I will keep it, señorita," the count replied, hiding it in his -bosom, "as a reminiscence of a moment of happiness you unconsciously -caused me this day, by proving to me that, in spite of misfortunes, my -heart is not so dead as I fancied." - -The preparations for departure were made. Don Sebastian, deprived of his -servants, could not dream of continuing his journey. He decided on -returning to Guadalajara, in order to obtain another escort -sufficiently strong to protect his daughter from such a danger as that -she had escaped by a miracle. He was, however, greatly embarrassed by -Don Cornelio, whom he did not wish to abandon, and yet could not -transport. - -"I will take charge of this man, caballero," Don Louis then said to him. -"Do not trouble yourself about him further. My friend and I are in no -great haste. We will carry him to the mesón of San Juan, and not leave -him till he is thoroughly cured." - -Two hours later the two parties separated in front of Saccaplata's -mesón, who saw them return with great terror; but the colonel thought it -advisable, for Don Cornelio's sake, to appear ignorant of the part the -landlord had played in the attack, to which himself and daughter had so -nearly fallen victims. - -Don Sebastian and Don Louis separated with a frigid bow, like men who -are persuaded they will never meet again. But no one can foresee the -future, and unconsciously chance was about to bring them hereafter face -to face under strange circumstances, the realisation of which neither -assuredly suspected at the moment. - - -End Of Prologue. - - -[3] He knows not where to look; he fears or distrusts everything. If he -is afraid of the anger of Heaven, why did he insult it? - -[4] See the "Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE NIGHT HALT. - - -Before the discovery of the rich placers in the neighbourhood of San -Francisco, California was completely wild and almost unknown. The port -of San Francisco, the finest and largest in the world, destined to -become very shortly the commercial _entrepôt_ of the Pacific, was at -that time only frequented by whalers, who, at the period when the whales -retire to the shallow water, came to fish there, cut them up, and melt -down their blubber. - -A few Flat-head Indians wandered haphazard through the vast forests that -covered the seaboard; and in this country, which trade has now seized -on, and which is entering, with all sail set, into the movement of -progress, wild beasts lorded it as masters. - -An old officer of Charles X.'s Swiss Guard had founded a poor colony on -the territory of San Francisco, and cut down trees, which he converted -into planks by the aid of a few watermills. - -Such was the condition in which this magnificent country languished, -when suddenly the news of the discovery of rich placers in California -burst on the world like a shell. Then the country, as if touched by the -magic wand of some powerful enchanter, became all at once transformed. -From all parts of the world adventurers flocked in, bearing with them -that feverish activity and boundless audacity which ignore all -difficulties, and surmount every obstacle. - -At a spot where, a few days previously, gloomy and mysterious forests, -old as the world, stretched out, a city was created, improvised, and -within a few months counted its inhabitants by tens of thousands. The -port, so long deserted, was crammed with vessels of every sort and every -size, and the gold fever renewed the Saturnalia of the Spanish -conquistadors of the Middle Ages. - -For some time after, this country offered to the eye of the observer a -sight the most hideous, the most grand, the most heart-rending, and most -striking that can be imagined. All was mingled, confounded, and -upturned. It was a confusion, a hurly-burly impossible to describe, -where nothing existed any longer--where every tie was broken, every -social idea annihilated; and in this terrible pell-mell, in this -frightful race to the placers, rogues and gentlemen, soldiers and -priests, diplomatists and physicians, jostled each other, all running, -howling, wielding the dagger or the revolver, possessed by only one -idea, instinct, or passion--that of gold. For gold these men would have -sold everything--conscience, honour, probity, everything, even to -themselves! - -We will not enter into fuller details of this wondrous period, during -which California emerged from her nothingness, to take her place, after -ten years of desperate struggling, among the civilised peoples. Other -pens, far more eloquent than ours, have undertaken the rude task of -telling us the history of these striking incidents. We will confine -ourselves to stating that, at the period of our story, gold had only -just been discovered, and California was struggling against the first -raging attack of _delirium tremens_. - -It was about three years after the events we narrated in our prologue. - -In the Sierra Nevada, upon the picturesque slopes that descend gradually -to the sea, in the heart of an immense virgin forest a hundred leagues -from San Francisco, between that city and Los Angeles, the heat had been -stifling during the day. At sunset the sea breeze had risen, and -slightly refreshed the atmosphere; but it sank again almost immediately, -and the temperature had again become heavy and oppressive. - -The motionless trees concealed beneath their dense foliage birds of -every description, which only revealed their presence at intervals by -shrill and discordant cries. Hideous alligators wallowing in the mud of -the swamps, or holding on to the trunks of dead trees scattered here and -there, were the only living beings that animated the landscape, which -was rendered even more gloomy and mournful by the pale, uncertain, and -tremulous flickering of the moonbeams that filtered with great -difficulty through the rare openings in the verdurous forest dome, and -sported capriciously and fantastically about the trees and branches, -though unable to lessen the mysterious obscurity that reigned in the -leafy covert. - -A noise of horses' hoofs was heard on one of the innumerable tracks made -by the wild beasts as they proceed in search of water, and two men -debouched into a clearing formed by the fall of several trees that had -died of old age, and whose mossy trunks were already in a state of -decomposition. - -These men were both dressed in the costume of hunters or wood rangers, -and were armed with American rifles, long knives, and _machetes_. A -_reata_, rolled up and fastened to the saddle-bow, allowed them to be -recognised as partisans from the Mexican frontiers. - -Both had passed middle life; but there the resemblance between them -ended. At the first glance it was easy to guess that one belonged to the -Northern European race; while his comrade, on the contrary, by the olive -tint of his complexion, and his angular features, offered a perfect type -of the Indian aborigines of Chili, so eloquently celebrated by Ercilla, -and known in South America by the name of Araucanos--a powerful, -intelligent, and energetic race, the only one of all the native tribes -of the New World which has managed to retain its nationality, and caused -its independence to be respected to the present day. - -These two men were Valentine Guillois, better known as the -"Trail-hunter," and Curumilla, his silent and devoted companion ever -since the day that chance so many years previously had led Valentine -into Araucania.[1] - -Years, while accumulating on the heads of the two men, had produced but -a slight change in their external appearance. They were still quite -upright, and seemed equally vigorous. A few more wrinkles had formed on -the Frenchman's pensive brow, and some silvery threads were added to his -locks; his features, more angular than before, had assumed those firm -and distinct lines, alone produced by reflection and long contests -valiantly sustained; his eye was still equally frank, but the flash was -more incisive; and his face wore that melancholy impression which -deceptions of every description, and great grief, stamp indelibly on the -countenance of powerful men, whom the fearful storms of life have bowed, -though not broken. - -The Indian was still morose and concentrated. Age, which had laid even a -smaller hold on his organisation than on that of his comrade, had merely -increased the worthy Araucanian's habitual taciturnity, and drawn over -his gloomy face a thicker veil of that stoical fatalism peculiar to the -aboriginal race of America. - -The two men advanced slowly side by side, apparently plunged in deep -thought. At times Valentine stopped, looked cautiously around him, and -then resumed his march, shaking his head dubiously. Each time that the -hunter reined in his horse Curumilla imitated him, though not evidencing -by the slightest sign that he took any interest in his companion's -operations. - -The forest grew with each step denser, the paths became narrower, and -all appeared to forebode that the horses would soon be unable to -advance, impeded as they were by the creepers that were intertwined into -a thick trellis-work in front of them. - -The two horsemen at length reached the clearing to which we have -already alluded, after intense difficulty. On arriving there, Valentine -stopped, and heaving a sigh of relief,-- - -"By Jove!" he said, "Curumilla, my good friend, I was mad to believe you -and follow you so far; it is evident that we are lost." - -The Indian shook his head in denial. - -"Hem! I am aware that you fellows have a marvellous talent for following -a trail, and that you rarely lose your way, even in a place you have -never visited before. Still the darkness is so intense here, that I can -hardly distinguish objects only two paces ahead of me. Come, allow that -we have lost ourselves. Hang it! That may happen to anybody. I propose -that we stop here and await sunrise before we renew our search, the more -so because, for nearly two hours, it has been impossible to discover the -slightest trace proving to us that we are still on the right road." - -Curumilla, without replying, dismounted, and explored the clearing on -all sides; then, at the expiration of a few minutes, he returned to his -friend's side, and gave him a sign to mount again. Valentine had -carefully followed his movements. - -"Well," he said, checking him, "are you not convinced yet?" - -"One hour more," the Indian replied, liberating himself gently, and -getting into his saddle. - -"Hang, it all!" Valentine said, "I confess I am growing tired of playing -at hide and seek in this inextricable forest, and if you do not give me -a positive proof of what you assert, I will not stir from this spot." - -Curumilla bent toward him, and, showing him a small object, said,-- - -"Look!" - -"Eh?" Valentine remarked in surprise, after carefully examining the -object his comrade handed him. "What the deuce is it? Why," he added -almost immediately, "I ought to have recognised it at once: it is a -cigar-case, and a handsome one too. There is a cigar still in it, if I -am not mistaken." - -He remained for an instant in thought. - -"It is true," he went on, "that I have not seen these luxurious products -of civilisation for a long time; indeed, since I gave them up to lead -the life of a free hunter. Where did you find it, Curumilla?" - -"There," he answered, stretching out his arm. - -"Good! The owner of that case cannot be far from us, so let us push on." - -He pocketed the case, and the two horsemen set out once more. - -After crossing the clearing, the path on which they entered began -gradually to widen, and soon they noticed, by the moonbeams that lighted -them at intervals, that the path had been trodden by a large number of -cloven-footed animals, which had cropped the leaves and broken down the -branches on both sides. These traces were still quite fresh. - -"Come," Valentine said gaily, "I was wrong just now, Curumilla. We were -really on the right track, and I believe we shall soon catch up the -persons we have so long been seeking." - -Something like a smile attempted to contract the Indian's features; but -the attempt was not a happy one, and stopped at a grimace. All at once -Curumilla laid his hand on his comrade's bridle, and bending forward,-- - -"Listen," he said. - -Valentine listened attentively; but, for all that, several moments -passed ere he could distinguish aught else than those confused and -mysterious sounds which never expire in the desert: at length something -resembling a musical note borne on the breeze gently died away on his -ear. The hunter started back in surprise. - -"Ah, by Jupiter!" he exclaimed, "that musician has chosen a strange time -to give a concert. I am curious to see such an original a little nearer. -Let us push on." - -After marching for about a quarter of a mile further they began to see a -fire flashing through the trees, and distinctly heard a masculine and -sonorous voice singing to the accompaniment of a jarana. The hunters -stopped in surprise, and listened. - -"By heaven!" the Frenchman muttered, "it is the romancero of King -Rodrigo, sung by an unknown voice at night in the heart of a virgin -forest. Never has that powerful poetry affected me so deeply. In truth, -everything here harmonises with that song, which is so thoroughly -sorrowful and despairing. Whoever he may be, I must see the man who has -unconsciously caused me a few moments of such gentle emotion. Were it -the demon in person, I would shake his hand ere the last strains had -ceased vibrating on the strings of his jarana." - -And without further deliberation, Valentine, after giving Curumilla a -sign to follow him, resolutely entered the circle of light. At the sound -of horses' hoofs, the stranger, with a movement swift as thought, threw -the guitar across his back, and leaped up with a sabre in his right hand -and a revolver in the other. - -"Hold!" he shouted boldly; "stop, if you please, caballero, or I shall -fire." - -"Pray do not do so, señor," Valentine answered, who considered it -prudent to obey the order given him, "for you would run the risk of -killing a friend, and they are too rare in the desert to be received, -when met, by a pistol shot." - -"Hum! I trust what you say is true," the other answered, still on the -defensive; "still I should feel obliged by your explaining to me, in two -words, who you are, and what you are seeking after the acquaintance -becomes more intimate between us." - -"Of course, caballero; I see no inconvenience in satisfying your wishes, -especially as prudence is one of the theological virtues recommended in -the regions where we now are." - -"On my soul, you appear to me to be a jolly fellow! I hope we shall -become friends ere long; and to prove to you that I sincerely desire it, -and at the same time to arouse your confidence, I will begin by telling -you who I am, which will not take long." - -"Pray do so." - -The stranger then thrust his revolver into his belt, took three paces -forward, removed his wide-brimmed hat, whose long feather swept the -ground, and saluted his new acquaintance ceremoniously. - -"Señor caballero," he said with infinite grace and politeness, "my name -is Don Cornelio Mendoza de Arrizabal, gentleman of the Asturias, noble -as the king, and poor at this moment as Job of Bohemian memory. The few -_novillos_ lying around me are my property, and that of my partner, -absent at this moment in search of a few strayed members of the herd, -but whom I expect at any moment. These animals were purchased by us at -Los Angeles, and we are taking them to San Francisco, with the purpose -of selling them at the best price to the gold-seekers and other -adventurers collected in that curious city." - -After uttering this short speech the young man bowed again, put his hat -on his head, placed the point of his sabre on his boot, and waited, foot -forward, and his hand on his hip. - -Valentine had listened attentively, and when he spoke of his partner a -flash of joy sparkled in the hunter's eyes. - -"Caballero," he answered, uncovering in his turn, "my friend and myself -are two wood rangers, hunters, or trail-seekers, whichever you may -please to term us. Attracted by the light of your fire, and the -harmonious song that reached our ears, we came toward you for the -purpose of claiming from you that hospitality which is never refused in -the desert, offering to share our provisions with you, and to be hail -fellows well met so long as we may remain in your agreeable company." - -"You are welcome, caballeros," Don Cornelio replied nobly. "Pray -consider the little we possess as your own." - -The hunters bowed and dismounted. - - -[1] These two characters have been introduced in another work by our -author, and are old friends to French readers. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION. - - -The reception offered the travellers by Don Cornelio was stamped with -that graceful kindness and careless ease which so eminently distinguish -the Spanish character. Although the adventurer's resources were -extremely limited, still he gave the little he possessed with such -complacency and so much good humour to his guests, that the latter knew -not how to thank him for the attentions he lavished upon them. - -After supping as well as they could on _tasajo_ (jerked meat) and -_tortillas_ of maize, washed down with _pulque_ and _mezcal_, they -carefully wrapped themselves in their zarapés, lay down on the ground -with their feet to the fire, and soon appeared to be buried in a deep -sleep. - -Don Cornelio took up his jarana, and leaning against a larch tree, -hummed one of those interminable Spanish romances he was so fond of, in -order to keep awake while awaiting his partner's return. - -The bivouac where our friends now found themselves was certainly not -without a degree of the picturesque. The uncertain gleams of the fire -were reflected fantastically on the heads of some seven hundred and -fifty novillos, lying side by side, ruminating and sleeping, while the -horses were devouring their provender, stamping and neighing. The -Spaniard twanged his guitar, and the two hunters slept peacefully. This -scene, at once so simple and so singular, was worthy the pencil of -Callot. - -Two hours thus passed away, and nothing occurred to disturb the repose -the encampment enjoyed, and the moon sank lower and lower on the -horizon. Don Cornelio's fingers stiffened; his eyes closed; and at -times, despite his efforts to keep awake, his head fell on his chest. In -despair, the Spaniard at last, beaten by fatigue, was about to yield to -the sleep that overpowered him, when a distant noise suddenly dispelled -his somnolency, and restored him the full use of his mind and other -faculties. - -By degrees this noise, at first vague and indistinct, became louder; and -a horseman, armed with a long goad, entered the clearing, driving before -him a dozen novillos and half-savage bulls. After being helped by Don -Cornelio in stockading the straying animals he brought back, the -partner, who was no other than Count Louis de Prébois, dismounted and -sat down to the fire with that nonchalance and careless motion produced -in energetic natures, not so much by fatigue as by discouragement and -moral lassitude. - -"Ah!" he said, looking at the two men stretched out at the fire, and -who, in spite of the noise caused by his arrival, still slept, or -appeared to do so, "we have visitors, I see." - -"Yes," Don Cornelio made answer, "two hunters from the great prairies. I -thought I ought not to refuse them hospitality." - -"You have done well, Don Cornelio: no one has a right in the desert to -refuse the stranger, who asks for them courteously, the heat of his fire -and a moiety of his _tasajo_." - -"That was my idea." - -"Now, my friend, lie down by our guests and rest yourself. This long -watch after the day's toil must have fatigued you beyond measure." - -"But will you not sleep a few moments, Don Louis? Rest must be more -necessary to you than to myself." - -"Permit me to watch," the count answered with a sad smile. "Rest was not -made for me." - -Don Cornelio did not press him any further. Long accustomed to his -companion's character, he considered it useless to make any more -objections. A few moments later, wrapped in his zarapé, and with his -head on his jarana for a pillow, he slept soundly. - -Don Louis threw a few handfuls of dry wood on the fire, which threatened -to expire, crossed his arms on his chest, and, leaning his back against -a tree, indulged in his thoughts, which were doubtlessly sorrowful and -very bitter; for the tears soon fell from his eyes, and ran down his -pallid cheeks, while stifled sighs exhaled from his bosom, and muttered -words escaped from his lips, crushed between his teeth by sorrow. - -So soon as the count, after ordering Don Cornelio to take some repose, -fell down exhausted at the foot of a tree, the hunter, who appeared to -be sleeping so profoundly, suddenly opened his eyes, rose, and walked -gently toward him step by step. - -Several hours passed away thus, Louis being still plunged in mournful -thoughts, Valentine standing behind him, leaning on his rifle, and -fixing on him a glance full of strange meaning. - -The stars gradually expired in the depths of the sky, an opal-coloured -band began slowly to stripe the horizon, the birds awoke beneath the -foliage, sunrise was at hand. Don Louis let his head fall on his chest. - -"Why struggle longer?" he said in a hoarse, deep voice. "What good to go -farther?" - -"Those are very despairing words in the mouth of a man so strong as -Count Louis de Prébois," a low but firm voice whispered in his ear, with -a tone of gentle and sympathising reproach. - -The count shuddered as if he had received an electric shock; a -convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs; and he bounded to his feet, -examining with haggard eye, pale brow, and disordered features, the man -who had so suddenly replied to the words pain had torn from him. The -hunter had not changed his position; his eye remained obstinately fixed -upon him, with an expression of melancholy, pity, and paternal kindness. - -"Oh!" the count muttered in terror, as he passed his hand over his dank -forehead; "it is not he--it cannot be he! Valentine, my brother!--you -whom I never hoped to see again--answer, in Heaven's name, is it you?" - -"'Tis I, brother," the hunter said gently, "whom Heaven brings a second -time across your path when all seems once again to fail you." - -"Oh!" the count said with an expression impossible to render, "for a -long time I have been seeking you--for a long time I have called on -you." - -"Here I am." - -"Yes," he continued, shaking his head mournfully, "you are here, -Valentine; but now, alas! It is too late. All is dead in me -henceforth--faith, hope, courage: nothing is left to me--nothing but the -desire to lie in that tomb, where all my belief and all my departed -happiness are buried eternally!" - -Valentine remained silent for a few moments, regarding his friend with a -glance at once gentle and stern. A flood of memories poured over the -hunter's heart; two glistening tears escaped from his eyes, and slowly -coursed down his bronzed cheeks; then, without any apparent effort, he -drew the count toward him, laid his head on his wide and loyal chest, -and kissed him paternally on the forehead. - -"You have suffered, then, severely, my poor Louis," he said to him -tenderly. "Alas, alas! I was not there to sustain and protect you; but," -he added, turning to heaven a glance of bitter sadness and sublime -resignation, "I too, Louis, I too, in the heart of the desert, where I -sought a refuge, have endured agonising grief. Many times I felt myself -strangled by despair; often and often my temples were crushed in by the -pressure of the furious madness that invaded my brain; my heart was -broken by the terrible anguish I endured; and yet, brother," he added in -a soft voice, filled with an ineffable melodiousness, "yet I live, I -struggle, and I hope," he said, so low that the count could hardly hear -him. - -"Oh! Blessed be the chance that brings us together again when I -despaired of seeing you, Valentine." - -"There is no such thing as chance, brother: it is God who prepares the -accomplishment of all events. I was seeking you." - -"You were seeking me over here?" - -"Why not? Did you not yourself come to Mexico to find me?" - -"Yes; but how did you learn the fact?" - -Valentine smiled. - -"There is nothing extraordinary in it. If you wish it, I will prove to -you in a few words that I am much better informed than you suppose, and -that I know nearly all that has happened to you since our separation at -the hacienda of the Paloma." - -"That is strange." - -"Why so? About three months ago were you not at the Hacienda del -Milagro?" - -"I was." - -"You left it after spending some days there on your return from a -journey you had undertaken to the far west, in search of a rich -auriferous placer?" - -"It is true." - -"During that expedition, full of strange and terrible incidents, two men -accompanied you?"[1] - -"Yes; a Canadian hunter and a Comanche chief." - -"Very good. The hunter's name was Belhumeur, the chief's Eagle-head, I -think?" - -"They were." - -"Do you not remember revealing to Belhumeur (a worthy and honourable -hunter, by the way) the reason of the gloomy sorrow that devours you, -and for what motives, mere vague suspicions though they were, you had -come to Mexico in order to look for your dearest friend, from whom you -had been separated so many years?" - -"Yes, I remember telling him all that." - -"The rest is not difficult to comprehend. I have known Belhumeur many -years, and Heaven brought us together during a hunt on the Rio Colorado. -One night, while seated at the fire, where our supper was roasting, -after talking about a thousand indifferent things, Belhumeur, whom you -had left only a few days previously, began by degrees to talk about you. -At first, absorbed in my own thoughts, I paid but slight attention to -his recital; but when he described to me your meeting with Count de -Lhorailles in the desert, your name, uttered by Belhumeur -unintentionally, made me tremble. It was then my turn to cross-question -him. When I had learned everything, by making him tell the story twenty -times over, my resolution was immediately formed, and two days later I -set out on your track. For three months I have been following you, and -have at last come up with you--this time, I hope, never to part again," -he added with a stifled sigh. "Still I do not know what has occurred to -you during the last three months. Tell me what you have been about. I am -listening." - -"Yes, I will tell you all. My object, indeed, in seeking you was to -demand the fulfilment of a solemn promise." - -The hunter's brow grew dark, and he frowned. - -"Speak," he said; "I am listening. As for the promise to which you -allude, when the moment has arrived I shall know how to fulfil it." - -"The sun is rising," Louis answered with a sad smile; "I must pay the -proper attention to my herd." - -"I will help you. You are right; those poor brutes must not be -neglected." - -At this moment the gloom was dispersed as if by enchantment; the sun -appeared radiant on the horizon; and thousands of birds of every -variety, hidden beneath the foliage, gaily celebrated its advent by -singing their matin hymn to it. - -Don Cornelio and Curumilla shook off the torpor of sleep, and opened -their eyes. The Indian chief rose, and walked toward Valentine with that -slow and majestic step peculiar to him. - -"Brother," the latter said, taking the Araucanian's hand in his own, "I -was not alone in my search for you. I had near me a friend whose heart -and arm never failed me, and whom I have ever found ready to help me in -weal and woe." - -Don Louis gazed doubtfully at the man whom the hunter pointed out to -him, and who stood motionless and stoical before him. Gradually his -features were expanded, his memory returned, and he affectionately -offered his hand to the Indian, saying with deep emotion,-- - -"Curumilla, my brother!" - -At this proof of memory and friendship, after the lapse of so many -years--this frank and true emotion on the part of a man to whom he had -already given so many marks of devotion--the crust of ice that -surrounded the Indian's heart suddenly melted, his face assumed an -earthy hue, and a convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs. - -"Oh, my brother Louis!" he exclaimed with an accent impossible to -describe. - -A sob resembling a roar burst from his chest; and, ashamed of having -thus betrayed his weakness, the chief turned quickly away, and hid his -face in the folds of his robe. - -Like all primitive and energetic natures, this man, on whom adversity -had no effect, was moved like a weak child by the immense joy he -experienced at seeing once again Don Louis, the man whom Valentine loved -more than a brother, and whose absence he had so long lamented. - -"Then you will not leave me again, brother?" Louis asked anxiously. - -"No, nothing shall separate us henceforth." - -"Thanks," the count answered. - -"Come, come," Valentine gaily remarked, "let us attend to the cattle." - -All were soon on the move in the bivouac. Don Cornelio understood -nothing of what he saw. These strangers, who had arrived but a few hours -ago, already so attached to his friend, talking with him like old -acquaintances, produced in him a series of notions each more extravagant -than the other; but Don Cornelio was a philosopher, and more than that, -remarkably curious. Certain that all would end sooner or, later in a -satisfactory explanation, he gaily made up his mind, and had no idea of -asking any information, especially as the two helps chance had sent him -could not fail to be extremely useful to him in guiding the -undisciplined animals which the count and himself had burdened -themselves with, and had yet so far to drive. - -A person must have himself been a _vaquero_ in the great American -savannahs, in order to form an idea of the numberless difficulties met -with in guiding novillos and untamed bulls for hundreds of leagues -across virgin forests and arid plains, defending them against wild -beasts which follow their track, and snap them up under your very eyes -if you do not take care, and, like the roaring lion of the Gospel, -wander incessantly round the herd, seeking what they may devour. At -other times the animals must be defended against the raving madness, or -_estampida_, caused by the want of water and the refraction of the sun, -during which they rush in every direction, and gore those who try to -bring them back. A man must be desperate like Don Louis, or a careless -philosopher like Don Cornelio, not to recoil before the perils and -difficulties of so hazardous a trade; for, among the eventualities we -have enumerated, we have not mentioned the _temporales_, or tempests, -which in a few minutes overthrow the face of nature, hollow out lakes, -and throw up mountains; nor the _Indios bravos_, or nomadic Indians, who -watch the caravans, plunder the merchandise, and murder the drivers or -traders. - -Valentine in vain racked his brains in order to discover why his friend, -whom he had known to be so effeminate and weak, could have resolved on -adopting such a mode of life. But his astonishment almost became -admiration when he saw him at work, and recognised the complete -metamorphosis that had been effected in him, both morally and -physically, and the cold, indomitable energy which had usurped the place -of the careless weakness and original irresolution of his character. - -He studied him thus carefully during the whole time he was employed in -restoring order among the herd, and organising everything for the day's -march. - -"Oh!" he said to himself, "this chosen organisation has been purified by -misfortune. There remain at the bottom of that half-broken heart a few -noble chords, which I will manage to set in motion when the time comes." - -And for the first time since many days a feeling of hearty joy caused -the trail-seeker to quiver. - - -[1] See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A SAD MISTAKE. - - -Several days elapsed ere the two friends resumed their interrupted -conversation. - -They had continued their journey toward San Francisco without any -incident worth noticing, owing to the skill of Valentine and Curumilla. -Although this was the first time they had advanced so far from the -regions they were accustomed to traverse, their sagacity made up so well -for their want of knowledge that they avoided, with extreme good -fortune, the dangers that menaced the success of their journey, and -foresaw obstacles still remote, but which their knowledge of the desert -caused them to guess, as it were, intuitively. - -The two old friends observed, we may say studied, each other. After so -long a separation they required to restore a community of ideas. That -communion of thoughts and feelings which had existed so long between -them might be eternally broken through the different media into which -they had been thrown, and the circumstances that had modified their -characters. Each of them rendered greater by events--having acquired the -consciousness of his personal value and his intellectual power--had -possibly the right no longer to admit, without previous discussion, -certain theories which were formerly recognised without a contest. - -Still the friendship between the two men was so lively, the confidence -so entire, and the devotion so true, that, after a fortnight's -travelling side by side--a fortnight during which they touched on the -most varying subjects without once introducing the one they had so much -interest in thoroughly discussing--they convinced themselves that they -stood to each other precisely in the same position as before their -separation. - -Either through lassitude or deference, or perhaps the tacit recognition -of his foster brother's superiority over him, during this fortnight, Don -Louis, happy, perhaps, at having found once more the man who had been -wont to think and act for him, had not once attempted to assume an -independent position, but insensibly fell back under that moral -guardianship which Valentine had so long exercised over him. - -The two other persons lived on a perfectly good understanding--Don -Cornelio through carelessness, perhaps, Curumilla through pride. - -The Spaniard--a dear lover of liberty, happy at living in the open air -without troubles or annoyances of any description--goaded his novillos, -strummed his jarana, and sang the interminable _Romancero del Rey -Rodrigo,_ which he began again imperturbably so soon as he had finished, -in spite of Valentine's repeated remarks about the silence that must be -maintained in the desert, in order to avoid the ambuscades which the -Indians constantly place like so many spiders' webs in the path of -incautious travellers. The Spaniard listened docilely, and with a -contrite air, to the hunter's remonstrances; but, so soon as they were -ended, he twanged a tune, and recommenced his romancero--a philosophy -which the trail-seeker, while blaming, could not refrain from admiring. - -Curumilla was always the man we have seen him--prudent, foresighted, and -silent--but with a double dose of each quality. With eyes ever opened -and ears alert, the Araucanian chief rode from one end of the file to -the other, watching so carefully over its safety that no accident -occurred up to the day when we resume our narrative. - -They thus descended the woody slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and entered -the naked and sandy plains that stretch down to the sea, and on which, -with the exception of San José and Monterey (two towns in the last -throes of existence), the traveller only sees stunted trees and thorny -shrubs scattered at a great distance apart. - -Three days before reaching San José--a miserable _pueblo_, which serves -as a gathering place for hunters and arrieros who frequent these parts; -but where the population, decimated by fevers and misery, can do but -little for the _forasteros_ (strangers)--the caravan encamped on the -banks of a stream, beneath the shelter of a few trees that had grown -there by accident, and which the sea breeze shook incessantly, and -covered with that fine sand which enters the eyes, nose, ears, and -nothing can keep out. - -The sun was plunging into the sea under the form of a huge fire-ball; -there was a fresh breeze; in the distance appeared a few white sails, -which, like light kingfishers fearing a tempest, were hastening to -reach San Francisco; the coyotes were beginning to bark furiously on -the plain; and the few birds nestled on the branches tucked their heads -under their wings, and prepared to go to sleep. - -The fires were lighted, the animals penned, and after supper each -hastened to repair, by a few hours' sleep, the fatigue of a long day's -journey beneath a burning sky. - -"Sleep!" Louis said. "I will keep the first watch--the idler's watch," -he added with a smile. - -"I will take the second, then," Valentine said. - -"No, I will take that," Curumilla objected. "An Indian's eyes see -clearly in the night." - -"Hum!" the hunter remarked; "and yet I fancy my eyes are not so bad -either." - -Curumilla, without further reply, placed his finger on his lips. - -"Good!" the hunter said; "as you wish it, keep watch in my place, chief. -When you are tired, however, be sure and wake me." - -The Indian bowed. The three men wrapped themselves in their zarapés, and -lay on the ground, Don Louis alone remaining awake. - -It was a magnificent night: the sky, of a deep azure, was studded with -an infinity of stars that sparkled like diamonds; the moon poured forth -its tremulous and pallid beams; the atmosphere, wondrously pure and -transparent, allowed the country to be surveyed for an enormous -distance; the evening breeze had risen, and deliciously refreshed the -air; the earth exhaled acrid and balmy perfumes; the waves died away -amorously, and with mysterious murmurs, on the beach; and in the -distance might be indistinctly traced the outlines of the coyotes which -prowled about, howling mournfully, for they scented the novillos. - -Louis, seduced by this splendid evening, and yielding to that prairie -languor which conquers the strongest minds, was indulging in a gentle -reverie. He had attained that stage of mental somnolency which is not -waking, and yet not sleeping. He was enjoying the magic pictures his -fancy conjured up, when he was suddenly roused from this charming -sensation by a hand pressing heavily on his shoulder, while a voice -muttered in his ear the single word,-- - -"Prudence." - -Louis, suddenly recalled to a consciousness of the present, opened his -half-closed eyes, and turned sharply round. Curumilla was leaning over -him, and repeated his warning, with a sign of terrible meaning. The -count seized his rifle, which rested near him. - -"What is the matter?" he asked in a low voice. - -"Come, but keep in the shade," Curumilla replied in the same tone. - -Louis obeyed the hint, whose importance he recognised. Lying down on the -ground, he glided gently in the direction indicated by the Indian. - -He soon found himself sheltered behind a thicket, where he saw Don -Cornelio and Valentine in ambush, with their bodies bent forward, and -looking anxiously into the darkness. - -"Good heavens, friends!" the count said, "what is the meaning of this? -The profoundest silence prevails around us. All appears tranquil. Why -this alarm?" - -"Curumilla noticed this evening, before our halt, traces of Yaqui -Indians. You know, brother, that these demons are the most daring -robbers in the world. It is plain that they are after our beasts." - -"But what makes you suppose that? These traces, whose existence I do not -deny, may belong to travellers as well as to vagabonds. Nothing up to -the present makes us suppose that these fellows intend attacking us, and -we have not even seen them." - -A sinister smile contracted the chief's thin lips, and, touching the -count's arm with his finger, while at the same time lifting his own -robe, he showed him a bleeding scalp hanging from his belt. - -"Oh, oh!" Don Louis said, "have those demons ventured so near us, then?" - -"Yes; and had it not been for Curumilla, whose eye is never closed, and -mind ever on the watch, our animals would probably have been carried off -more than an hour ago." - -"Thanks for his vigilance, then," the count said with an expression of -annoyance, which he could not entirely conceal; "but you know the -Indians, comrades: so soon as they find they are detected, they are no -longer to be feared. I believe that, after the lesson they have -received, we are now in safety, and we need not trouble ourselves about -them more." - -"No, brother, you are mistaken. Look at your novillos; they are -restless. At each instant they raise their heads, and do not eat their -food in comfort. God has given animals an instinct of self-preservation -which never deceives them. Believe me, they fear a danger, and scent -enemies not far from them." - -"It is possible, indeed. Let us watch, then." - -The four men remained thus silent and attentive. An hour almost passed -away, and nothing happened to confirm their suspicions. Still the bulls -pressed more closely together. They had left off eating, and their -restlessness increased instead of diminishing. - -Suddenly Curumilla stretched out his arm in a north-eastern direction, -and after laconically whispering, "Do not stir," he gave Valentine his -rifle to hold, and before his friends had time to guess the direction he -had taken, he disappeared in the gloom. The three hunters exchanged a -silent glance, and cocked their rifles, so as to be ready for any event. - -There cannot be a more painful position than that of the brave man who, -in a strange country and on a dark night, is obliged to stand on guard -against a danger whose extent he cannot calculate. Affected by the -silent majesty of solitude, he creates phantasms a hundredfold more -terrible than the actual danger, and feels his courage fly away -piecemeal beneath the harsh pressure of waiting for something unseen. - -Such was the situation in which our three friends now were; and yet they -were three lion hearts, accustomed for many years to Indian warfare, and -whom no peril, however great it might have been, would have been able -to affect beneath the warm beams of the sun; but, during the darkness, -imagination creates such horrible phantoms, that, if we may be allowed -to employ a trivial comparison, we might say that people are not so much -afraid of the danger itself as of the fear of that danger. - -The three men had remained in this awkward situation for some time; when -suddenly a fearful yell rose in the air, followed by the fall of a body -to the ground, and the flight of several men, whose black outlines stood -out on the horizon. The adventurers fired at random, and rushed rapidly -in the direction where they heard the struggle, which seemed still going -on. - -At the moment they arrived, Curumilla, whom they recognised, had his -right knee pressed into the chest of a man he held down under him, while -his left hand compressed his throat, and reduced him to the most perfect -state of powerlessness. - -"Wah!" the Araucanian said, turning to his comrades with a look of -inexpressible ferocity, "a chief!" - -"Good prize," Valentine said. "Thrust your knife into the scoundrel's -chest, and there's an end of him." - -Curumilla raised his knife, whose blade sent forth a bluish flash. - -"A moment," Don Louis exclaimed. "Let us see first who he is; we shall -still be able to kill him if we think fit." - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"Let the chief settle that business," he said; "he understands it -better than we do. When you have one of those vipers under your heel you -must crush him, lest he may sting you presently." - -"No," the count remarked resolutely, "I will never consent to see a man -murdered before me. That poor wretch has acted in accordance with his -nature; let us act in accordance with ours, then. Curumilla, I implore -you, allow your prisoner to rise, but watch him, so that he cannot -escape." - -"You are wrong, brother," the implacable hunter replied; "you do not -know these demons so well as I do. Still act as you please; but you will -eventually see that you have committed a folly." - -The count made no reply, but only gave Curumilla another sign to do as -he ordered. The Araucanian obeyed with repugnance. Still he helped his -half-strangled prisoner to rise, and while carefully watching him, led -him to the fire, where the hunters had already preceded him. - -The count took a rapid glance at the Indian. He was a man of Herculean -stature, powerfully built, and still young, with haughty, gloomy, and -cruel features; in a word, though he was a handsome rather than an ugly -man in appearance, there was an expression of roguery, baseness, and -ferocity about him, which in no way pleaded in his favour. He wore a -species of hunting shirt, without sleeves, of striped calico, drawn in -round the waist by a large girdle of untanned deer hide; breeches of the -same stuff as the shirt hung down to his knees; and the lower part of -his legs was protected from stings by leather gaiters fastened to the -knee and ankle. He wore on his feet moccasins artistically worked, and -adorned behind by several wolf tails--a mark of distinction only allowed -to renowned warriors. His plaited hair was raised on either side his -head, while behind it fell to his waist, and was decorated with plumes -of every possible colour. Round his neck hung several medals, among -which was one rather larger than the rest, representing General Jackson, -ex-President of the American Union. His face was painted with four -different colours--blue, black, white, and red. - -So soon as he found himself in the presence of the hunters seated round -the fire, he crossed his arms on his chest, raised his head haughtily, -and waited stoically till they thought proper to address him. - -"Who are you?" Don Louis asked him in Spanish. - -"Mixcoatzin (the Serpent of the Cloud)." - -"Hum!" Valentine muttered to himself, "the scoundrel is well named. I -never saw such a hangdog face as his before." - -"What did Mixcoatzin want in my camp?" - -"Does not the _Yori_ know?" the Indian said imperturbably. "Mixcoatzin -is a chief among the Yaquis." - -"You wished to steal my cattle, I suppose?" - -"The Yaquis are not robbers; all that is on their land belongs to them. -The palefaces need only return to their home on the other side of the -great salt lake." - -"If I condemn you to death what will you say?" - -"Nothing; it is the law of war. The paleface will see how a Yaqui chief -endures pain." - -"You allow, then, that you deserve death?" - -"No; the paleface is the stronger--he is the master." - -"If I let you go what will you think?" - -The Indian shrugged his shoulders. - -"The paleface is not a fool," he said. - -"But suppose I do act in that way?" - -"I shall say that the paleface is afraid." - -"Afraid of what?" - -"Of the vengeance of the warriors of my nation." - -It was Don Louis' turn to shrug his shoulders. - -"Then," he proceeded, "if I restored you your liberty you would feel no -gratitude?" - -"Why should I be grateful? A warrior should kill his enemy when he holds -him. If he does not do so he is a coward." - -The hunters could not refrain from a start of surprise at the -enunciation of this singular theory. Don Louis rose. - -"Listen," he said. "I do not fear you, and I will give you a proof of -it." - -And, with a movement quick as thought, he seized the long tail that hung -down the chiefs back, and cut it off with his knife. - -"Now," he added, buffeting him with the tress he had cut off, "be off, -villain: you are free. I despise you too much to inflict on you any -other punishment than that you have undergone. Return to your tribe, -and tell your friends how the whites avenge themselves on enemies so -contemptible as yourself, and those that resemble you." - -At the deadly insult he received the Indian's face became hideous; he -suffered a momentary stupor caused by shame and anger; but by a -supernatural effort he suddenly overcame his feelings, seized Don Louis' -arm, and thrusting his face into the Frenchman's,-- - -"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," he hissed. "Let the Yori remember his -name, for he will meet him again." - -And, bounding like a tiger, he dashed into the plain, where he at once -disappeared. - -"Stop!" Don Louis shouted to his friends, who were rushing in pursuit; -"Let him escape. What do I care for such a wretch's hatred? He can do -nothing to me." - -The hunters reluctantly took their seats again by the fire. - -"Hum!" Louis added, "I have perhaps committed a folly." - -Valentine looked at him. - -"Worse than a folly, brother," he said; "a sad mistake. Take care of -that man: one day or other he will revenge himself on you." - -"Possibly," the count said carelessly; "but when did you begin to fear -the Indians so greatly, brother?" - -"From the day I first learned to know them," the hunter said coldly. -"You have offered that man an insult which demands blood; be assured -that he will make you repent of it." - -"I care little." - -After these few words the hunters resumed their interrupted sleep, and -the rest of the night passed without any fresh incident. - -At sunrise the adventurers continued their journey; and by night, after -a day of incredible fatigue through the burning sands of the savannah, -they at length reached the _pueblo_ or _lugar_ of San José, where the -inhabitants received them with shouts of joy, persuaded as they were -that the strangers would not leave without supplying them with a few of -those objects of primary necessity which they have themselves no means -of procuring. - -San José is the last caravan halt before reaching San Francisco. The -travellers had made a journey of more than one hundred and eighty -leagues in less than three weeks, through difficulties and dangers -without end--a speed hitherto unexampled. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -EXPLANATIONS. - - -The hunters placed their animals in a vast corral; then they sought a -shelter for themselves in a mesón, the landlord of which, a perfect -likeness of the worthy Knight of La Mancha, received them to the best of -his ability. After the rough journey they had made, it was a great -delight to the adventurers to rest their heads once again beneath a -roof, and be, for a few hours at least, lodged in a manner almost -civilised. - -Don Louis and Valentine occupied the same cuarto, while Curumilla and -Don Cornelio selected that exactly facing theirs. So soon as these -provisional arrangements were made, and supper enjoyed in common, all -retired to rest. - -Before lying down on the _cuadro_, covered with an oxhide, intended for -his bed, Don Louis walked up to Valentine, who, lying back in a _butaca_ -(easy chair), was smoking a cigarette, and idly watching the blue smoke -ascend in spirals. - -"What are you thinking about?" he asked him, as he leant familiarly on -the back of the butaca. - -"About you," Valentine replied, turning to him with a smile. - -"About me?" - -"Yes. What other anxiety can I have at present, save to see you happy?" - -The count looked down on the ground and sighed. - -"It is impossible," he said. - -Valentine looked at him. - -"Impossible!" he repeated. "Oh, oh! Have we reached that point? Come, -let us have an explanation, once for all." - -"You are right; the hour has arrived: let us have a hearty explanation." - -The count drew up a butaca, sat down opposite Valentine, took a cigar -from the case his foster brother handed him, and lit it. The hunter -followed all his movements attentively. When he saw him comfortably -installed, he said,-- - -"Speak." - -"Alas! My life has nothing very interesting in it; it has resembled that -of all adventurers. At one time rich, at another poor, I have wandered -about, traversing Mexico in every direction, dragging after me the -memory of my lost happiness, like the galley slaves cannon ball. For a -moment I imagined that a future might still exist for me, and that I -might at least regain my rank in the world, if I did not secure again a -position like that I had lost I started for San Francisco, that weird -Eldorado, whose marvels the hundred-mouthed rumour was narrating. There -I found myself mixed up with a crowd of greedy and unbridled -adventurers, whose life was one continued orgy, and whose sole passion -was gold. I saw there, within a few months, the most prodigious -metamorphoses. I saw the most scandalous fortunes spring up and collapse -again, and plunging resolutely into this gulf, I demanded from chance my -share of feverish joys and intoxicating emotions; but I lacked faith, -and nothing succeeded with me. I tried every profession, ever pursued by -that implacable fatality which was determined to crush me. I had great -difficulty in saving myself from a death by hunger. In turn hunter, -porter, Heaven knows what, my efforts availed nothing in that Babel, -where the condemned of civilisation jostled each other, who, all marked -with the indelible seal of Dante's reprobates, piled ruin on ruin to -form themselves a pedestal of ingots, which was immediately overthrown -by another. Disgusted with this mingled life of blood, filth, rags, and -gold, I set off, resolved to become a drover. A noble profession, is it -not, for a Count de Prébois, whose ancestors made three crusades?" he -added, with a bitter laugh. "But I knew generals ostlers, marquises -waiters; hence I, who had never been anything, could, without any great -degradation, become a trader in cattle. And then I had another object in -the choice of my profession. Ever since my arrival in North America I -have been looking for you: I hoped to find you again some day. For the -first time fortune has smiled on me, you see, as I have succeeded in -meeting with you. That is all I had to say to you. Now you know as much -about my life as I do; so ask me no more." - -After these words, uttered in a sharp voice, the count threw himself -back on his butaca, relit his cigar, crossed his arms on his chest, and -seemed determined not to add a word. Valentine looked at him for a long -time with the most concentrated attention, at times tossing his head, -and frowning with evident dissatisfaction. At length he resolved to -renew the conversation. - -"Hum!" he said, "I now know your whole life, I grant it. There is -nothing very extraordinary about it in a country like that where we are. -It in no way departs from the common law. You would do very wrong to -complain." - -"I do not complain," the count exclaimed quickly; "I merely assert a -fact." - -"Of course," Valentine said; "and yet, in all you have told me, one -point remains obscure to me." - -"Which?" - -"You told me all you wished to do--that is well; but leaving out of the -question the fraternal friendship that attaches us, and which, however -powerful it may be, cannot to my mind account for your settled -determination to find me again, you have not told me for what purpose -you sought me so obstinately." - -The count sprang up, and his eye flashed. - -"Have you not guessed it, Valentine?" - -"No!" - -The count let his head fall, and for a few moments the conversation was -again interrupted. - -"You are right, Valentine: better finish at once, and never return to -the subject again; besides, you know as well as I what I wish to say," -the count replied, with the accent of a man whose mind is made up. - -"Perhaps so," the hunter said laconically. - -"Come, come, I am not an ass; and on the morning of that day when you -asked a shelter at my bivouac, you understood me at the first word I let -fall." - -"It is possible," Valentine said imperturbably; "still, as I have no -pretence to the art of divination, be good enough to explain yourself -clearly and categorically." - -"You insist on it?" - -The hunter bowed his assent. - -"Well, be it so," the count went on; "you are still the same man you -were fifteen years ago." - -"Are we not referring to that very period now?" Valentine said with a -smile. - -"Ah!" the count exclaimed, striking the arm of his butaca, "you see that -you understood me." - -"Did I say the contrary?" - -"Why, then, do you demand----?" - -"Because it must be so," the hunter said dryly. - -"Be at rest, for I will repeat your own words." - -"I am listening." - -"You remember, I suppose, a cold winter night, in the bedroom of my -house at Paris?" - -"December 31st, 1834, at eleven in the evening," Valentine remarked. - -"Yes; the rain lashed the window panes, the wind whistled in the long -passages. I was awaiting your coming. You arrived. Then, as now, I was -face to face with ruin. I wished to die: you prevented me." - -"It is true. Did I do wrong?" - -"Perhaps," the count said in a hollow voice; "but these are the words -you made use of." - -"Allow me to repeat them myself; for, in spite of the fifteen years that -have elapsed, Louis, that scene is as present to my mind as if it took -place yesterday. After proving to you that you did wrong to despair," -Valentine said in a solemn voice, "that all was not lost, I replied to a -final objection you raised, 'Be easy, Louis, be easy. If I have not -fulfilled my promise in two years, I will hand you the pistols myself, -and then--' 'Then?' you asked. 'Then,' I added, 'you shall not kill -yourself alone.' 'I accept,' you answered. Those were the words that -passed between us on that night, which decided your future and made a -man of you. Is it not so? Have I forgotten the slightest detail? -Answer." - -"No, you have forgotten nothing, Valentine." - -"Well?" - -"Well, now that I have faithfully fulfilled the promise I made you, I -come to claim of you the complete execution of our compact." - -"I do not comprehend you." - -"What! You do not comprehend me?" the count said, bounding from his -butaca. - -"No," Valentine answered coldly. "Did I not keep my promise? Ah, Louis, -since you insist on it, by heavens!" he added, growing animated in his -turn, "let us reckon up accounts. I ask nothing better. What do you mean -by talking to me of fulfilling an agreement? Have I not fulfilled my -engagements? Did I not find for you that woman you despaired of ever -seeing again? Did you not marry her? Did you not enjoy with her ten -years of perfect happiness? By what right do you complain of the -fatality that pursues you? By what right do you curse your destiny, -ungrateful man! Whose happiness lasted ten years--ten ages in this -earth? Look around you. Show me a man who, throughout his whole life, -can reckon one year of that happiness you rail at, and then I will pity -you, will weep with you, and, if it must be, help you to die. Oh! All -men are the same--weak in the presence of joy as in grief, forgetting, -in a few hours of adversity, years of happiness. And so, after fifteen -years, you have returned to the same point. Insensate! Do you know, you -who speak in that way, what it is to pass a whole existence of suffering -and horrible agony: to feel hour by hour, minute by minute, your heart -lacerated, and that without hope, and yet smile and seem gay--in a word, -live? Have you for a single day endured that atrocious suffering, you -who speak so deliberately about dying?" - -Gradually, while speaking, Valentine had grown animated, his features -were contracted, and his eyes flashed flames. Louis gazed on his friend -without comprehending him, but startled at the state of exaltation in -which he saw him. - -"Valentine," he exclaimed, "Valentine, in heaven's name, calm yourself!" - -"Ah!" the hunter continued, with a ghastly laugh, "you suffer, you -say--you are unhappy; and yet listen. That woman you loved, whom I found -for you again, whom I enabled you to marry--well, it was not love I felt -for her, but idolatry. To be able to tell her so I would joyfully have -parted with my blood drop by drop; and yet I, to whom you have just told -your grief, I placed you in each other's arms. I smiled--do you -understand me?--smiled on your love, and without a murmur, a word, to -reveal that passion which gnawed my heart, I fled into the desert, alone -with my love. Face to face with it I suffered for fifteen years. Oh, my -God, my God! The wound is as painful now as on the first day. Tell me, -Louis, now that you know all--for we are frank with each other--what are -your sufferings compared with mine? By what right would you die?" - -"Oh, pardon me, pardon me, Valentine!" Louis exclaimed, as he rushed -into his arms. "Oh! You are right; I am very ungrateful to you." - -"No," Valentine answered sadly, as he returned his embrace; "no, Louis, -you are a man; you have followed the common law. I cannot and ought not -to be angry with you. Pardon me, on the contrary, for allowing myself to -be carried away so far as to reveal to you the secret which I had sworn -to bury eternally in my heart. Alas! We have all our cross to bear in -this world, and mine has been rude. God doubtlessly decreed it so, -because I am strong," he added, with an attempt at a smile. "But, to -return to yourself, it is true that youth has fled far from us, with its -gay perspective and smiling illusions; life has no longer anything to -offer us, save the painful trials of a ripe age. I am as wearied of -existence as yourself; it weighs equally on me as on you. You see, my -friend, I am fully of your opinion. I will not only not prevent you from -dying, but I wish to accomplish my promise fully by accompanying you -into the tomb." - -"You, Valentine! O no! It is impossible." - -"Why so? Is not our position the same? Have we not both suffered -equally? An implacable creditor, you have asked me to honour my -signature. Very good; but on one condition." - -Louis was too well acquainted with his foster brother's firm and -resolute character to try and combat his will. - -"What is it?" he asked simply. - -"I shall choose the mode of death." - -"Be it so." - -"Oh, pardon me, Louis! I shall not propose an ordinary suicide, so I -must have your word of honour before I explain myself more fully." - -"I give it you." - -"Good! There are two difficult things for a man to do in this -world--arranging his life, and arranging his death. The man who kills -himself coldly by blowing out his brains in his room, after writing to -his friends to announce his suicide, is either a coward or a madman. -That is not the sort of suicide I wish; it means nothing, it proves -nothing, and is of no service. But there is a manner of suicide which I -have ever dreamed of, because it is noble and great: it is that of the -man who, unable or unwilling to do more with a life he despises, -sacrifices it for his fellow men, with no other object than that of -being useful to them, and falls after accomplishing his task." - -"I believe I understand you, Valentine." - -"Perhaps so; but let me finish. We are in the country best prepared for -such a design. Already several attempts--all unsuccessful, however--have -been made, especially by the Count de Lhorailles in his colony of -Guetzalli. Sonora, which is the richest country in the world, is in the -last throes, under the brutalising and unintelligent system of the -Mexican government. Well, let us restore life to this country; let us -galvanise it, summon to our aid the French emigrants in California, and -come here to give liberty to a people whose energetic character will -comprehend us. What do we risk in the event of non-success? Death! Why, -that is exactly what we desire. At any rate, when we have fallen, we -shall sleep in a shroud of glory as martyrs, bearing with us the regrets -and sympathies of all. Instead of killing ourselves like cowards, we -shall have died in the breach like heroes. Is not that martyrdom the -noblest, the most sublime of all? - -"Yes, Valentine, you are right--always right Oh, men like ourselves can -only die in that fashion!" - -"Good!" Valentine exclaimed; "you have understood me." - -"Not only have I understood you, brother, but I guessed your meaning -before." - -"How so?" - -"When I met the Count de Lhorailles for the last time in the desert, I -was returning with Belhumeur and an Indian chief from visiting a placer -of incalculable value which that Indian had discovered, and the -ownership of which he gave to Belhumeur, who, in his turn, handed it -over to me. On my return, I proceeded to Mexico, where I entered into -negotiations with several notable persons; among others, the French -_chargé d'affaires_. You of course know how slow everything is to -succeed in this unhappy country. Still, owing to the rich samples I had -the precaution to bring with me, and, above all, the powerful protection -of certain persons, I succeeded in founding a company, of which I was -appointed chief, with the right of levying a French company, armed and -disciplined, in order to take possession of the placer, and work it on -behalf of the company." - -"What then?" - -"Well, I returned to San Francisco, and made a few arrangements; but I -needed two things--first, patience, and next, money to enlist my men and -purchase the necessary stores; and--shall I confess it to you?--what I -most needed was the desire to succeed. But you, Valentine, have caused -that desire to spring up in me; your presence has restored all my -energy, and though I know not how I shall remove all the obstacles that -oppose the execution of my plan, I shall do so, I swear it to you." - -"What were you doing in Sonora, then?" - -"I can hardly explain it to you. My speculation in cattle was more a -flight than anything else. I was disgusted with everything, and tried to -make an end of it, no matter how." - -"Now it is my turn. Tomorrow, at sunrise, you will start. You will -proceed at full speed to San Francisco. Your excursion in Sonora was -only an exploring tour. You will employ any pretext you like, in a word, -and set to work earnestly forming your company. During that time I will -sell your herd, and arrange so as to procure you the funds you require. -Trouble yourself about nothing, but push ahead boldly." - -"But how will you manage it? The sum I need is large." - -"That does not concern you: let me arrange matters in my way; At the -appointed hour I will furnish you with more than you want, so it is -settled. You will start at sunrise?" - -"I will do so; but when and where shall I see you again?" - -"Ah! That is true. On the twenty-fifth day from this, at sunset, I will -enter your room." - -"But I do not know myself yet where I shall lodge." - -"Do not let that trouble you; I shall find out." - -"So, then, at sunset of the twenty-fifth day?" - -"Yes, I will arrive with the treasure ships," Valentine replied with a -laugh. - -"Thanks, brother; you are my good genius. If my life has had a few -blemishes, you are preparing me a glorious death to expiate them." - -"Pity yourself, pray! I am going to make of you a Francisco Pizarro and -an Almagro." - -The two men shook hands affectionately, while exchanging a sorrowful -smile. After a few more unimportant remarks, they threw themselves on -their beds, where they soon fell asleep, overpowered as they were by -fatigue. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE CONSEQUENCES OP A LOVE SONG. - - -During the conversation between the foster brothers, certain events we -must describe to the reader occurred in the cuarto to which Curumilla -and Don Cornelio had retired. - -On entering the room, Curumilla, instead of lying down on the cuadro -intended for him, laid his zarapé on the tiled flooring, stretched -himself out upon it, and immediately closed his eyes. Don Cornelio, on -the contrary, after hanging the lamp to a nail in the wall, trimmed up -the smoking wick with the point of his knife, sat down on the side of -the bed, with his legs hanging down, and then began in a sonorous voice -the romance of King Rodrigo. - -At this slightly unseasonable music Curumilla half opened one eye, -though without protesting in any other way against this unwonted -disturbance of his rest. Don Cornelio may or may not have noticed the -Indian's silent protest; but in either case he took no heed of it, but -went on singing, raising his voice to the highest compass of which it -was capable. - -"Wah!" the chief said, raising his bead. - -"I was certain," Don Cornelio remarked with a friendly smile, "that the -music would please you." - -And he redoubled his flourishes. - -The Araucanian rose, went up to the singer, and touched him gently on -the shoulder. - -"We must sleep," he said in his guttural voice, and with an ill-tempered -grimace. - -"Bah, chief! Music makes a man forget sleep. Just listen. - - "'Oh, si yo naciera ciego! - Oh, tú sin beldad nacieras! - Maldito sea el punto--'"[1] - -The Indian seemed to listen with sustained attention, his body bent well -forward, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the singer. Don Cornelio -felicitated himself internally on the effect he fancied he had produced -on this primitive native, when suddenly Curumilla, seizing him by the -hips, squeezed him in his nervous hands at in iron pincers, and lifting -him with as much ease as if he had been but a child, carried him, spite -of his resistance, into the patio, and seated him on the side of the -wall. - -"Wah!" he said, "music is good here." - -And, without adding another word, he turned his back on the Spaniard, -walked into his cuarto, laid himself on his zarapé, and went to sleep -immediately. - -At first Don Cornelio was quite confounded by this sudden attack, and -knew not if he ought to laugh or feel vexed at the simple way in which -his companion had got rid of his company; but Don Cornelio was a -philosopher, gifted with an admirable character. What had happened to -him seemed so droll that he burst into an Homeric laugh, which lasted -several minutes. - -"No matter," he said, when he had at length regained his seriousness, -"the adventure is curious, and I shall laugh at it for many a long day. -After all, the fellow was not entirely in the wrong. I am famously -situated here to sing and play my jarana as long as I think proper; at -any rate I shall run no risk of disturbing the sleepers, as I am quite -alone." - -And after this consolation, which he administered to himself to satisfy -his somewhat offended pride, he prepared to continue his serenade. - -The night was clear and serene; the sky was studded with a profusion of -stars, in the midst of which sparkled the dazzling southern cross; a -slight breeze, laden with the perfumes of the desert, gently refreshed -the air; the deepest silence brooded over San José; for, in the retired -Mexican pueblos, everybody returns home at an early hour. Everybody -appeared asleep, too, in the mesón, although at a few windows the weak -and dying light of the candles gleamed behind the cotton curtains. - -Thus Don Cornelio, unconsciously yielding to the influences of this -magnificent evening, omitted the first four verses of the romancero, and -after a skilful prelude, struck up the sublime description of night:-- - - "A l'escaso resplendor, - De cualque luciente estrella, - Que en el medroso silencio, - Tristamente centellea."[2] - -And he continued thus with eyes uplifted to heaven, and brow glowing -with enthusiasm to the end of the romance; that is to say, until he had -sung the ninety-six verses of which this touching piece of poetry is -composed. - -The Mexicans, children of the Andalusians, the musicians and dancers -_par excellence_, have not degenerated in this respect from their -forefathers; on the contrary, they have, if that be possible, -exaggerated these two passions, to which they sacrifice everything. - -When Don Cornelio began singing, the patio, as we have, already -remarked, was completely deserted; but gradually, as the musician became -more animated, doors opened in every corner of the yard, men and women -appeared, advanced gently to the singer, and formed a circle round him; -so that after the final strophe he found himself surrounded by a group -of enthusiastic hearers, who applauded him frenziedly. - -Don Cornelio rose from the wall on which he was seated, lifted his hat, -and saluted his audience gracefully. - -"Come," he said to himself, "this will be something for that Indian, who -appreciates music so slightly, to reflect upon." - -"_Capa de Dios!_" an arriero said, "that is what I call singing." - -"Poor Señor Don Rodrigo, how he must have suffered!" a young criada -exclaimed in short petticoats, and with a flashing eye. - -"And that perfidious _picaro_ of a Count Julian, who introduced the -Moors into a Catholic country!" the landlord said with an angry gesture. - -"God be praised!" the audience said in chorus; "Let us hope that he is -roasting in the lowest pit." - -Don Cornelio was at the pinnacle of jubilation. Never before had he -obtained such a success. All his hearers thanked him for the pleasure he -had caused them, with those noisy demonstrations and cries of joy which -distinguish southern races. The Spaniard did not know whom to listen to, -or on which side to turn. The shouts assumed such a character of -enthusiasm, that the singer began to fear that he would be unable to get -rid of his frenzied audience the whole long night. - -Fortunately for him, at the moment when, half willingly, half perforce, -he was preparing, on the general request, to recommence his romance, -there was a movement in the crowd; it parted to the right and left, and -left a passage for a tall and pretty girl, who, with a well-turned leg -confined in silk stockings with gold clocks, her _rebozo_ coquettishly -drawn over her head, and her hair buried beneath a profusion of jasmine -flowers, placed herself resolutely before the singer, and said with a -graceful smile, which allowed her double row of pearly teeth to be -seen,-- - -"Are you not, caballero, a noble hidalgo of Spain, of the name of Don -Cornelio?" - -We must do Don Cornelio the justice to allow that he was so dazzled by -this delicious apparition that he remained for some seconds with gaping -mouth, unable to find a word. - -The girl stamped her foot impatiently. - -"Have you been suddenly turned into stone?" she asked, with a slightly -mocking accent. - -"Heaven forbid, señorita!" he at length stammered. - -"Then be good enough to answer the question I asked you." - -"Nothing easier, señorita. I am indeed Don Cornelio Mendoza de -Arrizabal, and have the honour to be a Spanish gentleman." - -"That is what I call plain speaking," she said, with a slight pout. "If -it be so, caballero, I must ask you to follow me." - -"To the end of the world," the young man exclaimed impetuously. "I -should never travel in pleasanter company." - -"I thank you for the compliment, caballero, but I do not intend to take -you so far. I only wish to conduct you to my mistress, who desires to -see you and speak with you for an instant." - -"_Rayo del cielo!_ If the mistress be only as pretty as the maid, I -shall not regret the trip if it last a week." - -The girl smiled again. - -"My mistress is staying in this inn, only a few steps off." - -"All the worse, all the worse! I should have preferred a journey of -several leagues before meeting her." - -"A truce to gallantry. Are you willing to follow me?" - -"At once, señorita." - -And throwing his jarana on his back, and bowing for the last time to the -audience, who opened a passage for him respectfully,-- - -"I am at your orders," he said. - -"Come, then." - -The girl turned away and hurried off rapidly, the Spaniard following -close at her heels. - -Don Cornelio, like all the adventurers whom a hazardous life in Europe -had cast on the American shores, nourished in his heart a secret hope -of re-establishing, by a rich marriage, his fortunes, which were more -than compromised. Several instances, though rare, we allow, of marriages -contracted in this romantic fashion, had imbedded this idea deeply in -the Spaniard's somewhat windy brain. - -He was young, noble, handsome--at least he thought so; hence he -possessed all needed for success. It is true that, until this moment, -fortune had never deigned to smile on him; no young girl seemed to care -for his assassinating glances, or respond to his interested advances. -But this ill success had in no way rebuffed him, and what happened at -this moment seemed to justify his schemes, by offering him, at the -moment he least expected it, that occasion he had so long awaited. - -Only one thing saddened his brow, and clouded the internal joy he -experienced, and that was the seedy condition of his attire, sadly -ill-treated by the brambles, and torn by the sharp points of the rocks, -during his long journey in Sonora. But with that characteristic fatuity -innate in the Spaniards, he consoled himself by the reflection that his -personal advantages would amply compensate for the seedy condition of -his dress, and that the lady who had sent for him, if she felt any -tender interest in him, would attach but slight value to a new cloak or -a faded cloak. It was with these conquering feelings that Don Cornelio -arrived behind the _camarista_ at the door of a cuarto, before which she -stopped. - -"It is here," she said, turning round to him. - -"Very good," he said, drawing himself up. "We will enter whenever you -please." - -She smiled cunningly with a twinkle of her black eyes, and turned the -key in the lock. The door opened. - -"Señorita," the waiting-maid said, "I have brought you the gentleman." - -"Let him come in, Violanta," a sweet voice answered. - -The girl stepped aside to make room for Don Cornelio, who walked in, -twisting his moustache with a conquering air. - -The room in which he found himself was small, and rather better -furnished than the other cuartos in the hostelry, probably owing to the -indispensable articles the temporary occupier of the room had the -precaution to bring with her. Several pink candles burned in silver -chandeliers, and on a sofa lay a lovely young girl of sixteen to -seventeen years of age, buried in muslin, like a hummingbird in a nest -of roses, who bent on the Spanish gentleman two large black eyes -sparkling with humour, maliciousness, and curiosity. - -In spite of the immense dose of self-love with which he was cuirassed, -and the intimate conviction he had of his own merits, Don Cornelio -stopped in considerable embarrassment on the threshold, and bowed -profoundly, without daring to advance into the interior of this cuarto, -which appeared to him a sanctuary. - -By a charming sign the young woman invited him to draw nearer, and -pointed out a butaca, about two paces from the sofa on which she was -reclining. The young man hesitated; but the camarista, laughing like a -madcap, pushed him by the shoulders and compelled him to sit down. - -Still the position of our two actors, opposite each other, was rather -singular. Don Cornelio, a prey to the most powerful embarrassment he -ever experienced, twisted the brim of his beaver in his hands, as he -cast investigating glances cautiously around; while the girl, no less -confused, timidly looked down, and seemed at present almost to regret -the inconsiderate step she had let herself be led to take. - -Still, as in all difficult circumstances of life, women possess a will -of initiative greater than that of men, because they make a strength of -their weakness, and know at once how to approach the most awkward -questions, it was the lady who first regained her coolness and commenced -the conversation. - -"Do you recognise me, Don Cornelio?" she asked him in a deliberate tone, -which made the Spaniard quiver. - -"Alas, señorita!" he replied, trying to gain time, "where could I have -had the happiness of ever seeing you? I have only lived up to the -present in an _inferno_." - -"Let us speak seriously," she said with an almost imperceptible frown. -"Look me well in the face, caballero, and answer me frankly: do you -recognise me--yes or no?" - -Don Cornelio timidly raised his eyes, obeyed the order he had received -in so peremptory a fashion, and after a few seconds,-- - -"No, señorita," he said with a suppressed sigh, "I do not recognise you; -I do not believe that I ever had the happiness of meeting you before -today." - -"You are mistaken," she replied. - -"I! O no! It is impossible." - -"Do not swear, Don Cornelio; I will prove to you the truth of what I -assert." - -The young man shook his head incredulously. - -"When a man has had once the happiness of seeing you--" he murmured. - -She interrupted him sharply. - -"You do not know what you say, and your gallantry is misplaced. Before -contradicting me you would do better by listening to what I have to say -to you." - -Don Cornelio protested. - -"I repeat," she said distinctly, "that you are mad. For two days you -travelled in the company of my father and myself." - -"I!" - -"Yes, you." - -"Oh!" - -"It is just three years ago. At that period I was only a child, scarce -fourteen: there is, consequently, nothing extraordinary in your having -forgotten me. At that period you sang your inevitable romance of Don -Rodrigo, of which I will say no harm, however," she added, with an -enchanting smile, "because I recognised you by that song. My father, now -governor and political chief of Sonora, was at that time only a -colonel." - -The Spaniard struck his forehead. - -"I remember," he exclaimed. "You were going from Guadalajara to Tepic, -when I had the pleasure of meeting you in the middle of the night." - -"Yes." - -"That is it. Let me see, your father's name is Don Sebastian Guerrero, -and yours--" - -"Well, and mine?" she said, with a pretty challenging pout. - -"Yours, señorita," he said gallantly, "is Doña Angela. What other name -could you bear?" - -"Come," she said, clapping her dainty hands together with a ringing -laugh, "I am glad to see that you have a better memory than I believed." - -"Oh!" he muttered reproachfully. - -"We had a rather disagreeable adventure, if I remember right, with -certain bandits?" she continued. - -"Extremely disagreeable, for I was half killed." - -"That is true; I remember something of the sort. Were you not rescued by -a hunter, a wood ranger? I can hardly remember." - -"A noble gentleman, señorita," Don Cornelio replied with fire, "to whom -I owe my life." - -"Ah!" she said carelessly, "that is possible. The man helped you, nursed -you, and then you parted?" - -"Not exactly." - -"What!" she said, with some agitation, "you continued to live together?" - -"Yes." - -"Always?" - -"Yes." - -"But now?" she said, with a certain hesitation in her voice. - -"I repeat to you, señorita, that we have not separated." - -"Indeed! Is he here?" - -"Yes." - -"In this hostelry?" - -"On the other side of the yard." - -"Ah!" she murmured, letting her head fall on her breast. - -"What's the matter now?" the Spaniard asked himself. - -And not interrupting the sudden reverie into which the young lady had -fallen, he waited respectfully until it pleased her to renew the -conversation. - - -[1] Oh, if I had been born blind, or if you had been born ugly! Accursed -be the day and hour-- - -[2] By the feeble light of some clear star, which, in the midst of the -gloomy silence, mournfully twinkles. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -DELILAH. - - -The position of our two characters toward each other was somewhat -singular. Both appeared to be watching each other, and trying to -discover the flaw in the armour; but in this struggle of a man against a -woman, the latter must inevitably prove the conqueror. - -Don Cornelio had possibly a rather exaggerated opinion of himself. This -was what ruined him, and delivered him bound hand and foot over to his -dangerous adversary. - -Doña Angela, resting coquettishly on her elbow, with her chin on the -palm of her dainty hand, fixed on him two eyes sparkling with -maliciousness, so that the Spaniard, as it were, fascinated by the -brilliancy of this irresistible glance, had not even the will to turn -his head, and liberate himself from the deceptive charm that fascinated -him. - -"Violanta," the girl said, in a voice soft and pure as the song of the -_centzontle_, the American nightingale, "have you no refreshments to -offer this caballero?" - -"Oh, certainly," said the crafty camarista, with a look sufficient to -tempt St. Anthony; and she rose quickly to obey her mistress's -directions. - -Don Cornelio, flattered in his heart by this politeness, which he was -far from expecting, thought it necessary to break out in excuses; but -Doña Angela cut him short by herself saying,-- - -"You will forgive me, caballero, for receiving you so poorly, but I did -not expect to have the honour of your visit in this wretched pueblo." - -Naturally enough, Don Cornelio, infatuated with the advantages he -fancied he possessed, regarded this remark as a compliment. - -Angela maliciously bit her rosy lips, and continued, with a bow,-- - -"But now that I have been so fortunate as to meet again with an old -friend, for I hope you will permit me to give you that appellation----" - -"Oh, señorita!" the young man said with a movement of joy. - -"I flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of enjoying your -company more frequently." - -"Señorita, believe me that I shall be too happy." - -"I know your gallantry, Don Cornelio," she interrupted him with a smile. -"I am aware that you will seize every opportunity to offer me your -homage." - -"Heaven is my witness, señorita. Unfortunately, adverse fate will -possibly ordain differently." - -"Why so?" - -"You are only passing through this wretched town." - -"Yes. My father is proceeding to Tepic, where his new position as -governor of the province demands his residence." - -"That is true. You see, then, madam, that it is almost impossible for us -ever to meet again." - -"Do you think so?" she asked. - -"Alas! I am atrociously afraid of it." - -"Why so?" she said, bending her body forward in curiosity. - -"Because, according to every probability, tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall -take diametrically opposite routes, señorita." - -"Oh, that is not possible!" - -"Unfortunately it is too true." - -"Explain this enigma to me." - -"I would it were one; but a child can read it." - -"I do not at all understand you?" - -"I will explain myself more clearly." - -"Go on." - -"When you and your father, madam, start tomorrow for Tepic, my friends -and myself will set out for San Francisco." - -"San Francisco!" - -"Alas! Yes." - -"What need have you to go there?" - -"I! None." - -"Well, then?" - -Don Cornelio behaved like most men when in a state of embarrassment; -that is to say, he scratched his head. At length he said,-- - -"I cannot leave my friends." - -"What friends?" - -"Those in whose company I am." - -"Then they want to go to San Francisco?" - -"Yes." - -"What to do?" - -"Ah! That is it," the Spaniard replied, more and more embarrassed by the -obligation of confessing the trade in which he was engaged, and which he -fancied must lower him to an extraordinary degree in the eyes of the -young lady whose heart he fancied he had touched. - -"I am waiting," she said with a slight frown of her arched brows. - -Don Cornelio, driven into his last retrenchments, determined to make a -clean breast of it. - -"You must know," he said in a honeyed voice, "that my friends are -hunters." - -"Ah!" she remarked. - -"Yes." - -"Well, what then?" - -"Why, then, why, they hunt, I suppose," he continued, discountenanced by -the lady's singular tone. - -"That is probable," she said, with a little silvery laugh. "And what do -they hunt?" - -"Well, pretty nearly all sorts of animals." - -"Specify." - -"Wild bulls, for instance." - -"Very good; we will say, then, that they hunt wild bulls?" - -"Yes." - -"Why those animals more than others?" - -"I will tell you." - -"I shall feel delighted." - -Don Cornelio bowed. - -"You must know that at San Francisco--" - -"San Francisco again?" - -"Alas! Yes." - -"Very good: proceed." - -"Oxen, bullocks, and generally all animals that serve for food, are -extremely dear." - -"Ah!" - -"O dear, yes! You understand that people in that country pay great -attention to finding gold, and very little to seeking food." - -"Quite correct." - -"So my friend reasoned thus." - -"Which friend?" - -"The hunter, Don Louis." - -"Don Louis?" - -"Yes, the man who three years back, when the bandits attacked you, -arrived so opportunely, and whom I have never quitted since." - -Doña Angela experienced such a startling emotion that her face suddenly -turned pale. Don Cornelio, busied with his story, did not perceive the -effect the accidental mention of that name produced, but continued,-- - -"'Very good, then,' he said to himself. 'Bulls obtain fabulous prices in -California; in Mexico they may be had for almost nothing. Let us go and -buy or lasso them in Mexico.'" - -"So then?" - -"Well, we set out." - -"You were in California at that time?" - -"At San Francisco, with Don Louis." - -"And now?" - -"We have a magnificent herd of novillos, which we have driven a long -distance, and which we hope to dispose of at a large profit at San -Francisco." - -"I hope so." - -"Thank you, madam; the more so as we had an enormous difficulty in -procuring them." - -"But all that does not teach me why you cannot separate from your -friends." - -"At any rate not until we have sold the bullocks. You understand, -señorita, that acting otherwise would be ungentlemanly." - -"That is true; but why insist on selling your bulls nowhere save at San -Francisco?" - -"We do not at all insist on that." - -"Then, supposing you found a good price here, you would dispose of -them?" - -"I see nothing to prevent it." - -Doña Angela gave a start of joy, which Don Cornelio naturally -interpreted to his own advantage. - -"That might be arranged," she said. - -"You think so?" - -"Yes, if you are not too craving." - -"You need not apprehend that, señorita." - -"My father possesses a hacienda a few leagues from this town. I know -that he intends to re-form his _ganado_, and he stopped here today in -order to have an interview with his _mayordomo_." - -"Oh! That is a providential chance." - -"Is it not?" - -"It is really. Has the mayordomo arrived?" - -"Not yet: we do not expect him till tomorrow. I fancy that a day's delay -will do you no injury." - -"Not the slightest." - -"Well, then, if you consent, we will settle this affair while we are -together; that is to say," she added, "you will tell me the prices, that -I may inform my father." - -"Ah!" he said, with a certain hesitation, "I can, unfortunately, say -nothing on that head." - -"Why so? Are you not the owner of the herd?" - -"Pardon me." - -"Well, what then?" she interrupted, looking at him with fixed attention. - -"That is to say, I am not sole owner." - -"You have partners?" - -"Yes, I have one." - -"And that partner----?" - -"Stay, madam, I prefer being frank with you, and telling you clearly how -matters stand." - -"I am listening, caballero." - -"I am owner without being so." - -"I do not understand you at all." - -"It is very simple, however, as you will see." - -"I am all anxiety." - -"Just imagine that Don Louis, after curing me of my wounds, felt that -loyal and open friendship for me which has no counterpart in town life. -Not only would he not consent to my leaving him, but aware that, owing -to reverses too long to repeat to you, I was almost penniless, he -insisted on my becoming a sharer in all the enterprises he thought -proper to undertake; so that, without the outlay of a penny, I hold one -half the property. Hence, as you will see, I can do nothing until I have -first taken his instructions." - -"That is only just, it seems to me." - -"And to me too, madam; and that is the reason why, in spite of the -lively desire I entertain to settle the business with you at once, I -find it impossible to do so." - -Doña Angela seemed to reflect for a moment, then went on with a -palpitation of the heart and a tremor in her voice, which she could not -conceal, in spite of all her efforts:-- - -"After all, the matter is perfectly simple, and may be arranged very -easily." - -"I ask nothing better; still I confess, to my shame, that I do not see -what means I should employ." - -"It is a trifle, tomorrow, before the mayordomo's arrival, I will speak -with my father: he will, I doubt not, be delighted to render a service -to the man who saved our lives. You will tell your friend, he will come -to an arrangement with my father, and all will be settled." - -"Indeed, madam, I did not think of that. All can be arranged in that -way." - -"Unless your friend--Don Louis, I think you called him----?" - -"Yes, madam, Don Louis. He is a gentleman belonging to one of the -noblest and oldest families in France." - -"Ah! All the better. Unless, I say, he should not consent to deal with -my father." - -"And why should he not, señorita?" - -"Oh! I do not know; but on our first meeting, after saving my father's -life and mine, that caballero behaved so singularly toward us that I -fear----" - -"You are wrong, madam, to suppose that Don Louis could refuse an offer -so advantageous as that you make him; besides, I will talk with him, and -am certain to bring him over to my views." - -"O dear me!" she said negligently, "I have but a very slight interest in -all this. I should not like the proposal to cause you the slightest -annoyance with your partner. I am only looking after your interests in -the affair, Don Cornelio." - -"I am convinced of it, madam, and thank you humbly," he replied, with a -low bow. - -"I only know you. Your partner, though he rendered me a great service, -is but a stranger to me, especially after the peremptory manner in which -he declined my father's advances and offers of service." - -"You are perfectly right, señorita. Believe me that I attach full value -to the delicacy of your conduct." - -"Still," she continued, in an insinuating and slightly malicious voice, -"I confess to you that I should not be sorry to find myself once more -face to face with that strange man, were it only to convince myself that -the opinion I formed of him was wrong." - -"Don Louis, madam," the Spaniard answered complacently, "is a true -caballero, kind, noble, and generous, ever ready to help with purse or -sword those who claim his assistance. Since I have had the honour of -living in his society I have had many opportunities of appreciating the -greatness of his character." - -"I am happy to hear what you tell me, señor, for I confess that this -caballero left a very bad impression on me, doubtlessly through the -rough manner in which he parted from us." - -"That bad impression was unjust, madam. As for the roughness with which -you reproach him alas! It is only melancholy." - -"What!" she exclaimed quickly, while a rosy tinge suddenly invaded her -forehead, "melancholy, do you say? Is the gentleman unhappy?" - -"Who is not so?" Don Cornelio asked with a sigh. - -"Perhaps, though, you are mistaken." - -"Alas! No, madam. Don Louis has been the victim of frightful disasters: -judge for yourself. He had a wife he adored, who had presented him with -several charming children. One night the Indians surprised his hacienda, -fired it, massacred his wife, his children, his whole family, in a word, -and himself only escaped by a miracle." - -"Oh, that is horrible!" she exclaimed, as she buried her face in her -hands. "Poor man! Now I heartily pardon what appeared singularity in his -manners. Alas! The society of his fellow men must weigh upon him." - -"Yes, madam, it doubtlessly does so; for the grief he endures is of that -nature which cannot be consoled. And yet, when he knows of a misfortune -to alleviate, or any good deed to do, he forgets himself only to think -of those he wishes to aid." - -"Yes, you are right, caballero; that man has a noble heart." - -"Alas, madam! I should ever remain below the truth in what I might tell -you of him. You must live his life, be constantly by his side, in order -to understand and appreciate him at his full value." - -There were a few moments of silence. The night was drawing on; the -candles were beginning to dim; the camarista, who had but a very slight -interest in this conversation, had laid her head against the back of her -butaca; her eyes were closed, and she was enjoying that catlike sleep -peculiar to women and the feline race, and which does not prevent them -being constantly on the watch. - -"Tell me, Don Cornelio," Doña Angela continued with a smile, "have you -never spoken with Don Louis about our meeting during the long period -that has since elapsed?" - -"Never, madam." - -"Ah!" - -"Once, and only once, I remember that I tried to bring the conversation -round to that subject by some rather direct allusions." - -"Well?" - -"Don Louis, who, till then, had seemed to listen kindly to my -observations, suddenly requested me, in very distinct language, never to -return to that subject, remarking that he had only acted in accordance -with his duty; that he would do the same again; and that it was not -worth while talking about, the less so as chance would, in all -probability, never again bring him into contact with the persons to whom -he had been so fortunate as to render this slight service." - -The young lady frowned. - -"I thank you," she said in a slightly affected voice, "I thank you, Don -Cornelio, for the kindness with which you have treated the whims of a -woman you did not know." - -"Oh, madam!" he exclaimed in protest; "for a long time I have been your -most humble slave." - -"I know your gallantry, but will not abuse it longer. Be assured that I -shall keep our long conversation in pleasant memory. Be kind enough not -to forget the proposals I wish to make to Don Louis." - -"Tomorrow, madam, at the hour you think most suitable, my friend and -myself will have the honour to present ourselves to the general." - -"Do not derange yourselves, caballero; a criado will warn you when my -father is ready to receive you. Farewell!" - -"Farewell!" he replied, bowing respectfully to the young lady, who -dismissed him with a gracious smile. - -The Spaniard went out with joy in his heart. - -"Oh!" Doña Angela murmured, so soon as she was alone, "I love him!" - -Whom was she speaking of? - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A RETROSPECT. - - -Before carrying our story further we must give the reader certain -details about the family and antecedents of Don Sebastian Guerrero, who -is destined to play a great part in our narrative. - -The family of Don Sebastian was rich; he descended in a straight line -from one of the early kings of Mexico, and pure Aztec blood flowed in -his veins. Like several other great Mexican families, his ancestors had -not been dispossessed by the conquerors, to whom they rendered important -services; but they were obliged to add a Spanish name to the Mexican -one, which sounded harshly in Castilian ears. - -Still the Guerrero family boasted loudly of its Aztec origin, and if it -seemed ostensibly devoted to Spain, it secretly maintained the hope of -seeing Mexico one day regain her liberty. - -Thus, when the heroic Hidalgo, the humble curate of the little village -of Dolores, suddenly raised the standard of revolt against the -oppressors of his country, Don Eustaquio Guerrero, though married but a -short time previously to a woman he adored, and father of a son hardly -six years of age, was one of the first to respond to the appeal of the -insurgents, and join Hidalgo at the head of four hundred resolute men -raised on his own enormous estates. - -The Mexican revolution was a singular one; for nearly all the promoters -and heroes were priests--the only country in the world where the clergy -have openly taken the initiative in progress, and thus displayed -profound sympathy for the liberty of the people. - -Don Eustaquio Guerrero was in turn companion of those modest heroes whom -disdainful history has almost forgotten, and whose names were, Hidalgo, -Morelos, Hermenegildo Galeana, Allende, Abasolo, Aldama, Valerio -Trujano, Torres, Rayon, Sotomayor, Manuel Mier-y-Teran, and many others -whose names have escaped me; and who, after fighting gloriously for the -liberty of their country, now repose in their bloody tombs, protected by -that glorious nimbus which Heaven places round the brow of martyrs, -whatever be the cause they have defended, so long as that cause is just. - -More fortunate than the majority of his brave comrades in arms, who were -destined to fall one after the other, some as victims to Spanish -barbarity, others conquered by treachery, Don Eustaquio escaped as if by -a miracle from the innumerable dangers of this war, which lasted ten -years, and at length witnessed the complete expulsion of the Spaniards -and the proclamation of independence. - -The brave soldier, prematurely aged, covered with wounds, and disgusted -by the ingratitude of his fellow countrymen, who, scarce free, began -attacking each other, and inaugurated that fatal era of -_pronunciamientos,_ the list of which is already so long, and will only -be closed by the ruin of the country, and the loss of its nationality, -retired, gloomy and sad, to his Hacienda del Palmar, situated in the -province of Valladolid, and sought, in the company of his wife and son, -to recover some sparks of that happiness he had formerly enjoyed when he -was but an obscure citizen. - -But this supreme consolation was denied him; his wife died in his arms -scarce two years after their reunion, attacked by an unknown disease, -which dragged her to the grave in a few weeks. - -After the death of the woman he loved with all the strength of his soul, -Don Eustaquio, crushed by sorrow, only dragged on a wretched existence, -which terminated exactly one year after his wife's death. Her name was -the last word that wandered on his pallid lips as he drew his parting -breath. - -Don Sebastian, who was scarce twenty years of age, was left an orphan. -Alone, without relatives or friends, the young man shut himself up in -his hacienda, where he silently bewailed the two beings he had lost, -and on whom he had concentrated all his affections. - -Don Sebastian would probably have remained for many years in retirement, -without seeing the world, or caring how it went on--leading the -careless, idle, and brutalising life of those great land-holders whom no -idea of progress or amelioration impels to trouble themselves about -their estates, timid and fearful, like all men who live alone, spending -his days in hunting and sleeping--had not chance, or rather his lucky -star, brought to Palmar an old partisan chief who had long fought by the -side of Don Eustaquio, and who, happening to pass a few leagues from the -place, felt old reminiscences aroused in him, and determined to press -the hand of his old comrade, whose death he was not aware of. - -The name of this man was Don Isidro Vargas. He was of lofty stature, his -shoulders were wide, his limbs athletic, and his features imprinted with -an uncommon energy; in a word, he presented in his person the type of -that powerful and devoted race which is daily dying out in Mexico, and -of which, ere long, not a specimen will be left. - -The unexpected arrival of this guest, whose heavy spurs and long -steel-scabbarded sabre re-echoed noisily on the tiled floors of the -hacienda, brought life into the mansion which had been so long devoted -to silence and the gloomy tranquillity of the cloister. - -Like all old soldiers, Captain Don Isidro had a rough voice and sharp -way of speaking; his manners were brusque, but his character was gay, -and gifted with a rare equanimity of temper. - -When he entered the house Don Sebastian was out hunting, and the -hacienda seemed uninhabited. The captain at first found enormous -difficulty in meeting with anyone to address. At length, by careful -search, he detected a peon half asleep under a verandah, who gave some -sort of answer to the questions asked him. By great patience and -questions made with that craft peculiar to the Mexicans, the captain -succeeded in obtaining some valuable information. - -The death of Don Eustaquio only astonished the worthy _soldado_ -slightly; he expected it, indeed, from the moment he learnt the death of -the señora, for whom he knew his old comrade professed so deep a love; -but on learning the idle life Don Sebastian had led since his father's -death, the captain burst out in a furious passion, and swore by all the -saints in the Spanish calendar (and they are tolerably numerous), that -this state of things should not last much longer. - -The captain had known the young man when he was but a child. Many times -he had dandled him on his knee, and thus, with his ideas of honour and -generosity, he thought himself obliged, as an old friend of his father, -to remove the son from the slothful existence he led. - -Consequently the old soldier installed himself authoritatively in the -hacienda, and firmly awaited the return of the man he had been -accustomed to regard for a long time almost in the light of a son. - -The day passed peacefully. The Indian peons, long accustomed to profess -the greatest respect for embroidered hats and jingling sabres, left him -free to act as he pleased--a liberty the old soldier did not at all -abuse, for he contented himself with ordering an immense vase full of an -infusion of tamarinds, which he placed on a table, up to which he drew a -butaca, and amused himself with smoking an enormous quantity of husk -cigarettes, which he made as he wanted them, with that dexterity alone -possessed by the Spanish race. - -At about _oración_ time, or six in the evening, the captain, who had -fallen quietly asleep, was aroused by a great noise, mingled with -shouts, barking, and the neighing of horses, which he heard outside. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, turning up his moustache, "I fancy the _muchacho_ has -at last arrived." - -It was, indeed, Don Sebastian returning from the chase. - -The old partisan, who was sitting opposite a window, was enabled to -examine his friend's son at his ease, without being perceived in his -turn. He could not repress a smile of satisfaction at the sight of the -vigorous young man, with his haughty features bearing the imprint of -boldness, wildness, and timidity, and his well-built limbs. - -"What a pity," he muttered to himself, "if such a fine fellow were to be -expended here without profit to himself or to others! It will not be my -fault if I do not succeed in rousing the boy from the state of lethargy -into which he is plunged. I owe that to the memory of his poor father." - -While making these reflections, as he heard the clanking of spurs in the -room before that in which he was, he fell back on his butaca, and put on -again his usual look of indifference. Don Sebastian entered. He had not -seen the captain for several years. The greeting he gave him, though -slightly awkward and embarrassed, was, however, affectionate. After the -first compliments they sat down face to face. - -"Well, muchacho," the captain said, suddenly plunging _in medias res_, -"you did not expect a visit from me, I fancy?" - -"I confess, captain, that I was far from supposing that you would come. -To what fortunate accident do I owe your presence in my house?" - -"I will tell you presently, muchacho. For the present we will talk about -other matters, if you have no objection." - -"At your ease, captain; I do not wish to displease you in any way." - -"We will see that presently, _cuerpo de Dios!_ And in the first place, -to speak frankly, I will tell you that I did not come to see you, but -your worthy father, my brave general. _Voto a brios!_ The news of his -death quite upset me, and I am not myself again yet." - -"I am very grateful, captain, for the kindly memory in which you hold my -father." - -"_Capa de Cristo!_" the captain said, who, among other habits more or -less excellent, possessed to an eminent degree that of seasoning each of -his phrases with an oath, at times somewhat unorthodox, "of course I -hold in kind memory the man by whose side I fought for ten years, and -to whom I owe it that I am what I am. Yes, I do remember him, and I hope -soon, _canarios!_ To prove it to his son." - -"I thank you, captain, though I do not perceive in what way you can give -me this proof." - -"Good, good!" he said, gnawing his moustache. "I know how to do it, and -that is enough. Everything will come at its right season." - -"As you please, my old friend. At any rate, you will be kind enough to -remember that you are at home here, and that the longer you stay the -greater pleasure you will afford me." - -"Good, muchacho! I expected that from you. I will avail myself of the -hospitality so gracefully offered, but will not abuse it." - -"An old comrade in arms of my father's cannot do that in his house, -captain, and you less than anyone else. But," he added, seeing a peon -enter, "here is a servant come to announce that the dinner is served. I -confess to you that, as I have been hunting all day, I am now dying of -hunger: if you will follow me we will sit down to the table and renew -our acquaintance glass in hand." - -"I ask nothing better, _rayo de Dios!_" the captain said as he rose. -"Though I have not been hunting, I think I shall do honour to the -repast." - -And without further talking they passed into a dining room, where a -sumptuously and abundantly-served table awaited them. - -According to a patriarchal custom, which, unfortunately, like all good -things, is beginning to die out, at Palmar the master and servants took -their meals together. This custom, which had existed in the family since -the conquest, Don Sebastian kept up--in the first place, through respect -for his father's memory, and secondly, because the servants at the -hacienda were devoted to their master, and to some extent supplied the -place of a family. - -The evening passed away, without any incident worthy of remark, in -chatting about war and the chase. Captain Don Isidro Vargas was an old -soldier, as cunning as a monk. Too clever to assail the young man's -ideas straightforwardly, he resolved to study him for some time, in -order to discover the weak points of his character, and see how he must -attack him in order to drag him out of that slothful and purposeless -life he led in this forgotten province. Thus several days were passed in -hunting and other amusements, and the captain never once alluded to the -subject he had at heart. At times he might make a covert allusion to the -active life of the capital, the opportunities of securing a fine -position which a man of Don Sebastian's age could not fail to find at -Mexico, if he would take the trouble to go there, and many other -insinuations of the same nature; but the young man let them pass without -making the slightest observation, or even appearing to understand them. - -"Patience!" the captain muttered. "I shall eventually find the flaw in -his cuirass; and if I do not succeed, I must be preciously clumsy." - -And he recommenced his covert attacks, not allowing the young man's -impassive indifference to rebuff him. - -Don Sebastian performed his duties as master of the house with -thoroughly Mexican grace, amenity, and sumptuousness; that is, he -invented every sort of amusement which he thought would be most suited -to the worthy captain's tastes. The latter let him do so with the utmost -coolness, and conscientiously enjoyed the pleasures the young man -procured him, charmed in his heart by the activity he displayed in -pleasing him, and more and more persuaded that, if he succeeded in -arousing in him the feelings which he supposed were slumbering in his -mind, it would be easy to convert him to his own ideas, and make him -abandon the absorbing life of a _campesino_. - -More than once, during the few days they spent in hunting in the -magnificent plains that surrounded the hacienda, accident enabled the -captain to admire the skill with which the young man managed his steed, -and his superiority in all those exercises which demand strength, -activity, and, above all, skill. - -On one occasion especially, at the moment the hunters galloped in -pursuit of a magnificent stag they had put up, they found themselves -suddenly face to face with a cougouar, which threatened to dispute their -progress. The cougouar is the American lion. It has no mane. Like all -the other carnivora of the New World it cares little about attacking a -man, and it is only when reduced to the last extremity that it turns -upon him; but then it fights with a courage and energy that frequently -render its approach extremely dangerous. - -On the occasion to which we allude the cougouar seemed resolved to await -its enemies boldly. The captain, but little accustomed to find himself -face to face with such enemies, experienced that internal tremor which -assails the bravest man when he finds himself exposed to a serious -danger. Still, as the old soldier was notoriously brave, he soon -recovered from this involuntary emotion, and cocked his gun, while -watching the crouching animal, which fixed its glaring eyes on him. - -"Do not fire, captain," Don Sebastian said with a perfectly calm voice; -"you are not used to this chase, and, without wishing it, might injure -the skin, which you see is magnificent, and that would be a pity." - -Don Sebastian thereupon let his gun fall, took a pistol from his -holster, and spurring his horse at the same time that he checked it, -made it rear. The animal rose, and stood almost on its hind legs; the -cougouar suddenly bounded forward with a terrible roar; the young man -dug his knees into his horse, which bounded on one side, while Don -Sebastian pulled the trigger. The monster rolled on the ground in -convulsive agony. - -"_Cuerpo de Cristo!_" the captain shouted; "why, you've killed it on the -spot! No matter, muchacho; you played for a heavy stake." - -"Bah!" the other said as he dismounted; "it is not so difficult as you -fancy; it only requires practice." - -"Hum! It must require practice to shoot such an animal on the wing. The -ball has entered its eye." - -"Yes, we generally shoot them there, so as not to spoil the skin." - -"Ah, very good! To tell you the truth, though, I, who am by no means a -bad shot, should not like to try the experiment." - -"You are calumniating yourself." - -"Very possibly." - -"Poor Pepe, my tigrero, will lose by that a reward of ten piastres--all -the worse for him. Shall we return to the hacienda, and send someone to -bring the brute in?" - -"With all my heart." - -They went back. - -"Hum!" the captain said to himself as they galloped on, "I must have a -definitive explanation with him this very evening." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS. - - -The Hispano-Americans usually drink nothing with their meals: it is only -when the _dulces_, or cakes and sweetmeats, have been eaten, and each -guest has swallowed the glass of water intended to facilitate digestion, -that the liquors are put on the table, and the Catalonian _refino_ -begins to circulate; then the _puros_ and _pajillos_ are lighted, and -the conversation, always rather stiff during the meal, becomes more -intimate and friendly, owing to the absence of the inferior guests, who -then retire, leaving the master of the house and his guests at perfect -liberty. - -The captain had judiciously chosen this moment to commence his attack. -Not that he hoped to have a better chance with the young man at the -termination of the meal--for the sobriety of the Southern Americans is -proverbial--but because at that moment Don Sebastian, being freed from -all cares, must more easily yield to the influence the captain fancied -he could exercise over him. - -The captain poured some refino into a large glass, which he filled with -water, lit a puro, leant his elbows on the table, and looked fixedly at -the young man. - -"Muchacho," he said to him abruptly, "does the life you lead in the -desert possess a great charm for you?" - -Surprised at this question, which he was far from expecting, Don -Sebastian hesitated ere he replied. - -"Yes," the captain said, emptying his glass, "do you amuse yourself -greatly here? Answer me frankly." - -"On my word, captain, as I never knew any other existence than that I am -leading at this moment, I cannot answer your question thoroughly: it is -certain that I feel myself hipped at times." - -The captain struck his tongue against his palate with evident -satisfaction. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, "I am glad to hear you speak so." - -"Why?" - -"Because I hope you will easily accept the proposition I am about to -make to you." - -"You!" - -"Who else, then, if not I?" - -"Speak!" the young man said with a careless air; "I am listening." - -The captain threw away his cigar, gave vent to two or three sonorous -_hums_, and at length said in a sharp voice,-- - -"Sebastian, my dear fellow! Do you think that, if your worthy father -could return to this world, he would be well pleased to see you thus -idly wasting the precious hours of your youth?" - -"I do not at all understand your meaning, captain." - -"That is possible. I never pretended to be a great orator, and today -less than at any other period of my long career. I will, however, try to -explain myself so clearly that, if you do not understand me, _caray!_ It -is because you will not." - -"Go on; I am listening." - -"Your father, muchacho, whose history you probably do not know, was at -once a brave soldier and a good officer. He was one of the founders of -our liberty, and his name is a symbol of loyalty and devotion to every -Mexican. For ten years your father fought the enemies of his country on -every battlefield, enduring, though rich and a gentleman, hunger and -thirst, heat and cold, gaily and without complaining; and yet, had he -wished it, he might have led a luxurious and thoroughly easy life. You -loved your father?" - -"Alas, captain! Can I ever be consoled for his loss?" - -"You will be consoled. You have many things to learn yet, and that among -others. Poor boy! There is nothing eternal in the world--neither joy, -nor sorrow, nor pleasure. But let us return to what I was saying. Were -your father permitted to quit the abode of the just, where he is -doubtlessly sojourning, and return for a few moments to earth, he would -speak to you as I am now doing; he would ask an account of the useless -indolence in which you spend your youth, thinking no more of your -country, which you can and ought to serve, than if you lived in the -heart of a desert. Did your father endure so many sacrifices in order to -create such an existence--tell me, muchacho?" - -The worthy captain, who had probably never preached so much in his life, -stopped, awaiting a reply to the question he had asked; but this reply -did not come. The young man, with his arms crossed on his chest, his -body thrown back, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the ground, seemed -plunged in deep thought. The captain continued after a lengthened -delay,-- - -"We," he said, "demolished; you young men must rebuild. No one at the -present day has the right to deprive the Republic of his services. Each -must, under penalty of being considered a bad citizen, carry his stone -to the social edifice, and you more than anyone else, muchacho--you, the -son of one of the most celebrated heroes of the War of Independence. -Your country calls you--it claims you: you can no longer remain deaf to -its voice. What are you doing here among your dogs and horses, wasting -ingloriously your courage, dissipating your energy without profit to -anyone, and growing daily more brutalised in a disgraceful solitude? -_Cuerpo de Cristo!_ I can understand that a man may love his father, and -even weep for him--for that is the duty of a good son, and your father -certainly deserves the sacred recollection you give him--but to make of -that grief a pretext to caress and satisfy your egotism, that is worse -than a bad action--it is cowardice!" - -At this word the young man's tawny eye flashed lightning. - -"Captain!" he shouted, as he struck the table with his clenched fist. - -"_Rayo de Dios!_" the old soldier continued boldly, "the word is spoken, -and I will not withdraw it: your father, if he hear me, must approve me. -Now, muchacho, I have emptied my heart; I have spoken frankly and -loyally, as it was my duty to do. I owed it to myself to fulfil this -painful duty. If you do not understand the feeling that dictated the -rough words I uttered, all the worse for you; it is because your heart -is dead to every generous impulse, and you are incapable of feeling how -much I must have loved you to find the courage to speak to you in that -way. Now do as you think proper; I shall not have to reproach myself for -having hidden the truth from you. It is late. Good night, muchacho. I -will go to bed, for I start early tomorrow. Reflect on what I have said -to you. The night is a good counsellor, if you will listen in good -faith to the voices that chatter round your pillow in the darkness." - -And the captain emptied his glass and rose. Don Sebastian imitated him, -took a step toward him, and laid his hand on his shoulder. - -"One moment," he said to him. - -"What do you want?" - -"Listen to me in your turn," the young man said in a gloomy voice. "You -have been harsh with me, captain. Those truths you have told me you -might perhaps have expressed in milder language, in consideration of my -age, and the solitude and isolation in which I have hitherto lived. -Still I am not angry at your rude frankness; on the contrary, I am -grateful to you for it, for I know that you love me, and the interest -you take in me alone urged you to be so severe. You say that you depart -tomorrow?" - -"Yes." - -"Where do you intend going?" - -"To Mexico." - -"Very good, captain; you will not go alone. I shall accompany you." - -The old soldier looked at the young man for a moment tenderly; then -pressing with feverish energy the hand held out to him,-- - -"It is well, muchacho," he said to him with great emotion. "I was not -mistaken in you; you are a brave lad, and, _caray!_ I am satisfied with -you." - -The two men left Palmar together the next morning, and rode toward -Mexico, which city they reached after a ten days' journey. But during -those ten days, spent _tête-à-tête_ with the captain, the young man's -ideas were completely modified, and a perfect change came over his -aspirations. - -General Guerrero's son belonged unconsciously to that numerous class of -men who are utterly ignorant of themselves, and pass their lives in -indolence until the moment when, an object being suddenly offered them, -their imagination is inflamed, their ambition is aroused, and they -become as eager in the chase as they had been previously negligent and -indifferent as to their future. - -Captain Don Isidro Vargas heartily praised the intelligence with which -the young man he emphatically called his pupil understood the lessons he -gave him as to his behaviour in the world. - -Don Sebastian experienced no difficulty--thanks to his name, and the -reputation his father so justly enjoyed--in obtaining his grade as -lieutenant in the army. This step was, for the young man, the first rung -of the ladder, which he prepared to climb as rapidly as possible. - -It was fine work at that day, in Mexico, for an intelligent man to fish -in troubled waters; and, unfortunately, we are obliged to confess that, -in spite of the long years that have passed since the proclamation of -its independence, nothing is as yet changed in that unhappy country, -where anarchy has been systematised. - -If ever a country could do without an army, it was Mexico after the -recognition of her liberty and the entire expulsion of the Spaniards, -owing to her isolation in the midst of peaceful nations, and the -security of her frontiers, which no enemy menaced. Unhappily, the war of -independence had lasted ten years. During that long period the peaceful -and gentle population of that country, held in guardianship by its -oppressors, had become transformed. A warlike ardour had seized on all -classes of society, and a species of martial fever had aroused in every -brain a love of arms. - -Hence that naturally came about which all sensible people expected; that -is to say, when the army had no longer enemies before it to combat, the -troops turned their arms against their fellow citizens, vexing and -tyrannising over them at their pleasure. - -The government, instead of disbanding this turbulent army, or at any -rate reducing it to a _minimum_ by only keeping up the depôts of the -various corps, considered it far more advantageous to lean on it, and -organise a military oligarchy, which pressed heavily on the country. -This deplorable system has plunged this unhappy country into disastrous -complications, against which it struggles in vain, and has dug the abyss -in which its nationality will sooner or later be swallowed up. - -The army, then, after the war, assumed an influence which it has ever -since retained, and which increased in proportion as the men placed at -the head of the government more fully understood that it alone could -maintain them in power or overthrow them at its good pleasure. The army, -therefore, made revolutions that its leaders might become powerful. From -the lowest _alférez_ up to the general of division, all the officers -look to troubles for promotion--the alférez to become lieutenant, the -colonel to exchange his red scarf for the green one of the brigadier -general, and the general of division to become President of the -Republic. - -Hence pronunciamientos are continual; for every officer wearied of a -subaltern grade, and who aspires to a higher rank, pronounces himself; -that is to say, aided by a nucleus of malcontents like himself, which is -never wanting, he revolts by refusing obedience to the government, and -that the more easily because, whether conqueror or conquered, the rank -he has thus appropriated always remains his. - -The military career is, therefore, a perfect steeplechase. We know a -certain general, whose name we could write here in full if we wished, -who attained the presidency by stepping from pronunciamiento to -pronunciamiento without ever having smelt fire, or knowing the first -movement of platoon drill--an ignorance which is not at all -extraordinary in a country where one of our sergeant conductors would be -superior to the most renowned generals. - -Don Sebastian judged his position with the infallible eye of an -ambitious man; and suddenly attacked by a fever of immense activity, he -resolved to profit cleverly by the general anarchy to gain a position. -He clambered up the first steps at full speed and became a full colonel -with startling rapidity. On reaching that position he married, in order -to secure himself, and to give him that solidity he desired for the -great game he intended to play, and which, in his mind, only ended with -the presidential chair. - -Already very rich, his marriage increased his fortune, which he sought -to augment, however, by every possible scheme; for he was aware what the -cost of a successful pronunciamiento was, and he did not mean to suffer -a defeat. - -As if everything was destined to favour this man in all he undertook, -his wife, a dear and charming woman, whose love and devotion he never -comprehended, died after a short illness, and left him father of a girl -as charming and amiable as herself--that lovely Angela whom we have -already met several times in the course of our narrative. - -Don Sebastian could have married again if he liked; but by his first -marriage he had obtained what he wanted, and preferred to remain free. -At the period we have now reached he had attained general's rank, and -secured the appointment of political governor of the state of Sonora, -the first stepping-stone for his ambitious projects. - -Colossally rich, he was interested in all the great industrial -enterprises, and a shareholder in most of the mining operations. It was -for the object of watching these operations more closely, that he had -asked for the government of Sonora, a new country, almost unknown, where -he hoped to fish more easily in troubled waters, owing to its distance -from the capital, and the slight surveillance he had to fear from the -government, in which he had, moreover, all-powerful influences. - -In a word, General Guerrero was one of those gloomy personages who, -under a most fascinating exterior, the most affable manners, and most -seductive smiles, conceal the most perverse instincts, the coldest -ferocity, and the most rotten soul. - -Still this man had in his heart one feeling which, by its intensity, -expiated many faults. - -He loved his daughter. - -He loved her passionately, without calculation or afterthought; yet this -paternal love had something terrible about it: he loved his daughter as -the jaguar or the panther loves its cubs, with fury and jealousy. - -Doña Angela, though she had never tried to sound her father's -impenetrable heart, had still divined the uncontrolled power she -exercised over this haughty nature which crushed everything, but became -suddenly weak and almost timid in her presence. The charming maid -employed her power despotically, but ever with the intention of doing a -good deed, as, for instance, to commute the sentence of a prisoner or -succour the unfortunate; in a word, to render lighter the yoke of iron -under which the general, with his feline manners, crushed his -subordinates. - -Thus the girl was as much adored by all those who approached her as the -general was feared and hated. God had doubtlessly wished, in His -ineffable goodness, to place an angel by the side of a demon, so that -the wounds inflicted by the latter might be cured by the former. - -Now that we have described these two persons to the best of our ability, -whose characters will be more fully developed in the course of our -story, we will resume our narrative at the point where we interrupted -it. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE NEXT DAY. - - -The sky was just beginning to be tinted with shades of opal--a few stars -still shone feebly here and there in the gloomy depths of the sky. It -was about half past three in the morning. - -Within the _locanda_ men and animals were sleeping that calm sleep which -precedes sunrise. Not a sound, save at intervals the barking of a dog -baying at the moon, broke the silence that brooded over the pueblo of -San José. - -The door of the cuarto in which the foster brothers rested was -cautiously opened, a thin thread of light found its way through the -orifice, and Valentine and the count came out. Don Louis had no reason -for departing unseen; he had no motives for hiding himself. If he took -so many precautions, it was only through a fear of disturbing the sleep -of the other lodgers, who had not such good reasons as himself for -rising so early, and whom, consequently, it was unnecessary to arouse. - -On arriving in the patio Don Louis prepared his horse's trappings, while -Valentine led the animal from the corral, carefully rubbed it down, and -gave it water. When all was in order Valentine opened the gate, the two -men shook hands for the last time, and Don Louis entered the gloom of -the only street of the pueblo, where he soon disappeared, amid the -barking of the masterless dogs aroused by his passing, and who rushed -after him howling furiously, and snapping at his horse's legs. - -Valentino remained for a moment motionless and thoughtful, listening -mechanically to the decreasing sound of the hoofs on the hardened -ground. - -"Perhaps I ought not to have put him on that path," he muttered. "Who -knows what awaits him at the other end?" A stifled sigh broke from his -bosom. "Bah!" he added a moment after, "all roads do not lead to the -same point--death! Why let such foolish forebodings have any effect over -me? Live and learn." - -The worthy hunter, somewhat comforted by these philosophic reflections, -re-entered the patio, and set to work shutting the outer door, before -throwing himself for an hour or two on his cuadro. While engaged in this -occupation, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps behind him: he -turned his head, and recognised Don Cornelio. - -"Ah, ah, my dear friend!" he said gaily, offering him his hand, which -the other pressed affectionately; "You are up very early." - -"Eh?" the Spaniard answered with a laugh. "I think it a good joke for -you to make that remark to me." - -"Why so?" - -"Because, if I have risen so early, it appears as if you had not been to -bed at all." - -Valentine began laughing. - -"By Jove! You are right. The fact is that, with the exception of -yourself and myself, it is certain that everybody is asleep in the -pueblo; and now that this door is closed again, with your permission, I -will go and do the same for an hour or two." - -"What! You are going to bed again?" - -"Certainly." - -"What to do?" - -"Why, to sleep, I suppose." - -"Pardon me, but I did not mean that." - -"I suppose not." - -"And you know what I wish to say to you?" - -"I! Not the least in the world. But, as you are a man far too -intelligent to spend in walking about the time you might pass far more -agreeably in sleeping, I presume that you have certain weighty reasons -for being here now." - -"That is true, on my word." - -"You see!" - -"Yes; but I did not wish exactly to speak with you." - -"Whom with, then?" - -"With Don Louis." - -"Hum! And you cannot tell it to me?" - -"O yes, I can; but I think it would be better to speak with him myself." - -"Confuse the thing!" - -Don Cornelio gave that shrug of the shoulders which in all countries and -languages signifies the same thing; that is, that the shrugger declines -all responsibility. - -"And," Valentine continued, "what you have to communicate to Don Louis -is probably very important?" - -"Very." - -"Hang it all, that is annoying; for it is impossible for you to speak -with him." - -"Bah! How so?" - -"Because there is an obstacle." - -"For me?" - -"For you and for everybody else." - -"Oh, oh! And what is that obstacle, Don Valentine, if you please?" - -"Oh, I do not want to make any mystery of it; I am more vexed than -yourself at what has happened; but the obstacle is very simply that Don -Louis has gone away." - -"Gone! Don Louis!" the other said in amazement. - -"Yes." - -"How was that--without speaking to anybody? Gone off at a venture?" - -"Not exactly. There were urgent reasons to speed his departure; and see, -I was engaged in shutting the gate after him when you arrived. A moment -earlier and you would have met him." - -"How unlucky!" - -"It is; but what would you do? After all, the misfortune is not so -great as it may seem to you at the first blush. We shall see him again -in a few days." - -"You are sure of it?" - -"Quite; for it is arranged between us. So soon as I have succeeded in -selling the herd, we shall go and join our friend again. So take -patience, Don Cornelio; the separation will not be long. Console -yourself with that thought, and good night." - -Valentine turned and walked a few steps, but the Spaniard stopped him. - -"What do you want now?" - -"Only one word." - -"Make haste, for I am dropping with sleep." - -"Pardon me, but you made a remark this moment which struck me greatly." - -"Ah! What was it?" - -"You said that Don Louis had commissioned you to sell the herd." - -"Yes, I did. What then?" - -"That was the very subject I wished to speak with him about." - -"Bah!" - -"Yes, I have found a purchaser." - -"What! For the whole herd?" - -"Yes, in a lump." - -"Stay, stay!" Valentine said, fixing his piercing eyes upon him; "that -would singularly simplify matters." - -"Would it not?" - -"Where on earth have you dug up this strange purchaser since last -night?" - -"There is nothing at all strange about him, I assure you. I found him -here." - -"Here, in this locanda?" - -"On my word, yes." - -"I really beg your pardon," Valentine said. "I am too well acquainted -with the gravity of your character to suppose that you have any -intention of deceiving me--" - -"Oh!" - -"But all this is so extraordinary--" - -"I am as much astonished as yourself at it." - -"Really!" - -"The more so because I did not know that Don Louis wished to sell the -herd here, and consequently the proposition does not emanate from me." - -"That is true. So you have been offered--" - -"To take the whole herd off my hands this very day--yes." - -"That is strange. Tell me all about it, my dear friend. What a pity that -Don Louis has started!" - -"Is it not?" - -"Well, you said, then--" - -"Permit me, if you have no objection, we will proceed to your cuarto, -where we can converse much more agreeably than here." - -"You are right, especially as people are beginning to get up in the -house." - -In fact, the servants of the hostelry and the muleteers were already -stirring, and walking round our two friends, whom they examined -curiously, while attending to their own business. Valentine and Don -Cornelio left the patio, and proceeded to the hunter's cuarto. So soon -as they had installed themselves Valentine said,-- - -"Now I am all attention. Speak, my good fellow. I confess I am anxious -to hear the solution of this riddle." - -Don Cornelio was aware of the friendship existing between Don Louis and -Valentine; hence he had not the slightest difficulty in telling the -hunter what had happened to him that night in the minutest details. - -"Is that all?" Valentine said, who had listened with the greatest -attention. - -"Yes; and now what do you think of it?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said thoughtfully, "if I must give you my opinion, it -appears to me rather less clear now than an hour ago." - -"Nonsense!" - -"That is my opinion. Still we must not neglect this opportunity which -presents itself so famously to get rid of our cattle advantageously." - -"That is what I think." - -"Very good; then do not stir. Above all, do not say a syllable about Don -Louis' departure." - -"Do you think so?" - -"That is important." - -"As you please." - -"Then supposing you are summoned?" - -"I will go." - -"No, we will both go; that will be more proper. Is that understood?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then good night; I am going to sleep a little. If there is anything new -wake me up." - -"All right." - -And Don Cornelio withdrew. - -Valentine was not at all inclined to sleep; but he wished to be alone, -that he might reflect on what he had just heard. He perfectly understood -that the young lady had been playing with the Spaniard like a cat with a -mouse, feigning an interest in him which she did not at all feel. But -what was her object in all this? Did she love Don Louis? Had the maiden -retained in her heart the remembrance of what had happened to the child? -Had gratitude unconsciously changed in her into love with growing years? - -This was what the hunter could not fathom. Valentine had never been very -expert in the matter of women; their hearts were to him as a dead -letter, an unknown tongue, in which he could not read a word. The life -he had constantly led in the desert, ever contending either with Indians -or with wild beasts, had not been at all favourable to the study of the -feminine heart; and besides, the deep love of his early youth--a love -the memory of which still palpitated in his heart--had prevented him -paying the slightest attention to the few women chance had at times -thrown in his way, and who had only appeared to him weak, defenceless -creatures, whom it was his duty to defend. - -Thus the worthy hunter was now considerably bothered, and knew not what -to do in order to read the young lady's intentions. It was evident to -him that Doña Angela had a secret object she desired to gain, and that -the purchase of the novillos was only a pretext to draw nearer to Don -Louis. But what was that object? Why did she wish to see his friend? -That was what he vainly sought, and was unable to discover. - -"After all," he muttered to himself, while going over the chaos of -thoughts that jostled each other in his brain, "it is perhaps better -that she should not see Louis. Who knows what might be the result of -such an interview? The lady's father is governor of Sonora, and we must -be most careful not to get into any trouble with him. Who knows whether -we may not need him hereafter? It is strange, I do not know where I have -heard his name before; but I am certain I do not hear it today for the -first time. Guerrero--Don Sebastian Guerrero. Under what circumstances -can that name have been pronounced in my presence?" - -The hunter had reached this point in his monologue when the door opened -gently, and a man entered. It was Curumilla. Valentine started with joy -on seeing him. - -"You are welcome, chief," he said. - -The Araucanian pressed his hand, and sat down silently by his side. - -"Well, chief," Valentine continued, "you are awake. Have you been taking -a turn in the pueblo?" - -The Indian smiled disdainfully. - -"No," he said. - -An idea crossed the hunter's mind. - -"My brother should go down into the patio," he said. "It seems there are -other travellers beside us: he should see them." - -"Curumilla has seen them." - -"Ah!" - -"He knows them." - -Valentine made a sign of astonishment. - -"What! You know them?" he exclaimed. - -"Only the man. Curumilla is a chief: his memory is long." - -"Ah, ah!" the hunter went on. "Is it possible that I shall obtain in -this way the information I have been racking my brains to find?" - -The Indian smiled and shook his head. - -"Who is the man, chief? Is he a friend?" - -"He is an enemy." - -"An enemy, by Jupiter! I was certain I had heard his name before." - -"Let my brother listen," the chief went on. "Curumilla has seen the -paleface: he will kill him." - -"Hum! Do not go to work so fast, chief. In the first place tell me who -he is; then we shall see what we have to do. Unfortunately we are not -here on the prairies: the death of that individual, whoever he may be, -might cost us dear." - -"The palefaces are women," the Indian replied disdainfully. - -"That is possible, chief; but prudent. Tomorrow is not passed, as you -gentlemen say, and every man gains his point who knows how to wait. For -the present let us be shy; we are not the stronger." - -Curumilla shrugged his shoulders. It was plain that the worthy Indian -was not a friend to temporising measures; still he did not raise the -slightest objection. - -"Come, chief, tell me who he is, and under what circumstances we had a -quarrel with him." - -The Indian rose and stood right in front of Valentine. - -"Does not my brother remember?" he asked. - -"No." - -"Wah! The conspiracy of the Paso del Norte, when Curumilla killed -Dog-face." - -"Oh!" Valentine exclaimed, striking his forehead, "I have it; it is the -general who commanded the Mexican troops, and to whom Don Miguel de -Zarate surrendered." - -"Yes." - -"Well, he was a brave and honest soldier in those days; he kept his word -to our friend nobly. I cannot be angry with him." - -"He is a traitor." - -"From your point of view, chief, possibly so, but not from mine. It is -true; I perfectly remember him now. Poor General Ibañez often spoke to -me about him: he was not fond of him either. It is a strange -coincidence. Good! Fear nothing, chief; I will watch. Whether friend or -foe, this man has never seen me--he knows not who I am; hence I have a -great advantage over him. Thanks, chief!" - -"Is my brother satisfied?" - -"You have rendered me an immense service, chief; so you can judge -whether I am satisfied." - -Curumilla smiled. - -"Wah!" he said, "all the better." - -"Yes, chief, all the better, and let us breakfast. I feel a ferocious -appetite ever since, thanks to you, I have been able to see my way a -little more clearly." - -Curumilla and Don Cornelio had prepared their frugal meal in their -cuarto, consisting of red haricot beans with pepper, a few _varas_ of -dried meat, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with aloe pulque -of the first quality, and a few _tragos_ of excellent Catalonian refino. - -The three friends ate with good appetite, and were preparing to light -their cigars, the obligato termination of every American meal, when they -heard a discreet tap at the door, which was only leaned to. - -"Come in," Valentine said. - -A criado appeared, and after bowing courteously to all present, said,-- - -"My master, his Excellency General Don Sebastian Guerrero, presents his -civilities to the caballeros here assembled, and desires that Señor Don -Cornelio and Señor Don Louis will favour him with a moment's interview, -if their occupations will permit of it." - -"Tell his Excellency," Valentine answered, "that we shall have the -honour of obeying his orders." - -The servant bowed and retired. - -"Why, you know, señor," Don Cornelio then said, "that Don Louis is -absent." - -"No matter: am I not here?" - -"That is true, but--" - -"Leave me alone," the hunter quickly interrupted him; "I will answer for -everything." - -"Very good; do as you think proper." - -"Trust to me. How can it concern this man whether he deals with Don -Louis or anyone else, so long as the ganado is young, vigorous, and -cheap?" - -"That is true; it must be a matter of indifference to him." - -"Come on: you will see that I shall settle this affair satisfactorily." - -And he went out, followed by Don Cornelio, who, however, did not seem -completely satisfied. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED. - - -What Doña Angela had told Don Cornelio was true: her father was really -expecting his mayordomo that morning, in order to consult with him about -certain improvements he wished to introduce at one of his haciendas, and -also about buying cattle to re-stock his prairies, which had been -devastated during the last periodical incursion which the Apache and -Comanche Indians are in the habit of making upon the Mexican territory. - -Still, Doña Angela, like the true Creole she was, had never hitherto -troubled herself about her father's domestic affairs, having too much to -do in thinking of her toilet and pleasures. Hence she did not know how -to bring the conversation gently round to that point, without allowing -the interest she took in it to be suspected. But the most simple-minded -woman becomes crafty when her interest is at stake. After the Spaniard -had withdrawn the girl remained pensive for a few moments; but then a -smile played on her rosy lips, she patted her dainty little hands -gleefully together, and fell asleep murmuring softly,-- - -"I have found it." - -The Mexicans are early risers, that they may enjoy the freshness of the -morning hours. At half past seven Doña Angela opened her eyes, and -devoutly paid her matin orisons to the Virgin; then, aided by Violanta, -her clever camarista, she proceeded to the charming mystery of her -toilet. - -Her sleep had been as peaceful as that of a bird: hence she was calm, -and gloriously lovely. At the moment that Violanta put in the last pin, -intended to hold the long and thick tresses of her magnificent hair, a -knock was heard at the door. It was the general. - -Don Sebastian was dressed in the rich costume of the Sonorian country -gentry; but his masculine and sharply-cut features, his haughty glance, -his long moustaches, but, above all, his decided walk, allowed him to be -recognised for a soldier at the first glance, in spite of the dress he -had assumed. It had been the general's custom for many long years to -come thus every morning, and wish his daughter good day: his child's -frank and simple smile sent a gentle ray of sunshine into his heart, -whose reflection aided him during the rest of the day in supporting the -inseparable cares of power. - -Violanta hastened to open, and the general walked in. Doña Angela -cunningly watched the expression of his face, and she bounded with -delight on fancying she saw that he was pleased in spite of the severe -appearance he sought to give his features. Don Sebastian kissed his -daughter affectionately, and sat down on a butaca which Violanta drew -forward for him. - -"Oh, my child!" he said, "how fresh and radiant you are this morning! It -is easy to see that you have passed an excellent night." - -"At any rate, papa," she said with a little pout, "if it was not so, it -was not my fault, I assure you; for I was greatly inclined to sleep when -I retired last night." - -"What do you mean? Was your sleep disturbed?" - -"Yes, several times." - -"_Caramba!_ Dear little one, it was the same with me. Some scamp -persisted in strumming the most melancholy airs on the guitar, that -would have frightened the cats themselves, and kept me awake all night -Deuce take the musician and his silly instrument!" - -"It was not that, papa. I scarcely heard the man of whom you are -speaking." - -"What was it, then? I was not aware of any other noises last night but -that." - -"I cannot explain to you positively what I heard; but Violanta was also -aroused several times like myself." - -"Is that true, little one?" the general asked, turning to the camarista, -apparently busy at the moment in arranging the cuarto. - -"Oh, señor general," she exclaimed, clasping her hands, "it was a -fearful noise--a noise to wake the dead!" - -"What the deuce could it be?" - -"I do not know," she replied, assuming her most innocent air. - -"Did it last long?" - -"All the night," she said, trumping what her mistress had alleged. - -"Hum! But it must have resembled something, I suppose?" - -"Certainly, papa; but I do not know with what to compare it." - -"And you, little wench, cannot you make a guess?" - -"I fancy I know." - -"Ah! Well, then, tell us at once, instead of leaving us in the dark." - -"I will, Excellency. This morning, taking advantage of my lady's -sleeping, I went down very gently to try and discover the cause of the -noise that kept us awake all night." - -"And you found it?" - -"I think I did." - -"Very good: go on." - -"It seems that hunters arrived here yesterday with a large herd of -novillos, toros, &c., which they are taking, I believe, to California. -It was these animals which, by stamping and roaring, prevented us -sleeping, for their corral adjoins this house." - -"And how did you learn all this?" - -"Oh! Very easily, Excellency. Accident willed it that I should address -one of the owners of the herd." - -"Listen to that! Accident was very kind." - -Violanta blushed. The general did not notice it, but continued, "Are you -sure they were not vaqueros belonging to some hacienda?" - -"O no, Excellency; they are hunters." - -"Good; and they want to sell their _ganado_?" - -"The man I spoke with said so." - -"I suppose he asks a high price?" - -"I do not know." - -"That is true. Well, my child," he added, rising and turning to his -daughter, "so soon as you are ready we will breakfast, and perhaps I -will deliver you from the horrible noise of these animals." - -The general kissed his daughter once again, and left the room. So soon -as he was gone the two girls began laughing like little madcaps. - -We must allow that both had played their part to perfection, and though -he little suspected it, had, in a few moments, led the general to do -exactly what they wanted, while leaving him persuaded that he was merely -acting from his own impulse. - -A few minutes later Doña Angela joined her father in the cuarto, which -was employed as dining room. The mayordomo had arrived, and the general -only awaited his daughter's presence to begin the meal. This mayordomo, -already known to the reader, was no other than Don Isidro Vargas, who -had accepted this situation as a retiring pension. - -The Mexican haciendas, especially in Sonora, are often eight to ten -leagues in extent. To watch so large a tract of country, on which -immense bands of wild horses and numerous herds of cattle pasture at -liberty, a young, robust, and active man is generally selected, who is -called in that country a _hombre de a caballo_. In truth, the profession -of a mayordomo is excessively severe: he must constantly be on -horseback, galloping day and night, in heat or cold, doing everything -and looking after everything himself, and obliging the peons to work, -who are the idlest fellows in existence, and the biggest thieves -imaginable. - -Don Isidro was no longer young. At the period when we bring him again on -the stage he was nearly seventy; but this long, thin man, on whose bones -a yellow skin, dry as parchment, seemed to be glued, was as upright and -vigorous as if he were but thirty: age had gained no power over his -body, which was solely composed of muscles and nerves. Thus, by his -continual vigilance, his indefatigable ardour, and his uncommon energy, -he was the terror of the poor fellows whom their evil destiny had placed -under his orders, and who fully believed that their mayordomo had made a -compact with the demon, so closely did he watch them, and so thoroughly -was he acquainted with their slightest actions. - -The mayordomo had retained his _botas vaqueras_, and his spurs with -enormous rowels, which compel the wearer to walk tiptoe. His zarapé and -hat of vicuna skin were negligently thrown on a butaca in a corner, and -at his left side hung a sheathless machete, passed through an iron ring. - -So soon as he perceived the young lady he walked up to her, wished her -good day, and embraced her affectionately. The captain knew Doña Angela -from the day of her birth, and loved her as his daughter. She, for her -part, entertained a great friendship for the old soldier, with whom she -had played when a child, and whom she still liked to tease, to which the -worthy mayordomo lent himself with the best grace in the world. - -They sat down to table; but that expression is somewhat pretentious when -applied to a Mexican breakfast. - -We have already frequently remarked that the Spanish Americans are the -most sober people in the world. The least thing suffices them. Thus the -breakfast in question was only composed of a small cup of that excellent -chocolate which the Spaniards alone know how to make, of a few maize -tortillas, and a large glass of water. This meal, if it be one, is -common to all classes of society in Mexico. - -The party sat down to table, then, Doña Angela said the benedicite and -the chocolate was served. The conversation, at the outset, was -completely in the hands of the general and the captain, and turned -exclusively on what had happened at the hacienda since the general's -last visit; then it gradually veered round to the subject of the ganado. - -"By the way," Don Sebastian said, "have you recovered any of the cattle -those demons of Apaches took from us in their last attack?" - -"Not a head, general, _Válgame Dios!_ You might as well pursue the wind -and the tempest as try to catch up those red devils." - -"Then we have lost--" - -"All that was within their reach; that is to say, about 2500 head." - -"That is hard; and how have you repaired the loss?" - -"Up to the present I have only succeeded in collecting 1500 head; and if -you remember, it was on this very subject that you gave me the meeting -here." - -"I remember the fact perfectly; still I do not exactly see what we can -do, except buy other cattle." - -"Hang it! That is the only way we have of completing our herds." - -"Have you any in view?" - -"At this moment?" - -"Yes." - -"No, indeed, I have not, for the ganado is growing beyond all price. The -discovery of gold in California has caused an enormous number of -adventurers from every country to flock there. You know what the -_gringos_ are; they must have meat. These miserable heretics are such -gluttons that they could not do without it; and thus they have devoured -all the ganado they could find in their neighbourhood, and are now -obliged to fetch it for nearly two hundred leagues. You can understand -that such a thing sends prices up enormously." - -"That is annoying." - -"And yet, general, only an instant agone, while placing my horse in the -corral. I saw the most magnificent herd of novillos that can be -imagined. It is evident that the poor animals have travelled at least -one hundred leagues, for they appear so fatigued." - -Doña Angela gave a sly glance at her camarista, who was standing behind -her. - -"I have heard of them," the general said carelessly; "they are on the -road to San Francisco, I believe." - -"What did I say not a moment ago?" the captain exclaimed, striking his -fist on the table. "_Caray!_ If those confounded gringos are let alone, -they will have devoured all our cattle before ten years have passed." - -"Can we not try to purchase these?" - -"It would be an excellent business for us, even if we paid dearly; but -their owners will not be inclined to sell." - -"Who knows? I fancy, on the contrary, that they are willing to get rid -of them." - -"_Rayo de Dios!_ Buy them, then." - -"Yes; but at what price?" - -"It is certain that cattle are growing scarcer and scarcer: offer them -for each head bought here the price it would fetch at San Francisco." - -"Hum! And how is the market down there?" - -"About eighteen piastres." - -"Oh, oh! That is to say, for six hundred head--" - -"Ten thousand eight hundred piastres: offer the even money." - -"That is dear." - -"What would you have? You will have to do it." - -"That is true; but it is hard." - -The general reflected for a moment, and then turned to his daughter. - -"Angela," he said, "what is the name of the hunter who owns the herd?" - -The young lady started. - -"Why do you ask me, papa?" she replied, with feigned astonishment; "I -really do not know what you mean. I am entirely ignorant whether there -is a herd in this hostelry." - -"That is true," the general said, recollecting. "Where the deuce is my -head gone? It was your camarista, I believe, who spoke to one of the -fellows." - -"Yes, papa." - -"Pardon me. Come, Violanta, my child, can you tell me this man's name?" - -The girl approached with downcast eyes, and twisting the hem of her fine -muslin apron between her fingers with an embarrassed air. It was evident -she was trying all she knew to blush. The general awaited her answer for -several minutes, but then lost patience. - -"Come, you little fool," he exclaimed, "will you make up your mind to -speak, yes or no? People would fancy I was asking you a question unfit -for a maiden to answer." - -"I do not say that, general," she replied hesitatingly. - -"Enough of that mock modesty. What is the name of the owner of this -ganado?" - -"There are two, general." - -"What are their names, then?" - -"One is a Spaniard, the other a Frenchman, Excellency." - -"What do I care what country the scamps belong to? I only want to know -their names." - -"One is called Don Cornelio." - -"And the other?" - -"Don Louis." - -"But they have other names beside those?" - -Violanta exchanged a rapid glance with her mistress. - -"I do not know them," she said. - -"Hum!" the general remarked sarcastically, "you only know people, it -appears, by their baptismal names. That's worth knowing." - -This time the girl really blushed, and retired in great confusion. Don -Sebastian made a sign to a peon who was standing respectfully a few -paces off. - -"Gregorio," he said, "go and present the compliments of General Don -Sebastian Guerrero to the Señores Don Louis and Don Cornelio, and beg -them to honour him with a visit. You understand me?" - -The peon bowed and went out. - -"We must be polite with these people," the general observed. "Now that -the discovery of the Californian placers has overthrown all classes of -society, who knows with whom we may have to deal?" - -And he accompanied this remark by a sarcastic laugh, in which the -captain, as the worthy Mexican he was, noisily joined. - -We will observe parenthetically that General Guerrero, like the majority -of his countrymen, professed the most inveterate hatred for Europeans, a -hatred which nothing justified, unless it was that superiority which the -Creoles are obliged to recognise in the Europeans--a superiority which -they submit to unwillingly, but before which they are forced to bow -their heads. - -Several minutes elapsed, and then the peon returned. - -"Well?" the general asked him. - -"Excellency," the peon answered respectfully, "the caballeros will have -the honour of waiting on you. They are following me." - -"Very good. Put a bottle of Catalonian refino and glasses on the table. -I know from experience that these gentry have no partiality for pure -water." - -After this new jest the general rolled a _papelito,_ lighted it, and -waited. Within five minutes the sound of footsteps was heard in the -corridor; the door opened, and two men appeared. - -"It is not he!" Doña Angela murmured in a low voice, for her eyes were -anxiously fixed on the door. - -The two men were Valentine and Don Cornelio. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION. - - -We have mentioned in a previous chapter the object for which Valentine -presented himself in his friend's place. He wished to try and discover -for what reason Doña Angela desired so ardently to see Louis again. As -for Don Cornelio, he was intimately persuaded that his personal merits -had done it all, and that the young lady's sole wish was to have another -interview with himself. - -On the other hand, the hunter, warned by Curumilla, was not sorry to see -the man with whom he had been indirectly connected at another period of -his life--a connection which might at any moment become more intimate, -owing to the general's new position and Don Louis' projects. - -The two strangers presented themselves boldly; their manner was -respectful, without arrogance or excessive humility; such, in a word, as -might be expected from men long tried by the innumerable hazards of an -adventurous life. - -The general probably expected to see men of low habits and vulgar -features. At the sight of the two men, whose masculine and honest faces -struck him, he started imperceptibly, rose, saluted them courteously, -and invited them to sit down on chairs he ordered to be placed for them. - -Doña Angela knew not what to think after Don Cornelio's positive -statement. The absence of Don Louis, and the substitution for him of a -man she did not know, appeared inexplicable. Still, without exactly -understanding her feelings, she guessed, under this substitution, a -mystery which she sought in vain to fathom. Violanta was as confused and -astonished as her mistress: the captain alone remained indifferent to -what passed. The old soldier, profiting cleverly by the fact of the -bottle of refino having been placed on the table, had poured out a large -glass of aguardiente, which he swallowed in small doses, while patiently -waiting till the general thought proper to open the ball. - -When the hunters had at length taken their seats, after repeated -pressing, the general took the word. - -"You will pardon me, gentlemen, for having disturbed you by compelling -you to come here, when it should have been my place to go to your -cuarto, as it is I who wish to speak with you." - -"General," Valentine answered with a respectful bow, "my friend and -myself would have been in despair had we caused you the least annoyance. -Pray believe that we shall always be happy to obey your orders, whatever -they may be." - -After this mutual interchange of compliments the speakers bowed again. -No people in the world carry to such an extent as the Mexican the feline -gentleness of manner, if we may be permitted to employ the expression. - -"Which of you two gentlemen," the general continued gracefully, "is -Señor Don Cornelio?" - -"It is I, caballero," the Spaniard answered with a bow. - -"In that case," Don Sebastian went on, turning to the hunter with an -amiable smile, "this caballero is Don Louis?" - -"Pardon me, general," the Frenchman answered distinctly, "my name is -Valentine." - -The general started. - -"What?" he said in surprise. "And where, then, is Señor Don Louis?" - -"It is impossible for him to obey your orders." - -"Why so?" - -"Because," Valentine continued, casting a side glance at the young lady, -who, though she appeared to be very busily talking with her camarista, -did not lose a word that was said, "because, general, Don Louis, unaware -that he should have the honour of being received by your Excellency this -morning, started at sunrise for San Francisco." - -Doña Angela turned pale as death, and was on the point of fainting at -this news; still she overcame the emotion she experienced, and became -apparently calm. She wished to learn all. This emotion, though so -transitory, had not escaped Valentine's observation. The general nearly -turned his back on his daughter: hence it was impossible for him to see -anything that passed. - -"That is annoying," he answered. - -"I am in despair, general." - -"His absence will doubtlessly be of short duration?" - -"He will not return." - -Valentine pronounced these words dryly. The emotion Doña Angela -experienced was so lively that she could not check a slight cry of pain. - -"What is the matter, niña?" her father asked her, turning sharply. "What -is the meaning of that cry?" - -"I cut myself," she answered with the most innocent air possible. - -"Oh, oh!" her father said in alarm; "it is not dangerous?" - -"No; a mere scratch. I was a goose to be frightened. Forgive me, papa." - -The general asked no further questions, but continued his conversation -with the Frenchman. - -"I am vexed at this _contretemps_," he said, "for I wished to consult -with your friend on very important business." - -"No matter; I am here. My friend, on starting, gave me full power to act -in his name. You can speak, general; that is to say, if you do not -consider me unworthy of your confidence." - -"Such a supposition would be an insult, sir." - -Valentine bowed. - -"Well, caballero," the general continued, "the affair I wished to -discuss with your friend is certainly important; but if your full powers -extend to commercial transactions, I do not see why I should not treat -with you as well as with him." - -"Speak openly, then, general, for I am Don Louis' partner." - -"This is the affair in two words--" - -"Pardon me," Doña Angela suddenly said, with a little air of resolution, -which even imposed on the general himself; "before you begin talking -about trade, I should like to ask this gentleman a few questions." - -The general turned in surprise, and bent an inquiring glance on his -daughter. - -"What can you have to ask this caballero?" he said. - -"You will soon know, my dear papa," she replied with a slight tone of -sarcasm, "if you will permit me to ask him two or three questions." - -"Speak, then, you little madcap," the general exclaimed with a shrug of -his shoulders; "speak, and make a finish as soon as you can." - -"Thank you, papa. Your permission is, perhaps, not very graciously -granted, but I shall not bear you malice on that account." - -"As you permit it, general, I am at the lady's orders." - -"In the first place, sir, promise me one thing." - -"What is it, señorita?" - -"That you will answer frankly and honestly all the questions I may ask -you." - -"What is the meaning of this folly, Angela?" the general said -impatiently. "Is this the moment or the place? Is it befitting for--?" - -"Papa," the young lady boldly interrupted him, "you gave me permission -to speak." - -"Granted; but not in the way you seemed inclined to do so." - -"Have a little patience, papa." - -"Bah!" the captain said, interposing, "let her speak as she likes. Go -on, my child--go on." - -"I am waiting this gentleman's answer," she said. - -"I make you the promise you ask, señorita," Valentine answered. - -"I hold your word. What is your friend's name, sir?" - -"Which one, señorita?". - -"The one whose place you have taken." - -"His name is Count Louis de Prébois Crancé." - -"He is a Frenchman?" - -"Born at Paris." - -"You have known him a long time?" - -"Since his birth, señorita. My mother was his nurse." - -"Ah!" she said with pleasure; "then you are really his friend?" - -"I am his foster brother." - -"He has no secrets from you?" - -"None, I fancy." - -"Good!" - -"Come, come," the general exclaimed, "this is becoming intolerable. What -is the meaning of this interrogatory to which you subject the caballero, -and to which he has the goodness to yield so complacently? Confound it, -niña! I beg the señor's pardon in your name; for your conduct toward him -is most improper." - -"What is there improper in it, papa? My intentions are good, and I am -certain that you will agree with me when you learn why I asked the -caballero these simple questions, which, however, appear to you so -extraordinary." - -"Well, go on. What is the reason?" - -"This. Three years back, during your journey from Guadalajara to Tepic, -were you not attacked by salteadores at the spot called the Mal Paso?" - -"Yes; but what has that in common, I ask--?" - -"Wait," she said gaily. "Two men came to your assistance?" - -"Yes, and I am not ashamed to confess that, without them, I should -probably have not only been robbed, but murdered by the bandits. -Unfortunately these men obstinately refused to tell me their names. All -my researches up to the present have been fruitless. I have been unable -to find them again, and show them my gratitude, which I assure you vexes -me extremely." - -"Yes, papa, I know that you have often in my presence regretted your -inability to find the courageous man to whom you owe your life, as well -as I do, who was but a child at the time." - -The young lady uttered these words with an emotion that affected all her -hearers. - -"Unfortunately," the general said a moment later, "three years have -elapsed since that adventure. Who knows what has become of that man?" - -"I do, papa." - -"You, Angela!" he exclaimed in surprise. "It is impossible." - -"My father, the questions I addressed to the gentleman, and which he -answered so kindly, had only one object; to acquire a certainty by -corroborating through the answers I received certain information I had -obtained elsewhere." - -"So that--?" - -"The man who saved your life is the Count Don Louis, who started this -very morning for San Francisco." - -"Oh!" the general said in great agitation, "it is impossible. You are -mistaken, my child." - -"Pardon me, general, but my friend has frequently told me the story in -its amplest details," Valentine observed. "Why seek to hide longer a -thing you now know?" - -"And to remove all doubts, if any remain, which I hardly suppose, papa, -in the presence of this caballero's loyal assurance, look at this man," -she added, pointing to the Spaniard. "Do you not recognise Don Cornelio, -our old travelling companion, who constantly sang to his jarana the -romance of El Rey Rodrigo?" - -The general examined the young man attentively. - -"It is true," he said presently; "I now recognise this caballero, whom I -left wounded, at his own request, in the hands of my generous -liberator." - -"Whom I have not left since," Don Cornelio affirmed. - -"Ah!" the general said. "But why this obstinacy on Don Louis' part to -keep his secret? Did he fancy that gratitude was too heavy a burden for -me to bear?" - -"Do not think such a thing of my friend," Valentine exclaimed quickly. -"Don Louis believed, and still believes, that the service he rendered -you was too trifling to have such great importance attached to it." - -"_Caspita!_ When he saved my honour! But now that I know him he shall -not escape me longer. I will find him sooner or later, and prove to him -that we Mexicans have a memory as long for good as for ill. I am his -debtor, and, by heavens! I will pay him my debt." - -"That is good, papa," the young lady exclaimed, as she threw herself -into his arms. - -"Enough, little madcap, enough. Confusion! You are stifling me. But tell -me, little rogue, I believe that in all this you have been playing me a -nice little trick." - -"Oh, father!" she answered with a blush. - -"Would you, miss, have the goodness to explain to me how you obtained -all this information? I confess that it puzzles me considerably, and I -should like to know." - -Doña Angela, began laughing to conceal her embarrassment; but suddenly -making up her mind with that decision which marked her character,-- - -"I will tell you, if you promise not to scold me too severely," she -said. - -"Go on; we will see afterwards." - -"I told you a story this morning, papa," she said, letting her eyes -fall. - -"I suspect it: go on." - -"If you frown in that way, and put on your naughty air, I warn you that -I shall not say a word." - -"And you will be right, niña," the captain supported her. - -The general smiled. - -"Come," he said, "you are taking her part, are you?" - -"_Caspita!_ I should think so." - -"Come, come, be at your ease; I will not be angry, the more so because I -suspect that the pretty baggage behind you, with her cunning looks, has -something to do with the plot," he said, looking at Violanta, who could -not keep her countenance. - -"You have guessed it, papa. I slept splendidly last night: nothing -disturbed my slumbers." - -"Just listen to that, the little deceiver!" - -"Last evening, however, I heard the sound of a jarana accompanying the -Romance del Rey Rodrigo. I remembered our old travelling companion who -never sang anything else. I know not how it was, but I persuaded myself -that he was the singer, and so I sent Violanta to invite him to my room. -Then--" - -"Then he told you all?" - -"Yes, papa. As I knew the desire you felt to know your liberator, I -wished to surprise you by letting you find him at the moment you least -expected. Unfortunately chance has thwarted all my plans, and destroyed -my combinations." - -"That was right, niña, for it will teach you not to have any secrets -from your father. But console yourself, my child; we will find him -again, and then he must allow us to express our gratitude to him, which -time, far from lessening, has only heightened." - -The young lady, without saying anything further, returned pensively to -her seat. The general turned to Valentine. - -"It is now our turn, caballero. You are the owner of the herd of -cattle?" - -"Yes, general; but I am not the only one." - -"Who are your partners?" - -"Don Louis and the caballero here present." - -"Very good. Do you wish to dispose of your cattle advantageously?" - -"It is my intention." - -"How many head have you?" - -"Seven hundred and seventy." - -"And you are taking them--?" - -"To San Francisco." - -"_Caramba!_ That is a tough job." - -"We purpose hiring peons to drive the animals." - -"But if you could find a purchaser here?" - -"I should prefer it." - -"Well, I want cattle: most of mine have been stolen by the -Apaches--those infernal plunderers! If you consent we will strike a -bargain. Your herd suits me. My mayordomo has seen it, and I will buy it -in the lump." - -"I wish nothing better." - -"We say seven hundred and seventy head, I think?" - -"Yes." - -"At twenty-five piastres apiece: that makes 19,250 piastres, if I am -not mistaken. Does that suit you?" - -"No, general," Valentine replied firmly. - -Don Sebastian looked at him in amazement. - -"Why so?" he said. - -"Because I should rob you." - -"Hum! That is my business." - -"That is possible, general; but it is not mine." - -"What do you mean?" - -"I mean that cattle are sold, one with the other, at eighteen piastres -in San Francisco, and I cannot sell them for twenty-five here." - -"Nonsense! I fancy I know the value of ganado as well as any man; and I -offer you the price your herd is worth." - -"No, general, it is not worth it, and you know it as well as I do," the -hunter objected resolutely. "I thank you for your generosity, but I -cannot accept it: my friend would be angry with me for making such a -bargain." - -"Then you refuse?" - -"I do." - -"It is perfectly novel for a merchant to refuse to gain a profit on his -wares." - -"Pardon me, general, I do not refuse an honest profit; but I will not -rob you, that is all." - -"On my word, you are the first man I ever knew to look at trade in that -light." - -"Probably, general, because you have never had dealings with a -Frenchman." - -"I must yield. What do you ask for the beasts?" - -"Nineteen piastres per head, which, I assure you, will give me a very -handsome profit." - -"Be it so. That makes--?" - -"Fourteen thousand six hundred and thirty piastres." - -"Very good. If that will suit you, I will give you an order for that sum -on Messrs. Torribi, Dellaporta, and Co., at Guaymas." - -"That will do admirably." - -"You hear, captain, the herd is ours?" - -"Good! This night it will start for the hacienda." - -"When do you propose leaving, señores?" - -"As soon as our business is settled here, general. We are anxious to -rejoin our friend." - -"In an hour the bill of exchange will be ready." - -Valentine bowed. - -"Still," the general continued, "you will be good enough to tell Don -Louis that I regard myself as his debtor, and if ever he come to Sonora -I will prove it." - -"Possibly he may soon arrive," the hunter replied, with a side glance at -Doña Angela, who blushed. - -"I hope so; and now, gentlemen, I am at your service. If I can be of any -use to you, remember that you can always apply to me." - -"Receive my thanks, general." - -After exchanging a few more words they parted. In passing Doña Angela, -Valentine bowed respectfully. - -"Don Louis still has your reliquary," he muttered in so low a voice that -she guessed the words rather than heard them. - -"Thank you," she answered; "you are kind." - -"She loves Louis," Valentine said to himself as he returned to the -cuarto, accompanied by Don Cornelio. - -"The man is a fool to refuse a profit of 5000 piastres," the general -said to Don Isidro so soon as he found himself alone with him. - -"Perhaps so," the latter replied thoughtfully; "but I fancy he is an -enemy." - -The general shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, not deigning to -attach the slightest importance to this insinuation. - -The same evening Valentine and his two companions left San José, and -proceeded toward Guaymas, without seeing Doña Angela or the general -again. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -CONVERSATION. - - -During the few thousand years since the world on which we vegetate -issued from the hands of the Creator, many revolutions have taken place, -many extraordinary facts have been accomplished. How many nations have -succeeded each other, rising and falling in turn, disappearing without -even leaving a trace, after traversing history like dazzling meteors, -and then going out eternally in the night of ages! - -But of all the strange facts of which the memory has been preserved, -none in our opinion can be compared with what we have seen accomplished -under our own eyes, with extraordinary audacity and success, during -about three-quarters of a century. - -Adventurers bursting from every quarter of the globe--some impelled by -the fanaticism of religious faith, others by a spirit of adventure, -others again, and the large majority, urged on by wretchedness--after -landing as pilgrims on the American shores, asking shelter from the poor -and innocent inhabitants of those hospitable countries, and purchasing -for a song fertile estates, gradually congregated, expelled the first -possessors of the soil, founded cities and ports, built arsenals, and -one day shaking off the yoke of the mother country under whose ægis they -had timidly sought shelter, constituted themselves an independent state, -and founded that colossus, with feet of clay, body of gold, and head of -mud, which is called the United States of America. - -Humble at the outset, this poor Republic, singing in a loud voice the -words, "Liberty and Fraternity!"--words whose noble and grand -significance it never comprehended--displaying a rigid tolerance, an -exaggerated virtue and puritanism, stepped insidiously into the councils -of the European powers, climbed cunningly up to the thrones of -sovereigns, and, beneath the mask of disinterestedness, gained -acceptance from all. Suddenly, when the favourable moment arrived, the -United States rose and assumed a haughty posture. They who had laid down -in their Act of Independence that they would never consent to any -aggrandisement, said in a domineering voice to Europe, surprised and -almost terrified by such audacity, "This quarter of the globe is ours. -We are a powerful nation. You must henceforth settle with us." - -Unfortunately for themselves, in uttering these proud words, the -Northern Americans did not believe them. On the one hand they were -perfectly aware of their weakness; and, on the other, they knew very -well that a multitude of individuals collected from all sides, without -any tie of family or language among them, cannot form a people--that, is -to say, a nation--in one century, not even in two. - -Still, to be just and impartial to the United States, we must allow that -their inhabitants possess to a supreme degree that feverish ardour -which, if well directed, produces great results. - -It is evident that these bold adventurers are accomplishing, though they -little suspect it, a providential mission. What it is no one can say, -themselves least of all. These men who stifle on the frontiers, which -their population, though daily increasing, cannot fill; who aspire -continually to leap over the barriers which other nations oppose to -them; who only dream of the unknown, and are perpetually gazing at the -distant horizon--these men, in whose ear a secret voice constantly -murmurs, as to the Jew of the legend, "Onward, onward!"--these men are -destined, ere long, to play a grand, glorious, and noble part in modern -civilisation, if the profound egotism that undermines, and the thirst -for gold which devours them, does not kill in them those regenerating -virtues with which they are unconsciously endowed; and if, forgetting -the spirit of conquest and desire for further aggrandisement, they draw -more closely together the ties between the several states, and practise -among themselves that liberty and fraternity of which they talk so -jactantly abroad, but know so little at home. - -No people equals the Americans in the art of founding towns. In a few -days, on the spot where a virgin forest full of mystery and shadow -stood, they lay out streets, build houses, light gas; and in the midst -of these streets and squares, created as if by enchantment, the forest -trees are not yet dead, and a few forgotten oaks flourish with a -melancholy air. - -It is true that many of these towns, improvised for the exigencies of -the moment, are frequently deserted as rapidly as they were built; for -the North American is the true nomadic race. Nothing attaches it to the -soil: convenience alone can keep it at any given spot. It has none of -those heart affections, none of those memories of childhood or youth, -which induce us often to endure suffering in a place rather than quit it -for others where we should be comparatively much better off. In a word, -the American has no _home_, that word so endearing to Europeans. To him -the most agreeable and comfortable abode is that where he can pile -dollar on dollar with the greatest facility. - -San Francisco, that city which now counts more than 60,000 inhabitants, -and in which all the refinements of luxury can be found, is an evident -proof of the marvellous facility with which the Americans improvise -towns. We can remember bartering, scarce fifteen years back, with -Flat-head Indians, beneath the shade of secular trees, on sites where -splendid edifices now rise. We have fished alone in this immense bay, -the finest in the world, which is at present almost too small to hold -the innumerable vessels that follow each other in rapid succession. - -At the period of our story San Francisco was not yet a city in the true -acceptation of the word. It was a conglomeration of huts and clumsy -cabins built of wood, and which afforded some sort of shelter to the -adventurers of every nation whom the gold fever cast on its shores, and -who only stopped there long enough to prepare for proceeding to the -mines, or throw into the bottomless abysses of the gambling houses the -nuggets they had collected with so much difficulty and suffering. - -The police were almost non-existing: the stronger man made the law. The -knife and revolver were the _última ratio_, and lorded it over this -heterogeneous population, composed of the worst specimens the five parts -of the globe could throw up. - -A population incessantly renewed, never the same, lived in this Hades, a -prey to that constant and fatal intoxication which the sight of that -terrible metal called gold produces in even the strongest-minded men. - -Still, at the period of which we are writing, the first fury of the race -to the placers had somewhat cooled down. Owing to the impulse given by a -few resolute men, gifted with lofty intellects and generous hearts, the -normal life was beginning to be gradually organised; the bandits no -longer daringly held the top of the causeway, honest men could at length -breathe and raise their heads, all foreboded better days, and the dawn -of an era of order, peace, and tranquillity had arrived. - -About two months after the events we narrated in our preceding chapter -we will lead the reader to a charming house built a little out of the -throng, as if the inhabitants had sought to isolate themselves as much -as possible; and after introducing him into a room modestly furnished -with a few common chairs and a table, on which lay a large map of -Mexico, we will listen to the conversation of the two men who were -leaning over this map. - -One of them is already well known to us, for he is the Count Louis; the -other was a man of middle age, with a fine and intelligent face, whose -eye sparkled with boldness and frankness; his manners were also very -elegant. He appeared to be a Frenchman; at least he was talking in that -language. At the moment we joined them the two gentlemen were inserting -black-headed pins into certain districts of the map spread out before -them. - -"I am perfectly of your opinion, my dear count," the stranger said as he -rose: "that road is the most direct, and at the same time the safest." - -"Is it not?" Louis answered. - -"Without any doubt. But tell me--you are quite resolved to disembark at -Guaymas?" - -"That is the most favourable point." - -"I ask you that question, my dear countryman, because I have written to -our representative in that town." - -"Well?" the count said quickly, rising in his turn. - -"All goes well; at least he tells me so in his letter." - -"He has answered you?" - -"Courier for courier. The Mexican authorities will see your arrival with -the greatest pleasure; a barrack will be prepared for your men, and the -principal posts of the town intrusted to them. You are expected with the -most lively impatience." - -"All the better, for I confess to you that I feared much annoyance in -that quarter: the Mexicans have such a singular character, that one -never knows how to deal with them." - -"What you say is perfectly true, my friend; but remember that your -position is an exceptional one, and can in no possible manner cause -umbrage to the authorities of the town. You are the owner of a placer of -incalculable richness, situated in a country where you will have -continually to apprehend attacks from the Indians; you will, therefore, -only pass through Guaymas." - -"Literally so; for I declare to you that I shall set out with the least -possible delay for the mine." - -"Another thing, too: most of the men whose hatred or envy you might have -occasion to fear are shareholders in the company you represent. If they -show you any ill will, or try to impede your operations, they will -carry on the war at their own expense, and naturally will be the first -punished." - -"That is true." - -"And then you have no political object: your conduct is clearly laid -down. Your desire is to find gold." - -"Yes, and to insure a happy and independent position for the brave men -who accompany me." - -"What more noble task could you undertake?" - -"So you are satisfied, sir?" - -"I could not be more so, my dear count. Everything smiles on you: the -company is definitively formed at Mexico." - -"I knew that before. During my stay in that city I drew up the plans and -prepared everything; besides, I believe I can reckon on the friends we -have there." - -"I believe so too. Did not the President of the Republic himself seem to -adopt your views?" - -"Enthusiastically." - -"Very good. Now, in Sonora, the governor, with whom you will have alone -to deal, is one of our largest shareholders, so you have nothing to fear -in that quarter." - -"Tell me, sir, do you know our representative at Guaymas?" - -At this question a cloud passed over the stranger's forehead. - -"Not personally," he answered, after a certain degree of hesitation. - -"Then you can give me no information about him? You understand that it -is important for me to know the character of the man with whom I shall -doubtlessly enter into permanent relations, and from whom I shall be -compelled to ask protection in certain difficult circumstances, such as -may occur at any moment." - -"That is true, my dear count. As you observe, you know not in what -position accident may place you; it is, therefore, necessary that I -should instruct you, so listen to me." - -"I am giving you the most earnest attention." - -"Guaymas, as you are very well aware, is of very slight importance to -our nation in a commercial point of view. During the whole year not a -dozen ships bearing our flag put in there. The French Government, -therefore, considered it useless to send a French agent to that town, -and acted like most of the powers--it selected one of the most -respectable merchants in Guaymas, and made him its representative." - -"Ah, ah!" the count said thoughtfully; "then our consular agent in that -port is not a Frenchman?" - -"No; he is a Mexican. It is unlucky for you; for I will not hide from -you that our countrymen have several times complained of not obtaining -from him that protection which it is his duty to give them. It seems, -too, that this man is wonderfully greedy for gain." - -"As far as that is concerned I do not alarm myself at all." - -"The rest need not trouble you either. The Mexicans generally are not -bad. They are children--that is all. You will easily master this man by -talking to him firmly, and not yielding an inch of what you consider -your right." - -"Trust to me for doing that." - -"There is nothing else to be done." - -"Thanks for this precious information, which I shall profit by, be -assured, at the proper time and place. What is his name?" - -"Don Antonio Mendez Pavo; but, before your departure, I will give you a -letter for him, which I am sure will prevent your having any vexatious -disputes with the fellow." - -"I accept with great pleasure." - -"And now another point." - -"Go on." - -"Are your enlistments completed?" - -"Nearly so; I only need ten more men at the most." - -"You are organising your expedition in a military manner?" - -"I wished to avoid it, but that is impossible, owing to the Indian -tribes through which we must pass, and with whom we shall have -doubtlessly a tussle." - -"You may expect it." - -"So you see, my dear sir, I take my precautions in consequence." - -"You act wisely. What will be the strength of your company?" - -"Two hundred and fifty to three hundred men at the outside." - -"You are right: a larger force would arouse the susceptibility of the -Mexicans, and perhaps cause them alarm as to the purity and loyalty of -your intentions." - -"That is what I wish to avoid at any price." - -"Are your men French?" - -"All. I do not wish to have any men with me on whose devotion I cannot -calculate. I should be afraid, by mixing strangers among my fellows, -that I might relax those family ties so necessary for the success of an -expedition like mine, and which can be easily established among men all -belonging to the same nation." - -"That is extremely logical." - -"And then," the count went on, "I only enlist old soldiers or sailors, -all men accustomed to military discipline, and who are familiar with the -use of arms." - -"Then your organisation is terminated?" - -"Nearly so, as I told you." - -"All the better. In spite of the pleasure I feel in your delightful -society, I should like to see you at work already." - -"Thank you, but that will not be long first: the vessel is chartered, -and if nothing happen to derange my plans, I shall say good-by to you -within a week. You know that, in an affair like this, speed is the great -point." - -"Success depends, above all, on celerity and decision." - -"I shall be deficient in neither, be assured." - -"Above all, do not forget to take with you two or three men you can -trust, and who are thoroughly acquainted with the country you are about -explore." - -"I have with me two wood rangers, from whom the desert has no secrets." - -"You can trust in them?" - -"As in myself." - -"Bravo! I feel a presentiment that we shall succeed." - -"Heaven grant it! For my part, I will do all to deserve it." - -The stranger took his hat. - -"Ah, ah! I have been here a long time, and forget that people may be -waiting for me at the office. I must leave you, my dear count." - -"Already?" - -"Needs must. Shall I see you this evening?" - -"I cannot promise. You know that I am not my own master either, -especially at this moment." - -"That is true; still try to come." - -"I will." - -"That's right. Good-by till I see you again." - -The two men shook hands affectionately, and the stranger departed. - -So soon as he was alone the count bent again over the map, which he -studied carefully: it was not till night had completely set in that he -gave up his task. - -"How is it," he said to himself thoughtfully, "that Valentine has not -yet arrived? He should have been here." - -As he finished this monologue he heard a rap at the door. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -PREPARATIONS. - - -The period at which our story happens was a happy time for desperate -enterprises and filibustering expeditions. - -In fact, the political commotions that had overthrown Europe some time -previously had brought to the surface, and set in motion, a great number -of those unprincipled men, whose sole object is to secure from the -revolutions that desolate their country very lucrative, if not very -honourable, positions, and for whom anarchy is the sole safety valve. - -But, after the first convulsions inseparable from a revolution, when the -popular effervescence began gradually to cool down, and the overflowing -waters returned to their bed--in a word, when society, wearied of paltry -struggles sustained for no avowable motives, and merely kept up to -satisfy the disgraceful ambition of a few men of no value, understood -that the re-establishment of order was the sole path of salvation, all -those individuals who had for a season played a part more or less -important found themselves cast on the pavement of the towns without -resources; for, with that improvidence inherent in their natures, -squandering day by day the favours which blind fortune had lavished on -them, they had kept nothing for bad times, convinced as they were that -the state of things they had produced would last for ever. - -For a few months they struggled, not courageously, but obstinately, -against adversity, seeking by every means to recapture the prey which -they had so foolishly allowed to slip from their grasp. But they were -soon compelled to allow that times had changed, that their hour was -past, and that the ground which had hitherto maintained them was sinking -hourly beneath their feet, and threatened to swallow them up. - -Their position was becoming critical. It was impossible for them to -resume their humble and peaceful avocations, and return to that -nothingness from which a mad caprice of chance had drawn them. The idea -did not even occur to them. They had tasted luxury and honour; they -could not and would not work again: pride and sloth imperiously forbade -it. - -Cincinnatus has never found an imitator in history, and that is the -reason why his memory has been so preciously kept up by all to the -present day. The men of whom we are speaking were far from being like -Cincinnatus, though they in so far resembled the Roman Dictator that -they claimed to govern nations. - -What was to be done? - -Fortunately Providence, whose ways are incomprehensible, watched over -them. - -The discovery of the rich placers of California, the news of which had -been almost stifled under the blow of the terrible European political -commotions, suddenly returned to the surface, and in a short time -assumed a considerable extension. The most extravagant stories -circulated about the incalculable riches that lay almost on the ground -in the soil of the new Eldorado. Then all the vagabond imaginations -began to ferment. All eyes were fixed on America, and the birds of prey -that wanted a booty in Europe rushed with a loud cry of joy toward that -unknown land, where they fancied they should find in a few days all the -joys with which they had been gorged, and which they hoped this time to -satisfy. - -Unfortunately, in California, as elsewhere, the first condition for -acquiring wealth is incessant, permanent, and regular labour. - -On landing in America numerous poignant deceptions awaited the -adventurers. The mines, indeed, existed--they were rich; but the gold -they contained could only be extracted with great difficulty, great -fatigue, and, above all, great expense--three impossibilities which our -gold-seekers could not overcome. - -Many perished either of want, or of a violent death through pot-house -quarrels, or through the change of climate, to which they had not the -time to grow accustomed. Those who survived, wan and ragged, displayed -their starving faces in all the bad places of San Francisco, ready to do -anything for the smallest sum of money that would lull their wolfish -appetite. - -In the meanwhile the first adventurers had been succeeded by others, and -still they flocked in. The few, privileged by fortune, who returned to -Europe rich in a few months, had naturally aroused the cupidity of the -numberless pariahs of civilisation; and San Francisco, that country -blessed by Heaven, whose climate is so fine and soil so fertile, -threatened to become a vast and mournful cemetery. - -At this time it happened that a few enterprising men, seeing their -illusions fading away, and perceiving that the gold they coveted so -ardently constantly fled before them while they were unable to catch it, -turned their glances in another direction, and, despairing of growing -rich in the mines, resolved to seize, sword and revolver in hand, those -riches which it was impossible for them to acquire otherwise; that is to -say, they resuscitated for their own behoof the filibustering -expeditions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. - -Thus was a new path opened to emerge from the frightful wretchedness in -which they languished, and the adventurers eagerly entered upon it. -Filibustering enterprises sprang up on all sides with as much regularity -as if they had been perfectly respectable financial operations; and the -plethora of San Francisco began, to the great relief of the peaceful -population, to be diverted on the surrounding countries. - -The count had, therefore, arrived at a propitious moment to put in -execution the plan he meditated. He belonged to one of the oldest and -noblest families in France. He enjoyed, and that justly, a spotless -reputation in California; moreover, he was very strict in the selection -of the men he enlisted; finally, he offered an honourable scope for -their ambition, which is very flattering to men who have nothing to -lose. Nothing more was needed to excite the emulation of all the -ragamuffins, and urge them to place themselves under his orders. - -Among the adventurers were many really estimable persons, who in no way -merited the sad fate they were undergoing, and who, seduced by the -unknown, had been attracted to California by the fallacious promises of -European speculators, and had been the victims of the scoundrels who -induced them to emigrate. These men endured their sufferings nobly, -awaiting with the patience of well-tempered hearts the opportunity to -take their revenge and regain that position which a moment of mad -intoxication and credulous simplicity had made them forfeit. - -The Count, with that infallible glance he possessed, and the knowledge -of mankind which lengthened misfortune had enabled him to acquire, had -picked out the best men from the crowd that daily invaded his house so -soon as his intention became known, and assured himself of the -co-operation of devoted comrades of tried courage, who, regarding the -count's enterprise as the sole means of emerging from their frightful -position, attached themselves to him with a firm resolve to do or die. - -Hence we will assert here that of all the expeditions formed at that -period in California, the only really honourable one which contained the -elements of success was that led by Count Louis de Prébois Crancé. - -We do not go beyond the mark when we say that the count was adored by -his comrades. These rude adventurers, so harshly tried by destiny, had -guessed, with the ineffable perspicacity of men who have suffered -greatly, the inexhaustible kindness, perfect loyalty, and vast -intelligence locked up in the heart of their chief, and how much tender -solicitude and friendship for them were concealed beneath his mournful -countenance and the imposing severity of his liquid blue eye. Thus it -was not merely respect he inspired them with, but veneration and -devotion, extending almost to fanaticism. - -An expedition like that the count was preparing was no easy thing to -organise, especially with the scanty resources he had at his disposal; -for he only obtained vague promises from his partners, and was forced to -seek in himself the means for satisfying all. - -The rich placer which Belhumeur and Eagle-head pointed out to him had -been worked in the time of the Spanish monarchy; but since the -declaration of independence, carelessness and disorder having taken the -place of the energy displayed by the Castilians, the Indians soon -expelled the miners: the placer had, therefore, been temporarily -abandoned. Then gradually the Apaches and Comanches, growing bolder as -they perceived the weakness of the white men, advanced and recaptured -vast territories, on which they established themselves permanently, -knowing that the Mexicans would never attempt to drive them out. In this -way the placer to which we allude, formerly situated in the possessions -of New Spain, was now surrounded by Indian territory, and to reach it it -was necessary to wage a mortal contest with the two most dangerous -nations of the desert, the Apaches and Comanches, who would under no -pretext suffer the invasion of their frontiers by the whites, but would -defend their ground inch by inch against them. - -The Mexican government had only authorised the formation of the mining -company founded by the count on the express condition that the miners, -organised as a military force, should pursue the Indians, attack them -whenever they came up with them, and definitively expel them from the -territory they had usurped since the proclamation of independence. The -count had accepted a rough and almost impossible mission: any other in -his place would have backed out and refused to accept such terms. But -Count Louis was a man in a thousand, gifted with a rare energy, which -obstacles only rendered greater. And then, personally, what did he care -for the issue of the affair? It was not wealth, but death, he sought; -still he did not wish to fall till he had given his comrades that wealth -he had promised them, and rescued them from the stings of adverse -fortune. - -He accepted the conditions, then, but not blindly, ambitiously, or -egotistically. He accepted them as a man of heart, who sacrifices -himself for an idea, and for the general happiness; and who, while -recognising the almost insurmountable difficulties that oppose the -success of his noble projects, hopes to succeed in overcoming them by -his courage, perseverance, and abnegation. - -The energy, patience, and intelligence which the count had displayed -during the two months since his parting with Valentine, no one but -himself could have told. One of the clauses in his contract with the -suspicious and shifting Mexican government obliged him not to take more -than three hundred men with him. The President of the Republic, General -Arista, doubtlessly feared the invasion and conquest of Mexico by the -French, had they been four hundred in number. - -These wretched conditions are so ridiculous, that they would be -incredible were they not rigorously true. We could, if we pleased, write -down here the words uttered in the Senate of Mexico, in which this fear -of invasion is distinctly expressed. - -The count, in order to dissipate all doubts on this head, and, above -all, not to arouse suspicions, decided on only taking two hundred and -sixty men instead of three hundred. - -But this company, destined to traverse a country swarming with obstinate -enemies, compelled during the journey to fight perhaps several times a -day, constrained in this desolate country to supply its own wants (for -it had no help to expect anywhere), must receive a powerful -organisation. - -This was what the count thought of first. - -Those persons who have never worn that heavy harness called a military -tunic cannot form even a distant idea of the thousand difficulties of -detail which arise at every step in the complete organisation of a -company, so that the service may be done properly, and the soldier not -suffer needlessly. - -The count was obliged to improvise. He had never served, and was not at -all aware of the nature of such a task as his; but he was a gentleman -and a Frenchman, two reasons for inventing what a man is ignorant of -when war is the subject. The military genius is so innate in the French -nation, that we may say every man is a soldier. At any rate, Louis -proved it in an undeniable manner. - -Obliged to foresee everything, and provide for all eventualities, he -undertook everything; and, on seeing the nature of his arrangements, his -men, all old soldiers and connoisseurs in such matters, were convinced -that their chief had been long engaged in military affairs. - -He made a regular army of his company; that is to say, he had infantry, -cavalry, and artillery. In order that the discipline might be strictly -maintained the infantry were divided into sections, commanded by tried -men selected by himself. A few sailors, accustomed to handle guns, were -appointed to serve a small mountain howitzer, which the count carried -with him, more for the purpose of terrifying the Indians than in the -hope that it would ever prove of use to him. - -Lastly, some forty picked men, most of them old Chasseurs d'Afrique, -formed the cavalry, and were placed under the orders of an officer for -whom the count felt a peculiar esteem, whom he had known a long time, -and in whose ability he placed entire confidence. - -But what we have described was nothing when compared with what still -remained to be done--purchasing arms, provisions, the necessary tools -for working the mine, ammunition, and, above all, means of transport. - -The count was not discouraged. He improvised a commissariat, and -alone--alone we repeat; for he had refused the offer of large American -bankers, who at length, recognising his value, had proposed to take an -interest in his enterprise--with his scanty resources, he had done -everything, organised everything, and now only awaited his foster -brother's arrival, in order to pay the balance of his accounts, ship his -company, and set sail. - -Now that we have fully explained these matters to our reader, which are -so important to a proper understanding of what follows, we will resume -our narrative at the point where we were compelled to break it off. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -VALENTINE'S RETURN. - - -As we have already said, the count sprang up on hearing a rap at the -door of his house. - -"Who can come at this hour," he muttered. "I expect nobody." - -And he went to the door and opened it. Three men entered, wrapped -closely in their cloaks. The darkness in the room prevented Don Louis -recognising their features, which were, besides, half hidden by the -brims of their sombreros. - -"Good evening, gentlemen," he said to them. "Who are you, and what would -you with me?" - -"Oh, oh!" one of the newcomers said with a laugh. "By Jupiter! That is a -very dry reception." - -Don Louis started at the sound of this voice, which he recognised at -once. - -"Valentine!" he exclaimed with emotion. - -"By Jove!" the other said gaily, as he threw off his cloak, "I suppose -you thought I was dead?" - -"And do you not recognise me, Señor Don Louis?" the second person said, -also throwing off his cloak. - -"Don Cornelio, my friend, you are welcome." - -"That's right," Valentine went on; "we are beginning to understand one -another at last--that is fortunate. Were you going out?" - -"Yes, but for no urgent matter." - -"I do not disturb you, then?" - -"On the contrary, sit down and let us talk." - -"All right." - -"Have you supped?" - -"Not yet; and you?" - -"Nor I either. That is capital--we will sup here together. In that way -we can say what we like, and not fear listeners, unless you prefer going -to the hotel." - -"St! Deuce take me if I care about it. Let us sup here, my boy; it will -be better in every way." - -"That is what I thought. Let me give some orders, and I shall be at your -service." - -Louis went out. - -"Ouf!" Valentine said, stretching himself in an easy chair, "I am -beginning to get tired. How do you feel, Don Cornelio?" - -"I!" the latter replied with a sigh. "I can move neither arm nor leg; I -walk about like a somnambulist." - -"Nonsense! Such a stout fellow as you." - -"Stout as you please--do you know we have not been to bed or to sleep -for seven nights?" - -"Do you think so?" the Frenchman said carelessly. - -"_Capa de Dios!_ Do I think so? I am sure of it. The proof of it is, -that in those seven days we rode three hundred leagues, and killed ten -horses." - -"On my word, that is true." - -"So you see----" - -"Well, what do you conclude from that?" - -"Why, that you were in a hurry." - -"And yet, in spite of all our diligence, my friend thinks that we have -been too slow." - -"Then I must say he is not reasonable. But are we going to leave the -chief kicking his heels at the door?" - -"Good gracious! I never thought of him," Valentine said as he rose. - -And he walked toward the door. - -At the same moment Curumilla appeared at one end of the room, while Don -Louis came in at the other, at the head of several servants. Louis -placed the candlesticks he held in his hand on the table, and turning to -his friend,-- - -"Where are you going?" he asked him. - -"To look for Curumilla, whom I left in charge of the horses; but there -he is!" - -"Do not trouble yourself about the horses; I have given orders as to -them." - -"To supper, then, for I am dying of hunger; my comrades and myself have -eaten nothing for sixteen hours." - -The four men sat down to the table, which had been copiously covered -with dishes of every description. The meal began: the guests ate for a -long time without exchanging a word. The newcomers had an imperious -necessity to recruit their strength. At length, when the edge was -slightly taken off his appetite, Valentine poured out some drink, and -addressing his foster brother, began the conversation. - -"Why, Louis, do you know that you are not difficult to find in this -deuce of a city? Your reputation appears to be enormous." - -"How so?" Louis said with a smile. - -"By Jove! Everybody knows your address: they only call you the general. -I did not need to ask many questions to find this house--everybody -offered to guide me. It seems as if affairs are going on well, eh?" - -The count smiled softly; but, before replying, he made the servants a -sign to leave the room, and when the door was closed upon them,-- - -"All goes on very well," he said; "but now that you have arrived it will -go on better still." - -"Ah, ah! You think so?" Valentine said, sipping like an amateur the -Bordeaux in his glass. - -"I hope so." - -"Well, you are not mistaken, brother; I hope so too." - -Louis gave a start of joy. - -"You have been a long time in coming," he said. - -"Do you think so?" - -"If you knew how impatiently I expected you." - -"I suppose so; but believe me, my friend, when you have heard all I have -done, only one thing will astonish you--that I am here already." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Patience! Tell me first what you have been doing during our separation. -But one word first--have you beds for us?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then, as supper is over, through pity for Don Cornelio, who is -asleep in that easy chair, let him be taken to a bed, where he can -repose at his ease: he needs it, I assure you." - -"The fact is," the Spaniard stammered, "that my eyes _will_ close, in -spite of all my efforts to keep them open." - -Louis had risen. On a signal he gave, a servant took charge of Don -Cornelio, and led him away. Curumilla had lighted his calumet, and was -smoking silently. - -"Now for us two," Valentine said. - -"But the chief," Louis observed: "does he not wish to rest?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about him--he is made of iron; but if by any -accident sleep comes upon him, you need not be alarmed--he will stretch -himself in a corner of this room." - -"Very good. Now, then, listen to me." - -"I am all attention." - -Louis gave his friend a detailed account of all he had done since his -return to San Francisco. The narrative was long, for the count had much -to tell. Valentine listened with the closest attention, not interrupting -him once. The night was far advanced when Louis at length ended his -report. Curumilla was still smoking. - -When the count stopped there was a moment's silence, and then Valentine -took the word. - -"You have done miracles. You have accomplished impossibilities." - -"Then you are satisfied with me?" - -"I admire you. You have displayed in all this business incredible energy -and intelligence. Now let us arrive at the financial question." - -"Yes, that is the serious point at this moment. Unfortunately it will -not be so easy to settle as the others." - -"Who knows? Then you owe a deal of money?" - -"An enormous sum." - -"Oh, oh!" - -"Why, you understand I had everything to buy." - -"That is right; and you possessed?" - -"As you know, nothing." - -"Hum, hum! The account is clear. Then you owe for everything?" - -"Nearly so." - -"Are your accounts in order?" - -"Of course, as I only waited for you to start." - -"Let us have a look at them." - -Louis opened a drawer, from which he took several papers covered with -figures. He spread them out on the table with a stifled sigh. - -"Why do you sigh?" Valentine asked him. - -"Because I am anxious." - -"Anxious about what?" - -"Why, hang it! About paying them." - -Valentine smiled. - -"Nonsense!" he said, "let us look all the same." - -The count bent over the papers. - -"What are you doing?" Valentine said. - -"I am calculating." - -"What is the good? Tell me the totals only--that will be quicker." - -"You are right: 17,533 piastres, 6 reals." - -"Good!" Valentine commenced writing the amount in pencil on a piece of -waste paper. "Next." - -"Twenty-one thousand two hundred and seven piastres, five reals." - -"Very good: go on." - -"Twelve thousand eight hundred and twenty-three piastres." - -"No reals?" - -"No." - -"Go on." - -"Seven thousand six hundred and seventy-five piastres, six reals." - -"Six reals. Very good. What next?" - -"That is all." - -"What! No more?" - -"Is not that enough?" - -"I do not mean that; but, from the way you spoke, I expected a -formidable amount." - -"Is not this so?" - -"Not so very. Come, let us add it up." - -"That is very easy. Here it is: total, 59,239 piastres, 7 reals." - -"Seven reals. The total is correct. Have you not a few small debts -beside?" - -"Of course, I have a few personal matters to pay; and then I should not -like to start empty-handed." - -"That would be awkward; so that, as far as I can see you will want about -eighty or one hundred thousand piastres to be perfectly clear?" - -"Oh! Then I should have more than I require." - -"It is better to have too much than not enough." - -"That is true; but where to find such a sum?" - -"Let me tell you a story." - -"Eh?" Louis said in surprise. "Are you jesting, brother?" - -"I never jest in serious matters. Listen to my story, I am convinced -that it will interest you." - -Louis could not suppress a movement of ill temper. He fell back in his -chair, and crossed his arms. - -"Speak," he said, "I am listening." - -"Patience!" Valentine said, with a smile. - -The count tossed his head. - -"I am beginning," the hunter went on. "You remember in what way we -parted at the _venta_ of San José?" - -"Perfectly." - -"The next day I sold the herd in a lump. Another time, I will explain to -you in what way; and I shall have certain explanations to ask of you. -For the present, suffice it for you to know that I made an excellent -deal, and sold it for 14,630 piastres." - -"A famous sum! Unfortunately, we are still far from our reckoning." - -"Patience! Then the bargain was a good one." - -"Excellent: I should not have got such a price here." - -"All the better; at Guaymas I took a bill on Wilson and Baker. Do you -know them?" - -"Very well; it is a substantial house." - -"Good! Then tomorrow we will cash it. After selling the herd, I left San -José with my two friends, not knowing, I confess, how to procure the -money I had promised you, and of which you had such pressing need." - -"A need I still have," Louis observed. - -"Agreed," Valentine continued; "after galloping about for a long time, -without knowing exactly where we were going, I resolved to ask my -companions' advice. Of course Don Cornelio could suggest nothing. He -contented himself with strumming a melancholy air on his guitar: you -know that is his resource in embarrassing circumstances. You have known -Curumilla as long as I have: the worthy chief only speaks when he is -compelled; but when he opens his mouth, he speaks gold, and this time it -really occurred." - -While saying this, Valentine could not refrain from smiling. Louis -turned to the chief, to whom he offered his hand, which the other -pressed with a grimace of pleasure. The hunter continued,-- - -"From the descriptions you had given me, I knew pretty nearly the -position of the mine of which you had become proprietor. Curumilla -offered to take us there. 'We shall be very unlucky,' he said, 'we who -know the desert so well, if we do not succeed in foiling the Indians and -reaching the mine. Once there, we will take as much native gold as we -want to satisfy our friend's wants.' As the advice was good, I resolved -to follow it." - -"What!" Louis shouted, rising hurriedly, "you did that, brother?" - -"Of course I did." - -"But you ran a risk of assassination at every step." - -"I knew it; but I knew also that you must have a large sum." - -"Oh, brother, brother!" Louis exclaimed, in great emotion, "so much -devotion, while I was accusing you." - -"You did not know what I was doing; you were right." - -"Oh! I shall never forgive myself." - -"Nonsense! Did we not swear once for all, to be entirely devoted to each -other?" - -"That is true. Oh! You have nobly kept your oath everywhere and ever, -brother." - -"And have you not done the same? Besides, this time the idea does not -belong to me; I only followed the chief's advice." - -"Oh, he is like you; you dare not say anything to him, or he would be -vexed." - -Curumilla laid down his calumet for an instant; and, approaching the -count, laid his hand on his shoulder, and looking at him with an -expression impossible to describe, while touching the Frenchman's chest -and his own in turn,-- - -"Koutenepi," he said, in a quivering voice, "Louis, Curumilla--three -brothers, one heart." - -And he sat down again. - -There was a long pause. The two white men were admiring the devotion and -admiration of this brave Indian, who only lived for and through them, -and asked themselves in their hearts, if, in spite of the warm -friendship they bore him, they were really worthy of so profound an -attachment. - -"In short," Valentine went on at last, "no sooner said than done. I will -not describe to you the incidents of our journey, for that would occupy -too much precious time. Suffice it for you to know that, thanks to our -lengthened prairie experience, after surmounting innumerable obstacles, -and almost falling into the clutches of the redskins a hundred times, we -at length reached the mine. Oh, brother, I know not the riches of the -Californian placers, but I doubt whether they can be compared to the one -of which you are now owner." - -"Ah!" Louis exclaimed; "it is true then, it is rich?" - -"Brother, its riches are incalculable; the native gold is found on the -surface. Even I, whose, I will not say disinterestedness, but whose -indifference for gold you know, was dazzled, so dazzled, that for some -moments I could not imagine what I saw was real. I asked myself was I -awake, or if I was not dreaming." - -While Valentine spoke thus, Louis walked up and down the room, wiping -away the perspiration that stood on his forehead. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, much agitated; "now I shall succeed, no matter what -may happen." - -"Do not defy chance, brother," Valentine replied sorrowfully. - -"Do not fancy, brother, that these immense riches turn me mad. No, no; -what do I care for self? I am thinking of the poor fellows I have -attached to my fortunes; those who have placed confidence in me, and who -will be happy through me. No, I do not defy chance; I thank Providence." - -He sat down again, poured out a glass of water, which he swallowed at a -draught, and passing his hand over his brow,-- - -"Go on, now," he said; "I am calm." - -"I have not much more to add. I had taken with me three bât horses; I -loaded them. I put gold, too, in my _alforjas_, in Curumilla's, and in -Don Cornelio's. That worthy gentleman was perfectly mad: he bounded like -a wild colt, and strummed his guitar furiously. He would not leave the -placer, but insisted on awaiting our return there, alone. I was almost -obliged to employ force to carry him off, so greatly had the sight of -that gold fascinated him. In conclusion, you asked me for 80,000 -piastres. Here are bills for 150,000 on Wilson and Baker. Add the price -of the herd sold at San José, and you have a sum of 164,000 piastres, -which is a very pretty lump of money in my opinion. What do you say?" - -He then drew the bills from his breast, and handed them to his foster -brother. Louis was confounded. He could not find words to reply. - -"Ah!" Valentine added carelessly, "I forgot. As I supposed you would not -be sorry to have a specimen of your placer, to show your partners, I -brought you this." - -He handed him a lump of gold, about as large as a man's fist. Louis took -it mechanically, laid it on the table, and looked at it for an instant -with a fixed and haggard eye; then two tears coursed down his pallid -cheeks, and a sob burst from his chest. He stretched out his arms; and, -seizing Valentine and Curumilla, drew them to him, and embraced them -passionately, murmuring,-- - -"Brothers, brothers! Thanks not only for myself, but for our poor -countrymen, whom your sublime devotion has saved from wretchedness, -perhaps from crime!" - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE DEPARTURE. - - -French emigration, in America or elsewhere, has rarely, or, to speak -more truthfully, has never succeeded. - -Whence does this result? The Frenchman is brave to rashness, -intelligent, and laborious. He laughs and sings continually, supporting -with the greatest philosophy the rudest blows of fortune, and carelessly -confiding in the future. All that is true. But the Frenchman is no -coloniser; that is to say, under all circumstances, he remains a -Frenchman, and does not wish to be anything else. - -The French emigrant, when he quits his country, retains always, not only -the desire, but the intention of seeing it again some day. All his -efforts tend to acquire the necessary sum to return to the village or -town where he was born. No matter whether chance deserts him, he ever -regards himself as a traveller and not as a sojourner; whatever be the -position he may achieve, his eyes are incessantly fixed on France, the -only country, in his opinion, where men can live and die happily. - -Infatuated by his nationality, never willing to make the slightest -concession to the habits, creeds, and manners of the people, with whom -he is temporarily obliged to live, esteeming them as far beneath himself -in intelligence and civilisation, the Frenchman passes through foreign -nations with a sardonic smile on his lips, and a mocking -glance--shrugging his shoulders in contempt at all that he sees, without -trying to explain it, and preferring a sarcasm to a good lesson. Hence -it generally happens that the Frenchman is not only not loved; but in -spite of his open, frank, and merry character, is almost detested, by -foreigners. - -At San Francisco, the French emigrants--being without any socialities, -and composed of individuals of every description, who shunned or tried -to injure each other, instead of affording mutual aid--were, we are -forced to confess, very slightly esteemed by the Americans, those -colonisers _par excellence_. A few energetic men had contrived -individually to make the French name respected. - -Count de Prébois' expedition was consequently, in every respect, a -blessing for his unhappy countrymen: in the first place by delivering -them from the frightful want that held them in its iron clutches; and -secondly by elevating them in their own eyes, and in those of the -adventurers of every country whom the _mineral yellow fever_ had -attracted to these parts. - -The count's enterprise had the result of rendering the French colony, at -first so despised, highly respectable; and the Americans now began to -feel secretly jealous of it. The enlistment of the French company to -work the rich placers of Apacheria, was the important event of the day; -it was spoken of everywhere. A number of adventurers burnt to take part -in the expedition, and employed every means to gain acceptance. - -But, as we have said, the count had laid down in this respect a line of -conduct from which he would not deviate: the principal condition of -enlistment was the fact of being a Frenchman; thus any number of poor -fellows was rejected by the count, and many a violent enmity did he -collect on his head, but the count cared little for all the disturbance; -he continued his work imperturbably. Thus, as we have said, when -Valentine arrived at San Francisco, the company was almost complete, and -composed of picked men. - -The hunter heard the news from his friend's lips, with the greatest -satisfaction. - -"Come," he said; "you have lost no time." - -"Have I?" - -"By Jove! To form a mining company, and collect a body of men in less -than two months, is no trifle. I congratulate you with all my heart." - -"Thank you. Still, without you nothing would have been effected; for -mark the fact, Valentine, that although I have the richest capitalists -and highest men in Mexico as shareholders in the _Atravida_, not one of -them would have advanced me an ochavo to pay the expenses of the -organisation, which I was bound to settle alone." - -"That is a clever arrangement, brother. You have to deal with cunning -shareholders." - -"All the better. I will soon prove to them that they did wrong in not -giving me all that confidence I deserve." - -"I like that way of revenging yourself. But tell me----" - -"What?" - -"Have you influential men among your shareholders?" - -"What do you mean by influential?" - -"Why, men whose political position offers you a certain guarantee -against the annoyances which will be inevitably created down there, to -prevent the success of your enterprise, and prepare its failure." - -"I fear nothing of the sort." - -"All the better." - -"Judge for yourself. I have among my shareholders the French envoy at -Mexico, the French consul at Guaymas, the Governor of Sonora, and many -others." - -"Did you not say the Governor of Sonora?" - -"Yes." - -"Ah, ah, ah!" - -"Well?" - -"Oh, nothing." - -"Yes, you mean something; so speak." - -"Indeed, why should I make a mystery of it? Do you know this governor?" - -"No. I only know that he is colossally rich, that his name is Don -Sebastian Guerrero, and he is a general." - -"Is that all?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, you are mistaken in fancying you do not know him." - -"Nonsense." - -"Yes; and as it appears, you have even rendered him a great service." - -"You are jesting; I never saw him." - -"That is your mistake. Like the worthy knight errant, you are, you saved -him from the hands of the miscreants." - -"Come, speak seriously." - -"I am doing so. In one word, you saved his life and his daughter's." - -"I? You are mad." - -"Not the least in the world. Indeed the father, and especially the young -lady--who, between ourselves, is delightful--entertain the most -affecting reminiscences of you." - -"Who on earth told you that fine story?" - -"Who? why the general himself." - -"That is a little too strong." - -"Come, think a little. About three or four years back, I do not know -exactly which, did you not after leaving Guadalajara----?" - -"Wait a minute," the count said hurriedly. "It would be strange if the -person I saved were really the same----" - -"Strange or no, it is." - -"Well, then, that is famous for us." - -"By Jove! We have a powerful friend, who will defend us tooth and nail -against all comers. That is famous. I really believe Providence is -declaring for us." - -"I did not know that the Mexicans were gifted with so excellent a -memory." - -"I rather think it is the Mexican ladies in this case." - -"No matter; the circumstance is of good augury." - -"I hope you will profit by it." - -"As much as I can." - -"Bravo! And now that your affairs are settled, or nearly so, when do you -intend to make a move?" - -"I have certain arrangements still to make; so I cannot leave San -Francisco before ten days." - -"Can I be of any service to you?" - -"None here; but over there, great." - -"That is to say----" - -"Are you fatigued?" - -"Fatigued of what?" - -"Why, of riding about in the fashion you have done, for some time past?" - -"Once for all, and let that be carefully understood between us, remember -that I am never tired." - -"Good! Then you can render me a service?" - -"What is it?" - -"Though I cannot start for ten days, you can be in the saddle by -daybreak, I suppose?" - -"Of course." - -"You must return by land to Sonora, to deliver three letters I will give -you, one for Don Antonio Pavo, consular agent at Guaymas, the second for -the Governor of Sonora, and the third for a certain Canadian hunter whom -you will probably find at the Hacienda del Milagro, in the neighbourhood -of Tepic." - -"I will do it. Is that all?" - -"Yes. You understand that I do not wish to arrive there, before -preparations have been made for my reception." - -"You are right: so I start----" - -"Tomorrow." - -"You mean today: it is now two o'clock." - -"By Jove! That is true. How time slips away." - -"Where shall I wait for you?" - -"At Guaymas." - -"That is understood. Write the letters while Curumilla and I saddle the -three horses." - -"Will you take your Spaniard with you?" - -"Yes, he will be useful to me there." - -"As you please." - -Valentine and Curumilla went out, while Louis began his letters. -Valentine, after saddling the horses, was conducted to the room where -Don Cornelio was asleep. We must do the Spaniard the justice of saying -that he offered the most obstinate resistance to the hunter, and it was -not till he was compelled, that he left the bed in which he slept so -comfortably. At length, when Valentine had succeeded, part by -persuasion, part by carrying him, in placing him on his saddle and -confiding him to Curumilla, he returned to the room where he had left -his foster brother. The letters were ready; and Valentine took them. - -"Now, brother, good-bye," he said, "and may you be fortunate." - -The two men remained for a long time in an affectionate embrace. Louis -knew the hunter too well, to try and induce him to take a few hours' -rest; he, therefore, accompanied him to the gate, where the four men -exchanged a parting greeting, and, at a sign from Valentine, the horses -started at full speed. They soon disappeared in the darkness, but the -sound of their horses' hoofs re-echoed for a long time on the hardened -soil. Louis remained motionless in the gateway, so long as the -slightest sound reached his ear, and then went in again, murmuring:-- - -"A man must be accursed who does not succeed, with such devoted -friends." - -The count worked through the whole night, not thinking of taking a -moment's rest. The sun was already high on the horizon, and he still -remained bent over the table, writing figures after figures. The door -opened; and the person we saw talking confidentially with the count on -the previous evening entered. Louis started at the noise, but on -recognising his visitor a smile played over his stern countenance. - -"You are welcome, consul," he said gaily, as he offered him his hand; -"you could not have arrived at a better moment. Have you come to -breakfast?" - -"Yes, my dear count; for I wish to talk seriously with you." - -"All the better, for I shall keep you the longer. Take a chair, and -pardon my being surprised in this state, but I have spent the night in -arranging these documents. Deuce take the man who invented writing and -accounts." - -The consul, for the gentleman was no other than the French -representative in California, sat down, smiling; and, by the count's -orders, an appetising breakfast was served almost immediately. The two -gentlemen sat down opposite each other, and began a vigorous attack on -the dishes. - -"Well," Louis said presently, "any news?" - -"Bad." - -"Ah, ah! That worthy Jonathan is yelping, I suppose?" - -"Louder than ever." - -"Look at that! And why, may I ask?" - -"You can guess it." - -"Nearly so; but no matter, out with it." - -"You are aware that you have made a number of enemies here?" - -"Well, it was not my own fault." - -"That is true! Well, these enemies are stirring, and making loud -remarks." - -"About what?" - -"Why, you know people can always find something to turn into scandal. -They say that the expedition will fail, that you are reduced to -expedients, and that you do not know how to escape from your present -position." - -"Is that all?" - -"No. They add, that you have contracted enormous debts, which you will -never succeed in paying." - -"Good again!" - -"You understand that these calumnies produce a very bad effect." - -"Naturally." - -"I have therefore come to you, my dear count. I am not rich, -unfortunately; still, I have at my disposal some 20,000 piastres. I am a -shareholder in the company, and it is therefore my duty to come to its -assistance; so I frankly offer you the money, which may be of some -slight service to you." - -The count cordially pressed his guest's hand. - -"Thanks!" he said to him, with suppressed emotion, touched by the -delicacy of this noble and generous procedure. - -"Yes," the consul continued, ransacking his pockets, and producing a -bundle of notes; "we must silence these scoundrels. Here is the amount." - -And he offered the notes to the count, who declined them with a gentle -smile. - -"You are mistaken as to the meaning of the word I used," he remarked. "I -thanked you, not because I accept your generous offer, but because it -proves to me the esteem in which you hold me." - -"Still----" the consul urged him. - -"Again I thank you; but all my debts will be paid within an hour. I have -at this moment nearly 200,000 piastres at my disposal." - -The consul looked at him, open-eyed. - -"But yesterday----?" he said. - -"Yes!" the count interrupted him quietly, "yesterday I had nothing, -today I am rich. I will explain to you this very simple miracle." - -When the count ended his narrative, the consul pressed his hand -joyfully. - -"Good gracious!" he said, "you do not know, my dear count, what pleasure -you cause me at this moment; you have staunch friends." - -"Among whom I may reckon yourself." - -"Oh! As for me," he said simply; "that is not astonishing; for am I not -one of your shareholders?" - -As soon as breakfast was over, the count set out to settle with his -creditors, or rather those of the company, in order to destroy all -excuse for malevolence, and close the mouth of the envious. After this, -the count lost no time in making his final arrangements, and enlisting -the few men he was still short of. - -In a word, as he told Valentine when he left him, ten days had scarce -elapsed since their nocturnal meeting, ere all the preparations were -ended, and the company only awaited a favourable moment to embark and -start. - -The day on which the French company embarked for Sonora was a memorable -one for San Francisco. The North American, beneath his cold and -straight-laced appearance, conceals a warm and enthusiastic heart. When -the Frenchmen entered the boats which were to bear them to the ship, for -a moment and as if by enchantment, all enmities were silenced; and an -enthusiastic mob, congregated on the pier, accompanied them with shouts -and wishes for success, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs. - -The count, as was his duty, was the last to embark. Several of his -friends, among them being the consul, bore him company. As he leaped -into the boat, the count turned, and pressed the consul's hand in -parting. - -"Good-bye," he said. "I will succeed, or Sonora shall be my tomb." - -"Good-bye, till we meet again, my friend," the other answered. "I will -not say farewell; I feel convinced that you will succeed." - -"God grant it," Louis murmured, as he leaped into the boat and shook his -head sadly. - -A formidable shout burst from the crowd. The count bowed with a smile, -and the boat started. An hour later, the white sails of the ship that -bore the adventurers glistened, like a kingfisher's wing, on the -horizon. The consul, who remained on the beach till the last moment, -slowly walked homeward, saying to himself:-- - -"Whatever may happen, that man is not an adventurer, but a hero. He has -more genius than Cortez. Will he be equally lucky?" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. - - -As several interesting events of our narrative will take place at -Guaymas, we will describe that town in a few words. - -Mexico possesses several roadsteads in the Pacific; but in reality has -only two ports worthy that name, Guaymas and Acapulco. For the present, -we will confine ourselves to the former. - -Owing to a large quantity of islands which surround the port like a -hill, and the lofty coasts, the roads are in all weathers as sure and -calm as a lake. The sea breaks gently on shores adorned with mango -trees, whose pale green forms a strange contrast to the earthy red of -the beach, and gives the port a wild and desolate aspect, further -increased by the continual silence of the roads, where a few ships seek -shelter at rare intervals under the isle Del Venado, but, where usually -only a few coasters are visible, or wretched canoes, hollowed out of -trunks of trees, and belonging to the Hiaqui Indians. - -The town stretches carelessly along the beach, with its white, low, and -flat-roofed houses, defended by a fort built of red clay, armed with a -few rusty and unserviceable guns. Guaymas, like all the pueblos of the -republic, is dirty, ill built, and the streets are unpaved; in short, at -each step you acquire proofs of that carelessness and egotistic -incapacity which characterises the Mexicans. Behind the town, rise lofty -and denuded mountains, which protect it from the cold winds of the -Cordilleras. - -Still, Guaymas, founded only a few years back, and whose population is -but 6,000 at the utmost, is destined ere long, owing to the security of -its port, and its magnificent position, to acquire a great commercial -importance. - -The day on which we resume our story, about an hour after the _oración_, -or at seven in the evening, a man, wrapped in a thick cloak, and with -the brim of his sombrero pulled down over his eyes, stopped at the door -of a rather handsome house, and after casting a furtive glance around, -to see that he was not watched, gave discreetly three separate knocks. -This manner of rapping was evidently a signal; and the man we allude to -must have been expected, for the door opened at once. The stranger -entered, and the door was noiselessly closed after him. - -The stranger then found himself in one of those inner patios found in -all the houses of Guaymas; but he probably was perfectly acquainted with -the place; for, without a second's hesitation, he turned to the left, -mounted a few steps, and rapped at a second door, which was before him, -in the same way as he had done at the first. - -"Come in," a voice shouted from within. - -The stranger pushed the door, which yielded to the pressure, and entered -a large room, which might be considered to be furnished with a certain -degree of luxury for Mexico, and especially for a province so remote as -Sonora. But this luxury was in bad taste, and smelled of the _parvenu_. -The furniture and pictures that decorated the room had been probably -purchased or exchanged with the captain of the vessels that at times put -into Guaymas, and presented the strangest possible discordance of style. - -A man was seated in a butaca, almost in the centre of the room, and -carelessly smoking a pajillo. When the stranger entered, he nodded to -him, pointed to a chair, and said laconically,-- - -"Shut the door, and sit down." - -The stranger took off his cloak and hat, which he threw on a sideboard; -and, after closing the door as he had been recommended, he fell into a -butaca with a sigh of satisfaction. We will describe these two new -characters in a few words. - -The first--that is to say, the master of the house--was a plump little -fellow, as broad as he was long, with ordinary features, while his -little sharp eyes gave his face an expression of soothing falseness and -cowardly villainy. He was about fifty years of age, though he did not -appear so, owing to the freshness of his apoplectic complexion, and -long, flat, and greasy masses of black hair, which fell below his red -and coarse ears. This worthy personage was dressed in the European -fashion, with a profusion of jewellery, and rings on his fingers; and, -through his costume and manners, which were made up of effrontery and -timidity, he bore a considerable likeness to a butcher or a cattle -dealer in his Sunday clothes. - -His visitor, whom we have met before by the way, formed a perfect -contrast with him. He was a half-breed, of Indian and Mexican descent, -tall, dry, and thin as a lath; his face, like a knife blade, was adorned -with an enormous beaked nose, which overshadowed a mouth stretching from -ear to ear, and full of teeth white as almonds; round eyes with -blood-shot eyelids, constantly agitated by a convulsive movement, -completed the strangest and most sinister face that could be conceived. -A cruel mocking smile continually moved his thin lips, and added to the -feeling of discomfort his entire person inspired. In a word, his -approach produced that clammy coldness felt in touching a viper or any -other reptile. Beneath his cloak he wore the gold embroidered uniform of -the higher Mexican officers. His name was Don Francisco Florés, and he -wore the badge of a colonel in the Mexican service. We shall soon learn -who was the hideous person, concealed under this borrowed name. - -The colonel, after seating himself, took out some tobacco, made a -cigarette, and began smoking with the most superb nonchalance. For some -minutes the two men remained silent, examining each other with the -corner of the eye. At last, the former, doubtlessly fatigued by this -obstinate inquisition, which weighed upon him, and from which he could -not escape, resolved to take the word. - -"Caballero," he said, "you see that the instructions conveyed in the -letter you did me the honour of writing to me, have been followed out -point for point." - -The colonel made a sign of assent, while emitting an enormous puff of -smoke. The other continued,-- - -"Now I will take the liberty of observing that I do not at all -understand your singular missive, and that I see no reason why you -should surround yourself with so great a mystery." - -"Ah!" the colonel said, with a laugh peculiar to himself, and which bore -a strong likeness to a pile of plates breaking. - -"Yes," the first speaker continued, annoyed by this irreverence; "and I -should not be sorry, I confess, to have a clear and categorical -explanation." - -And, saying this, he drew himself up haughtily in his butaca; and -regarded his visitor fixedly. The latter did not appear at all affected -by this hostile manifestation; on the contrary, he stretched out his -legs, and said, as he threw himself back in his chair,-- - -"Don Antonio, are you fond of money?" - -"Eh?" the other remarked. - -"I beg your pardon. I should have said gold: I will therefore modify my -question. Are you fond of gold?" - -"Really, sir----" - -"Answer clearly, without any hesitation, as a caballero should do. I -suppose that I am not talking Hebrew; so reply, yes or no." - -"But----" - -"_Capa de Dios!_ if you go on in that way we shall never finish, master, -_caray_. You are too sharp a greyhound, not to have recognised at the -first glance with whom you have to deal. Answer clearly, then, without -further tergiversation." - -"Well, then, yes," Antonio answered, subjugated involuntarily by the -man's accent. - -"Very good. Do you love it much?" - -"Well, tolerably." - -"That is not enough." - -"Very much, then, if you absolutely insist." - -"I beg your pardon. It is a matter of indifference to me. It is not I -who am in question, but only yourself." - -"Well, well, I understand you." - -"That is lucky; but you took your time to do so." - -"Come, what is the business?" - -"Ah, ah! You are coming to the point." - -Don Antonio smiled. - -"Well, I am only doing what you wish." - -"That is true; so we shall not dispute about that." - -"Go on; I am listening." - -"You received my letter, as you allowed. Now, do you know why I arranged -this meeting?" - -"I am waiting to hear it from your lips." - -"I will tell you at once. You are aware that a society has been formed -at Mexico, called the Atravida?" - -"I have heard it mentioned." - -"Of course, as you are a partner in it." - -"That is possible; but the question is not about that, I presume?" - -"Perhaps it is. Well, this company, established under the auspices of -the first Mexican capitalists, supported by the government, is intended -to work the rich mines of the _Plancha de Plata_, situated in the heart -of Apacheria." - -"I am aware of it." - -"Very good. You see we shall soon understand each other." - -"I doubt it." - -"I hope so. This company, composed of Frenchmen, all resolute men, -organised as soldiers, and under the command of a skilful chief----" - -"Count Don Louis de Prébois----" - -"I know him. Spare your praise of him. This company, supported by high -influences, must not, however, reach the mines." - -"Ah, ah! And what will prevent it, if you please?" - -"Yourself first of all." - -"Oh, oh! I do not believe it." - -"Nonsense! You shall see. Let me finish first." - -"Go on." - -"How much do you think this affair will bring you in?" - -"I cannot tell you." - -"What, not even approximatively?" - -"It is very difficult to calculate, for the mines are rich." - -"Yes, but they are remote. Come, mention a figure." - -"It is impossible." - -"Nonsense! Even supposing I were to help you----?" - -"Ah! If you help me----" - -"I thought so." - -"But stay," Don Antonio remarked sharply. "What great interest have you, -then, in spoiling this affair?" - -"I, none; it is you." - -"I!" Don Antonio exclaimed in amazement; "that is a little too much." - -"You shall see." - -"I am most eager to do so." - -"So soon as the Atravida company was established, another, under the -name of the _Conciliadora_, was at once set on foot, as always happens, -and naturally for the same object." - -"Come, the name is a capital one." - -"It is. Now you know that competition is the backbone of trade." - -Don Antonio bowed in assent; and the colonel continued, with his dry and -harsh smile. - -"The Conciliadora, although powerfully protected at Mexico, required an -active, intelligent, and upright agent in Sonora; and it immediately -turned its eyes on you. Indeed, Don Antonio Mendez Pavo, performing the -duties of French consul at Guaymas, was the only man capable of serving -it efficaciously. As the result of this reasoning, you were put down for -200 paid up shares of 500 piastres each; the coupons of which were -intrusted to me to deliver to you. That makes, if I am not mistaken, a -very nice little sum, which I shall have the honour of handing to you." - -And he felt in the pocket of his uniform; but Don Antonio disdainfully -checked him. - -"You are strangely mistaken about me, caballero," he said; "when a man -has the honour of representing France, he cannot be bribed in so -miserable a way." - -"Nonsense!" the colonel said, laughing. - -"My duty orders me to protect the French company; and whatever may -happen, I will do so." - -"Magnificently spoken." - -"So now," Don Antonio continued with fire, "return to the persons who -sent you, and tell them that Don Antonio Pavo is not one of those men -who can be induced to forget his duty so easily." - -"That is charming, and you really spoke it with proper emphasis." - -Don Antonio rose, and with a majestic smile shewed the colonel the door. - -"Begone, sir," he said coldly; "or I shall not answer for the -consequences of my anger." - -The colonel did not stir; he made no change in the carelessly insolent -position he had adopted from the outset. Still, when Don Antonio ceased, -he threw away his cigarette, and giving the last speaker a glance of -most peculiar significance,-- - -"Have you done?" he answered quietly. - -"Caballero!" Don Antonio exclaimed, drawing himself up majestically. - -"Permit me, Don Antonio, I have no wish to remain any longer here and -waste your precious time. Still, you will allow with me, that every man -intrusted with a mission must accomplish it in its entirety; and you are -too conversant with business to deny this fact." - -"I allow it, sir," Don Antonio answered, suddenly calmed by these words. - -"Very good; then, be kind enough to sit down again and listen to me a -few moments longer." - -"Be brief, sir." - -"I only ask for five minutes." - -"I grant them." - -"You are generous, sir; I will, therefore, profit by your permission. I -go on, then. You are inscribed for 200 shares, representing, if I am not -mistaken, 100,000 piastres, which I consider a very respectable sum." - -"Not a word more on that subject, sir." - -"I know," the colonel continued imperturbably, "what you would object; a -bird in the hand is worth a vulture in the air." - -Don Antonio, troubled by the meaning attached to his words, could find -no reply. The colonel continued; - -"The chiefs of the company employed the same line of reasoning as -yourself, sir. They understood that they must act fairly and above board -with a man holding so high as yourself, and so worthy in every respect -of their confidence; consequently, they commissioned me to hand you, in -addition to the shares----" - -"Sir," Señor Pavo essayed again. - -"Fifty thousand piastres," the colonel said distinctly. - -Don Antonio made a bound of surprise. - -"What!" he exclaimed. "What did you say, señor?" - -"I mentioned 50,000 piastres." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"In good bills, payable at sight." - -"On what house?" - -"Torribio de la Porta and Co." - -"An excellent house, sir." - -"Is it not?" - -"Most assuredly." - -"But," the colonel said as he rose, "since you refuse our offers, and my -mission is now accomplished, I need only withdraw, after begging to -pardon the loss of time I have occasioned you; for you _do_ refuse, I -think?" - -Don Antonio had turned green; his small grey eyes, obstinately fixed on -the papers the colonel toyed with, sparkled like live coals. - -"Permit me," he said stammering. - -"Eh? Can I be mistaken, señor?" - -"I--I--I fancy you are." - -"This time, bear in mind, we must understand each other thoroughly, in -order to avoid any future misunderstanding, which might entail regret." - -"Be at your ease. I believe there will no longer be any misapprehension -between us. An affair, as you know, does not always strike a man at the -first glance." - -"That is true; but now you fully understand it?" - -"Perfectly." - -"All the better. Now we can have a frank explanation." - -"Yes," Don Antonio said, with a mocking accent; "and, to begin, Señor -Garrucholo, doff for a moment your borrowed character, for I like to -know with whom I am dealing." - -El Garrucholo, for the ex-bandit was really hidden under Colonel -Francisco Florés, shuddered involuntarily at finding himself thus -detected. He cast a viper's glance at the man who had unmasked him, and -seized him fiercely by the arm. - -"Take care, Don Antonio, there are secrets which kill those who hold -them." - -"That is possible, my master," the other answered, triumphing in his -heart at the effect his revelation had produced. "But as, if I am not -mistaken, we are about to complete together a very dirty transaction, I -wished to prove to you that, if you held my secret, I had yours; and -that it is to your interest to deal fairly by me." - -"Threatened persons live a long time," the bandit said with a shrug of -his shoulders. - -"I do not threaten; I merely take my precautions--that is all. Now, let -us converse." - -The two men drew their chairs together and commenced a conversation, ear -to ear, in so low a voice that no one could have overheard them. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -GUAYMAS. - - -The Mexicans are only children, though terrible children we allow, on -whom it is impossible to calculate, no matter in what way. Their -deplorable conduct, under all circumstances, since they succeeded in -constituting themselves an independent nation, proves that, unless an -entire change takes place in their character, no more is to be hoped -from them in the future than they have effected in the past. - -Curious, fickle, cowardly, rash, distrustful, cruel, and -superstitious--such is the Mexican. - -Let it not be supposed that we speak thus through a hatred of a people, -among whom we lived so long; on the contrary, we love the Mexicans, we -pity them, we should like to see them regard seriously their position, -as a free nation, and behave as men; but we repeat it, they are -terrible, stormy, and obstinate children, from whom no good can be -derived, we are honestly afraid. - -One of the manias of this people is to attract, by the most handsome -promises, fallacious offers, and most friendly demonstrations, those -strangers whom they fancy may prove useful in any way. They receive -these foreigners with open arms, weep with joy while embracing them, -offer them the most tenderly fraternal caresses, and give them more than -they ever ventured to ask. Then one fine day, without any reason, -motive, or slightest pretext, they change from white to black, begin -hating with their whole soul the foreigners they have so greatly petted, -insult and betray them, lay snares for them, and eventually ill treat or -assassinate them, and that, too, while offering them a hand, and smiling -on them. - -If we wished to recriminate, how many names could we quote, how many -shades would it be easy for us to evoke in support of our statements, -without counting the noble and unfortunate De Raousset Boulbon, and the -impetuous and generous Lapuillade, victims offered in a cowardly way to -that hideous Mexican prejudice--a prejudice which is the basis of the -policy of this unlucky people, and which will ruin it--not through a -hatred of the foreigner, for that is a noble and national feeling, but -through a hatred of Europeans, whom they despair of ever equalling, and -to whom, in their ignorance and carelessness, they feel a mortal -jealousy and envy. - -It is evident that during the ten years' struggle Mexico had to sustain -against Spain, the former country produced grand and noble characters; -but it seems that, exhausted by that gigantic effort, it was incapable -of casting others like them into the crucible, for since the first hour -of its liberty to the present day, it has not produced a single man -worthy of walking, even at a distance, in the footsteps of the -illustrious founders of its independence. - -This is very sad to say; and yet, if we passed it over in silence, we -might be reproached for not stating the truth, and for recoiling from -the task we imposed on ourselves in writing this story, in which we have -merely changed the names through a feeling that will be appreciated. - -The arrival of the French company, however, was anxiously expected at -Guaymas. The most absurd and contradictory reports were spread about it, -its chief, and the object of the expedition; and as is generally the -rule, the most absurd rumours obtained the greatest and firmest -credence. Even before the arrival of the French, malevolence was -watching in the shade, and seeking darkly to arouse the ill will of the -population against the new arrivals. - -What Colonel Florés stated in his conversation with Don Antonio Pavo was -perfectly correct. Hardly had the organisation of the Atravida company -been completed in San Francisco, ere two American houses, perfectly -comprehending the advantages of this enterprise in which they were not -allowed to join, for reasons we will be silent about for their credit, -treacherously established a rival company, intended to impede the -operations of the elder company by all means, even the most dishonest. - -Hatred never slumbers. The affair went on rapidly, so rapidly that the -second company had all its batteries prepared for effective action -before the French had quitted San Francisco. This operation was managed -with such Machiavellism, and the secret was so well kept, that the -count, in spite of his extensive relations, suspected nothing, and -embarked for Sonora with his heart full of hope and illusions. - -Valentine was awaiting his friend with the most lively impatience. The -hunter had conscientiously fulfilled the commissions the count gave him; -and all had, apparently, succeeded famously. A comfortable barrack was -prepared for the company: the French agent had been most honeyed, and -placed himself at the hunter's disposal to do all he might desire with -the most charming affability. Still the latter was not satisfied. With -no plausible reason, with nothing arising to contradict these offers of -friendship, Valentine, by one of those forebodings which Heaven sends to -those it loves and wishes to protect, felt that all this amenity -concealed a snare; the lips smiled, it is true, but the eyebrows -frowned, and the brow was wrinkled. - -General Guerrero, while testifying his delight at the arrival of the -company, and placing himself at the orders of the hunter, had continued -under various pretexts to reside at Hermosillo, instead of coming to -Guaymas to welcome the company, as he should have done; in the first -place as governor of the province, secondly, as member of the company; -two reasons more than sufficient to suggest his change of abode. - -Valentine, hence, was very restless; and the more so because, while -feeling that a storm was collecting, he could not foresee whence it -would come. Hence, he remained a greater part of the day by the -seashore, watching anxiously every sail that appeared, hoping to see his -friend arrive at any moment; for he supposed, with some show of reason, -that the presence of the count and his brave comrades would suffice to -silence those who sought to injure him: for the majority of the people -was not only far from being hostile to the expedition, but seemed well -disposed toward it. - -Things were in this state one morning, when, according to his custom, -Valentine was preparing to proceed to his observatory, as he called the -rock on which he passed whole days. All at once, Don Antonio and Colonel -Florés rushed into the cuarto where he resided, crying, gesticulating, -and repeating, both at once:-- - -"Here they are, here they are! They are coming!" - -"Who?" Valentine asked them, hardly able yet to put faith in such -blessed news. - -"El conde! El conde!" - -"He will be here in an hour at the latest," said Don Antonio. - -"Perhaps before," the colonel backed him up. "We are going to meet him." - -"And I, too," Valentine exclaimed. - -They went out. The news had spread with the rapidity of a powder train. -Guaymas took a holiday. Immediately, before any orders were given by the -authorities, the houses were hung with flags; for, as it happened, -Corpus Christi would be celebrated a few days later, and the banners had -been got in readiness. - -The inhabitants, dressed in their best clothes, the Hiaqui Indians, of -whom a great number let themselves out to private persons as workmen and -servants--in a word, everybody, hurried and ran toward the beach, -shouting, laughing, singing, and uttering interminable hurrahs. It was -really a curious sight,--this crowd, hastening joyously to meet a few -Frenchmen, whose good intentions toward them they instinctively guessed. - -The authorities of the town followed the popular movement; but it was -easy to read that they did not act from their own will, but were carried -onward by the current of public opinion. - -When Valentine and the two men who had constituted themselves his -companions reached the beach, it was already invaded by the whole -population. A few cable's lengths from shore the ship that brought the -French might be distinctly seen. It advanced majestically, impelled by a -strong breeze. It had its top-gallant sails set, and its lower sails -clewed up, which allowed a large crowd to be seen on the poop. When the -vessel had passed a little beyond Venado Island--the usual anchorage of -large ships--it tacked, and sent down top-sails; then the anchor was let -go, and the main jib lowered. - -Valentine leaped hurriedly into a canoe, and, before Don Antonio and the -colonel could follow him, pushed off. Not noticing the signs his -companions made him, the hunter proceeded rapidly in the direction of -the ship, vigorously aided by the man already in the canoe, and who was -no other than Curumilla. In a few minutes they reached the vessel. Louis -perceived them from a distance, so that when they came alongside he -received them, and helped them aboard. Even before embracing his foster -brother, or pressing his hand, Valentine turned and looked searchingly -along the beach. - -"Good!" he said, "they have not found a boat yet. Come, brother, let us -go down into your cabin, I must speak with you without delay." - -"Let me, at least, say 'how do you do' to you," Louis remarked, with a -smile. - -"Come: we have not a moment to lose." - -The count looked at the hunter, and saw that his face was grave. He -understood at once that he had important news to communicate. He no -longer resisted. He gave his orders hurriedly to one of his officers, to -prepare everything for the debarkation, and followed his foster brother -who was anxiously awaiting him. Louis led him into the modest berth -which he had engaged during the passage, and prepared to shut the door. - -"No," Valentine said, preventing him, "leave it open, on the contrary; -in that way we shall see the persons who come." - -"As you please. Speak." - -"I have only two words to say to you; but they are two I would advise -you to profit by." - -"You may be sure of that." - -"You have powerful enemies here. Who they are I know not; but they -detest you." - -"What do you say?" - -"A thing of which I am certain." - -"But, my dear fellow, whoever those enemies may be, I have nothing to -fear from them. My papers are all regular, my grant is clearly and -carefully registered. I have not only the authorisation, but also the -support of the government. I only act by formal orders, and, therefore, -fear nothing." - -"Brother," Valentine answered sententiously, "when you have to deal with -Mexicans, you must always apprehend treachery. I have known them many a -long year, and unfortunately know also what dependence is to be placed -in them." - -"You startle me." - -"No, I warn you, that is all. It is your duty to be constantly on your -guard." - -"Do you know that, before Heaven, I am responsible for the lives of all -these brave fellows intrusted to me?" - -"That is why I advise you to be prudent, and not to trust in any one. -There are two men above all whom I recommend you to distrust." - -"Their names?" - -"Don Antonio Pavo, and Colonel Don Francisco Florés." - -Louis could hardly refrain from a start of surprise, as he looked his -brother in the face. - -"It is not possible," he exclaimed; "you must be mistaken." - -"Why so?" - -"Because these two men, one of whom is agent to the French government -here, and the other the delegate of the Atravida, are both shareholders -in the company. I am specially recommended to them, and have letters -for both." - -"As you please; but I assure you these men are betraying you." - -"Have you any proof?" - -"None." - -"How do you know it, then?" - -"I do not know it, and yet I am sure of it. Believe me, brother; for you -are aware that I am rarely mistaken." - -Louis shook his head sadly. - -"All this is strange," he said. - -At this moment a man leaned over the companion, and uttered the one -word, "Spies!" in a low voice, yet sufficiently loud to be heard by the -two men. - -"Halloh!" Louis exclaimed with a start. - -"It is nothing," Valentine observed; "only Curumilla warning us that our -two men are coming. Let us return to the deck, for they must not fancy -we have any doubts of them. Examine the two men carefully, when you find -yourself in their presence; and I am certain you will come over to my -opinion afterwards." - -Louis made no reply. They went on deck, and Valentine left him. - -"I am returning to land," he said; "you will see me again on the beach." - -The hunter leaped into the canoe, which Curumilla had allowed to fall -behind the vessel, so that it might not be noticed; and he pushed off -for land at the very moment the colonel and Don Antonio set foot on -deck. - -No people is possessed, to so eminent a degree as the Mexican, of the -most refined politeness and most graceful gallantry. By their feline and -gentle manners they can seduce and charm persons they have an interest -in cheating, whenever they please. Unfortunately, in spite of all the -efforts they made, and the cajolery they employed to convince Don Louis -of their sincerity and profound attachment to him, Don Antonio and the -colonel had physiognomies which so clearly revealed the disgraceful -passions that moved them, that all their labour was thrown away. - -As Valentine had warned him, on the approach of these two men the count -had involuntarily experienced a feeling of repulsion, so strong, that he -was compelled to make an effort over himself, to prevent them seeing the -effect they produced upon him. The count, however, thought it advisable -to pretend to be their dupe, in order to profit by the faults their -fancied security might induce them to commit, and derive from them all -the information he might need at a future date. - -He therefore responded to their advances and offers of service with such -frankness and cordiality, that he succeeded in completely duping the -crafty scoundrels who fancied him their dupe. - -The count had scarce arrived in Sonora, he had not yet set foot on land, -ere he had to commence his diplomatic apprenticeship, and contend in -craft and falsehood with people, from whom he should have expected the -frankest friendship and most absolute devotion--a rude task for a -character so loyal and thoroughly honest as that of the count; but the -success of the expedition depended on his finesse, and the skill with -which he eluded the snares which would be incessantly spread beneath his -feet. He understood this, and made up his mind to his course of action, -though it was against the grain. - -After conversing for some time with the two men, the count, seeing that -all was in readiness for the landing, gave orders for it. Immediately -the adventurers took their stations with admirable order in the boats -brought from the port to receive them. The small flotilla advanced -steadily toward the beach, amid the shouts of the crowd assembled on the -shore, and the clangor of all the town bells, rung as a symbol of -rejoicing. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE FIRST FORTNIGHT. - - -A man must have been essentially a pessimist, or thoroughly acquainted -with the Mexican character, to apprehend treachery on seeing the warm -reception accorded to the Frenchmen by the inhabitants of Guaymas. It -was a madness--a delirium impossible to describe. Leperos, rancheros, -campesinos, rich hacenderos, all pressed round the French, vying with -each other in offering them a hearty welcome. It seemed as if this -little band of adventurers, who were only passing through the town, -brought to Sonora peace, tranquillity, and liberty; in a word, all those -things the Mexicans want, and for which they sigh in vain. The cries -of, _Viva los Franceses! Viva el conde!_ rose on all sides with a -deafening sound. - -So soon as the company landed, by Don Louis' orders, the ranks were -speedily formed; and the count, having Colonel Florés on his right hand, -Don Antonio on his left, led his men to the barrack prepared for them, -clearing his way with difficulty through the dense masses of spectators. -In front of the barrack the alcalde mayor, and the juez de letras--that -is to say, the two principal authorities of the town--flanked by their -ragged alguaciles, were awaiting the arrival of the company; and on -perceiving them, Don Louis commanded a halt. - -The two magistrates then walked a few paces toward the count, whom they -saluted respectfully, and began a long address stuffed with all sorts of -pompous Mexican hyperboles, from among which Don Louis managed to -discover that the Sonorians rejoiced in the depths of their hearts at -the arrival of the valiant French company; that they set on his courage -all their hope of being protected against their ferocious neighbours, -the Apaches; that the French had not landed on a foreign shore, but amid -brethren and sincere friends, who would be delighted to have it in their -power to prove their devotion; and a thousand other things too long to -repeat here. - -When the alcalde mayor had ended his discourse amid the warm applause of -the crowd, the juez de letras began one in his turn, equally long, -equally diffuse, and equally perfidious as the first, and which met with -the same success. - -We will remark here that the Mexicans adore long speeches. - -At length, when the two magistrates had finished speaking, the count -bowed gracefully, and replied to them with a few of those words which -come straight from the heart. They produced a perfect frenzy. The crowd -yelled with joy, waving their hats and handkerchiefs; while from every -window a perfect shower of flowers escaped from the dainty hands of the -señoritas, and literally inundated the adventurers, who cordially -responded to this delicate attention. - -The company then entered the barrack; it was a large house, with an -enormous inner court, admirably adapted for the use to which it was put -at this moment. Within an hour, the adventurers, with that eminent knack -peculiar to Frenchmen, were comfortably installed, and appeared to have -occupied their quarters for the last six months. - -The count fancied he had got rid of the alcalde and juez de letras: but -it was not so; they had still several requests to make of him before -they left him at liberty, and would not neglect them. - -As in all other centres of population in Mexico, at Guaymas everyone -lives pretty much as he pleases, without troubling himself greatly about -the authorities. This liberty, or rather license, may be advantageous to -one portion of the population, but is evidently extremely prejudicial to -the other; in this sense, that the rascals, having entire liberty to -commit all the wicked actions Satan constantly breathes in their ear, -the honest people are obliged to defend themselves, and not count in -any way upon the protection of a problematical police, which, if it -happen to exist, naturally makes common cause with the brigands. - -The magistrates had judged in their wisdom to profit by the stay of the -Frenchmen at Guaymas, in order to disperse the scoundrels of every -description, with whom the city abounds, with a salutary terror. -Consequently, they begged the count to guard the principal posts of the -pueblo with men belonging to his company, and to organise patrols to -traverse the streets by night, and watch over the tranquillity of the -citizens and public security. - -When, after much circumlocution, the magistrates at length ventilated -their request, the count answered them with a smile, that he was -entirely at the service of the Mexican government, and if they -considered his assistance useful, they might dispose of him and his men -as they thought proper. The magistrates thanked him heartily, and, -incited by the facility with which the count granted their first -request, they ventured to bring forward the second, which, in their idea -being of much more delicate nature, they feared would be refused. It was -as follows:-- - -_Corpus Christi_ is the most important religious ceremony of Mexico. -This festival, to augment the splendour of which the people undergo the -heaviest sacrifices, fell this year just a few days after the arrival of -the French in Sonora. They wished the count to promise to have his -little mountain guns fired during the whole period the procession went -about the streets. - -Guaymas had many guns in the forts; but unfortunately they were -dismounted, and completely honeycombed with rust. - -It may be easily understood, that in the mind of the superstitious -Sonorians, on so solemn a festival as this, the bells were not -sufficient, and that the ceremony would entirely lose its solemn -character, unless a few gunshots were fired. - -The worthy magistrates little expected that they were causing the count -a lively pleasure, by asking of him two things as a favour, which, had -he dared, he would have claimed as a right, for the following reasons. - -Since the discovery of gold, so many scamps of every description had -sought refuge in San Francisco, that the Californian population justly -enjoyed a frightful reputation for vice, crime, and debauchery, in all -the adjacent countries, and especially in the Pacific ports, on which -they sometimes pounced like swarms of predacious birds. The count -ardently desired on behalf of his undertaking, to show the Sonorians -among whom they were destined to live, that the French emigrants had -nothing in common with these sinister bandits, and that the men he had -the honour to command were brave men, resolved to behave themselves -properly, wherever chance took them, and never to molest the Mexican -population. - -As for the second question, it was even more serious in the count's -eyes. The Mexicans are not only ignorant and superstitious, but even -more. Although they do not understand a syllable of the religion they -profess, or perhaps on account of that, they are exaggerated fanatics, -and sooner pardon a murder than an insult, however slight in its nature, -not to the religion itself, but merely to its exaggerated ceremonial. -This fanaticism, carefully maintained during the Spanish dominion, was -intended to keep foreigners, that is to say the English, whom they -feared greatly, from the shores of New Spain. At that time, indeed, the -English were almost the only Europeans who ventured to visit the Spanish -colonies. - -The monks profited by the difference of our religion, to make the most -exaggerated portraits of the English to their parishioners, investing -them with horns and claws, as the children of Lucifer must necessarily -have. The Indians, credulous as babes, accepted, with closed eyes, all -the fables the monks thought proper to tell them; and, with them, every -foreigner became an Englishman, that is to say a heretic, a gringo. - -The declaration of independence, while enabling the Mexicans to see -foreigners of all nations, made no change in their convictions; for it -is not so easy to destroy a prejudice rooted for centuries. They -continued, as in the past, to see in foreigners only Englishmen, and -consequently gringos; hence, that smouldering hatred which breaks out -every time that occasion offers, and that secret horror they experience -at the sight of every European. - -Being on the point of burying himself with his company in the heart of -Mexico--of passing through fanatic, credulous, and ignorant tribes, with -whom it was important to live in peace, and give them no pretext for -quarrelling--it was of the highest interest to the count to show by an -undeniable proof that the French were not gringos, but, on the contrary, -as good catholics as the Sonorians. - -Hence he favourably greeted the magistrates' request--a request which -probably concealed a trap--and promised them not only that the guns -should thunder during the whole period of the procession, but that the -company would be happy to accompany the holy sacrament during its -progress through the streets of the town. The more so, the count added, -because the French were catholics, and would eagerly seize the -opportunity to manifest their fervour for their revered religion. - -The magistrates, having at length obtained all they desired, took leave -of the count with great demonstrations of gratitude and respect. The -count breathed again, for the _sederunt_ had been long. Still, all was -not over yet, as the count soon perceived. - -Don Antonio, and his inseparable friend the colonel, would not so easily -loose their hold, and only consented to withdraw when the count promised -to be present that same evening with all his officers at a banquet Don -Antonio had prepared, to _fête_ the arrival of the French company. The -count gave his word, and was at length left at liberty for a few hours. - -Now that the company had arrived at Guaymas, that is to say, the first -halt on the road to the mines, the expedition had really commenced, the -first obstacles were cleared. According to the count's idea, all -required now was to give his men a few days' rest, and then push -resolutely onward. - -Profiting by the first impression produced by the Frenchmen, the count, -without loss of a moment, had his papers put in order, and easily -obtained his passports for the interior. Several days passed thus, the -French reigned as masters in Guaymas, petted and caressed by the -inhabitants whom their gaiety and carelessness pleased above all, and -who, having hitherto seen a few ragged outcast Mexican soldiers, could -not leave off admiring the training, martial aspect, and the perfect -dexterity with which the foreigners manoeuvred and managed their -weapons. - -The company performed the police duties of the town with the greatest -care; thefts and assassinations ceased as if by enchantment; and the -Sonorians slept tranquilly, on the faith of their new friends. - -On Corpus Christi day, as had been arranged, the French cannon were -fired during a portion of the day, and the adventurers accompanied the -procession, bearing bouquets in their muzzles, and behaving with the -greatest decency. Their presence at church produced all the effect the -count anticipated from it; and the certainty acquired by the inhabitants -that the strangers were good catholics, still further increased the -friendship they entertained for them. - -Matters went on thus for several days, and nothing occurred to trouble -the azure of the count's projects. In fact, the most perfect harmony -prevailed between him and the magistrates, at least apparently; hence, -with the native frankness of his character, the count began to reproach -himself secretly for the distrust he had at first felt, or rather -Valentine inspired him with; and in his heart he accused his friend of -having yielded to unjust prejudices against men who seemed to study not -merely to satisfy him, but to anticipate the slightest desires of the -members of the expedition. - -Indeed, how could the count suspect treachery? He had only come on the -entreaty of the Mexican government. It was that government which -demanded that his company should be trained, numerous, and well armed. -The chief authorities of the country had a greater interest in the -success of the enterprise, because they were nearly all shareholders. To -suppose that, under such circumstances, these persons intended to cheat -him, the count must have at first admitted that they were insane; for no -one ever carries on war at his own expense, and the Mexicans are -generally known to have a clutching hand for money. - -In the meanwhile, time passed rapidly; the count was afraid, lest the -_morale_ of his comrades might suffer by a longer stay in the heart of a -Sonorian city. He was burning to set out; but, unfortunately, it was -impossible for him to do so, until depôts of provisions had been made -along the road, and the government of the state had arranged with him -the definitive movements of the company on its march to the mines. - -Don Louis complained bitterly both to the colonel and Don Antonio of the -continual delays he was obliged to suffer, and the pretexts, more or -less plausible, employed to keep him in disgraceful inaction. The -governor, who declined to quit Pitic, only made evasive answers to his -letters, or declared that he had received no instructions. - -This state of things could not, and must not, last longer. As there was -a risk of the company dissolving, and all the fruit of the preliminary -labours being lost, before the enterprise had been seriously entered on, -Don Louis resolved at all risks to emerge from this equivocal position. -Consequently, after having formally stated his wishes to Colonel Florés -and Don Antonio, he informed them that since General Guerrero did not -appear to understand the tenour of his letters, he was resolved to -proceed himself to Pitic, and have a categorical explanation with him. - -The two men started with joy at this news; for they required the count's -absence for the success of the plans they had formed. Instead, -therefore, of turning him from his project, they urged him warmly to put -it in execution without delay, and start as soon as possible. Don Louis -had no need to be stimulated and urged on thus. So soon as he left the -two men, he proceeded to the barrack, assembled the company, and told -them of his speedy departure, which was joyfully heard by all these -energetic and ardent men whom rest fatigued, and on whom idleness began -to weigh heavily. The count intrusted the temporary command to one of -the officers on whom he thought he could most count, giving him the -order that, if he heard nothing from him within four days, the company -would start at once to join him, and after again urging the men to keep -up the strictest discipline, the count finally quitted the barrack. - -At his house he found Valentine awaiting him. The latter approved his -conduct, but refused to accompany him, giving as his reason, that he -believed he should serve the good cause better by remaining at Guaymas. -The truth was, that the hunter did not wish to leave out of sight the -men he had undertaken to watch, until he had discovered their -machinations. - -Louis did not insist. He knew that with a man of Valentine's character -there was no chance of discussing, when he had once formed a -determination. Followed by Don Cornelio and an escort of ten -well-mounted horsemen, the count set out, after once again pressing his -friend's hand, and proceeded toward Pitic, where--at least he hoped -so--he should at length find the word of the enigma. - -"Hum!" Valentine muttered, following him with a thoughtful glance; -"either I am greatly mistaken, or, now that he is no longer here, to -thwart by his presence the gloomy machinations of the scoundrels who -wish to make him their dupe, we shall soon have something new." - -After this aside, the hunter walked with his usual measured step toward -the barrack, where he arrived in a few moments, and found the -adventurers in a state of great excitement, produced by the departure of -their leader. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -PITIC. - - -The distance is not great from Guaymas to Pitic, and the count covered -it in a few hours. - -Pitic, or Hermosillo, is a delightful town, enclosed with walls, and -surrounded by kitchen gardens, whose produce is rather important. -Unfortunately, the night had completely set in when the count arrived -there, and he could only take a vague glance at the scenery, which, seen -through the obscurity, had entirely changed its character, and assumed a -gloomy appearance, which painfully contracted the adventurer's heart. -The count had considerably recovered from his first illusions; the -paltry annoyances of which he was the object now made him see the future -under a different light, and he already doubted the success of an -enterprise against which, from the outset, so many underhand obstacles -were raised. - -At the moment of mounting his horse, he had received from the general -commandant of the province a note giving him peremptory orders to remain -at Guaymas, with his company, and not to march forward until more ample -information, that is to say, until the general had received positive -instructions on the subject, from the central government at Mexico. As -may be easily supposed, this order, intimated in so brutal a manner -after all that had passed, had obtained the sole result of pressing the -count's departure; for he was outraged by this flagrant violation of all -the conditions stipulated in his treaty. - -The little band entered Pitic without exciting the slightest attention. -At this hour the streets were nearly deserted; and the few travellers -they met _en route,_ deceived by their Mexican costume, did not even -take the trouble to look at them. The count dismounted in the Calle San -Agostino, before a house which he had got in readiness for the occasion, -without saying a word to anyone. After a gentle rap at the door, it -opened, and the party entered. The house belonged to a Frenchman, who -had gone on a journey in the interior, for commercial reasons; but -during his absence, the servants, in obedience to his instructions, -received the count with the utmost attention. The latter, after -whispering a few words to Don Cornelio, who went out at once, retired to -the cuarto prepared for him. - -Don Louis was a man of powerful and energetic temper, a man of action -before all. He understood that, after the turn that matters had taken, -he must act energetically and without losing a moment, unless he wished -to receive an irreparable check. His plan was formed, and he prepared to -carry it out without delay. - -Don Cornelio returned at the moment when the count, who had changed his -costume, was giving a final glance at his appearance. - -"Already!" he said, on perceiving the Spaniard. - -"I have found the house, it is only a few paces from here." - -"All the better, we shall have less distance to go." - -"Five minutes at the most." - -"Is General Guerrero in Pitic?" - -"He is. Still I fancy you would do better by delaying your visit till -tomorrow." - -"Why so?" - -"Because there is a _tertulia_ this evening at the palace." - -The count turned. - -"What difference does that make?" he asked. - -"Oh, as you please, señor; but, perhaps, you do not know what a tertulia -is." - -"Not exactly; but you will explain it to me?" - -"Nothing more easy. A tertulia is a party, a festival--a ball, in a -word." - -"I understand. And you are sure, Don Cornelio, that there is a tertulia -this evening at the governor's palace?" - -"Positively sure, your excellency." - -"Bravo! That will do our business." - -The Spaniard looked at him in amazement. - -"Don Cornelio," the count continued, "change your travelling dress. I -mean to take you with me." - -"The fact is----," he said hesitating. - -"What then?" - -"I must confess to you, señor conde, that I have no other clothes save -those I wear." - -"Ah, that is of no consequence," the count replied with a smile, -pointing at the same time to a heap of clothes thrown pell-mell on the -furniture. "I suppose that you are sufficiently my friend not to feel -annoyed at the cool way in which I treat you." - -"Oh, not at all," the Spaniard exclaimed, with a movement of joy. - -"I must ask you to make haste, though; for I am waiting." - -"I only ask for five minutes." - -"I give you ten. You will find me in the patio; I am going to give my -escort orders to mount." - -The count went out, and Don Cornelio eagerly set to work obeying him. We -must add, to the glory of the Spaniard, that Don Louis' treatment of -him, so far from annoying him, had caused him to feel a deep gratitude. - -The Spaniard was not mistaken; there was really a tertulia at the -governor's palace. General Guerrero was extremely rich: hence, the ball -he gave this evening was sumptuous, and in every way worthy of the -exalted post he occupied in the province. - -The crowd filled his rooms, which glistened with light and dazzled with -gilding. All the higher society of Pitic was assembled at the palace; -tables, covered with gold, were surrounded by players, who, with that -proud carelessness characteristic of Mexicans, risked enormous sums on a -card. In a vast hall, a band, perhaps rather wild to European ears, -regulated the movements of the dancers; while a private room was -reserved for the ladies. Doña Angela, ravishingly beautiful, was seated -on her throne, in the midst of this bevy of pretty women. - -But, despite all the general's efforts to please his guests, and excite -them to amuse themselves, the festivities languished. The young ladies, -generally so impassioned for dancing, refused all invitations; they -preferred to remain talking together in the apartment reserved for them. -The fact was, they were discussing at this moment a most interesting -point, which had the privilege of arousing feminine curiosity to the -highest pitch. The news of the French landing at Guaymas supplied the -staple of the conversation. - -"Good gracious!" a young woman said, with a charming smile, "will the -English come here?" - -"Doubtlessly," another observed; "but they are not English, _Querida_." - -"Oh, you are mistaken, Carmencita. All foreigners are English, that is -to say heretics; my confessor told me so." - -"They must be hideous," a third asserted, advancing her head in -curiosity. - -"Indeed not, I assure you; they are men like others," the second speaker -observed, a pretty brunette, with black eyes that sparkled with malice. -"I spent Corpus Christi with my uncle at Guaymas, and saw them. Some of -them, indeed, are very good-looking." - -"That is impossible!" they exclaimed in chorus. "They are heretics!" - -"They will massacre us." - -"They are said to be very cruel." - -"Their chief especially." - -Till then Doña Angela had remained silent, absorbed in silent thought; -but at this remark she suddenly raised her head. - -"Their chief is a caballero," she said in a loud voice. "He is a conde -in his own country; and if he has come to Sonora, it is probably only on -our behalf." - -All the young women were silent; for they were amazed at this strange -outbreak on the part of Doña Angela; then they began chattering -together. The young lady, vexed at having thrust herself forward so -imprudently, bit her lips, blushed slightly, and fell back in her -reverie. At this moment Don Sebastian entered the room. - -"Ah, here is the general!" three or four young girls exclaimed gaily, as -they rose and eagerly surrounded him. - -"Yes, here I am, señoritas," he answered with a smile. "What do you want -of me?" - -"Merely some information." - -"About what?" - -"We wish to know," Doña Carmencita began; then she corrected herself. -"It is not I, general, but these ladies." - -"I am persuaded of that," Don Sebastian said, gallantly; "be good -enough, then, to be their interpreter. What do they desire to know?" - -"Who are the Ingleses?" - -"What Ingleses?" - -"Those who have landed at Guaymas." - -"Ah! Very good." - -"You will tell us, will you not, general?" they all exclaimed at once. - -"If it is agreeable to you." - -"Oh! Greatly so." - -"In the first place, they are not English." - -"They must be, as they are foreigners." - -The general smiled at this simple observation; but mentally recognising -the impossibility of destroying an opinion so deeply rooted, he turned -the question. - -"These men are two hundred and odd in number." - -"So many as that?" two or three young ladies exclaimed, with a gesture -of terror. - -"Yes, indeed, so many as that, señoritas; but reassure yourselves--you -have nothing to fear from them. They are kind and obliging, and their -chief is a perfect caballero." - -"But why do they come here?" - -"They came for the purpose of working certain mines." - -"I beg your pardon, papa," Doña Angela observed, who had been -attentively listening to the conversation. "Did you not say they came?" - -"Yes, my child, I said so." - -"But they are still at the port, I think?" - -"Yes, they are; but it is probable that they will soon depart." - -"For the mines?" - -"No. To return whence they came." - -Doña Angela contracted her eyebrows, a movement in her which denoted -grave annoyance and great mental preoccupation, and was silent again. - -"All the better. Let them go, the heretics!" one of the ladies -exclaimed. "These accursed English only come to our country to plunder -us." - -"That is true." The majority warmly supported her. - -"Besides, I do not care what is said; I assert that they are frightfully -ugly." - -"Well!" a young lady said, with a delicious pout, "I should have liked -to see one--only one--to know what to think about them." - -"I am very much afraid, Doña Redempción," the general remarked with a -smile, "that it will now be impossible to satisfy your curiosity." - -"All the worse; for a heretic must be an extraordinary animal. Are they -as ugly as the Indios Bravos?" - -"That is a different matter." - -"Ah! And are you certain, general, that I shall not be able to see one? -That annoys me." - -"I regret it, señorita." - -"And I, too. But supposing one of them were to come to Hermosillo?" - -"That is peremptorily forbidden them. They will be cautious not to -disobey the order they have received." - -"Ah!" she said with a pout. - -At the same moment, a door was thrown open with a crash; and a servant -announced in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,-- - -"His Excellency the Count Louis de Prébois. His Excellency Don Cornelio -Mendoza." - -If the count purposed to produce an effect, his object was completely -attained. His sudden entrance was a regular tableau, and caused a -general emotion, whose immense extent it was certainly impossible for -him to calculate. - -All the ladies had risen, and, grouped round the general, examined with -a curious and timid eye the chief of the adventurers. - -The count, whose splendid ranchero costume, which he wore with -inimitable grace, added to the fascinating charm spread over his whole -person, walked a few steps with a smile, bowed around with a gesture -full of elegance, and waited. The general had suddenly turned of a livid -pallor. - -The news of the count's arrival, spreading through the other rooms with -incomprehensible rapidity, suddenly stopped the dancing and gambling; -all the guests quitted the other rooms, and proceeded toward the one in -which the count was said to be. - -Still, each second that elapsed added to the embarrassment of the -position; the general felt it, and sought in vain a mode of escape. Don -Louis understood, or rather guessed, the general's perplexity; hence, -advancing two paces, he said with exquisite politeness,-- - -"I am confounded, general, by the trouble I have involuntarily caused -among your guests. It seems that I was not expected at Pitic." - -The general succeeded in regaining a little self-possession. - -"I allow it, caballero," he replied. "Still the impromptu visit you have -deigned to make me must be most agreeable to me, be assured." - -"I hope so, general; and yet, to judge by the glances directed upon me -from all sides, I may be permitted to doubt it." - -"You are mistaken, señor conde," the general continued, attempting to -smile. "For the last few days fame has been so occupied with you, that -the eagerness of which you are now the object ought not at all to -astonish you." - -"I should wish, general," the count said, with a bow, "that this -eagerness were more friendly. My conduct, since my arrival in Sonora, -should have attracted greater sympathy toward me." - -"What would you? We are savages, señor conde," the general said with a -sarcastic smile; "we have the misfortune not to love what comes from -foreign parts; so you must forgive us. But enough on that subject, for -the present," he added, changing his tone. "As you have been kind enough -to become my guest, allow me to present you officially to these ladies, -who are burning to become better acquainted with you." - -Don Louis yielded gracefully to the general's wishes. The latter then, -affecting the most exquisite courtesy, presented his guest, as he called -him, to the most influential persons at the ball. Then he led him to his -daughter, who, since the count's entrance, had stood motionless, with -her eyes obstinately fixed upon him. - -"Señor conde," the general said, "my daughter, Doña Angela. Doña Angela, -the Count Don Louis de Prébois Crancé." - -Don Louis bowed respectfully before the young lady. - -"I have had the honour of knowing the count for a long while," she said -with a graceful smile. - -"It is true," the general said, suddenly pretending to remember; "we -have been acquainted for a long time, caballero." - -"It was not my place to remind you under what circumstances we met." - -"That is true, count, it was mine; believe me that I have not forgotten -it." - -"Nor I," the young lady murmured; "for I owe you my life, señor." - -"Oh, señorita!" - -"Permit me, permit me, señor conde," the general said, with an emphasis -assuredly affected; "we Mexican caballeros have a long memory for good -as for ill. You risked your life to defend mine, and that is one of the -debts we like to pay. I am your debtor, señor Don Louis." - -"Are you speaking seriously, general?" the count asked, looking at him -fixedly. - -"Certainly, caballero; the subject is too serious for me to treat it -otherwise. I will even add that my most lively desire would be soon to -find the occasion to acquit my debt." - -"If that be so, general, I can offer you the occasion, if you will allow -me?" - -"How so?" the general asked, somewhat taken aback by finding himself -taken at his word. "I am too happy to be agreeable to you. What do you -want of me?" - -"I want nothing, general; I only wish to make a request of you." - -"A request! You, Don Louis? Oh, oh, what is it? Pray speak." - -"I would beg you to grant me a few moments of private conversation." - -"This night?" - -"This very instant." - -"Come," the general continued, "I hoped to be free from business for a -few hours at least, but you order otherwise. Your request shall be -satisfied, Don Louis; a caballero has but his word." - -"Pray pardon me, general. I am really confounded by pressing you so -greatly; but imperious reasons----" - -"Not a word more, I implore you, Don Louis, or you will make me suppose -that you attach to this interview an importance which it cannot possibly -possess." - -Don Louis contented himself with bowing in reply. The general then -turned to his guests, the majority of whom, their first curiosity -satisfied, had returned to the various amusements they had quitted for a -moment. - -"Señoras and caballeros," he said, "I must ask you to pardon me for -leaving you for a few minutes; but as you see, Don Louis has my word, -and I must free it." - -The guests bowed courteously. Doña Angela had summoned Don Cornelio to -her side, and, profiting by the liberty Mexican manners give young -girls, she was conversing with him in a low voice. - -"Go, papa," she said with a soft smile, intended for the count; "but do -not keep Señor Don Louis too long. Now that the ladies know him, they -would like some conversation with him." - -"Do not be alarmed, ladies; in ten minutes we shall return. Any -discussion between myself and the count cannot be long." - -"Heaven grant that be true," Louis said in his heart; "but I believe the -contrary." - -The general passed his arm through the count's, led him through the -saloons, and stopped at a door he opened. - -"Go in, caballero," he said to him. - -The count entered, and the general followed, carefully closing the door -behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. - - -The room to which the general led the count was a study. Don Sebastian -pointed to a chair, and took another himself. There was a moment's -silence, during which the two men examined each other carefully. On -passing the study threshold, both doffed that gaiety they had imprinted -on their faces, to assume a severe and thoughtful look, harmonising -better with the grave questions they were probably about to discuss. - -"I am waiting, señor conde," the general at length said, "till it please -you to explain yourself." - -"I hesitate to do so, general," Don Louis answered. - -"You hesitate, count!" - -"Yes, because, in what I have to say to you, there are some matters so -delicate that I almost fear to approach them." - -The general was mistaken as to the meaning of the count's words. How -could he understand the exquisite delicacy that dictated them? - -"You can speak without fear," he said; "no one can hear you. Precautions -have been taken, so that nothing said in this room can transpire -outside. Banish then, I implore you, all reserve, and explain yourself -frankly." - -"I will do so, as you demand it; indeed, it is, perhaps, better that it -should be so. In this way, I shall know at once what I have to hope or -fear." - -"You are bound to hope everything from me," the general said in an -insinuating voice. "I wish you no harm; on the contrary, I desire to -serve you; and to give you an example of frankness, I will begin by -declaring to you, that your fate depends on yourself alone, and that the -success or ruin of your enterprise is in your own hands." - -"If it be really so, general, the discussion between us will not be -long. But, allow me in the first place to set forth my grievances, in -order to throw full light on the state of the case." - -"Do so." - -"In the first place, permit me one question. Do you know the conditions -of my treaty with the Mexican government?" - -"Of course I do, count, as I have in my possession a copy of it." - -Don Louis made a sign of surprise. - -"That must not astonish you," the general continued; "remember what -occurred at Mexico. Do you not owe to an influential person, whose name -you are ignorant of, the removal of those insurmountable obstacles which -prevented the acceptance of your treaty by the President of the -Republic?" - -"I allow it." - -"That person, I can now tell you, was myself." - -"You, general?" - -"Myself. Then, do you remember that when all was concluded, I became the -first shareholder who gave his signature, and supplied funds?" - -"That is perfectly correct; but this only renders more incomprehensible -the strange position in which I have been placed." - -"How so?" - -"Pardon me, general, the frankness with which I express myself." - -"Go on, count. We are here to tell each other the truth." - -"In reality, since my arrival at Guaymas, your conduct toward me has -been inexplicable." - -"You are jesting. I consider it most natural." - -"Still, it appears to me----" - -"Come, what do you find so extraordinary in my conduct?" - -"Well, everything." - -"Mention details." - -"I will do so." - -"Let us see." - -"Shall I start from the commencement?" - -"Certainly." - -"Very good. You know, as you have a copy of my agreement, that it is -stated in it that I shall only stay at Guaymas just the time necessary -for the company to settle the halting places, and prepare provision and -fodder." - -"Perfectly correct." - -"I have been kept at the port nearly a fortnight under excuses, each -more frivolous than the other. Comprehending how injurious inaction may -prove to my company, I made repeated applications to the captain-general -and yourself. All my letters were answered by want of instructions." - -"Go on." - -"Wearied with this abnormal position, I at length succeed in obtaining -my passports to start for the mine. At that moment I receive from you, -general, a note giving me orders not to leave Guaymas." - -"Very good. Proceed." - -Don Louis, confounded by the impassiveness of the speaker, whose face -remained calm and voice tranquil, began to feel himself growing angry. - -"Now, general," he said, raising his voice, "I have a right to ask you -clearly what game we are playing. - -"A very simple one, my dear count, I repeat to you; and you can, if you -really desire it, hold all the trumps in your hand." - -"I confess that I do not at all understand you." - -"That is impossible!" - -"On my honour! I should feel most sincerely obliged by your explaining -to me clearly what is happening; for I assure you that I am in a fog -from which I despair ever to escape." - -"That depends on yourself alone." - -"By Heavens, general, you will allow that you are jesting with me?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"What? At the request of your government, I come to Sonora with -permission to work the mines. Owing to your influence, as you yourself -allow, my treaty is signed. Confiding in Mexican honesty, I organise an -expedition--I arrive; and my partners, yourself first of all, turn -against me and treat me, not as their friend, their representative, not -with even the respect due to a gentleman, but affect to consider me as -almost a filibuster." - -"O count! You are going too far." - -"On my soul, general, such things can only be witnessed in Mexico." - -"My dear count, you are mistaken. No one is seeking to injure you, on -the contrary." - -"Still, up to the present, you, one of the largest shareholders in the -company, whose interests are at stake, you in a word, who, owing to the -influence you possess, should have helped us in the most effective -manner, have only employed that power to impede our movements and injure -us in every way." - -"O count! What terms you are employing." - -"Good Heavens, general, excuse me! But it is time for all these absurd -annoyances to cease, and for me to be allowed to proceed to the mines. -All this has lasted too long." - -The general appeared to reflect for a moment. - -"Come, frankly," he said at last; "did you not understand why I acted -toward you in that way?" - -"I swear it." - -"That is strange. Pardon me in your turn, count; but I had a very -different opinion of you." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Then you did not guess why I, general, military governor of Sonora, -supported so warmly your petition to the President?" - -"But----" - -"You did not guess," he went on sharply, "why I demanded that your -companions should be well armed, and organised as soldiers?" - -"It appears to me----" - -"You did not understand why I had you invested with a military power as -extensive as if you were chief of an army? Come, count, you are not -speaking seriously at this moment; or else you wish to play a cunning -game with me." - -While pronouncing these words with a certain degree of vehemence, this -time real, the general had left his chair, and was walking about the -room in agitation. The count listened to him with the greatest -attention, while watching him closely. When he was silent, he replied:-- - -"I will tell you, general, what I did understand." - -"Speak." - -"I understood, that the Mexican government, too weak to recover for -itself the rich placers of the Plancha de la Plata, which by its -carelessness, had fallen once more into the hands of the Indians, would -gladly see strangers carry out an expedition from which it would reap -the greatest profit. I understood, besides, that the government, unable -effectively to protect the inhabitants of Sonora against the incursions -of the Apaches and Comanches, would be delighted if the same strangers -took on themselves at their risk and peril to restrain these ferocious -plunderers within their frontiers. I understood lastly, that General Don -Guerrero, (whose life and his daughter's I had been so fortunate as to -save, and who felt such deep gratitude toward me), had gladly seized on -the opportunity to do me a service in his turn, by placing at my -disposal that great influence he possesses, to obtain for me that which -I had so long solicited in vain. That is all I understood, general." - -"Ah! That is all?" - -"Yes; but am I mistaken?" - -"Perhaps." - -"Then, be kind enough to explain yourself categorically, general." - -"What use would it be now? It is too late," the general answered, -darting at him a glance of strange meaning. - -"Why, then, too late?" - -Don Sebastian walked quickly up to the count, and stopped in front of -him. - -"Because now," he said, "we can never understand each other." - -"You believe so, general?" - -"I am sure of it." - -"But, for what reason?" - -"You wish me to tell it you?" - -"I beg you." - -"Well, then, señor conde, the reason is this: you are a man of too much -sense and vast intelligence--in a word, you are a man in a thousand----" - -"General, I implore you----" - -"I do not flatter you, count; I tell you the truth. Unfortunately, -though you speak Spanish with rare perfection, you are not sufficiently -acquainted with _Mexican_ for us ever to understand each other." - -"Ah!" the count said, without adding another word. - -"I am right, I think; this time you caught the meaning of my words?" - -"Perhaps, general, I will reply in the remark you employed an instant -ago." - -"Very good. Now, I think, we have nothing more to say to each other." - -"Permit me a few words." - -"Speak." - -"Whatever may happen, general, on passing the door of the room, I shall -not remember one word of our conversation." - -"As you please, count; we have said nothing the whole town might not -hear." - -"That is true; but others might possibly put a different interpretation -on them than mine. There are so many ways of understanding words." - -"Oh! But ours were remarkably innocent." - -"They were. I trust, general, we shall not part as foes." - -"Why should we be so, my dear count? I desire, on the contrary, that the -agreeable acquaintance we have renewed this evening may be changed ere -long--on your side at least, for on mine it has long been so--into a -durable friendship." - -"You overwhelm me, general." - -"Do I not owe you my life?" - -"So I may always count on you?" - -"As on yourself, my dear friend." - -These words were uttered by the two speakers with such delicately -sharpened irony, that no one could have guessed, beneath the charming -smile that played on their lips, the rage and hatred which swelled their -hearts. - -"Now," the general continued, "I believe we can return to the ballroom?" - -"I am at your orders, general." - -Don Sebastian opened the door of the room, and stood against the wall. -The count passed him. - -"Do you play, Don Louis?" the general asked him. - -"Rarely; still, if you wish it, I shall be happy to cover your stake." - -"This way then." - -They entered a room in which several monte tables were established. The -gamblers were collected before a table, at which a man, who had an -enormous pile of gold before him, was enjoying extraordinary good luck. -The man was Don Cornelio. After conversing for some time with Doña -Angela, the Spaniard, attracted by the irresistible charm of gold, -approached the monte tables, and, fascinated in spite of himself, he had -risked the few ounces he possessed. - -Luck had been favourable to him; so constantly favourable, that in less -than an hour he had gained nearly all the gold of all the players who -had ventured to hold their ground against him; so that he eventually won -an enormous sum. At the moment the count and the general arrived near -him, Don Cornelio's last adversary retired, completely cleaned out, and -the fight ceased for want of combatants; so that the Spaniard, after -looking around him, and seeing that no one cared longer to contend with -him, began with unchangeable coolness thrusting into the vast pockets of -his _calzoneras_ the ounces piled up before him. - -"Oh, oh!" the general said, gaily, "it seems that the Atravida company -is in luck to-night, Señor Don Louis; it gains on all sides at once." - -The count smiled at this double-edged compliment. - -"Let us see if I shall change the vein?" Don Sebastian continued, "Will -you play against me, Don Louis?" - -"On one condition." - -"What? I accept it beforehand." - -"This: I have a peculiar custom of never playing more than three -stakes." - -"Good." - -"Wait a minute. I play them, doubling each time." - -"The deuce! And if you lose one of the three?" - -"That is of no consequence; still, I do not think I shall lose," he said -with perfect calmness. - -"What! You do not think you will lose?" - -"No; I confess to you that I have great luck in play. The reason is, -probably, because I care very little about winning." - -"That is possible; still, what you tell me is so curious, that I should -like to convince myself of the fact." - -"It only depends on you." - -By degrees, the guests had drawn nearer the two gentlemen, and formed a -group around them. Doña Angela had also advanced, and was now close to -Don Louis' side. - -"Come," the general said, "let us play three stakes." - -"At your orders." - -"How much shall we set?" - -"What you please." - -"Suppose we say 2000 piastres?" - -"Agreed." - -The general took up a pack of new cards. - -"If you have no objection," he remarked, "we will neither of us cut." - -"As you please." - -"But who shall be dealer?" - -"I," Doña Angela suddenly exclaimed, as she seized the pack of cards. - -"Oh, oh!" the general said with a smile, "take care, Don Louis; my -daughter is enlisted against you." - -"I cannot believe that the señorita is my enemy," the count replied, as -he bowed to the young lady. - -Doña Angela blushed, but said nothing; she unfastened the pack, and -shuffled the cards. - -"Two thousand piastres," the general said. "Deal, my child." - -She began turning up the cards. - -"Lost!" she said in a moment. - -"That is true," said the general; "I have lost; now for the second. -_Caramba!_ Take care, niña, we are playing this time for 4000 piastres." - -"Lost!" she cried. - -"Again! That is singular. Come, Don Louis, the last one." - -"Perhaps it would be better to stop here; neither you nor I, general, -care for this money." - -"That is the reason I wish for the third stake; besides, luck may have -favoured you hitherto." - -"Did I not warn you?" - -"Come, come; I wish to be certain." - -"Lost!" the young lady said for the third time, in her harmonious voice. - -"_Caramba!_ This is really singular. I owe you 14,000 piastres, Don -Louis. I allow that you have really extraordinary fortune." - -"I know it," the count answered, still perfectly cool; "and now permit -me to leave you. Señorita, accept my grateful thanks for the kind -assistance you granted me in this matter." - -The young lady bowed, ashamed and blushing, - -"Tomorrow, at daybreak, the 14,000 piastres will be at your house, Don -Louis." - -"Do not hurry yourself, general; I shall have the honour of seeing you -again." - -The count thereupon took leave, and withdrew with Don Cornelio, -obsequiously accompanied to the door of the last room by the general. - -"Double traitor!" the count muttered, as he mounted. "Take care of -yourself, for now I see your game. In spite of your cunning, you have -let me read your thoughts." - -The count, followed by his escort, thoughtfully returned to the house he -inhabited. He was reflecting on the means to be employed in foiling the -machinations of his enemies, and carrying out his expedition -successfully. As for Don Cornelio, he only thought of one thing--the -luck he had had during the evening; and, while galloping by Don Louis' -side, he mentally calculated the number of ounces he had gained, of -which fact he had not yet been able to assure himself satisfactorily. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE TAPADA. - - -The American character is made up of contrasts; and one of the strangest -of these is the honesty and punctuality with which play debts are -liquidated. The man who would remorselessly assassinate another to rob -him of two reals, would not fail to pay him, within twenty-four hours, -any gambling debt, however large it might be. - -The next morning, on waking, Don Louis found on the table of his room -several canvas bags, filled with ounces. They contained the 14,000 -piastres, lost on the previous evening by the general, and which the -latter had sent at sunrise. - -Louis was annoyed at this punctuality, which, in his ignorance of -Mexican habits, he was far from expecting. It appeared to him of evil -omen. He dressed; and, after breakfasting, left Don Cornelio engaged in -counting his previous evening's gains, and wrapping himself in his -cloak, went out with the intention of looking at the town. - -As, during his walk, he passed before the palace, he took advantage of -this circumstance to give his card to one of the general's criados, not -wishing, after the conversation they had held, to force himself upon -him, but intending to call in person the next day. - -The count employed several hours in traversing the town, visiting the -churches, of which two or three are rather fine, and smoking sundry -cigarettes on the Alameda, a delightful promenade shaded by noble -trees, where the fair sex of Pitic breathe the fresh air every evening. -At length, he returned home, shut himself up in his room, and earned on -his correspondence till a late hour. - -The next day, as he had resolved, he proceeded to the palace: it was -closed. The general, summoned by an important affair, had started at -four o'clock the previous afternoon on horseback, only taking with him a -small squadron of lancers. But, the man added who gave the count this -information, his excellency the general would not be long absent; he -would probably return within four days. The count, try all he knew, -could obtain no more positive information. The Mexicans, ordinarily so -gossiping, can become, when their interests demand it, as dumb as fish; -and in that case it is impossible, either by money or promises, to get a -single syllable from them. - -Don Louis retired, excessively annoyed at this _contretemps_, which -seemed expressly prepared for him; still, in order to clear up his -doubts, and not wishing, under circumstances so grave, to act lightly, -and commit any imprudence, although the general's behaviour seemed to -him highly improper, he resolved to wait a few days, in order that he -might have right on his side, by proving that Don Sebastian's departure -had been premeditated for the purpose of avoiding any further -explanation with him. - -Daily, the count sent one of his men to the palace to inquire whether -the general had returned. The answer was always the same. The general -was absent, but it was certain he would soon return: he was indeed -expected at any moment. Eight days passed thus. Another subject of -restlessness then arose, to increase the count's annoyances and the -impatient feeling that was beginning to conquer him. - -On leaving Guaymas, he had given orders to the officer to whom he gave -the temporary command of the company, to start to join him after four -days. The men, then, must not only have started, but must be close to -Pitic, as the two towns were only fifteen leagues apart, a distance -which an armed body can easily cover between two suns; and yet, since -his leaving the port, the count had received no news--no reply to his -letters; and the company did not make its appearance. - -What had happened since his leaving Guaymas? What new obstacles had been -interposed to the movement of his company? Whence resulted this -incomprehensible delay of four days? Why had not the officer left in -charge informed him of what had occurred? Or had his couriers been -interrupted on the road? Why had not Valentine or Curumilla, those two -resolute and devoted men, for whom the greatest obstacles had no -existence, come to warn him? - -All these suppositions, and many others that offered themselves to the -count's perplexed mind, threw him into a state of moral excitement -impossible to describe. He knew not what to resolve, what means to -employ, in order to acquire a certainty a hundred fold preferable to -the doubt that gnawed him. At length, he decided on sending Don -Cornelio, in whom he believed he could trust, at full gallop to Guaymas. -That gentleman was out, however, and was sought for without being found. - -This new obstacle culminated the count's feverish impatience. He mounted -his horse, and started with the intention of exploring the environs of -the town, in the secret hope of discovering some traces of his comrades, -or at least learning some news about them. During the four hours he -galloped in every direction, he saw nothing, and heard nothing. He -turned back--a prey to a mighty sorrow, and heavy discouragement. - -On approaching his house, the sound of a jarana reached his ears, and he -hurried on his steed. Don Cornelio, carelessly seated on a stool in the -porch of the house, was strumming his guitar, singing, as was his wont, -his inevitable romance of King Rodrigo. On perceiving Don Louis, the -Spaniard threw his instrument far from him, and rose with a cry of joy. - -"At length!" he shouted. - -"Why at length?" the count answered. "I consider the exclamation -curious, since I have been searching after you, and could not lay my -hand on you." - -The Spaniard smiled mysteriously. - -"I know it," he said; "but this place is not propitious for talking. Don -Louis, will you permit me to accompany you to your cuarto?" - -"With the greatest pleasure; the more so, as I also wish to speak with -you." - -"Come, that is a charming coincidence." - -On reaching his room, Don Louis turned to his companion. - -"Well," he said to him; "what have you to tell me?" - -"Listen. This morning, according to my daily custom, I was walking about -after breakfast, smoking a papelito, when, at the corner of the Calle de -la Merced and the Calle San Francisco, I felt a slight touch on my arm. -I turned sharply. A charming woman, or at least I suppose so, for it was -impossible for me to distinguish her features, so carefully were they -hidden in the folds of her rebozo, made me a sign to follow her. What -would you have done in my place, Don Louis?" - -"I do not know, my friend; but I entreat you, be brief, for I am in a -hurry." - -"Well, I followed her. You know that I have an idea about Mexican women, -and am convinced that some day or other----" - -"In Heaven's name, my friend, come to the point," Don Louis interrupted -him, stamping his foot impatiently. - -"I am doing so. I followed her then. She entered the church of la -Merced, I at her heels. The church was deserted at that moment, which -caused me a lively pleasure; because in such a case a man can talk at -his ease. Do not be impatient, I have come to it. When I reached a -rather dark corner, the young and charming female, for I assert that she -is both, turned so suddenly that I almost trod on her toes. 'Are you not -Don Cornelio Mendoza?' she asked me. 'Yes,' I replied. - -"'In that case,' she said, 'you are a friend of the count.' I guessed at -once that the stranger alluded to you. 'I am his intimate friend,' I -continued. 'That is well,' she added, drawing from her bosom a small -note, which she placed in my hand; 'give him this as quickly as -possible, it alludes to very grave matters.' I seized the paper, on -which I mechanically fixed my eyes; when I raised them again, my -incognita had disappeared, fled like a sylph, leaving no trace. It was -impossible for me to catch her up, for the confounded place was so -dark." - -"Well, and where is the note?" Don Louis asked. - -"Here it is. Oh, I did not lose it! It was too warmly recommended to -me." - -The count took it, and, without deigning a glance, threw it on the -table. Since his arrival at Pitic he had received twenty a day, and had -not answered one; he did not even read them now, as he felt convinced -they all meant the same thing. - -"And now," he added, "you have finished, I presume?" - -"Yes." - -"Then listen to me in your turn," he continued, handing him the letter -he had prepared for the hunter during his absence. "You will mount this -instant, start for Guaymas; give this letter to Don Valentine, and bring -me back the answer. You understand?" - -"Of course." - -"I can rely on your diligence?" - -"I start." - -He went out. Ten minutes later, Don Louis heard the hurried footfalls of -a horse re-echoing before the gateway. - -"Tomorrow, at this hour, I shall know on what I have to depend," Don -Louis muttered. - -He threw himself on a butaca; and, resting his elbows on a table, he -buried his head in his hands, and fell into deep thought. In this -position, his eyes were involuntarily fixed on the note Don Cornelio had -given him, and which was just in front of him. A sickly smile played on -his lips. - -"Poor fools!" he muttered, "who only dream of love and pleasure, to whom -life is only one long festival. What need have I of your false -protestations, to which I cannot respond? Love for me no longer exists. -Like all the women who have preceded her, this one, doubtlessly, offers -me an eternal love, which she will forget tomorrow. Why trouble myself -about such absurdities? My heart is dead to joy--only too dead, alas!" - -And he thrust the paper away. - -The night was rapidly falling, and the count kindled a lucifer match to -light a candle; but, as frequently happens to people deeply engaged, -when he held the lucifer to the candle, he perceived that the former was -nearly burnt out. Then, mechanically, he took up the note he had -spurned, folded it up, and was going to twist it into a spill; but all -at once he stopped, threw the match on the floor, lit another, and read -this note, so despised a moment previously. The following were the -contents:-- - -"A person interested in the Count Don Louis begs him, for his own sake, -to go this evening to the Alameda at ten o'clock, under the first walk -on the left. A person seated on the third bench will say to him -'Guaymas,' he will answer 'Atravida,' and follow her at a distance, -without addressing other questions to her, to the spot where she is -directed to lead him, and where the count will learn matters which, for -his own safety and that of his comrades, it is important for him to -know." - -This strange note was not signed. - -"What is the meaning of this?" the count said to himself. "Is it a -mystification? For what object? Is it a snare offered me, in which they -wish me to fall? By Heaven, I will know the truth! What hour is -it--nine? I have still an hour before me. If my mysterious correspondent -meditates an assassination, he will find with whom he has to deal. Who -knows? Perhaps it is really a warning a good friend wishes to give me? I -shall soon see." - -While saying this, the count had changed his clothes for others of a -dark hue. He put on his waist belt, through an iron ring of which, -according to the Mexican fashion, he passed a sheathless machete; he -placed two excellent revolvers in his girdle, wrapped himself carefully -in the folds of a wide cloak, pulled his broad brimmed hat over his -eyes, and prepared to go out. - -"By Jove!" he said, as he crossed the threshold of the house, "armed as -I am, the brigands who attempt to attack me will have their work cut -out." - -At the moment the count entered the street, it struck a quarter to ten -by the clock of the Cabildo. - -"I have just time," he said. - -And he began walking quickly. The night was dark, the streets were -deserted. As the count had expected, he reached the Alameda exactly as -the clock struck ten. - -"Let us see," he said. - -He then walked with a firm step, though looking carefully around, and -with his hand on his arms, in fear of a surprise. Conforming to the -instructions of the note, he proceeded toward the walk indicated to him. -He soon distinguished a dark form, which he recognised as that of a -female seated on a bench. The count was then ashamed of his suspicions, -left his hold of his arms, and, after reflection, was on the point of -returning, supposing that this rendezvous was not so serious as he had -at first supposed. Still, after a moment's reflection, he resolved on -carrying out the affair to the end, and walked toward the stranger, who -remained perfectly calm. At the moment he was passing her she coughed -gently, and the count turned to her. - -"_Guaymas_" she said in a low voice. - -"_Atravida_" the count replied in the same tone. - -"Come." - -"Go on." - -The strange woman rose, and not turning once, proceeded with a firm and -hasty step along the Alameda, and turned into a narrow street inhabited -by leperos, stopping before a house of rather wretched appearance. She -then opened the door with a key she held in her hand, and went in, -being careful to leave the door ajar. The count was close at her heels, -and entered without any hesitation. He found himself in dense obscurity, -and heard the door close behind him with a spasm at his heart. - -"It is plain that I am in a wasp's nest," he said to himself. - -"Fear nothing," a soft and melodious voice suddenly said, almost in his -ear; "you have no occasion to alarm yourself, for these precautions are -not taken against yourself." - -The affectionate and almost mournful accent of this voice completely -reassured the count. - -"I fear nothing," he said. "Were I afraid of a snare, should I have -come?" - -"Listen, moments are precious. I have only a few seconds at my command." - -"I am listening." - -"You have powerful enemies; one especially has sworn your destruction. -Take care! You would not serve his plans and become the agent of -disorder, in order to help that man in gaining the object of his -ambition; so that man has resolved your death." - -"I despise the man's threats, for I know him." - -"Perhaps so, I mention no names. Still, he is not alone against you. If -you wish to foil your enemy's plans, act vigorously; above all be -prudent. Treason is everywhere in Mexico, it is breathed in the air; so -trust to none but well tried men. You have traitors even among those who -come nearest to you." - -"What do my enemies want?" - -"To destroy you, I tell you, because you have refused to become their -accomplice." - -"Oh! I will avenge myself." - -"Take care! Above all, do not remain long here. Your enemies can act the -more surely in the dark, when, they know you are away from your company. -Rejoin your comrades." - -"I will do so this very night." - -"Yes, start at once for the mines. If you can reach them before your -enemies are in a position to raise the mask, you will be saved." - -"Thanks for your advice, I will follow it." - -"So now, good-by." - -"Good-bye," the count said, with an accent of regret. - -"We must not meet again." - -"What! After the signal service you render me at this moment----" - -"It must be. Everything parts us." - -"Tell me one thing, pray." - -"What?" - -"Whence comes the interest you deign to show me?" - -"Is the motive for a woman's actions ever known?" - -"Oh, you are jesting with me, señora; that is wrong." - -The strange lady sighed. - -"No, Don Louis," she continued, "I am not jesting with you. What need -that you should know me? Sufficient for you that I watch over you. Seek -not for the motive." - -"On the contrary, I am anxious to know it." - -"Were I to tell you that I loved you, would you believe it, Don Louis?" -she said, sorrowfully. - -"Oh!" he said, with emotion, "I would pity you, madam, if you attached -yourself to a wretched being like myself, whose life has only been one -long suffering." - -"Do you not know, then, that we women love the unhappy before all? Our -mission upon earth is to offer consolation." - -"Madam, I implore you, do not let me leave you thus. I should carry away -in my heart a grief which nothing could cure." - -"I was wrong to come," she murmured, mournfully. - -"Oh! Say not so, as you have perchance saved my life." - -"Farewell, Don Louis," she replied, with an accent of ineffable -gentleness; "we must part. Whatever may occur, remember that you have a -devoted friend--a sister." - -"A sister!" he remarked, bitterly, "be it so. If that is your wish; -madam, I do not insist." - -"Take this ring, as you wish absolutely to know who I am. My name is -engraved upon it, but promise me not to read it for three days." - -"I swear it," he replied, holding out his hand in the darkness. - -A hand seized on his, pressed it gently, left a ring in it; and then he -heard a slight rustling of silk, and a soft voice murmured farewell for -the last time. The count heard a door close, and that was all. In a -second, the door which had granted him admission to the house opened -again. Don Louis wrapped himself in his cloak, and went out, a prey to -considerable agitation. He reached his abode at full speed; from a -distance he perceived a man standing before his gateway. The count, -through a secret presentiment he could not explain, hurried onward. - -"Valentine!" he suddenly exclaimed, with marks of amazement. - -"Yes, brother," the other answered; "fortunately I met Don Cornelio. -Your horse is ready; come, let us start." - -"What is the matter, then?" he exclaimed, anxiously. - -"Off, off! I will tell you all on the road." - -Five minutes later, the adventurers started at full speed on the road -from Pitic to Guaymas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE REVOLT. - - -We will leave Don Louis and Valentine galloping on the road to Guaymas, -and explain to the reader what had occurred in that town during the -count's absence. - -The French company formed at San Francisco was not completely made up, -when the hunter brought his friend the money he required: about a dozen -men were still deficient. Pressed by time and wishful to reach Sonora as -soon as possible, Don Louis neglected to employ the same precautions in -enrolling these men, as he had with the rest. He accepted almost anybody -that presented himself. Unfortunately, among the new recruits were four -or five scamps, to whom any restraint was unendurable, and who entered -the company solely impelled by that instinct for evil which governs -vicious natures; that is to say, with the secret intention of committing -every crime that might prove profitable to them, so soon as they reached -Mexico. - -During the passage from San Francisco to Guaymas, and even so long as -the count remained in the latter town, these persons carefully avoided -showing themselves in their true colours, justly fearing punishment; but -so soon as the count left Guaymas for Pitic, they threw off the mask, -and in company with a few scamps of their own stamp, whom they picked up -in the slums about the port, commenced a life of disorder and -debauchery. - -Colonel Florés and Don Antonio did not fail to profit by the irregular -conduct of these men, and planted spies upon them, who excited them by -all the means at their command to redouble their disorderly conduct. -These emissaries cleverly spread the report that Don Louis had purposely -deceived his comrades, that the mines of the Plancha de la Plata had no -existence, that he had obtained no concession, and that his object was -very different from what he had stated to his followers. - -These calumnies, at first weak and as it were ashamed to expose -themselves in broad daylight, in a short time obtained a degree of -consistency; and a great fermentation was visible in the company. The -officers, justly alarmed at what was passing, assembled in council, and -resolved to warn the count of the alarming state of matters, and the -dangers that menaced the expedition. Colonel Florés, as delegate of the -government, was present at this council, and gave his opinion that a -courier should be despatched to the count at once. The courier was -really sent off, but almost immediately intercepted. This happened on -the third day after the count's departure. The officer to whom he -intrusted the command, reassured by the departure of the courier, and -desirous to cover his responsibility by executing the orders he had -received, ordered the assembly to be sounded at daybreak of the fourth -day, and issued orders for immediate departure. - -Murmurs broke out on all sides, cries and yells were heard, and for some -time there was an inextricable confusion. Colonel Florés had hurried up, -on hearing what was taking place. He insinuated that it would be -probably imprudent to leave Guaymas, with the soldiers in their present -state of excitement, and that it would be better to await the count's -return, who, warned by the courier sent off the previous day, would -doubtlessly arrive at once, and a hundred other more or less specious -arguments. - -But the temporary commandant was an old African soldier, trained in -habits of discipline, and who only obeyed his orders. He replied sharply -to the colonel that he begged him to attend to his own affairs, for what -was occurring in no way concerned him. As for himself he had his orders, -and would obey them, whatever the consequences might be. - -Colonel Florés finding himself so sharply taken up, and perceiving that -he was on the wrong road, immediately changed his batteries, and -perfectly coincided with the officer, whom he urged to continue as he -had begun, and not yield an inch to the insubordination of his soldiers. -The commandant shrugged his shoulders contemptuously at these new -suggestions from the worthy colonel, and walking into the middle of the -yard, where the soldiers, forming scattered groups, were consulting -together, he ordered the buglers to sound the assembly. - -He was at once obeyed; but the adventurers yelled at the buglers, and -redoubled their shouts and vociferations. The commandant remained -motionless on the spot he had selected, with his arms folded on his -chest; when the buglers had given the call, he pulled out his watch and -coolly looked at the hour. The insurgents watched him closely, the other -officers had come up, and ranged themselves round their chief. - -"Return to your squads, gentlemen," he said to them in a clear voice, -which, though not raised above the tone of an ordinary conversation, was -distinctly heard by all. "Your men have five minutes to fall in; we -shall start in a quarter of an hour." - -A prolonged laugh greeted these words. The commandant returned his sabre -to its scabbard, and walked with a measured step straight up to one of -the scamps who had been the originator of the tumult, and who appeared -to insult him most of all. The man started on seeing his chief walking -toward him, and instinctively looked behind him. The shouts had ceased, -and the adventurers, were waiting curiously the issue. When the -commandant was only two paces from the man, he stopped, and looking him -firmly in the face said,--- - -"Were you laughing at me just now?" - -The other hesitated to reply. - -"It is not the chief who is speaking to you at this moment," the officer -continued, "but the man you have insulted." - -The adventurer felt that the eyes of all his comrades were fixed upon -him; so he recalled all his effrontery. - -"Well, supposing I was?" he said insolently. - -"In that case," the officer continued quietly, "you are a scoundrel." - -"A scoundrel?" the other retorted, in a passion. "You must be more -careful in your language, I advise you." - -"You are a scoundrel, I repeat; and I am going to punish you." - -"Punish me?" he said, sneeringly; "come on then." - -"Give the fellow a sabre," the officer said, turning to the spectators. - -"A sabre? What for?" - -"To give me satisfaction for your insult." - -"I do not know how to use a sabre." - -"Ah, that is the case, is it? You insult me because, you fancy yourself -supported by your comrades, and that I am alone; but your comrades are -brave men; they know me, and would not wish to insult me." - -"No, no!" several voices exclaimed. - -"While you are a miserable coward, unworthy longer to belong to the -company. I dismiss you; you are no Frenchman; be off!" - -Then, with a strength he little thought he possessed, the officer seized -the man by the collar of his coat, and hurled him twenty paces. He -jumped up, and ran off at full speed followed by a general yell. - -The officer was not mistaken. The fellow was not a Frenchman. But why -need we divulge his nationality? A whole nation must not be responsible -for the villainy of a single man. - -When the officer turned round again after this summary execution, he saw -that all the adventurers had fallen in, and were standing motionless and -silent. The commandant reproached nobody, and did not appear to remember -any longer the resistance offered to him. All men are alike. To subdue -them, you must prove to them that you possess a decided superiority over -them. - -Colonel Florés was stupefied. He understood nothing of what was taking -place. - -"Hum!" he muttered to himself; "what energy! What courage! I fancy we -shall not find it an easy matter to master men like these." - -The commandant, after assuring himself by a glance that the company had -really returned to its duty, gave the order for starting. This order, at -once repeated by the subaltern officers, was obeyed without the -slightest murmur; and the adventurers set out on their march, preceded -by a long file of mules, carrying the baggage, and two or three carts, -conveying invalids. The guns (for the count had judged it necessary to -augment his artillery), were in the centre, dragged by mules. The march -was closed by the cavalry, a detachment of ten men having been -previously told off to form the vanguard. - -The Frenchmen traversed Guaymas at a quick step, amid the shouts and -wishes of success of the population collected on their road. Don Antonio -accompanied the company to the Rancho de San José, which forms, as it -were, a suburb of Guaymas. On arriving there, he took leave of the -officers in the most friendly manner, repeating his offers of service; -and after pressing the hand of Colonel Florés, who went on with the -adventurers, and exchanging a glance with him, he returned to the port. - -It was late when the Frenchmen started. The heat was stifling; -consequently they could not cover much ground, retarded, as they were, -by the mules and carts. At sunset, they encamped at the entrance of a -village, about four leagues from the town. - -The commandant imagined he had gained everything by inducing the company -to leave Guaymas; but he was mistaken. The leaven of discord, artfully -spread among the adventurers, was still at work, and was carefully kept -up by the men to whom we have alluded. It was by no means the interest -of these fellows to bury themselves in the interior of the country, -where they would have no chance of finding what they had come to Mexico -for, namely, opportunities for robbery and debauch. Thus, far from -feeling discouraged by the check they had received that very morning, -they intended to begin again, as soon as the occasion presented itself. - -Valentine, who carefully watched all that went on around him, took the -commandant on one side when the camp was formed, and warned him of the -insubordination in the company. The latter, however, attached no great -importance to the hunter's observations; for he was persuaded that, -after the vigorous manner in which he had behaved, the adventurers would -not dare to mutiny again. - -Valentine's previsions were only too well founded, as the commandant had -proof the next morning, when he wished to start again. The adventurers -bluntly refused; threats or prayers were equally unavailing; they -remained deaf to every observation. It was no longer mutiny, but a -perfect revolt, followed only too soon by utter anarchy. The promoters -of disorder triumphed; still they could not succeed in inducing their -comrades to return to Guaymas. - -Through a remnant of that feeling of duty which never deserts soldiers, -the adventurers were unwilling to abandon the count; they returned -merely to the old charges that had been suggested to them. They wanted a -proof that the mines really existed, that their chief had a regular -concession, and that they were not cheated. In addition to these demands -they set up another, which would completely compromise the future of the -company, were it granted. They demanded that all the officers chosen by -Don Louis should be broken, and the company be permitted to choose -others by vote. - -Valentine remarked to them that they could do nothing during their -chiefs absence. They must await his return, or commit a flagrant act of -illegality; for Don Louis was at liberty to choose whom he pleased for -officers, as he was the sole leader of the expedition, and alone -responsible for its conduct. - -The adventurers at length yielded to this reasoning, which appeared to -them just; and, in order to stop as soon as possible these discussions -which only delayed the affairs of the company, it was settled that -Valentine should start the next morning for Pitic, and bring back the -count with him. Valentine promised to do what they wanted, and -tranquillity was gradually restored for the remainder of the day. - -The next morning, at daybreak, therefore, Valentine mounted his horse, -and started for Pitic. We have seen that he was fortunate enough to find -Don Louis, and in what way he brought him off. On the road he told his -friend all that had occurred, in the fullest details. Hence, the count -was burning to arrive at the camp to check the disorder, and prevent the -dissolution of the company, whose existence was seriously menaced, if -such a state of things was allowed to continue only a few hours longer. - -At daybreak, the horsemen reached the camp. All was topsy-turvy; -confusion and disorder prevailed on all sides. The adventurers would -listen to nothing. The officers, rendered powerless, knew not what to -do, or how to turn away the storm that threatened them. But the sudden -arrival of the count was a thunderbolt for the mutineers. - -Don Louis leaped off his horse, and walked resolutely toward them. At -the sight of him, the adventurers involuntarily felt the feeling of duty -re-aroused in their hearts, which they had vainly striven to stifle. - -"The assembly!" the count shouted in a thundering voice. - -Yielding to this man's magical influence, which they had so long been -accustomed to respect, they obeyed orders, and assembled around him. - -"Not so," he continued; "fall in." - -The first step was taken, they formed their ranks. The count surveyed -them, looking closely along the ranks. The adventurers stood silent and -gloomy; they felt themselves guilty. These hardened men trembled, not -from fear but shame. The count addressed them. - -"What have you to reproach me with, comrades?" he said to them, in his -gentle and sympathising voice. "Since the moment I first collected you -around me, have I not done all in my power to improve your position? -Have I not constantly treated you as my children? Speak: if I have -injured one of you, or committed a single act of injustice, tell it me? -You have been led to believe that I am deceiving you, that I was not the -owner of the Plancha de Plata, that this mine did not exist. Look here," -he added, as he drew a document from his chest, "here are the papers; -the agreement is regularly drawn up, the stations are prepared up to -the mines. Now, have you faith in me? do you now suppose that I am -deceiving you. Answer!" - -He was silent for a moment; but not a voice was raised to answer him. - -"Ah! That is the state of the case," he continued; "now listen to me. -The mines to which I am leading you contain incalculable wealth. These -riches will be yours. I shall only take what you give me. You shall -settle my share. Will you now accuse me of wishing to cheat you for my -own profit? You ask for fresh officers chosen by yourselves. I will -never consent to such a condition. Your officers are men in whose -capacity I have full and entire confidence: they well keep their -positions. Among you there are cowards, who have become the tools of my -enemies for the purpose of destroying us. These men all belong to the -second squad. They had better spare me the trouble of discharging them -with ignominy." - -The adventurers, carried away by their chiefs frank and honourable -language, rushed toward him, uttering shouts of joy. Peace was made: all -was forgotten. The emissaries, so suddenly discharged, profited by the -general enthusiasm to disappear without beat of drum. - -"Here is a courier!" Valentine suddenly said. - -The count turned sharply. A _lancero_ was coming up at full gallop. - -"_El señor conde?_" he asked. - -"I am he," Don Louis answered. - -The soldier held out to him a sealed despatch. The count took it with an -indescribable flutter of the heart, and rapidly ran over the lines. -Suddenly he uttered a shout of joy. - -"Listen," he said; "here is the order I have so long been expecting. The -President of the Republic authorizes us to set out immediately for the -mines. Comrades, we will be off at once for the Plancha de Plata." - -"To the mines!" the adventurers shouted. - -On folding up the paper, Don Louis noticed a few words in French written -at the foot of the envelope. - -"What is this?" he muttered. - -He then read:-- - -"Start at once. Perhaps counter orders have already been given. Your -enemies are on the alert." - -"Oh!" the count said, "what do I care now? I will manage to foil all -their tricks." - -The adventurers set to work gaily in preparing the carts for the long -journey they would have to go. The two field pieces were carefully -fastened on their carriages; in short, all preparations were taken to -avoid the accidents inseparable from a journey across the desert. - -The adventurers worked with such zeal to terminate their preparations, -that within two hours the column was on their march for Apacheria. The -joy was at its height, the enthusiasm general. One man alone doubted, -and that man was Valentine. - -The fact was, that the hunter was acquainted with the Mexican character, -the groundwork of which is cunning, treachery, and roguery; and, in -spite of himself, he trembled for his comrades. - -[The further adventures of the gold-seekers will be found in the -concluding volume of this series, which is called "The Indian Chief."] - - -THE END. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gold-Seekers, by -Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - -***** This file should be named 42532-8.txt or 42532-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/5/3/42532/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (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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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Gold-Seekers - A Tale of California - -Author: Gustave Aimard - Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: April 14, 2013 [EBook #42532] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Scanned by Google) - - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<h1>THE GOLD-SEEKERS:</h1> - -<h3>A TALE OF CALIFORNIA</h3> - -<h3>BY</h3> - -<h2>GUSTAVE AIMARD,</h2> - - -<h4>AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC.</h4> - - -<h5>LONDON</h5> - -<h5>WARD AND LOCK,</h5> - -<h5>158, FLEET STREET.</h5> - -<h5>1861</h5> - - -<hr class="full" /> - -<h4><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</a></h4> - - -<p>The "Gold-Seekers" must be regarded as forming the connecting link -between the "Tiger-Slayer" and the "Indian Chief," the concluding volume -of this series. It must not be forgotten that the author is dealing with -real characters, and that the hero lived and died in the way hereafter -to be described; and the three volumes may be considered a life-history -of a very remarkable man. Although they may be perused separately with -equal interest, I feel confident that those readers who have gone so far -with me will desire to know the conclusion of this strange eventful -history.</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 75%; font-size: 0.8em;">LASCELLES WRAXALL.</span> -</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</a></h4> - - - -<p style="margin-left: 35%; font-size: 0.8em;">PROLOGUE:—</p> - - - -<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.8em;"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#THE_MEETING">THE MEETING</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#II_EL_MESON_DE_SAN_JUAN">EL MESÓN DE SAN JUAN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#III_THE_GENTLEMEN_OF_THE_ROAD">THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#IV_THE_BARRANCA_DEL_MAL_PASO">THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO</a></td></tr> -</table></div> -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.8em;"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">THE NIGHT HALT</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">A SAD MISTAKE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">EXPLANATIONS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LOVE SONG</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">DELILAH</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">A RETROSPECT</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">THE NEXT DAY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD<br /> - IS DISCUSSED</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CONVERSATION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">PREPARATIONS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">VALENTINE'S RETURN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">THE DEPARTURE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND<br /> - EACH OTHER</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">GUAYMAS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">THE FIRST FORTNIGHT</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">PITIC</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">TAPADA</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">THE REVOLT</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<h3>THE GOLD-SEEKERS</h3> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h4>PROLOGUE</h4> - - - -<h3>I.—<a id="THE_MEETING"></a>THE MEETING.</h3> - - -<p>On the 5th of July, 184-, at about six in the evening, a party of -well-mounted horsemen started at a gallop from Guadalajara, the capital -of the state of Jalisco, and proceeded along the road that traverses the -village of Zapopan, celebrated for its miraculous virgin. After crossing -the escarped summits of the Cordilleras, this road reaches the charming -little town of Tepic, the usual refuge of those Europeans and rich -Mexicans whom business carries to San Blas, but to whom the insalubrity -of the air breathed in that port, the maritime arsenal of the Mexican -union, would be mortal.</p> - -<p>We have said that six o'clock was striking as the cavalcade passed the -gateway. The officer of the watch, after bowing respectfully to the -travellers, watched them for a long time, then re-entered the guardroom, -shaking his head, and muttering to himself,—</p> - -<p>"Heaven save me! What can Colonel Guerrero be thinking of, to set out on -a Friday, and at such an hour as this? Does he fancy that the -<i>salteadores</i> will allow him to pass? Hum! He will see what they are -about at the <i>barranca del mal paso</i> (the gorge of the evil step)."</p> - -<p>The travellers, however, probably unaffected by the superstitious fears -that ruled the worthy officer, rapidly sped on the long poplar alley -that extends from the town to Zapopan, caring neither for the advanced -hour nor the ill-omened day of the week.</p> - -<p>They were six in number—Colonel Sebastian Guerrero, his daughter, and -four peons, or Indian criados. The colonel was a tall man, with harsh, -marked features, and a bronzed complexion. The few silvery threads -mingled with his black hair showed that he had passed middle life, -although his robust limbs, upright stature, and the brilliancy of his -glance denoted that years had not yet gained the mastery over this -vigorous organisation. He wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer -with the ease and nonchalance peculiar to old soldiers; but, in addition -to the sabre hanging by his side, his holsters held pistols; and a rifle -laid across the saddle-bow proved that, in case of need, he would offer -a vigorous resistance to any robbers who ventured to attack him.</p> - -<p>His daughter, Doña Angela, rode on his right hand. In Europe, where the -growth of girls is not nearly so precocious as in America, she would -only have been a child; for she counted scarce thirteen summers. As far -as could be judged, she was slight, but graceful, and perfectly -proportioned; her features were delicate and noble; her mouth laughing; -her eyes black, quick, and flashing with wit; while her brown hair fell -in two enormous tresses down upon her horse. She was wrapped up -coquettishly in her <i>rebozo</i>, and laughed madly at every bound of her -steed, which she maliciously tormented, in spite of her father's -reiterated remonstrances.</p> - -<p>The servants were powerfully-built Indians, armed to the teeth, and -appeared capable of defending their master in case of need. They rode -some ten paces behind the colonel, and led two mules loaded with -provisions and baggage—an indispensable precaution in Mexico, if -travellers do not wish to die of hunger by the way.</p> - -<p>Mexico combines all the climates of the globe. From the icy peaks of the -Cordilleras, down to the burning coasts of the ocean, the traveller in -that country undergoes every temperature. Hence this vast territory has -been divided into three distinct zones: <i>las tierras calientes</i>, or hot -lands, composed of the plains on the seashore, and which produce sugar, -indigo, and cotton in truly tropical abundance; <i>las tierras templadas</i>, -or temperate lands, regions formed by the Cordilleras, and which enjoy -an eternal spring, great heat and extreme cold being equally unknown -there; and lastly, <i>las tierras frias</i>, or cold lands, which include the -central plateaux, and where the temperature is relatively much lower -than in the other zones.</p> - -<p>Still we should remark that in Mexico the expressions "heat," and -"cold," have not an absolute value as in Europe, and that the lofty -plateaux, known as the <i>tierras frias</i>, enjoy a temperature like that of -Lombardy, which would seem to any European a very pleasant climate. -Owing to its position, Guadalajara shares in two of the three zones that -divide Mexico. Situated on the limit of the <i>tierra caliente</i> and the -<i>tierra templada,</i> the tepid breezes and pure sky reveal the warm -regions of the seaboard, which extend thus far. The arid sands are -succeeded by fertile and well-cultivated plains, fields of sugar-cane, -Indian corn, bananas, goyaviers, and other productions of the tropical -flora. By degrees the gloomy black oaks and pines, which only grow on -the mountains, become rarer, and eventually disappear entirely, to make -room for poplars, fan-palms, calabash trees, sumachs, Peru trees, and -thousands of others, which proudly wave their superb crowns over the -spontaneous vegetation that surrounds them.</p> - -<p>In <i>las tierras calientes</i>, where the heat of the day is stifling, -persons generally only travel from five to eleven A.M., and from three -in the afternoon till ten at night, so as to enjoy the morning and -evening freshness. Colonel Guerrero had, therefore, only conformed to -the general custom by commencing his journey in the evening; but, as so -often occurs, he had started later than he wished, owing to those -numberless obstacles which ever supervene at the moment of departure, -and cause a lengthened delay for no visible reason. But the colonel -cared little about the advanced hour: a night march possessed no terrors -for him, as he had been accustomed for years to modify his humour by -circumstances, and yield to the exigencies of the situation in which he -found himself.</p> - -<p>The sun set behind the Peak of Teguilla, and the Cerro del Col -disappeared in the centre of the chain of tall, abrupt hills which -borders the Rio Tololotlan: gradually the scene was veiled in darkness. -The travellers progressed gaily conversing together, while following the -winding and accidented course of the Rio Grande del Norte, along whose -banks their road ran. The latter was wide, well made, and easy to -follow. Hence the colonel, after taking a careful glance around to -assure himself there was nothing suspicious in the neighbourhood, -trusted entirely to the vigilance of the criados, and resumed the -conversation with his daughter, which he had for a moment broken off.</p> - -<p>"Angela, my child," he said to her, "you are wrong to tease your horse -so. Rebecca is a good beast, very gentle, and very sure-footed; and you -should be more merciful to her than you are."</p> - -<p>"I assure you, papa," the pretty girl answered with a laugh, "I am not -in the least teasing Rebecca; on the contrary, I am only tickling her to -render her lively."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and to make her dance too, as I can plainly see, little madcap. -That would be all very well if we were only taking a ride for a few -hours, instead of a journey which will last a month. Remember, niña, -that a rider must also treat his horse carefully if he wish to reach his -destination safe, and sound. You would not like, I fancy, to be left on -the road by your horse."</p> - -<p>"Heaven forbid, father! If it be so, I will obey you. Rebecca may be at -ease in future; I will not tease her."</p> - -<p>And, while speaking thus, she bent over her horse's neck and gently -patted it.</p> - -<p>"There!" the colonel continued, "now that peace, as I suppose, is made -between you, what do you think of our way of travelling? Does it please -you?"</p> - -<p>"I think it charming, father; the night is magnificent, the moon lights -us as if it were day; the breeze is fresh, and yet not cold. I never was -so happy."</p> - -<p>"All the better, my child. I am the more pleased to hear you speak thus, -because I so feared the effects of such a journey for you, that I was on -the point of leaving you at the convent."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, father, for having changed your mind, and bringing me with -you. I was so wearied with that wretched convent; and then it is so long -since I have seen my dear mother, whom I long to embrace."</p> - -<p>"This time, child, you will have ample leisure to do so for I propose -leaving you with your mother."</p> - -<p>"Then I shall not return to Guadalajara with you?"</p> - -<p>"No, child; you will live at my large <i>hacienda</i>, Aguas Frescas, with -your mother and my most faithful servants, during the period of my -absence; for so soon as I have ended the urgent business that demands my -presence at San Blas, I shall go to Mexico and join General Santa Anna. -His Excellency has done me the honour to send for me."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in entreaty, "you ought to take me -with you to the <i>ciudad</i>."</p> - -<p>"Little madcap, you know perfectly well that is impossible; but on my -return I will bring you and your mother the finest things from the -Portales des Mercaderes and the Parian, in order that you may eclipse -the most coquettish señoras of Tepic, when it may please you to walk on -the Alameda of the Pueblo."</p> - -<p>"Oh! That is not the same thing," she said with a charming pout; "and -yet," she added, suddenly regaining her good humour, "I thank you, -father; for you are kind—you love me; and when you do not satisfy my -whims, it is because you find it impossible."</p> - -<p>"I am glad that you recognise that fact, and at length do me justice, -little rattle-brain; for you spend your life in teasing me."</p> - -<p>The girl began laughing, and by a sudden impulse letting her reins fall, -she threw her arms round her father's neck and kissed him several times.</p> - -<p>"Take care what you are about," the colonel said, at once happy and -alarmed. "If Rebecca were to bolt you would be killed. Take up your -reins at once, I say!"</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" she said, laughing, and shaking her brown tresses -carelessly; "Rebecca is too well trained to behave in such a way."</p> - -<p>Still she caught up her reins and settled herself in her saddle.</p> - -<p>"Angelita mia," the father continued, perhaps more seriously than the -circumstances demanded, "you are no longer a child. You ought to begin -to grow more reasonable, and moderate the vivacity of your character."</p> - -<p>"Do you scold me for loving you, my father?"</p> - -<p>"Heaven forbid, my child! I only make a remark which I consider just; -for, if you yield in this way to your first impressions, you will -prepare great grief for yourself at a future day."</p> - -<p>"Do not think that, my kind father. I am quick, careless, -impressionable, that is true; but, by the side of those defects, I have -the family pride I derive from you, and which will defend me from many -faults."</p> - -<p>"I hope so, my daughter."</p> - -<p>"Do not assume that stern air for a harmless act of folly, father, or I -shall fancy that you are angry with me." Then she added, with a laugh, -"I remember that our family descends in a straight line from the Mexican -king, Chimalpopocatzin, who, as his name indicates, had for his emblem a -buckler from which smoke is issuing. You see, father, our character has -not degenerated since that valorous king, and we have ever remained as -firm as he was himself."</p> - -<p>"Come, come," the colonel said good-humouredly, "I shall give up -scolding you in future, for I see that it is labour wasted."</p> - -<p>The girl smiled maliciously, and was about to reply, when a flash of -light was seen in front of the party.</p> - -<p>"What is that?" the colonel asked, raising his voice. "Is there anyone -on the road?"</p> - -<p>"I think so, colonel," one of the domestics answered at once, "for that -flash seems to me produced by the flint of a <i>mechero</i>.</p> - -<p>"That is my opinion too," the colonel said. "Let us hasten on, in order -to see this delayed smoker."</p> - -<p>The little band, which had hitherto proceeded at a slow pace, broke into -an amble. At the expiration of an hour, at the same time as the sound of -a horse's hoofs reached the travellers, they also heard the shrill and -discordant sounds of a <i>jarana</i> (guitar), and the refrain of the -following song, so familiar in Mexico, was borne on the breeze:—</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"Sin pena vivamos</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">En calma feliz:</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Gozar es mi estrella,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Cantar y reir."<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Bravo!" the colonel shouted, who reached the singer at this moment. -"Bravely and joyously said, comrade!"</p> - -<p>The latter, with a husk cigarette in his mouth, bowed his head in -affirmation, and defiantly twanged an air on his jarana; then, throwing -it across his shoulder, where it was held by a species of brace, he -turned to his addresser, and ceremoniously doffed his vicuna-skin hat.</p> - -<p>"May God protect you, caballero!" he said politely. "It seems that the -music pleases you."</p> - -<p>"Greatly," the colonel answered, scarce able to retain his laughter at -the sight of the singular person before him.</p> - -<p>He was a tall fellow of eight-and-twenty at the most, marvellously thin, -dressed in a ragged jacket, and haughtily folded in a cloak, whose -primitive colour it was impossible to recognise, and which was as full -of holes as a sieve. Still, in spite of this apparent wretchedness and -starving face, the man had a joyous and decided expression about him, -which it was a pleasure to look upon. His little black eyes, which -looked as if pierced by an auger, sparkled with humour, and his manner -had something <i>distingué</i> about it. He was mounted on a horse as thin -and lanky as himself, against whose hollow flanks beat the straight -sword called a <i>machete</i>, which the Mexicans continually wear at their -side, passed through an iron ring instead of a sheath.</p> - -<p>"You are very late on the road, compañero," the colonel continued, whose -escort had by this time caught him up. "Is it prudent for you to travel -alone at this hour?"</p> - -<p>"What have I to fear?" the stranger replied. "What salteador would be -such a fool as to stop me?"</p> - -<p>"Who knows?" the colonel remarked with a smile. "Appearances are often -deceitful, and it is not a bad plan to pretend poverty, in order to -travel in safety along the high roads of our beloved country."</p> - -<p>Though uttered purposelessly, these words visibly troubled the stranger; -still he at once recovered, and continued in a hearty voice,—</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately for me, any feint is useless. I am really as poor as I -seem at this moment, although I have seen happier days, and my cloak was -not always so ragged as you now see it."</p> - -<p>The colonel, perceiving that the subject of conversation was -disagreeable to his new acquaintance, said,—</p> - -<p>"As you did not stop either at San Pedro or at Zapopan, for I presume -that, like myself, you came from Guadalajara——"</p> - -<p>"It is true," the stranger interrupted him; "I quitted the city about -three in the afternoon."</p> - -<p>"I suppose," the colonel continued, "that you intend to halt at the -mesón of San Juan; so, if you have no objection, we will proceed thither -together, for I intend to halt for the night there."</p> - -<p>"The mesón of San Juan is a good hostelry," the other said, respectfully -lifting his hand to his hat; "but what shall I do there? I have not an -<i>ochavo</i> to expend uselessly, and have far to go. I will bivouac on the -road; and while my horse, poor brute, is sucking its bit, I will smoke -cigarettes, and sing that romance of King Rodrigo, which, as you are -aware, commences thus."</p> - -<p>And quickly bringing his guitar to the front, he began singing in a loud -voice,—</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"Cuando las pintadas aves</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Mudas están, y la tierra</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Atenta escucha los rio</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Que al mar su tributo llevan:</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Al escaso resplandor—"<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Eh!" the colonel exclaimed, brusquely interrupting, "what musical rage -possesses you? It is frenzy."</p> - -<p>"No," the singer replied in melancholy mood; "it is philosophy."</p> - -<p>The colonel examined the poor fellow for a moment; then drawing nearer -to him,—</p> - -<p>"I am Colonel Don Sebastian Guerrero de Chimalpos. I am travelling with -my daughter and a few servants. Grant me the honour of your company for -this night: tomorrow we will separate, and go our several ways."</p> - -<p>The stranger hesitated for a moment, and frowned. This shade of -dissatisfaction, however, soon disappeared.</p> - -<p>"I am a proud fool," he replied with affecting frankness; "misery -renders me so susceptible that I fancy people are ever trying to -humiliate me. I accept your gracious invitation as frankly as it is -offered. Perhaps I may be able to prove my gratitude to you ere long."</p> - -<p>The colonel paid no great attention to these words, because, just at the -moment, the party arrived at the mesón of San Juan, whose lighted -windows had revealed its proximity to the travellers for some time past.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Let us live without annoyance in a happy calm: playing is -my star, singing and laughing.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> When the spangled birds are dumb, and the attentive earth -listens to the rivers that bear their tribute to the sea by the weak -light—.</p></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h3><a name="II_EL_MESON_DE_SAN_JUAN" id="II_EL_MESON_DE_SAN_JUAN">II.—EL MESÓN DE SAN JUAN.</a></h3> - - -<p>A great deal has been written about the cool and inhospitable way in -which Spanish and Sicilian landlords receive the travellers whom -Providence sends them; but it is evident to us that those who write in -such wise are not acquainted, even by hearsay, with the <i>mesoneros</i> or -Mexican hosts. Were it so, they would doubtlessly, at their own risk -and peril, have rehabilitated those worthy fellows, to discharge the -whole weight of their indignation on the <i>huéspedes</i> of New Spain.</p> - -<p>It is a justice to render to the Spanish and Sicilian landlords, that if -they are utterly unable to satisfy in any way the exigencies of -travellers, by giving the latter the provisions they demand, still they -greet them with so affable a countenance, and veil their refusal under -such an exquisite politeness, that in nine cases out of ten the -traveller is compelled to allow that he was himself to blame for not -laying in the necessary provisions, and therefore sups on apologies.</p> - -<p>In Mexico things are very different. On the few high roads formerly -constructed by the Spaniards, and which the neglect of the different -governments that succeeded them has left in such a state that they will -soon disappear completely, there stand, at long distances from each -other, vast buildings which resemble fortresses, for they are nearly all -surrounded by embattled and loopholed walls. These buildings are the -<i>mesones</i>, or inns.</p> - -<p>The interior is composed, first, of an enormous court, with a <i>noria</i>, -or well, intended to water the horses. Corrals for the beasts of burden -occupy the four corners of this yard. In a separate building are the -travellers' <i>cuartos</i>; that is to say, miserable dens furnished only -with a frame of oak, covered with a cowhide, which serves as a bed. -These cuartos are numbered, and all open on long corridors. Each -traveller is obliged to bring with him the indispensable bedding, for -the host only supplies the alfalfa for the horses' provender, and water -from the noria.</p> - -<p>It was about ten at night when Colonel Guerrero arrived at the door of -the mesón of San Juan, which was hermetically closed. Upon the repeated -blows dealt by one of the servants, a wicket pierced in the wall, about -two paces from the gate, at length opened; an ill-tempered face was -visible, and a rough voice shouted,—</p> - -<p>"Who dares to make such a disturbance at the gate of so honest and -respectable a mesón as this?"</p> - -<p>"Travellers have arrived, Don Cristoval Saccaplata," the colonel -answered. "Come, open quickly, for we have made a long journey, and are -tired."</p> - -<p>"Hum! They all say the same thing," the host growled. "What do I care -for that? I shall not open, it is too late; so go your way, and Heaven -protect you!"</p> - -<p>And he prepared to close the wicket.</p> - -<p>"One moment. Confound you!" the colonel shouted, "you will not let us -bivouac in front of your door? That would not be at all honourable for -you."</p> - -<p>"Bah! A night is soon passed," the host replied with a grin; "besides, -you can go on to the mesón del Salto: they will open to you there."</p> - -<p>"Don't you know that is eight miles off?"</p> - -<p>"Of course I do."</p> - -<p>"Come, open, Señor Saccaplata: you would not have the barbarity to leave -us out here?"</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"Because, if you do open, you will be rewarded in a way which you will -not repent of."</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, all travellers are the same; they make plenty of promises so -long as they are outside; but once in, they are not in a hurry to untie -their purse-strings."</p> - -<p>"That will not be the case with us."</p> - -<p>"How do I know?" the <i>huésped</i> said, shrugging his shoulders. "My house -is full; I have no room left."</p> - -<p>"We will find some, dear Saccaplata."</p> - -<p>"Halloh! Who are you, pray, who know me so well? Maybe you are one of -those <i>caballeros de la noche</i> who have been ransacking the country for -some time past."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken grossly, and I will prove it to you," the colonel -answered, anxious to cut short this open-air conversation. "Take that -first," he said, throwing two ounces through the wicket; "and now, to -prevent any misunderstanding, know that I am Don Sebastian Guerrero."</p> - -<p>The worthy landlord was only sensible to one argument—that which the -colonel had so judiciously employed to overcome his resistance. He -stooped, picked up the two ounces, which disappeared in a second, and -again addressing the travellers, but this time with a tone which he -strove to render more amiable,—</p> - -<p>"Come," he said, "I must e'en do what you wish, I am too good-hearted. -You have provisions, I hope?"</p> - -<p>"We have everything we require."</p> - -<p>"All the better, for I could not have supplied you. Do not be impatient; -I am coming down."</p> - -<p>He disappeared from the wicket, and within five minutes could be heard -unbarring the door, growling fearfully the while. The travellers then -entered the yard of the mesón. The huésped had lied like the true -landlord he was; he only had in the house two or three muleteers with -their animals, and three travellers, who, by their dress, seemed to be -hacenderos from the vicinity.</p> - -<p>"Halloh!" Don Sebastian shouted, "someone to take my horse."</p> - -<p>"If you begin in that way we shall not be friends long," the huésped -said in the sharp tone he had previously employed. "Here, everyone, big -or little, waits on himself, and attends to his own horse."</p> - -<p>The colonel was far from being of a patient temper. If he had previously -endured the host's insolence, it was solely because it was impossible to -chastise him; but that reason no longer existed. Sharply dismounting, he -drew his pistols from his holsters, thrust them in his belt, and walking -boldly toward Señor Saccaplata, seized him by the collar and shook him -roughly.</p> - -<p>"Listen, master rogue!" he said to him. "A truce to your insolence, and -wait on me, unless you would repent it."</p> - -<p>The host was so amazed at this brusque way of replying to him, and this -assault on his inviolability, that for a moment he remained dumb through -confusion and wrath. His face became crimson, his eyes rolled, and he at -length shouted in a strangled voice,—</p> - -<p>"Help! Help me! Such an insult! By the body of Christ, I will not -overlook it! Leave my house at once!"</p> - -<p>"I shall not go," the colonel answered peaceably, but firmly; "and you -will attend to me immediately."</p> - -<p>"Oh! We shall see that. Here, help, Pedro, Juan, Jacinto! Come, all of -you, and on to these rascals!"</p> - -<p>Seven or eight servants rushed from the corrals at the sound of their -master's voice, and ranged themselves behind him.</p> - -<p>"Very good," the colonel said, raising his pistols. "I'll blow out the -brains of the first scamp who moves a step toward me with bad -intention."</p> - -<p>We need not say that the peons remained motionless, as if they had -suddenly been changed into blocks of granite. One of the colonel's -servants had assisted Doña Angela from her horse, and accompanied her to -a cuarto, in which he installed her; then he returned in all haste to -his master's side, foreseeing that his co-operation would be speedily -needed.</p> - -<p>The courtyard of the mesón offered a most singular aspect at this moment -by the light of the torches of ocote wood, passed through iron rings -along the walls. On one side stood the host and his servants; on the -other, Don Sebastian's four footmen, with their hands on their weapons, -and the guitar player, with his jarana on his back, and his hands folded -on his chest; a little on one side, the travellers and arrieros -previously arrived; and in the centre, alone, with his pistols in his -hand, the colonel, with frowning brow and flashing eyes.</p> - -<p>"Enough of this, scoundrel!" he shouted. "For a long time you have been -plundering and insulting the travellers whom Providence sends to you. -By heavens! If you do not on the instant demand my pardon for your -insolence, and if you do not serve me with all that politeness I have a -right to demand from you, I will inflict on you, upon the spot, a -correction which you will remember your life long."</p> - -<p>"Take care what you are about, my master," the huésped answered -ironically. "You see that I have men to help me. If you do not decamp at -once, all the worse for you. I have witnesses, and the <i>juez de letras</i> -shall decide."</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" the colonel shouted, "that is too much, and removes all -my scruples. The scoundrel threatens me with the law. Level your pieces, -men, and fire on the first who stirs!"</p> - -<p>The domestics obeyed. Don Sebastian then seized the host, despite his -cries and desperate resistance, and in a second had him down on the -ground.</p> - -<p>"I believe I shall do a service to all the travellers whom their evil -star may in future bring to this den," he continued, "by punishing this -scamp as he deserves."</p> - -<p>The witnesses of this scene—peons, arrieros, or travellers—had not -made a move to help the host. It was evident that all, for certain -reasons, were in their hearts pleased with what was happening to him. -Not one of them would have dared to take on himself the responsibility -of such an act; but as there was someone ready to do so, they were -careful not to offer the slightest obstacle to him. By the peremptory -order of the colonel, the poor landlord was fastened by two of his own -servants to the long pole of the noria, and debarred from making the -slightest movement.</p> - -<p>"Now," the colonel continued, "each of you take a <i>reata</i>, and thrash -him till he confesses himself conquered, and consents to do what I ask -of him."</p> - -<p>Despite their feigned repugnance, the host's two peons were compelled to -obey the colonel; for his orders were supported by four rifles and two -pistols, whose gaping muzzles were directed point blank at them. To -honour the truth, we must confess that, either through terror or for -some other cause, the two peons conscientiously performed their duty.</p> - -<p>The host howled like a bull. He was mad with rage, and writhed like a -viper in the bonds which he tried in vain to break. The colonel stood -stoically by his side, only asking him from time to time, ironically, -how he liked his arguments, and if he would soon make up his mind to -yield. Human strength has limits which it cannot pass. In spite of all -his fury and obstinacy, the host was forced to confess to himself, -aside, that he had to do with a man more obstinate than he was, and -that, if he did not wish to die under the lash, he must resolve to -endure the humiliation imposed on him.</p> - -<p>"I surrender," he said, in a voice broken as much by anger as by pain.</p> - -<p>"Already!" the colonel remarked coldly. "Pooh! I fancied you braver. -Why, you have hardly received thirty lashes. Stop, you fellows, and -unfasten your master!"</p> - -<p>The peons eagerly obeyed. When free, the host tried to rise, but his -strength failed him, and he fell back on the ground, where he lay for -several moments powerless to move. At length he made a desperate effort, -and picked himself up. His face was pale; his features were contracted; -an abundant perspiration stood on his temples, which throbbed as if -ready to burst; he had a buzzing in his ears; and tears of shame poured -from his eyes. He took a few tottering steps toward the colonel.</p> - -<p>"I am at your orders, caballero," he said, bowing his head humbly. -"Speak: what must I do?"</p> - -<p>"Good!" the latter remarked. "Now you are reasonable; you are much -better so. Give some provender to my horses, and assist my servants to -wait on me."</p> - -<p>"Pardon, caballero!" the huésped said. "Will you allow me to say two -words to you?"</p> - -<p>The colonel smiled contemptuously.</p> - -<p>"To what end? I know them, and I will repeat them myself. You wish to -warn me that, obliged to yield to superior force, you have done so, but -you will avenge yourself on the first opportunity. Is not that it?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," he muttered in a hollow voice.</p> - -<p>"Very well; you are quite at liberty to do so, master host; but take -your precautions, for I warn you that, if you miss me, I shall not miss -you. So now wait on me, and make haste."</p> - -<p>And, shrugging his shoulders, the colonel turned his back on him with a -smile of disdain.</p> - -<p>The host watched him depart with a hateful expression, which imparted -something hideous to his face; and when he saw that the colonel was out -of the yard, he shook his head twice or thrice, muttering to himself,—</p> - -<p>"Yes, I will avenge myself, demon, and sooner than you imagine."</p> - -<p>After this aside, he composed his face and attended to his household -duties with an activity and apparent indifference that caused his -servants to be thoughtful, for they knew his rancorous character. Still -he did not complain; he made no allusion to the cruel punishment he had -undergone, but, on the contrary, waited on the travellers with an -attention and politeness they had not been accustomed to prior to this -unlucky day; and they took advantage of the change, while keeping on -their guard.</p> - -<p>Still nothing apparently happened to justify their suspicions—all went -on calmly: the travellers retired to bed one after the other; then the -host made his round to assure himself that all was in order, and retired -to the room reserved for his private use.</p> - -<p>The colonel had already been asleep some hours, and was in a deep sleep, -from which he was suddenly aroused by a noise he heard at his door.</p> - -<p>"Who's there?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" someone answered outside. "Open; it is a friend."</p> - -<p>"Friend or foe, tell me who you are, that I may know with whom I have to -deal."</p> - -<p>"I am," the voice made answer, "the man you met on the road."</p> - -<p>"Hem! What do you want with me? Why are you not asleep at this hour, -instead of coming to rouse me?"</p> - -<p>"Open, in Heaven's name! I have important news to tell you."</p> - -<p>The colonel hesitated for a moment, but soon reflecting that this man, -to whom he had done no harm, could have no motive, for being his enemy, -he decided on getting up. Still, through prudence, he cocked one of his -pistols, which he had placed by his side on retiring to bed, and went to -open the door. The stranger walked in quickly, and closed it after him.</p> - -<p>"Speak low," he said hurriedly. "Listen to me: the host is forming some -scheme against you."</p> - -<p>"I suspect it," the colonel said, who, while speaking, had lit a candle; -"but whatever he may do, I am out of his reach, and the scoundrel will -be crushed if he attack me."</p> - -<p>"Who knows?" the stranger said.</p> - -<p>"Come, you know something positive. Have I any plot to fear inside the -house?"</p> - -<p>"I do not think so."</p> - -<p>"Tell me what you have discovered, then."</p> - -<p>"I will do so; but in the first place, as I am a total stranger to you, -allow me to tell you my name."</p> - -<p>"For what good?"</p> - -<p>"No one knows what may happen in this world: it is useful to be able to -distinguish one's friends from one's enemies."</p> - -<p>"Speak; I am listening."</p> - -<p>"You nearly guessed the truth. Under my starving appearance I conceal a -certain monetary value. My name is Don Cornelio Mendoza. I am a student. -I had at Guadalajara an aunt, who, on dying, appointed me her heir. I am -carrying with me in my belt one hundred and fifty gold ounces, and in my -portfolios bills for an equal amount payable at San Blas. You see that I -am not so poor as I appear to be. But the road between the two cities is -long and dangerous, and I assumed this disguise to escape the robbers, -if that be possible."</p> - -<p>"Very good, Don Cornelio: you can now, if you please, change your -attire, for I hope that we shall pursue our journey together."</p> - -<p>"With all my heart; but if it make no difference, I will retain my -lepero dress provisionally."</p> - -<p>"As you please; but now to the fact. What have you to tell me?"</p> - -<p>"Not much, but yet enough to put us on our guard. Our landlord, after -making his round and assuring himself that everyone had retired, woke up -one of his servants, the very one who thrashed him with such good will."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I remember that rogue's face."</p> - -<p>"Very good. After calling him into his room, he remained shut up with -him for ten minutes; then he opened a window, the peon leaped out on the -highway, and ran off at full speed."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" the colonel said.</p> - -<p>"The landlord looked after him till he disappeared, then muttered -several words I could not understand, excepting one name, which, thanks -to Heaven, reached my ear."</p> - -<p>"What was it?"</p> - -<p>"El Buitre (the Vulture)."</p> - -<p>"Hum! Is that all?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"It does not teach me much; but how did you learn all this? The landlord -did not make you his confidant, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"No, not a bit in the world. I became his confidant in spite of himself, -and in the most natural way. My cuarto is just over his room. I heard -him open a window, and I listened."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but unfortunately you heard nothing."</p> - -<p>"Yes, a name."</p> - -<p>"But a name which has no meaning for us."</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, it is of enormous significance."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"The famous leader of the salteadores, whose band has been desolating -the province for a year, is called El Buitre. Do you now understand?"</p> - -<p>"Body o' me!" the colonel shouted, as he jumped up hurriedly, "I rather -think I do understand."</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h3><a name="III_THE_GENTLEMEN_OF_THE_ROAD" id="III_THE_GENTLEMEN_OF_THE_ROAD">III.—THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD.</a></h3> - - -<p>We will for the moment quit the mesón of San Juan, and proceed about two -leagues further on, where certain persons, with whom the reader must -form an acquaintance, are assembled.</p> - -<p>Hardly one hundred and fifty yards beyond the mesón the road begins to -grow narrower; the mountains approach, as if wishful to shake hands, and -that so abruptly and unexpectedly, that they form all at once a narrow -and long gorge, which is known throughout the country as the <i>barranca -del mal paso</i>.</p> - -<p>After passing through this gorge, the scenery leaves its abrupt and -savage aspect to resume a smiling character; the road widens again; a -charming valley, intersected by a stream, presents itself to sight; and -on all sides the eye surveys a deliciously accidented horizon.</p> - -<p>On either side of the barranca begin impenetrable forests, through which -a road can only be cut axe in hand, unless the traveller has a deep -knowledge of the narrow and almost invisible paths which lead into the -interior with innumerable twinings.</p> - -<p>We must ask the reader to follow us to one of the most hidden and least -known resorts in this forest.</p> - -<p>In the centre of a vast clearing, where burned a cedar eighty feet in -height, emitting incessant sparks, some twenty men in sordid garments—a -horrible medley of luxury and indigence—with faces in which crime was -written in capital letters, but all armed to the teeth, were assembled -in groups of three or four each, drinking, eating, smoking, and singing.</p> - -<p>Not far from them, their horses, saddled and ready to mount at the first -signal, were eating their provender of alfalfa and climbing peas; while, -on the edge of the covert, four or five men, motionless as bronze -statues, were attentively surveying the surrounding country.</p> - -<p>A little on one side, two men, seated on low stools, were talking and -puffing in each other's faces enormous volleys of smoke. The first and -elder of the two appeared about eight-and-twenty years of age; his long, -light hair fell in heavy curls on his shoulders; his features were -effeminate; but his aquiline nose, his bright blue eyes, and narrow -forehead, imparted to his face a character of baseness and cold cruelty. -He wore the splendid costume of the Mexican hacenderos, and was -carelessly playing with the trigger of a splendid silver-mounted -American rifle.</p> - -<p>His companion offered a striking contrast to him: while the first was -tall, well built, and endowed with pleasing manners, the second was -short, stumpy, heavy, and repulsive in face, gestures, and even in -language. The richness of his attire only seemed to render more striking -the hideousness imprinted as an indelible stigma on this odious person. -Everything announced in him the prowling jackal, that possesses all the -ferocity of the lion, but none of that animal's nobility or courage.</p> - -<p>The clearing we have described was one of the principal haunts of the -Vulture, that terrible bandit who, at the time we write of, was -ravaging the state of Guadalajara. The men collected in it formed his -band, and the two men we have just introduced were, the first, <i>El -Buitre</i> himself; the second, <i>El Garrucholo</i>, his lieutenant and dearest -friend.</p> - -<p>At the moment we bring them on the stage, these two interesting -personages were engaged, as we shall see, in a confidential -conversation. We may observe that, strangely enough, this conversation -was not held in Spanish, but in English.</p> - -<p>"Hem!" El Garrucholo said, as he inhaled a mouthful of smoke, which he -immediately sent forth again from his mouth and nostrils. "What do you -find so disagreeable in our profession, John? For my part, I consider it -delightful. These worthy Mexicans are gentle as lambs; they allow -themselves to be plundered with unequalled patience; and you will agree -with me, my dear fellow, that we gain more by cutting the buttons from -their <i>calzoneras</i> than by easing the richest gentleman down there."</p> - -<p>"All that is possible, my friend," El Buitre answered, throwing away his -cigarette with a gesture of impatience. "I do not assert the contrary. -Assuredly the profit is large, and the risk nothing, I grant; but—"</p> - -<p>"Well, why do you stop? Go on."</p> - -<p>"In a word, I was not born for such a trade."</p> - -<p>El Garrucholo gave vent to a hearty laugh.</p> - -<p>"That's where the shoe galls you, then?" he said, with a shrug of his -shoulders. "You are mad, comrade: every man is born for the trade he -carries on, especially when he chose it himself."</p> - -<p>"Would you assert by that——?"</p> - -<p>"What I say I mean. When I picked you up in Mexico, under the arcades of -the Plaza Mayor, with a dagger buried in your breast up to the hilt, and -not a real in your pockets, I should have done better, deuce take me, to -let you die like a masterless dog, instead of curing you; at least, I -should not have heard such nonsense from you."</p> - -<p>"Why did you not do so? At any rate I should have died without -dishonouring an honourable name."</p> - -<p>"Deuce take the honourable name, and the man who bears it! My dear -fellow, you annoy me by your ridiculous pretensions; you forget, with -your mania for nobility, that you are only a foundling."</p> - -<p>El Buitre frowned and seized his lieutenant's arm.</p> - -<p>"Enough on that subject, Red Blood; you know that I have already warned -you that I would not suffer any jesting on that head."</p> - -<p>"Bah! What's the odds about being a foundling? A man ought not to feel -annoyed at that; it is one of those accidents for which the most honest -fellow cannot be responsible."</p> - -<p>"You are my friend, Red Blood; or, at least, seem to be so."</p> - -<p>"In your turn, my noble Mr. John Stanley," the bandit sharply -interrupted him, "do not express such doubts about me; they grieve and -insult me more than I can express. I am attached to you as the blade of -my bowie-knife is to the hilt I am yours, body and soul. I have only -that one virtue, if it be one; so pray do not strip me of it."</p> - -<p>El Buitre remained silent for a moment, and then continued in a -conciliating voice,—</p> - -<p>"I am wrong. Pardon me, brother; in truth, I have had sufficient proofs -of your friendship to have no right to doubt it. Still it seems to me so -strange, that I at times ask myself how it comes that you, Red Blood, -who hate humanity in a mass—you to whom nothing is respectable or -sacred—feel for me a friendship which rises to the most complete -abnegation and the most utter weakness. That appears to me so -extraordinary, that I would give much to hold the solution of the -problem."</p> - -<p>"You are an ass, John!" the bandit replied in a mocking tone. "What is -the use of telling you why I love you? You would not understand me. -Suffice it for you to know that it is so. Do you believe me, then, a -perfect ferocious brute, incapable of generous instincts?"</p> - -<p>"I do not say that."</p> - -<p>"You think it, which comes to the same thing. But it is of no matter to -me: I dispense you from gratitude; you may even hate me, and I should -not care. I do not love you for yourself, but for myself. But suppose we -talk of something else, if you are agreeable?"</p> - -<p>"I wish nothing better, for I see that I should lose as much time in -trying to draw a good reason from you as in washing a blackamoor -white."</p> - -<p>"Ta, ta, ta! You are an ass, I repeat. But let me alone; if a certain -thing I am now scheming succeed, we shall soon bury El Buitre to bring -John Stanley to life again."</p> - -<p>The salteador quivered.</p> - -<p>"May Heaven hear you!" he exclaimed involuntarily.</p> - -<p>"You had better appeal to the other place if you wish to succeed," the -bandit said with a grin; "but you trust to me. Soon, I hope, we shall so -completely change our skins that fellows will be very clever who -recognise us. Look ye, John: in, this world all that is needful is to -take the ball on the bound and turn with the wind."</p> - -<p>"I confess, my good fellow, that I do not understand a syllable of what -you are saying to me."</p> - -<p>"Eh! What do you want to understand for? You never were the worse off -for leaving me to guide you. Two words are as good as a thousand. Before -long we shall turn our coats, and change, not the trade we carry on so -agreeably, but the name under which we do it, to assume one better -sounding and more lofty. Look there!" he added, pointing sarcastically -at his comrades. "What an imposing collection of honest fellows we shall -restore to circulation under our auspices! Will it not be magnificent, -after having so long plundered individuals, to become suddenly the -defenders of a nation to the prejudice of the government?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," El Buitre said thoughtfully, "I have always dreamed—"</p> - -<p>"Of carrying on our trade on a grand scale, eh? You were right: there -is nothing like doing things properly, if you wish to be held in -estimation. Well, be at ease; I will procure that pleasure. At any rate, -if luck desert you, you will have the advantage of being shot instead of -being hanged or garotted, and that is a consolation."</p> - -<p>"Yes," El Buitre said quickly; "in that way a man dies like a -gentleman."</p> - -<p>"And is not dishonoured, I allow. Ah! The filibusters of old were lucky -fellows; they conquered empires, and handed down their names to -posterity, the exploits of the hero easily causing the crimes of the -bandit to be forgotten."</p> - -<p>"Will you never be serious?"</p> - -<p>"I am only too much so, on the contrary; for, as you see, although you -did not confide in me, I am preparing you a place by the side of the -Cortez, the Almagros, and Pizarros, whose glory has so long prevented -you sleeping."</p> - -<p>"You may jest, Red Blood," the salteador said with an accent of profound -emotion; "but if, as I suppose, you appreciate my character at its true -value, you know that I only seek one thing—to regenerate these unhappy -races, whom a brutalising subjection has plunged during so many -centuries into a degrading barbarism."</p> - -<p>"You only wish for the welfare of humanity of course," the bandit said -with an ironical laugh. "We should not be worthy sons of Uncle Sam, that -land of liberty and theoretical philanthropy, did we not dream of the -amelioration of society. That is the reason why, while biding our time, -we have become of our private authority redressers of wrong, and -gentlemen of the road—a charming trade, I may remark parenthetically, -and which we carry on conscientiously."</p> - -<p>"Go to the deuce, you inexplicable scamp!" the young man exclaimed in a -passion. "Shall I never know how to speak or how to deal with you?"</p> - -<p>"No," he replied seriously, "no, John, so long as you try to play at -hide and seek with me, who know every thought of your heart. Cease to -display these pretensions to honesty, which deceive nobody, not even -yourself, and become frankly a bandit chief till you can be something -else. When the moment has arrived it will be time to put on a cloak of -hypocrisy, which will deceive the fools, and consolidate the position -you have acquired."</p> - -<p>At this moment the shriek of the owl was heard in the thickest part of -the forest.</p> - -<p>"What's that?" El Buitre asked, not sorry to break off a conversation -which was taking a personal turn rather disagreeable to him.</p> - -<p>"A signal given by a sentry," El Garrucholo answered; "a spy who -doubtlessly brings us news. We are awaiting, as you know, the passing of -certain travellers."</p> - -<p>"I know it; but they are said to be well armed, and under good escort."</p> - -<p>"All the better; they will defend themselves, and that will be a -change."</p> - -<p>"The truth is, that those we have stopped for some time past seemed to -have agreed to let themselves be plundered without a murmur."</p> - -<p>"If the information I have received be exact, that will not be the case -with the present party."</p> - -<p>The owl cry was heard a second time, but now much nearer.</p> - -<p>"It is time," El Garrucholo observed.</p> - -<p>The two chiefs then put on black velvet masks, and almost immediately a -man appeared, led by two bandits. On entering the clearing this -individual threw around a glance rather of astonishment than terror: -nothing in his conduct showed that he had fallen into an ambuscade, for -his face was calm, though rather pale, and his step was assured.</p> - -<p>The bandits who escorted him led him before the two chiefs, who examined -him attentively through the holes in their masks. El Buitre then -addressed the bandits in Spanish.</p> - -<p>"Where the deuce did you catch that scoundrel?" he said in a rough -voice. "He has not an ochavo about him. Hang him, and let us have no -more bother."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the lieutenant observed, "he is only fit for that, as he was such -an ass as to rush into the net prepared for more noble game."</p> - -<p>"Permit me, excellency," one of the bandits said, bowing respectfully; -"this man was not caught by us."</p> - -<p>"How is he here, then?"</p> - -<p>"Because, illustrious captain, he earnestly asked to be led into your -excellency's presence, as he had matters of the utmost importance to -impart to you."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the chief said, but added, "I know the fellow; he is, if I am not -mistaken, the huésped of the mesón of San Juan."</p> - -<p>The prisoner bowed in affirmation.</p> - -<p>It was really the worthy Saccaplata himself. After sending off his -criado, and while Don Cornelio was with the colonel, the host thought -that nobody could do one's business so well as one's self; and as he was -probably anxious that it should succeed, he had started off after the -peon, whom he had no difficulty in catching up, for the poor fellow was -not at all anxious to execute the commission his master had intrusted to -him. Saccaplata sent him back to the mesón; and, while the peon returned -in delight, had himself attempted the adventure.</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" the lieutenant remarked. "Does Señor Saccaplata wish to enter -into business relations with us? That would be an excellent idea."</p> - -<p>"I do not say no, honourable caballero," the landlord replied in a -honeyed voice. "Business is very bad at this moment, and it is certain -that a little extra profit, honestly come by, would be acceptable; but, -for the present, I only desire—"</p> - -<p>"To the point," El Buitre suddenly interrupted him; "we have no time to -lose in silly remarks."</p> - -<p>The landlord understood that he must be brief, if he did not wish to -bring down certain unpleasantnesses on himself.</p> - -<p>"The fact is this," he said: "I have in my house, at the present moment, -several rich travellers."</p> - -<p>"We know it. What next?"</p> - -<p>"Among them is the Señor Colonel—"</p> - -<p>"Don Sebastian Guerrero, proceeding to Tepic with his daughter and four -servants," the lieutenant interrupted him. "What next?"</p> - -<p>"What next?" the landlord said, sadly discountenanced.</p> - -<p>"Yes, what next?"</p> - -<p>"That is all."</p> - -<p>"What, you scoundrel! And you had the effrontery to venture among us, -only to tell us a thing we knew as well as yourself?" El Garrucholo -exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"I thought I was doing you a service."</p> - -<p>"You wished to be a spy on us."</p> - -<p>"I!"</p> - -<p>"Of course. Do you take us for fools like yourself, you wretch? But you -shall remember this visit. The <i>orejada</i>" he added, turning to the two -bandits, who had remained by the landlord's side.</p> - -<p>"One moment," the captain said.</p> - -<p>Saccaplata, fancying he should escape with the fright, grimaced a smile.</p> - -<p>"I will tell you," the captain continued, "why you came to us. You want -to revenge yourself on Colonel Guerrero, who a few hours back inflicted -on you a well-merited correction."</p> - -<p>"But—" the landlord ventured.</p> - -<p>"Silence! Do not attempt to deny it. I was there. I saw what occurred. -As you are too great a coward to dare to avenge yourself, you thought of -us, supposing that we should not refuse to render you that slight -service. What do you say—is that the truth?"</p> - -<p>"Hum! I would not venture to contradict your excellency," the landlord -said, now beginning to regret having entered this wasp's nest.</p> - -<p>The bandits, attracted by the colloquy, had gradually drawn nearer, and -formed a circle round the speakers, while laughing cunningly to each -other. Still, although accustomed to the pleasing eccentricities of -their worthy chief, they were far from anticipating the <i>dénouement</i> of -this scene.</p> - -<p>After having proved to Saccaplata as clearly as the day that he knew the -motive that led him to offer his good services to the salteadores, the -captain continued in these terms, while smiling cunningly:—</p> - -<p>"Dear huésped of my heart, we do not refuse to undertake revenging you, -the more so as we had already made up our minds to stop the colonel."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the landlord said, beginning to feel easier.</p> - -<p>"Yes: still, after reflecting on it thoroughly, we gave up the plan. The -colonel is brave—he will defend himself; moreover, he has with him four -well-armed and determined men. My faith, it was too great a risk; but if -you insist—"</p> - -<p>"Immensely!" the other exclaimed, deceived by the bandit's feigned -kindliness.</p> - -<p>"Very good," the other answered, changing his tone; "then it is a matter -of business between us. Now, such things are always paid for, as you -know, my scamp."</p> - -<p>Saccaplata turned involuntarily toward the other salteadores, who were -grinning affably at him.</p> - -<p>"Consequently," the captain continued with perfect calmness, "you will -pay me twenty ounces for your vengeance, which I take on my own account, -and ten for your ransom."</p> - -<p>"Heaven save me!" the landlord said, clasping his hands in despair. "I -never possessed such a sum, not even in a dream."</p> - -<p>"That is a matter of perfect indifference to me. I never recall my -decision under any circumstances. Another time you will think twice -before venturing so rashly into the claws of El Buitre. The orejada—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, my lord!" the luckless Saccaplata exclaimed, as he fell on his -knees, "I am a poor devil. Have pity on me, noble captain, I implore -you!"</p> - -<p>"Come, put an end to this."</p> - -<p>In spite of his cries and protestations, the landlord was seized and -haled off by his guardians, amid the laughter and sarcasms of the -bandits, whom the sight promised by the captain delighted.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" the huésped suddenly exclaimed; "I think I have a little money -about me."</p> - -<p>"No, no!" the salteadores shouted. "Give him the orejada all the same."</p> - -<p>El Garrucholo made a sign, and order was restored.</p> - -<p>"Let us see," he said.</p> - -<p>The wretch gave a sigh, and with extreme difficulty, after ransacking -all his pockets with many a protestation that he was utterly ruined, -which the bandits listened to with stoical indifference, he at last -succeeded in making up a little more than half the sum.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the lieutenant said as he pocketed the money, "that is nothing; -but I am a good fellow. You have no more?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! I swear it, excellency," he said, turning out all his pockets.</p> - -<p>"Well," El Garrucholo continued philosophically, "no man is bound to do -impossibilities, and as you have only that—"</p> - -<p>"I am sure of it," the other said, fancying himself saved.</p> - -<p>"Well, then," the lieutenant continued, "let him be only attached by one -ear: we must be honest."</p> - -<p>An immense burst of laughter from the whole band greeted this -proposition. The landlord was carried off to a tree, and before he -understood what they meant to do to him, he uttered a frightful yell of -pain. A bandit had fastened him to the tree by the right ear, by simply -driving his knife through it.</p> - -<p>"There, that's settled," the lieutenant said. "Now, I warn you that, if -you continue to howl, I will have you gagged."</p> - -<p>"Traitors, dogs, assassins, kill me!"</p> - -<p>"No. But listen; that wound is nothing. It is easy for you to deliver -yourself by a slight tug. Your ear will be torn, I allow, but you can't -have everything. As soon as you are free, return home; one of our -friends will accompany you, and you will pay him the rest of the sum."</p> - -<p>"Never!" the landlord howled, "Never! I would sooner die!"</p> - -<p>"Very good; then you shall die, and after that we will carry off the -contents of the hiding place you have so cleverly made in the wall of -your cuarto, by placing before it a picture of Nuestra Señora de -Guadalupe. Eh! What do you think of that?"</p> - -<p>The lieutenant had hardly finished speaking ere the landlord, by a sharp -movement, had regained his liberty. Without thinking of his -frightfully-mutilated ear, he threw himself at the feet of El -Garrucholo.</p> - -<p>"I accept, my lord, I accept; but I implore you, do not ruin me."</p> - -<p>"I was certain you would understand. Be off, scoundrel; and if it is any -consolation, know that you will be avenged on the colonel."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the landlord muttered to himself, "but who will avenge me on you? -Thanks," he added aloud; "that promise causes me to forget my -suffering."</p> - -<p>"All the better; but mind you, no treachery, or we shall manage to get -hold of you again."</p> - -<p>Saccaplata bowed, but made no reply. He understood that it would have -been better for him to remain at home, and allow matters to follow their -course, without seeking a problematic vengeance which cost him thirty -gold ounces and an ear. On reaching the mesón he paid the rest of his -ransom, and banging the door in the face of the bandit who accompanied -him, and thanked him with an air of mockery, he sank on a bench, and -overcome by so many terrible emotions, fainted away.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h3><a name="IV_THE_BARRANCA_DEL_MAL_PASO" id="IV_THE_BARRANCA_DEL_MAL_PASO">IV.—THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO.</a></h3> - - -<p>The rest of the night passed, apparently at any rate, calmly and -tranquilly, and nothing occurred to disturb the rest enjoyed by the -guests at the mesón of San Juan. About four in the morning the doors of -the travellers' cuartos began to open one after the other, and lights -flashed in the patios. The shouts of the muleteers, and the bells of -their animals, aroused the colonel and his daughter, warning them that -it was time to prepare for their departure.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian, after the suspicions Don Cornelio had suggested to him, -did not at all wish, as he had a young lady with him, to start before -sunrise, especially as he had to traverse the gorge we have already -described, and where it would be easy to form an ambuscade.</p> - -<p>By the sunlight he had a better chance, for two reasons: in the first -place, the servants who accompanied him were old soldiers, accustomed to -war, and greatly attached to him; the second was, that the Mexican -brigands are usually great cowards, and whenever they meet with any -serious resistance from those they attack, they immediately give up the -game.</p> - -<p>These two reasons, and, before all, the fear of alarming his daughter, -and uselessly exposing her to danger during the darkness, obliged the -colonel to let all the other travellers at the mesón start before him; -and, in fact, they soon quitted the hostelry, and dispersed in various -directions.</p> - -<p>The Señor Saccaplata, with pallid face, compressed eyebrows, and head -bandaged up, was walking up and down the patio, with his arms behind his -back, every now and then raising his eyes angrily to the colonel's -window, and growling in a low voice,—</p> - -<p>"Body and bones! Will not that trumpery colonel make up his mind to -start soon, if he is so ready to give the bastinado to poor folk? But -let him do what he will, he will not escape the fate that awaits him."</p> - -<p>At this moment a young man appeared in the patio, strumming a guitar, -and singing in a low voice,—</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"No sabo donde mirar,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">De todo teme y rezela,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Si al cielo teme su furia,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Porque hizo al cielo ofensa."<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></span><br /> -</p> - -<p>These verses, taken from the romance of King Rodrigo, though probably -sung without any malignant meaning, still referred so closely to the -landlord's present position, that he turned furiously to the unlucky -singer, and attacked him in a brutal voice.</p> - -<p>"Deuce take your howling! Why do you come buzzing in this way in my -ears, when you ought, on the contrary, to be preparing for your -departure?"</p> - -<p>"Why, it is our worthy huésped," Don Cornelio replied with that joyful -accent peculiar to him. "What! You are not fond of music? You are -wrong, my worthy friend, for what I am singing to you is really fine."</p> - -<p>"That is possible," the other said in a rough voice; "but I should feel -obliged by your giving me no more of it."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh! You are not in a good temper this morning. What's the matter -with you, that you are so bandaged up? On my soul, you must be ill. Oh! -I see what it is; you slept with your window open, and have caught a -toothache."</p> - -<p>The landlord turned green with impotent fury.</p> - -<p>"Caballero," he shouted, "take care."</p> - -<p>"Of what?" Don Cornelio said peacefully. "Toothache is not catching, as -I am aware. Poor man! Pain causes him to wander. Take care of yourself, -my good man; take care of yourself, I advise you."</p> - -<p>And without further ceremony he turned his back on him, and began again -the song which so annoyed the landlord at the point where he broke it -off.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the latter growled, shaking his fist at the singer; "I hope that -you will catch something in the row. Ah!" he added, "the sun is rising: -perhaps that will induce him to come down."</p> - -<p>In fact, the sun appeared at this moment in a bed of vapour, and after a -twilight, whose duration was almost nothing, the day succeeded, as it -were, immediately to night.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio, aided by the colonel's servants, fed the horses and -saddled the mules—preparations which brought a smile to the landlord's -lips which would have caused the colonel to feel uncomfortable had he -seen it.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a sound of horses was heard outside, and two men trotted into -the patio, through the gateway left open after the departure of the -arrieros and other travellers. At this unexpected arrival the landlord -turned as if a viper had stung him.</p> - -<p>"Confusion!" he muttered; "day has hardly broken ere these accursed -fellows come across my path."</p> - -<p>The two arrivals troubled themselves in no way about their host's -ill-temper, but dismounted, and taking the bridles off their horses, led -them to the noria to let them drink.</p> - -<p>The travellers were dressed in the garb of the frontier men, and -appeared to be from forty to forty-five years of age. Like all wayfarers -in this blessed country, where every man must depend on himself alone, -they were armed; but, in lieu of the lance or fusil usual in the -interior, they had excellent Mexican rifles—a peculiarity which, in -addition to their <i>zarapés</i> of Indian manufacture, and their fiery and -half-wild mustangs, allowed them to be recognised as Sonorians, or at -least men domiciled in that state.</p> - -<p>The landlord, seeing that the newcomers did not appear to trouble -themselves in the least about him, decided at length on walking toward -them and addressing them.</p> - -<p>"What do you want?" he said to them.</p> - -<p>"Nothing just at present," the elder replied; "but so soon as our horses -have finished drinking, you will give each of them a measure of maize -and a truss of alfalfa."</p> - -<p>"I am the mesonero, and not a peon. It is not my place to wait upon -you," he said brutally.</p> - -<p>The traveller who had spoken looked askance at the host.</p> - -<p>"I don't care whether it is you or your criados who do it," he answered -dryly, "provided that the order I have given is executed promptly, for I -am in a hurry."</p> - -<p>In the face of this rebuff, and especially the glance that accompanied -it, the huésped judged it prudent to draw in his horns and assume a more -conciliatory tone. For the last few hours poor Saccaplata had not been -fortunate with his travellers. All those Heaven sent him had the air of -young bulls escaped from the <i>toril</i>.</p> - -<p>"Your excellencies are doubtless anxious to set out again?" he said in -an insinuating voice.</p> - -<p>The strangers made no answer.</p> - -<p>"Not to be too curious," the landlord continued, not yet discouraged, -"may I ask in what direction your honourable seigneuries intend to -proceed?"</p> - -<p>One of the travellers then raised his head, and, looking the indiscreet -mesonero full in the face, said with a mocking air,—</p> - -<p>"If you are asked, you will answer that you do not know. Come, my good -fellow, have us attended to, and blow your own <i>puchero</i>, without -troubling yourself about ours: you might find it too hot for you."</p> - -<p>The host shrugged his shoulders and slipped away, the more nimbly -because he noticed the colonel entering the patio at the moment, and -felt no desire to come in contact with him.</p> - -<p>The two strangers exchanged a smile, and, without further remark, -watched the peon who was giving their horses the provender they had -ordered.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian was ready to start: he had come to give a final glance to -the horses before leading his daughter downstairs. Don Cornelio walked -up to him so soon as he saw him, and after wishing him good day, drew -him a little aside and whispered,—</p> - -<p>"Look there, colonel," and he pointed to the two strangers; "those are -sturdy fellows, if I am not mistaken."</p> - -<p>"They are so," Don Sebastian made answer; "I did not notice them -before."</p> - -<p>"They have only just arrived. They would be famous recruits added to our -party, if they would consent to travel with us. What do you think of -it?"</p> - -<p>"I think you are right; but will they consent?"</p> - -<p>"Why not? If they are going the same road as ourselves they will derive -the same benefit from our presence as we shall from theirs."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Have you spoken to them?"</p> - -<p>"No: as I told you, they arrived this moment. You ought to try to -persuade them."</p> - -<p>"I see no harm in attempting it, at least," the colonel answered.</p> - -<p>Hereupon, leaving Don Cornelio, he advanced toward the strangers, and -saluting them politely, said,—</p> - -<p>"You have magnificent horses, caballeros. I see that they come from the -prairies."</p> - -<p>"Yes, they are real mustangs," one of the strangers replied, returning -the bow.</p> - -<p>"You are finishing your journey at a very early hour," the colonel -continued. "With horses like yours a deal of ground could be covered."</p> - -<p>"What makes you suppose, caballero, that our journey is ended?"</p> - -<p>"Why, your arrival at this hostelry at so early an hour."</p> - -<p>"Ah! You might be mistaken."</p> - -<p>"Pardon my indiscretion, caballeros. Do you come from Guadalajara, or -are you going there?"</p> - -<p>"Caballero," the stranger replied dryly, who had hitherto spoken, "we -the more readily pardon your indiscretion, because it appears that in -this hostelry everybody passes his time in asking questions; still, you -will permit me not to answer yours. My companion and myself are old -travellers, and we know that on the roads of this country men too often -repent gossiping about their business, but never of keeping it to -themselves."</p> - -<p>The colonel drew himself up with an air of pique.</p> - -<p>"As you please, caballero," he replied coldly. "I cannot feel annoyed at -your prudence; still, I would observe that you have given a wrong -meaning to my remarks. I only wished to offer you my escort in crossing -an ill-famed gorge, in which the band of the dangerous robber, El -Buitre, is at this moment ensconced."</p> - -<p>"I know the man by repute," the stranger said in a somewhat more affable -tone. "My friend and myself will, I hope, be sufficient to keep him at -arm's length; still, though I do not accept your offer, I thank you for -the cordiality which urged you to make it."</p> - -<p>The conversation broke off here. The two men bowed with all the marks of -the most exquisite politeness, and turned their backs on each other. The -colonel, annoyed at the way in which his advances had been met, gave the -order for departure, and went to fetch his daughter. An instant later he -reappeared with her; the band mounted, and, on a signal from Don -Sebastian, set out. On passing before the strangers, who watched their -departure, the colonel took off his hat, as did Don Cornelio. Doña -Angela gave a graceful bow, accompanied by a charming smile. The -strangers, in their turn, uncovered and bowed respectfully to the party.</p> - -<p>"There, scoundrel," the colonel said as he threw an ounce to the -landlord, who watched their departure with a cunning look, "there's a -plaster for your wounds."</p> - -<p>Saccaplata sharply picked up the ounce, thrust it into his pocket, and -crossed himself as he muttered,—</p> - -<p>"You will want a good many ounces to cure your wounds, you will. Bah!" -he added, with a sinister laugh, "it is now El Buitre's affair; let them -settle it together."</p> - -<p>When Don Sebastian had left the hostelry he divided his party into -three: two of his servants rode in front, gun on thigh; two others -behind; while he and Don Cornelio, having Doña Angela between them, rode -in the middle. All being thus arranged, and the order given to keep a -careful outlook, the cavalcade started at a sharp trot.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile the two strangers, as we have said, remained at the -mesón. They watched the little party for a long time, and then, as their -horses had finished eating, they put on their bridles and tightened -their girths.</p> - -<p>"My faith, Don Louis!" the younger of the two at length said, "I can't -help it; I must tell you what I have on my mind, or I shall choke."</p> - -<p>"Speak, my friend," his comrade said with a sad smile. "I know as well -as you do what is troubling your mind."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so; still that would surprise me."</p> - -<p>"Listen, then, Belhumeur. You are asking yourself at this moment why I -was so rude to that gentleman whom I do not know, and whom I saw for a -moment for the first time in my life?"</p> - -<p>"By my faith! You have guessed it: that was, in truth, my thought. I -seek in vain the reason for such extraordinary conduct on your part, and -I confess that I give it up as a bad job."</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself any further, my good fellow. I was -involuntarily guided by a secret presentiment, by a species of -incomprehensible instinct, which forced me to act as I did."</p> - -<p>"That is strange."</p> - -<p>"Yes, is it not so? You know the feeling of instinctive repulsion one -experiences on touching a reptile?"</p> - -<p>"Of course."</p> - -<p>"Well, when that man advanced toward me, even before I saw him, I felt -his presence, if I may say so; my heart beat violently; and when he -addressed me I felt a sudden and incomprehensible pain."</p> - -<p>Belhumeur regarded him for a moment with fixed attention.</p> - -<p>"And you conclude from that?" he said.</p> - -<p>"That this man will be my enemy at some appointed moment; that he will -stand in my path, gloomy and implacable, and prove fatal to me."</p> - -<p>"Come, my friend, that is not possible. You are leaving this country, -never to return to it, since, in spite of all your researches, you have -been unable to find the man on whose behalf you came. The man you saw -this morning is a field officer in the Mexican army, and it is not very -likely he will leave his country: everything opposes it. Where can you -meet again?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know, Belhumeur; I seek neither to guess nor to foresee the -future. It is evident that, after leaving you at the Hacienda del -Milagro, I shall proceed to Guaymas, where I shall embark, I know not -yet for what country; and it is my settled purpose never to set foot in -Mexico again. Still I repeat to you, although it may appear absurd, I am -convinced that that man will be my enemy some day, and that one of us -will kill the other."</p> - -<p>"Come, come, I will not discuss that subject with you; it is better for -us, I fancy, to start, for we have a long journey before us today."</p> - -<p>"That is true, my friend. Let us start, and think no more of my -forebodings. They will turn out as Heaven may direct."</p> - -<p>"Amen!" Belhumeur said. "That is how I like to see you; thus you -resemble my brave Raphael, my dear Loyal Heart, to whom I wish to make -you known before leaving you."</p> - -<p>"You will afford me the greatest pleasure."</p> - -<p>They mounted their horses, paid the landlord, and in their turn quitted -the mesón de San Juan, walking their horses in the direction of the -barranca del mal paso, where the colonel had preceded them. They -proceeded for some time in silence, side by side. At length the -Canadian, who could not remain long without speaking, took the word.</p> - -<p>"Do you not think, Don Louis, that, supposing the colonel spoke the -truth, two men like ourselves would prove very useful to him?"</p> - -<p>"What does that concern us?" Don Louis asked sharply.</p> - -<p>"Us nothing; and assuredly, if only that soldier, to whom you have such -an antipathy, were concerned, I should not trouble myself about him, but -leave him to settle with the bandits as best he could."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Don't you understand me?"</p> - -<p>"No, on my honour."</p> - -<p>"Did you not notice the charming girl that accompanies him?"</p> - -<p>"Of course I did."</p> - -<p>"Would it not be frightful—?"</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" the Count de Prébois Crancé, whom the reader has -doubtlessly recognised,<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> quickly interrupted him, "that would be -fearful. Poor child! Forward, Belhumeur, forward! We must save her."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the Canadian thought to himself, "I was sure I should find the -soft place."</p> - -<p>The two men bowed over their horses' necks, and started with the -velocity of the tempest. They had scarce gone a mile when cries and -shots reached their ears.</p> - -<p>"Forward—confound it, forward!" the count shouted, urging his horse to -increased speed.</p> - -<p>"Forward!" Belhumeur repeated.</p> - -<p>They rushed into the barranca at headlong speed, and fell like two -demons into the midst of the bandits, whom they saluted with two shots; -then clubbing their rifles, they employed them like maces, bounding into -the medley with indescribable fury.</p> - -<p>It was high time for this assistance to reach the colonel. Three of his -servants were killed; Don Cornelio was lying wounded on the ground; -while Don Sebastian, with his back against a block of granite, was -desperately defending himself against five or six bandits who assailed -him.</p> - -<p>El Buitre had seized Doña Angela, and thrown her across his saddle-bow, -in spite of her shrieks and resistance; but suddenly Don Louis dealt the -bandit a crushing blow on the head, which hurled him to the ground, and -delivered the girl. Belhumeur all this time did not remain inactive; he -wounded and trampled under his horse's hoofs all those who dared to -oppose his passage.</p> - -<p>The salteadores, surprised by this sudden attack, which they were far -from anticipating—frightened by the carnage the newcomers caused among -their comrades, and not knowing how many foes they might have upon them, -were seized with a panic fear, and fled in the utmost disorder, -clambering up the rocks. El Garrucholo, at the peril of his life, picked -up his captain, whom he would not abandon, and El Buitre once again -escaped the garota. The salteadores lost in this skirmish more than -two-thirds of their numbers.</p> - -<p>When tranquillity was restored, and the bandits had completely -disappeared, Don Sebastian warmly thanked the two adventurers for the -timely aid they had rendered him. Don Louis received politely, but very -coldly, the colonel's advances, confining himself to saying that if he -had been so fortunate as to save his life, he found a reward in his own -heart, and that was sufficient for him; but, in spite of the colonel's -pressing, he refused to tell him who he was, alleging as his sole reason -that he was about to leave Mexico for ever, and that he did not wish to -lay on him a burden so heavy as gratitude. At this remark Doña Angela -drew nearer to Don Louis, and said with a smile of gentle reproach,—</p> - -<p>"It is quite natural that you who have saved our lives should forget the -fact, or at least attach but slight importance to it; but my father and -myself will remember it for ever."</p> - -<p>And before Don Louis could prevent it, the lovely girl bounded like a -fawn, threw her arms round his neck, and holding up her pure forehead, -which was still rather pale,—</p> - -<p>"Kiss me, my saviour!" she said, with tears in her eyes.</p> - -<p>The count, affected, in spite of himself, by an action full of such -simple frankness, respectfully kissed the maiden's brow, then turned -away, that she might not read the sweet and yet painful impression so -simple an action had produced on him.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela, smiling and blushing, sought refuge in her father's arms, -leaving in Don Louis' hand a small relic she usually wore round her -neck.</p> - -<p>"Keep it," she said to him, with that sweet Spanish superstition so full -of grace; "it will bring you good fortune."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I will keep it, señorita," the count replied, hiding it in his -bosom, "as a reminiscence of a moment of happiness you unconsciously -caused me this day, by proving to me that, in spite of misfortunes, my -heart is not so dead as I fancied."</p> - -<p>The preparations for departure were made. Don Sebastian, deprived of his -servants, could not dream of continuing his journey. He decided on -returning to Guadalajara, in order to obtain another escort -sufficiently strong to protect his daughter from such a danger as that -she had escaped by a miracle. He was, however, greatly embarrassed by -Don Cornelio, whom he did not wish to abandon, and yet could not -transport.</p> - -<p>"I will take charge of this man, caballero," Don Louis then said to him. -"Do not trouble yourself about him further. My friend and I are in no -great haste. We will carry him to the mesón of San Juan, and not leave -him till he is thoroughly cured."</p> - -<p>Two hours later the two parties separated in front of Saccaplata's -mesón, who saw them return with great terror; but the colonel thought it -advisable, for Don Cornelio's sake, to appear ignorant of the part the -landlord had played in the attack, to which himself and daughter had so -nearly fallen victims.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian and Don Louis separated with a frigid bow, like men who -are persuaded they will never meet again. But no one can foresee the -future, and unconsciously chance was about to bring them hereafter face -to face under strange circumstances, the realisation of which neither -assuredly suspected at the moment.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> He knows not where to look; he fears or distrusts -everything. If he is afraid of the anger of Heaven, why did he insult -it?</p></div><div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> See the "Tiger Slayer." Same publishers.</p></div> - - -<h4>End Of Prologue.</h4> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<hr class="tb" /> - - - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE NIGHT HALT.</h3> - - -<p>Before the discovery of the rich placers in the neighbourhood of San -Francisco, California was completely wild and almost unknown. The port -of San Francisco, the finest and largest in the world, destined to -become very shortly the commercial <i>entrepôt</i> of the Pacific, was at -that time only frequented by whalers, who, at the period when the whales -retire to the shallow water, came to fish there, cut them up, and melt -down their blubber.</p> - -<p>A few Flat-head Indians wandered haphazard through the vast forests that -covered the seaboard; and in this country, which trade has now seized -on, and which is entering, with all sail set, into the movement of -progress, wild beasts lorded it as masters.</p> - -<p>An old officer of Charles X.'s Swiss Guard had founded a poor colony on -the territory of San Francisco, and cut down trees, which he converted -into planks by the aid of a few watermills.</p> - -<p>Such was the condition in which this magnificent country languished, -when suddenly the news of the discovery of rich placers in California -burst on the world like a shell. Then the country, as if touched by the -magic wand of some powerful enchanter, became all at once transformed. -From all parts of the world adventurers flocked in, bearing with them -that feverish activity and boundless audacity which ignore all -difficulties, and surmount every obstacle.</p> - -<p>At a spot where, a few days previously, gloomy and mysterious forests, -old as the world, stretched out, a city was created, improvised, and -within a few months counted its inhabitants by tens of thousands. The -port, so long deserted, was crammed with vessels of every sort and every -size, and the gold fever renewed the Saturnalia of the Spanish -conquistadors of the Middle Ages.</p> - -<p>For some time after, this country offered to the eye of the observer a -sight the most hideous, the most grand, the most heart-rending, and most -striking that can be imagined. All was mingled, confounded, and -upturned. It was a confusion, a hurly-burly impossible to describe, -where nothing existed any longer—where every tie was broken, every -social idea annihilated; and in this terrible pell-mell, in this -frightful race to the placers, rogues and gentlemen, soldiers and -priests, diplomatists and physicians, jostled each other, all running, -howling, wielding the dagger or the revolver, possessed by only one -idea, instinct, or passion—that of gold. For gold these men would have -sold everything—conscience, honour, probity, everything, even to -themselves!</p> - -<p>We will not enter into fuller details of this wondrous period, during -which California emerged from her nothingness, to take her place, after -ten years of desperate struggling, among the civilised peoples. Other -pens, far more eloquent than ours, have undertaken the rude task of -telling us the history of these striking incidents. We will confine -ourselves to stating that, at the period of our story, gold had only -just been discovered, and California was struggling against the first -raging attack of <i>delirium tremens</i>.</p> - -<p>It was about three years after the events we narrated in our prologue.</p> - -<p>In the Sierra Nevada, upon the picturesque slopes that descend gradually -to the sea, in the heart of an immense virgin forest a hundred leagues -from San Francisco, between that city and Los Angeles, the heat had been -stifling during the day. At sunset the sea breeze had risen, and -slightly refreshed the atmosphere; but it sank again almost immediately, -and the temperature had again become heavy and oppressive.</p> - -<p>The motionless trees concealed beneath their dense foliage birds of -every description, which only revealed their presence at intervals by -shrill and discordant cries. Hideous alligators wallowing in the mud of -the swamps, or holding on to the trunks of dead trees scattered here and -there, were the only living beings that animated the landscape, which -was rendered even more gloomy and mournful by the pale, uncertain, and -tremulous flickering of the moonbeams that filtered with great -difficulty through the rare openings in the verdurous forest dome, and -sported capriciously and fantastically about the trees and branches, -though unable to lessen the mysterious obscurity that reigned in the -leafy covert.</p> - -<p>A noise of horses' hoofs was heard on one of the innumerable tracks made -by the wild beasts as they proceed in search of water, and two men -debouched into a clearing formed by the fall of several trees that had -died of old age, and whose mossy trunks were already in a state of -decomposition.</p> - -<p>These men were both dressed in the costume of hunters or wood rangers, -and were armed with American rifles, long knives, and <i>machetes</i>. A -<i>reata</i>, rolled up and fastened to the saddle-bow, allowed them to be -recognised as partisans from the Mexican frontiers.</p> - -<p>Both had passed middle life; but there the resemblance between them -ended. At the first glance it was easy to guess that one belonged to the -Northern European race; while his comrade, on the contrary, by the olive -tint of his complexion, and his angular features, offered a perfect type -of the Indian aborigines of Chili, so eloquently celebrated by Ercilla, -and known in South America by the name of Araucanos—a powerful, -intelligent, and energetic race, the only one of all the native tribes -of the New World which has managed to retain its nationality, and caused -its independence to be respected to the present day.</p> - -<p>These two men were Valentine Guillois, better known as the -"Trail-hunter," and Curumilla, his silent and devoted companion ever -since the day that chance so many years previously had led Valentine -into Araucania.<a name="FNanchor_1_5" id="FNanchor_1_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_5" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>Years, while accumulating on the heads of the two men, had produced but -a slight change in their external appearance. They were still quite -upright, and seemed equally vigorous. A few more wrinkles had formed on -the Frenchman's pensive brow, and some silvery threads were added to his -locks; his features, more angular than before, had assumed those firm -and distinct lines, alone produced by reflection and long contests -valiantly sustained; his eye was still equally frank, but the flash was -more incisive; and his face wore that melancholy impression which -deceptions of every description, and great grief, stamp indelibly on the -countenance of powerful men, whom the fearful storms of life have bowed, -though not broken.</p> - -<p>The Indian was still morose and concentrated. Age, which had laid even a -smaller hold on his organisation than on that of his comrade, had merely -increased the worthy Araucanian's habitual taciturnity, and drawn over -his gloomy face a thicker veil of that stoical fatalism peculiar to the -aboriginal race of America.</p> - -<p>The two men advanced slowly side by side, apparently plunged in deep -thought. At times Valentine stopped, looked cautiously around him, and -then resumed his march, shaking his head dubiously. Each time that the -hunter reined in his horse Curumilla imitated him, though not evidencing -by the slightest sign that he took any interest in his companion's -operations.</p> - -<p>The forest grew with each step denser, the paths became narrower, and -all appeared to forebode that the horses would soon be unable to -advance, impeded as they were by the creepers that were intertwined into -a thick trellis-work in front of them.</p> - -<p>The two horsemen at length reached the clearing to which we have -already alluded, after intense difficulty. On arriving there, Valentine -stopped, and heaving a sigh of relief,—</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" he said, "Curumilla, my good friend, I was mad to believe you -and follow you so far; it is evident that we are lost."</p> - -<p>The Indian shook his head in denial.</p> - -<p>"Hem! I am aware that you fellows have a marvellous talent for following -a trail, and that you rarely lose your way, even in a place you have -never visited before. Still the darkness is so intense here, that I can -hardly distinguish objects only two paces ahead of me. Come, allow that -we have lost ourselves. Hang it! That may happen to anybody. I propose -that we stop here and await sunrise before we renew our search, the more -so because, for nearly two hours, it has been impossible to discover the -slightest trace proving to us that we are still on the right road."</p> - -<p>Curumilla, without replying, dismounted, and explored the clearing on -all sides; then, at the expiration of a few minutes, he returned to his -friend's side, and gave him a sign to mount again. Valentine had -carefully followed his movements.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, checking him, "are you not convinced yet?"</p> - -<p>"One hour more," the Indian replied, liberating himself gently, and -getting into his saddle.</p> - -<p>"Hang, it all!" Valentine said, "I confess I am growing tired of playing -at hide and seek in this inextricable forest, and if you do not give me -a positive proof of what you assert, I will not stir from this spot."</p> - -<p>Curumilla bent toward him, and, showing him a small object, said,—</p> - -<p>"Look!"</p> - -<p>"Eh?" Valentine remarked in surprise, after carefully examining the -object his comrade handed him. "What the deuce is it? Why," he added -almost immediately, "I ought to have recognised it at once: it is a -cigar-case, and a handsome one too. There is a cigar still in it, if I -am not mistaken."</p> - -<p>He remained for an instant in thought.</p> - -<p>"It is true," he went on, "that I have not seen these luxurious products -of civilisation for a long time; indeed, since I gave them up to lead -the life of a free hunter. Where did you find it, Curumilla?"</p> - -<p>"There," he answered, stretching out his arm.</p> - -<p>"Good! The owner of that case cannot be far from us, so let us push on."</p> - -<p>He pocketed the case, and the two horsemen set out once more.</p> - -<p>After crossing the clearing, the path on which they entered began -gradually to widen, and soon they noticed, by the moonbeams that lighted -them at intervals, that the path had been trodden by a large number of -cloven-footed animals, which had cropped the leaves and broken down the -branches on both sides. These traces were still quite fresh.</p> - -<p>"Come," Valentine said gaily, "I was wrong just now, Curumilla. We were -really on the right track, and I believe we shall soon catch up the -persons we have so long been seeking."</p> - -<p>Something like a smile attempted to contract the Indian's features; but -the attempt was not a happy one, and stopped at a grimace. All at once -Curumilla laid his hand on his comrade's bridle, and bending forward,—</p> - -<p>"Listen," he said.</p> - -<p>Valentine listened attentively; but, for all that, several moments -passed ere he could distinguish aught else than those confused and -mysterious sounds which never expire in the desert: at length something -resembling a musical note borne on the breeze gently died away on his -ear. The hunter started back in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Ah, by Jupiter!" he exclaimed, "that musician has chosen a strange time -to give a concert. I am curious to see such an original a little nearer. -Let us push on."</p> - -<p>After marching for about a quarter of a mile further they began to see a -fire flashing through the trees, and distinctly heard a masculine and -sonorous voice singing to the accompaniment of a jarana. The hunters -stopped in surprise, and listened.</p> - -<p>"By heaven!" the Frenchman muttered, "it is the romancero of King -Rodrigo, sung by an unknown voice at night in the heart of a virgin -forest. Never has that powerful poetry affected me so deeply. In truth, -everything here harmonises with that song, which is so thoroughly -sorrowful and despairing. Whoever he may be, I must see the man who has -unconsciously caused me a few moments of such gentle emotion. Were it -the demon in person, I would shake his hand ere the last strains had -ceased vibrating on the strings of his jarana."</p> - -<p>And without further deliberation, Valentine, after giving Curumilla a -sign to follow him, resolutely entered the circle of light. At the sound -of horses' hoofs, the stranger, with a movement swift as thought, threw -the guitar across his back, and leaped up with a sabre in his right hand -and a revolver in the other.</p> - -<p>"Hold!" he shouted boldly; "stop, if you please, caballero, or I shall -fire."</p> - -<p>"Pray do not do so, señor," Valentine answered, who considered it -prudent to obey the order given him, "for you would run the risk of -killing a friend, and they are too rare in the desert to be received, -when met, by a pistol shot."</p> - -<p>"Hum! I trust what you say is true," the other answered, still on the -defensive; "still I should feel obliged by your explaining to me, in two -words, who you are, and what you are seeking after the acquaintance -becomes more intimate between us."</p> - -<p>"Of course, caballero; I see no inconvenience in satisfying your wishes, -especially as prudence is one of the theological virtues recommended in -the regions where we now are."</p> - -<p>"On my soul, you appear to me to be a jolly fellow! I hope we shall -become friends ere long; and to prove to you that I sincerely desire it, -and at the same time to arouse your confidence, I will begin by telling -you who I am, which will not take long."</p> - -<p>"Pray do so."</p> - -<p>The stranger then thrust his revolver into his belt, took three paces -forward, removed his wide-brimmed hat, whose long feather swept the -ground, and saluted his new acquaintance ceremoniously.</p> - -<p>"Señor caballero," he said with infinite grace and politeness, "my name -is Don Cornelio Mendoza de Arrizabal, gentleman of the Asturias, noble -as the king, and poor at this moment as Job of Bohemian memory. The few -<i>novillos</i> lying around me are my property, and that of my partner, -absent at this moment in search of a few strayed members of the herd, -but whom I expect at any moment. These animals were purchased by us at -Los Angeles, and we are taking them to San Francisco, with the purpose -of selling them at the best price to the gold-seekers and other -adventurers collected in that curious city."</p> - -<p>After uttering this short speech the young man bowed again, put his hat -on his head, placed the point of his sabre on his boot, and waited, foot -forward, and his hand on his hip.</p> - -<p>Valentine had listened attentively, and when he spoke of his partner a -flash of joy sparkled in the hunter's eyes.</p> - -<p>"Caballero," he answered, uncovering in his turn, "my friend and myself -are two wood rangers, hunters, or trail-seekers, whichever you may -please to term us. Attracted by the light of your fire, and the -harmonious song that reached our ears, we came toward you for the -purpose of claiming from you that hospitality which is never refused in -the desert, offering to share our provisions with you, and to be hail -fellows well met so long as we may remain in your agreeable company."</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, caballeros," Don Cornelio replied nobly. "Pray -consider the little we possess as your own."</p> - -<p>The hunters bowed and dismounted.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_5" id="Footnote_1_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_5"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> These two characters have been introduced in another work -by our author, and are old friends to French readers.</p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> - -<h3>FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION.</h3> - - -<p>The reception offered the travellers by Don Cornelio was stamped with -that graceful kindness and careless ease which so eminently distinguish -the Spanish character. Although the adventurer's resources were -extremely limited, still he gave the little he possessed with such -complacency and so much good humour to his guests, that the latter knew -not how to thank him for the attentions he lavished upon them.</p> - -<p>After supping as well as they could on <i>tasajo</i> (jerked meat) and -<i>tortillas</i> of maize, washed down with <i>pulque</i> and <i>mezcal</i>, they -carefully wrapped themselves in their zarapés, lay down on the ground -with their feet to the fire, and soon appeared to be buried in a deep -sleep.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio took up his jarana, and leaning against a larch tree, -hummed one of those interminable Spanish romances he was so fond of, in -order to keep awake while awaiting his partner's return.</p> - -<p>The bivouac where our friends now found themselves was certainly not -without a degree of the picturesque. The uncertain gleams of the fire -were reflected fantastically on the heads of some seven hundred and -fifty novillos, lying side by side, ruminating and sleeping, while the -horses were devouring their provender, stamping and neighing. The -Spaniard twanged his guitar, and the two hunters slept peacefully. This -scene, at once so simple and so singular, was worthy the pencil of -Callot.</p> - -<p>Two hours thus passed away, and nothing occurred to disturb the repose -the encampment enjoyed, and the moon sank lower and lower on the -horizon. Don Cornelio's fingers stiffened; his eyes closed; and at -times, despite his efforts to keep awake, his head fell on his chest. In -despair, the Spaniard at last, beaten by fatigue, was about to yield to -the sleep that overpowered him, when a distant noise suddenly dispelled -his somnolency, and restored him the full use of his mind and other -faculties.</p> - -<p>By degrees this noise, at first vague and indistinct, became louder; and -a horseman, armed with a long goad, entered the clearing, driving before -him a dozen novillos and half-savage bulls. After being helped by Don -Cornelio in stockading the straying animals he brought back, the -partner, who was no other than Count Louis de Prébois, dismounted and -sat down to the fire with that nonchalance and careless motion produced -in energetic natures, not so much by fatigue as by discouragement and -moral lassitude.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he said, looking at the two men stretched out at the fire, and -who, in spite of the noise caused by his arrival, still slept, or -appeared to do so, "we have visitors, I see."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Cornelio made answer, "two hunters from the great prairies. I -thought I ought not to refuse them hospitality."</p> - -<p>"You have done well, Don Cornelio: no one has a right in the desert to -refuse the stranger, who asks for them courteously, the heat of his fire -and a moiety of his <i>tasajo</i>."</p> - -<p>"That was my idea."</p> - -<p>"Now, my friend, lie down by our guests and rest yourself. This long -watch after the day's toil must have fatigued you beyond measure."</p> - -<p>"But will you not sleep a few moments, Don Louis? Rest must be more -necessary to you than to myself."</p> - -<p>"Permit me to watch," the count answered with a sad smile. "Rest was not -made for me."</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio did not press him any further. Long accustomed to his -companion's character, he considered it useless to make any more -objections. A few moments later, wrapped in his zarapé, and with his -head on his jarana for a pillow, he slept soundly.</p> - -<p>Don Louis threw a few handfuls of dry wood on the fire, which threatened -to expire, crossed his arms on his chest, and, leaning his back against -a tree, indulged in his thoughts, which were doubtlessly sorrowful and -very bitter; for the tears soon fell from his eyes, and ran down his -pallid cheeks, while stifled sighs exhaled from his bosom, and muttered -words escaped from his lips, crushed between his teeth by sorrow.</p> - -<p>So soon as the count, after ordering Don Cornelio to take some repose, -fell down exhausted at the foot of a tree, the hunter, who appeared to -be sleeping so profoundly, suddenly opened his eyes, rose, and walked -gently toward him step by step.</p> - -<p>Several hours passed away thus, Louis being still plunged in mournful -thoughts, Valentine standing behind him, leaning on his rifle, and -fixing on him a glance full of strange meaning.</p> - -<p>The stars gradually expired in the depths of the sky, an opal-coloured -band began slowly to stripe the horizon, the birds awoke beneath the -foliage, sunrise was at hand. Don Louis let his head fall on his chest.</p> - -<p>"Why struggle longer?" he said in a hoarse, deep voice. "What good to go -farther?"</p> - -<p>"Those are very despairing words in the mouth of a man so strong as -Count Louis de Prébois," a low but firm voice whispered in his ear, with -a tone of gentle and sympathising reproach.</p> - -<p>The count shuddered as if he had received an electric shock; a -convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs; and he bounded to his feet, -examining with haggard eye, pale brow, and disordered features, the man -who had so suddenly replied to the words pain had torn from him. The -hunter had not changed his position; his eye remained obstinately fixed -upon him, with an expression of melancholy, pity, and paternal kindness.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the count muttered in terror, as he passed his hand over his dank -forehead; "it is not he—it cannot be he! Valentine, my brother!—you -whom I never hoped to see again—answer, in Heaven's name, is it you?"</p> - -<p>"'Tis I, brother," the hunter said gently, "whom Heaven brings a second -time across your path when all seems once again to fail you."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the count said with an expression impossible to render, "for a -long time I have been seeking you—for a long time I have called on -you."</p> - -<p>"Here I am."</p> - -<p>"Yes," he continued, shaking his head mournfully, "you are here, -Valentine; but now, alas! It is too late. All is dead in me -henceforth—faith, hope, courage: nothing is left to me—nothing but the -desire to lie in that tomb, where all my belief and all my departed -happiness are buried eternally!"</p> - -<p>Valentine remained silent for a few moments, regarding his friend with a -glance at once gentle and stern. A flood of memories poured over the -hunter's heart; two glistening tears escaped from his eyes, and slowly -coursed down his bronzed cheeks; then, without any apparent effort, he -drew the count toward him, laid his head on his wide and loyal chest, -and kissed him paternally on the forehead.</p> - -<p>"You have suffered, then, severely, my poor Louis," he said to him -tenderly. "Alas, alas! I was not there to sustain and protect you; but," -he added, turning to heaven a glance of bitter sadness and sublime -resignation, "I too, Louis, I too, in the heart of the desert, where I -sought a refuge, have endured agonising grief. Many times I felt myself -strangled by despair; often and often my temples were crushed in by the -pressure of the furious madness that invaded my brain; my heart was -broken by the terrible anguish I endured; and yet, brother," he added in -a soft voice, filled with an ineffable melodiousness, "yet I live, I -struggle, and I hope," he said, so low that the count could hardly hear -him.</p> - -<p>"Oh! Blessed be the chance that brings us together again when I -despaired of seeing you, Valentine."</p> - -<p>"There is no such thing as chance, brother: it is God who prepares the -accomplishment of all events. I was seeking you."</p> - -<p>"You were seeking me over here?"</p> - -<p>"Why not? Did you not yourself come to Mexico to find me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but how did you learn the fact?"</p> - -<p>Valentine smiled.</p> - -<p>"There is nothing extraordinary in it. If you wish it, I will prove to -you in a few words that I am much better informed than you suppose, and -that I know nearly all that has happened to you since our separation at -the hacienda of the Paloma."</p> - -<p>"That is strange."</p> - -<p>"Why so? About three months ago were you not at the Hacienda del -Milagro?"</p> - -<p>"I was."</p> - -<p>"You left it after spending some days there on your return from a -journey you had undertaken to the far west, in search of a rich -auriferous placer?"</p> - -<p>"It is true."</p> - -<p>"During that expedition, full of strange and terrible incidents, two men -accompanied you?"<a name="FNanchor_1_6" id="FNanchor_1_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_6" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>"Yes; a Canadian hunter and a Comanche chief."</p> - -<p>"Very good. The hunter's name was Belhumeur, the chief's Eagle-head, I -think?"</p> - -<p>"They were."</p> - -<p>"Do you not remember revealing to Belhumeur (a worthy and honourable -hunter, by the way) the reason of the gloomy sorrow that devours you, -and for what motives, mere vague suspicions though they were, you had -come to Mexico in order to look for your dearest friend, from whom you -had been separated so many years?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I remember telling him all that."</p> - -<p>"The rest is not difficult to comprehend. I have known Belhumeur many -years, and Heaven brought us together during a hunt on the Rio Colorado. -One night, while seated at the fire, where our supper was roasting, -after talking about a thousand indifferent things, Belhumeur, whom you -had left only a few days previously, began by degrees to talk about you. -At first, absorbed in my own thoughts, I paid but slight attention to -his recital; but when he described to me your meeting with Count de -Lhorailles in the desert, your name, uttered by Belhumeur -unintentionally, made me tremble. It was then my turn to cross-question -him. When I had learned everything, by making him tell the story twenty -times over, my resolution was immediately formed, and two days later I -set out on your track. For three months I have been following you, and -have at last come up with you—this time, I hope, never to part again," -he added with a stifled sigh. "Still I do not know what has occurred to -you during the last three months. Tell me what you have been about. I am -listening."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I will tell you all. My object, indeed, in seeking you was to -demand the fulfilment of a solemn promise."</p> - -<p>The hunter's brow grew dark, and he frowned.</p> - -<p>"Speak," he said; "I am listening. As for the promise to which you -allude, when the moment has arrived I shall know how to fulfil it."</p> - -<p>"The sun is rising," Louis answered with a sad smile; "I must pay the -proper attention to my herd."</p> - -<p>"I will help you. You are right; those poor brutes must not be -neglected."</p> - -<p>At this moment the gloom was dispersed as if by enchantment; the sun -appeared radiant on the horizon; and thousands of birds of every -variety, hidden beneath the foliage, gaily celebrated its advent by -singing their matin hymn to it.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio and Curumilla shook off the torpor of sleep, and opened -their eyes. The Indian chief rose, and walked toward Valentine with that -slow and majestic step peculiar to him.</p> - -<p>"Brother," the latter said, taking the Araucanian's hand in his own, "I -was not alone in my search for you. I had near me a friend whose heart -and arm never failed me, and whom I have ever found ready to help me in -weal and woe."</p> - -<p>Don Louis gazed doubtfully at the man whom the hunter pointed out to -him, and who stood motionless and stoical before him. Gradually his -features were expanded, his memory returned, and he affectionately -offered his hand to the Indian, saying with deep emotion,—</p> - -<p>"Curumilla, my brother!"</p> - -<p>At this proof of memory and friendship, after the lapse of so many -years—this frank and true emotion on the part of a man to whom he had -already given so many marks of devotion—the crust of ice that -surrounded the Indian's heart suddenly melted, his face assumed an -earthy hue, and a convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my brother Louis!" he exclaimed with an accent impossible to -describe.</p> - -<p>A sob resembling a roar burst from his chest; and, ashamed of having -thus betrayed his weakness, the chief turned quickly away, and hid his -face in the folds of his robe.</p> - -<p>Like all primitive and energetic natures, this man, on whom adversity -had no effect, was moved like a weak child by the immense joy he -experienced at seeing once again Don Louis, the man whom Valentine loved -more than a brother, and whose absence he had so long lamented.</p> - -<p>"Then you will not leave me again, brother?" Louis asked anxiously.</p> - -<p>"No, nothing shall separate us henceforth."</p> - -<p>"Thanks," the count answered.</p> - -<p>"Come, come," Valentine gaily remarked, "let us attend to the cattle."</p> - -<p>All were soon on the move in the bivouac. Don Cornelio understood -nothing of what he saw. These strangers, who had arrived but a few hours -ago, already so attached to his friend, talking with him like old -acquaintances, produced in him a series of notions each more extravagant -than the other; but Don Cornelio was a philosopher, and more than that, -remarkably curious. Certain that all would end sooner or, later in a -satisfactory explanation, he gaily made up his mind, and had no idea of -asking any information, especially as the two helps chance had sent him -could not fail to be extremely useful to him in guiding the -undisciplined animals which the count and himself had burdened -themselves with, and had yet so far to drive.</p> - -<p>A person must have himself been a <i>vaquero</i> in the great American -savannahs, in order to form an idea of the numberless difficulties met -with in guiding novillos and untamed bulls for hundreds of leagues -across virgin forests and arid plains, defending them against wild -beasts which follow their track, and snap them up under your very eyes -if you do not take care, and, like the roaring lion of the Gospel, -wander incessantly round the herd, seeking what they may devour. At -other times the animals must be defended against the raving madness, or -<i>estampida</i>, caused by the want of water and the refraction of the sun, -during which they rush in every direction, and gore those who try to -bring them back. A man must be desperate like Don Louis, or a careless -philosopher like Don Cornelio, not to recoil before the perils and -difficulties of so hazardous a trade; for, among the eventualities we -have enumerated, we have not mentioned the <i>temporales</i>, or tempests, -which in a few minutes overthrow the face of nature, hollow out lakes, -and throw up mountains; nor the <i>Indios bravos</i>, or nomadic Indians, who -watch the caravans, plunder the merchandise, and murder the drivers or -traders.</p> - -<p>Valentine in vain racked his brains in order to discover why his friend, -whom he had known to be so effeminate and weak, could have resolved on -adopting such a mode of life. But his astonishment almost became -admiration when he saw him at work, and recognised the complete -metamorphosis that had been effected in him, both morally and -physically, and the cold, indomitable energy which had usurped the place -of the careless weakness and original irresolution of his character.</p> - -<p>He studied him thus carefully during the whole time he was employed in -restoring order among the herd, and organising everything for the day's -march.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he said to himself, "this chosen organisation has been purified by -misfortune. There remain at the bottom of that half-broken heart a few -noble chords, which I will manage to set in motion when the time comes."</p> - -<p>And for the first time since many days a feeling of hearty joy caused -the trail-seeker to quiver.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_6" id="Footnote_1_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_6"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers.</p></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> - -<h3>A SAD MISTAKE.</h3> - - -<p>Several days elapsed ere the two friends resumed their interrupted -conversation.</p> - -<p>They had continued their journey toward San Francisco without any -incident worth noticing, owing to the skill of Valentine and Curumilla. -Although this was the first time they had advanced so far from the -regions they were accustomed to traverse, their sagacity made up so well -for their want of knowledge that they avoided, with extreme good -fortune, the dangers that menaced the success of their journey, and -foresaw obstacles still remote, but which their knowledge of the desert -caused them to guess, as it were, intuitively.</p> - -<p>The two old friends observed, we may say studied, each other. After so -long a separation they required to restore a community of ideas. That -communion of thoughts and feelings which had existed so long between -them might be eternally broken through the different media into which -they had been thrown, and the circumstances that had modified their -characters. Each of them rendered greater by events—having acquired the -consciousness of his personal value and his intellectual power—had -possibly the right no longer to admit, without previous discussion, -certain theories which were formerly recognised without a contest.</p> - -<p>Still the friendship between the two men was so lively, the confidence -so entire, and the devotion so true, that, after a fortnight's -travelling side by side—a fortnight during which they touched on the -most varying subjects without once introducing the one they had so much -interest in thoroughly discussing—they convinced themselves that they -stood to each other precisely in the same position as before their -separation.</p> - -<p>Either through lassitude or deference, or perhaps the tacit recognition -of his foster brother's superiority over him, during this fortnight, Don -Louis, happy, perhaps, at having found once more the man who had been -wont to think and act for him, had not once attempted to assume an -independent position, but insensibly fell back under that moral -guardianship which Valentine had so long exercised over him.</p> - -<p>The two other persons lived on a perfectly good understanding—Don -Cornelio through carelessness, perhaps, Curumilla through pride.</p> - -<p>The Spaniard—a dear lover of liberty, happy at living in the open air -without troubles or annoyances of any description—goaded his novillos, -strummed his jarana, and sang the interminable <i>Romancero del Rey -Rodrigo,</i> which he began again imperturbably so soon as he had finished, -in spite of Valentine's repeated remarks about the silence that must be -maintained in the desert, in order to avoid the ambuscades which the -Indians constantly place like so many spiders' webs in the path of -incautious travellers. The Spaniard listened docilely, and with a -contrite air, to the hunter's remonstrances; but, so soon as they were -ended, he twanged a tune, and recommenced his romancero—a philosophy -which the trail-seeker, while blaming, could not refrain from admiring.</p> - -<p>Curumilla was always the man we have seen him—prudent, foresighted, and -silent—but with a double dose of each quality. With eyes ever opened -and ears alert, the Araucanian chief rode from one end of the file to -the other, watching so carefully over its safety that no accident -occurred up to the day when we resume our narrative.</p> - -<p>They thus descended the woody slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and entered -the naked and sandy plains that stretch down to the sea, and on which, -with the exception of San José and Monterey (two towns in the last -throes of existence), the traveller only sees stunted trees and thorny -shrubs scattered at a great distance apart.</p> - -<p>Three days before reaching San José—a miserable <i>pueblo</i>, which serves -as a gathering place for hunters and arrieros who frequent these parts; -but where the population, decimated by fevers and misery, can do but -little for the <i>forasteros</i> (strangers)—the caravan encamped on the -banks of a stream, beneath the shelter of a few trees that had grown -there by accident, and which the sea breeze shook incessantly, and -covered with that fine sand which enters the eyes, nose, ears, and -nothing can keep out.</p> - -<p>The sun was plunging into the sea under the form of a huge fire-ball; -there was a fresh breeze; in the distance appeared a few white sails, -which, like light kingfishers fearing a tempest, were hastening to -reach San Francisco; the coyotes were beginning to bark furiously on -the plain; and the few birds nestled on the branches tucked their heads -under their wings, and prepared to go to sleep.</p> - -<p>The fires were lighted, the animals penned, and after supper each -hastened to repair, by a few hours' sleep, the fatigue of a long day's -journey beneath a burning sky.</p> - -<p>"Sleep!" Louis said. "I will keep the first watch—the idler's watch," -he added with a smile.</p> - -<p>"I will take the second, then," Valentine said.</p> - -<p>"No, I will take that," Curumilla objected. "An Indian's eyes see -clearly in the night."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the hunter remarked; "and yet I fancy my eyes are not so bad -either."</p> - -<p>Curumilla, without further reply, placed his finger on his lips.</p> - -<p>"Good!" the hunter said; "as you wish it, keep watch in my place, chief. -When you are tired, however, be sure and wake me."</p> - -<p>The Indian bowed. The three men wrapped themselves in their zarapés, and -lay on the ground, Don Louis alone remaining awake.</p> - -<p>It was a magnificent night: the sky, of a deep azure, was studded with -an infinity of stars that sparkled like diamonds; the moon poured forth -its tremulous and pallid beams; the atmosphere, wondrously pure and -transparent, allowed the country to be surveyed for an enormous -distance; the evening breeze had risen, and deliciously refreshed the -air; the earth exhaled acrid and balmy perfumes; the waves died away -amorously, and with mysterious murmurs, on the beach; and in the -distance might be indistinctly traced the outlines of the coyotes which -prowled about, howling mournfully, for they scented the novillos.</p> - -<p>Louis, seduced by this splendid evening, and yielding to that prairie -languor which conquers the strongest minds, was indulging in a gentle -reverie. He had attained that stage of mental somnolency which is not -waking, and yet not sleeping. He was enjoying the magic pictures his -fancy conjured up, when he was suddenly roused from this charming -sensation by a hand pressing heavily on his shoulder, while a voice -muttered in his ear the single word,—</p> - -<p>"Prudence."</p> - -<p>Louis, suddenly recalled to a consciousness of the present, opened his -half-closed eyes, and turned sharply round. Curumilla was leaning over -him, and repeated his warning, with a sign of terrible meaning. The -count seized his rifle, which rested near him.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" he asked in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"Come, but keep in the shade," Curumilla replied in the same tone.</p> - -<p>Louis obeyed the hint, whose importance he recognised. Lying down on the -ground, he glided gently in the direction indicated by the Indian.</p> - -<p>He soon found himself sheltered behind a thicket, where he saw Don -Cornelio and Valentine in ambush, with their bodies bent forward, and -looking anxiously into the darkness.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens, friends!" the count said, "what is the meaning of this? -The profoundest silence prevails around us. All appears tranquil. Why -this alarm?"</p> - -<p>"Curumilla noticed this evening, before our halt, traces of Yaqui -Indians. You know, brother, that these demons are the most daring -robbers in the world. It is plain that they are after our beasts."</p> - -<p>"But what makes you suppose that? These traces, whose existence I do not -deny, may belong to travellers as well as to vagabonds. Nothing up to -the present makes us suppose that these fellows intend attacking us, and -we have not even seen them."</p> - -<p>A sinister smile contracted the chief's thin lips, and, touching the -count's arm with his finger, while at the same time lifting his own -robe, he showed him a bleeding scalp hanging from his belt.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" Don Louis said, "have those demons ventured so near us, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; and had it not been for Curumilla, whose eye is never closed, and -mind ever on the watch, our animals would probably have been carried off -more than an hour ago."</p> - -<p>"Thanks for his vigilance, then," the count said with an expression of -annoyance, which he could not entirely conceal; "but you know the -Indians, comrades: so soon as they find they are detected, they are no -longer to be feared. I believe that, after the lesson they have -received, we are now in safety, and we need not trouble ourselves about -them more."</p> - -<p>"No, brother, you are mistaken. Look at your novillos; they are -restless. At each instant they raise their heads, and do not eat their -food in comfort. God has given animals an instinct of self-preservation -which never deceives them. Believe me, they fear a danger, and scent -enemies not far from them."</p> - -<p>"It is possible, indeed. Let us watch, then."</p> - -<p>The four men remained thus silent and attentive. An hour almost passed -away, and nothing happened to confirm their suspicions. Still the bulls -pressed more closely together. They had left off eating, and their -restlessness increased instead of diminishing.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Curumilla stretched out his arm in a north-eastern direction, -and after laconically whispering, "Do not stir," he gave Valentine his -rifle to hold, and before his friends had time to guess the direction he -had taken, he disappeared in the gloom. The three hunters exchanged a -silent glance, and cocked their rifles, so as to be ready for any event.</p> - -<p>There cannot be a more painful position than that of the brave man who, -in a strange country and on a dark night, is obliged to stand on guard -against a danger whose extent he cannot calculate. Affected by the -silent majesty of solitude, he creates phantasms a hundredfold more -terrible than the actual danger, and feels his courage fly away -piecemeal beneath the harsh pressure of waiting for something unseen.</p> - -<p>Such was the situation in which our three friends now were; and yet they -were three lion hearts, accustomed for many years to Indian warfare, and -whom no peril, however great it might have been, would have been able -to affect beneath the warm beams of the sun; but, during the darkness, -imagination creates such horrible phantoms, that, if we may be allowed -to employ a trivial comparison, we might say that people are not so much -afraid of the danger itself as of the fear of that danger.</p> - -<p>The three men had remained in this awkward situation for some time; when -suddenly a fearful yell rose in the air, followed by the fall of a body -to the ground, and the flight of several men, whose black outlines stood -out on the horizon. The adventurers fired at random, and rushed rapidly -in the direction where they heard the struggle, which seemed still going -on.</p> - -<p>At the moment they arrived, Curumilla, whom they recognised, had his -right knee pressed into the chest of a man he held down under him, while -his left hand compressed his throat, and reduced him to the most perfect -state of powerlessness.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the Araucanian said, turning to his comrades with a look of -inexpressible ferocity, "a chief!"</p> - -<p>"Good prize," Valentine said. "Thrust your knife into the scoundrel's -chest, and there's an end of him."</p> - -<p>Curumilla raised his knife, whose blade sent forth a bluish flash.</p> - -<p>"A moment," Don Louis exclaimed. "Let us see first who he is; we shall -still be able to kill him if we think fit."</p> - -<p>Valentine shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Let the chief settle that business," he said; "he understands it -better than we do. When you have one of those vipers under your heel you -must crush him, lest he may sting you presently."</p> - -<p>"No," the count remarked resolutely, "I will never consent to see a man -murdered before me. That poor wretch has acted in accordance with his -nature; let us act in accordance with ours, then. Curumilla, I implore -you, allow your prisoner to rise, but watch him, so that he cannot -escape."</p> - -<p>"You are wrong, brother," the implacable hunter replied; "you do not -know these demons so well as I do. Still act as you please; but you will -eventually see that you have committed a folly."</p> - -<p>The count made no reply, but only gave Curumilla another sign to do as -he ordered. The Araucanian obeyed with repugnance. Still he helped his -half-strangled prisoner to rise, and while carefully watching him, led -him to the fire, where the hunters had already preceded him.</p> - -<p>The count took a rapid glance at the Indian. He was a man of Herculean -stature, powerfully built, and still young, with haughty, gloomy, and -cruel features; in a word, though he was a handsome rather than an ugly -man in appearance, there was an expression of roguery, baseness, and -ferocity about him, which in no way pleaded in his favour. He wore a -species of hunting shirt, without sleeves, of striped calico, drawn in -round the waist by a large girdle of untanned deer hide; breeches of the -same stuff as the shirt hung down to his knees; and the lower part of -his legs was protected from stings by leather gaiters fastened to the -knee and ankle. He wore on his feet moccasins artistically worked, and -adorned behind by several wolf tails—a mark of distinction only allowed -to renowned warriors. His plaited hair was raised on either side his -head, while behind it fell to his waist, and was decorated with plumes -of every possible colour. Round his neck hung several medals, among -which was one rather larger than the rest, representing General Jackson, -ex-President of the American Union. His face was painted with four -different colours—blue, black, white, and red.</p> - -<p>So soon as he found himself in the presence of the hunters seated round -the fire, he crossed his arms on his chest, raised his head haughtily, -and waited stoically till they thought proper to address him.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" Don Louis asked him in Spanish.</p> - -<p>"Mixcoatzin (the Serpent of the Cloud)."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Valentine muttered to himself, "the scoundrel is well named. I -never saw such a hangdog face as his before."</p> - -<p>"What did Mixcoatzin want in my camp?"</p> - -<p>"Does not the <i>Yori</i> know?" the Indian said imperturbably. "Mixcoatzin -is a chief among the Yaquis."</p> - -<p>"You wished to steal my cattle, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"The Yaquis are not robbers; all that is on their land belongs to them. -The palefaces need only return to their home on the other side of the -great salt lake."</p> - -<p>"If I condemn you to death what will you say?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing; it is the law of war. The paleface will see how a Yaqui chief -endures pain."</p> - -<p>"You allow, then, that you deserve death?"</p> - -<p>"No; the paleface is the stronger—he is the master."</p> - -<p>"If I let you go what will you think?"</p> - -<p>The Indian shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"The paleface is not a fool," he said.</p> - -<p>"But suppose I do act in that way?"</p> - -<p>"I shall say that the paleface is afraid."</p> - -<p>"Afraid of what?"</p> - -<p>"Of the vengeance of the warriors of my nation."</p> - -<p>It was Don Louis' turn to shrug his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Then," he proceeded, "if I restored you your liberty you would feel no -gratitude?"</p> - -<p>"Why should I be grateful? A warrior should kill his enemy when he holds -him. If he does not do so he is a coward."</p> - -<p>The hunters could not refrain from a start of surprise at the -enunciation of this singular theory. Don Louis rose.</p> - -<p>"Listen," he said. "I do not fear you, and I will give you a proof of -it."</p> - -<p>And, with a movement quick as thought, he seized the long tail that hung -down the chiefs back, and cut it off with his knife.</p> - -<p>"Now," he added, buffeting him with the tress he had cut off, "be off, -villain: you are free. I despise you too much to inflict on you any -other punishment than that you have undergone. Return to your tribe, -and tell your friends how the whites avenge themselves on enemies so -contemptible as yourself, and those that resemble you."</p> - -<p>At the deadly insult he received the Indian's face became hideous; he -suffered a momentary stupor caused by shame and anger; but by a -supernatural effort he suddenly overcame his feelings, seized Don Louis' -arm, and thrusting his face into the Frenchman's,—</p> - -<p>"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," he hissed. "Let the Yori remember his -name, for he will meet him again."</p> - -<p>And, bounding like a tiger, he dashed into the plain, where he at once -disappeared.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" Don Louis shouted to his friends, who were rushing in pursuit; -"Let him escape. What do I care for such a wretch's hatred? He can do -nothing to me."</p> - -<p>The hunters reluctantly took their seats again by the fire.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Louis added, "I have perhaps committed a folly."</p> - -<p>Valentine looked at him.</p> - -<p>"Worse than a folly, brother," he said; "a sad mistake. Take care of -that man: one day or other he will revenge himself on you."</p> - -<p>"Possibly," the count said carelessly; "but when did you begin to fear -the Indians so greatly, brother?"</p> - -<p>"From the day I first learned to know them," the hunter said coldly. -"You have offered that man an insult which demands blood; be assured -that he will make you repent of it."</p> - -<p>"I care little."</p> - -<p>After these few words the hunters resumed their interrupted sleep, and -the rest of the night passed without any fresh incident.</p> - -<p>At sunrise the adventurers continued their journey; and by night, after -a day of incredible fatigue through the burning sands of the savannah, -they at length reached the <i>pueblo</i> or <i>lugar</i> of San José, where the -inhabitants received them with shouts of joy, persuaded as they were -that the strangers would not leave without supplying them with a few of -those objects of primary necessity which they have themselves no means -of procuring.</p> - -<p>San José is the last caravan halt before reaching San Francisco. The -travellers had made a journey of more than one hundred and eighty -leagues in less than three weeks, through difficulties and dangers -without end—a speed hitherto unexampled.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> - -<h3>EXPLANATIONS.</h3> - - -<p>The hunters placed their animals in a vast corral; then they sought a -shelter for themselves in a mesón, the landlord of which, a perfect -likeness of the worthy Knight of La Mancha, received them to the best of -his ability. After the rough journey they had made, it was a great -delight to the adventurers to rest their heads once again beneath a -roof, and be, for a few hours at least, lodged in a manner almost -civilised.</p> - -<p>Don Louis and Valentine occupied the same cuarto, while Curumilla and -Don Cornelio selected that exactly facing theirs. So soon as these -provisional arrangements were made, and supper enjoyed in common, all -retired to rest.</p> - -<p>Before lying down on the <i>cuadro</i>, covered with an oxhide, intended for -his bed, Don Louis walked up to Valentine, who, lying back in a <i>butaca</i> -(easy chair), was smoking a cigarette, and idly watching the blue smoke -ascend in spirals.</p> - -<p>"What are you thinking about?" he asked him, as he leant familiarly on -the back of the butaca.</p> - -<p>"About you," Valentine replied, turning to him with a smile.</p> - -<p>"About me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. What other anxiety can I have at present, save to see you happy?"</p> - -<p>The count looked down on the ground and sighed.</p> - -<p>"It is impossible," he said.</p> - -<p>Valentine looked at him.</p> - -<p>"Impossible!" he repeated. "Oh, oh! Have we reached that point? Come, -let us have an explanation, once for all."</p> - -<p>"You are right; the hour has arrived: let us have a hearty explanation."</p> - -<p>The count drew up a butaca, sat down opposite Valentine, took a cigar -from the case his foster brother handed him, and lit it. The hunter -followed all his movements attentively. When he saw him comfortably -installed, he said,—</p> - -<p>"Speak."</p> - -<p>"Alas! My life has nothing very interesting in it; it has resembled that -of all adventurers. At one time rich, at another poor, I have wandered -about, traversing Mexico in every direction, dragging after me the -memory of my lost happiness, like the galley slaves cannon ball. For a -moment I imagined that a future might still exist for me, and that I -might at least regain my rank in the world, if I did not secure again a -position like that I had lost I started for San Francisco, that weird -Eldorado, whose marvels the hundred-mouthed rumour was narrating. There -I found myself mixed up with a crowd of greedy and unbridled -adventurers, whose life was one continued orgy, and whose sole passion -was gold. I saw there, within a few months, the most prodigious -metamorphoses. I saw the most scandalous fortunes spring up and collapse -again, and plunging resolutely into this gulf, I demanded from chance my -share of feverish joys and intoxicating emotions; but I lacked faith, -and nothing succeeded with me. I tried every profession, ever pursued by -that implacable fatality which was determined to crush me. I had great -difficulty in saving myself from a death by hunger. In turn hunter, -porter, Heaven knows what, my efforts availed nothing in that Babel, -where the condemned of civilisation jostled each other, who, all marked -with the indelible seal of Dante's reprobates, piled ruin on ruin to -form themselves a pedestal of ingots, which was immediately overthrown -by another. Disgusted with this mingled life of blood, filth, rags, and -gold, I set off, resolved to become a drover. A noble profession, is it -not, for a Count de Prébois, whose ancestors made three crusades?" he -added, with a bitter laugh. "But I knew generals ostlers, marquises -waiters; hence I, who had never been anything, could, without any great -degradation, become a trader in cattle. And then I had another object in -the choice of my profession. Ever since my arrival in North America I -have been looking for you: I hoped to find you again some day. For the -first time fortune has smiled on me, you see, as I have succeeded in -meeting with you. That is all I had to say to you. Now you know as much -about my life as I do; so ask me no more."</p> - -<p>After these words, uttered in a sharp voice, the count threw himself -back on his butaca, relit his cigar, crossed his arms on his chest, and -seemed determined not to add a word. Valentine looked at him for a long -time with the most concentrated attention, at times tossing his head, -and frowning with evident dissatisfaction. At length he resolved to -renew the conversation.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" he said, "I now know your whole life, I grant it. There is -nothing very extraordinary about it in a country like that where we are. -It in no way departs from the common law. You would do very wrong to -complain."</p> - -<p>"I do not complain," the count exclaimed quickly; "I merely assert a -fact."</p> - -<p>"Of course," Valentine said; "and yet, in all you have told me, one -point remains obscure to me."</p> - -<p>"Which?"</p> - -<p>"You told me all you wished to do—that is well; but leaving out of the -question the fraternal friendship that attaches us, and which, however -powerful it may be, cannot to my mind account for your settled -determination to find me again, you have not told me for what purpose -you sought me so obstinately."</p> - -<p>The count sprang up, and his eye flashed.</p> - -<p>"Have you not guessed it, Valentine?"</p> - -<p>"No!"</p> - -<p>The count let his head fall, and for a few moments the conversation was -again interrupted.</p> - -<p>"You are right, Valentine: better finish at once, and never return to -the subject again; besides, you know as well as I what I wish to say," -the count replied, with the accent of a man whose mind is made up.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so," the hunter said laconically.</p> - -<p>"Come, come, I am not an ass; and on the morning of that day when you -asked a shelter at my bivouac, you understood me at the first word I let -fall."</p> - -<p>"It is possible," Valentine said imperturbably; "still, as I have no -pretence to the art of divination, be good enough to explain yourself -clearly and categorically."</p> - -<p>"You insist on it?"</p> - -<p>The hunter bowed his assent.</p> - -<p>"Well, be it so," the count went on; "you are still the same man you -were fifteen years ago."</p> - -<p>"Are we not referring to that very period now?" Valentine said with a -smile.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the count exclaimed, striking the arm of his butaca, "you see that -you understood me."</p> - -<p>"Did I say the contrary?"</p> - -<p>"Why, then, do you demand——?"</p> - -<p>"Because it must be so," the hunter said dryly.</p> - -<p>"Be at rest, for I will repeat your own words."</p> - -<p>"I am listening."</p> - -<p>"You remember, I suppose, a cold winter night, in the bedroom of my -house at Paris?"</p> - -<p>"December 31st, 1834, at eleven in the evening," Valentine remarked.</p> - -<p>"Yes; the rain lashed the window panes, the wind whistled in the long -passages. I was awaiting your coming. You arrived. Then, as now, I was -face to face with ruin. I wished to die: you prevented me."</p> - -<p>"It is true. Did I do wrong?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps," the count said in a hollow voice; "but these are the words -you made use of."</p> - -<p>"Allow me to repeat them myself; for, in spite of the fifteen years that -have elapsed, Louis, that scene is as present to my mind as if it took -place yesterday. After proving to you that you did wrong to despair," -Valentine said in a solemn voice, "that all was not lost, I replied to a -final objection you raised, 'Be easy, Louis, be easy. If I have not -fulfilled my promise in two years, I will hand you the pistols myself, -and then—' 'Then?' you asked. 'Then,' I added, 'you shall not kill -yourself alone.' 'I accept,' you answered. Those were the words that -passed between us on that night, which decided your future and made a -man of you. Is it not so? Have I forgotten the slightest detail? -Answer."</p> - -<p>"No, you have forgotten nothing, Valentine."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Well, now that I have faithfully fulfilled the promise I made you, I -come to claim of you the complete execution of our compact."</p> - -<p>"I do not comprehend you."</p> - -<p>"What! You do not comprehend me?" the count said, bounding from his -butaca.</p> - -<p>"No," Valentine answered coldly. "Did I not keep my promise? Ah, Louis, -since you insist on it, by heavens!" he added, growing animated in his -turn, "let us reckon up accounts. I ask nothing better. What do you mean -by talking to me of fulfilling an agreement? Have I not fulfilled my -engagements? Did I not find for you that woman you despaired of ever -seeing again? Did you not marry her? Did you not enjoy with her ten -years of perfect happiness? By what right do you complain of the -fatality that pursues you? By what right do you curse your destiny, -ungrateful man! Whose happiness lasted ten years—ten ages in this -earth? Look around you. Show me a man who, throughout his whole life, -can reckon one year of that happiness you rail at, and then I will pity -you, will weep with you, and, if it must be, help you to die. Oh! All -men are the same—weak in the presence of joy as in grief, forgetting, -in a few hours of adversity, years of happiness. And so, after fifteen -years, you have returned to the same point. Insensate! Do you know, you -who speak in that way, what it is to pass a whole existence of suffering -and horrible agony: to feel hour by hour, minute by minute, your heart -lacerated, and that without hope, and yet smile and seem gay—in a word, -live? Have you for a single day endured that atrocious suffering, you -who speak so deliberately about dying?"</p> - -<p>Gradually, while speaking, Valentine had grown animated, his features -were contracted, and his eyes flashed flames. Louis gazed on his friend -without comprehending him, but startled at the state of exaltation in -which he saw him.</p> - -<p>"Valentine," he exclaimed, "Valentine, in heaven's name, calm yourself!"</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the hunter continued, with a ghastly laugh, "you suffer, you -say—you are unhappy; and yet listen. That woman you loved, whom I found -for you again, whom I enabled you to marry—well, it was not love I felt -for her, but idolatry. To be able to tell her so I would joyfully have -parted with my blood drop by drop; and yet I, to whom you have just told -your grief, I placed you in each other's arms. I smiled—do you -understand me?—smiled on your love, and without a murmur, a word, to -reveal that passion which gnawed my heart, I fled into the desert, alone -with my love. Face to face with it I suffered for fifteen years. Oh, my -God, my God! The wound is as painful now as on the first day. Tell me, -Louis, now that you know all—for we are frank with each other—what are -your sufferings compared with mine? By what right would you die?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, pardon me, pardon me, Valentine!" Louis exclaimed, as he rushed -into his arms. "Oh! You are right; I am very ungrateful to you."</p> - -<p>"No," Valentine answered sadly, as he returned his embrace; "no, Louis, -you are a man; you have followed the common law. I cannot and ought not -to be angry with you. Pardon me, on the contrary, for allowing myself to -be carried away so far as to reveal to you the secret which I had sworn -to bury eternally in my heart. Alas! We have all our cross to bear in -this world, and mine has been rude. God doubtlessly decreed it so, -because I am strong," he added, with an attempt at a smile. "But, to -return to yourself, it is true that youth has fled far from us, with its -gay perspective and smiling illusions; life has no longer anything to -offer us, save the painful trials of a ripe age. I am as wearied of -existence as yourself; it weighs equally on me as on you. You see, my -friend, I am fully of your opinion. I will not only not prevent you from -dying, but I wish to accomplish my promise fully by accompanying you -into the tomb."</p> - -<p>"You, Valentine! O no! It is impossible."</p> - -<p>"Why so? Is not our position the same? Have we not both suffered -equally? An implacable creditor, you have asked me to honour my -signature. Very good; but on one condition."</p> - -<p>Louis was too well acquainted with his foster brother's firm and -resolute character to try and combat his will.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" he asked simply.</p> - -<p>"I shall choose the mode of death."</p> - -<p>"Be it so."</p> - -<p>"Oh, pardon me, Louis! I shall not propose an ordinary suicide, so I -must have your word of honour before I explain myself more fully."</p> - -<p>"I give it you."</p> - -<p>"Good! There are two difficult things for a man to do in this -world—arranging his life, and arranging his death. The man who kills -himself coldly by blowing out his brains in his room, after writing to -his friends to announce his suicide, is either a coward or a madman. -That is not the sort of suicide I wish; it means nothing, it proves -nothing, and is of no service. But there is a manner of suicide which I -have ever dreamed of, because it is noble and great: it is that of the -man who, unable or unwilling to do more with a life he despises, -sacrifices it for his fellow men, with no other object than that of -being useful to them, and falls after accomplishing his task."</p> - -<p>"I believe I understand you, Valentine."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so; but let me finish. We are in the country best prepared for -such a design. Already several attempts—all unsuccessful, however—have -been made, especially by the Count de Lhorailles in his colony of -Guetzalli. Sonora, which is the richest country in the world, is in the -last throes, under the brutalising and unintelligent system of the -Mexican government. Well, let us restore life to this country; let us -galvanise it, summon to our aid the French emigrants in California, and -come here to give liberty to a people whose energetic character will -comprehend us. What do we risk in the event of non-success? Death! Why, -that is exactly what we desire. At any rate, when we have fallen, we -shall sleep in a shroud of glory as martyrs, bearing with us the regrets -and sympathies of all. Instead of killing ourselves like cowards, we -shall have died in the breach like heroes. Is not that martyrdom the -noblest, the most sublime of all?</p> - -<p>"Yes, Valentine, you are right—always right Oh, men like ourselves can -only die in that fashion!"</p> - -<p>"Good!" Valentine exclaimed; "you have understood me."</p> - -<p>"Not only have I understood you, brother, but I guessed your meaning -before."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"When I met the Count de Lhorailles for the last time in the desert, I -was returning with Belhumeur and an Indian chief from visiting a placer -of incalculable value which that Indian had discovered, and the -ownership of which he gave to Belhumeur, who, in his turn, handed it -over to me. On my return, I proceeded to Mexico, where I entered into -negotiations with several notable persons; among others, the French -<i>chargé d'affaires</i>. You of course know how slow everything is to -succeed in this unhappy country. Still, owing to the rich samples I had -the precaution to bring with me, and, above all, the powerful protection -of certain persons, I succeeded in founding a company, of which I was -appointed chief, with the right of levying a French company, armed and -disciplined, in order to take possession of the placer, and work it on -behalf of the company."</p> - -<p>"What then?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I returned to San Francisco, and made a few arrangements; but I -needed two things—first, patience, and next, money to enlist my men and -purchase the necessary stores; and—shall I confess it to you?—what I -most needed was the desire to succeed. But you, Valentine, have caused -that desire to spring up in me; your presence has restored all my -energy, and though I know not how I shall remove all the obstacles that -oppose the execution of my plan, I shall do so, I swear it to you."</p> - -<p>"What were you doing in Sonora, then?"</p> - -<p>"I can hardly explain it to you. My speculation in cattle was more a -flight than anything else. I was disgusted with everything, and tried to -make an end of it, no matter how."</p> - -<p>"Now it is my turn. Tomorrow, at sunrise, you will start. You will -proceed at full speed to San Francisco. Your excursion in Sonora was -only an exploring tour. You will employ any pretext you like, in a word, -and set to work earnestly forming your company. During that time I will -sell your herd, and arrange so as to procure you the funds you require. -Trouble yourself about nothing, but push ahead boldly."</p> - -<p>"But how will you manage it? The sum I need is large."</p> - -<p>"That does not concern you: let me arrange matters in my way; At the -appointed hour I will furnish you with more than you want, so it is -settled. You will start at sunrise?"</p> - -<p>"I will do so; but when and where shall I see you again?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! That is true. On the twenty-fifth day from this, at sunset, I will -enter your room."</p> - -<p>"But I do not know myself yet where I shall lodge."</p> - -<p>"Do not let that trouble you; I shall find out."</p> - -<p>"So, then, at sunset of the twenty-fifth day?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I will arrive with the treasure ships," Valentine replied with a -laugh.</p> - -<p>"Thanks, brother; you are my good genius. If my life has had a few -blemishes, you are preparing me a glorious death to expiate them."</p> - -<p>"Pity yourself, pray! I am going to make of you a Francisco Pizarro and -an Almagro."</p> - -<p>The two men shook hands affectionately, while exchanging a sorrowful -smile. After a few more unimportant remarks, they threw themselves on -their beds, where they soon fell asleep, overpowered as they were by -fatigue.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE CONSEQUENCES OP A LOVE SONG.</h3> - - -<p>During the conversation between the foster brothers, certain events we -must describe to the reader occurred in the cuarto to which Curumilla -and Don Cornelio had retired.</p> - -<p>On entering the room, Curumilla, instead of lying down on the cuadro -intended for him, laid his zarapé on the tiled flooring, stretched -himself out upon it, and immediately closed his eyes. Don Cornelio, on -the contrary, after hanging the lamp to a nail in the wall, trimmed up -the smoking wick with the point of his knife, sat down on the side of -the bed, with his legs hanging down, and then began in a sonorous voice -the romance of King Rodrigo.</p> - -<p>At this slightly unseasonable music Curumilla half opened one eye, -though without protesting in any other way against this unwonted -disturbance of his rest. Don Cornelio may or may not have noticed the -Indian's silent protest; but in either case he took no heed of it, but -went on singing, raising his voice to the highest compass of which it -was capable.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" the chief said, raising his bead.</p> - -<p>"I was certain," Don Cornelio remarked with a friendly smile, "that the -music would please you."</p> - -<p>And he redoubled his flourishes.</p> - -<p>The Araucanian rose, went up to the singer, and touched him gently on -the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"We must sleep," he said in his guttural voice, and with an ill-tempered -grimace.</p> - -<p>"Bah, chief! Music makes a man forget sleep. Just listen.</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"'Oh, si yo naciera ciego!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Oh, tú sin beldad nacieras!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Maldito sea el punto—'"<a name="FNanchor_1_7" id="FNanchor_1_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_7" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></span><br /> -</p> - -<p>The Indian seemed to listen with sustained attention, his body bent well -forward, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the singer. Don Cornelio -felicitated himself internally on the effect he fancied he had produced -on this primitive native, when suddenly Curumilla, seizing him by the -hips, squeezed him in his nervous hands at in iron pincers, and lifting -him with as much ease as if he had been but a child, carried him, spite -of his resistance, into the patio, and seated him on the side of the -wall.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" he said, "music is good here."</p> - -<p>And, without adding another word, he turned his back on the Spaniard, -walked into his cuarto, laid himself on his zarapé, and went to sleep -immediately.</p> - -<p>At first Don Cornelio was quite confounded by this sudden attack, and -knew not if he ought to laugh or feel vexed at the simple way in which -his companion had got rid of his company; but Don Cornelio was a -philosopher, gifted with an admirable character. What had happened to -him seemed so droll that he burst into an Homeric laugh, which lasted -several minutes.</p> - -<p>"No matter," he said, when he had at length regained his seriousness, -"the adventure is curious, and I shall laugh at it for many a long day. -After all, the fellow was not entirely in the wrong. I am famously -situated here to sing and play my jarana as long as I think proper; at -any rate I shall run no risk of disturbing the sleepers, as I am quite -alone."</p> - -<p>And after this consolation, which he administered to himself to satisfy -his somewhat offended pride, he prepared to continue his serenade.</p> - -<p>The night was clear and serene; the sky was studded with a profusion of -stars, in the midst of which sparkled the dazzling southern cross; a -slight breeze, laden with the perfumes of the desert, gently refreshed -the air; the deepest silence brooded over San José; for, in the retired -Mexican pueblos, everybody returns home at an early hour. Everybody -appeared asleep, too, in the mesón, although at a few windows the weak -and dying light of the candles gleamed behind the cotton curtains.</p> - -<p>Thus Don Cornelio, unconsciously yielding to the influences of this -magnificent evening, omitted the first four verses of the romancero, and -after a skilful prelude, struck up the sublime description of night:—</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"A l'escaso resplendor,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">De cualque luciente estrella,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Que en el medroso silencio,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Tristamente centellea."<a name="FNanchor_2_8" id="FNanchor_2_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_8" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></span><br /> -</p> - -<p>And he continued thus with eyes uplifted to heaven, and brow glowing -with enthusiasm to the end of the romance; that is to say, until he had -sung the ninety-six verses of which this touching piece of poetry is -composed.</p> - -<p>The Mexicans, children of the Andalusians, the musicians and dancers -<i>par excellence</i>, have not degenerated in this respect from their -forefathers; on the contrary, they have, if that be possible, -exaggerated these two passions, to which they sacrifice everything.</p> - -<p>When Don Cornelio began singing, the patio, as we have, already -remarked, was completely deserted; but gradually, as the musician became -more animated, doors opened in every corner of the yard, men and women -appeared, advanced gently to the singer, and formed a circle round him; -so that after the final strophe he found himself surrounded by a group -of enthusiastic hearers, who applauded him frenziedly.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio rose from the wall on which he was seated, lifted his hat, -and saluted his audience gracefully.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said to himself, "this will be something for that Indian, who -appreciates music so slightly, to reflect upon."</p> - -<p>"<i>Capa de Dios!</i>" an arriero said, "that is what I call singing."</p> - -<p>"Poor Señor Don Rodrigo, how he must have suffered!" a young criada -exclaimed in short petticoats, and with a flashing eye.</p> - -<p>"And that perfidious <i>picaro</i> of a Count Julian, who introduced the -Moors into a Catholic country!" the landlord said with an angry gesture.</p> - -<p>"God be praised!" the audience said in chorus; "Let us hope that he is -roasting in the lowest pit."</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio was at the pinnacle of jubilation. Never before had he -obtained such a success. All his hearers thanked him for the pleasure he -had caused them, with those noisy demonstrations and cries of joy which -distinguish southern races. The Spaniard did not know whom to listen to, -or on which side to turn. The shouts assumed such a character of -enthusiasm, that the singer began to fear that he would be unable to get -rid of his frenzied audience the whole long night.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for him, at the moment when, half willingly, half perforce, -he was preparing, on the general request, to recommence his romance, -there was a movement in the crowd; it parted to the right and left, and -left a passage for a tall and pretty girl, who, with a well-turned leg -confined in silk stockings with gold clocks, her <i>rebozo</i> coquettishly -drawn over her head, and her hair buried beneath a profusion of jasmine -flowers, placed herself resolutely before the singer, and said with a -graceful smile, which allowed her double row of pearly teeth to be -seen,—</p> - -<p>"Are you not, caballero, a noble hidalgo of Spain, of the name of Don -Cornelio?"</p> - -<p>We must do Don Cornelio the justice to allow that he was so dazzled by -this delicious apparition that he remained for some seconds with gaping -mouth, unable to find a word.</p> - -<p>The girl stamped her foot impatiently.</p> - -<p>"Have you been suddenly turned into stone?" she asked, with a slightly -mocking accent.</p> - -<p>"Heaven forbid, señorita!" he at length stammered.</p> - -<p>"Then be good enough to answer the question I asked you."</p> - -<p>"Nothing easier, señorita. I am indeed Don Cornelio Mendoza de -Arrizabal, and have the honour to be a Spanish gentleman."</p> - -<p>"That is what I call plain speaking," she said, with a slight pout. "If -it be so, caballero, I must ask you to follow me."</p> - -<p>"To the end of the world," the young man exclaimed impetuously. "I -should never travel in pleasanter company."</p> - -<p>"I thank you for the compliment, caballero, but I do not intend to take -you so far. I only wish to conduct you to my mistress, who desires to -see you and speak with you for an instant."</p> - -<p>"<i>Rayo del cielo!</i> If the mistress be only as pretty as the maid, I -shall not regret the trip if it last a week."</p> - -<p>The girl smiled again.</p> - -<p>"My mistress is staying in this inn, only a few steps off."</p> - -<p>"All the worse, all the worse! I should have preferred a journey of -several leagues before meeting her."</p> - -<p>"A truce to gallantry. Are you willing to follow me?"</p> - -<p>"At once, señorita."</p> - -<p>And throwing his jarana on his back, and bowing for the last time to the -audience, who opened a passage for him respectfully,—</p> - -<p>"I am at your orders," he said.</p> - -<p>"Come, then."</p> - -<p>The girl turned away and hurried off rapidly, the Spaniard following -close at her heels.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio, like all the adventurers whom a hazardous life in Europe -had cast on the American shores, nourished in his heart a secret hope -of re-establishing, by a rich marriage, his fortunes, which were more -than compromised. Several instances, though rare, we allow, of marriages -contracted in this romantic fashion, had imbedded this idea deeply in -the Spaniard's somewhat windy brain.</p> - -<p>He was young, noble, handsome—at least he thought so; hence he -possessed all needed for success. It is true that, until this moment, -fortune had never deigned to smile on him; no young girl seemed to care -for his assassinating glances, or respond to his interested advances. -But this ill success had in no way rebuffed him, and what happened at -this moment seemed to justify his schemes, by offering him, at the -moment he least expected it, that occasion he had so long awaited.</p> - -<p>Only one thing saddened his brow, and clouded the internal joy he -experienced, and that was the seedy condition of his attire, sadly -ill-treated by the brambles, and torn by the sharp points of the rocks, -during his long journey in Sonora. But with that characteristic fatuity -innate in the Spaniards, he consoled himself by the reflection that his -personal advantages would amply compensate for the seedy condition of -his dress, and that the lady who had sent for him, if she felt any -tender interest in him, would attach but slight value to a new cloak or -a faded cloak. It was with these conquering feelings that Don Cornelio -arrived behind the <i>camarista</i> at the door of a cuarto, before which she -stopped.</p> - -<p>"It is here," she said, turning round to him.</p> - -<p>"Very good," he said, drawing himself up. "We will enter whenever you -please."</p> - -<p>She smiled cunningly with a twinkle of her black eyes, and turned the -key in the lock. The door opened.</p> - -<p>"Señorita," the waiting-maid said, "I have brought you the gentleman."</p> - -<p>"Let him come in, Violanta," a sweet voice answered.</p> - -<p>The girl stepped aside to make room for Don Cornelio, who walked in, -twisting his moustache with a conquering air.</p> - -<p>The room in which he found himself was small, and rather better -furnished than the other cuartos in the hostelry, probably owing to the -indispensable articles the temporary occupier of the room had the -precaution to bring with her. Several pink candles burned in silver -chandeliers, and on a sofa lay a lovely young girl of sixteen to -seventeen years of age, buried in muslin, like a hummingbird in a nest -of roses, who bent on the Spanish gentleman two large black eyes -sparkling with humour, maliciousness, and curiosity.</p> - -<p>In spite of the immense dose of self-love with which he was cuirassed, -and the intimate conviction he had of his own merits, Don Cornelio -stopped in considerable embarrassment on the threshold, and bowed -profoundly, without daring to advance into the interior of this cuarto, -which appeared to him a sanctuary.</p> - -<p>By a charming sign the young woman invited him to draw nearer, and -pointed out a butaca, about two paces from the sofa on which she was -reclining. The young man hesitated; but the camarista, laughing like a -madcap, pushed him by the shoulders and compelled him to sit down.</p> - -<p>Still the position of our two actors, opposite each other, was rather -singular. Don Cornelio, a prey to the most powerful embarrassment he -ever experienced, twisted the brim of his beaver in his hands, as he -cast investigating glances cautiously around; while the girl, no less -confused, timidly looked down, and seemed at present almost to regret -the inconsiderate step she had let herself be led to take.</p> - -<p>Still, as in all difficult circumstances of life, women possess a will -of initiative greater than that of men, because they make a strength of -their weakness, and know at once how to approach the most awkward -questions, it was the lady who first regained her coolness and commenced -the conversation.</p> - -<p>"Do you recognise me, Don Cornelio?" she asked him in a deliberate tone, -which made the Spaniard quiver.</p> - -<p>"Alas, señorita!" he replied, trying to gain time, "where could I have -had the happiness of ever seeing you? I have only lived up to the -present in an <i>inferno</i>."</p> - -<p>"Let us speak seriously," she said with an almost imperceptible frown. -"Look me well in the face, caballero, and answer me frankly: do you -recognise me—yes or no?"</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio timidly raised his eyes, obeyed the order he had received -in so peremptory a fashion, and after a few seconds,—</p> - -<p>"No, señorita," he said with a suppressed sigh, "I do not recognise you; -I do not believe that I ever had the happiness of meeting you before -today."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken," she replied.</p> - -<p>"I! O no! It is impossible."</p> - -<p>"Do not swear, Don Cornelio; I will prove to you the truth of what I -assert."</p> - -<p>The young man shook his head incredulously.</p> - -<p>"When a man has had once the happiness of seeing you—" he murmured.</p> - -<p>She interrupted him sharply.</p> - -<p>"You do not know what you say, and your gallantry is misplaced. Before -contradicting me you would do better by listening to what I have to say -to you."</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio protested.</p> - -<p>"I repeat," she said distinctly, "that you are mad. For two days you -travelled in the company of my father and myself."</p> - -<p>"I!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, you."</p> - -<p>"Oh!"</p> - -<p>"It is just three years ago. At that period I was only a child, scarce -fourteen: there is, consequently, nothing extraordinary in your having -forgotten me. At that period you sang your inevitable romance of Don -Rodrigo, of which I will say no harm, however," she added, with an -enchanting smile, "because I recognised you by that song. My father, now -governor and political chief of Sonora, was at that time only a -colonel."</p> - -<p>The Spaniard struck his forehead.</p> - -<p>"I remember," he exclaimed. "You were going from Guadalajara to Tepic, -when I had the pleasure of meeting you in the middle of the night."</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"That is it. Let me see, your father's name is Don Sebastian Guerrero, -and yours—"</p> - -<p>"Well, and mine?" she said, with a pretty challenging pout.</p> - -<p>"Yours, señorita," he said gallantly, "is Doña Angela. What other name -could you bear?"</p> - -<p>"Come," she said, clapping her dainty hands together with a ringing -laugh, "I am glad to see that you have a better memory than I believed."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he muttered reproachfully.</p> - -<p>"We had a rather disagreeable adventure, if I remember right, with -certain bandits?" she continued.</p> - -<p>"Extremely disagreeable, for I was half killed."</p> - -<p>"That is true; I remember something of the sort. Were you not rescued by -a hunter, a wood ranger? I can hardly remember."</p> - -<p>"A noble gentleman, señorita," Don Cornelio replied with fire, "to whom -I owe my life."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she said carelessly, "that is possible. The man helped you, nursed -you, and then you parted?"</p> - -<p>"Not exactly."</p> - -<p>"What!" she said, with some agitation, "you continued to live together?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Always?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"But now?" she said, with a certain hesitation in her voice.</p> - -<p>"I repeat to you, señorita, that we have not separated."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! Is he here?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"In this hostelry?"</p> - -<p>"On the other side of the yard."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she murmured, letting her head fall on her breast.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter now?" the Spaniard asked himself.</p> - -<p>And not interrupting the sudden reverie into which the young lady had -fallen, he waited respectfully until it pleased her to renew the -conversation.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_7" id="Footnote_1_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_7"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Oh, if I had been born blind, or if you had been born ugly! -Accursed be the day and hour—</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_8" id="Footnote_2_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_8"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> By the feeble light of some clear star, which, in the midst -of the gloomy silence, mournfully twinkles.</p></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4> - -<h3>DELILAH.</h3> - - -<p>The position of our two characters toward each other was somewhat -singular. Both appeared to be watching each other, and trying to -discover the flaw in the armour; but in this struggle of a man against a -woman, the latter must inevitably prove the conqueror.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio had possibly a rather exaggerated opinion of himself. This -was what ruined him, and delivered him bound hand and foot over to his -dangerous adversary.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela, resting coquettishly on her elbow, with her chin on the -palm of her dainty hand, fixed on him two eyes sparkling with -maliciousness, so that the Spaniard, as it were, fascinated by the -brilliancy of this irresistible glance, had not even the will to turn -his head, and liberate himself from the deceptive charm that fascinated -him.</p> - -<p>"Violanta," the girl said, in a voice soft and pure as the song of the -<i>centzontle</i>, the American nightingale, "have you no refreshments to -offer this caballero?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, certainly," said the crafty camarista, with a look sufficient to -tempt St. Anthony; and she rose quickly to obey her mistress's -directions.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio, flattered in his heart by this politeness, which he was -far from expecting, thought it necessary to break out in excuses; but -Doña Angela cut him short by herself saying,—</p> - -<p>"You will forgive me, caballero, for receiving you so poorly, but I did -not expect to have the honour of your visit in this wretched pueblo."</p> - -<p>Naturally enough, Don Cornelio, infatuated with the advantages he -fancied he possessed, regarded this remark as a compliment.</p> - -<p>Angela maliciously bit her rosy lips, and continued, with a bow,—</p> - -<p>"But now that I have been so fortunate as to meet again with an old -friend, for I hope you will permit me to give you that appellation——"</p> - -<p>"Oh, señorita!" the young man said with a movement of joy.</p> - -<p>"I flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of enjoying your -company more frequently."</p> - -<p>"Señorita, believe me that I shall be too happy."</p> - -<p>"I know your gallantry, Don Cornelio," she interrupted him with a smile. -"I am aware that you will seize every opportunity to offer me your -homage."</p> - -<p>"Heaven is my witness, señorita. Unfortunately, adverse fate will -possibly ordain differently."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"You are only passing through this wretched town."</p> - -<p>"Yes. My father is proceeding to Tepic, where his new position as -governor of the province demands his residence."</p> - -<p>"That is true. You see, then, madam, that it is almost impossible for us -ever to meet again."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Alas! I am atrociously afraid of it."</p> - -<p>"Why so?" she said, bending her body forward in curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Because, according to every probability, tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall -take diametrically opposite routes, señorita."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is not possible!"</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately it is too true."</p> - -<p>"Explain this enigma to me."</p> - -<p>"I would it were one; but a child can read it."</p> - -<p>"I do not at all understand you?"</p> - -<p>"I will explain myself more clearly."</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>"When you and your father, madam, start tomorrow for Tepic, my friends -and myself will set out for San Francisco."</p> - -<p>"San Francisco!"</p> - -<p>"Alas! Yes."</p> - -<p>"What need have you to go there?"</p> - -<p>"I! None."</p> - -<p>"Well, then?"</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio behaved like most men when in a state of embarrassment; -that is to say, he scratched his head. At length he said,—</p> - -<p>"I cannot leave my friends."</p> - -<p>"What friends?"</p> - -<p>"Those in whose company I am."</p> - -<p>"Then they want to go to San Francisco?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"What to do?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! That is it," the Spaniard replied, more and more embarrassed by the -obligation of confessing the trade in which he was engaged, and which he -fancied must lower him to an extraordinary degree in the eyes of the -young lady whose heart he fancied he had touched.</p> - -<p>"I am waiting," she said with a slight frown of her arched brows.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio, driven into his last retrenchments, determined to make a -clean breast of it.</p> - -<p>"You must know," he said in a honeyed voice, "that my friends are -hunters."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she remarked.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Well, what then?"</p> - -<p>"Why, then, why, they hunt, I suppose," he continued, discountenanced by -the lady's singular tone.</p> - -<p>"That is probable," she said, with a little silvery laugh. "And what do -they hunt?"</p> - -<p>"Well, pretty nearly all sorts of animals."</p> - -<p>"Specify."</p> - -<p>"Wild bulls, for instance."</p> - -<p>"Very good; we will say, then, that they hunt wild bulls?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Why those animals more than others?"</p> - -<p>"I will tell you."</p> - -<p>"I shall feel delighted."</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio bowed.</p> - -<p>"You must know that at San Francisco—"</p> - -<p>"San Francisco again?"</p> - -<p>"Alas! Yes."</p> - -<p>"Very good: proceed."</p> - -<p>"Oxen, bullocks, and generally all animals that serve for food, are -extremely dear."</p> - -<p>"Ah!"</p> - -<p>"O dear, yes! You understand that people in that country pay great -attention to finding gold, and very little to seeking food."</p> - -<p>"Quite correct."</p> - -<p>"So my friend reasoned thus."</p> - -<p>"Which friend?"</p> - -<p>"The hunter, Don Louis."</p> - -<p>"Don Louis?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, the man who three years back, when the bandits attacked you, -arrived so opportunely, and whom I have never quitted since."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela experienced such a startling emotion that her face suddenly -turned pale. Don Cornelio, busied with his story, did not perceive the -effect the accidental mention of that name produced, but continued,—</p> - -<p>"'Very good, then,' he said to himself. 'Bulls obtain fabulous prices in -California; in Mexico they may be had for almost nothing. Let us go and -buy or lasso them in Mexico.'"</p> - -<p>"So then?"</p> - -<p>"Well, we set out."</p> - -<p>"You were in California at that time?"</p> - -<p>"At San Francisco, with Don Louis."</p> - -<p>"And now?"</p> - -<p>"We have a magnificent herd of novillos, which we have driven a long -distance, and which we hope to dispose of at a large profit at San -Francisco."</p> - -<p>"I hope so."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, madam; the more so as we had an enormous difficulty in -procuring them."</p> - -<p>"But all that does not teach me why you cannot separate from your -friends."</p> - -<p>"At any rate not until we have sold the bullocks. You understand, -señorita, that acting otherwise would be ungentlemanly."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but why insist on selling your bulls nowhere save at San -Francisco?"</p> - -<p>"We do not at all insist on that."</p> - -<p>"Then, supposing you found a good price here, you would dispose of -them?"</p> - -<p>"I see nothing to prevent it."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela gave a start of joy, which Don Cornelio naturally -interpreted to his own advantage.</p> - -<p>"That might be arranged," she said.</p> - -<p>"You think so?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you are not too craving."</p> - -<p>"You need not apprehend that, señorita."</p> - -<p>"My father possesses a hacienda a few leagues from this town. I know -that he intends to re-form his <i>ganado</i>, and he stopped here today in -order to have an interview with his <i>mayordomo</i>."</p> - -<p>"Oh! That is a providential chance."</p> - -<p>"Is it not?"</p> - -<p>"It is really. Has the mayordomo arrived?"</p> - -<p>"Not yet: we do not expect him till tomorrow. I fancy that a day's delay -will do you no injury."</p> - -<p>"Not the slightest."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, if you consent, we will settle this affair while we are -together; that is to say," she added, "you will tell me the prices, that -I may inform my father."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he said, with a certain hesitation, "I can, unfortunately, say -nothing on that head."</p> - -<p>"Why so? Are you not the owner of the herd?"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me."</p> - -<p>"Well, what then?" she interrupted, looking at him with fixed attention.</p> - -<p>"That is to say, I am not sole owner."</p> - -<p>"You have partners?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have one."</p> - -<p>"And that partner——?"</p> - -<p>"Stay, madam, I prefer being frank with you, and telling you clearly how -matters stand."</p> - -<p>"I am listening, caballero."</p> - -<p>"I am owner without being so."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you at all."</p> - -<p>"It is very simple, however, as you will see."</p> - -<p>"I am all anxiety."</p> - -<p>"Just imagine that Don Louis, after curing me of my wounds, felt that -loyal and open friendship for me which has no counterpart in town life. -Not only would he not consent to my leaving him, but aware that, owing -to reverses too long to repeat to you, I was almost penniless, he -insisted on my becoming a sharer in all the enterprises he thought -proper to undertake; so that, without the outlay of a penny, I hold one -half the property. Hence, as you will see, I can do nothing until I have -first taken his instructions."</p> - -<p>"That is only just, it seems to me."</p> - -<p>"And to me too, madam; and that is the reason why, in spite of the -lively desire I entertain to settle the business with you at once, I -find it impossible to do so."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela seemed to reflect for a moment, then went on with a -palpitation of the heart and a tremor in her voice, which she could not -conceal, in spite of all her efforts:—</p> - -<p>"After all, the matter is perfectly simple, and may be arranged very -easily."</p> - -<p>"I ask nothing better; still I confess, to my shame, that I do not see -what means I should employ."</p> - -<p>"It is a trifle, tomorrow, before the mayordomo's arrival, I will speak -with my father: he will, I doubt not, be delighted to render a service -to the man who saved our lives. You will tell your friend, he will come -to an arrangement with my father, and all will be settled."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, madam, I did not think of that. All can be arranged in that -way."</p> - -<p>"Unless your friend—Don Louis, I think you called him——?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam, Don Louis. He is a gentleman belonging to one of the -noblest and oldest families in France."</p> - -<p>"Ah! All the better. Unless, I say, he should not consent to deal with -my father."</p> - -<p>"And why should he not, señorita?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! I do not know; but on our first meeting, after saving my father's -life and mine, that caballero behaved so singularly toward us that I -fear——"</p> - -<p>"You are wrong, madam, to suppose that Don Louis could refuse an offer -so advantageous as that you make him; besides, I will talk with him, and -am certain to bring him over to my views."</p> - -<p>"O dear me!" she said negligently, "I have but a very slight interest in -all this. I should not like the proposal to cause you the slightest -annoyance with your partner. I am only looking after your interests in -the affair, Don Cornelio."</p> - -<p>"I am convinced of it, madam, and thank you humbly," he replied, with a -low bow.</p> - -<p>"I only know you. Your partner, though he rendered me a great service, -is but a stranger to me, especially after the peremptory manner in which -he declined my father's advances and offers of service."</p> - -<p>"You are perfectly right, señorita. Believe me that I attach full value -to the delicacy of your conduct."</p> - -<p>"Still," she continued, in an insinuating and slightly malicious voice, -"I confess to you that I should not be sorry to find myself once more -face to face with that strange man, were it only to convince myself that -the opinion I formed of him was wrong."</p> - -<p>"Don Louis, madam," the Spaniard answered complacently, "is a true -caballero, kind, noble, and generous, ever ready to help with purse or -sword those who claim his assistance. Since I have had the honour of -living in his society I have had many opportunities of appreciating the -greatness of his character."</p> - -<p>"I am happy to hear what you tell me, señor, for I confess that this -caballero left a very bad impression on me, doubtlessly through the -rough manner in which he parted from us."</p> - -<p>"That bad impression was unjust, madam. As for the roughness with which -you reproach him alas! It is only melancholy."</p> - -<p>"What!" she exclaimed quickly, while a rosy tinge suddenly invaded her -forehead, "melancholy, do you say? Is the gentleman unhappy?"</p> - -<p>"Who is not so?" Don Cornelio asked with a sigh.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps, though, you are mistaken."</p> - -<p>"Alas! No, madam. Don Louis has been the victim of frightful disasters: -judge for yourself. He had a wife he adored, who had presented him with -several charming children. One night the Indians surprised his hacienda, -fired it, massacred his wife, his children, his whole family, in a word, -and himself only escaped by a miracle."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is horrible!" she exclaimed, as she buried her face in her -hands. "Poor man! Now I heartily pardon what appeared singularity in his -manners. Alas! The society of his fellow men must weigh upon him."</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam, it doubtlessly does so; for the grief he endures is of that -nature which cannot be consoled. And yet, when he knows of a misfortune -to alleviate, or any good deed to do, he forgets himself only to think -of those he wishes to aid."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you are right, caballero; that man has a noble heart."</p> - -<p>"Alas, madam! I should ever remain below the truth in what I might tell -you of him. You must live his life, be constantly by his side, in order -to understand and appreciate him at his full value."</p> - -<p>There were a few moments of silence. The night was drawing on; the -candles were beginning to dim; the camarista, who had but a very slight -interest in this conversation, had laid her head against the back of her -butaca; her eyes were closed, and she was enjoying that catlike sleep -peculiar to women and the feline race, and which does not prevent them -being constantly on the watch.</p> - -<p>"Tell me, Don Cornelio," Doña Angela continued with a smile, "have you -never spoken with Don Louis about our meeting during the long period -that has since elapsed?"</p> - -<p>"Never, madam."</p> - -<p>"Ah!"</p> - -<p>"Once, and only once, I remember that I tried to bring the conversation -round to that subject by some rather direct allusions."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Don Louis, who, till then, had seemed to listen kindly to my -observations, suddenly requested me, in very distinct language, never to -return to that subject, remarking that he had only acted in accordance -with his duty; that he would do the same again; and that it was not -worth while talking about, the less so as chance would, in all -probability, never again bring him into contact with the persons to whom -he had been so fortunate as to render this slight service."</p> - -<p>The young lady frowned.</p> - -<p>"I thank you," she said in a slightly affected voice, "I thank you, Don -Cornelio, for the kindness with which you have treated the whims of a -woman you did not know."</p> - -<p>"Oh, madam!" he exclaimed in protest; "for a long time I have been your -most humble slave."</p> - -<p>"I know your gallantry, but will not abuse it longer. Be assured that I -shall keep our long conversation in pleasant memory. Be kind enough not -to forget the proposals I wish to make to Don Louis."</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow, madam, at the hour you think most suitable, my friend and -myself will have the honour to present ourselves to the general."</p> - -<p>"Do not derange yourselves, caballero; a criado will warn you when my -father is ready to receive you. Farewell!"</p> - -<p>"Farewell!" he replied, bowing respectfully to the young lady, who -dismissed him with a gracious smile.</p> - -<p>The Spaniard went out with joy in his heart.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Doña Angela murmured, so soon as she was alone, "I love him!"</p> - -<p>Whom was she speaking of?</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> - -<h3>A RETROSPECT.</h3> - - -<p>Before carrying our story further we must give the reader certain -details about the family and antecedents of Don Sebastian Guerrero, who -is destined to play a great part in our narrative.</p> - -<p>The family of Don Sebastian was rich; he descended in a straight line -from one of the early kings of Mexico, and pure Aztec blood flowed in -his veins. Like several other great Mexican families, his ancestors had -not been dispossessed by the conquerors, to whom they rendered important -services; but they were obliged to add a Spanish name to the Mexican -one, which sounded harshly in Castilian ears.</p> - -<p>Still the Guerrero family boasted loudly of its Aztec origin, and if it -seemed ostensibly devoted to Spain, it secretly maintained the hope of -seeing Mexico one day regain her liberty.</p> - -<p>Thus, when the heroic Hidalgo, the humble curate of the little village -of Dolores, suddenly raised the standard of revolt against the -oppressors of his country, Don Eustaquio Guerrero, though married but a -short time previously to a woman he adored, and father of a son hardly -six years of age, was one of the first to respond to the appeal of the -insurgents, and join Hidalgo at the head of four hundred resolute men -raised on his own enormous estates.</p> - -<p>The Mexican revolution was a singular one; for nearly all the promoters -and heroes were priests—the only country in the world where the clergy -have openly taken the initiative in progress, and thus displayed -profound sympathy for the liberty of the people.</p> - -<p>Don Eustaquio Guerrero was in turn companion of those modest heroes whom -disdainful history has almost forgotten, and whose names were, Hidalgo, -Morelos, Hermenegildo Galeana, Allende, Abasolo, Aldama, Valerio -Trujano, Torres, Rayon, Sotomayor, Manuel Mier-y-Teran, and many others -whose names have escaped me; and who, after fighting gloriously for the -liberty of their country, now repose in their bloody tombs, protected by -that glorious nimbus which Heaven places round the brow of martyrs, -whatever be the cause they have defended, so long as that cause is just.</p> - -<p>More fortunate than the majority of his brave comrades in arms, who were -destined to fall one after the other, some as victims to Spanish -barbarity, others conquered by treachery, Don Eustaquio escaped as if by -a miracle from the innumerable dangers of this war, which lasted ten -years, and at length witnessed the complete expulsion of the Spaniards -and the proclamation of independence.</p> - -<p>The brave soldier, prematurely aged, covered with wounds, and disgusted -by the ingratitude of his fellow countrymen, who, scarce free, began -attacking each other, and inaugurated that fatal era of -<i>pronunciamientos,</i> the list of which is already so long, and will only -be closed by the ruin of the country, and the loss of its nationality, -retired, gloomy and sad, to his Hacienda del Palmar, situated in the -province of Valladolid, and sought, in the company of his wife and son, -to recover some sparks of that happiness he had formerly enjoyed when he -was but an obscure citizen.</p> - -<p>But this supreme consolation was denied him; his wife died in his arms -scarce two years after their reunion, attacked by an unknown disease, -which dragged her to the grave in a few weeks.</p> - -<p>After the death of the woman he loved with all the strength of his soul, -Don Eustaquio, crushed by sorrow, only dragged on a wretched existence, -which terminated exactly one year after his wife's death. Her name was -the last word that wandered on his pallid lips as he drew his parting -breath.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian, who was scarce twenty years of age, was left an orphan. -Alone, without relatives or friends, the young man shut himself up in -his hacienda, where he silently bewailed the two beings he had lost, -and on whom he had concentrated all his affections.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian would probably have remained for many years in retirement, -without seeing the world, or caring how it went on—leading the -careless, idle, and brutalising life of those great land-holders whom no -idea of progress or amelioration impels to trouble themselves about -their estates, timid and fearful, like all men who live alone, spending -his days in hunting and sleeping—had not chance, or rather his lucky -star, brought to Palmar an old partisan chief who had long fought by the -side of Don Eustaquio, and who, happening to pass a few leagues from the -place, felt old reminiscences aroused in him, and determined to press -the hand of his old comrade, whose death he was not aware of.</p> - -<p>The name of this man was Don Isidro Vargas. He was of lofty stature, his -shoulders were wide, his limbs athletic, and his features imprinted with -an uncommon energy; in a word, he presented in his person the type of -that powerful and devoted race which is daily dying out in Mexico, and -of which, ere long, not a specimen will be left.</p> - -<p>The unexpected arrival of this guest, whose heavy spurs and long -steel-scabbarded sabre re-echoed noisily on the tiled floors of the -hacienda, brought life into the mansion which had been so long devoted -to silence and the gloomy tranquillity of the cloister.</p> - -<p>Like all old soldiers, Captain Don Isidro had a rough voice and sharp -way of speaking; his manners were brusque, but his character was gay, -and gifted with a rare equanimity of temper.</p> - -<p>When he entered the house Don Sebastian was out hunting, and the -hacienda seemed uninhabited. The captain at first found enormous -difficulty in meeting with anyone to address. At length, by careful -search, he detected a peon half asleep under a verandah, who gave some -sort of answer to the questions asked him. By great patience and -questions made with that craft peculiar to the Mexicans, the captain -succeeded in obtaining some valuable information.</p> - -<p>The death of Don Eustaquio only astonished the worthy <i>soldado</i> -slightly; he expected it, indeed, from the moment he learnt the death of -the señora, for whom he knew his old comrade professed so deep a love; -but on learning the idle life Don Sebastian had led since his father's -death, the captain burst out in a furious passion, and swore by all the -saints in the Spanish calendar (and they are tolerably numerous), that -this state of things should not last much longer.</p> - -<p>The captain had known the young man when he was but a child. Many times -he had dandled him on his knee, and thus, with his ideas of honour and -generosity, he thought himself obliged, as an old friend of his father, -to remove the son from the slothful existence he led.</p> - -<p>Consequently the old soldier installed himself authoritatively in the -hacienda, and firmly awaited the return of the man he had been -accustomed to regard for a long time almost in the light of a son.</p> - -<p>The day passed peacefully. The Indian peons, long accustomed to profess -the greatest respect for embroidered hats and jingling sabres, left him -free to act as he pleased—a liberty the old soldier did not at all -abuse, for he contented himself with ordering an immense vase full of an -infusion of tamarinds, which he placed on a table, up to which he drew a -butaca, and amused himself with smoking an enormous quantity of husk -cigarettes, which he made as he wanted them, with that dexterity alone -possessed by the Spanish race.</p> - -<p>At about <i>oración</i> time, or six in the evening, the captain, who had -fallen quietly asleep, was aroused by a great noise, mingled with -shouts, barking, and the neighing of horses, which he heard outside.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" he said, turning up his moustache, "I fancy the <i>muchacho</i> has -at last arrived."</p> - -<p>It was, indeed, Don Sebastian returning from the chase.</p> - -<p>The old partisan, who was sitting opposite a window, was enabled to -examine his friend's son at his ease, without being perceived in his -turn. He could not repress a smile of satisfaction at the sight of the -vigorous young man, with his haughty features bearing the imprint of -boldness, wildness, and timidity, and his well-built limbs.</p> - -<p>"What a pity," he muttered to himself, "if such a fine fellow were to be -expended here without profit to himself or to others! It will not be my -fault if I do not succeed in rousing the boy from the state of lethargy -into which he is plunged. I owe that to the memory of his poor father."</p> - -<p>While making these reflections, as he heard the clanking of spurs in the -room before that in which he was, he fell back on his butaca, and put on -again his usual look of indifference. Don Sebastian entered. He had not -seen the captain for several years. The greeting he gave him, though -slightly awkward and embarrassed, was, however, affectionate. After the -first compliments they sat down face to face.</p> - -<p>"Well, muchacho," the captain said, suddenly plunging <i>in medias res</i>, -"you did not expect a visit from me, I fancy?"</p> - -<p>"I confess, captain, that I was far from supposing that you would come. -To what fortunate accident do I owe your presence in my house?"</p> - -<p>"I will tell you presently, muchacho. For the present we will talk about -other matters, if you have no objection."</p> - -<p>"At your ease, captain; I do not wish to displease you in any way."</p> - -<p>"We will see that presently, <i>cuerpo de Dios!</i> And in the first place, -to speak frankly, I will tell you that I did not come to see you, but -your worthy father, my brave general. <i>Voto a brios!</i> The news of his -death quite upset me, and I am not myself again yet."</p> - -<p>"I am very grateful, captain, for the kindly memory in which you hold my -father."</p> - -<p>"<i>Capa de Cristo!</i>" the captain said, who, among other habits more or -less excellent, possessed to an eminent degree that of seasoning each of -his phrases with an oath, at times somewhat unorthodox, "of course I -hold in kind memory the man by whose side I fought for ten years, and -to whom I owe it that I am what I am. Yes, I do remember him, and I hope -soon, <i>canarios!</i> To prove it to his son."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, captain, though I do not perceive in what way you can give -me this proof."</p> - -<p>"Good, good!" he said, gnawing his moustache. "I know how to do it, and -that is enough. Everything will come at its right season."</p> - -<p>"As you please, my old friend. At any rate, you will be kind enough to -remember that you are at home here, and that the longer you stay the -greater pleasure you will afford me."</p> - -<p>"Good, muchacho! I expected that from you. I will avail myself of the -hospitality so gracefully offered, but will not abuse it."</p> - -<p>"An old comrade in arms of my father's cannot do that in his house, -captain, and you less than anyone else. But," he added, seeing a peon -enter, "here is a servant come to announce that the dinner is served. I -confess to you that, as I have been hunting all day, I am now dying of -hunger: if you will follow me we will sit down to the table and renew -our acquaintance glass in hand."</p> - -<p>"I ask nothing better, <i>rayo de Dios!</i>" the captain said as he rose. -"Though I have not been hunting, I think I shall do honour to the -repast."</p> - -<p>And without further talking they passed into a dining room, where a -sumptuously and abundantly-served table awaited them.</p> - -<p>According to a patriarchal custom, which, unfortunately, like all good -things, is beginning to die out, at Palmar the master and servants took -their meals together. This custom, which had existed in the family since -the conquest, Don Sebastian kept up—in the first place, through respect -for his father's memory, and secondly, because the servants at the -hacienda were devoted to their master, and to some extent supplied the -place of a family.</p> - -<p>The evening passed away, without any incident worthy of remark, in -chatting about war and the chase. Captain Don Isidro Vargas was an old -soldier, as cunning as a monk. Too clever to assail the young man's -ideas straightforwardly, he resolved to study him for some time, in -order to discover the weak points of his character, and see how he must -attack him in order to drag him out of that slothful and purposeless -life he led in this forgotten province. Thus several days were passed in -hunting and other amusements, and the captain never once alluded to the -subject he had at heart. At times he might make a covert allusion to the -active life of the capital, the opportunities of securing a fine -position which a man of Don Sebastian's age could not fail to find at -Mexico, if he would take the trouble to go there, and many other -insinuations of the same nature; but the young man let them pass without -making the slightest observation, or even appearing to understand them.</p> - -<p>"Patience!" the captain muttered. "I shall eventually find the flaw in -his cuirass; and if I do not succeed, I must be preciously clumsy."</p> - -<p>And he recommenced his covert attacks, not allowing the young man's -impassive indifference to rebuff him.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian performed his duties as master of the house with -thoroughly Mexican grace, amenity, and sumptuousness; that is, he -invented every sort of amusement which he thought would be most suited -to the worthy captain's tastes. The latter let him do so with the utmost -coolness, and conscientiously enjoyed the pleasures the young man -procured him, charmed in his heart by the activity he displayed in -pleasing him, and more and more persuaded that, if he succeeded in -arousing in him the feelings which he supposed were slumbering in his -mind, it would be easy to convert him to his own ideas, and make him -abandon the absorbing life of a <i>campesino</i>.</p> - -<p>More than once, during the few days they spent in hunting in the -magnificent plains that surrounded the hacienda, accident enabled the -captain to admire the skill with which the young man managed his steed, -and his superiority in all those exercises which demand strength, -activity, and, above all, skill.</p> - -<p>On one occasion especially, at the moment the hunters galloped in -pursuit of a magnificent stag they had put up, they found themselves -suddenly face to face with a cougouar, which threatened to dispute their -progress. The cougouar is the American lion. It has no mane. Like all -the other carnivora of the New World it cares little about attacking a -man, and it is only when reduced to the last extremity that it turns -upon him; but then it fights with a courage and energy that frequently -render its approach extremely dangerous.</p> - -<p>On the occasion to which we allude the cougouar seemed resolved to await -its enemies boldly. The captain, but little accustomed to find himself -face to face with such enemies, experienced that internal tremor which -assails the bravest man when he finds himself exposed to a serious -danger. Still, as the old soldier was notoriously brave, he soon -recovered from this involuntary emotion, and cocked his gun, while -watching the crouching animal, which fixed its glaring eyes on him.</p> - -<p>"Do not fire, captain," Don Sebastian said with a perfectly calm voice; -"you are not used to this chase, and, without wishing it, might injure -the skin, which you see is magnificent, and that would be a pity."</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian thereupon let his gun fall, took a pistol from his -holster, and spurring his horse at the same time that he checked it, -made it rear. The animal rose, and stood almost on its hind legs; the -cougouar suddenly bounded forward with a terrible roar; the young man -dug his knees into his horse, which bounded on one side, while Don -Sebastian pulled the trigger. The monster rolled on the ground in -convulsive agony.</p> - -<p>"<i>Cuerpo de Cristo!</i>" the captain shouted; "why, you've killed it on the -spot! No matter, muchacho; you played for a heavy stake."</p> - -<p>"Bah!" the other said as he dismounted; "it is not so difficult as you -fancy; it only requires practice."</p> - -<p>"Hum! It must require practice to shoot such an animal on the wing. The -ball has entered its eye."</p> - -<p>"Yes, we generally shoot them there, so as not to spoil the skin."</p> - -<p>"Ah, very good! To tell you the truth, though, I, who am by no means a -bad shot, should not like to try the experiment."</p> - -<p>"You are calumniating yourself."</p> - -<p>"Very possibly."</p> - -<p>"Poor Pepe, my tigrero, will lose by that a reward of ten piastres—all -the worse for him. Shall we return to the hacienda, and send someone to -bring the brute in?"</p> - -<p>"With all my heart."</p> - -<p>They went back.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the captain said to himself as they galloped on, "I must have a -definitive explanation with him this very evening."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS.</h3> - - -<p>The Hispano-Americans usually drink nothing with their meals: it is only -when the <i>dulces</i>, or cakes and sweetmeats, have been eaten, and each -guest has swallowed the glass of water intended to facilitate digestion, -that the liquors are put on the table, and the Catalonian <i>refino</i> -begins to circulate; then the <i>puros</i> and <i>pajillos</i> are lighted, and -the conversation, always rather stiff during the meal, becomes more -intimate and friendly, owing to the absence of the inferior guests, who -then retire, leaving the master of the house and his guests at perfect -liberty.</p> - -<p>The captain had judiciously chosen this moment to commence his attack. -Not that he hoped to have a better chance with the young man at the -termination of the meal—for the sobriety of the Southern Americans is -proverbial—but because at that moment Don Sebastian, being freed from -all cares, must more easily yield to the influence the captain fancied -he could exercise over him.</p> - -<p>The captain poured some refino into a large glass, which he filled with -water, lit a puro, leant his elbows on the table, and looked fixedly at -the young man.</p> - -<p>"Muchacho," he said to him abruptly, "does the life you lead in the -desert possess a great charm for you?"</p> - -<p>Surprised at this question, which he was far from expecting, Don -Sebastian hesitated ere he replied.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the captain said, emptying his glass, "do you amuse yourself -greatly here? Answer me frankly."</p> - -<p>"On my word, captain, as I never knew any other existence than that I am -leading at this moment, I cannot answer your question thoroughly: it is -certain that I feel myself hipped at times."</p> - -<p>The captain struck his tongue against his palate with evident -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" he said, "I am glad to hear you speak so."</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"Because I hope you will easily accept the proposition I am about to -make to you."</p> - -<p>"You!"</p> - -<p>"Who else, then, if not I?"</p> - -<p>"Speak!" the young man said with a careless air; "I am listening."</p> - -<p>The captain threw away his cigar, gave vent to two or three sonorous -<i>hums</i>, and at length said in a sharp voice,—</p> - -<p>"Sebastian, my dear fellow! Do you think that, if your worthy father -could return to this world, he would be well pleased to see you thus -idly wasting the precious hours of your youth?"</p> - -<p>"I do not at all understand your meaning, captain."</p> - -<p>"That is possible. I never pretended to be a great orator, and today -less than at any other period of my long career. I will, however, try to -explain myself so clearly that, if you do not understand me, <i>caray!</i> It -is because you will not."</p> - -<p>"Go on; I am listening."</p> - -<p>"Your father, muchacho, whose history you probably do not know, was at -once a brave soldier and a good officer. He was one of the founders of -our liberty, and his name is a symbol of loyalty and devotion to every -Mexican. For ten years your father fought the enemies of his country on -every battlefield, enduring, though rich and a gentleman, hunger and -thirst, heat and cold, gaily and without complaining; and yet, had he -wished it, he might have led a luxurious and thoroughly easy life. You -loved your father?"</p> - -<p>"Alas, captain! Can I ever be consoled for his loss?"</p> - -<p>"You will be consoled. You have many things to learn yet, and that among -others. Poor boy! There is nothing eternal in the world—neither joy, -nor sorrow, nor pleasure. But let us return to what I was saying. Were -your father permitted to quit the abode of the just, where he is -doubtlessly sojourning, and return for a few moments to earth, he would -speak to you as I am now doing; he would ask an account of the useless -indolence in which you spend your youth, thinking no more of your -country, which you can and ought to serve, than if you lived in the -heart of a desert. Did your father endure so many sacrifices in order to -create such an existence—tell me, muchacho?"</p> - -<p>The worthy captain, who had probably never preached so much in his life, -stopped, awaiting a reply to the question he had asked; but this reply -did not come. The young man, with his arms crossed on his chest, his -body thrown back, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the ground, seemed -plunged in deep thought. The captain continued after a lengthened -delay,—</p> - -<p>"We," he said, "demolished; you young men must rebuild. No one at the -present day has the right to deprive the Republic of his services. Each -must, under penalty of being considered a bad citizen, carry his stone -to the social edifice, and you more than anyone else, muchacho—you, the -son of one of the most celebrated heroes of the War of Independence. -Your country calls you—it claims you: you can no longer remain deaf to -its voice. What are you doing here among your dogs and horses, wasting -ingloriously your courage, dissipating your energy without profit to -anyone, and growing daily more brutalised in a disgraceful solitude? -<i>Cuerpo de Cristo!</i> I can understand that a man may love his father, and -even weep for him—for that is the duty of a good son, and your father -certainly deserves the sacred recollection you give him—but to make of -that grief a pretext to caress and satisfy your egotism, that is worse -than a bad action—it is cowardice!"</p> - -<p>At this word the young man's tawny eye flashed lightning.</p> - -<p>"Captain!" he shouted, as he struck the table with his clenched fist.</p> - -<p>"<i>Rayo de Dios!</i>" the old soldier continued boldly, "the word is spoken, -and I will not withdraw it: your father, if he hear me, must approve me. -Now, muchacho, I have emptied my heart; I have spoken frankly and -loyally, as it was my duty to do. I owed it to myself to fulfil this -painful duty. If you do not understand the feeling that dictated the -rough words I uttered, all the worse for you; it is because your heart -is dead to every generous impulse, and you are incapable of feeling how -much I must have loved you to find the courage to speak to you in that -way. Now do as you think proper; I shall not have to reproach myself for -having hidden the truth from you. It is late. Good night, muchacho. I -will go to bed, for I start early tomorrow. Reflect on what I have said -to you. The night is a good counsellor, if you will listen in good -faith to the voices that chatter round your pillow in the darkness."</p> - -<p>And the captain emptied his glass and rose. Don Sebastian imitated him, -took a step toward him, and laid his hand on his shoulder.</p> - -<p>"One moment," he said to him.</p> - -<p>"What do you want?"</p> - -<p>"Listen to me in your turn," the young man said in a gloomy voice. "You -have been harsh with me, captain. Those truths you have told me you -might perhaps have expressed in milder language, in consideration of my -age, and the solitude and isolation in which I have hitherto lived. -Still I am not angry at your rude frankness; on the contrary, I am -grateful to you for it, for I know that you love me, and the interest -you take in me alone urged you to be so severe. You say that you depart -tomorrow?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Where do you intend going?"</p> - -<p>"To Mexico."</p> - -<p>"Very good, captain; you will not go alone. I shall accompany you."</p> - -<p>The old soldier looked at the young man for a moment tenderly; then -pressing with feverish energy the hand held out to him,—</p> - -<p>"It is well, muchacho," he said to him with great emotion. "I was not -mistaken in you; you are a brave lad, and, <i>caray!</i> I am satisfied with -you."</p> - -<p>The two men left Palmar together the next morning, and rode toward -Mexico, which city they reached after a ten days' journey. But during -those ten days, spent <i>tête-à-tête</i> with the captain, the young man's -ideas were completely modified, and a perfect change came over his -aspirations.</p> - -<p>General Guerrero's son belonged unconsciously to that numerous class of -men who are utterly ignorant of themselves, and pass their lives in -indolence until the moment when, an object being suddenly offered them, -their imagination is inflamed, their ambition is aroused, and they -become as eager in the chase as they had been previously negligent and -indifferent as to their future.</p> - -<p>Captain Don Isidro Vargas heartily praised the intelligence with which -the young man he emphatically called his pupil understood the lessons he -gave him as to his behaviour in the world.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian experienced no difficulty—thanks to his name, and the -reputation his father so justly enjoyed—in obtaining his grade as -lieutenant in the army. This step was, for the young man, the first rung -of the ladder, which he prepared to climb as rapidly as possible.</p> - -<p>It was fine work at that day, in Mexico, for an intelligent man to fish -in troubled waters; and, unfortunately, we are obliged to confess that, -in spite of the long years that have passed since the proclamation of -its independence, nothing is as yet changed in that unhappy country, -where anarchy has been systematised.</p> - -<p>If ever a country could do without an army, it was Mexico after the -recognition of her liberty and the entire expulsion of the Spaniards, -owing to her isolation in the midst of peaceful nations, and the -security of her frontiers, which no enemy menaced. Unhappily, the war of -independence had lasted ten years. During that long period the peaceful -and gentle population of that country, held in guardianship by its -oppressors, had become transformed. A warlike ardour had seized on all -classes of society, and a species of martial fever had aroused in every -brain a love of arms.</p> - -<p>Hence that naturally came about which all sensible people expected; that -is to say, when the army had no longer enemies before it to combat, the -troops turned their arms against their fellow citizens, vexing and -tyrannising over them at their pleasure.</p> - -<p>The government, instead of disbanding this turbulent army, or at any -rate reducing it to a <i>minimum</i> by only keeping up the depôts of the -various corps, considered it far more advantageous to lean on it, and -organise a military oligarchy, which pressed heavily on the country. -This deplorable system has plunged this unhappy country into disastrous -complications, against which it struggles in vain, and has dug the abyss -in which its nationality will sooner or later be swallowed up.</p> - -<p>The army, then, after the war, assumed an influence which it has ever -since retained, and which increased in proportion as the men placed at -the head of the government more fully understood that it alone could -maintain them in power or overthrow them at its good pleasure. The army, -therefore, made revolutions that its leaders might become powerful. From -the lowest <i>alférez</i> up to the general of division, all the officers -look to troubles for promotion—the alférez to become lieutenant, the -colonel to exchange his red scarf for the green one of the brigadier -general, and the general of division to become President of the -Republic.</p> - -<p>Hence pronunciamientos are continual; for every officer wearied of a -subaltern grade, and who aspires to a higher rank, pronounces himself; -that is to say, aided by a nucleus of malcontents like himself, which is -never wanting, he revolts by refusing obedience to the government, and -that the more easily because, whether conqueror or conquered, the rank -he has thus appropriated always remains his.</p> - -<p>The military career is, therefore, a perfect steeplechase. We know a -certain general, whose name we could write here in full if we wished, -who attained the presidency by stepping from pronunciamiento to -pronunciamiento without ever having smelt fire, or knowing the first -movement of platoon drill—an ignorance which is not at all -extraordinary in a country where one of our sergeant conductors would be -superior to the most renowned generals.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian judged his position with the infallible eye of an -ambitious man; and suddenly attacked by a fever of immense activity, he -resolved to profit cleverly by the general anarchy to gain a position. -He clambered up the first steps at full speed and became a full colonel -with startling rapidity. On reaching that position he married, in order -to secure himself, and to give him that solidity he desired for the -great game he intended to play, and which, in his mind, only ended with -the presidential chair.</p> - -<p>Already very rich, his marriage increased his fortune, which he sought -to augment, however, by every possible scheme; for he was aware what the -cost of a successful pronunciamiento was, and he did not mean to suffer -a defeat.</p> - -<p>As if everything was destined to favour this man in all he undertook, -his wife, a dear and charming woman, whose love and devotion he never -comprehended, died after a short illness, and left him father of a girl -as charming and amiable as herself—that lovely Angela whom we have -already met several times in the course of our narrative.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian could have married again if he liked; but by his first -marriage he had obtained what he wanted, and preferred to remain free. -At the period we have now reached he had attained general's rank, and -secured the appointment of political governor of the state of Sonora, -the first stepping-stone for his ambitious projects.</p> - -<p>Colossally rich, he was interested in all the great industrial -enterprises, and a shareholder in most of the mining operations. It was -for the object of watching these operations more closely, that he had -asked for the government of Sonora, a new country, almost unknown, where -he hoped to fish more easily in troubled waters, owing to its distance -from the capital, and the slight surveillance he had to fear from the -government, in which he had, moreover, all-powerful influences.</p> - -<p>In a word, General Guerrero was one of those gloomy personages who, -under a most fascinating exterior, the most affable manners, and most -seductive smiles, conceal the most perverse instincts, the coldest -ferocity, and the most rotten soul.</p> - -<p>Still this man had in his heart one feeling which, by its intensity, -expiated many faults.</p> - -<p>He loved his daughter.</p> - -<p>He loved her passionately, without calculation or afterthought; yet this -paternal love had something terrible about it: he loved his daughter as -the jaguar or the panther loves its cubs, with fury and jealousy.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela, though she had never tried to sound her father's -impenetrable heart, had still divined the uncontrolled power she -exercised over this haughty nature which crushed everything, but became -suddenly weak and almost timid in her presence. The charming maid -employed her power despotically, but ever with the intention of doing a -good deed, as, for instance, to commute the sentence of a prisoner or -succour the unfortunate; in a word, to render lighter the yoke of iron -under which the general, with his feline manners, crushed his -subordinates.</p> - -<p>Thus the girl was as much adored by all those who approached her as the -general was feared and hated. God had doubtlessly wished, in His -ineffable goodness, to place an angel by the side of a demon, so that -the wounds inflicted by the latter might be cured by the former.</p> - -<p>Now that we have described these two persons to the best of our ability, -whose characters will be more fully developed in the course of our -story, we will resume our narrative at the point where we interrupted -it.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE NEXT DAY.</h3> - - -<p>The sky was just beginning to be tinted with shades of opal—a few stars -still shone feebly here and there in the gloomy depths of the sky. It -was about half past three in the morning.</p> - -<p>Within the <i>locanda</i> men and animals were sleeping that calm sleep which -precedes sunrise. Not a sound, save at intervals the barking of a dog -baying at the moon, broke the silence that brooded over the pueblo of -San José.</p> - -<p>The door of the cuarto in which the foster brothers rested was -cautiously opened, a thin thread of light found its way through the -orifice, and Valentine and the count came out. Don Louis had no reason -for departing unseen; he had no motives for hiding himself. If he took -so many precautions, it was only through a fear of disturbing the sleep -of the other lodgers, who had not such good reasons as himself for -rising so early, and whom, consequently, it was unnecessary to arouse.</p> - -<p>On arriving in the patio Don Louis prepared his horse's trappings, while -Valentine led the animal from the corral, carefully rubbed it down, and -gave it water. When all was in order Valentine opened the gate, the two -men shook hands for the last time, and Don Louis entered the gloom of -the only street of the pueblo, where he soon disappeared, amid the -barking of the masterless dogs aroused by his passing, and who rushed -after him howling furiously, and snapping at his horse's legs.</p> - -<p>Valentino remained for a moment motionless and thoughtful, listening -mechanically to the decreasing sound of the hoofs on the hardened -ground.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I ought not to have put him on that path," he muttered. "Who -knows what awaits him at the other end?" A stifled sigh broke from his -bosom. "Bah!" he added a moment after, "all roads do not lead to the -same point—death! Why let such foolish forebodings have any effect over -me? Live and learn."</p> - -<p>The worthy hunter, somewhat comforted by these philosophic reflections, -re-entered the patio, and set to work shutting the outer door, before -throwing himself for an hour or two on his cuadro. While engaged in this -occupation, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps behind him: he -turned his head, and recognised Don Cornelio.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah, my dear friend!" he said gaily, offering him his hand, which -the other pressed affectionately; "You are up very early."</p> - -<p>"Eh?" the Spaniard answered with a laugh. "I think it a good joke for -you to make that remark to me."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because, if I have risen so early, it appears as if you had not been to -bed at all."</p> - -<p>Valentine began laughing.</p> - -<p>"By Jove! You are right. The fact is that, with the exception of -yourself and myself, it is certain that everybody is asleep in the -pueblo; and now that this door is closed again, with your permission, I -will go and do the same for an hour or two."</p> - -<p>"What! You are going to bed again?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"What to do?"</p> - -<p>"Why, to sleep, I suppose."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, but I did not mean that."</p> - -<p>"I suppose not."</p> - -<p>"And you know what I wish to say to you?"</p> - -<p>"I! Not the least in the world. But, as you are a man far too -intelligent to spend in walking about the time you might pass far more -agreeably in sleeping, I presume that you have certain weighty reasons -for being here now."</p> - -<p>"That is true, on my word."</p> - -<p>"You see!"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but I did not wish exactly to speak with you."</p> - -<p>"Whom with, then?"</p> - -<p>"With Don Louis."</p> - -<p>"Hum! And you cannot tell it to me?"</p> - -<p>"O yes, I can; but I think it would be better to speak with him myself."</p> - -<p>"Confuse the thing!"</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio gave that shrug of the shoulders which in all countries and -languages signifies the same thing; that is, that the shrugger declines -all responsibility.</p> - -<p>"And," Valentine continued, "what you have to communicate to Don Louis -is probably very important?"</p> - -<p>"Very."</p> - -<p>"Hang it all, that is annoying; for it is impossible for you to speak -with him."</p> - -<p>"Bah! How so?"</p> - -<p>"Because there is an obstacle."</p> - -<p>"For me?"</p> - -<p>"For you and for everybody else."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh! And what is that obstacle, Don Valentine, if you please?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I do not want to make any mystery of it; I am more vexed than -yourself at what has happened; but the obstacle is very simply that Don -Louis has gone away."</p> - -<p>"Gone! Don Louis!" the other said in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"How was that—without speaking to anybody? Gone off at a venture?"</p> - -<p>"Not exactly. There were urgent reasons to speed his departure; and see, -I was engaged in shutting the gate after him when you arrived. A moment -earlier and you would have met him."</p> - -<p>"How unlucky!"</p> - -<p>"It is; but what would you do? After all, the misfortune is not so -great as it may seem to you at the first blush. We shall see him again -in a few days."</p> - -<p>"You are sure of it?"</p> - -<p>"Quite; for it is arranged between us. So soon as I have succeeded in -selling the herd, we shall go and join our friend again. So take -patience, Don Cornelio; the separation will not be long. Console -yourself with that thought, and good night."</p> - -<p>Valentine turned and walked a few steps, but the Spaniard stopped him.</p> - -<p>"What do you want now?"</p> - -<p>"Only one word."</p> - -<p>"Make haste, for I am dropping with sleep."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, but you made a remark this moment which struck me greatly."</p> - -<p>"Ah! What was it?"</p> - -<p>"You said that Don Louis had commissioned you to sell the herd."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I did. What then?"</p> - -<p>"That was the very subject I wished to speak with him about."</p> - -<p>"Bah!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have found a purchaser."</p> - -<p>"What! For the whole herd?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, in a lump."</p> - -<p>"Stay, stay!" Valentine said, fixing his piercing eyes upon him; "that -would singularly simplify matters."</p> - -<p>"Would it not?"</p> - -<p>"Where on earth have you dug up this strange purchaser since last -night?"</p> - -<p>"There is nothing at all strange about him, I assure you. I found him -here."</p> - -<p>"Here, in this locanda?"</p> - -<p>"On my word, yes."</p> - -<p>"I really beg your pardon," Valentine said. "I am too well acquainted -with the gravity of your character to suppose that you have any -intention of deceiving me—"</p> - -<p>"Oh!"</p> - -<p>"But all this is so extraordinary—"</p> - -<p>"I am as much astonished as yourself at it."</p> - -<p>"Really!"</p> - -<p>"The more so because I did not know that Don Louis wished to sell the -herd here, and consequently the proposition does not emanate from me."</p> - -<p>"That is true. So you have been offered—"</p> - -<p>"To take the whole herd off my hands this very day—yes."</p> - -<p>"That is strange. Tell me all about it, my dear friend. What a pity that -Don Louis has started!"</p> - -<p>"Is it not?"</p> - -<p>"Well, you said, then—"</p> - -<p>"Permit me, if you have no objection, we will proceed to your cuarto, -where we can converse much more agreeably than here."</p> - -<p>"You are right, especially as people are beginning to get up in the -house."</p> - -<p>In fact, the servants of the hostelry and the muleteers were already -stirring, and walking round our two friends, whom they examined -curiously, while attending to their own business. Valentine and Don -Cornelio left the patio, and proceeded to the hunter's cuarto. So soon -as they had installed themselves Valentine said,—</p> - -<p>"Now I am all attention. Speak, my good fellow. I confess I am anxious -to hear the solution of this riddle."</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio was aware of the friendship existing between Don Louis and -Valentine; hence he had not the slightest difficulty in telling the -hunter what had happened to him that night in the minutest details.</p> - -<p>"Is that all?" Valentine said, who had listened with the greatest -attention.</p> - -<p>"Yes; and now what do you think of it?"</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the hunter said thoughtfully, "if I must give you my opinion, it -appears to me rather less clear now than an hour ago."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!"</p> - -<p>"That is my opinion. Still we must not neglect this opportunity which -presents itself so famously to get rid of our cattle advantageously."</p> - -<p>"That is what I think."</p> - -<p>"Very good; then do not stir. Above all, do not say a syllable about Don -Louis' departure."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?"</p> - -<p>"That is important."</p> - -<p>"As you please."</p> - -<p>"Then supposing you are summoned?"</p> - -<p>"I will go."</p> - -<p>"No, we will both go; that will be more proper. Is that understood?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly."</p> - -<p>"Then good night; I am going to sleep a little. If there is anything new -wake me up."</p> - -<p>"All right."</p> - -<p>And Don Cornelio withdrew.</p> - -<p>Valentine was not at all inclined to sleep; but he wished to be alone, -that he might reflect on what he had just heard. He perfectly understood -that the young lady had been playing with the Spaniard like a cat with a -mouse, feigning an interest in him which she did not at all feel. But -what was her object in all this? Did she love Don Louis? Had the maiden -retained in her heart the remembrance of what had happened to the child? -Had gratitude unconsciously changed in her into love with growing years?</p> - -<p>This was what the hunter could not fathom. Valentine had never been very -expert in the matter of women; their hearts were to him as a dead -letter, an unknown tongue, in which he could not read a word. The life -he had constantly led in the desert, ever contending either with Indians -or with wild beasts, had not been at all favourable to the study of the -feminine heart; and besides, the deep love of his early youth—a love -the memory of which still palpitated in his heart—had prevented him -paying the slightest attention to the few women chance had at times -thrown in his way, and who had only appeared to him weak, defenceless -creatures, whom it was his duty to defend.</p> - -<p>Thus the worthy hunter was now considerably bothered, and knew not what -to do in order to read the young lady's intentions. It was evident to -him that Doña Angela had a secret object she desired to gain, and that -the purchase of the novillos was only a pretext to draw nearer to Don -Louis. But what was that object? Why did she wish to see his friend? -That was what he vainly sought, and was unable to discover.</p> - -<p>"After all," he muttered to himself, while going over the chaos of -thoughts that jostled each other in his brain, "it is perhaps better -that she should not see Louis. Who knows what might be the result of -such an interview? The lady's father is governor of Sonora, and we must -be most careful not to get into any trouble with him. Who knows whether -we may not need him hereafter? It is strange, I do not know where I have -heard his name before; but I am certain I do not hear it today for the -first time. Guerrero—Don Sebastian Guerrero. Under what circumstances -can that name have been pronounced in my presence?"</p> - -<p>The hunter had reached this point in his monologue when the door opened -gently, and a man entered. It was Curumilla. Valentine started with joy -on seeing him.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, chief," he said.</p> - -<p>The Araucanian pressed his hand, and sat down silently by his side.</p> - -<p>"Well, chief," Valentine continued, "you are awake. Have you been taking -a turn in the pueblo?"</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"No," he said.</p> - -<p>An idea crossed the hunter's mind.</p> - -<p>"My brother should go down into the patio," he said. "It seems there are -other travellers beside us: he should see them."</p> - -<p>"Curumilla has seen them."</p> - -<p>"Ah!"</p> - -<p>"He knows them."</p> - -<p>Valentine made a sign of astonishment.</p> - -<p>"What! You know them?" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Only the man. Curumilla is a chief: his memory is long."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" the hunter went on. "Is it possible that I shall obtain in -this way the information I have been racking my brains to find?"</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled and shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Who is the man, chief? Is he a friend?"</p> - -<p>"He is an enemy."</p> - -<p>"An enemy, by Jupiter! I was certain I had heard his name before."</p> - -<p>"Let my brother listen," the chief went on. "Curumilla has seen the -paleface: he will kill him."</p> - -<p>"Hum! Do not go to work so fast, chief. In the first place tell me who -he is; then we shall see what we have to do. Unfortunately we are not -here on the prairies: the death of that individual, whoever he may be, -might cost us dear."</p> - -<p>"The palefaces are women," the Indian replied disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"That is possible, chief; but prudent. Tomorrow is not passed, as you -gentlemen say, and every man gains his point who knows how to wait. For -the present let us be shy; we are not the stronger."</p> - -<p>Curumilla shrugged his shoulders. It was plain that the worthy Indian -was not a friend to temporising measures; still he did not raise the -slightest objection.</p> - -<p>"Come, chief, tell me who he is, and under what circumstances we had a -quarrel with him."</p> - -<p>The Indian rose and stood right in front of Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Does not my brother remember?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Wah! The conspiracy of the Paso del Norte, when Curumilla killed -Dog-face."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Valentine exclaimed, striking his forehead, "I have it; it is the -general who commanded the Mexican troops, and to whom Don Miguel de -Zarate surrendered."</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Well, he was a brave and honest soldier in those days; he kept his word -to our friend nobly. I cannot be angry with him."</p> - -<p>"He is a traitor."</p> - -<p>"From your point of view, chief, possibly so, but not from mine. It is -true; I perfectly remember him now. Poor General Ibañez often spoke to -me about him: he was not fond of him either. It is a strange -coincidence. Good! Fear nothing, chief; I will watch. Whether friend or -foe, this man has never seen me—he knows not who I am; hence I have a -great advantage over him. Thanks, chief!"</p> - -<p>"Is my brother satisfied?"</p> - -<p>"You have rendered me an immense service, chief; so you can judge -whether I am satisfied."</p> - -<p>Curumilla smiled.</p> - -<p>"Wah!" he said, "all the better."</p> - -<p>"Yes, chief, all the better, and let us breakfast. I feel a ferocious -appetite ever since, thanks to you, I have been able to see my way a -little more clearly."</p> - -<p>Curumilla and Don Cornelio had prepared their frugal meal in their -cuarto, consisting of red haricot beans with pepper, a few <i>varas</i> of -dried meat, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with aloe pulque -of the first quality, and a few <i>tragos</i> of excellent Catalonian refino.</p> - -<p>The three friends ate with good appetite, and were preparing to light -their cigars, the obligato termination of every American meal, when they -heard a discreet tap at the door, which was only leaned to.</p> - -<p>"Come in," Valentine said.</p> - -<p>A criado appeared, and after bowing courteously to all present, said,—</p> - -<p>"My master, his Excellency General Don Sebastian Guerrero, presents his -civilities to the caballeros here assembled, and desires that Señor Don -Cornelio and Señor Don Louis will favour him with a moment's interview, -if their occupations will permit of it."</p> - -<p>"Tell his Excellency," Valentine answered, "that we shall have the -honour of obeying his orders."</p> - -<p>The servant bowed and retired.</p> - -<p>"Why, you know, señor," Don Cornelio then said, "that Don Louis is -absent."</p> - -<p>"No matter: am I not here?"</p> - -<p>"That is true, but—"</p> - -<p>"Leave me alone," the hunter quickly interrupted him; "I will answer for -everything."</p> - -<p>"Very good; do as you think proper."</p> - -<p>"Trust to me. How can it concern this man whether he deals with Don -Louis or anyone else, so long as the ganado is young, vigorous, and -cheap?"</p> - -<p>"That is true; it must be a matter of indifference to him."</p> - -<p>"Come on: you will see that I shall settle this affair satisfactorily."</p> - -<p>And he went out, followed by Don Cornelio, who, however, did not seem -completely satisfied.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> - -<h3>IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED.</h3> - - -<p>What Doña Angela had told Don Cornelio was true: her father was really -expecting his mayordomo that morning, in order to consult with him about -certain improvements he wished to introduce at one of his haciendas, and -also about buying cattle to re-stock his prairies, which had been -devastated during the last periodical incursion which the Apache and -Comanche Indians are in the habit of making upon the Mexican territory.</p> - -<p>Still, Doña Angela, like the true Creole she was, had never hitherto -troubled herself about her father's domestic affairs, having too much to -do in thinking of her toilet and pleasures. Hence she did not know how -to bring the conversation gently round to that point, without allowing -the interest she took in it to be suspected. But the most simple-minded -woman becomes crafty when her interest is at stake. After the Spaniard -had withdrawn the girl remained pensive for a few moments; but then a -smile played on her rosy lips, she patted her dainty little hands -gleefully together, and fell asleep murmuring softly,—</p> - -<p>"I have found it."</p> - -<p>The Mexicans are early risers, that they may enjoy the freshness of the -morning hours. At half past seven Doña Angela opened her eyes, and -devoutly paid her matin orisons to the Virgin; then, aided by Violanta, -her clever camarista, she proceeded to the charming mystery of her -toilet.</p> - -<p>Her sleep had been as peaceful as that of a bird: hence she was calm, -and gloriously lovely. At the moment that Violanta put in the last pin, -intended to hold the long and thick tresses of her magnificent hair, a -knock was heard at the door. It was the general.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian was dressed in the rich costume of the Sonorian country -gentry; but his masculine and sharply-cut features, his haughty glance, -his long moustaches, but, above all, his decided walk, allowed him to be -recognised for a soldier at the first glance, in spite of the dress he -had assumed. It had been the general's custom for many long years to -come thus every morning, and wish his daughter good day: his child's -frank and simple smile sent a gentle ray of sunshine into his heart, -whose reflection aided him during the rest of the day in supporting the -inseparable cares of power.</p> - -<p>Violanta hastened to open, and the general walked in. Doña Angela -cunningly watched the expression of his face, and she bounded with -delight on fancying she saw that he was pleased in spite of the severe -appearance he sought to give his features. Don Sebastian kissed his -daughter affectionately, and sat down on a butaca which Violanta drew -forward for him.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my child!" he said, "how fresh and radiant you are this morning! It -is easy to see that you have passed an excellent night."</p> - -<p>"At any rate, papa," she said with a little pout, "if it was not so, it -was not my fault, I assure you; for I was greatly inclined to sleep when -I retired last night."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean? Was your sleep disturbed?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, several times."</p> - -<p>"<i>Caramba!</i> Dear little one, it was the same with me. Some scamp -persisted in strumming the most melancholy airs on the guitar, that -would have frightened the cats themselves, and kept me awake all night -Deuce take the musician and his silly instrument!"</p> - -<p>"It was not that, papa. I scarcely heard the man of whom you are -speaking."</p> - -<p>"What was it, then? I was not aware of any other noises last night but -that."</p> - -<p>"I cannot explain to you positively what I heard; but Violanta was also -aroused several times like myself."</p> - -<p>"Is that true, little one?" the general asked, turning to the camarista, -apparently busy at the moment in arranging the cuarto.</p> - -<p>"Oh, señor general," she exclaimed, clasping her hands, "it was a -fearful noise—a noise to wake the dead!"</p> - -<p>"What the deuce could it be?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know," she replied, assuming her most innocent air.</p> - -<p>"Did it last long?"</p> - -<p>"All the night," she said, trumping what her mistress had alleged.</p> - -<p>"Hum! But it must have resembled something, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, papa; but I do not know with what to compare it."</p> - -<p>"And you, little wench, cannot you make a guess?"</p> - -<p>"I fancy I know."</p> - -<p>"Ah! Well, then, tell us at once, instead of leaving us in the dark."</p> - -<p>"I will, Excellency. This morning, taking advantage of my lady's -sleeping, I went down very gently to try and discover the cause of the -noise that kept us awake all night."</p> - -<p>"And you found it?"</p> - -<p>"I think I did."</p> - -<p>"Very good: go on."</p> - -<p>"It seems that hunters arrived here yesterday with a large herd of -novillos, toros, &c., which they are taking, I believe, to California. -It was these animals which, by stamping and roaring, prevented us -sleeping, for their corral adjoins this house."</p> - -<p>"And how did you learn all this?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! Very easily, Excellency. Accident willed it that I should address -one of the owners of the herd."</p> - -<p>"Listen to that! Accident was very kind."</p> - -<p>Violanta blushed. The general did not notice it, but continued, "Are you -sure they were not vaqueros belonging to some hacienda?"</p> - -<p>"O no, Excellency; they are hunters."</p> - -<p>"Good; and they want to sell their <i>ganado</i>?"</p> - -<p>"The man I spoke with said so."</p> - -<p>"I suppose he asks a high price?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Well, my child," he added, rising and turning to his -daughter, "so soon as you are ready we will breakfast, and perhaps I -will deliver you from the horrible noise of these animals."</p> - -<p>The general kissed his daughter once again, and left the room. So soon -as he was gone the two girls began laughing like little madcaps.</p> - -<p>We must allow that both had played their part to perfection, and though -he little suspected it, had, in a few moments, led the general to do -exactly what they wanted, while leaving him persuaded that he was merely -acting from his own impulse.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later Doña Angela joined her father in the cuarto, which -was employed as dining room. The mayordomo had arrived, and the general -only awaited his daughter's presence to begin the meal. This mayordomo, -already known to the reader, was no other than Don Isidro Vargas, who -had accepted this situation as a retiring pension.</p> - -<p>The Mexican haciendas, especially in Sonora, are often eight to ten -leagues in extent. To watch so large a tract of country, on which -immense bands of wild horses and numerous herds of cattle pasture at -liberty, a young, robust, and active man is generally selected, who is -called in that country a <i>hombre de a caballo</i>. In truth, the profession -of a mayordomo is excessively severe: he must constantly be on -horseback, galloping day and night, in heat or cold, doing everything -and looking after everything himself, and obliging the peons to work, -who are the idlest fellows in existence, and the biggest thieves -imaginable.</p> - -<p>Don Isidro was no longer young. At the period when we bring him again on -the stage he was nearly seventy; but this long, thin man, on whose bones -a yellow skin, dry as parchment, seemed to be glued, was as upright and -vigorous as if he were but thirty: age had gained no power over his -body, which was solely composed of muscles and nerves. Thus, by his -continual vigilance, his indefatigable ardour, and his uncommon energy, -he was the terror of the poor fellows whom their evil destiny had placed -under his orders, and who fully believed that their mayordomo had made a -compact with the demon, so closely did he watch them, and so thoroughly -was he acquainted with their slightest actions.</p> - -<p>The mayordomo had retained his <i>botas vaqueras</i>, and his spurs with -enormous rowels, which compel the wearer to walk tiptoe. His zarapé and -hat of vicuna skin were negligently thrown on a butaca in a corner, and -at his left side hung a sheathless machete, passed through an iron ring.</p> - -<p>So soon as he perceived the young lady he walked up to her, wished her -good day, and embraced her affectionately. The captain knew Doña Angela -from the day of her birth, and loved her as his daughter. She, for her -part, entertained a great friendship for the old soldier, with whom she -had played when a child, and whom she still liked to tease, to which the -worthy mayordomo lent himself with the best grace in the world.</p> - -<p>They sat down to table; but that expression is somewhat pretentious when -applied to a Mexican breakfast.</p> - -<p>We have already frequently remarked that the Spanish Americans are the -most sober people in the world. The least thing suffices them. Thus the -breakfast in question was only composed of a small cup of that excellent -chocolate which the Spaniards alone know how to make, of a few maize -tortillas, and a large glass of water. This meal, if it be one, is -common to all classes of society in Mexico.</p> - -<p>The party sat down to table, then, Doña Angela said the benedicite and -the chocolate was served. The conversation, at the outset, was -completely in the hands of the general and the captain, and turned -exclusively on what had happened at the hacienda since the general's -last visit; then it gradually veered round to the subject of the ganado.</p> - -<p>"By the way," Don Sebastian said, "have you recovered any of the cattle -those demons of Apaches took from us in their last attack?"</p> - -<p>"Not a head, general, <i>Válgame Dios!</i> You might as well pursue the wind -and the tempest as try to catch up those red devils."</p> - -<p>"Then we have lost—"</p> - -<p>"All that was within their reach; that is to say, about 2500 head."</p> - -<p>"That is hard; and how have you repaired the loss?"</p> - -<p>"Up to the present I have only succeeded in collecting 1500 head; and if -you remember, it was on this very subject that you gave me the meeting -here."</p> - -<p>"I remember the fact perfectly; still I do not exactly see what we can -do, except buy other cattle."</p> - -<p>"Hang it! That is the only way we have of completing our herds."</p> - -<p>"Have you any in view?"</p> - -<p>"At this moment?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"No, indeed, I have not, for the ganado is growing beyond all price. The -discovery of gold in California has caused an enormous number of -adventurers from every country to flock there. You know what the -<i>gringos</i> are; they must have meat. These miserable heretics are such -gluttons that they could not do without it; and thus they have devoured -all the ganado they could find in their neighbourhood, and are now -obliged to fetch it for nearly two hundred leagues. You can understand -that such a thing sends prices up enormously."</p> - -<p>"That is annoying."</p> - -<p>"And yet, general, only an instant agone, while placing my horse in the -corral. I saw the most magnificent herd of novillos that can be -imagined. It is evident that the poor animals have travelled at least -one hundred leagues, for they appear so fatigued."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela gave a sly glance at her camarista, who was standing behind -her.</p> - -<p>"I have heard of them," the general said carelessly; "they are on the -road to San Francisco, I believe."</p> - -<p>"What did I say not a moment ago?" the captain exclaimed, striking his -fist on the table. "<i>Caray!</i> If those confounded gringos are let alone, -they will have devoured all our cattle before ten years have passed."</p> - -<p>"Can we not try to purchase these?"</p> - -<p>"It would be an excellent business for us, even if we paid dearly; but -their owners will not be inclined to sell."</p> - -<p>"Who knows? I fancy, on the contrary, that they are willing to get rid -of them."</p> - -<p>"<i>Rayo de Dios!</i> Buy them, then."</p> - -<p>"Yes; but at what price?"</p> - -<p>"It is certain that cattle are growing scarcer and scarcer: offer them -for each head bought here the price it would fetch at San Francisco."</p> - -<p>"Hum! And how is the market down there?"</p> - -<p>"About eighteen piastres."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh! That is to say, for six hundred head—"</p> - -<p>"Ten thousand eight hundred piastres: offer the even money."</p> - -<p>"That is dear."</p> - -<p>"What would you have? You will have to do it."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but it is hard."</p> - -<p>The general reflected for a moment, and then turned to his daughter.</p> - -<p>"Angela," he said, "what is the name of the hunter who owns the herd?"</p> - -<p>The young lady started.</p> - -<p>"Why do you ask me, papa?" she replied, with feigned astonishment; "I -really do not know what you mean. I am entirely ignorant whether there -is a herd in this hostelry."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the general said, recollecting. "Where the deuce is my -head gone? It was your camarista, I believe, who spoke to one of the -fellows."</p> - -<p>"Yes, papa."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me. Come, Violanta, my child, can you tell me this man's name?"</p> - -<p>The girl approached with downcast eyes, and twisting the hem of her fine -muslin apron between her fingers with an embarrassed air. It was evident -she was trying all she knew to blush. The general awaited her answer for -several minutes, but then lost patience.</p> - -<p>"Come, you little fool," he exclaimed, "will you make up your mind to -speak, yes or no? People would fancy I was asking you a question unfit -for a maiden to answer."</p> - -<p>"I do not say that, general," she replied hesitatingly.</p> - -<p>"Enough of that mock modesty. What is the name of the owner of this -ganado?"</p> - -<p>"There are two, general."</p> - -<p>"What are their names, then?"</p> - -<p>"One is a Spaniard, the other a Frenchman, Excellency."</p> - -<p>"What do I care what country the scamps belong to? I only want to know -their names."</p> - -<p>"One is called Don Cornelio."</p> - -<p>"And the other?"</p> - -<p>"Don Louis."</p> - -<p>"But they have other names beside those?"</p> - -<p>Violanta exchanged a rapid glance with her mistress.</p> - -<p>"I do not know them," she said.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the general remarked sarcastically, "you only know people, it -appears, by their baptismal names. That's worth knowing."</p> - -<p>This time the girl really blushed, and retired in great confusion. Don -Sebastian made a sign to a peon who was standing respectfully a few -paces off.</p> - -<p>"Gregorio," he said, "go and present the compliments of General Don -Sebastian Guerrero to the Señores Don Louis and Don Cornelio, and beg -them to honour him with a visit. You understand me?"</p> - -<p>The peon bowed and went out.</p> - -<p>"We must be polite with these people," the general observed. "Now that -the discovery of the Californian placers has overthrown all classes of -society, who knows with whom we may have to deal?"</p> - -<p>And he accompanied this remark by a sarcastic laugh, in which the -captain, as the worthy Mexican he was, noisily joined.</p> - -<p>We will observe parenthetically that General Guerrero, like the majority -of his countrymen, professed the most inveterate hatred for Europeans, a -hatred which nothing justified, unless it was that superiority which the -Creoles are obliged to recognise in the Europeans—a superiority which -they submit to unwillingly, but before which they are forced to bow -their heads.</p> - -<p>Several minutes elapsed, and then the peon returned.</p> - -<p>"Well?" the general asked him.</p> - -<p>"Excellency," the peon answered respectfully, "the caballeros will have -the honour of waiting on you. They are following me."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Put a bottle of Catalonian refino and glasses on the table. -I know from experience that these gentry have no partiality for pure -water."</p> - -<p>After this new jest the general rolled a <i>papelito,</i> lighted it, and -waited. Within five minutes the sound of footsteps was heard in the -corridor; the door opened, and two men appeared.</p> - -<p>"It is not he!" Doña Angela murmured in a low voice, for her eyes were -anxiously fixed on the door.</p> - -<p>The two men were Valentine and Don Cornelio.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> - -<h3>A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION.</h3> - - -<p>We have mentioned in a previous chapter the object for which Valentine -presented himself in his friend's place. He wished to try and discover -for what reason Doña Angela desired so ardently to see Louis again. As -for Don Cornelio, he was intimately persuaded that his personal merits -had done it all, and that the young lady's sole wish was to have another -interview with himself.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, the hunter, warned by Curumilla, was not sorry to see -the man with whom he had been indirectly connected at another period of -his life—a connection which might at any moment become more intimate, -owing to the general's new position and Don Louis' projects.</p> - -<p>The two strangers presented themselves boldly; their manner was -respectful, without arrogance or excessive humility; such, in a word, as -might be expected from men long tried by the innumerable hazards of an -adventurous life.</p> - -<p>The general probably expected to see men of low habits and vulgar -features. At the sight of the two men, whose masculine and honest faces -struck him, he started imperceptibly, rose, saluted them courteously, -and invited them to sit down on chairs he ordered to be placed for them.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela knew not what to think after Don Cornelio's positive -statement. The absence of Don Louis, and the substitution for him of a -man she did not know, appeared inexplicable. Still, without exactly -understanding her feelings, she guessed, under this substitution, a -mystery which she sought in vain to fathom. Violanta was as confused and -astonished as her mistress: the captain alone remained indifferent to -what passed. The old soldier, profiting cleverly by the fact of the -bottle of refino having been placed on the table, had poured out a large -glass of aguardiente, which he swallowed in small doses, while patiently -waiting till the general thought proper to open the ball.</p> - -<p>When the hunters had at length taken their seats, after repeated -pressing, the general took the word.</p> - -<p>"You will pardon me, gentlemen, for having disturbed you by compelling -you to come here, when it should have been my place to go to your -cuarto, as it is I who wish to speak with you."</p> - -<p>"General," Valentine answered with a respectful bow, "my friend and -myself would have been in despair had we caused you the least annoyance. -Pray believe that we shall always be happy to obey your orders, whatever -they may be."</p> - -<p>After this mutual interchange of compliments the speakers bowed again. -No people in the world carry to such an extent as the Mexican the feline -gentleness of manner, if we may be permitted to employ the expression.</p> - -<p>"Which of you two gentlemen," the general continued gracefully, "is -Señor Don Cornelio?"</p> - -<p>"It is I, caballero," the Spaniard answered with a bow.</p> - -<p>"In that case," Don Sebastian went on, turning to the hunter with an -amiable smile, "this caballero is Don Louis?"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, general," the Frenchman answered distinctly, "my name is -Valentine."</p> - -<p>The general started.</p> - -<p>"What?" he said in surprise. "And where, then, is Señor Don Louis?"</p> - -<p>"It is impossible for him to obey your orders."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because," Valentine continued, casting a side glance at the young lady, -who, though she appeared to be very busily talking with her camarista, -did not lose a word that was said, "because, general, Don Louis, unaware -that he should have the honour of being received by your Excellency this -morning, started at sunrise for San Francisco."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela turned pale as death, and was on the point of fainting at -this news; still she overcame the emotion she experienced, and became -apparently calm. She wished to learn all. This emotion, though so -transitory, had not escaped Valentine's observation. The general nearly -turned his back on his daughter: hence it was impossible for him to see -anything that passed.</p> - -<p>"That is annoying," he answered.</p> - -<p>"I am in despair, general."</p> - -<p>"His absence will doubtlessly be of short duration?"</p> - -<p>"He will not return."</p> - -<p>Valentine pronounced these words dryly. The emotion Doña Angela -experienced was so lively that she could not check a slight cry of pain.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, niña?" her father asked her, turning sharply. "What -is the meaning of that cry?"</p> - -<p>"I cut myself," she answered with the most innocent air possible.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" her father said in alarm; "it is not dangerous?"</p> - -<p>"No; a mere scratch. I was a goose to be frightened. Forgive me, papa."</p> - -<p>The general asked no further questions, but continued his conversation -with the Frenchman.</p> - -<p>"I am vexed at this <i>contretemps</i>," he said, "for I wished to consult -with your friend on very important business."</p> - -<p>"No matter; I am here. My friend, on starting, gave me full power to act -in his name. You can speak, general; that is to say, if you do not -consider me unworthy of your confidence."</p> - -<p>"Such a supposition would be an insult, sir."</p> - -<p>Valentine bowed.</p> - -<p>"Well, caballero," the general continued, "the affair I wished to -discuss with your friend is certainly important; but if your full powers -extend to commercial transactions, I do not see why I should not treat -with you as well as with him."</p> - -<p>"Speak openly, then, general, for I am Don Louis' partner."</p> - -<p>"This is the affair in two words—"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me," Doña Angela suddenly said, with a little air of resolution, -which even imposed on the general himself; "before you begin talking -about trade, I should like to ask this gentleman a few questions."</p> - -<p>The general turned in surprise, and bent an inquiring glance on his -daughter.</p> - -<p>"What can you have to ask this caballero?" he said.</p> - -<p>"You will soon know, my dear papa," she replied with a slight tone of -sarcasm, "if you will permit me to ask him two or three questions."</p> - -<p>"Speak, then, you little madcap," the general exclaimed with a shrug of -his shoulders; "speak, and make a finish as soon as you can."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, papa. Your permission is, perhaps, not very graciously -granted, but I shall not bear you malice on that account."</p> - -<p>"As you permit it, general, I am at the lady's orders."</p> - -<p>"In the first place, sir, promise me one thing."</p> - -<p>"What is it, señorita?"</p> - -<p>"That you will answer frankly and honestly all the questions I may ask -you."</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this folly, Angela?" the general said -impatiently. "Is this the moment or the place? Is it befitting for—?"</p> - -<p>"Papa," the young lady boldly interrupted him, "you gave me permission -to speak."</p> - -<p>"Granted; but not in the way you seemed inclined to do so."</p> - -<p>"Have a little patience, papa."</p> - -<p>"Bah!" the captain said, interposing, "let her speak as she likes. Go -on, my child—go on."</p> - -<p>"I am waiting this gentleman's answer," she said.</p> - -<p>"I make you the promise you ask, señorita," Valentine answered.</p> - -<p>"I hold your word. What is your friend's name, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Which one, señorita?".</p> - -<p>"The one whose place you have taken."</p> - -<p>"His name is Count Louis de Prébois Crancé."</p> - -<p>"He is a Frenchman?"</p> - -<p>"Born at Paris."</p> - -<p>"You have known him a long time?"</p> - -<p>"Since his birth, señorita. My mother was his nurse."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she said with pleasure; "then you are really his friend?"</p> - -<p>"I am his foster brother."</p> - -<p>"He has no secrets from you?"</p> - -<p>"None, I fancy."</p> - -<p>"Good!"</p> - -<p>"Come, come," the general exclaimed, "this is becoming intolerable. What -is the meaning of this interrogatory to which you subject the caballero, -and to which he has the goodness to yield so complacently? Confound it, -niña! I beg the señor's pardon in your name; for your conduct toward him -is most improper."</p> - -<p>"What is there improper in it, papa? My intentions are good, and I am -certain that you will agree with me when you learn why I asked the -caballero these simple questions, which, however, appear to you so -extraordinary."</p> - -<p>"Well, go on. What is the reason?"</p> - -<p>"This. Three years back, during your journey from Guadalajara to Tepic, -were you not attacked by salteadores at the spot called the Mal Paso?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but what has that in common, I ask—?"</p> - -<p>"Wait," she said gaily. "Two men came to your assistance?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and I am not ashamed to confess that, without them, I should -probably have not only been robbed, but murdered by the bandits. -Unfortunately these men obstinately refused to tell me their names. All -my researches up to the present have been fruitless. I have been unable -to find them again, and show them my gratitude, which I assure you vexes -me extremely."</p> - -<p>"Yes, papa, I know that you have often in my presence regretted your -inability to find the courageous man to whom you owe your life, as well -as I do, who was but a child at the time."</p> - -<p>The young lady uttered these words with an emotion that affected all her -hearers.</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately," the general said a moment later, "three years have -elapsed since that adventure. Who knows what has become of that man?"</p> - -<p>"I do, papa."</p> - -<p>"You, Angela!" he exclaimed in surprise. "It is impossible."</p> - -<p>"My father, the questions I addressed to the gentleman, and which he -answered so kindly, had only one object; to acquire a certainty by -corroborating through the answers I received certain information I had -obtained elsewhere."</p> - -<p>"So that—?"</p> - -<p>"The man who saved your life is the Count Don Louis, who started this -very morning for San Francisco."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the general said in great agitation, "it is impossible. You are -mistaken, my child."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, general, but my friend has frequently told me the story in -its amplest details," Valentine observed. "Why seek to hide longer a -thing you now know?"</p> - -<p>"And to remove all doubts, if any remain, which I hardly suppose, papa, -in the presence of this caballero's loyal assurance, look at this man," -she added, pointing to the Spaniard. "Do you not recognise Don Cornelio, -our old travelling companion, who constantly sang to his jarana the -romance of El Rey Rodrigo?"</p> - -<p>The general examined the young man attentively.</p> - -<p>"It is true," he said presently; "I now recognise this caballero, whom I -left wounded, at his own request, in the hands of my generous -liberator."</p> - -<p>"Whom I have not left since," Don Cornelio affirmed.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the general said. "But why this obstinacy on Don Louis' part to -keep his secret? Did he fancy that gratitude was too heavy a burden for -me to bear?"</p> - -<p>"Do not think such a thing of my friend," Valentine exclaimed quickly. -"Don Louis believed, and still believes, that the service he rendered -you was too trifling to have such great importance attached to it."</p> - -<p>"<i>Caspita!</i> When he saved my honour! But now that I know him he shall -not escape me longer. I will find him sooner or later, and prove to him -that we Mexicans have a memory as long for good as for ill. I am his -debtor, and, by heavens! I will pay him my debt."</p> - -<p>"That is good, papa," the young lady exclaimed, as she threw herself -into his arms.</p> - -<p>"Enough, little madcap, enough. Confusion! You are stifling me. But tell -me, little rogue, I believe that in all this you have been playing me a -nice little trick."</p> - -<p>"Oh, father!" she answered with a blush.</p> - -<p>"Would you, miss, have the goodness to explain to me how you obtained -all this information? I confess that it puzzles me considerably, and I -should like to know."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela, began laughing to conceal her embarrassment; but suddenly -making up her mind with that decision which marked her character,—</p> - -<p>"I will tell you, if you promise not to scold me too severely," she -said.</p> - -<p>"Go on; we will see afterwards."</p> - -<p>"I told you a story this morning, papa," she said, letting her eyes -fall.</p> - -<p>"I suspect it: go on."</p> - -<p>"If you frown in that way, and put on your naughty air, I warn you that -I shall not say a word."</p> - -<p>"And you will be right, niña," the captain supported her.</p> - -<p>The general smiled.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said, "you are taking her part, are you?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Caspita!</i> I should think so."</p> - -<p>"Come, come, be at your ease; I will not be angry, the more so because I -suspect that the pretty baggage behind you, with her cunning looks, has -something to do with the plot," he said, looking at Violanta, who could -not keep her countenance.</p> - -<p>"You have guessed it, papa. I slept splendidly last night: nothing -disturbed my slumbers."</p> - -<p>"Just listen to that, the little deceiver!"</p> - -<p>"Last evening, however, I heard the sound of a jarana accompanying the -Romance del Rey Rodrigo. I remembered our old travelling companion who -never sang anything else. I know not how it was, but I persuaded myself -that he was the singer, and so I sent Violanta to invite him to my room. -Then—"</p> - -<p>"Then he told you all?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, papa. As I knew the desire you felt to know your liberator, I -wished to surprise you by letting you find him at the moment you least -expected. Unfortunately chance has thwarted all my plans, and destroyed -my combinations."</p> - -<p>"That was right, niña, for it will teach you not to have any secrets -from your father. But console yourself, my child; we will find him -again, and then he must allow us to express our gratitude to him, which -time, far from lessening, has only heightened."</p> - -<p>The young lady, without saying anything further, returned pensively to -her seat. The general turned to Valentine.</p> - -<p>"It is now our turn, caballero. You are the owner of the herd of -cattle?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, general; but I am not the only one."</p> - -<p>"Who are your partners?"</p> - -<p>"Don Louis and the caballero here present."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Do you wish to dispose of your cattle advantageously?"</p> - -<p>"It is my intention."</p> - -<p>"How many head have you?"</p> - -<p>"Seven hundred and seventy."</p> - -<p>"And you are taking them—?"</p> - -<p>"To San Francisco."</p> - -<p>"<i>Caramba!</i> That is a tough job."</p> - -<p>"We purpose hiring peons to drive the animals."</p> - -<p>"But if you could find a purchaser here?"</p> - -<p>"I should prefer it."</p> - -<p>"Well, I want cattle: most of mine have been stolen by the -Apaches—those infernal plunderers! If you consent we will strike a -bargain. Your herd suits me. My mayordomo has seen it, and I will buy it -in the lump."</p> - -<p>"I wish nothing better."</p> - -<p>"We say seven hundred and seventy head, I think?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"At twenty-five piastres apiece: that makes 19,250 piastres, if I am -not mistaken. Does that suit you?"</p> - -<p>"No, general," Valentine replied firmly.</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian looked at him in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Why so?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Because I should rob you."</p> - -<p>"Hum! That is my business."</p> - -<p>"That is possible, general; but it is not mine."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"I mean that cattle are sold, one with the other, at eighteen piastres -in San Francisco, and I cannot sell them for twenty-five here."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! I fancy I know the value of ganado as well as any man; and I -offer you the price your herd is worth."</p> - -<p>"No, general, it is not worth it, and you know it as well as I do," the -hunter objected resolutely. "I thank you for your generosity, but I -cannot accept it: my friend would be angry with me for making such a -bargain."</p> - -<p>"Then you refuse?"</p> - -<p>"I do."</p> - -<p>"It is perfectly novel for a merchant to refuse to gain a profit on his -wares."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, general, I do not refuse an honest profit; but I will not -rob you, that is all."</p> - -<p>"On my word, you are the first man I ever knew to look at trade in that -light."</p> - -<p>"Probably, general, because you have never had dealings with a -Frenchman."</p> - -<p>"I must yield. What do you ask for the beasts?"</p> - -<p>"Nineteen piastres per head, which, I assure you, will give me a very -handsome profit."</p> - -<p>"Be it so. That makes—?"</p> - -<p>"Fourteen thousand six hundred and thirty piastres."</p> - -<p>"Very good. If that will suit you, I will give you an order for that sum -on Messrs. Torribi, Dellaporta, and Co., at Guaymas."</p> - -<p>"That will do admirably."</p> - -<p>"You hear, captain, the herd is ours?"</p> - -<p>"Good! This night it will start for the hacienda."</p> - -<p>"When do you propose leaving, señores?"</p> - -<p>"As soon as our business is settled here, general. We are anxious to -rejoin our friend."</p> - -<p>"In an hour the bill of exchange will be ready."</p> - -<p>Valentine bowed.</p> - -<p>"Still," the general continued, "you will be good enough to tell Don -Louis that I regard myself as his debtor, and if ever he come to Sonora -I will prove it."</p> - -<p>"Possibly he may soon arrive," the hunter replied, with a side glance at -Doña Angela, who blushed.</p> - -<p>"I hope so; and now, gentlemen, I am at your service. If I can be of any -use to you, remember that you can always apply to me."</p> - -<p>"Receive my thanks, general."</p> - -<p>After exchanging a few more words they parted. In passing Doña Angela, -Valentine bowed respectfully.</p> - -<p>"Don Louis still has your reliquary," he muttered in so low a voice that -she guessed the words rather than heard them.</p> - -<p>"Thank you," she answered; "you are kind."</p> - -<p>"She loves Louis," Valentine said to himself as he returned to the -cuarto, accompanied by Don Cornelio.</p> - -<p>"The man is a fool to refuse a profit of 5000 piastres," the general -said to Don Isidro so soon as he found himself alone with him.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so," the latter replied thoughtfully; "but I fancy he is an -enemy."</p> - -<p>The general shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, not deigning to -attach the slightest importance to this insinuation.</p> - -<p>The same evening Valentine and his two companions left San José, and -proceeded toward Guaymas, without seeing Doña Angela or the general -again.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> - -<h3>CONVERSATION.</h3> - - -<p>During the few thousand years since the world on which we vegetate -issued from the hands of the Creator, many revolutions have taken place, -many extraordinary facts have been accomplished. How many nations have -succeeded each other, rising and falling in turn, disappearing without -even leaving a trace, after traversing history like dazzling meteors, -and then going out eternally in the night of ages!</p> - -<p>But of all the strange facts of which the memory has been preserved, -none in our opinion can be compared with what we have seen accomplished -under our own eyes, with extraordinary audacity and success, during -about three-quarters of a century.</p> - -<p>Adventurers bursting from every quarter of the globe—some impelled by -the fanaticism of religious faith, others by a spirit of adventure, -others again, and the large majority, urged on by wretchedness—after -landing as pilgrims on the American shores, asking shelter from the poor -and innocent inhabitants of those hospitable countries, and purchasing -for a song fertile estates, gradually congregated, expelled the first -possessors of the soil, founded cities and ports, built arsenals, and -one day shaking off the yoke of the mother country under whose ægis they -had timidly sought shelter, constituted themselves an independent state, -and founded that colossus, with feet of clay, body of gold, and head of -mud, which is called the United States of America.</p> - -<p>Humble at the outset, this poor Republic, singing in a loud voice the -words, "Liberty and Fraternity!"—words whose noble and grand -significance it never comprehended—displaying a rigid tolerance, an -exaggerated virtue and puritanism, stepped insidiously into the councils -of the European powers, climbed cunningly up to the thrones of -sovereigns, and, beneath the mask of disinterestedness, gained -acceptance from all. Suddenly, when the favourable moment arrived, the -United States rose and assumed a haughty posture. They who had laid down -in their Act of Independence that they would never consent to any -aggrandisement, said in a domineering voice to Europe, surprised and -almost terrified by such audacity, "This quarter of the globe is ours. -We are a powerful nation. You must henceforth settle with us."</p> - -<p>Unfortunately for themselves, in uttering these proud words, the -Northern Americans did not believe them. On the one hand they were -perfectly aware of their weakness; and, on the other, they knew very -well that a multitude of individuals collected from all sides, without -any tie of family or language among them, cannot form a people—that, is -to say, a nation—in one century, not even in two.</p> - -<p>Still, to be just and impartial to the United States, we must allow that -their inhabitants possess to a supreme degree that feverish ardour -which, if well directed, produces great results.</p> - -<p>It is evident that these bold adventurers are accomplishing, though they -little suspect it, a providential mission. What it is no one can say, -themselves least of all. These men who stifle on the frontiers, which -their population, though daily increasing, cannot fill; who aspire -continually to leap over the barriers which other nations oppose to -them; who only dream of the unknown, and are perpetually gazing at the -distant horizon—these men, in whose ear a secret voice constantly -murmurs, as to the Jew of the legend, "Onward, onward!"—these men are -destined, ere long, to play a grand, glorious, and noble part in modern -civilisation, if the profound egotism that undermines, and the thirst -for gold which devours them, does not kill in them those regenerating -virtues with which they are unconsciously endowed; and if, forgetting -the spirit of conquest and desire for further aggrandisement, they draw -more closely together the ties between the several states, and practise -among themselves that liberty and fraternity of which they talk so -jactantly abroad, but know so little at home.</p> - -<p>No people equals the Americans in the art of founding towns. In a few -days, on the spot where a virgin forest full of mystery and shadow -stood, they lay out streets, build houses, light gas; and in the midst -of these streets and squares, created as if by enchantment, the forest -trees are not yet dead, and a few forgotten oaks flourish with a -melancholy air.</p> - -<p>It is true that many of these towns, improvised for the exigencies of -the moment, are frequently deserted as rapidly as they were built; for -the North American is the true nomadic race. Nothing attaches it to the -soil: convenience alone can keep it at any given spot. It has none of -those heart affections, none of those memories of childhood or youth, -which induce us often to endure suffering in a place rather than quit it -for others where we should be comparatively much better off. In a word, -the American has no <i>home</i>, that word so endearing to Europeans. To him -the most agreeable and comfortable abode is that where he can pile -dollar on dollar with the greatest facility.</p> - -<p>San Francisco, that city which now counts more than 60,000 inhabitants, -and in which all the refinements of luxury can be found, is an evident -proof of the marvellous facility with which the Americans improvise -towns. We can remember bartering, scarce fifteen years back, with -Flat-head Indians, beneath the shade of secular trees, on sites where -splendid edifices now rise. We have fished alone in this immense bay, -the finest in the world, which is at present almost too small to hold -the innumerable vessels that follow each other in rapid succession.</p> - -<p>At the period of our story San Francisco was not yet a city in the true -acceptation of the word. It was a conglomeration of huts and clumsy -cabins built of wood, and which afforded some sort of shelter to the -adventurers of every nation whom the gold fever cast on its shores, and -who only stopped there long enough to prepare for proceeding to the -mines, or throw into the bottomless abysses of the gambling houses the -nuggets they had collected with so much difficulty and suffering.</p> - -<p>The police were almost non-existing: the stronger man made the law. The -knife and revolver were the <i>última ratio</i>, and lorded it over this -heterogeneous population, composed of the worst specimens the five parts -of the globe could throw up.</p> - -<p>A population incessantly renewed, never the same, lived in this Hades, a -prey to that constant and fatal intoxication which the sight of that -terrible metal called gold produces in even the strongest-minded men.</p> - -<p>Still, at the period of which we are writing, the first fury of the race -to the placers had somewhat cooled down. Owing to the impulse given by a -few resolute men, gifted with lofty intellects and generous hearts, the -normal life was beginning to be gradually organised; the bandits no -longer daringly held the top of the causeway, honest men could at length -breathe and raise their heads, all foreboded better days, and the dawn -of an era of order, peace, and tranquillity had arrived.</p> - -<p>About two months after the events we narrated in our preceding chapter -we will lead the reader to a charming house built a little out of the -throng, as if the inhabitants had sought to isolate themselves as much -as possible; and after introducing him into a room modestly furnished -with a few common chairs and a table, on which lay a large map of -Mexico, we will listen to the conversation of the two men who were -leaning over this map.</p> - -<p>One of them is already well known to us, for he is the Count Louis; the -other was a man of middle age, with a fine and intelligent face, whose -eye sparkled with boldness and frankness; his manners were also very -elegant. He appeared to be a Frenchman; at least he was talking in that -language. At the moment we joined them the two gentlemen were inserting -black-headed pins into certain districts of the map spread out before -them.</p> - -<p>"I am perfectly of your opinion, my dear count," the stranger said as he -rose: "that road is the most direct, and at the same time the safest."</p> - -<p>"Is it not?" Louis answered.</p> - -<p>"Without any doubt. But tell me—you are quite resolved to disembark at -Guaymas?"</p> - -<p>"That is the most favourable point."</p> - -<p>"I ask you that question, my dear countryman, because I have written to -our representative in that town."</p> - -<p>"Well?" the count said quickly, rising in his turn.</p> - -<p>"All goes well; at least he tells me so in his letter."</p> - -<p>"He has answered you?"</p> - -<p>"Courier for courier. The Mexican authorities will see your arrival with -the greatest pleasure; a barrack will be prepared for your men, and the -principal posts of the town intrusted to them. You are expected with the -most lively impatience."</p> - -<p>"All the better, for I confess to you that I feared much annoyance in -that quarter: the Mexicans have such a singular character, that one -never knows how to deal with them."</p> - -<p>"What you say is perfectly true, my friend; but remember that your -position is an exceptional one, and can in no possible manner cause -umbrage to the authorities of the town. You are the owner of a placer of -incalculable richness, situated in a country where you will have -continually to apprehend attacks from the Indians; you will, therefore, -only pass through Guaymas."</p> - -<p>"Literally so; for I declare to you that I shall set out with the least -possible delay for the mine."</p> - -<p>"Another thing, too: most of the men whose hatred or envy you might have -occasion to fear are shareholders in the company you represent. If they -show you any ill will, or try to impede your operations, they will -carry on the war at their own expense, and naturally will be the first -punished."</p> - -<p>"That is true."</p> - -<p>"And then you have no political object: your conduct is clearly laid -down. Your desire is to find gold."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and to insure a happy and independent position for the brave men -who accompany me."</p> - -<p>"What more noble task could you undertake?"</p> - -<p>"So you are satisfied, sir?"</p> - -<p>"I could not be more so, my dear count. Everything smiles on you: the -company is definitively formed at Mexico."</p> - -<p>"I knew that before. During my stay in that city I drew up the plans and -prepared everything; besides, I believe I can reckon on the friends we -have there."</p> - -<p>"I believe so too. Did not the President of the Republic himself seem to -adopt your views?"</p> - -<p>"Enthusiastically."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Now, in Sonora, the governor, with whom you will have alone -to deal, is one of our largest shareholders, so you have nothing to fear -in that quarter."</p> - -<p>"Tell me, sir, do you know our representative at Guaymas?"</p> - -<p>At this question a cloud passed over the stranger's forehead.</p> - -<p>"Not personally," he answered, after a certain degree of hesitation.</p> - -<p>"Then you can give me no information about him? You understand that it -is important for me to know the character of the man with whom I shall -doubtlessly enter into permanent relations, and from whom I shall be -compelled to ask protection in certain difficult circumstances, such as -may occur at any moment."</p> - -<p>"That is true, my dear count. As you observe, you know not in what -position accident may place you; it is, therefore, necessary that I -should instruct you, so listen to me."</p> - -<p>"I am giving you the most earnest attention."</p> - -<p>"Guaymas, as you are very well aware, is of very slight importance to -our nation in a commercial point of view. During the whole year not a -dozen ships bearing our flag put in there. The French Government, -therefore, considered it useless to send a French agent to that town, -and acted like most of the powers—it selected one of the most -respectable merchants in Guaymas, and made him its representative."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" the count said thoughtfully; "then our consular agent in that -port is not a Frenchman?"</p> - -<p>"No; he is a Mexican. It is unlucky for you; for I will not hide from -you that our countrymen have several times complained of not obtaining -from him that protection which it is his duty to give them. It seems, -too, that this man is wonderfully greedy for gain."</p> - -<p>"As far as that is concerned I do not alarm myself at all."</p> - -<p>"The rest need not trouble you either. The Mexicans generally are not -bad. They are children—that is all. You will easily master this man by -talking to him firmly, and not yielding an inch of what you consider -your right."</p> - -<p>"Trust to me for doing that."</p> - -<p>"There is nothing else to be done."</p> - -<p>"Thanks for this precious information, which I shall profit by, be -assured, at the proper time and place. What is his name?"</p> - -<p>"Don Antonio Mendez Pavo; but, before your departure, I will give you a -letter for him, which I am sure will prevent your having any vexatious -disputes with the fellow."</p> - -<p>"I accept with great pleasure."</p> - -<p>"And now another point."</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>"Are your enlistments completed?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly so; I only need ten more men at the most."</p> - -<p>"You are organising your expedition in a military manner?"</p> - -<p>"I wished to avoid it, but that is impossible, owing to the Indian -tribes through which we must pass, and with whom we shall have -doubtlessly a tussle."</p> - -<p>"You may expect it."</p> - -<p>"So you see, my dear sir, I take my precautions in consequence."</p> - -<p>"You act wisely. What will be the strength of your company?"</p> - -<p>"Two hundred and fifty to three hundred men at the outside."</p> - -<p>"You are right: a larger force would arouse the susceptibility of the -Mexicans, and perhaps cause them alarm as to the purity and loyalty of -your intentions."</p> - -<p>"That is what I wish to avoid at any price."</p> - -<p>"Are your men French?"</p> - -<p>"All. I do not wish to have any men with me on whose devotion I cannot -calculate. I should be afraid, by mixing strangers among my fellows, -that I might relax those family ties so necessary for the success of an -expedition like mine, and which can be easily established among men all -belonging to the same nation."</p> - -<p>"That is extremely logical."</p> - -<p>"And then," the count went on, "I only enlist old soldiers or sailors, -all men accustomed to military discipline, and who are familiar with the -use of arms."</p> - -<p>"Then your organisation is terminated?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly so, as I told you."</p> - -<p>"All the better. In spite of the pleasure I feel in your delightful -society, I should like to see you at work already."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, but that will not be long first: the vessel is chartered, -and if nothing happen to derange my plans, I shall say good-by to you -within a week. You know that, in an affair like this, speed is the great -point."</p> - -<p>"Success depends, above all, on celerity and decision."</p> - -<p>"I shall be deficient in neither, be assured."</p> - -<p>"Above all, do not forget to take with you two or three men you can -trust, and who are thoroughly acquainted with the country you are about -explore."</p> - -<p>"I have with me two wood rangers, from whom the desert has no secrets."</p> - -<p>"You can trust in them?"</p> - -<p>"As in myself."</p> - -<p>"Bravo! I feel a presentiment that we shall succeed."</p> - -<p>"Heaven grant it! For my part, I will do all to deserve it."</p> - -<p>The stranger took his hat.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! I have been here a long time, and forget that people may be -waiting for me at the office. I must leave you, my dear count."</p> - -<p>"Already?"</p> - -<p>"Needs must. Shall I see you this evening?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot promise. You know that I am not my own master either, -especially at this moment."</p> - -<p>"That is true; still try to come."</p> - -<p>"I will."</p> - -<p>"That's right. Good-by till I see you again."</p> - -<p>The two men shook hands affectionately, and the stranger departed.</p> - -<p>So soon as he was alone the count bent again over the map, which he -studied carefully: it was not till night had completely set in that he -gave up his task.</p> - -<p>"How is it," he said to himself thoughtfully, "that Valentine has not -yet arrived? He should have been here."</p> - -<p>As he finished this monologue he heard a rap at the door.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>PREPARATIONS.</h3> - - -<p>The period at which our story happens was a happy time for desperate -enterprises and filibustering expeditions.</p> - -<p>In fact, the political commotions that had overthrown Europe some time -previously had brought to the surface, and set in motion, a great number -of those unprincipled men, whose sole object is to secure from the -revolutions that desolate their country very lucrative, if not very -honourable, positions, and for whom anarchy is the sole safety valve.</p> - -<p>But, after the first convulsions inseparable from a revolution, when the -popular effervescence began gradually to cool down, and the overflowing -waters returned to their bed—in a word, when society, wearied of paltry -struggles sustained for no avowable motives, and merely kept up to -satisfy the disgraceful ambition of a few men of no value, understood -that the re-establishment of order was the sole path of salvation, all -those individuals who had for a season played a part more or less -important found themselves cast on the pavement of the towns without -resources; for, with that improvidence inherent in their natures, -squandering day by day the favours which blind fortune had lavished on -them, they had kept nothing for bad times, convinced as they were that -the state of things they had produced would last for ever.</p> - -<p>For a few months they struggled, not courageously, but obstinately, -against adversity, seeking by every means to recapture the prey which -they had so foolishly allowed to slip from their grasp. But they were -soon compelled to allow that times had changed, that their hour was -past, and that the ground which had hitherto maintained them was sinking -hourly beneath their feet, and threatened to swallow them up.</p> - -<p>Their position was becoming critical. It was impossible for them to -resume their humble and peaceful avocations, and return to that -nothingness from which a mad caprice of chance had drawn them. The idea -did not even occur to them. They had tasted luxury and honour; they -could not and would not work again: pride and sloth imperiously forbade -it.</p> - -<p>Cincinnatus has never found an imitator in history, and that is the -reason why his memory has been so preciously kept up by all to the -present day. The men of whom we are speaking were far from being like -Cincinnatus, though they in so far resembled the Roman Dictator that -they claimed to govern nations.</p> - -<p>What was to be done?</p> - -<p>Fortunately Providence, whose ways are incomprehensible, watched over -them.</p> - -<p>The discovery of the rich placers of California, the news of which had -been almost stifled under the blow of the terrible European political -commotions, suddenly returned to the surface, and in a short time -assumed a considerable extension. The most extravagant stories -circulated about the incalculable riches that lay almost on the ground -in the soil of the new Eldorado. Then all the vagabond imaginations -began to ferment. All eyes were fixed on America, and the birds of prey -that wanted a booty in Europe rushed with a loud cry of joy toward that -unknown land, where they fancied they should find in a few days all the -joys with which they had been gorged, and which they hoped this time to -satisfy.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, in California, as elsewhere, the first condition for -acquiring wealth is incessant, permanent, and regular labour.</p> - -<p>On landing in America numerous poignant deceptions awaited the -adventurers. The mines, indeed, existed—they were rich; but the gold -they contained could only be extracted with great difficulty, great -fatigue, and, above all, great expense—three impossibilities which our -gold-seekers could not overcome.</p> - -<p>Many perished either of want, or of a violent death through pot-house -quarrels, or through the change of climate, to which they had not the -time to grow accustomed. Those who survived, wan and ragged, displayed -their starving faces in all the bad places of San Francisco, ready to do -anything for the smallest sum of money that would lull their wolfish -appetite.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile the first adventurers had been succeeded by others, and -still they flocked in. The few, privileged by fortune, who returned to -Europe rich in a few months, had naturally aroused the cupidity of the -numberless pariahs of civilisation; and San Francisco, that country -blessed by Heaven, whose climate is so fine and soil so fertile, -threatened to become a vast and mournful cemetery.</p> - -<p>At this time it happened that a few enterprising men, seeing their -illusions fading away, and perceiving that the gold they coveted so -ardently constantly fled before them while they were unable to catch it, -turned their glances in another direction, and, despairing of growing -rich in the mines, resolved to seize, sword and revolver in hand, those -riches which it was impossible for them to acquire otherwise; that is to -say, they resuscitated for their own behoof the filibustering -expeditions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.</p> - -<p>Thus was a new path opened to emerge from the frightful wretchedness in -which they languished, and the adventurers eagerly entered upon it. -Filibustering enterprises sprang up on all sides with as much regularity -as if they had been perfectly respectable financial operations; and the -plethora of San Francisco began, to the great relief of the peaceful -population, to be diverted on the surrounding countries.</p> - -<p>The count had, therefore, arrived at a propitious moment to put in -execution the plan he meditated. He belonged to one of the oldest and -noblest families in France. He enjoyed, and that justly, a spotless -reputation in California; moreover, he was very strict in the selection -of the men he enlisted; finally, he offered an honourable scope for -their ambition, which is very flattering to men who have nothing to -lose. Nothing more was needed to excite the emulation of all the -ragamuffins, and urge them to place themselves under his orders.</p> - -<p>Among the adventurers were many really estimable persons, who in no way -merited the sad fate they were undergoing, and who, seduced by the -unknown, had been attracted to California by the fallacious promises of -European speculators, and had been the victims of the scoundrels who -induced them to emigrate. These men endured their sufferings nobly, -awaiting with the patience of well-tempered hearts the opportunity to -take their revenge and regain that position which a moment of mad -intoxication and credulous simplicity had made them forfeit.</p> - -<p>The Count, with that infallible glance he possessed, and the knowledge -of mankind which lengthened misfortune had enabled him to acquire, had -picked out the best men from the crowd that daily invaded his house so -soon as his intention became known, and assured himself of the -co-operation of devoted comrades of tried courage, who, regarding the -count's enterprise as the sole means of emerging from their frightful -position, attached themselves to him with a firm resolve to do or die.</p> - -<p>Hence we will assert here that of all the expeditions formed at that -period in California, the only really honourable one which contained the -elements of success was that led by Count Louis de Prébois Crancé.</p> - -<p>We do not go beyond the mark when we say that the count was adored by -his comrades. These rude adventurers, so harshly tried by destiny, had -guessed, with the ineffable perspicacity of men who have suffered -greatly, the inexhaustible kindness, perfect loyalty, and vast -intelligence locked up in the heart of their chief, and how much tender -solicitude and friendship for them were concealed beneath his mournful -countenance and the imposing severity of his liquid blue eye. Thus it -was not merely respect he inspired them with, but veneration and -devotion, extending almost to fanaticism.</p> - -<p>An expedition like that the count was preparing was no easy thing to -organise, especially with the scanty resources he had at his disposal; -for he only obtained vague promises from his partners, and was forced to -seek in himself the means for satisfying all.</p> - -<p>The rich placer which Belhumeur and Eagle-head pointed out to him had -been worked in the time of the Spanish monarchy; but since the -declaration of independence, carelessness and disorder having taken the -place of the energy displayed by the Castilians, the Indians soon -expelled the miners: the placer had, therefore, been temporarily -abandoned. Then gradually the Apaches and Comanches, growing bolder as -they perceived the weakness of the white men, advanced and recaptured -vast territories, on which they established themselves permanently, -knowing that the Mexicans would never attempt to drive them out. In this -way the placer to which we allude, formerly situated in the possessions -of New Spain, was now surrounded by Indian territory, and to reach it it -was necessary to wage a mortal contest with the two most dangerous -nations of the desert, the Apaches and Comanches, who would under no -pretext suffer the invasion of their frontiers by the whites, but would -defend their ground inch by inch against them.</p> - -<p>The Mexican government had only authorised the formation of the mining -company founded by the count on the express condition that the miners, -organised as a military force, should pursue the Indians, attack them -whenever they came up with them, and definitively expel them from the -territory they had usurped since the proclamation of independence. The -count had accepted a rough and almost impossible mission: any other in -his place would have backed out and refused to accept such terms. But -Count Louis was a man in a thousand, gifted with a rare energy, which -obstacles only rendered greater. And then, personally, what did he care -for the issue of the affair? It was not wealth, but death, he sought; -still he did not wish to fall till he had given his comrades that wealth -he had promised them, and rescued them from the stings of adverse -fortune.</p> - -<p>He accepted the conditions, then, but not blindly, ambitiously, or -egotistically. He accepted them as a man of heart, who sacrifices -himself for an idea, and for the general happiness; and who, while -recognising the almost insurmountable difficulties that oppose the -success of his noble projects, hopes to succeed in overcoming them by -his courage, perseverance, and abnegation.</p> - -<p>The energy, patience, and intelligence which the count had displayed -during the two months since his parting with Valentine, no one but -himself could have told. One of the clauses in his contract with the -suspicious and shifting Mexican government obliged him not to take more -than three hundred men with him. The President of the Republic, General -Arista, doubtlessly feared the invasion and conquest of Mexico by the -French, had they been four hundred in number.</p> - -<p>These wretched conditions are so ridiculous, that they would be -incredible were they not rigorously true. We could, if we pleased, write -down here the words uttered in the Senate of Mexico, in which this fear -of invasion is distinctly expressed.</p> - -<p>The count, in order to dissipate all doubts on this head, and, above -all, not to arouse suspicions, decided on only taking two hundred and -sixty men instead of three hundred.</p> - -<p>But this company, destined to traverse a country swarming with obstinate -enemies, compelled during the journey to fight perhaps several times a -day, constrained in this desolate country to supply its own wants (for -it had no help to expect anywhere), must receive a powerful -organisation.</p> - -<p>This was what the count thought of first.</p> - -<p>Those persons who have never worn that heavy harness called a military -tunic cannot form even a distant idea of the thousand difficulties of -detail which arise at every step in the complete organisation of a -company, so that the service may be done properly, and the soldier not -suffer needlessly.</p> - -<p>The count was obliged to improvise. He had never served, and was not at -all aware of the nature of such a task as his; but he was a gentleman -and a Frenchman, two reasons for inventing what a man is ignorant of -when war is the subject. The military genius is so innate in the French -nation, that we may say every man is a soldier. At any rate, Louis -proved it in an undeniable manner.</p> - -<p>Obliged to foresee everything, and provide for all eventualities, he -undertook everything; and, on seeing the nature of his arrangements, his -men, all old soldiers and connoisseurs in such matters, were convinced -that their chief had been long engaged in military affairs.</p> - -<p>He made a regular army of his company; that is to say, he had infantry, -cavalry, and artillery. In order that the discipline might be strictly -maintained the infantry were divided into sections, commanded by tried -men selected by himself. A few sailors, accustomed to handle guns, were -appointed to serve a small mountain howitzer, which the count carried -with him, more for the purpose of terrifying the Indians than in the -hope that it would ever prove of use to him.</p> - -<p>Lastly, some forty picked men, most of them old Chasseurs d'Afrique, -formed the cavalry, and were placed under the orders of an officer for -whom the count felt a peculiar esteem, whom he had known a long time, -and in whose ability he placed entire confidence.</p> - -<p>But what we have described was nothing when compared with what still -remained to be done—purchasing arms, provisions, the necessary tools -for working the mine, ammunition, and, above all, means of transport.</p> - -<p>The count was not discouraged. He improvised a commissariat, and -alone—alone we repeat; for he had refused the offer of large American -bankers, who at length, recognising his value, had proposed to take an -interest in his enterprise—with his scanty resources, he had done -everything, organised everything, and now only awaited his foster -brother's arrival, in order to pay the balance of his accounts, ship his -company, and set sail.</p> - -<p>Now that we have fully explained these matters to our reader, which are -so important to a proper understanding of what follows, we will resume -our narrative at the point where we were compelled to break it off.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>VALENTINE'S RETURN.</h3> - - -<p>As we have already said, the count sprang up on hearing a rap at the -door of his house.</p> - -<p>"Who can come at this hour," he muttered. "I expect nobody."</p> - -<p>And he went to the door and opened it. Three men entered, wrapped -closely in their cloaks. The darkness in the room prevented Don Louis -recognising their features, which were, besides, half hidden by the -brims of their sombreros.</p> - -<p>"Good evening, gentlemen," he said to them. "Who are you, and what would -you with me?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" one of the newcomers said with a laugh. "By Jupiter! That is a -very dry reception."</p> - -<p>Don Louis started at the sound of this voice, which he recognised at -once.</p> - -<p>"Valentine!" he exclaimed with emotion.</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" the other said gaily, as he threw off his cloak, "I suppose -you thought I was dead?"</p> - -<p>"And do you not recognise me, Señor Don Louis?" the second person said, -also throwing off his cloak.</p> - -<p>"Don Cornelio, my friend, you are welcome."</p> - -<p>"That's right," Valentine went on; "we are beginning to understand one -another at last—that is fortunate. Were you going out?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but for no urgent matter."</p> - -<p>"I do not disturb you, then?"</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, sit down and let us talk."</p> - -<p>"All right."</p> - -<p>"Have you supped?"</p> - -<p>"Not yet; and you?"</p> - -<p>"Nor I either. That is capital—we will sup here together. In that way -we can say what we like, and not fear listeners, unless you prefer going -to the hotel."</p> - -<p>"St! Deuce take me if I care about it. Let us sup here, my boy; it will -be better in every way."</p> - -<p>"That is what I thought. Let me give some orders, and I shall be at your -service."</p> - -<p>Louis went out.</p> - -<p>"Ouf!" Valentine said, stretching himself in an easy chair, "I am -beginning to get tired. How do you feel, Don Cornelio?"</p> - -<p>"I!" the latter replied with a sigh. "I can move neither arm nor leg; I -walk about like a somnambulist."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! Such a stout fellow as you."</p> - -<p>"Stout as you please—do you know we have not been to bed or to sleep -for seven nights?"</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?" the Frenchman said carelessly.</p> - -<p>"<i>Capa de Dios!</i> Do I think so? I am sure of it. The proof of it is, -that in those seven days we rode three hundred leagues, and killed ten -horses."</p> - -<p>"On my word, that is true."</p> - -<p>"So you see——"</p> - -<p>"Well, what do you conclude from that?"</p> - -<p>"Why, that you were in a hurry."</p> - -<p>"And yet, in spite of all our diligence, my friend thinks that we have -been too slow."</p> - -<p>"Then I must say he is not reasonable. But are we going to leave the -chief kicking his heels at the door?"</p> - -<p>"Good gracious! I never thought of him," Valentine said as he rose.</p> - -<p>And he walked toward the door.</p> - -<p>At the same moment Curumilla appeared at one end of the room, while Don -Louis came in at the other, at the head of several servants. Louis -placed the candlesticks he held in his hand on the table, and turning to -his friend,—</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"To look for Curumilla, whom I left in charge of the horses; but there -he is!"</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself about the horses; I have given orders as to -them."</p> - -<p>"To supper, then, for I am dying of hunger; my comrades and myself have -eaten nothing for sixteen hours."</p> - -<p>The four men sat down to the table, which had been copiously covered -with dishes of every description. The meal began: the guests ate for a -long time without exchanging a word. The newcomers had an imperious -necessity to recruit their strength. At length, when the edge was -slightly taken off his appetite, Valentine poured out some drink, and -addressing his foster brother, began the conversation.</p> - -<p>"Why, Louis, do you know that you are not difficult to find in this -deuce of a city? Your reputation appears to be enormous."</p> - -<p>"How so?" Louis said with a smile.</p> - -<p>"By Jove! Everybody knows your address: they only call you the general. -I did not need to ask many questions to find this house—everybody -offered to guide me. It seems as if affairs are going on well, eh?"</p> - -<p>The count smiled softly; but, before replying, he made the servants a -sign to leave the room, and when the door was closed upon them,—</p> - -<p>"All goes on very well," he said; "but now that you have arrived it will -go on better still."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! You think so?" Valentine said, sipping like an amateur the -Bordeaux in his glass.</p> - -<p>"I hope so."</p> - -<p>"Well, you are not mistaken, brother; I hope so too."</p> - -<p>Louis gave a start of joy.</p> - -<p>"You have been a long time in coming," he said.</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?"</p> - -<p>"If you knew how impatiently I expected you."</p> - -<p>"I suppose so; but believe me, my friend, when you have heard all I have -done, only one thing will astonish you—that I am here already."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Patience! Tell me first what you have been doing during our separation. -But one word first—have you beds for us?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, as supper is over, through pity for Don Cornelio, who is -asleep in that easy chair, let him be taken to a bed, where he can -repose at his ease: he needs it, I assure you."</p> - -<p>"The fact is," the Spaniard stammered, "that my eyes <i>will</i> close, in -spite of all my efforts to keep them open."</p> - -<p>Louis had risen. On a signal he gave, a servant took charge of Don -Cornelio, and led him away. Curumilla had lighted his calumet, and was -smoking silently.</p> - -<p>"Now for us two," Valentine said.</p> - -<p>"But the chief," Louis observed: "does he not wish to rest?"</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself about him—he is made of iron; but if by any -accident sleep comes upon him, you need not be alarmed—he will stretch -himself in a corner of this room."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Now, then, listen to me."</p> - -<p>"I am all attention."</p> - -<p>Louis gave his friend a detailed account of all he had done since his -return to San Francisco. The narrative was long, for the count had much -to tell. Valentine listened with the closest attention, not interrupting -him once. The night was far advanced when Louis at length ended his -report. Curumilla was still smoking.</p> - -<p>When the count stopped there was a moment's silence, and then Valentine -took the word.</p> - -<p>"You have done miracles. You have accomplished impossibilities."</p> - -<p>"Then you are satisfied with me?"</p> - -<p>"I admire you. You have displayed in all this business incredible energy -and intelligence. Now let us arrive at the financial question."</p> - -<p>"Yes, that is the serious point at this moment. Unfortunately it will -not be so easy to settle as the others."</p> - -<p>"Who knows? Then you owe a deal of money?"</p> - -<p>"An enormous sum."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!"</p> - -<p>"Why, you understand I had everything to buy."</p> - -<p>"That is right; and you possessed?"</p> - -<p>"As you know, nothing."</p> - -<p>"Hum, hum! The account is clear. Then you owe for everything?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly so."</p> - -<p>"Are your accounts in order?"</p> - -<p>"Of course, as I only waited for you to start."</p> - -<p>"Let us have a look at them."</p> - -<p>Louis opened a drawer, from which he took several papers covered with -figures. He spread them out on the table with a stifled sigh.</p> - -<p>"Why do you sigh?" Valentine asked him.</p> - -<p>"Because I am anxious."</p> - -<p>"Anxious about what?"</p> - -<p>"Why, hang it! About paying them."</p> - -<p>Valentine smiled.</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" he said, "let us look all the same."</p> - -<p>The count bent over the papers.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing?" Valentine said.</p> - -<p>"I am calculating."</p> - -<p>"What is the good? Tell me the totals only—that will be quicker."</p> - -<p>"You are right: 17,533 piastres, 6 reals."</p> - -<p>"Good!" Valentine commenced writing the amount in pencil on a piece of -waste paper. "Next."</p> - -<p>"Twenty-one thousand two hundred and seven piastres, five reals."</p> - -<p>"Very good: go on."</p> - -<p>"Twelve thousand eight hundred and twenty-three piastres."</p> - -<p>"No reals?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>"Seven thousand six hundred and seventy-five piastres, six reals."</p> - -<p>"Six reals. Very good. What next?"</p> - -<p>"That is all."</p> - -<p>"What! No more?"</p> - -<p>"Is not that enough?"</p> - -<p>"I do not mean that; but, from the way you spoke, I expected a -formidable amount."</p> - -<p>"Is not this so?"</p> - -<p>"Not so very. Come, let us add it up."</p> - -<p>"That is very easy. Here it is: total, 59,239 piastres, 7 reals."</p> - -<p>"Seven reals. The total is correct. Have you not a few small debts -beside?"</p> - -<p>"Of course, I have a few personal matters to pay; and then I should not -like to start empty-handed."</p> - -<p>"That would be awkward; so that, as far as I can see you will want about -eighty or one hundred thousand piastres to be perfectly clear?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! Then I should have more than I require."</p> - -<p>"It is better to have too much than not enough."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but where to find such a sum?"</p> - -<p>"Let me tell you a story."</p> - -<p>"Eh?" Louis said in surprise. "Are you jesting, brother?"</p> - -<p>"I never jest in serious matters. Listen to my story, I am convinced -that it will interest you."</p> - -<p>Louis could not suppress a movement of ill temper. He fell back in his -chair, and crossed his arms.</p> - -<p>"Speak," he said, "I am listening."</p> - -<p>"Patience!" Valentine said, with a smile.</p> - -<p>The count tossed his head.</p> - -<p>"I am beginning," the hunter went on. "You remember in what way we -parted at the <i>venta</i> of San José?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly."</p> - -<p>"The next day I sold the herd in a lump. Another time, I will explain to -you in what way; and I shall have certain explanations to ask of you. -For the present, suffice it for you to know that I made an excellent -deal, and sold it for 14,630 piastres."</p> - -<p>"A famous sum! Unfortunately, we are still far from our reckoning."</p> - -<p>"Patience! Then the bargain was a good one."</p> - -<p>"Excellent: I should not have got such a price here."</p> - -<p>"All the better; at Guaymas I took a bill on Wilson and Baker. Do you -know them?"</p> - -<p>"Very well; it is a substantial house."</p> - -<p>"Good! Then tomorrow we will cash it. After selling the herd, I left San -José with my two friends, not knowing, I confess, how to procure the -money I had promised you, and of which you had such pressing need."</p> - -<p>"A need I still have," Louis observed.</p> - -<p>"Agreed," Valentine continued; "after galloping about for a long time, -without knowing exactly where we were going, I resolved to ask my -companions' advice. Of course Don Cornelio could suggest nothing. He -contented himself with strumming a melancholy air on his guitar: you -know that is his resource in embarrassing circumstances. You have known -Curumilla as long as I have: the worthy chief only speaks when he is -compelled; but when he opens his mouth, he speaks gold, and this time it -really occurred."</p> - -<p>While saying this, Valentine could not refrain from smiling. Louis -turned to the chief, to whom he offered his hand, which the other -pressed with a grimace of pleasure. The hunter continued,—</p> - -<p>"From the descriptions you had given me, I knew pretty nearly the -position of the mine of which you had become proprietor. Curumilla -offered to take us there. 'We shall be very unlucky,' he said, 'we who -know the desert so well, if we do not succeed in foiling the Indians and -reaching the mine. Once there, we will take as much native gold as we -want to satisfy our friend's wants.' As the advice was good, I resolved -to follow it."</p> - -<p>"What!" Louis shouted, rising hurriedly, "you did that, brother?"</p> - -<p>"Of course I did."</p> - -<p>"But you ran a risk of assassination at every step."</p> - -<p>"I knew it; but I knew also that you must have a large sum."</p> - -<p>"Oh, brother, brother!" Louis exclaimed, in great emotion, "so much -devotion, while I was accusing you."</p> - -<p>"You did not know what I was doing; you were right."</p> - -<p>"Oh! I shall never forgive myself."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! Did we not swear once for all, to be entirely devoted to each -other?"</p> - -<p>"That is true. Oh! You have nobly kept your oath everywhere and ever, -brother."</p> - -<p>"And have you not done the same? Besides, this time the idea does not -belong to me; I only followed the chief's advice."</p> - -<p>"Oh, he is like you; you dare not say anything to him, or he would be -vexed."</p> - -<p>Curumilla laid down his calumet for an instant; and, approaching the -count, laid his hand on his shoulder, and looking at him with an -expression impossible to describe, while touching the Frenchman's chest -and his own in turn,—</p> - -<p>"Koutenepi," he said, in a quivering voice, "Louis, Curumilla—three -brothers, one heart."</p> - -<p>And he sat down again.</p> - -<p>There was a long pause. The two white men were admiring the devotion and -admiration of this brave Indian, who only lived for and through them, -and asked themselves in their hearts, if, in spite of the warm -friendship they bore him, they were really worthy of so profound an -attachment.</p> - -<p>"In short," Valentine went on at last, "no sooner said than done. I will -not describe to you the incidents of our journey, for that would occupy -too much precious time. Suffice it for you to know that, thanks to our -lengthened prairie experience, after surmounting innumerable obstacles, -and almost falling into the clutches of the redskins a hundred times, we -at length reached the mine. Oh, brother, I know not the riches of the -Californian placers, but I doubt whether they can be compared to the one -of which you are now owner."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Louis exclaimed; "it is true then, it is rich?"</p> - -<p>"Brother, its riches are incalculable; the native gold is found on the -surface. Even I, whose, I will not say disinterestedness, but whose -indifference for gold you know, was dazzled, so dazzled, that for some -moments I could not imagine what I saw was real. I asked myself was I -awake, or if I was not dreaming."</p> - -<p>While Valentine spoke thus, Louis walked up and down the room, wiping -away the perspiration that stood on his forehead.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he exclaimed, much agitated; "now I shall succeed, no matter what -may happen."</p> - -<p>"Do not defy chance, brother," Valentine replied sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Do not fancy, brother, that these immense riches turn me mad. No, no; -what do I care for self? I am thinking of the poor fellows I have -attached to my fortunes; those who have placed confidence in me, and who -will be happy through me. No, I do not defy chance; I thank Providence."</p> - -<p>He sat down again, poured out a glass of water, which he swallowed at a -draught, and passing his hand over his brow,—</p> - -<p>"Go on, now," he said; "I am calm."</p> - -<p>"I have not much more to add. I had taken with me three bât horses; I -loaded them. I put gold, too, in my <i>alforjas</i>, in Curumilla's, and in -Don Cornelio's. That worthy gentleman was perfectly mad: he bounded like -a wild colt, and strummed his guitar furiously. He would not leave the -placer, but insisted on awaiting our return there, alone. I was almost -obliged to employ force to carry him off, so greatly had the sight of -that gold fascinated him. In conclusion, you asked me for 80,000 -piastres. Here are bills for 150,000 on Wilson and Baker. Add the price -of the herd sold at San José, and you have a sum of 164,000 piastres, -which is a very pretty lump of money in my opinion. What do you say?"</p> - -<p>He then drew the bills from his breast, and handed them to his foster -brother. Louis was confounded. He could not find words to reply.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Valentine added carelessly, "I forgot. As I supposed you would not -be sorry to have a specimen of your placer, to show your partners, I -brought you this."</p> - -<p>He handed him a lump of gold, about as large as a man's fist. Louis took -it mechanically, laid it on the table, and looked at it for an instant -with a fixed and haggard eye; then two tears coursed down his pallid -cheeks, and a sob burst from his chest. He stretched out his arms; and, -seizing Valentine and Curumilla, drew them to him, and embraced them -passionately, murmuring,—</p> - -<p>"Brothers, brothers! Thanks not only for myself, but for our poor -countrymen, whom your sublime devotion has saved from wretchedness, -perhaps from crime!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE DEPARTURE.</h3> - - -<p>French emigration, in America or elsewhere, has rarely, or, to speak -more truthfully, has never succeeded.</p> - -<p>Whence does this result? The Frenchman is brave to rashness, -intelligent, and laborious. He laughs and sings continually, supporting -with the greatest philosophy the rudest blows of fortune, and carelessly -confiding in the future. All that is true. But the Frenchman is no -coloniser; that is to say, under all circumstances, he remains a -Frenchman, and does not wish to be anything else.</p> - -<p>The French emigrant, when he quits his country, retains always, not only -the desire, but the intention of seeing it again some day. All his -efforts tend to acquire the necessary sum to return to the village or -town where he was born. No matter whether chance deserts him, he ever -regards himself as a traveller and not as a sojourner; whatever be the -position he may achieve, his eyes are incessantly fixed on France, the -only country, in his opinion, where men can live and die happily.</p> - -<p>Infatuated by his nationality, never willing to make the slightest -concession to the habits, creeds, and manners of the people, with whom -he is temporarily obliged to live, esteeming them as far beneath himself -in intelligence and civilisation, the Frenchman passes through foreign -nations with a sardonic smile on his lips, and a mocking -glance—shrugging his shoulders in contempt at all that he sees, without -trying to explain it, and preferring a sarcasm to a good lesson. Hence -it generally happens that the Frenchman is not only not loved; but in -spite of his open, frank, and merry character, is almost detested, by -foreigners.</p> - -<p>At San Francisco, the French emigrants—being without any socialities, -and composed of individuals of every description, who shunned or tried -to injure each other, instead of affording mutual aid—were, we are -forced to confess, very slightly esteemed by the Americans, those -colonisers <i>par excellence</i>. A few energetic men had contrived -individually to make the French name respected.</p> - -<p>Count de Prébois' expedition was consequently, in every respect, a -blessing for his unhappy countrymen: in the first place by delivering -them from the frightful want that held them in its iron clutches; and -secondly by elevating them in their own eyes, and in those of the -adventurers of every country whom the <i>mineral yellow fever</i> had -attracted to these parts.</p> - -<p>The count's enterprise had the result of rendering the French colony, at -first so despised, highly respectable; and the Americans now began to -feel secretly jealous of it. The enlistment of the French company to -work the rich placers of Apacheria, was the important event of the day; -it was spoken of everywhere. A number of adventurers burnt to take part -in the expedition, and employed every means to gain acceptance.</p> - -<p>But, as we have said, the count had laid down in this respect a line of -conduct from which he would not deviate: the principal condition of -enlistment was the fact of being a Frenchman; thus any number of poor -fellows was rejected by the count, and many a violent enmity did he -collect on his head, but the count cared little for all the disturbance; -he continued his work imperturbably. Thus, as we have said, when -Valentine arrived at San Francisco, the company was almost complete, and -composed of picked men.</p> - -<p>The hunter heard the news from his friend's lips, with the greatest -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said; "you have lost no time."</p> - -<p>"Have I?"</p> - -<p>"By Jove! To form a mining company, and collect a body of men in less -than two months, is no trifle. I congratulate you with all my heart."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. Still, without you nothing would have been effected; for -mark the fact, Valentine, that although I have the richest capitalists -and highest men in Mexico as shareholders in the <i>Atravida</i>, not one of -them would have advanced me an ochavo to pay the expenses of the -organisation, which I was bound to settle alone."</p> - -<p>"That is a clever arrangement, brother. You have to deal with cunning -shareholders."</p> - -<p>"All the better. I will soon prove to them that they did wrong in not -giving me all that confidence I deserve."</p> - -<p>"I like that way of revenging yourself. But tell me——"</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"Have you influential men among your shareholders?"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by influential?"</p> - -<p>"Why, men whose political position offers you a certain guarantee -against the annoyances which will be inevitably created down there, to -prevent the success of your enterprise, and prepare its failure."</p> - -<p>"I fear nothing of the sort."</p> - -<p>"All the better."</p> - -<p>"Judge for yourself. I have among my shareholders the French envoy at -Mexico, the French consul at Guaymas, the Governor of Sonora, and many -others."</p> - -<p>"Did you not say the Governor of Sonora?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah, ah!"</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, nothing."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you mean something; so speak."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, why should I make a mystery of it? Do you know this governor?"</p> - -<p>"No. I only know that he is colossally rich, that his name is Don -Sebastian Guerrero, and he is a general."</p> - -<p>"Is that all?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Well, you are mistaken in fancying you do not know him."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense."</p> - -<p>"Yes; and as it appears, you have even rendered him a great service."</p> - -<p>"You are jesting; I never saw him."</p> - -<p>"That is your mistake. Like the worthy knight errant, you are, you saved -him from the hands of the miscreants."</p> - -<p>"Come, speak seriously."</p> - -<p>"I am doing so. In one word, you saved his life and his daughter's."</p> - -<p>"I? You are mad."</p> - -<p>"Not the least in the world. Indeed the father, and especially the young -lady—who, between ourselves, is delightful—entertain the most -affecting reminiscences of you."</p> - -<p>"Who on earth told you that fine story?"</p> - -<p>"Who? why the general himself."</p> - -<p>"That is a little too strong."</p> - -<p>"Come, think a little. About three or four years back, I do not know -exactly which, did you not after leaving Guadalajara——?"</p> - -<p>"Wait a minute," the count said hurriedly. "It would be strange if the -person I saved were really the same——"</p> - -<p>"Strange or no, it is."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, that is famous for us."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! We have a powerful friend, who will defend us tooth and nail -against all comers. That is famous. I really believe Providence is -declaring for us."</p> - -<p>"I did not know that the Mexicans were gifted with so excellent a -memory."</p> - -<p>"I rather think it is the Mexican ladies in this case."</p> - -<p>"No matter; the circumstance is of good augury."</p> - -<p>"I hope you will profit by it."</p> - -<p>"As much as I can."</p> - -<p>"Bravo! And now that your affairs are settled, or nearly so, when do you -intend to make a move?"</p> - -<p>"I have certain arrangements still to make; so I cannot leave San -Francisco before ten days."</p> - -<p>"Can I be of any service to you?"</p> - -<p>"None here; but over there, great."</p> - -<p>"That is to say——"</p> - -<p>"Are you fatigued?"</p> - -<p>"Fatigued of what?"</p> - -<p>"Why, of riding about in the fashion you have done, for some time past?"</p> - -<p>"Once for all, and let that be carefully understood between us, remember -that I am never tired."</p> - -<p>"Good! Then you can render me a service?"</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"Though I cannot start for ten days, you can be in the saddle by -daybreak, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Of course."</p> - -<p>"You must return by land to Sonora, to deliver three letters I will give -you, one for Don Antonio Pavo, consular agent at Guaymas, the second for -the Governor of Sonora, and the third for a certain Canadian hunter whom -you will probably find at the Hacienda del Milagro, in the neighbourhood -of Tepic."</p> - -<p>"I will do it. Is that all?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. You understand that I do not wish to arrive there, before -preparations have been made for my reception."</p> - -<p>"You are right: so I start——"</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"You mean today: it is now two o'clock."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! That is true. How time slips away."</p> - -<p>"Where shall I wait for you?"</p> - -<p>"At Guaymas."</p> - -<p>"That is understood. Write the letters while Curumilla and I saddle the -three horses."</p> - -<p>"Will you take your Spaniard with you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, he will be useful to me there."</p> - -<p>"As you please."</p> - -<p>Valentine and Curumilla went out, while Louis began his letters. -Valentine, after saddling the horses, was conducted to the room where -Don Cornelio was asleep. We must do the Spaniard the justice of saying -that he offered the most obstinate resistance to the hunter, and it was -not till he was compelled, that he left the bed in which he slept so -comfortably. At length, when Valentine had succeeded, part by -persuasion, part by carrying him, in placing him on his saddle and -confiding him to Curumilla, he returned to the room where he had left -his foster brother. The letters were ready; and Valentine took them.</p> - -<p>"Now, brother, good-bye," he said, "and may you be fortunate."</p> - -<p>The two men remained for a long time in an affectionate embrace. Louis -knew the hunter too well, to try and induce him to take a few hours' -rest; he, therefore, accompanied him to the gate, where the four men -exchanged a parting greeting, and, at a sign from Valentine, the horses -started at full speed. They soon disappeared in the darkness, but the -sound of their horses' hoofs re-echoed for a long time on the hardened -soil. Louis remained motionless in the gateway, so long as the -slightest sound reached his ear, and then went in again, murmuring:—</p> - -<p>"A man must be accursed who does not succeed, with such devoted -friends."</p> - -<p>The count worked through the whole night, not thinking of taking a -moment's rest. The sun was already high on the horizon, and he still -remained bent over the table, writing figures after figures. The door -opened; and the person we saw talking confidentially with the count on -the previous evening entered. Louis started at the noise, but on -recognising his visitor a smile played over his stern countenance.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, consul," he said gaily, as he offered him his hand; -"you could not have arrived at a better moment. Have you come to -breakfast?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my dear count; for I wish to talk seriously with you."</p> - -<p>"All the better, for I shall keep you the longer. Take a chair, and -pardon my being surprised in this state, but I have spent the night in -arranging these documents. Deuce take the man who invented writing and -accounts."</p> - -<p>The consul, for the gentleman was no other than the French -representative in California, sat down, smiling; and, by the count's -orders, an appetising breakfast was served almost immediately. The two -gentlemen sat down opposite each other, and began a vigorous attack on -the dishes.</p> - -<p>"Well," Louis said presently, "any news?"</p> - -<p>"Bad."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! That worthy Jonathan is yelping, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Louder than ever."</p> - -<p>"Look at that! And why, may I ask?"</p> - -<p>"You can guess it."</p> - -<p>"Nearly so; but no matter, out with it."</p> - -<p>"You are aware that you have made a number of enemies here?"</p> - -<p>"Well, it was not my own fault."</p> - -<p>"That is true! Well, these enemies are stirring, and making loud -remarks."</p> - -<p>"About what?"</p> - -<p>"Why, you know people can always find something to turn into scandal. -They say that the expedition will fail, that you are reduced to -expedients, and that you do not know how to escape from your present -position."</p> - -<p>"Is that all?"</p> - -<p>"No. They add, that you have contracted enormous debts, which you will -never succeed in paying."</p> - -<p>"Good again!"</p> - -<p>"You understand that these calumnies produce a very bad effect."</p> - -<p>"Naturally."</p> - -<p>"I have therefore come to you, my dear count. I am not rich, -unfortunately; still, I have at my disposal some 20,000 piastres. I am a -shareholder in the company, and it is therefore my duty to come to its -assistance; so I frankly offer you the money, which may be of some -slight service to you."</p> - -<p>The count cordially pressed his guest's hand.</p> - -<p>"Thanks!" he said to him, with suppressed emotion, touched by the -delicacy of this noble and generous procedure.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the consul continued, ransacking his pockets, and producing a -bundle of notes; "we must silence these scoundrels. Here is the amount."</p> - -<p>And he offered the notes to the count, who declined them with a gentle -smile.</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken as to the meaning of the word I used," he remarked. "I -thanked you, not because I accept your generous offer, but because it -proves to me the esteem in which you hold me."</p> - -<p>"Still——" the consul urged him.</p> - -<p>"Again I thank you; but all my debts will be paid within an hour. I have -at this moment nearly 200,000 piastres at my disposal."</p> - -<p>The consul looked at him, open-eyed.</p> - -<p>"But yesterday——?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes!" the count interrupted him quietly, "yesterday I had nothing, -today I am rich. I will explain to you this very simple miracle."</p> - -<p>When the count ended his narrative, the consul pressed his hand -joyfully.</p> - -<p>"Good gracious!" he said, "you do not know, my dear count, what pleasure -you cause me at this moment; you have staunch friends."</p> - -<p>"Among whom I may reckon yourself."</p> - -<p>"Oh! As for me," he said simply; "that is not astonishing; for am I not -one of your shareholders?"</p> - -<p>As soon as breakfast was over, the count set out to settle with his -creditors, or rather those of the company, in order to destroy all -excuse for malevolence, and close the mouth of the envious. After this, -the count lost no time in making his final arrangements, and enlisting -the few men he was still short of.</p> - -<p>In a word, as he told Valentine when he left him, ten days had scarce -elapsed since their nocturnal meeting, ere all the preparations were -ended, and the company only awaited a favourable moment to embark and -start.</p> - -<p>The day on which the French company embarked for Sonora was a memorable -one for San Francisco. The North American, beneath his cold and -straight-laced appearance, conceals a warm and enthusiastic heart. When -the Frenchmen entered the boats which were to bear them to the ship, for -a moment and as if by enchantment, all enmities were silenced; and an -enthusiastic mob, congregated on the pier, accompanied them with shouts -and wishes for success, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs.</p> - -<p>The count, as was his duty, was the last to embark. Several of his -friends, among them being the consul, bore him company. As he leaped -into the boat, the count turned, and pressed the consul's hand in -parting.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye," he said. "I will succeed, or Sonora shall be my tomb."</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, till we meet again, my friend," the other answered. "I will -not say farewell; I feel convinced that you will succeed."</p> - -<p>"God grant it," Louis murmured, as he leaped into the boat and shook his -head sadly.</p> - -<p>A formidable shout burst from the crowd. The count bowed with a smile, -and the boat started. An hour later, the white sails of the ship that -bore the adventurers glistened, like a kingfisher's wing, on the -horizon. The consul, who remained on the beach till the last moment, -slowly walked homeward, saying to himself:—</p> - -<p>"Whatever may happen, that man is not an adventurer, but a hero. He has -more genius than Cortez. Will he be equally lucky?"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.</h3> - - -<p>As several interesting events of our narrative will take place at -Guaymas, we will describe that town in a few words.</p> - -<p>Mexico possesses several roadsteads in the Pacific; but in reality has -only two ports worthy that name, Guaymas and Acapulco. For the present, -we will confine ourselves to the former.</p> - -<p>Owing to a large quantity of islands which surround the port like a -hill, and the lofty coasts, the roads are in all weathers as sure and -calm as a lake. The sea breaks gently on shores adorned with mango -trees, whose pale green forms a strange contrast to the earthy red of -the beach, and gives the port a wild and desolate aspect, further -increased by the continual silence of the roads, where a few ships seek -shelter at rare intervals under the isle Del Venado, but, where usually -only a few coasters are visible, or wretched canoes, hollowed out of -trunks of trees, and belonging to the Hiaqui Indians.</p> - -<p>The town stretches carelessly along the beach, with its white, low, and -flat-roofed houses, defended by a fort built of red clay, armed with a -few rusty and unserviceable guns. Guaymas, like all the pueblos of the -republic, is dirty, ill built, and the streets are unpaved; in short, at -each step you acquire proofs of that carelessness and egotistic -incapacity which characterises the Mexicans. Behind the town, rise lofty -and denuded mountains, which protect it from the cold winds of the -Cordilleras.</p> - -<p>Still, Guaymas, founded only a few years back, and whose population is -but 6,000 at the utmost, is destined ere long, owing to the security of -its port, and its magnificent position, to acquire a great commercial -importance.</p> - -<p>The day on which we resume our story, about an hour after the <i>oración</i>, -or at seven in the evening, a man, wrapped in a thick cloak, and with -the brim of his sombrero pulled down over his eyes, stopped at the door -of a rather handsome house, and after casting a furtive glance around, -to see that he was not watched, gave discreetly three separate knocks. -This manner of rapping was evidently a signal; and the man we allude to -must have been expected, for the door opened at once. The stranger -entered, and the door was noiselessly closed after him.</p> - -<p>The stranger then found himself in one of those inner patios found in -all the houses of Guaymas; but he probably was perfectly acquainted with -the place; for, without a second's hesitation, he turned to the left, -mounted a few steps, and rapped at a second door, which was before him, -in the same way as he had done at the first.</p> - -<p>"Come in," a voice shouted from within.</p> - -<p>The stranger pushed the door, which yielded to the pressure, and entered -a large room, which might be considered to be furnished with a certain -degree of luxury for Mexico, and especially for a province so remote as -Sonora. But this luxury was in bad taste, and smelled of the <i>parvenu</i>. -The furniture and pictures that decorated the room had been probably -purchased or exchanged with the captain of the vessels that at times put -into Guaymas, and presented the strangest possible discordance of style.</p> - -<p>A man was seated in a butaca, almost in the centre of the room, and -carelessly smoking a pajillo. When the stranger entered, he nodded to -him, pointed to a chair, and said laconically,—</p> - -<p>"Shut the door, and sit down."</p> - -<p>The stranger took off his cloak and hat, which he threw on a sideboard; -and, after closing the door as he had been recommended, he fell into a -butaca with a sigh of satisfaction. We will describe these two new -characters in a few words.</p> - -<p>The first—that is to say, the master of the house—was a plump little -fellow, as broad as he was long, with ordinary features, while his -little sharp eyes gave his face an expression of soothing falseness and -cowardly villainy. He was about fifty years of age, though he did not -appear so, owing to the freshness of his apoplectic complexion, and -long, flat, and greasy masses of black hair, which fell below his red -and coarse ears. This worthy personage was dressed in the European -fashion, with a profusion of jewellery, and rings on his fingers; and, -through his costume and manners, which were made up of effrontery and -timidity, he bore a considerable likeness to a butcher or a cattle -dealer in his Sunday clothes.</p> - -<p>His visitor, whom we have met before by the way, formed a perfect -contrast with him. He was a half-breed, of Indian and Mexican descent, -tall, dry, and thin as a lath; his face, like a knife blade, was adorned -with an enormous beaked nose, which overshadowed a mouth stretching from -ear to ear, and full of teeth white as almonds; round eyes with -blood-shot eyelids, constantly agitated by a convulsive movement, -completed the strangest and most sinister face that could be conceived. -A cruel mocking smile continually moved his thin lips, and added to the -feeling of discomfort his entire person inspired. In a word, his -approach produced that clammy coldness felt in touching a viper or any -other reptile. Beneath his cloak he wore the gold embroidered uniform of -the higher Mexican officers. His name was Don Francisco Florés, and he -wore the badge of a colonel in the Mexican service. We shall soon learn -who was the hideous person, concealed under this borrowed name.</p> - -<p>The colonel, after seating himself, took out some tobacco, made a -cigarette, and began smoking with the most superb nonchalance. For some -minutes the two men remained silent, examining each other with the -corner of the eye. At last, the former, doubtlessly fatigued by this -obstinate inquisition, which weighed upon him, and from which he could -not escape, resolved to take the word.</p> - -<p>"Caballero," he said, "you see that the instructions conveyed in the -letter you did me the honour of writing to me, have been followed out -point for point."</p> - -<p>The colonel made a sign of assent, while emitting an enormous puff of -smoke. The other continued,—</p> - -<p>"Now I will take the liberty of observing that I do not at all -understand your singular missive, and that I see no reason why you -should surround yourself with so great a mystery."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the colonel said, with a laugh peculiar to himself, and which bore -a strong likeness to a pile of plates breaking.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the first speaker continued, annoyed by this irreverence; "and I -should not be sorry, I confess, to have a clear and categorical -explanation."</p> - -<p>And, saying this, he drew himself up haughtily in his butaca; and -regarded his visitor fixedly. The latter did not appear at all affected -by this hostile manifestation; on the contrary, he stretched out his -legs, and said, as he threw himself back in his chair,—</p> - -<p>"Don Antonio, are you fond of money?"</p> - -<p>"Eh?" the other remarked.</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon. I should have said gold: I will therefore modify my -question. Are you fond of gold?"</p> - -<p>"Really, sir——"</p> - -<p>"Answer clearly, without any hesitation, as a caballero should do. I -suppose that I am not talking Hebrew; so reply, yes or no."</p> - -<p>"But——"</p> - -<p>"<i>Capa de Dios!</i> if you go on in that way we shall never finish, master, -<i>caray</i>. You are too sharp a greyhound, not to have recognised at the -first glance with whom you have to deal. Answer clearly, then, without -further tergiversation."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, yes," Antonio answered, subjugated involuntarily by the -man's accent.</p> - -<p>"Very good. Do you love it much?"</p> - -<p>"Well, tolerably."</p> - -<p>"That is not enough."</p> - -<p>"Very much, then, if you absolutely insist."</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon. It is a matter of indifference to me. It is not I -who am in question, but only yourself."</p> - -<p>"Well, well, I understand you."</p> - -<p>"That is lucky; but you took your time to do so."</p> - -<p>"Come, what is the business?"</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! You are coming to the point."</p> - -<p>Don Antonio smiled.</p> - -<p>"Well, I am only doing what you wish."</p> - -<p>"That is true; so we shall not dispute about that."</p> - -<p>"Go on; I am listening."</p> - -<p>"You received my letter, as you allowed. Now, do you know why I arranged -this meeting?"</p> - -<p>"I am waiting to hear it from your lips."</p> - -<p>"I will tell you at once. You are aware that a society has been formed -at Mexico, called the Atravida?"</p> - -<p>"I have heard it mentioned."</p> - -<p>"Of course, as you are a partner in it."</p> - -<p>"That is possible; but the question is not about that, I presume?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it is. Well, this company, established under the auspices of -the first Mexican capitalists, supported by the government, is intended -to work the rich mines of the <i>Plancha de Plata</i>, situated in the heart -of Apacheria."</p> - -<p>"I am aware of it."</p> - -<p>"Very good. You see we shall soon understand each other."</p> - -<p>"I doubt it."</p> - -<p>"I hope so. This company, composed of Frenchmen, all resolute men, -organised as soldiers, and under the command of a skilful chief——"</p> - -<p>"Count Don Louis de Prébois——"</p> - -<p>"I know him. Spare your praise of him. This company, supported by high -influences, must not, however, reach the mines."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah! And what will prevent it, if you please?"</p> - -<p>"Yourself first of all."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh! I do not believe it."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! You shall see. Let me finish first."</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>"How much do you think this affair will bring you in?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell you."</p> - -<p>"What, not even approximatively?"</p> - -<p>"It is very difficult to calculate, for the mines are rich."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but they are remote. Come, mention a figure."</p> - -<p>"It is impossible."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! Even supposing I were to help you——?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! If you help me——"</p> - -<p>"I thought so."</p> - -<p>"But stay," Don Antonio remarked sharply. "What great interest have you, -then, in spoiling this affair?"</p> - -<p>"I, none; it is you."</p> - -<p>"I!" Don Antonio exclaimed in amazement; "that is a little too much."</p> - -<p>"You shall see."</p> - -<p>"I am most eager to do so."</p> - -<p>"So soon as the Atravida company was established, another, under the -name of the <i>Conciliadora</i>, was at once set on foot, as always happens, -and naturally for the same object."</p> - -<p>"Come, the name is a capital one."</p> - -<p>"It is. Now you know that competition is the backbone of trade."</p> - -<p>Don Antonio bowed in assent; and the colonel continued, with his dry and -harsh smile.</p> - -<p>"The Conciliadora, although powerfully protected at Mexico, required an -active, intelligent, and upright agent in Sonora; and it immediately -turned its eyes on you. Indeed, Don Antonio Mendez Pavo, performing the -duties of French consul at Guaymas, was the only man capable of serving -it efficaciously. As the result of this reasoning, you were put down for -200 paid up shares of 500 piastres each; the coupons of which were -intrusted to me to deliver to you. That makes, if I am not mistaken, a -very nice little sum, which I shall have the honour of handing to you."</p> - -<p>And he felt in the pocket of his uniform; but Don Antonio disdainfully -checked him.</p> - -<p>"You are strangely mistaken about me, caballero," he said; "when a man -has the honour of representing France, he cannot be bribed in so -miserable a way."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" the colonel said, laughing.</p> - -<p>"My duty orders me to protect the French company; and whatever may -happen, I will do so."</p> - -<p>"Magnificently spoken."</p> - -<p>"So now," Don Antonio continued with fire, "return to the persons who -sent you, and tell them that Don Antonio Pavo is not one of those men -who can be induced to forget his duty so easily."</p> - -<p>"That is charming, and you really spoke it with proper emphasis."</p> - -<p>Don Antonio rose, and with a majestic smile shewed the colonel the door.</p> - -<p>"Begone, sir," he said coldly; "or I shall not answer for the -consequences of my anger."</p> - -<p>The colonel did not stir; he made no change in the carelessly insolent -position he had adopted from the outset. Still, when Don Antonio ceased, -he threw away his cigarette, and giving the last speaker a glance of -most peculiar significance,—</p> - -<p>"Have you done?" he answered quietly.</p> - -<p>"Caballero!" Don Antonio exclaimed, drawing himself up majestically.</p> - -<p>"Permit me, Don Antonio, I have no wish to remain any longer here and -waste your precious time. Still, you will allow with me, that every man -intrusted with a mission must accomplish it in its entirety; and you are -too conversant with business to deny this fact."</p> - -<p>"I allow it, sir," Don Antonio answered, suddenly calmed by these words.</p> - -<p>"Very good; then, be kind enough to sit down again and listen to me a -few moments longer."</p> - -<p>"Be brief, sir."</p> - -<p>"I only ask for five minutes."</p> - -<p>"I grant them."</p> - -<p>"You are generous, sir; I will, therefore, profit by your permission. I -go on, then. You are inscribed for 200 shares, representing, if I am not -mistaken, 100,000 piastres, which I consider a very respectable sum."</p> - -<p>"Not a word more on that subject, sir."</p> - -<p>"I know," the colonel continued imperturbably, "what you would object; a -bird in the hand is worth a vulture in the air."</p> - -<p>Don Antonio, troubled by the meaning attached to his words, could find -no reply. The colonel continued;</p> - -<p>"The chiefs of the company employed the same line of reasoning as -yourself, sir. They understood that they must act fairly and above board -with a man holding so high as yourself, and so worthy in every respect -of their confidence; consequently, they commissioned me to hand you, in -addition to the shares——"</p> - -<p>"Sir," Señor Pavo essayed again.</p> - -<p>"Fifty thousand piastres," the colonel said distinctly.</p> - -<p>Don Antonio made a bound of surprise.</p> - -<p>"What!" he exclaimed. "What did you say, señor?"</p> - -<p>"I mentioned 50,000 piastres."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!"</p> - -<p>"In good bills, payable at sight."</p> - -<p>"On what house?"</p> - -<p>"Torribio de la Porta and Co."</p> - -<p>"An excellent house, sir."</p> - -<p>"Is it not?"</p> - -<p>"Most assuredly."</p> - -<p>"But," the colonel said as he rose, "since you refuse our offers, and my -mission is now accomplished, I need only withdraw, after begging to -pardon the loss of time I have occasioned you; for you <i>do</i> refuse, I -think?"</p> - -<p>Don Antonio had turned green; his small grey eyes, obstinately fixed on -the papers the colonel toyed with, sparkled like live coals.</p> - -<p>"Permit me," he said stammering.</p> - -<p>"Eh? Can I be mistaken, señor?"</p> - -<p>"I—I—I fancy you are."</p> - -<p>"This time, bear in mind, we must understand each other thoroughly, in -order to avoid any future misunderstanding, which might entail regret."</p> - -<p>"Be at your ease. I believe there will no longer be any misapprehension -between us. An affair, as you know, does not always strike a man at the -first glance."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but now you fully understand it?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly."</p> - -<p>"All the better. Now we can have a frank explanation."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Antonio said, with a mocking accent; "and, to begin, Señor -Garrucholo, doff for a moment your borrowed character, for I like to -know with whom I am dealing."</p> - -<p>El Garrucholo, for the ex-bandit was really hidden under Colonel -Francisco Florés, shuddered involuntarily at finding himself thus -detected. He cast a viper's glance at the man who had unmasked him, and -seized him fiercely by the arm.</p> - -<p>"Take care, Don Antonio, there are secrets which kill those who hold -them."</p> - -<p>"That is possible, my master," the other answered, triumphing in his -heart at the effect his revelation had produced. "But as, if I am not -mistaken, we are about to complete together a very dirty transaction, I -wished to prove to you that, if you held my secret, I had yours; and -that it is to your interest to deal fairly by me."</p> - -<p>"Threatened persons live a long time," the bandit said with a shrug of -his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"I do not threaten; I merely take my precautions—that is all. Now, let -us converse."</p> - -<p>The two men drew their chairs together and commenced a conversation, ear -to ear, in so low a voice that no one could have overheard them.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>GUAYMAS.</h3> - - -<p>The Mexicans are only children, though terrible children we allow, on -whom it is impossible to calculate, no matter in what way. Their -deplorable conduct, under all circumstances, since they succeeded in -constituting themselves an independent nation, proves that, unless an -entire change takes place in their character, no more is to be hoped -from them in the future than they have effected in the past.</p> - -<p>Curious, fickle, cowardly, rash, distrustful, cruel, and -superstitious—such is the Mexican.</p> - -<p>Let it not be supposed that we speak thus through a hatred of a people, -among whom we lived so long; on the contrary, we love the Mexicans, we -pity them, we should like to see them regard seriously their position, -as a free nation, and behave as men; but we repeat it, they are -terrible, stormy, and obstinate children, from whom no good can be -derived, we are honestly afraid.</p> - -<p>One of the manias of this people is to attract, by the most handsome -promises, fallacious offers, and most friendly demonstrations, those -strangers whom they fancy may prove useful in any way. They receive -these foreigners with open arms, weep with joy while embracing them, -offer them the most tenderly fraternal caresses, and give them more than -they ever ventured to ask. Then one fine day, without any reason, -motive, or slightest pretext, they change from white to black, begin -hating with their whole soul the foreigners they have so greatly petted, -insult and betray them, lay snares for them, and eventually ill treat or -assassinate them, and that, too, while offering them a hand, and smiling -on them.</p> - -<p>If we wished to recriminate, how many names could we quote, how many -shades would it be easy for us to evoke in support of our statements, -without counting the noble and unfortunate De Raousset Boulbon, and the -impetuous and generous Lapuillade, victims offered in a cowardly way to -that hideous Mexican prejudice—a prejudice which is the basis of the -policy of this unlucky people, and which will ruin it—not through a -hatred of the foreigner, for that is a noble and national feeling, but -through a hatred of Europeans, whom they despair of ever equalling, and -to whom, in their ignorance and carelessness, they feel a mortal -jealousy and envy.</p> - -<p>It is evident that during the ten years' struggle Mexico had to sustain -against Spain, the former country produced grand and noble characters; -but it seems that, exhausted by that gigantic effort, it was incapable -of casting others like them into the crucible, for since the first hour -of its liberty to the present day, it has not produced a single man -worthy of walking, even at a distance, in the footsteps of the -illustrious founders of its independence.</p> - -<p>This is very sad to say; and yet, if we passed it over in silence, we -might be reproached for not stating the truth, and for recoiling from -the task we imposed on ourselves in writing this story, in which we have -merely changed the names through a feeling that will be appreciated.</p> - -<p>The arrival of the French company, however, was anxiously expected at -Guaymas. The most absurd and contradictory reports were spread about it, -its chief, and the object of the expedition; and as is generally the -rule, the most absurd rumours obtained the greatest and firmest -credence. Even before the arrival of the French, malevolence was -watching in the shade, and seeking darkly to arouse the ill will of the -population against the new arrivals.</p> - -<p>What Colonel Florés stated in his conversation with Don Antonio Pavo was -perfectly correct. Hardly had the organisation of the Atravida company -been completed in San Francisco, ere two American houses, perfectly -comprehending the advantages of this enterprise in which they were not -allowed to join, for reasons we will be silent about for their credit, -treacherously established a rival company, intended to impede the -operations of the elder company by all means, even the most dishonest.</p> - -<p>Hatred never slumbers. The affair went on rapidly, so rapidly that the -second company had all its batteries prepared for effective action -before the French had quitted San Francisco. This operation was managed -with such Machiavellism, and the secret was so well kept, that the -count, in spite of his extensive relations, suspected nothing, and -embarked for Sonora with his heart full of hope and illusions.</p> - -<p>Valentine was awaiting his friend with the most lively impatience. The -hunter had conscientiously fulfilled the commissions the count gave him; -and all had, apparently, succeeded famously. A comfortable barrack was -prepared for the company: the French agent had been most honeyed, and -placed himself at the hunter's disposal to do all he might desire with -the most charming affability. Still the latter was not satisfied. With -no plausible reason, with nothing arising to contradict these offers of -friendship, Valentine, by one of those forebodings which Heaven sends to -those it loves and wishes to protect, felt that all this amenity -concealed a snare; the lips smiled, it is true, but the eyebrows -frowned, and the brow was wrinkled.</p> - -<p>General Guerrero, while testifying his delight at the arrival of the -company, and placing himself at the orders of the hunter, had continued -under various pretexts to reside at Hermosillo, instead of coming to -Guaymas to welcome the company, as he should have done; in the first -place as governor of the province, secondly, as member of the company; -two reasons more than sufficient to suggest his change of abode.</p> - -<p>Valentine, hence, was very restless; and the more so because, while -feeling that a storm was collecting, he could not foresee whence it -would come. Hence, he remained a greater part of the day by the -seashore, watching anxiously every sail that appeared, hoping to see his -friend arrive at any moment; for he supposed, with some show of reason, -that the presence of the count and his brave comrades would suffice to -silence those who sought to injure him: for the majority of the people -was not only far from being hostile to the expedition, but seemed well -disposed toward it.</p> - -<p>Things were in this state one morning, when, according to his custom, -Valentine was preparing to proceed to his observatory, as he called the -rock on which he passed whole days. All at once, Don Antonio and Colonel -Florés rushed into the cuarto where he resided, crying, gesticulating, -and repeating, both at once:—</p> - -<p>"Here they are, here they are! They are coming!"</p> - -<p>"Who?" Valentine asked them, hardly able yet to put faith in such -blessed news.</p> - -<p>"El conde! El conde!"</p> - -<p>"He will be here in an hour at the latest," said Don Antonio.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps before," the colonel backed him up. "We are going to meet him."</p> - -<p>"And I, too," Valentine exclaimed.</p> - -<p>They went out. The news had spread with the rapidity of a powder train. -Guaymas took a holiday. Immediately, before any orders were given by the -authorities, the houses were hung with flags; for, as it happened, -Corpus Christi would be celebrated a few days later, and the banners had -been got in readiness.</p> - -<p>The inhabitants, dressed in their best clothes, the Hiaqui Indians, of -whom a great number let themselves out to private persons as workmen and -servants—in a word, everybody, hurried and ran toward the beach, -shouting, laughing, singing, and uttering interminable hurrahs. It was -really a curious sight,—this crowd, hastening joyously to meet a few -Frenchmen, whose good intentions toward them they instinctively guessed.</p> - -<p>The authorities of the town followed the popular movement; but it was -easy to read that they did not act from their own will, but were carried -onward by the current of public opinion.</p> - -<p>When Valentine and the two men who had constituted themselves his -companions reached the beach, it was already invaded by the whole -population. A few cable's lengths from shore the ship that brought the -French might be distinctly seen. It advanced majestically, impelled by a -strong breeze. It had its top-gallant sails set, and its lower sails -clewed up, which allowed a large crowd to be seen on the poop. When the -vessel had passed a little beyond Venado Island—the usual anchorage of -large ships—it tacked, and sent down top-sails; then the anchor was let -go, and the main jib lowered.</p> - -<p>Valentine leaped hurriedly into a canoe, and, before Don Antonio and the -colonel could follow him, pushed off. Not noticing the signs his -companions made him, the hunter proceeded rapidly in the direction of -the ship, vigorously aided by the man already in the canoe, and who was -no other than Curumilla. In a few minutes they reached the vessel. Louis -perceived them from a distance, so that when they came alongside he -received them, and helped them aboard. Even before embracing his foster -brother, or pressing his hand, Valentine turned and looked searchingly -along the beach.</p> - -<p>"Good!" he said, "they have not found a boat yet. Come, brother, let us -go down into your cabin, I must speak with you without delay."</p> - -<p>"Let me, at least, say 'how do you do' to you," Louis remarked, with a -smile.</p> - -<p>"Come: we have not a moment to lose."</p> - -<p>The count looked at the hunter, and saw that his face was grave. He -understood at once that he had important news to communicate. He no -longer resisted. He gave his orders hurriedly to one of his officers, to -prepare everything for the debarkation, and followed his foster brother -who was anxiously awaiting him. Louis led him into the modest berth -which he had engaged during the passage, and prepared to shut the door.</p> - -<p>"No," Valentine said, preventing him, "leave it open, on the contrary; -in that way we shall see the persons who come."</p> - -<p>"As you please. Speak."</p> - -<p>"I have only two words to say to you; but they are two I would advise -you to profit by."</p> - -<p>"You may be sure of that."</p> - -<p>"You have powerful enemies here. Who they are I know not; but they -detest you."</p> - -<p>"What do you say?"</p> - -<p>"A thing of which I am certain."</p> - -<p>"But, my dear fellow, whoever those enemies may be, I have nothing to -fear from them. My papers are all regular, my grant is clearly and -carefully registered. I have not only the authorisation, but also the -support of the government. I only act by formal orders, and, therefore, -fear nothing."</p> - -<p>"Brother," Valentine answered sententiously, "when you have to deal with -Mexicans, you must always apprehend treachery. I have known them many a -long year, and unfortunately know also what dependence is to be placed -in them."</p> - -<p>"You startle me."</p> - -<p>"No, I warn you, that is all. It is your duty to be constantly on your -guard."</p> - -<p>"Do you know that, before Heaven, I am responsible for the lives of all -these brave fellows intrusted to me?"</p> - -<p>"That is why I advise you to be prudent, and not to trust in any one. -There are two men above all whom I recommend you to distrust."</p> - -<p>"Their names?"</p> - -<p>"Don Antonio Pavo, and Colonel Don Francisco Florés."</p> - -<p>Louis could hardly refrain from a start of surprise, as he looked his -brother in the face.</p> - -<p>"It is not possible," he exclaimed; "you must be mistaken."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because these two men, one of whom is agent to the French government -here, and the other the delegate of the Atravida, are both shareholders -in the company. I am specially recommended to them, and have letters -for both."</p> - -<p>"As you please; but I assure you these men are betraying you."</p> - -<p>"Have you any proof?"</p> - -<p>"None."</p> - -<p>"How do you know it, then?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know it, and yet I am sure of it. Believe me, brother; for you -are aware that I am rarely mistaken."</p> - -<p>Louis shook his head sadly.</p> - -<p>"All this is strange," he said.</p> - -<p>At this moment a man leaned over the companion, and uttered the one -word, "Spies!" in a low voice, yet sufficiently loud to be heard by the -two men.</p> - -<p>"Halloh!" Louis exclaimed with a start.</p> - -<p>"It is nothing," Valentine observed; "only Curumilla warning us that our -two men are coming. Let us return to the deck, for they must not fancy -we have any doubts of them. Examine the two men carefully, when you find -yourself in their presence; and I am certain you will come over to my -opinion afterwards."</p> - -<p>Louis made no reply. They went on deck, and Valentine left him.</p> - -<p>"I am returning to land," he said; "you will see me again on the beach."</p> - -<p>The hunter leaped into the canoe, which Curumilla had allowed to fall -behind the vessel, so that it might not be noticed; and he pushed off -for land at the very moment the colonel and Don Antonio set foot on -deck.</p> - -<p>No people is possessed, to so eminent a degree as the Mexican, of the -most refined politeness and most graceful gallantry. By their feline and -gentle manners they can seduce and charm persons they have an interest -in cheating, whenever they please. Unfortunately, in spite of all the -efforts they made, and the cajolery they employed to convince Don Louis -of their sincerity and profound attachment to him, Don Antonio and the -colonel had physiognomies which so clearly revealed the disgraceful -passions that moved them, that all their labour was thrown away.</p> - -<p>As Valentine had warned him, on the approach of these two men the count -had involuntarily experienced a feeling of repulsion, so strong, that he -was compelled to make an effort over himself, to prevent them seeing the -effect they produced upon him. The count, however, thought it advisable -to pretend to be their dupe, in order to profit by the faults their -fancied security might induce them to commit, and derive from them all -the information he might need at a future date.</p> - -<p>He therefore responded to their advances and offers of service with such -frankness and cordiality, that he succeeded in completely duping the -crafty scoundrels who fancied him their dupe.</p> - -<p>The count had scarce arrived in Sonora, he had not yet set foot on land, -ere he had to commence his diplomatic apprenticeship, and contend in -craft and falsehood with people, from whom he should have expected the -frankest friendship and most absolute devotion—a rude task for a -character so loyal and thoroughly honest as that of the count; but the -success of the expedition depended on his finesse, and the skill with -which he eluded the snares which would be incessantly spread beneath his -feet. He understood this, and made up his mind to his course of action, -though it was against the grain.</p> - -<p>After conversing for some time with the two men, the count, seeing that -all was in readiness for the landing, gave orders for it. Immediately -the adventurers took their stations with admirable order in the boats -brought from the port to receive them. The small flotilla advanced -steadily toward the beach, amid the shouts of the crowd assembled on the -shore, and the clangor of all the town bells, rung as a symbol of -rejoicing.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FIRST FORTNIGHT.</h3> - - -<p>A man must have been essentially a pessimist, or thoroughly acquainted -with the Mexican character, to apprehend treachery on seeing the warm -reception accorded to the Frenchmen by the inhabitants of Guaymas. It -was a madness—a delirium impossible to describe. Leperos, rancheros, -campesinos, rich hacenderos, all pressed round the French, vying with -each other in offering them a hearty welcome. It seemed as if this -little band of adventurers, who were only passing through the town, -brought to Sonora peace, tranquillity, and liberty; in a word, all those -things the Mexicans want, and for which they sigh in vain. The cries -of, <i>Viva los Franceses! Viva el conde!</i> rose on all sides with a -deafening sound.</p> - -<p>So soon as the company landed, by Don Louis' orders, the ranks were -speedily formed; and the count, having Colonel Florés on his right hand, -Don Antonio on his left, led his men to the barrack prepared for them, -clearing his way with difficulty through the dense masses of spectators. -In front of the barrack the alcalde mayor, and the juez de letras—that -is to say, the two principal authorities of the town—flanked by their -ragged alguaciles, were awaiting the arrival of the company; and on -perceiving them, Don Louis commanded a halt.</p> - -<p>The two magistrates then walked a few paces toward the count, whom they -saluted respectfully, and began a long address stuffed with all sorts of -pompous Mexican hyperboles, from among which Don Louis managed to -discover that the Sonorians rejoiced in the depths of their hearts at -the arrival of the valiant French company; that they set on his courage -all their hope of being protected against their ferocious neighbours, -the Apaches; that the French had not landed on a foreign shore, but amid -brethren and sincere friends, who would be delighted to have it in their -power to prove their devotion; and a thousand other things too long to -repeat here.</p> - -<p>When the alcalde mayor had ended his discourse amid the warm applause of -the crowd, the juez de letras began one in his turn, equally long, -equally diffuse, and equally perfidious as the first, and which met with -the same success.</p> - -<p>We will remark here that the Mexicans adore long speeches.</p> - -<p>At length, when the two magistrates had finished speaking, the count -bowed gracefully, and replied to them with a few of those words which -come straight from the heart. They produced a perfect frenzy. The crowd -yelled with joy, waving their hats and handkerchiefs; while from every -window a perfect shower of flowers escaped from the dainty hands of the -señoritas, and literally inundated the adventurers, who cordially -responded to this delicate attention.</p> - -<p>The company then entered the barrack; it was a large house, with an -enormous inner court, admirably adapted for the use to which it was put -at this moment. Within an hour, the adventurers, with that eminent knack -peculiar to Frenchmen, were comfortably installed, and appeared to have -occupied their quarters for the last six months.</p> - -<p>The count fancied he had got rid of the alcalde and juez de letras: but -it was not so; they had still several requests to make of him before -they left him at liberty, and would not neglect them.</p> - -<p>As in all other centres of population in Mexico, at Guaymas everyone -lives pretty much as he pleases, without troubling himself greatly about -the authorities. This liberty, or rather license, may be advantageous to -one portion of the population, but is evidently extremely prejudicial to -the other; in this sense, that the rascals, having entire liberty to -commit all the wicked actions Satan constantly breathes in their ear, -the honest people are obliged to defend themselves, and not count in -any way upon the protection of a problematical police, which, if it -happen to exist, naturally makes common cause with the brigands.</p> - -<p>The magistrates had judged in their wisdom to profit by the stay of the -Frenchmen at Guaymas, in order to disperse the scoundrels of every -description, with whom the city abounds, with a salutary terror. -Consequently, they begged the count to guard the principal posts of the -pueblo with men belonging to his company, and to organise patrols to -traverse the streets by night, and watch over the tranquillity of the -citizens and public security.</p> - -<p>When, after much circumlocution, the magistrates at length ventilated -their request, the count answered them with a smile, that he was -entirely at the service of the Mexican government, and if they -considered his assistance useful, they might dispose of him and his men -as they thought proper. The magistrates thanked him heartily, and, -incited by the facility with which the count granted their first -request, they ventured to bring forward the second, which, in their idea -being of much more delicate nature, they feared would be refused. It was -as follows:—</p> - -<p><i>Corpus Christi</i> is the most important religious ceremony of Mexico. -This festival, to augment the splendour of which the people undergo the -heaviest sacrifices, fell this year just a few days after the arrival of -the French in Sonora. They wished the count to promise to have his -little mountain guns fired during the whole period the procession went -about the streets.</p> - -<p>Guaymas had many guns in the forts; but unfortunately they were -dismounted, and completely honeycombed with rust.</p> - -<p>It may be easily understood, that in the mind of the superstitious -Sonorians, on so solemn a festival as this, the bells were not -sufficient, and that the ceremony would entirely lose its solemn -character, unless a few gunshots were fired.</p> - -<p>The worthy magistrates little expected that they were causing the count -a lively pleasure, by asking of him two things as a favour, which, had -he dared, he would have claimed as a right, for the following reasons.</p> - -<p>Since the discovery of gold, so many scamps of every description had -sought refuge in San Francisco, that the Californian population justly -enjoyed a frightful reputation for vice, crime, and debauchery, in all -the adjacent countries, and especially in the Pacific ports, on which -they sometimes pounced like swarms of predacious birds. The count -ardently desired on behalf of his undertaking, to show the Sonorians -among whom they were destined to live, that the French emigrants had -nothing in common with these sinister bandits, and that the men he had -the honour to command were brave men, resolved to behave themselves -properly, wherever chance took them, and never to molest the Mexican -population.</p> - -<p>As for the second question, it was even more serious in the count's -eyes. The Mexicans are not only ignorant and superstitious, but even -more. Although they do not understand a syllable of the religion they -profess, or perhaps on account of that, they are exaggerated fanatics, -and sooner pardon a murder than an insult, however slight in its nature, -not to the religion itself, but merely to its exaggerated ceremonial. -This fanaticism, carefully maintained during the Spanish dominion, was -intended to keep foreigners, that is to say the English, whom they -feared greatly, from the shores of New Spain. At that time, indeed, the -English were almost the only Europeans who ventured to visit the Spanish -colonies.</p> - -<p>The monks profited by the difference of our religion, to make the most -exaggerated portraits of the English to their parishioners, investing -them with horns and claws, as the children of Lucifer must necessarily -have. The Indians, credulous as babes, accepted, with closed eyes, all -the fables the monks thought proper to tell them; and, with them, every -foreigner became an Englishman, that is to say a heretic, a gringo.</p> - -<p>The declaration of independence, while enabling the Mexicans to see -foreigners of all nations, made no change in their convictions; for it -is not so easy to destroy a prejudice rooted for centuries. They -continued, as in the past, to see in foreigners only Englishmen, and -consequently gringos; hence, that smouldering hatred which breaks out -every time that occasion offers, and that secret horror they experience -at the sight of every European.</p> - -<p>Being on the point of burying himself with his company in the heart of -Mexico—of passing through fanatic, credulous, and ignorant tribes, with -whom it was important to live in peace, and give them no pretext for -quarrelling—it was of the highest interest to the count to show by an -undeniable proof that the French were not gringos, but, on the contrary, -as good catholics as the Sonorians.</p> - -<p>Hence he favourably greeted the magistrates' request—a request which -probably concealed a trap—and promised them not only that the guns -should thunder during the whole period of the procession, but that the -company would be happy to accompany the holy sacrament during its -progress through the streets of the town. The more so, the count added, -because the French were catholics, and would eagerly seize the -opportunity to manifest their fervour for their revered religion.</p> - -<p>The magistrates, having at length obtained all they desired, took leave -of the count with great demonstrations of gratitude and respect. The -count breathed again, for the <i>sederunt</i> had been long. Still, all was -not over yet, as the count soon perceived.</p> - -<p>Don Antonio, and his inseparable friend the colonel, would not so easily -loose their hold, and only consented to withdraw when the count promised -to be present that same evening with all his officers at a banquet Don -Antonio had prepared, to <i>fête</i> the arrival of the French company. The -count gave his word, and was at length left at liberty for a few hours.</p> - -<p>Now that the company had arrived at Guaymas, that is to say, the first -halt on the road to the mines, the expedition had really commenced, the -first obstacles were cleared. According to the count's idea, all -required now was to give his men a few days' rest, and then push -resolutely onward.</p> - -<p>Profiting by the first impression produced by the Frenchmen, the count, -without loss of a moment, had his papers put in order, and easily -obtained his passports for the interior. Several days passed thus, the -French reigned as masters in Guaymas, petted and caressed by the -inhabitants whom their gaiety and carelessness pleased above all, and -who, having hitherto seen a few ragged outcast Mexican soldiers, could -not leave off admiring the training, martial aspect, and the perfect -dexterity with which the foreigners manoeuvred and managed their -weapons.</p> - -<p>The company performed the police duties of the town with the greatest -care; thefts and assassinations ceased as if by enchantment; and the -Sonorians slept tranquilly, on the faith of their new friends.</p> - -<p>On Corpus Christi day, as had been arranged, the French cannon were -fired during a portion of the day, and the adventurers accompanied the -procession, bearing bouquets in their muzzles, and behaving with the -greatest decency. Their presence at church produced all the effect the -count anticipated from it; and the certainty acquired by the inhabitants -that the strangers were good catholics, still further increased the -friendship they entertained for them.</p> - -<p>Matters went on thus for several days, and nothing occurred to trouble -the azure of the count's projects. In fact, the most perfect harmony -prevailed between him and the magistrates, at least apparently; hence, -with the native frankness of his character, the count began to reproach -himself secretly for the distrust he had at first felt, or rather -Valentine inspired him with; and in his heart he accused his friend of -having yielded to unjust prejudices against men who seemed to study not -merely to satisfy him, but to anticipate the slightest desires of the -members of the expedition.</p> - -<p>Indeed, how could the count suspect treachery? He had only come on the -entreaty of the Mexican government. It was that government which -demanded that his company should be trained, numerous, and well armed. -The chief authorities of the country had a greater interest in the -success of the enterprise, because they were nearly all shareholders. To -suppose that, under such circumstances, these persons intended to cheat -him, the count must have at first admitted that they were insane; for no -one ever carries on war at his own expense, and the Mexicans are -generally known to have a clutching hand for money.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile, time passed rapidly; the count was afraid, lest the -<i>morale</i> of his comrades might suffer by a longer stay in the heart of a -Sonorian city. He was burning to set out; but, unfortunately, it was -impossible for him to do so, until depôts of provisions had been made -along the road, and the government of the state had arranged with him -the definitive movements of the company on its march to the mines.</p> - -<p>Don Louis complained bitterly both to the colonel and Don Antonio of the -continual delays he was obliged to suffer, and the pretexts, more or -less plausible, employed to keep him in disgraceful inaction. The -governor, who declined to quit Pitic, only made evasive answers to his -letters, or declared that he had received no instructions.</p> - -<p>This state of things could not, and must not, last longer. As there was -a risk of the company dissolving, and all the fruit of the preliminary -labours being lost, before the enterprise had been seriously entered on, -Don Louis resolved at all risks to emerge from this equivocal position. -Consequently, after having formally stated his wishes to Colonel Florés -and Don Antonio, he informed them that since General Guerrero did not -appear to understand the tenour of his letters, he was resolved to -proceed himself to Pitic, and have a categorical explanation with him.</p> - -<p>The two men started with joy at this news; for they required the count's -absence for the success of the plans they had formed. Instead, -therefore, of turning him from his project, they urged him warmly to put -it in execution without delay, and start as soon as possible. Don Louis -had no need to be stimulated and urged on thus. So soon as he left the -two men, he proceeded to the barrack, assembled the company, and told -them of his speedy departure, which was joyfully heard by all these -energetic and ardent men whom rest fatigued, and on whom idleness began -to weigh heavily. The count intrusted the temporary command to one of -the officers on whom he thought he could most count, giving him the -order that, if he heard nothing from him within four days, the company -would start at once to join him, and after again urging the men to keep -up the strictest discipline, the count finally quitted the barrack.</p> - -<p>At his house he found Valentine awaiting him. The latter approved his -conduct, but refused to accompany him, giving as his reason, that he -believed he should serve the good cause better by remaining at Guaymas. -The truth was, that the hunter did not wish to leave out of sight the -men he had undertaken to watch, until he had discovered their -machinations.</p> - -<p>Louis did not insist. He knew that with a man of Valentine's character -there was no chance of discussing, when he had once formed a -determination. Followed by Don Cornelio and an escort of ten -well-mounted horsemen, the count set out, after once again pressing his -friend's hand, and proceeded toward Pitic, where—at least he hoped -so—he should at length find the word of the enigma.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Valentine muttered, following him with a thoughtful glance; -"either I am greatly mistaken, or, now that he is no longer here, to -thwart by his presence the gloomy machinations of the scoundrels who -wish to make him their dupe, we shall soon have something new."</p> - -<p>After this aside, the hunter walked with his usual measured step toward -the barrack, where he arrived in a few moments, and found the -adventurers in a state of great excitement, produced by the departure of -their leader.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>PITIC.</h3> - - -<p>The distance is not great from Guaymas to Pitic, and the count covered -it in a few hours.</p> - -<p>Pitic, or Hermosillo, is a delightful town, enclosed with walls, and -surrounded by kitchen gardens, whose produce is rather important. -Unfortunately, the night had completely set in when the count arrived -there, and he could only take a vague glance at the scenery, which, seen -through the obscurity, had entirely changed its character, and assumed a -gloomy appearance, which painfully contracted the adventurer's heart. -The count had considerably recovered from his first illusions; the -paltry annoyances of which he was the object now made him see the future -under a different light, and he already doubted the success of an -enterprise against which, from the outset, so many underhand obstacles -were raised.</p> - -<p>At the moment of mounting his horse, he had received from the general -commandant of the province a note giving him peremptory orders to remain -at Guaymas, with his company, and not to march forward until more ample -information, that is to say, until the general had received positive -instructions on the subject, from the central government at Mexico. As -may be easily supposed, this order, intimated in so brutal a manner -after all that had passed, had obtained the sole result of pressing the -count's departure; for he was outraged by this flagrant violation of all -the conditions stipulated in his treaty.</p> - -<p>The little band entered Pitic without exciting the slightest attention. -At this hour the streets were nearly deserted; and the few travellers -they met <i>en route,</i> deceived by their Mexican costume, did not even -take the trouble to look at them. The count dismounted in the Calle San -Agostino, before a house which he had got in readiness for the occasion, -without saying a word to anyone. After a gentle rap at the door, it -opened, and the party entered. The house belonged to a Frenchman, who -had gone on a journey in the interior, for commercial reasons; but -during his absence, the servants, in obedience to his instructions, -received the count with the utmost attention. The latter, after -whispering a few words to Don Cornelio, who went out at once, retired to -the cuarto prepared for him.</p> - -<p>Don Louis was a man of powerful and energetic temper, a man of action -before all. He understood that, after the turn that matters had taken, -he must act energetically and without losing a moment, unless he wished -to receive an irreparable check. His plan was formed, and he prepared to -carry it out without delay.</p> - -<p>Don Cornelio returned at the moment when the count, who had changed his -costume, was giving a final glance at his appearance.</p> - -<p>"Already!" he said, on perceiving the Spaniard.</p> - -<p>"I have found the house, it is only a few paces from here."</p> - -<p>"All the better, we shall have less distance to go."</p> - -<p>"Five minutes at the most."</p> - -<p>"Is General Guerrero in Pitic?"</p> - -<p>"He is. Still I fancy you would do better by delaying your visit till -tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because there is a <i>tertulia</i> this evening at the palace."</p> - -<p>The count turned.</p> - -<p>"What difference does that make?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Oh, as you please, señor; but, perhaps, you do not know what a tertulia -is."</p> - -<p>"Not exactly; but you will explain it to me?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing more easy. A tertulia is a party, a festival—a ball, in a -word."</p> - -<p>"I understand. And you are sure, Don Cornelio, that there is a tertulia -this evening at the governor's palace?"</p> - -<p>"Positively sure, your excellency."</p> - -<p>"Bravo! That will do our business."</p> - -<p>The Spaniard looked at him in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Don Cornelio," the count continued, "change your travelling dress. I -mean to take you with me."</p> - -<p>"The fact is——," he said hesitating.</p> - -<p>"What then?"</p> - -<p>"I must confess to you, señor conde, that I have no other clothes save -those I wear."</p> - -<p>"Ah, that is of no consequence," the count replied with a smile, -pointing at the same time to a heap of clothes thrown pell-mell on the -furniture. "I suppose that you are sufficiently my friend not to feel -annoyed at the cool way in which I treat you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, not at all," the Spaniard exclaimed, with a movement of joy.</p> - -<p>"I must ask you to make haste, though; for I am waiting."</p> - -<p>"I only ask for five minutes."</p> - -<p>"I give you ten. You will find me in the patio; I am going to give my -escort orders to mount."</p> - -<p>The count went out, and Don Cornelio eagerly set to work obeying him. We -must add, to the glory of the Spaniard, that Don Louis' treatment of -him, so far from annoying him, had caused him to feel a deep gratitude.</p> - -<p>The Spaniard was not mistaken; there was really a tertulia at the -governor's palace. General Guerrero was extremely rich: hence, the ball -he gave this evening was sumptuous, and in every way worthy of the -exalted post he occupied in the province.</p> - -<p>The crowd filled his rooms, which glistened with light and dazzled with -gilding. All the higher society of Pitic was assembled at the palace; -tables, covered with gold, were surrounded by players, who, with that -proud carelessness characteristic of Mexicans, risked enormous sums on a -card. In a vast hall, a band, perhaps rather wild to European ears, -regulated the movements of the dancers; while a private room was -reserved for the ladies. Doña Angela, ravishingly beautiful, was seated -on her throne, in the midst of this bevy of pretty women.</p> - -<p>But, despite all the general's efforts to please his guests, and excite -them to amuse themselves, the festivities languished. The young ladies, -generally so impassioned for dancing, refused all invitations; they -preferred to remain talking together in the apartment reserved for them. -The fact was, they were discussing at this moment a most interesting -point, which had the privilege of arousing feminine curiosity to the -highest pitch. The news of the French landing at Guaymas supplied the -staple of the conversation.</p> - -<p>"Good gracious!" a young woman said, with a charming smile, "will the -English come here?"</p> - -<p>"Doubtlessly," another observed; "but they are not English, <i>Querida</i>."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are mistaken, Carmencita. All foreigners are English, that is -to say heretics; my confessor told me so."</p> - -<p>"They must be hideous," a third asserted, advancing her head in -curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Indeed not, I assure you; they are men like others," the second speaker -observed, a pretty brunette, with black eyes that sparkled with malice. -"I spent Corpus Christi with my uncle at Guaymas, and saw them. Some of -them, indeed, are very good-looking."</p> - -<p>"That is impossible!" they exclaimed in chorus. "They are heretics!"</p> - -<p>"They will massacre us."</p> - -<p>"They are said to be very cruel."</p> - -<p>"Their chief especially."</p> - -<p>Till then Doña Angela had remained silent, absorbed in silent thought; -but at this remark she suddenly raised her head.</p> - -<p>"Their chief is a caballero," she said in a loud voice. "He is a conde -in his own country; and if he has come to Sonora, it is probably only on -our behalf."</p> - -<p>All the young women were silent; for they were amazed at this strange -outbreak on the part of Doña Angela; then they began chattering -together. The young lady, vexed at having thrust herself forward so -imprudently, bit her lips, blushed slightly, and fell back in her -reverie. At this moment Don Sebastian entered the room.</p> - -<p>"Ah, here is the general!" three or four young girls exclaimed gaily, as -they rose and eagerly surrounded him.</p> - -<p>"Yes, here I am, señoritas," he answered with a smile. "What do you want -of me?"</p> - -<p>"Merely some information."</p> - -<p>"About what?"</p> - -<p>"We wish to know," Doña Carmencita began; then she corrected herself. -"It is not I, general, but these ladies."</p> - -<p>"I am persuaded of that," Don Sebastian said, gallantly; "be good -enough, then, to be their interpreter. What do they desire to know?"</p> - -<p>"Who are the Ingleses?"</p> - -<p>"What Ingleses?"</p> - -<p>"Those who have landed at Guaymas."</p> - -<p>"Ah! Very good."</p> - -<p>"You will tell us, will you not, general?" they all exclaimed at once.</p> - -<p>"If it is agreeable to you."</p> - -<p>"Oh! Greatly so."</p> - -<p>"In the first place, they are not English."</p> - -<p>"They must be, as they are foreigners."</p> - -<p>The general smiled at this simple observation; but mentally recognising -the impossibility of destroying an opinion so deeply rooted, he turned -the question.</p> - -<p>"These men are two hundred and odd in number."</p> - -<p>"So many as that?" two or three young ladies exclaimed, with a gesture -of terror.</p> - -<p>"Yes, indeed, so many as that, señoritas; but reassure yourselves—you -have nothing to fear from them. They are kind and obliging, and their -chief is a perfect caballero."</p> - -<p>"But why do they come here?"</p> - -<p>"They came for the purpose of working certain mines."</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, papa," Doña Angela observed, who had been -attentively listening to the conversation. "Did you not say they came?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my child, I said so."</p> - -<p>"But they are still at the port, I think?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, they are; but it is probable that they will soon depart."</p> - -<p>"For the mines?"</p> - -<p>"No. To return whence they came."</p> - -<p>Doña Angela contracted her eyebrows, a movement in her which denoted -grave annoyance and great mental preoccupation, and was silent again.</p> - -<p>"All the better. Let them go, the heretics!" one of the ladies -exclaimed. "These accursed English only come to our country to plunder -us."</p> - -<p>"That is true." The majority warmly supported her.</p> - -<p>"Besides, I do not care what is said; I assert that they are frightfully -ugly."</p> - -<p>"Well!" a young lady said, with a delicious pout, "I should have liked -to see one—only one—to know what to think about them."</p> - -<p>"I am very much afraid, Doña Redempción," the general remarked with a -smile, "that it will now be impossible to satisfy your curiosity."</p> - -<p>"All the worse; for a heretic must be an extraordinary animal. Are they -as ugly as the Indios Bravos?"</p> - -<p>"That is a different matter."</p> - -<p>"Ah! And are you certain, general, that I shall not be able to see one? -That annoys me."</p> - -<p>"I regret it, señorita."</p> - -<p>"And I, too. But supposing one of them were to come to Hermosillo?"</p> - -<p>"That is peremptorily forbidden them. They will be cautious not to -disobey the order they have received."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she said with a pout.</p> - -<p>At the same moment, a door was thrown open with a crash; and a servant -announced in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,—</p> - -<p>"His Excellency the Count Louis de Prébois. His Excellency Don Cornelio -Mendoza."</p> - -<p>If the count purposed to produce an effect, his object was completely -attained. His sudden entrance was a regular tableau, and caused a -general emotion, whose immense extent it was certainly impossible for -him to calculate.</p> - -<p>All the ladies had risen, and, grouped round the general, examined with -a curious and timid eye the chief of the adventurers.</p> - -<p>The count, whose splendid ranchero costume, which he wore with -inimitable grace, added to the fascinating charm spread over his whole -person, walked a few steps with a smile, bowed around with a gesture -full of elegance, and waited. The general had suddenly turned of a livid -pallor.</p> - -<p>The news of the count's arrival, spreading through the other rooms with -incomprehensible rapidity, suddenly stopped the dancing and gambling; -all the guests quitted the other rooms, and proceeded toward the one in -which the count was said to be.</p> - -<p>Still, each second that elapsed added to the embarrassment of the -position; the general felt it, and sought in vain a mode of escape. Don -Louis understood, or rather guessed, the general's perplexity; hence, -advancing two paces, he said with exquisite politeness,—</p> - -<p>"I am confounded, general, by the trouble I have involuntarily caused -among your guests. It seems that I was not expected at Pitic."</p> - -<p>The general succeeded in regaining a little self-possession.</p> - -<p>"I allow it, caballero," he replied. "Still the impromptu visit you have -deigned to make me must be most agreeable to me, be assured."</p> - -<p>"I hope so, general; and yet, to judge by the glances directed upon me -from all sides, I may be permitted to doubt it."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, señor conde," the general continued, attempting to -smile. "For the last few days fame has been so occupied with you, that -the eagerness of which you are now the object ought not at all to -astonish you."</p> - -<p>"I should wish, general," the count said, with a bow, "that this -eagerness were more friendly. My conduct, since my arrival in Sonora, -should have attracted greater sympathy toward me."</p> - -<p>"What would you? We are savages, señor conde," the general said with a -sarcastic smile; "we have the misfortune not to love what comes from -foreign parts; so you must forgive us. But enough on that subject, for -the present," he added, changing his tone. "As you have been kind enough -to become my guest, allow me to present you officially to these ladies, -who are burning to become better acquainted with you."</p> - -<p>Don Louis yielded gracefully to the general's wishes. The latter then, -affecting the most exquisite courtesy, presented his guest, as he called -him, to the most influential persons at the ball. Then he led him to his -daughter, who, since the count's entrance, had stood motionless, with -her eyes obstinately fixed upon him.</p> - -<p>"Señor conde," the general said, "my daughter, Doña Angela. Doña Angela, -the Count Don Louis de Prébois Crancé."</p> - -<p>Don Louis bowed respectfully before the young lady.</p> - -<p>"I have had the honour of knowing the count for a long while," she said -with a graceful smile.</p> - -<p>"It is true," the general said, suddenly pretending to remember; "we -have been acquainted for a long time, caballero."</p> - -<p>"It was not my place to remind you under what circumstances we met."</p> - -<p>"That is true, count, it was mine; believe me that I have not forgotten -it."</p> - -<p>"Nor I," the young lady murmured; "for I owe you my life, señor."</p> - -<p>"Oh, señorita!"</p> - -<p>"Permit me, permit me, señor conde," the general said, with an emphasis -assuredly affected; "we Mexican caballeros have a long memory for good -as for ill. You risked your life to defend mine, and that is one of the -debts we like to pay. I am your debtor, señor Don Louis."</p> - -<p>"Are you speaking seriously, general?" the count asked, looking at him -fixedly.</p> - -<p>"Certainly, caballero; the subject is too serious for me to treat it -otherwise. I will even add that my most lively desire would be soon to -find the occasion to acquit my debt."</p> - -<p>"If that be so, general, I can offer you the occasion, if you will allow -me?"</p> - -<p>"How so?" the general asked, somewhat taken aback by finding himself -taken at his word. "I am too happy to be agreeable to you. What do you -want of me?"</p> - -<p>"I want nothing, general; I only wish to make a request of you."</p> - -<p>"A request! You, Don Louis? Oh, oh, what is it? Pray speak."</p> - -<p>"I would beg you to grant me a few moments of private conversation."</p> - -<p>"This night?"</p> - -<p>"This very instant."</p> - -<p>"Come," the general continued, "I hoped to be free from business for a -few hours at least, but you order otherwise. Your request shall be -satisfied, Don Louis; a caballero has but his word."</p> - -<p>"Pray pardon me, general. I am really confounded by pressing you so -greatly; but imperious reasons——"</p> - -<p>"Not a word more, I implore you, Don Louis, or you will make me suppose -that you attach to this interview an importance which it cannot possibly -possess."</p> - -<p>Don Louis contented himself with bowing in reply. The general then -turned to his guests, the majority of whom, their first curiosity -satisfied, had returned to the various amusements they had quitted for a -moment.</p> - -<p>"Señoras and caballeros," he said, "I must ask you to pardon me for -leaving you for a few minutes; but as you see, Don Louis has my word, -and I must free it."</p> - -<p>The guests bowed courteously. Doña Angela had summoned Don Cornelio to -her side, and, profiting by the liberty Mexican manners give young -girls, she was conversing with him in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"Go, papa," she said with a soft smile, intended for the count; "but do -not keep Señor Don Louis too long. Now that the ladies know him, they -would like some conversation with him."</p> - -<p>"Do not be alarmed, ladies; in ten minutes we shall return. Any -discussion between myself and the count cannot be long."</p> - -<p>"Heaven grant that be true," Louis said in his heart; "but I believe the -contrary."</p> - -<p>The general passed his arm through the count's, led him through the -saloons, and stopped at a door he opened.</p> - -<p>"Go in, caballero," he said to him.</p> - -<p>The count entered, and the general followed, carefully closing the door -behind him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> - -<h3>DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.</h3> - - -<p>The room to which the general led the count was a study. Don Sebastian -pointed to a chair, and took another himself. There was a moment's -silence, during which the two men examined each other carefully. On -passing the study threshold, both doffed that gaiety they had imprinted -on their faces, to assume a severe and thoughtful look, harmonising -better with the grave questions they were probably about to discuss.</p> - -<p>"I am waiting, señor conde," the general at length said, "till it please -you to explain yourself."</p> - -<p>"I hesitate to do so, general," Don Louis answered.</p> - -<p>"You hesitate, count!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, because, in what I have to say to you, there are some matters so -delicate that I almost fear to approach them."</p> - -<p>The general was mistaken as to the meaning of the count's words. How -could he understand the exquisite delicacy that dictated them?</p> - -<p>"You can speak without fear," he said; "no one can hear you. Precautions -have been taken, so that nothing said in this room can transpire -outside. Banish then, I implore you, all reserve, and explain yourself -frankly."</p> - -<p>"I will do so, as you demand it; indeed, it is, perhaps, better that it -should be so. In this way, I shall know at once what I have to hope or -fear."</p> - -<p>"You are bound to hope everything from me," the general said in an -insinuating voice. "I wish you no harm; on the contrary, I desire to -serve you; and to give you an example of frankness, I will begin by -declaring to you, that your fate depends on yourself alone, and that the -success or ruin of your enterprise is in your own hands."</p> - -<p>"If it be really so, general, the discussion between us will not be -long. But, allow me in the first place to set forth my grievances, in -order to throw full light on the state of the case."</p> - -<p>"Do so."</p> - -<p>"In the first place, permit me one question. Do you know the conditions -of my treaty with the Mexican government?"</p> - -<p>"Of course I do, count, as I have in my possession a copy of it."</p> - -<p>Don Louis made a sign of surprise.</p> - -<p>"That must not astonish you," the general continued; "remember what -occurred at Mexico. Do you not owe to an influential person, whose name -you are ignorant of, the removal of those insurmountable obstacles which -prevented the acceptance of your treaty by the President of the -Republic?"</p> - -<p>"I allow it."</p> - -<p>"That person, I can now tell you, was myself."</p> - -<p>"You, general?"</p> - -<p>"Myself. Then, do you remember that when all was concluded, I became the -first shareholder who gave his signature, and supplied funds?"</p> - -<p>"That is perfectly correct; but this only renders more incomprehensible -the strange position in which I have been placed."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, general, the frankness with which I express myself."</p> - -<p>"Go on, count. We are here to tell each other the truth."</p> - -<p>"In reality, since my arrival at Guaymas, your conduct toward me has -been inexplicable."</p> - -<p>"You are jesting. I consider it most natural."</p> - -<p>"Still, it appears to me——"</p> - -<p>"Come, what do you find so extraordinary in my conduct?"</p> - -<p>"Well, everything."</p> - -<p>"Mention details."</p> - -<p>"I will do so."</p> - -<p>"Let us see."</p> - -<p>"Shall I start from the commencement?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"Very good. You know, as you have a copy of my agreement, that it is -stated in it that I shall only stay at Guaymas just the time necessary -for the company to settle the halting places, and prepare provision and -fodder."</p> - -<p>"Perfectly correct."</p> - -<p>"I have been kept at the port nearly a fortnight under excuses, each -more frivolous than the other. Comprehending how injurious inaction may -prove to my company, I made repeated applications to the captain-general -and yourself. All my letters were answered by want of instructions."</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>"Wearied with this abnormal position, I at length succeed in obtaining -my passports to start for the mine. At that moment I receive from you, -general, a note giving me orders not to leave Guaymas."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Proceed."</p> - -<p>Don Louis, confounded by the impassiveness of the speaker, whose face -remained calm and voice tranquil, began to feel himself growing angry.</p> - -<p>"Now, general," he said, raising his voice, "I have a right to ask you -clearly what game we are playing.</p> - -<p>"A very simple one, my dear count, I repeat to you; and you can, if you -really desire it, hold all the trumps in your hand."</p> - -<p>"I confess that I do not at all understand you."</p> - -<p>"That is impossible!"</p> - -<p>"On my honour! I should feel most sincerely obliged by your explaining -to me clearly what is happening; for I assure you that I am in a fog -from which I despair ever to escape."</p> - -<p>"That depends on yourself alone."</p> - -<p>"By Heavens, general, you will allow that you are jesting with me?"</p> - -<p>"Not the least in the world."</p> - -<p>"What? At the request of your government, I come to Sonora with -permission to work the mines. Owing to your influence, as you yourself -allow, my treaty is signed. Confiding in Mexican honesty, I organise an -expedition—I arrive; and my partners, yourself first of all, turn -against me and treat me, not as their friend, their representative, not -with even the respect due to a gentleman, but affect to consider me as -almost a filibuster."</p> - -<p>"O count! You are going too far."</p> - -<p>"On my soul, general, such things can only be witnessed in Mexico."</p> - -<p>"My dear count, you are mistaken. No one is seeking to injure you, on -the contrary."</p> - -<p>"Still, up to the present, you, one of the largest shareholders in the -company, whose interests are at stake, you in a word, who, owing to the -influence you possess, should have helped us in the most effective -manner, have only employed that power to impede our movements and injure -us in every way."</p> - -<p>"O count! What terms you are employing."</p> - -<p>"Good Heavens, general, excuse me! But it is time for all these absurd -annoyances to cease, and for me to be allowed to proceed to the mines. -All this has lasted too long."</p> - -<p>The general appeared to reflect for a moment.</p> - -<p>"Come, frankly," he said at last; "did you not understand why I acted -toward you in that way?"</p> - -<p>"I swear it."</p> - -<p>"That is strange. Pardon me in your turn, count; but I had a very -different opinion of you."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Then you did not guess why I, general, military governor of Sonora, -supported so warmly your petition to the President?"</p> - -<p>"But——"</p> - -<p>"You did not guess," he went on sharply, "why I demanded that your -companions should be well armed, and organised as soldiers?"</p> - -<p>"It appears to me——"</p> - -<p>"You did not understand why I had you invested with a military power as -extensive as if you were chief of an army? Come, count, you are not -speaking seriously at this moment; or else you wish to play a cunning -game with me."</p> - -<p>While pronouncing these words with a certain degree of vehemence, this -time real, the general had left his chair, and was walking about the -room in agitation. The count listened to him with the greatest -attention, while watching him closely. When he was silent, he replied:—</p> - -<p>"I will tell you, general, what I did understand."</p> - -<p>"Speak."</p> - -<p>"I understood, that the Mexican government, too weak to recover for -itself the rich placers of the Plancha de la Plata, which by its -carelessness, had fallen once more into the hands of the Indians, would -gladly see strangers carry out an expedition from which it would reap -the greatest profit. I understood, besides, that the government, unable -effectively to protect the inhabitants of Sonora against the incursions -of the Apaches and Comanches, would be delighted if the same strangers -took on themselves at their risk and peril to restrain these ferocious -plunderers within their frontiers. I understood lastly, that General Don -Guerrero, (whose life and his daughter's I had been so fortunate as to -save, and who felt such deep gratitude toward me), had gladly seized on -the opportunity to do me a service in his turn, by placing at my -disposal that great influence he possesses, to obtain for me that which -I had so long solicited in vain. That is all I understood, general."</p> - -<p>"Ah! That is all?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but am I mistaken?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps."</p> - -<p>"Then, be kind enough to explain yourself categorically, general."</p> - -<p>"What use would it be now? It is too late," the general answered, -darting at him a glance of strange meaning.</p> - -<p>"Why, then, too late?"</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian walked quickly up to the count, and stopped in front of -him.</p> - -<p>"Because now," he said, "we can never understand each other."</p> - -<p>"You believe so, general?"</p> - -<p>"I am sure of it."</p> - -<p>"But, for what reason?"</p> - -<p>"You wish me to tell it you?"</p> - -<p>"I beg you."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, señor conde, the reason is this: you are a man of too much -sense and vast intelligence—in a word, you are a man in a thousand——"</p> - -<p>"General, I implore you——"</p> - -<p>"I do not flatter you, count; I tell you the truth. Unfortunately, -though you speak Spanish with rare perfection, you are not sufficiently -acquainted with <i>Mexican</i> for us ever to understand each other."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the count said, without adding another word.</p> - -<p>"I am right, I think; this time you caught the meaning of my words?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps, general, I will reply in the remark you employed an instant -ago."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Now, I think, we have nothing more to say to each other."</p> - -<p>"Permit me a few words."</p> - -<p>"Speak."</p> - -<p>"Whatever may happen, general, on passing the door of the room, I shall -not remember one word of our conversation."</p> - -<p>"As you please, count; we have said nothing the whole town might not -hear."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but others might possibly put a different interpretation -on them than mine. There are so many ways of understanding words."</p> - -<p>"Oh! But ours were remarkably innocent."</p> - -<p>"They were. I trust, general, we shall not part as foes."</p> - -<p>"Why should we be so, my dear count? I desire, on the contrary, that the -agreeable acquaintance we have renewed this evening may be changed ere -long—on your side at least, for on mine it has long been so—into a -durable friendship."</p> - -<p>"You overwhelm me, general."</p> - -<p>"Do I not owe you my life?"</p> - -<p>"So I may always count on you?"</p> - -<p>"As on yourself, my dear friend."</p> - -<p>These words were uttered by the two speakers with such delicately -sharpened irony, that no one could have guessed, beneath the charming -smile that played on their lips, the rage and hatred which swelled their -hearts.</p> - -<p>"Now," the general continued, "I believe we can return to the ballroom?"</p> - -<p>"I am at your orders, general."</p> - -<p>Don Sebastian opened the door of the room, and stood against the wall. -The count passed him.</p> - -<p>"Do you play, Don Louis?" the general asked him.</p> - -<p>"Rarely; still, if you wish it, I shall be happy to cover your stake."</p> - -<p>"This way then."</p> - -<p>They entered a room in which several monte tables were established. The -gamblers were collected before a table, at which a man, who had an -enormous pile of gold before him, was enjoying extraordinary good luck. -The man was Don Cornelio. After conversing for some time with Doña -Angela, the Spaniard, attracted by the irresistible charm of gold, -approached the monte tables, and, fascinated in spite of himself, he had -risked the few ounces he possessed.</p> - -<p>Luck had been favourable to him; so constantly favourable, that in less -than an hour he had gained nearly all the gold of all the players who -had ventured to hold their ground against him; so that he eventually won -an enormous sum. At the moment the count and the general arrived near -him, Don Cornelio's last adversary retired, completely cleaned out, and -the fight ceased for want of combatants; so that the Spaniard, after -looking around him, and seeing that no one cared longer to contend with -him, began with unchangeable coolness thrusting into the vast pockets of -his <i>calzoneras</i> the ounces piled up before him.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" the general said, gaily, "it seems that the Atravida company -is in luck to-night, Señor Don Louis; it gains on all sides at once."</p> - -<p>The count smiled at this double-edged compliment.</p> - -<p>"Let us see if I shall change the vein?" Don Sebastian continued, "Will -you play against me, Don Louis?"</p> - -<p>"On one condition."</p> - -<p>"What? I accept it beforehand."</p> - -<p>"This: I have a peculiar custom of never playing more than three -stakes."</p> - -<p>"Good."</p> - -<p>"Wait a minute. I play them, doubling each time."</p> - -<p>"The deuce! And if you lose one of the three?"</p> - -<p>"That is of no consequence; still, I do not think I shall lose," he said -with perfect calmness.</p> - -<p>"What! You do not think you will lose?"</p> - -<p>"No; I confess to you that I have great luck in play. The reason is, -probably, because I care very little about winning."</p> - -<p>"That is possible; still, what you tell me is so curious, that I should -like to convince myself of the fact."</p> - -<p>"It only depends on you."</p> - -<p>By degrees, the guests had drawn nearer the two gentlemen, and formed a -group around them. Doña Angela had also advanced, and was now close to -Don Louis' side.</p> - -<p>"Come," the general said, "let us play three stakes."</p> - -<p>"At your orders."</p> - -<p>"How much shall we set?"</p> - -<p>"What you please."</p> - -<p>"Suppose we say 2000 piastres?"</p> - -<p>"Agreed."</p> - -<p>The general took up a pack of new cards.</p> - -<p>"If you have no objection," he remarked, "we will neither of us cut."</p> - -<p>"As you please."</p> - -<p>"But who shall be dealer?"</p> - -<p>"I," Doña Angela suddenly exclaimed, as she seized the pack of cards.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" the general said with a smile, "take care, Don Louis; my -daughter is enlisted against you."</p> - -<p>"I cannot believe that the señorita is my enemy," the count replied, as -he bowed to the young lady.</p> - -<p>Doña Angela blushed, but said nothing; she unfastened the pack, and -shuffled the cards.</p> - -<p>"Two thousand piastres," the general said. "Deal, my child."</p> - -<p>She began turning up the cards.</p> - -<p>"Lost!" she said in a moment.</p> - -<p>"That is true," said the general; "I have lost; now for the second. -<i>Caramba!</i> Take care, niña, we are playing this time for 4000 piastres."</p> - -<p>"Lost!" she cried.</p> - -<p>"Again! That is singular. Come, Don Louis, the last one."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it would be better to stop here; neither you nor I, general, -care for this money."</p> - -<p>"That is the reason I wish for the third stake; besides, luck may have -favoured you hitherto."</p> - -<p>"Did I not warn you?"</p> - -<p>"Come, come; I wish to be certain."</p> - -<p>"Lost!" the young lady said for the third time, in her harmonious voice.</p> - -<p>"<i>Caramba!</i> This is really singular. I owe you 14,000 piastres, Don -Louis. I allow that you have really extraordinary fortune."</p> - -<p>"I know it," the count answered, still perfectly cool; "and now permit -me to leave you. Señorita, accept my grateful thanks for the kind -assistance you granted me in this matter."</p> - -<p>The young lady bowed, ashamed and blushing,</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow, at daybreak, the 14,000 piastres will be at your house, Don -Louis."</p> - -<p>"Do not hurry yourself, general; I shall have the honour of seeing you -again."</p> - -<p>The count thereupon took leave, and withdrew with Don Cornelio, -obsequiously accompanied to the door of the last room by the general.</p> - -<p>"Double traitor!" the count muttered, as he mounted. "Take care of -yourself, for now I see your game. In spite of your cunning, you have -let me read your thoughts."</p> - -<p>The count, followed by his escort, thoughtfully returned to the house he -inhabited. He was reflecting on the means to be employed in foiling the -machinations of his enemies, and carrying out his expedition -successfully. As for Don Cornelio, he only thought of one thing—the -luck he had had during the evening; and, while galloping by Don Louis' -side, he mentally calculated the number of ounces he had gained, of -which fact he had not yet been able to assure himself satisfactorily.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE TAPADA.</h3> - - -<p>The American character is made up of contrasts; and one of the strangest -of these is the honesty and punctuality with which play debts are -liquidated. The man who would remorselessly assassinate another to rob -him of two reals, would not fail to pay him, within twenty-four hours, -any gambling debt, however large it might be.</p> - -<p>The next morning, on waking, Don Louis found on the table of his room -several canvas bags, filled with ounces. They contained the 14,000 -piastres, lost on the previous evening by the general, and which the -latter had sent at sunrise.</p> - -<p>Louis was annoyed at this punctuality, which, in his ignorance of -Mexican habits, he was far from expecting. It appeared to him of evil -omen. He dressed; and, after breakfasting, left Don Cornelio engaged in -counting his previous evening's gains, and wrapping himself in his -cloak, went out with the intention of looking at the town.</p> - -<p>As, during his walk, he passed before the palace, he took advantage of -this circumstance to give his card to one of the general's criados, not -wishing, after the conversation they had held, to force himself upon -him, but intending to call in person the next day.</p> - -<p>The count employed several hours in traversing the town, visiting the -churches, of which two or three are rather fine, and smoking sundry -cigarettes on the Alameda, a delightful promenade shaded by noble -trees, where the fair sex of Pitic breathe the fresh air every evening. -At length, he returned home, shut himself up in his room, and earned on -his correspondence till a late hour.</p> - -<p>The next day, as he had resolved, he proceeded to the palace: it was -closed. The general, summoned by an important affair, had started at -four o'clock the previous afternoon on horseback, only taking with him a -small squadron of lancers. But, the man added who gave the count this -information, his excellency the general would not be long absent; he -would probably return within four days. The count, try all he knew, -could obtain no more positive information. The Mexicans, ordinarily so -gossiping, can become, when their interests demand it, as dumb as fish; -and in that case it is impossible, either by money or promises, to get a -single syllable from them.</p> - -<p>Don Louis retired, excessively annoyed at this <i>contretemps</i>, which -seemed expressly prepared for him; still, in order to clear up his -doubts, and not wishing, under circumstances so grave, to act lightly, -and commit any imprudence, although the general's behaviour seemed to -him highly improper, he resolved to wait a few days, in order that he -might have right on his side, by proving that Don Sebastian's departure -had been premeditated for the purpose of avoiding any further -explanation with him.</p> - -<p>Daily, the count sent one of his men to the palace to inquire whether -the general had returned. The answer was always the same. The general -was absent, but it was certain he would soon return: he was indeed -expected at any moment. Eight days passed thus. Another subject of -restlessness then arose, to increase the count's annoyances and the -impatient feeling that was beginning to conquer him.</p> - -<p>On leaving Guaymas, he had given orders to the officer to whom he gave -the temporary command of the company, to start to join him after four -days. The men, then, must not only have started, but must be close to -Pitic, as the two towns were only fifteen leagues apart, a distance -which an armed body can easily cover between two suns; and yet, since -his leaving the port, the count had received no news—no reply to his -letters; and the company did not make its appearance.</p> - -<p>What had happened since his leaving Guaymas? What new obstacles had been -interposed to the movement of his company? Whence resulted this -incomprehensible delay of four days? Why had not the officer left in -charge informed him of what had occurred? Or had his couriers been -interrupted on the road? Why had not Valentine or Curumilla, those two -resolute and devoted men, for whom the greatest obstacles had no -existence, come to warn him?</p> - -<p>All these suppositions, and many others that offered themselves to the -count's perplexed mind, threw him into a state of moral excitement -impossible to describe. He knew not what to resolve, what means to -employ, in order to acquire a certainty a hundred fold preferable to -the doubt that gnawed him. At length, he decided on sending Don -Cornelio, in whom he believed he could trust, at full gallop to Guaymas. -That gentleman was out, however, and was sought for without being found.</p> - -<p>This new obstacle culminated the count's feverish impatience. He mounted -his horse, and started with the intention of exploring the environs of -the town, in the secret hope of discovering some traces of his comrades, -or at least learning some news about them. During the four hours he -galloped in every direction, he saw nothing, and heard nothing. He -turned back—a prey to a mighty sorrow, and heavy discouragement.</p> - -<p>On approaching his house, the sound of a jarana reached his ears, and he -hurried on his steed. Don Cornelio, carelessly seated on a stool in the -porch of the house, was strumming his guitar, singing, as was his wont, -his inevitable romance of King Rodrigo. On perceiving Don Louis, the -Spaniard threw his instrument far from him, and rose with a cry of joy.</p> - -<p>"At length!" he shouted.</p> - -<p>"Why at length?" the count answered. "I consider the exclamation -curious, since I have been searching after you, and could not lay my -hand on you."</p> - -<p>The Spaniard smiled mysteriously.</p> - -<p>"I know it," he said; "but this place is not propitious for talking. Don -Louis, will you permit me to accompany you to your cuarto?"</p> - -<p>"With the greatest pleasure; the more so, as I also wish to speak with -you."</p> - -<p>"Come, that is a charming coincidence."</p> - -<p>On reaching his room, Don Louis turned to his companion.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said to him; "what have you to tell me?"</p> - -<p>"Listen. This morning, according to my daily custom, I was walking about -after breakfast, smoking a papelito, when, at the corner of the Calle de -la Merced and the Calle San Francisco, I felt a slight touch on my arm. -I turned sharply. A charming woman, or at least I suppose so, for it was -impossible for me to distinguish her features, so carefully were they -hidden in the folds of her rebozo, made me a sign to follow her. What -would you have done in my place, Don Louis?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know, my friend; but I entreat you, be brief, for I am in a -hurry."</p> - -<p>"Well, I followed her. You know that I have an idea about Mexican women, -and am convinced that some day or other——"</p> - -<p>"In Heaven's name, my friend, come to the point," Don Louis interrupted -him, stamping his foot impatiently.</p> - -<p>"I am doing so. I followed her then. She entered the church of la -Merced, I at her heels. The church was deserted at that moment, which -caused me a lively pleasure; because in such a case a man can talk at -his ease. Do not be impatient, I have come to it. When I reached a -rather dark corner, the young and charming female, for I assert that she -is both, turned so suddenly that I almost trod on her toes. 'Are you not -Don Cornelio Mendoza?' she asked me. 'Yes,' I replied.</p> - -<p>"'In that case,' she said, 'you are a friend of the count.' I guessed at -once that the stranger alluded to you. 'I am his intimate friend,' I -continued. 'That is well,' she added, drawing from her bosom a small -note, which she placed in my hand; 'give him this as quickly as -possible, it alludes to very grave matters.' I seized the paper, on -which I mechanically fixed my eyes; when I raised them again, my -incognita had disappeared, fled like a sylph, leaving no trace. It was -impossible for me to catch her up, for the confounded place was so -dark."</p> - -<p>"Well, and where is the note?" Don Louis asked.</p> - -<p>"Here it is. Oh, I did not lose it! It was too warmly recommended to -me."</p> - -<p>The count took it, and, without deigning a glance, threw it on the -table. Since his arrival at Pitic he had received twenty a day, and had -not answered one; he did not even read them now, as he felt convinced -they all meant the same thing.</p> - -<p>"And now," he added, "you have finished, I presume?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then listen to me in your turn," he continued, handing him the letter -he had prepared for the hunter during his absence. "You will mount this -instant, start for Guaymas; give this letter to Don Valentine, and bring -me back the answer. You understand?"</p> - -<p>"Of course."</p> - -<p>"I can rely on your diligence?"</p> - -<p>"I start."</p> - -<p>He went out. Ten minutes later, Don Louis heard the hurried footfalls of -a horse re-echoing before the gateway.</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow, at this hour, I shall know on what I have to depend," Don -Louis muttered.</p> - -<p>He threw himself on a butaca; and, resting his elbows on a table, he -buried his head in his hands, and fell into deep thought. In this -position, his eyes were involuntarily fixed on the note Don Cornelio had -given him, and which was just in front of him. A sickly smile played on -his lips.</p> - -<p>"Poor fools!" he muttered, "who only dream of love and pleasure, to whom -life is only one long festival. What need have I of your false -protestations, to which I cannot respond? Love for me no longer exists. -Like all the women who have preceded her, this one, doubtlessly, offers -me an eternal love, which she will forget tomorrow. Why trouble myself -about such absurdities? My heart is dead to joy—only too dead, alas!"</p> - -<p>And he thrust the paper away.</p> - -<p>The night was rapidly falling, and the count kindled a lucifer match to -light a candle; but, as frequently happens to people deeply engaged, -when he held the lucifer to the candle, he perceived that the former was -nearly burnt out. Then, mechanically, he took up the note he had -spurned, folded it up, and was going to twist it into a spill; but all -at once he stopped, threw the match on the floor, lit another, and read -this note, so despised a moment previously. The following were the -contents:—</p> - -<p>"A person interested in the Count Don Louis begs him, for his own sake, -to go this evening to the Alameda at ten o'clock, under the first walk -on the left. A person seated on the third bench will say to him -'Guaymas,' he will answer 'Atravida,' and follow her at a distance, -without addressing other questions to her, to the spot where she is -directed to lead him, and where the count will learn matters which, for -his own safety and that of his comrades, it is important for him to -know."</p> - -<p>This strange note was not signed.</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this?" the count said to himself. "Is it a -mystification? For what object? Is it a snare offered me, in which they -wish me to fall? By Heaven, I will know the truth! What hour is -it—nine? I have still an hour before me. If my mysterious correspondent -meditates an assassination, he will find with whom he has to deal. Who -knows? Perhaps it is really a warning a good friend wishes to give me? I -shall soon see."</p> - -<p>While saying this, the count had changed his clothes for others of a -dark hue. He put on his waist belt, through an iron ring of which, -according to the Mexican fashion, he passed a sheathless machete; he -placed two excellent revolvers in his girdle, wrapped himself carefully -in the folds of a wide cloak, pulled his broad brimmed hat over his -eyes, and prepared to go out.</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" he said, as he crossed the threshold of the house, "armed as -I am, the brigands who attempt to attack me will have their work cut -out."</p> - -<p>At the moment the count entered the street, it struck a quarter to ten -by the clock of the Cabildo.</p> - -<p>"I have just time," he said.</p> - -<p>And he began walking quickly. The night was dark, the streets were -deserted. As the count had expected, he reached the Alameda exactly as -the clock struck ten.</p> - -<p>"Let us see," he said.</p> - -<p>He then walked with a firm step, though looking carefully around, and -with his hand on his arms, in fear of a surprise. Conforming to the -instructions of the note, he proceeded toward the walk indicated to him. -He soon distinguished a dark form, which he recognised as that of a -female seated on a bench. The count was then ashamed of his suspicions, -left his hold of his arms, and, after reflection, was on the point of -returning, supposing that this rendezvous was not so serious as he had -at first supposed. Still, after a moment's reflection, he resolved on -carrying out the affair to the end, and walked toward the stranger, who -remained perfectly calm. At the moment he was passing her she coughed -gently, and the count turned to her.</p> - -<p>"<i>Guaymas</i>" she said in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"<i>Atravida</i>" the count replied in the same tone.</p> - -<p>"Come."</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>The strange woman rose, and not turning once, proceeded with a firm and -hasty step along the Alameda, and turned into a narrow street inhabited -by leperos, stopping before a house of rather wretched appearance. She -then opened the door with a key she held in her hand, and went in, -being careful to leave the door ajar. The count was close at her heels, -and entered without any hesitation. He found himself in dense obscurity, -and heard the door close behind him with a spasm at his heart.</p> - -<p>"It is plain that I am in a wasp's nest," he said to himself.</p> - -<p>"Fear nothing," a soft and melodious voice suddenly said, almost in his -ear; "you have no occasion to alarm yourself, for these precautions are -not taken against yourself."</p> - -<p>The affectionate and almost mournful accent of this voice completely -reassured the count.</p> - -<p>"I fear nothing," he said. "Were I afraid of a snare, should I have -come?"</p> - -<p>"Listen, moments are precious. I have only a few seconds at my command."</p> - -<p>"I am listening."</p> - -<p>"You have powerful enemies; one especially has sworn your destruction. -Take care! You would not serve his plans and become the agent of -disorder, in order to help that man in gaining the object of his -ambition; so that man has resolved your death."</p> - -<p>"I despise the man's threats, for I know him."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so, I mention no names. Still, he is not alone against you. If -you wish to foil your enemy's plans, act vigorously; above all be -prudent. Treason is everywhere in Mexico, it is breathed in the air; so -trust to none but well tried men. You have traitors even among those who -come nearest to you."</p> - -<p>"What do my enemies want?"</p> - -<p>"To destroy you, I tell you, because you have refused to become their -accomplice."</p> - -<p>"Oh! I will avenge myself."</p> - -<p>"Take care! Above all, do not remain long here. Your enemies can act the -more surely in the dark, when, they know you are away from your company. -Rejoin your comrades."</p> - -<p>"I will do so this very night."</p> - -<p>"Yes, start at once for the mines. If you can reach them before your -enemies are in a position to raise the mask, you will be saved."</p> - -<p>"Thanks for your advice, I will follow it."</p> - -<p>"So now, good-by."</p> - -<p>"Good-bye," the count said, with an accent of regret.</p> - -<p>"We must not meet again."</p> - -<p>"What! After the signal service you render me at this moment——"</p> - -<p>"It must be. Everything parts us."</p> - -<p>"Tell me one thing, pray."</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"Whence comes the interest you deign to show me?"</p> - -<p>"Is the motive for a woman's actions ever known?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are jesting with me, señora; that is wrong."</p> - -<p>The strange lady sighed.</p> - -<p>"No, Don Louis," she continued, "I am not jesting with you. What need -that you should know me? Sufficient for you that I watch over you. Seek -not for the motive."</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, I am anxious to know it."</p> - -<p>"Were I to tell you that I loved you, would you believe it, Don Louis?" -she said, sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he said, with emotion, "I would pity you, madam, if you attached -yourself to a wretched being like myself, whose life has only been one -long suffering."</p> - -<p>"Do you not know, then, that we women love the unhappy before all? Our -mission upon earth is to offer consolation."</p> - -<p>"Madam, I implore you, do not let me leave you thus. I should carry away -in my heart a grief which nothing could cure."</p> - -<p>"I was wrong to come," she murmured, mournfully.</p> - -<p>"Oh! Say not so, as you have perchance saved my life."</p> - -<p>"Farewell, Don Louis," she replied, with an accent of ineffable -gentleness; "we must part. Whatever may occur, remember that you have a -devoted friend—a sister."</p> - -<p>"A sister!" he remarked, bitterly, "be it so. If that is your wish; -madam, I do not insist."</p> - -<p>"Take this ring, as you wish absolutely to know who I am. My name is -engraved upon it, but promise me not to read it for three days."</p> - -<p>"I swear it," he replied, holding out his hand in the darkness.</p> - -<p>A hand seized on his, pressed it gently, left a ring in it; and then he -heard a slight rustling of silk, and a soft voice murmured farewell for -the last time. The count heard a door close, and that was all. In a -second, the door which had granted him admission to the house opened -again. Don Louis wrapped himself in his cloak, and went out, a prey to -considerable agitation. He reached his abode at full speed; from a -distance he perceived a man standing before his gateway. The count, -through a secret presentiment he could not explain, hurried onward.</p> - -<p>"Valentine!" he suddenly exclaimed, with marks of amazement.</p> - -<p>"Yes, brother," the other answered; "fortunately I met Don Cornelio. -Your horse is ready; come, let us start."</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, then?" he exclaimed, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Off, off! I will tell you all on the road."</p> - -<p>Five minutes later, the adventurers started at full speed on the road -from Pitic to Guaymas.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE REVOLT.</h3> - - -<p>We will leave Don Louis and Valentine galloping on the road to Guaymas, -and explain to the reader what had occurred in that town during the -count's absence.</p> - -<p>The French company formed at San Francisco was not completely made up, -when the hunter brought his friend the money he required: about a dozen -men were still deficient. Pressed by time and wishful to reach Sonora as -soon as possible, Don Louis neglected to employ the same precautions in -enrolling these men, as he had with the rest. He accepted almost anybody -that presented himself. Unfortunately, among the new recruits were four -or five scamps, to whom any restraint was unendurable, and who entered -the company solely impelled by that instinct for evil which governs -vicious natures; that is to say, with the secret intention of committing -every crime that might prove profitable to them, so soon as they reached -Mexico.</p> - -<p>During the passage from San Francisco to Guaymas, and even so long as -the count remained in the latter town, these persons carefully avoided -showing themselves in their true colours, justly fearing punishment; but -so soon as the count left Guaymas for Pitic, they threw off the mask, -and in company with a few scamps of their own stamp, whom they picked up -in the slums about the port, commenced a life of disorder and -debauchery.</p> - -<p>Colonel Florés and Don Antonio did not fail to profit by the irregular -conduct of these men, and planted spies upon them, who excited them by -all the means at their command to redouble their disorderly conduct. -These emissaries cleverly spread the report that Don Louis had purposely -deceived his comrades, that the mines of the Plancha de la Plata had no -existence, that he had obtained no concession, and that his object was -very different from what he had stated to his followers.</p> - -<p>These calumnies, at first weak and as it were ashamed to expose -themselves in broad daylight, in a short time obtained a degree of -consistency; and a great fermentation was visible in the company. The -officers, justly alarmed at what was passing, assembled in council, and -resolved to warn the count of the alarming state of matters, and the -dangers that menaced the expedition. Colonel Florés, as delegate of the -government, was present at this council, and gave his opinion that a -courier should be despatched to the count at once. The courier was -really sent off, but almost immediately intercepted. This happened on -the third day after the count's departure. The officer to whom he -intrusted the command, reassured by the departure of the courier, and -desirous to cover his responsibility by executing the orders he had -received, ordered the assembly to be sounded at daybreak of the fourth -day, and issued orders for immediate departure.</p> - -<p>Murmurs broke out on all sides, cries and yells were heard, and for some -time there was an inextricable confusion. Colonel Florés had hurried up, -on hearing what was taking place. He insinuated that it would be -probably imprudent to leave Guaymas, with the soldiers in their present -state of excitement, and that it would be better to await the count's -return, who, warned by the courier sent off the previous day, would -doubtlessly arrive at once, and a hundred other more or less specious -arguments.</p> - -<p>But the temporary commandant was an old African soldier, trained in -habits of discipline, and who only obeyed his orders. He replied sharply -to the colonel that he begged him to attend to his own affairs, for what -was occurring in no way concerned him. As for himself he had his orders, -and would obey them, whatever the consequences might be.</p> - -<p>Colonel Florés finding himself so sharply taken up, and perceiving that -he was on the wrong road, immediately changed his batteries, and -perfectly coincided with the officer, whom he urged to continue as he -had begun, and not yield an inch to the insubordination of his soldiers. -The commandant shrugged his shoulders contemptuously at these new -suggestions from the worthy colonel, and walking into the middle of the -yard, where the soldiers, forming scattered groups, were consulting -together, he ordered the buglers to sound the assembly.</p> - -<p>He was at once obeyed; but the adventurers yelled at the buglers, and -redoubled their shouts and vociferations. The commandant remained -motionless on the spot he had selected, with his arms folded on his -chest; when the buglers had given the call, he pulled out his watch and -coolly looked at the hour. The insurgents watched him closely, the other -officers had come up, and ranged themselves round their chief.</p> - -<p>"Return to your squads, gentlemen," he said to them in a clear voice, -which, though not raised above the tone of an ordinary conversation, was -distinctly heard by all. "Your men have five minutes to fall in; we -shall start in a quarter of an hour."</p> - -<p>A prolonged laugh greeted these words. The commandant returned his sabre -to its scabbard, and walked with a measured step straight up to one of -the scamps who had been the originator of the tumult, and who appeared -to insult him most of all. The man started on seeing his chief walking -toward him, and instinctively looked behind him. The shouts had ceased, -and the adventurers, were waiting curiously the issue. When the -commandant was only two paces from the man, he stopped, and looking him -firmly in the face said,—-</p> - -<p>"Were you laughing at me just now?"</p> - -<p>The other hesitated to reply.</p> - -<p>"It is not the chief who is speaking to you at this moment," the officer -continued, "but the man you have insulted."</p> - -<p>The adventurer felt that the eyes of all his comrades were fixed upon -him; so he recalled all his effrontery.</p> - -<p>"Well, supposing I was?" he said insolently.</p> - -<p>"In that case," the officer continued quietly, "you are a scoundrel."</p> - -<p>"A scoundrel?" the other retorted, in a passion. "You must be more -careful in your language, I advise you."</p> - -<p>"You are a scoundrel, I repeat; and I am going to punish you."</p> - -<p>"Punish me?" he said, sneeringly; "come on then."</p> - -<p>"Give the fellow a sabre," the officer said, turning to the spectators.</p> - -<p>"A sabre? What for?"</p> - -<p>"To give me satisfaction for your insult."</p> - -<p>"I do not know how to use a sabre."</p> - -<p>"Ah, that is the case, is it? You insult me because, you fancy yourself -supported by your comrades, and that I am alone; but your comrades are -brave men; they know me, and would not wish to insult me."</p> - -<p>"No, no!" several voices exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"While you are a miserable coward, unworthy longer to belong to the -company. I dismiss you; you are no Frenchman; be off!"</p> - -<p>Then, with a strength he little thought he possessed, the officer seized -the man by the collar of his coat, and hurled him twenty paces. He -jumped up, and ran off at full speed followed by a general yell.</p> - -<p>The officer was not mistaken. The fellow was not a Frenchman. But why -need we divulge his nationality? A whole nation must not be responsible -for the villainy of a single man.</p> - -<p>When the officer turned round again after this summary execution, he saw -that all the adventurers had fallen in, and were standing motionless and -silent. The commandant reproached nobody, and did not appear to remember -any longer the resistance offered to him. All men are alike. To subdue -them, you must prove to them that you possess a decided superiority over -them.</p> - -<p>Colonel Florés was stupefied. He understood nothing of what was taking -place.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" he muttered to himself; "what energy! What courage! I fancy we -shall not find it an easy matter to master men like these."</p> - -<p>The commandant, after assuring himself by a glance that the company had -really returned to its duty, gave the order for starting. This order, at -once repeated by the subaltern officers, was obeyed without the -slightest murmur; and the adventurers set out on their march, preceded -by a long file of mules, carrying the baggage, and two or three carts, -conveying invalids. The guns (for the count had judged it necessary to -augment his artillery), were in the centre, dragged by mules. The march -was closed by the cavalry, a detachment of ten men having been -previously told off to form the vanguard.</p> - -<p>The Frenchmen traversed Guaymas at a quick step, amid the shouts and -wishes of success of the population collected on their road. Don Antonio -accompanied the company to the Rancho de San José, which forms, as it -were, a suburb of Guaymas. On arriving there, he took leave of the -officers in the most friendly manner, repeating his offers of service; -and after pressing the hand of Colonel Florés, who went on with the -adventurers, and exchanging a glance with him, he returned to the port.</p> - -<p>It was late when the Frenchmen started. The heat was stifling; -consequently they could not cover much ground, retarded, as they were, -by the mules and carts. At sunset, they encamped at the entrance of a -village, about four leagues from the town.</p> - -<p>The commandant imagined he had gained everything by inducing the company -to leave Guaymas; but he was mistaken. The leaven of discord, artfully -spread among the adventurers, was still at work, and was carefully kept -up by the men to whom we have alluded. It was by no means the interest -of these fellows to bury themselves in the interior of the country, -where they would have no chance of finding what they had come to Mexico -for, namely, opportunities for robbery and debauch. Thus, far from -feeling discouraged by the check they had received that very morning, -they intended to begin again, as soon as the occasion presented itself.</p> - -<p>Valentine, who carefully watched all that went on around him, took the -commandant on one side when the camp was formed, and warned him of the -insubordination in the company. The latter, however, attached no great -importance to the hunter's observations; for he was persuaded that, -after the vigorous manner in which he had behaved, the adventurers would -not dare to mutiny again.</p> - -<p>Valentine's previsions were only too well founded, as the commandant had -proof the next morning, when he wished to start again. The adventurers -bluntly refused; threats or prayers were equally unavailing; they -remained deaf to every observation. It was no longer mutiny, but a -perfect revolt, followed only too soon by utter anarchy. The promoters -of disorder triumphed; still they could not succeed in inducing their -comrades to return to Guaymas.</p> - -<p>Through a remnant of that feeling of duty which never deserts soldiers, -the adventurers were unwilling to abandon the count; they returned -merely to the old charges that had been suggested to them. They wanted a -proof that the mines really existed, that their chief had a regular -concession, and that they were not cheated. In addition to these demands -they set up another, which would completely compromise the future of the -company, were it granted. They demanded that all the officers chosen by -Don Louis should be broken, and the company be permitted to choose -others by vote.</p> - -<p>Valentine remarked to them that they could do nothing during their -chiefs absence. They must await his return, or commit a flagrant act of -illegality; for Don Louis was at liberty to choose whom he pleased for -officers, as he was the sole leader of the expedition, and alone -responsible for its conduct.</p> - -<p>The adventurers at length yielded to this reasoning, which appeared to -them just; and, in order to stop as soon as possible these discussions -which only delayed the affairs of the company, it was settled that -Valentine should start the next morning for Pitic, and bring back the -count with him. Valentine promised to do what they wanted, and -tranquillity was gradually restored for the remainder of the day.</p> - -<p>The next morning, at daybreak, therefore, Valentine mounted his horse, -and started for Pitic. We have seen that he was fortunate enough to find -Don Louis, and in what way he brought him off. On the road he told his -friend all that had occurred, in the fullest details. Hence, the count -was burning to arrive at the camp to check the disorder, and prevent the -dissolution of the company, whose existence was seriously menaced, if -such a state of things was allowed to continue only a few hours longer.</p> - -<p>At daybreak, the horsemen reached the camp. All was topsy-turvy; -confusion and disorder prevailed on all sides. The adventurers would -listen to nothing. The officers, rendered powerless, knew not what to -do, or how to turn away the storm that threatened them. But the sudden -arrival of the count was a thunderbolt for the mutineers.</p> - -<p>Don Louis leaped off his horse, and walked resolutely toward them. At -the sight of him, the adventurers involuntarily felt the feeling of duty -re-aroused in their hearts, which they had vainly striven to stifle.</p> - -<p>"The assembly!" the count shouted in a thundering voice.</p> - -<p>Yielding to this man's magical influence, which they had so long been -accustomed to respect, they obeyed orders, and assembled around him.</p> - -<p>"Not so," he continued; "fall in."</p> - -<p>The first step was taken, they formed their ranks. The count surveyed -them, looking closely along the ranks. The adventurers stood silent and -gloomy; they felt themselves guilty. These hardened men trembled, not -from fear but shame. The count addressed them.</p> - -<p>"What have you to reproach me with, comrades?" he said to them, in his -gentle and sympathising voice. "Since the moment I first collected you -around me, have I not done all in my power to improve your position? -Have I not constantly treated you as my children? Speak: if I have -injured one of you, or committed a single act of injustice, tell it me? -You have been led to believe that I am deceiving you, that I was not the -owner of the Plancha de Plata, that this mine did not exist. Look here," -he added, as he drew a document from his chest, "here are the papers; -the agreement is regularly drawn up, the stations are prepared up to -the mines. Now, have you faith in me? do you now suppose that I am -deceiving you. Answer!"</p> - -<p>He was silent for a moment; but not a voice was raised to answer him.</p> - -<p>"Ah! That is the state of the case," he continued; "now listen to me. -The mines to which I am leading you contain incalculable wealth. These -riches will be yours. I shall only take what you give me. You shall -settle my share. Will you now accuse me of wishing to cheat you for my -own profit? You ask for fresh officers chosen by yourselves. I will -never consent to such a condition. Your officers are men in whose -capacity I have full and entire confidence: they well keep their -positions. Among you there are cowards, who have become the tools of my -enemies for the purpose of destroying us. These men all belong to the -second squad. They had better spare me the trouble of discharging them -with ignominy."</p> - -<p>The adventurers, carried away by their chiefs frank and honourable -language, rushed toward him, uttering shouts of joy. Peace was made: all -was forgotten. The emissaries, so suddenly discharged, profited by the -general enthusiasm to disappear without beat of drum.</p> - -<p>"Here is a courier!" Valentine suddenly said.</p> - -<p>The count turned sharply. A <i>lancero</i> was coming up at full gallop.</p> - -<p>"<i>El señor conde?</i>" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I am he," Don Louis answered.</p> - -<p>The soldier held out to him a sealed despatch. The count took it with an -indescribable flutter of the heart, and rapidly ran over the lines. -Suddenly he uttered a shout of joy.</p> - -<p>"Listen," he said; "here is the order I have so long been expecting. The -President of the Republic authorizes us to set out immediately for the -mines. Comrades, we will be off at once for the Plancha de Plata."</p> - -<p>"To the mines!" the adventurers shouted.</p> - -<p>On folding up the paper, Don Louis noticed a few words in French written -at the foot of the envelope.</p> - -<p>"What is this?" he muttered.</p> - -<p>He then read:—</p> - -<p>"Start at once. Perhaps counter orders have already been given. Your -enemies are on the alert."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the count said, "what do I care now? I will manage to foil all -their tricks."</p> - -<p>The adventurers set to work gaily in preparing the carts for the long -journey they would have to go. The two field pieces were carefully -fastened on their carriages; in short, all preparations were taken to -avoid the accidents inseparable from a journey across the desert.</p> - -<p>The adventurers worked with such zeal to terminate their preparations, -that within two hours the column was on their march for Apacheria. The -joy was at its height, the enthusiasm general. One man alone doubted, -and that man was Valentine.</p> - -<p>The fact was, that the hunter was acquainted with the Mexican character, -the groundwork of which is cunning, treachery, and roguery; and, in -spite of himself, he trembled for his comrades.</p> - -<p>[The further adventures of the gold-seekers will be found in the -concluding volume of this series, which is called "The Indian Chief."]</p> - - -<h4>THE END.</h4> - - - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gold-Seekers, by -Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - -***** This file should be named 42532-h.htm or 42532-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/5/3/42532/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (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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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Gold-Seekers - A Tale of California - -Author: Gustave Aimard - Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: April 14, 2013 [EBook #42532] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Scanned by Google) - - - - - -THE GOLD-SEEKERS: - -A TALE OF CALIFORNIA - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD, - - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," THE "TIGER-SLAYER," ETC. - - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, - -158, FLEET STREET. - -1861 - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The "Gold-Seekers" must be regarded as forming the connecting link -between the "Tiger-Slayer" and the "Indian Chief," the concluding volume -of this series. It must not be forgotten that the author is dealing with -real characters, and that the hero lived and died in the way hereafter -to be described; and the three volumes may be considered a life-history -of a very remarkable man. Although they may be perused separately with -equal interest, I feel confident that those readers who have gone so far -with me will desire to know the conclusion of this strange eventful -history. - - LASCELLES WRAXALL. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - PROLOGUE:-- - - I. THE MEETING - II. EL MESON DE SAN JUAN - III. THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD - IV. THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO - - - I. THE NIGHT HALT - II. FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION - III. A SAD MISTAKE - IV. EXPLANATIONS - V. THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LOVE SONG - VI. DELILAH - VII. A RETROSPECT - VIII. A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS - IX. THE NEXT DAY - X. IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED - XI. A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION - XII. CONVERSATION - XIII. PREPARATIONS - XIV. VALENTINE'S RETURN - XV. THE DEPARTURE - XVI. TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER - XVII. GUAYMAS - XVIII. THE FIRST FORTNIGHT - XIX. PITIC - XX. DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND - XXI. THE TAPADA - XXII. THE REVOLT - - - - - -THE GOLD-SEEKERS - - -PROLOGUE - - - -I.--THE MEETING. - - -On the 5th of July, 184-, at about six in the evening, a party of -well-mounted horsemen started at a gallop from Guadalajara, the capital -of the state of Jalisco, and proceeded along the road that traverses the -village of Zapopan, celebrated for its miraculous virgin. After crossing -the escarped summits of the Cordilleras, this road reaches the charming -little town of Tepic, the usual refuge of those Europeans and rich -Mexicans whom business carries to San Blas, but to whom the insalubrity -of the air breathed in that port, the maritime arsenal of the Mexican -union, would be mortal. - -We have said that six o'clock was striking as the cavalcade passed the -gateway. The officer of the watch, after bowing respectfully to the -travellers, watched them for a long time, then re-entered the guardroom, -shaking his head, and muttering to himself,-- - -"Heaven save me! What can Colonel Guerrero be thinking of, to set out on -a Friday, and at such an hour as this? Does he fancy that the -_salteadores_ will allow him to pass? Hum! He will see what they are -about at the _barranca del mal paso_ (the gorge of the evil step)." - -The travellers, however, probably unaffected by the superstitious fears -that ruled the worthy officer, rapidly sped on the long poplar alley -that extends from the town to Zapopan, caring neither for the advanced -hour nor the ill-omened day of the week. - -They were six in number--Colonel Sebastian Guerrero, his daughter, and -four peons, or Indian criados. The colonel was a tall man, with harsh, -marked features, and a bronzed complexion. The few silvery threads -mingled with his black hair showed that he had passed middle life, -although his robust limbs, upright stature, and the brilliancy of his -glance denoted that years had not yet gained the mastery over this -vigorous organisation. He wore the uniform of a Mexican field officer -with the ease and nonchalance peculiar to old soldiers; but, in addition -to the sabre hanging by his side, his holsters held pistols; and a rifle -laid across the saddle-bow proved that, in case of need, he would offer -a vigorous resistance to any robbers who ventured to attack him. - -His daughter, Dona Angela, rode on his right hand. In Europe, where the -growth of girls is not nearly so precocious as in America, she would -only have been a child; for she counted scarce thirteen summers. As far -as could be judged, she was slight, but graceful, and perfectly -proportioned; her features were delicate and noble; her mouth laughing; -her eyes black, quick, and flashing with wit; while her brown hair fell -in two enormous tresses down upon her horse. She was wrapped up -coquettishly in her _rebozo_, and laughed madly at every bound of her -steed, which she maliciously tormented, in spite of her father's -reiterated remonstrances. - -The servants were powerfully-built Indians, armed to the teeth, and -appeared capable of defending their master in case of need. They rode -some ten paces behind the colonel, and led two mules loaded with -provisions and baggage--an indispensable precaution in Mexico, if -travellers do not wish to die of hunger by the way. - -Mexico combines all the climates of the globe. From the icy peaks of the -Cordilleras, down to the burning coasts of the ocean, the traveller in -that country undergoes every temperature. Hence this vast territory has -been divided into three distinct zones: _las tierras calientes_, or hot -lands, composed of the plains on the seashore, and which produce sugar, -indigo, and cotton in truly tropical abundance; _las tierras templadas_, -or temperate lands, regions formed by the Cordilleras, and which enjoy -an eternal spring, great heat and extreme cold being equally unknown -there; and lastly, _las tierras frias_, or cold lands, which include the -central plateaux, and where the temperature is relatively much lower -than in the other zones. - -Still we should remark that in Mexico the expressions "heat," and -"cold," have not an absolute value as in Europe, and that the lofty -plateaux, known as the _tierras frias_, enjoy a temperature like that of -Lombardy, which would seem to any European a very pleasant climate. -Owing to its position, Guadalajara shares in two of the three zones that -divide Mexico. Situated on the limit of the _tierra caliente_ and the -_tierra templada,_ the tepid breezes and pure sky reveal the warm -regions of the seaboard, which extend thus far. The arid sands are -succeeded by fertile and well-cultivated plains, fields of sugar-cane, -Indian corn, bananas, goyaviers, and other productions of the tropical -flora. By degrees the gloomy black oaks and pines, which only grow on -the mountains, become rarer, and eventually disappear entirely, to make -room for poplars, fan-palms, calabash trees, sumachs, Peru trees, and -thousands of others, which proudly wave their superb crowns over the -spontaneous vegetation that surrounds them. - -In _las tierras calientes_, where the heat of the day is stifling, -persons generally only travel from five to eleven A.M., and from three -in the afternoon till ten at night, so as to enjoy the morning and -evening freshness. Colonel Guerrero had, therefore, only conformed to -the general custom by commencing his journey in the evening; but, as so -often occurs, he had started later than he wished, owing to those -numberless obstacles which ever supervene at the moment of departure, -and cause a lengthened delay for no visible reason. But the colonel -cared little about the advanced hour: a night march possessed no terrors -for him, as he had been accustomed for years to modify his humour by -circumstances, and yield to the exigencies of the situation in which he -found himself. - -The sun set behind the Peak of Teguilla, and the Cerro del Col -disappeared in the centre of the chain of tall, abrupt hills which -borders the Rio Tololotlan: gradually the scene was veiled in darkness. -The travellers progressed gaily conversing together, while following the -winding and accidented course of the Rio Grande del Norte, along whose -banks their road ran. The latter was wide, well made, and easy to -follow. Hence the colonel, after taking a careful glance around to -assure himself there was nothing suspicious in the neighbourhood, -trusted entirely to the vigilance of the criados, and resumed the -conversation with his daughter, which he had for a moment broken off. - -"Angela, my child," he said to her, "you are wrong to tease your horse -so. Rebecca is a good beast, very gentle, and very sure-footed; and you -should be more merciful to her than you are." - -"I assure you, papa," the pretty girl answered with a laugh, "I am not -in the least teasing Rebecca; on the contrary, I am only tickling her to -render her lively." - -"Yes, and to make her dance too, as I can plainly see, little madcap. -That would be all very well if we were only taking a ride for a few -hours, instead of a journey which will last a month. Remember, nina, -that a rider must also treat his horse carefully if he wish to reach his -destination safe, and sound. You would not like, I fancy, to be left on -the road by your horse." - -"Heaven forbid, father! If it be so, I will obey you. Rebecca may be at -ease in future; I will not tease her." - -And, while speaking thus, she bent over her horse's neck and gently -patted it. - -"There!" the colonel continued, "now that peace, as I suppose, is made -between you, what do you think of our way of travelling? Does it please -you?" - -"I think it charming, father; the night is magnificent, the moon lights -us as if it were day; the breeze is fresh, and yet not cold. I never was -so happy." - -"All the better, my child. I am the more pleased to hear you speak thus, -because I so feared the effects of such a journey for you, that I was on -the point of leaving you at the convent." - -"Thank you, father, for having changed your mind, and bringing me with -you. I was so wearied with that wretched convent; and then it is so long -since I have seen my dear mother, whom I long to embrace." - -"This time, child, you will have ample leisure to do so for I propose -leaving you with your mother." - -"Then I shall not return to Guadalajara with you?" - -"No, child; you will live at my large _hacienda_, Aguas Frescas, with -your mother and my most faithful servants, during the period of my -absence; for so soon as I have ended the urgent business that demands my -presence at San Blas, I shall go to Mexico and join General Santa Anna. -His Excellency has done me the honour to send for me." - -"Oh!" she said, clasping her hands in entreaty, "you ought to take me -with you to the _ciudad_." - -"Little madcap, you know perfectly well that is impossible; but on my -return I will bring you and your mother the finest things from the -Portales des Mercaderes and the Parian, in order that you may eclipse -the most coquettish senoras of Tepic, when it may please you to walk on -the Alameda of the Pueblo." - -"Oh! That is not the same thing," she said with a charming pout; "and -yet," she added, suddenly regaining her good humour, "I thank you, -father; for you are kind--you love me; and when you do not satisfy my -whims, it is because you find it impossible." - -"I am glad that you recognise that fact, and at length do me justice, -little rattle-brain; for you spend your life in teasing me." - -The girl began laughing, and by a sudden impulse letting her reins fall, -she threw her arms round her father's neck and kissed him several times. - -"Take care what you are about," the colonel said, at once happy and -alarmed. "If Rebecca were to bolt you would be killed. Take up your -reins at once, I say!" - -"Nonsense!" she said, laughing, and shaking her brown tresses -carelessly; "Rebecca is too well trained to behave in such a way." - -Still she caught up her reins and settled herself in her saddle. - -"Angelita mia," the father continued, perhaps more seriously than the -circumstances demanded, "you are no longer a child. You ought to begin -to grow more reasonable, and moderate the vivacity of your character." - -"Do you scold me for loving you, my father?" - -"Heaven forbid, my child! I only make a remark which I consider just; -for, if you yield in this way to your first impressions, you will -prepare great grief for yourself at a future day." - -"Do not think that, my kind father. I am quick, careless, -impressionable, that is true; but, by the side of those defects, I have -the family pride I derive from you, and which will defend me from many -faults." - -"I hope so, my daughter." - -"Do not assume that stern air for a harmless act of folly, father, or I -shall fancy that you are angry with me." Then she added, with a laugh, -"I remember that our family descends in a straight line from the Mexican -king, Chimalpopocatzin, who, as his name indicates, had for his emblem a -buckler from which smoke is issuing. You see, father, our character has -not degenerated since that valorous king, and we have ever remained as -firm as he was himself." - -"Come, come," the colonel said good-humouredly, "I shall give up -scolding you in future, for I see that it is labour wasted." - -The girl smiled maliciously, and was about to reply, when a flash of -light was seen in front of the party. - -"What is that?" the colonel asked, raising his voice. "Is there anyone -on the road?" - -"I think so, colonel," one of the domestics answered at once, "for that -flash seems to me produced by the flint of a _mechero_. - -"That is my opinion too," the colonel said. "Let us hasten on, in order -to see this delayed smoker." - -The little band, which had hitherto proceeded at a slow pace, broke into -an amble. At the expiration of an hour, at the same time as the sound of -a horse's hoofs reached the travellers, they also heard the shrill and -discordant sounds of a _jarana_ (guitar), and the refrain of the -following song, so familiar in Mexico, was borne on the breeze:-- - - "Sin pena vivamos - En calma feliz: - Gozar es mi estrella, - Cantar y reir."[1] - -"Bravo!" the colonel shouted, who reached the singer at this moment. -"Bravely and joyously said, comrade!" - -The latter, with a husk cigarette in his mouth, bowed his head in -affirmation, and defiantly twanged an air on his jarana; then, throwing -it across his shoulder, where it was held by a species of brace, he -turned to his addresser, and ceremoniously doffed his vicuna-skin hat. - -"May God protect you, caballero!" he said politely. "It seems that the -music pleases you." - -"Greatly," the colonel answered, scarce able to retain his laughter at -the sight of the singular person before him. - -He was a tall fellow of eight-and-twenty at the most, marvellously thin, -dressed in a ragged jacket, and haughtily folded in a cloak, whose -primitive colour it was impossible to recognise, and which was as full -of holes as a sieve. Still, in spite of this apparent wretchedness and -starving face, the man had a joyous and decided expression about him, -which it was a pleasure to look upon. His little black eyes, which -looked as if pierced by an auger, sparkled with humour, and his manner -had something _distingue_ about it. He was mounted on a horse as thin -and lanky as himself, against whose hollow flanks beat the straight -sword called a _machete_, which the Mexicans continually wear at their -side, passed through an iron ring instead of a sheath. - -"You are very late on the road, companero," the colonel continued, whose -escort had by this time caught him up. "Is it prudent for you to travel -alone at this hour?" - -"What have I to fear?" the stranger replied. "What salteador would be -such a fool as to stop me?" - -"Who knows?" the colonel remarked with a smile. "Appearances are often -deceitful, and it is not a bad plan to pretend poverty, in order to -travel in safety along the high roads of our beloved country." - -Though uttered purposelessly, these words visibly troubled the stranger; -still he at once recovered, and continued in a hearty voice,-- - -"Unfortunately for me, any feint is useless. I am really as poor as I -seem at this moment, although I have seen happier days, and my cloak was -not always so ragged as you now see it." - -The colonel, perceiving that the subject of conversation was -disagreeable to his new acquaintance, said,-- - -"As you did not stop either at San Pedro or at Zapopan, for I presume -that, like myself, you came from Guadalajara----" - -"It is true," the stranger interrupted him; "I quitted the city about -three in the afternoon." - -"I suppose," the colonel continued, "that you intend to halt at the -meson of San Juan; so, if you have no objection, we will proceed thither -together, for I intend to halt for the night there." - -"The meson of San Juan is a good hostelry," the other said, respectfully -lifting his hand to his hat; "but what shall I do there? I have not an -_ochavo_ to expend uselessly, and have far to go. I will bivouac on the -road; and while my horse, poor brute, is sucking its bit, I will smoke -cigarettes, and sing that romance of King Rodrigo, which, as you are -aware, commences thus." - -And quickly bringing his guitar to the front, he began singing in a loud -voice,-- - - "Cuando las pintadas aves - Mudas estan, y la tierra - Atenta escucha los rio - Que al mar su tributo llevan: - Al escaso resplandor--"[2] - -"Eh!" the colonel exclaimed, brusquely interrupting, "what musical rage -possesses you? It is frenzy." - -"No," the singer replied in melancholy mood; "it is philosophy." - -The colonel examined the poor fellow for a moment; then drawing nearer -to him,-- - -"I am Colonel Don Sebastian Guerrero de Chimalpos. I am travelling with -my daughter and a few servants. Grant me the honour of your company for -this night: tomorrow we will separate, and go our several ways." - -The stranger hesitated for a moment, and frowned. This shade of -dissatisfaction, however, soon disappeared. - -"I am a proud fool," he replied with affecting frankness; "misery -renders me so susceptible that I fancy people are ever trying to -humiliate me. I accept your gracious invitation as frankly as it is -offered. Perhaps I may be able to prove my gratitude to you ere long." - -The colonel paid no great attention to these words, because, just at the -moment, the party arrived at the meson of San Juan, whose lighted -windows had revealed its proximity to the travellers for some time past. - - -[1] Let us live without annoyance in a happy calm: playing is my star, -singing and laughing. - -[2] When the spangled birds are dumb, and the attentive earth listens to -the rivers that bear their tribute to the sea by the weak light--. - - - - -II.--EL MESON DE SAN JUAN. - - -A great deal has been written about the cool and inhospitable way in -which Spanish and Sicilian landlords receive the travellers whom -Providence sends them; but it is evident to us that those who write in -such wise are not acquainted, even by hearsay, with the _mesoneros_ or -Mexican hosts. Were it so, they would doubtlessly, at their own risk -and peril, have rehabilitated those worthy fellows, to discharge the -whole weight of their indignation on the _huespedes_ of New Spain. - -It is a justice to render to the Spanish and Sicilian landlords, that if -they are utterly unable to satisfy in any way the exigencies of -travellers, by giving the latter the provisions they demand, still they -greet them with so affable a countenance, and veil their refusal under -such an exquisite politeness, that in nine cases out of ten the -traveller is compelled to allow that he was himself to blame for not -laying in the necessary provisions, and therefore sups on apologies. - -In Mexico things are very different. On the few high roads formerly -constructed by the Spaniards, and which the neglect of the different -governments that succeeded them has left in such a state that they will -soon disappear completely, there stand, at long distances from each -other, vast buildings which resemble fortresses, for they are nearly all -surrounded by embattled and loopholed walls. These buildings are the -_mesones_, or inns. - -The interior is composed, first, of an enormous court, with a _noria_, -or well, intended to water the horses. Corrals for the beasts of burden -occupy the four corners of this yard. In a separate building are the -travellers' _cuartos_; that is to say, miserable dens furnished only -with a frame of oak, covered with a cowhide, which serves as a bed. -These cuartos are numbered, and all open on long corridors. Each -traveller is obliged to bring with him the indispensable bedding, for -the host only supplies the alfalfa for the horses' provender, and water -from the noria. - -It was about ten at night when Colonel Guerrero arrived at the door of -the meson of San Juan, which was hermetically closed. Upon the repeated -blows dealt by one of the servants, a wicket pierced in the wall, about -two paces from the gate, at length opened; an ill-tempered face was -visible, and a rough voice shouted,-- - -"Who dares to make such a disturbance at the gate of so honest and -respectable a meson as this?" - -"Travellers have arrived, Don Cristoval Saccaplata," the colonel -answered. "Come, open quickly, for we have made a long journey, and are -tired." - -"Hum! They all say the same thing," the host growled. "What do I care -for that? I shall not open, it is too late; so go your way, and Heaven -protect you!" - -And he prepared to close the wicket. - -"One moment. Confound you!" the colonel shouted, "you will not let us -bivouac in front of your door? That would not be at all honourable for -you." - -"Bah! A night is soon passed," the host replied with a grin; "besides, -you can go on to the meson del Salto: they will open to you there." - -"Don't you know that is eight miles off?" - -"Of course I do." - -"Come, open, Senor Saccaplata: you would not have the barbarity to leave -us out here?" - -"Why not?" - -"Because, if you do open, you will be rewarded in a way which you will -not repent of." - -"Yes, yes, all travellers are the same; they make plenty of promises so -long as they are outside; but once in, they are not in a hurry to untie -their purse-strings." - -"That will not be the case with us." - -"How do I know?" the _huesped_ said, shrugging his shoulders. "My house -is full; I have no room left." - -"We will find some, dear Saccaplata." - -"Halloh! Who are you, pray, who know me so well? Maybe you are one of -those _caballeros de la noche_ who have been ransacking the country for -some time past." - -"You are mistaken grossly, and I will prove it to you," the colonel -answered, anxious to cut short this open-air conversation. "Take that -first," he said, throwing two ounces through the wicket; "and now, to -prevent any misunderstanding, know that I am Don Sebastian Guerrero." - -The worthy landlord was only sensible to one argument--that which the -colonel had so judiciously employed to overcome his resistance. He -stooped, picked up the two ounces, which disappeared in a second, and -again addressing the travellers, but this time with a tone which he -strove to render more amiable,-- - -"Come," he said, "I must e'en do what you wish, I am too good-hearted. -You have provisions, I hope?" - -"We have everything we require." - -"All the better, for I could not have supplied you. Do not be impatient; -I am coming down." - -He disappeared from the wicket, and within five minutes could be heard -unbarring the door, growling fearfully the while. The travellers then -entered the yard of the meson. The huesped had lied like the true -landlord he was; he only had in the house two or three muleteers with -their animals, and three travellers, who, by their dress, seemed to be -hacenderos from the vicinity. - -"Halloh!" Don Sebastian shouted, "someone to take my horse." - -"If you begin in that way we shall not be friends long," the huesped -said in the sharp tone he had previously employed. "Here, everyone, big -or little, waits on himself, and attends to his own horse." - -The colonel was far from being of a patient temper. If he had previously -endured the host's insolence, it was solely because it was impossible to -chastise him; but that reason no longer existed. Sharply dismounting, he -drew his pistols from his holsters, thrust them in his belt, and walking -boldly toward Senor Saccaplata, seized him by the collar and shook him -roughly. - -"Listen, master rogue!" he said to him. "A truce to your insolence, and -wait on me, unless you would repent it." - -The host was so amazed at this brusque way of replying to him, and this -assault on his inviolability, that for a moment he remained dumb through -confusion and wrath. His face became crimson, his eyes rolled, and he at -length shouted in a strangled voice,-- - -"Help! Help me! Such an insult! By the body of Christ, I will not -overlook it! Leave my house at once!" - -"I shall not go," the colonel answered peaceably, but firmly; "and you -will attend to me immediately." - -"Oh! We shall see that. Here, help, Pedro, Juan, Jacinto! Come, all of -you, and on to these rascals!" - -Seven or eight servants rushed from the corrals at the sound of their -master's voice, and ranged themselves behind him. - -"Very good," the colonel said, raising his pistols. "I'll blow out the -brains of the first scamp who moves a step toward me with bad -intention." - -We need not say that the peons remained motionless, as if they had -suddenly been changed into blocks of granite. One of the colonel's -servants had assisted Dona Angela from her horse, and accompanied her to -a cuarto, in which he installed her; then he returned in all haste to -his master's side, foreseeing that his co-operation would be speedily -needed. - -The courtyard of the meson offered a most singular aspect at this moment -by the light of the torches of ocote wood, passed through iron rings -along the walls. On one side stood the host and his servants; on the -other, Don Sebastian's four footmen, with their hands on their weapons, -and the guitar player, with his jarana on his back, and his hands folded -on his chest; a little on one side, the travellers and arrieros -previously arrived; and in the centre, alone, with his pistols in his -hand, the colonel, with frowning brow and flashing eyes. - -"Enough of this, scoundrel!" he shouted. "For a long time you have been -plundering and insulting the travellers whom Providence sends to you. -By heavens! If you do not on the instant demand my pardon for your -insolence, and if you do not serve me with all that politeness I have a -right to demand from you, I will inflict on you, upon the spot, a -correction which you will remember your life long." - -"Take care what you are about, my master," the huesped answered -ironically. "You see that I have men to help me. If you do not decamp at -once, all the worse for you. I have witnesses, and the _juez de letras_ -shall decide." - -"Good heavens!" the colonel shouted, "that is too much, and removes all -my scruples. The scoundrel threatens me with the law. Level your pieces, -men, and fire on the first who stirs!" - -The domestics obeyed. Don Sebastian then seized the host, despite his -cries and desperate resistance, and in a second had him down on the -ground. - -"I believe I shall do a service to all the travellers whom their evil -star may in future bring to this den," he continued, "by punishing this -scamp as he deserves." - -The witnesses of this scene--peons, arrieros, or travellers--had not -made a move to help the host. It was evident that all, for certain -reasons, were in their hearts pleased with what was happening to him. -Not one of them would have dared to take on himself the responsibility -of such an act; but as there was someone ready to do so, they were -careful not to offer the slightest obstacle to him. By the peremptory -order of the colonel, the poor landlord was fastened by two of his own -servants to the long pole of the noria, and debarred from making the -slightest movement. - -"Now," the colonel continued, "each of you take a _reata_, and thrash -him till he confesses himself conquered, and consents to do what I ask -of him." - -Despite their feigned repugnance, the host's two peons were compelled to -obey the colonel; for his orders were supported by four rifles and two -pistols, whose gaping muzzles were directed point blank at them. To -honour the truth, we must confess that, either through terror or for -some other cause, the two peons conscientiously performed their duty. - -The host howled like a bull. He was mad with rage, and writhed like a -viper in the bonds which he tried in vain to break. The colonel stood -stoically by his side, only asking him from time to time, ironically, -how he liked his arguments, and if he would soon make up his mind to -yield. Human strength has limits which it cannot pass. In spite of all -his fury and obstinacy, the host was forced to confess to himself, -aside, that he had to do with a man more obstinate than he was, and -that, if he did not wish to die under the lash, he must resolve to -endure the humiliation imposed on him. - -"I surrender," he said, in a voice broken as much by anger as by pain. - -"Already!" the colonel remarked coldly. "Pooh! I fancied you braver. -Why, you have hardly received thirty lashes. Stop, you fellows, and -unfasten your master!" - -The peons eagerly obeyed. When free, the host tried to rise, but his -strength failed him, and he fell back on the ground, where he lay for -several moments powerless to move. At length he made a desperate effort, -and picked himself up. His face was pale; his features were contracted; -an abundant perspiration stood on his temples, which throbbed as if -ready to burst; he had a buzzing in his ears; and tears of shame poured -from his eyes. He took a few tottering steps toward the colonel. - -"I am at your orders, caballero," he said, bowing his head humbly. -"Speak: what must I do?" - -"Good!" the latter remarked. "Now you are reasonable; you are much -better so. Give some provender to my horses, and assist my servants to -wait on me." - -"Pardon, caballero!" the huesped said. "Will you allow me to say two -words to you?" - -The colonel smiled contemptuously. - -"To what end? I know them, and I will repeat them myself. You wish to -warn me that, obliged to yield to superior force, you have done so, but -you will avenge yourself on the first opportunity. Is not that it?" - -"Yes," he muttered in a hollow voice. - -"Very well; you are quite at liberty to do so, master host; but take -your precautions, for I warn you that, if you miss me, I shall not miss -you. So now wait on me, and make haste." - -And, shrugging his shoulders, the colonel turned his back on him with a -smile of disdain. - -The host watched him depart with a hateful expression, which imparted -something hideous to his face; and when he saw that the colonel was out -of the yard, he shook his head twice or thrice, muttering to himself,-- - -"Yes, I will avenge myself, demon, and sooner than you imagine." - -After this aside, he composed his face and attended to his household -duties with an activity and apparent indifference that caused his -servants to be thoughtful, for they knew his rancorous character. Still -he did not complain; he made no allusion to the cruel punishment he had -undergone, but, on the contrary, waited on the travellers with an -attention and politeness they had not been accustomed to prior to this -unlucky day; and they took advantage of the change, while keeping on -their guard. - -Still nothing apparently happened to justify their suspicions--all went -on calmly: the travellers retired to bed one after the other; then the -host made his round to assure himself that all was in order, and retired -to the room reserved for his private use. - -The colonel had already been asleep some hours, and was in a deep sleep, -from which he was suddenly aroused by a noise he heard at his door. - -"Who's there?" he asked. - -"Silence!" someone answered outside. "Open; it is a friend." - -"Friend or foe, tell me who you are, that I may know with whom I have to -deal." - -"I am," the voice made answer, "the man you met on the road." - -"Hem! What do you want with me? Why are you not asleep at this hour, -instead of coming to rouse me?" - -"Open, in Heaven's name! I have important news to tell you." - -The colonel hesitated for a moment, but soon reflecting that this man, -to whom he had done no harm, could have no motive, for being his enemy, -he decided on getting up. Still, through prudence, he cocked one of his -pistols, which he had placed by his side on retiring to bed, and went to -open the door. The stranger walked in quickly, and closed it after him. - -"Speak low," he said hurriedly. "Listen to me: the host is forming some -scheme against you." - -"I suspect it," the colonel said, who, while speaking, had lit a candle; -"but whatever he may do, I am out of his reach, and the scoundrel will -be crushed if he attack me." - -"Who knows?" the stranger said. - -"Come, you know something positive. Have I any plot to fear inside the -house?" - -"I do not think so." - -"Tell me what you have discovered, then." - -"I will do so; but in the first place, as I am a total stranger to you, -allow me to tell you my name." - -"For what good?" - -"No one knows what may happen in this world: it is useful to be able to -distinguish one's friends from one's enemies." - -"Speak; I am listening." - -"You nearly guessed the truth. Under my starving appearance I conceal a -certain monetary value. My name is Don Cornelio Mendoza. I am a student. -I had at Guadalajara an aunt, who, on dying, appointed me her heir. I am -carrying with me in my belt one hundred and fifty gold ounces, and in my -portfolios bills for an equal amount payable at San Blas. You see that I -am not so poor as I appear to be. But the road between the two cities is -long and dangerous, and I assumed this disguise to escape the robbers, -if that be possible." - -"Very good, Don Cornelio: you can now, if you please, change your -attire, for I hope that we shall pursue our journey together." - -"With all my heart; but if it make no difference, I will retain my -lepero dress provisionally." - -"As you please; but now to the fact. What have you to tell me?" - -"Not much, but yet enough to put us on our guard. Our landlord, after -making his round and assuring himself that everyone had retired, woke up -one of his servants, the very one who thrashed him with such good will." - -"Yes, I remember that rogue's face." - -"Very good. After calling him into his room, he remained shut up with -him for ten minutes; then he opened a window, the peon leaped out on the -highway, and ran off at full speed." - -"Oh, oh!" the colonel said. - -"The landlord looked after him till he disappeared, then muttered -several words I could not understand, excepting one name, which, thanks -to Heaven, reached my ear." - -"What was it?" - -"El Buitre (the Vulture)." - -"Hum! Is that all?" - -"Yes." - -"It does not teach me much; but how did you learn all this? The landlord -did not make you his confidant, I suppose?" - -"No, not a bit in the world. I became his confidant in spite of himself, -and in the most natural way. My cuarto is just over his room. I heard -him open a window, and I listened." - -"Yes, but unfortunately you heard nothing." - -"Yes, a name." - -"But a name which has no meaning for us." - -"On the contrary, it is of enormous significance." - -"How so?" - -"The famous leader of the salteadores, whose band has been desolating -the province for a year, is called El Buitre. Do you now understand?" - -"Body o' me!" the colonel shouted, as he jumped up hurriedly, "I rather -think I do understand." - - - - -III.--THE GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD. - - -We will for the moment quit the meson of San Juan, and proceed about two -leagues further on, where certain persons, with whom the reader must -form an acquaintance, are assembled. - -Hardly one hundred and fifty yards beyond the meson the road begins to -grow narrower; the mountains approach, as if wishful to shake hands, and -that so abruptly and unexpectedly, that they form all at once a narrow -and long gorge, which is known throughout the country as the _barranca -del mal paso_. - -After passing through this gorge, the scenery leaves its abrupt and -savage aspect to resume a smiling character; the road widens again; a -charming valley, intersected by a stream, presents itself to sight; and -on all sides the eye surveys a deliciously accidented horizon. - -On either side of the barranca begin impenetrable forests, through which -a road can only be cut axe in hand, unless the traveller has a deep -knowledge of the narrow and almost invisible paths which lead into the -interior with innumerable twinings. - -We must ask the reader to follow us to one of the most hidden and least -known resorts in this forest. - -In the centre of a vast clearing, where burned a cedar eighty feet in -height, emitting incessant sparks, some twenty men in sordid garments--a -horrible medley of luxury and indigence--with faces in which crime was -written in capital letters, but all armed to the teeth, were assembled -in groups of three or four each, drinking, eating, smoking, and singing. - -Not far from them, their horses, saddled and ready to mount at the first -signal, were eating their provender of alfalfa and climbing peas; while, -on the edge of the covert, four or five men, motionless as bronze -statues, were attentively surveying the surrounding country. - -A little on one side, two men, seated on low stools, were talking and -puffing in each other's faces enormous volleys of smoke. The first and -elder of the two appeared about eight-and-twenty years of age; his long, -light hair fell in heavy curls on his shoulders; his features were -effeminate; but his aquiline nose, his bright blue eyes, and narrow -forehead, imparted to his face a character of baseness and cold cruelty. -He wore the splendid costume of the Mexican hacenderos, and was -carelessly playing with the trigger of a splendid silver-mounted -American rifle. - -His companion offered a striking contrast to him: while the first was -tall, well built, and endowed with pleasing manners, the second was -short, stumpy, heavy, and repulsive in face, gestures, and even in -language. The richness of his attire only seemed to render more striking -the hideousness imprinted as an indelible stigma on this odious person. -Everything announced in him the prowling jackal, that possesses all the -ferocity of the lion, but none of that animal's nobility or courage. - -The clearing we have described was one of the principal haunts of the -Vulture, that terrible bandit who, at the time we write of, was -ravaging the state of Guadalajara. The men collected in it formed his -band, and the two men we have just introduced were, the first, _El -Buitre_ himself; the second, _El Garrucholo_, his lieutenant and dearest -friend. - -At the moment we bring them on the stage, these two interesting -personages were engaged, as we shall see, in a confidential -conversation. We may observe that, strangely enough, this conversation -was not held in Spanish, but in English. - -"Hem!" El Garrucholo said, as he inhaled a mouthful of smoke, which he -immediately sent forth again from his mouth and nostrils. "What do you -find so disagreeable in our profession, John? For my part, I consider it -delightful. These worthy Mexicans are gentle as lambs; they allow -themselves to be plundered with unequalled patience; and you will agree -with me, my dear fellow, that we gain more by cutting the buttons from -their _calzoneras_ than by easing the richest gentleman down there." - -"All that is possible, my friend," El Buitre answered, throwing away his -cigarette with a gesture of impatience. "I do not assert the contrary. -Assuredly the profit is large, and the risk nothing, I grant; but--" - -"Well, why do you stop? Go on." - -"In a word, I was not born for such a trade." - -El Garrucholo gave vent to a hearty laugh. - -"That's where the shoe galls you, then?" he said, with a shrug of his -shoulders. "You are mad, comrade: every man is born for the trade he -carries on, especially when he chose it himself." - -"Would you assert by that----?" - -"What I say I mean. When I picked you up in Mexico, under the arcades of -the Plaza Mayor, with a dagger buried in your breast up to the hilt, and -not a real in your pockets, I should have done better, deuce take me, to -let you die like a masterless dog, instead of curing you; at least, I -should not have heard such nonsense from you." - -"Why did you not do so? At any rate I should have died without -dishonouring an honourable name." - -"Deuce take the honourable name, and the man who bears it! My dear -fellow, you annoy me by your ridiculous pretensions; you forget, with -your mania for nobility, that you are only a foundling." - -El Buitre frowned and seized his lieutenant's arm. - -"Enough on that subject, Red Blood; you know that I have already warned -you that I would not suffer any jesting on that head." - -"Bah! What's the odds about being a foundling? A man ought not to feel -annoyed at that; it is one of those accidents for which the most honest -fellow cannot be responsible." - -"You are my friend, Red Blood; or, at least, seem to be so." - -"In your turn, my noble Mr. John Stanley," the bandit sharply -interrupted him, "do not express such doubts about me; they grieve and -insult me more than I can express. I am attached to you as the blade of -my bowie-knife is to the hilt I am yours, body and soul. I have only -that one virtue, if it be one; so pray do not strip me of it." - -El Buitre remained silent for a moment, and then continued in a -conciliating voice,-- - -"I am wrong. Pardon me, brother; in truth, I have had sufficient proofs -of your friendship to have no right to doubt it. Still it seems to me so -strange, that I at times ask myself how it comes that you, Red Blood, -who hate humanity in a mass--you to whom nothing is respectable or -sacred--feel for me a friendship which rises to the most complete -abnegation and the most utter weakness. That appears to me so -extraordinary, that I would give much to hold the solution of the -problem." - -"You are an ass, John!" the bandit replied in a mocking tone. "What is -the use of telling you why I love you? You would not understand me. -Suffice it for you to know that it is so. Do you believe me, then, a -perfect ferocious brute, incapable of generous instincts?" - -"I do not say that." - -"You think it, which comes to the same thing. But it is of no matter to -me: I dispense you from gratitude; you may even hate me, and I should -not care. I do not love you for yourself, but for myself. But suppose we -talk of something else, if you are agreeable?" - -"I wish nothing better, for I see that I should lose as much time in -trying to draw a good reason from you as in washing a blackamoor -white." - -"Ta, ta, ta! You are an ass, I repeat. But let me alone; if a certain -thing I am now scheming succeed, we shall soon bury El Buitre to bring -John Stanley to life again." - -The salteador quivered. - -"May Heaven hear you!" he exclaimed involuntarily. - -"You had better appeal to the other place if you wish to succeed," the -bandit said with a grin; "but you trust to me. Soon, I hope, we shall so -completely change our skins that fellows will be very clever who -recognise us. Look ye, John: in, this world all that is needful is to -take the ball on the bound and turn with the wind." - -"I confess, my good fellow, that I do not understand a syllable of what -you are saying to me." - -"Eh! What do you want to understand for? You never were the worse off -for leaving me to guide you. Two words are as good as a thousand. Before -long we shall turn our coats, and change, not the trade we carry on so -agreeably, but the name under which we do it, to assume one better -sounding and more lofty. Look there!" he added, pointing sarcastically -at his comrades. "What an imposing collection of honest fellows we shall -restore to circulation under our auspices! Will it not be magnificent, -after having so long plundered individuals, to become suddenly the -defenders of a nation to the prejudice of the government?" - -"Yes," El Buitre said thoughtfully, "I have always dreamed--" - -"Of carrying on our trade on a grand scale, eh? You were right: there -is nothing like doing things properly, if you wish to be held in -estimation. Well, be at ease; I will procure that pleasure. At any rate, -if luck desert you, you will have the advantage of being shot instead of -being hanged or garotted, and that is a consolation." - -"Yes," El Buitre said quickly; "in that way a man dies like a -gentleman." - -"And is not dishonoured, I allow. Ah! The filibusters of old were lucky -fellows; they conquered empires, and handed down their names to -posterity, the exploits of the hero easily causing the crimes of the -bandit to be forgotten." - -"Will you never be serious?" - -"I am only too much so, on the contrary; for, as you see, although you -did not confide in me, I am preparing you a place by the side of the -Cortez, the Almagros, and Pizarros, whose glory has so long prevented -you sleeping." - -"You may jest, Red Blood," the salteador said with an accent of profound -emotion; "but if, as I suppose, you appreciate my character at its true -value, you know that I only seek one thing--to regenerate these unhappy -races, whom a brutalising subjection has plunged during so many -centuries into a degrading barbarism." - -"You only wish for the welfare of humanity of course," the bandit said -with an ironical laugh. "We should not be worthy sons of Uncle Sam, that -land of liberty and theoretical philanthropy, did we not dream of the -amelioration of society. That is the reason why, while biding our time, -we have become of our private authority redressers of wrong, and -gentlemen of the road--a charming trade, I may remark parenthetically, -and which we carry on conscientiously." - -"Go to the deuce, you inexplicable scamp!" the young man exclaimed in a -passion. "Shall I never know how to speak or how to deal with you?" - -"No," he replied seriously, "no, John, so long as you try to play at -hide and seek with me, who know every thought of your heart. Cease to -display these pretensions to honesty, which deceive nobody, not even -yourself, and become frankly a bandit chief till you can be something -else. When the moment has arrived it will be time to put on a cloak of -hypocrisy, which will deceive the fools, and consolidate the position -you have acquired." - -At this moment the shriek of the owl was heard in the thickest part of -the forest. - -"What's that?" El Buitre asked, not sorry to break off a conversation -which was taking a personal turn rather disagreeable to him. - -"A signal given by a sentry," El Garrucholo answered; "a spy who -doubtlessly brings us news. We are awaiting, as you know, the passing of -certain travellers." - -"I know it; but they are said to be well armed, and under good escort." - -"All the better; they will defend themselves, and that will be a -change." - -"The truth is, that those we have stopped for some time past seemed to -have agreed to let themselves be plundered without a murmur." - -"If the information I have received be exact, that will not be the case -with the present party." - -The owl cry was heard a second time, but now much nearer. - -"It is time," El Garrucholo observed. - -The two chiefs then put on black velvet masks, and almost immediately a -man appeared, led by two bandits. On entering the clearing this -individual threw around a glance rather of astonishment than terror: -nothing in his conduct showed that he had fallen into an ambuscade, for -his face was calm, though rather pale, and his step was assured. - -The bandits who escorted him led him before the two chiefs, who examined -him attentively through the holes in their masks. El Buitre then -addressed the bandits in Spanish. - -"Where the deuce did you catch that scoundrel?" he said in a rough -voice. "He has not an ochavo about him. Hang him, and let us have no -more bother." - -"Yes," the lieutenant observed, "he is only fit for that, as he was such -an ass as to rush into the net prepared for more noble game." - -"Permit me, excellency," one of the bandits said, bowing respectfully; -"this man was not caught by us." - -"How is he here, then?" - -"Because, illustrious captain, he earnestly asked to be led into your -excellency's presence, as he had matters of the utmost importance to -impart to you." - -"Ah!" the chief said, but added, "I know the fellow; he is, if I am not -mistaken, the huesped of the meson of San Juan." - -The prisoner bowed in affirmation. - -It was really the worthy Saccaplata himself. After sending off his -criado, and while Don Cornelio was with the colonel, the host thought -that nobody could do one's business so well as one's self; and as he was -probably anxious that it should succeed, he had started off after the -peon, whom he had no difficulty in catching up, for the poor fellow was -not at all anxious to execute the commission his master had intrusted to -him. Saccaplata sent him back to the meson; and, while the peon returned -in delight, had himself attempted the adventure. - -"Indeed!" the lieutenant remarked. "Does Senor Saccaplata wish to enter -into business relations with us? That would be an excellent idea." - -"I do not say no, honourable caballero," the landlord replied in a -honeyed voice. "Business is very bad at this moment, and it is certain -that a little extra profit, honestly come by, would be acceptable; but, -for the present, I only desire--" - -"To the point," El Buitre suddenly interrupted him; "we have no time to -lose in silly remarks." - -The landlord understood that he must be brief, if he did not wish to -bring down certain unpleasantnesses on himself. - -"The fact is this," he said: "I have in my house, at the present moment, -several rich travellers." - -"We know it. What next?" - -"Among them is the Senor Colonel--" - -"Don Sebastian Guerrero, proceeding to Tepic with his daughter and four -servants," the lieutenant interrupted him. "What next?" - -"What next?" the landlord said, sadly discountenanced. - -"Yes, what next?" - -"That is all." - -"What, you scoundrel! And you had the effrontery to venture among us, -only to tell us a thing we knew as well as yourself?" El Garrucholo -exclaimed. - -"I thought I was doing you a service." - -"You wished to be a spy on us." - -"I!" - -"Of course. Do you take us for fools like yourself, you wretch? But you -shall remember this visit. The _orejada_" he added, turning to the two -bandits, who had remained by the landlord's side. - -"One moment," the captain said. - -Saccaplata, fancying he should escape with the fright, grimaced a smile. - -"I will tell you," the captain continued, "why you came to us. You want -to revenge yourself on Colonel Guerrero, who a few hours back inflicted -on you a well-merited correction." - -"But--" the landlord ventured. - -"Silence! Do not attempt to deny it. I was there. I saw what occurred. -As you are too great a coward to dare to avenge yourself, you thought of -us, supposing that we should not refuse to render you that slight -service. What do you say--is that the truth?" - -"Hum! I would not venture to contradict your excellency," the landlord -said, now beginning to regret having entered this wasp's nest. - -The bandits, attracted by the colloquy, had gradually drawn nearer, and -formed a circle round the speakers, while laughing cunningly to each -other. Still, although accustomed to the pleasing eccentricities of -their worthy chief, they were far from anticipating the _denouement_ of -this scene. - -After having proved to Saccaplata as clearly as the day that he knew the -motive that led him to offer his good services to the salteadores, the -captain continued in these terms, while smiling cunningly:-- - -"Dear huesped of my heart, we do not refuse to undertake revenging you, -the more so as we had already made up our minds to stop the colonel." - -"Ah!" the landlord said, beginning to feel easier. - -"Yes: still, after reflecting on it thoroughly, we gave up the plan. The -colonel is brave--he will defend himself; moreover, he has with him four -well-armed and determined men. My faith, it was too great a risk; but if -you insist--" - -"Immensely!" the other exclaimed, deceived by the bandit's feigned -kindliness. - -"Very good," the other answered, changing his tone; "then it is a matter -of business between us. Now, such things are always paid for, as you -know, my scamp." - -Saccaplata turned involuntarily toward the other salteadores, who were -grinning affably at him. - -"Consequently," the captain continued with perfect calmness, "you will -pay me twenty ounces for your vengeance, which I take on my own account, -and ten for your ransom." - -"Heaven save me!" the landlord said, clasping his hands in despair. "I -never possessed such a sum, not even in a dream." - -"That is a matter of perfect indifference to me. I never recall my -decision under any circumstances. Another time you will think twice -before venturing so rashly into the claws of El Buitre. The orejada--" - -"Oh, my lord!" the luckless Saccaplata exclaimed, as he fell on his -knees, "I am a poor devil. Have pity on me, noble captain, I implore -you!" - -"Come, put an end to this." - -In spite of his cries and protestations, the landlord was seized and -haled off by his guardians, amid the laughter and sarcasms of the -bandits, whom the sight promised by the captain delighted. - -"Stop!" the huesped suddenly exclaimed; "I think I have a little money -about me." - -"No, no!" the salteadores shouted. "Give him the orejada all the same." - -El Garrucholo made a sign, and order was restored. - -"Let us see," he said. - -The wretch gave a sigh, and with extreme difficulty, after ransacking -all his pockets with many a protestation that he was utterly ruined, -which the bandits listened to with stoical indifference, he at last -succeeded in making up a little more than half the sum. - -"Hum!" the lieutenant said as he pocketed the money, "that is nothing; -but I am a good fellow. You have no more?" - -"Oh! I swear it, excellency," he said, turning out all his pockets. - -"Well," El Garrucholo continued philosophically, "no man is bound to do -impossibilities, and as you have only that--" - -"I am sure of it," the other said, fancying himself saved. - -"Well, then," the lieutenant continued, "let him be only attached by one -ear: we must be honest." - -An immense burst of laughter from the whole band greeted this -proposition. The landlord was carried off to a tree, and before he -understood what they meant to do to him, he uttered a frightful yell of -pain. A bandit had fastened him to the tree by the right ear, by simply -driving his knife through it. - -"There, that's settled," the lieutenant said. "Now, I warn you that, if -you continue to howl, I will have you gagged." - -"Traitors, dogs, assassins, kill me!" - -"No. But listen; that wound is nothing. It is easy for you to deliver -yourself by a slight tug. Your ear will be torn, I allow, but you can't -have everything. As soon as you are free, return home; one of our -friends will accompany you, and you will pay him the rest of the sum." - -"Never!" the landlord howled, "Never! I would sooner die!" - -"Very good; then you shall die, and after that we will carry off the -contents of the hiding place you have so cleverly made in the wall of -your cuarto, by placing before it a picture of Nuestra Senora de -Guadalupe. Eh! What do you think of that?" - -The lieutenant had hardly finished speaking ere the landlord, by a sharp -movement, had regained his liberty. Without thinking of his -frightfully-mutilated ear, he threw himself at the feet of El -Garrucholo. - -"I accept, my lord, I accept; but I implore you, do not ruin me." - -"I was certain you would understand. Be off, scoundrel; and if it is any -consolation, know that you will be avenged on the colonel." - -"Yes," the landlord muttered to himself, "but who will avenge me on you? -Thanks," he added aloud; "that promise causes me to forget my -suffering." - -"All the better; but mind you, no treachery, or we shall manage to get -hold of you again." - -Saccaplata bowed, but made no reply. He understood that it would have -been better for him to remain at home, and allow matters to follow their -course, without seeking a problematic vengeance which cost him thirty -gold ounces and an ear. On reaching the meson he paid the rest of his -ransom, and banging the door in the face of the bandit who accompanied -him, and thanked him with an air of mockery, he sank on a bench, and -overcome by so many terrible emotions, fainted away. - - - - -IV.--THE BARRANCA DEL MAL PASO. - - -The rest of the night passed, apparently at any rate, calmly and -tranquilly, and nothing occurred to disturb the rest enjoyed by the -guests at the meson of San Juan. About four in the morning the doors of -the travellers' cuartos began to open one after the other, and lights -flashed in the patios. The shouts of the muleteers, and the bells of -their animals, aroused the colonel and his daughter, warning them that -it was time to prepare for their departure. - -Don Sebastian, after the suspicions Don Cornelio had suggested to him, -did not at all wish, as he had a young lady with him, to start before -sunrise, especially as he had to traverse the gorge we have already -described, and where it would be easy to form an ambuscade. - -By the sunlight he had a better chance, for two reasons: in the first -place, the servants who accompanied him were old soldiers, accustomed to -war, and greatly attached to him; the second was, that the Mexican -brigands are usually great cowards, and whenever they meet with any -serious resistance from those they attack, they immediately give up the -game. - -These two reasons, and, before all, the fear of alarming his daughter, -and uselessly exposing her to danger during the darkness, obliged the -colonel to let all the other travellers at the meson start before him; -and, in fact, they soon quitted the hostelry, and dispersed in various -directions. - -The Senor Saccaplata, with pallid face, compressed eyebrows, and head -bandaged up, was walking up and down the patio, with his arms behind his -back, every now and then raising his eyes angrily to the colonel's -window, and growling in a low voice,-- - -"Body and bones! Will not that trumpery colonel make up his mind to -start soon, if he is so ready to give the bastinado to poor folk? But -let him do what he will, he will not escape the fate that awaits him." - -At this moment a young man appeared in the patio, strumming a guitar, -and singing in a low voice,-- - - "No sabo donde mirar, - De todo teme y rezela, - Si al cielo teme su furia, - Porque hizo al cielo ofensa."[3] - -These verses, taken from the romance of King Rodrigo, though probably -sung without any malignant meaning, still referred so closely to the -landlord's present position, that he turned furiously to the unlucky -singer, and attacked him in a brutal voice. - -"Deuce take your howling! Why do you come buzzing in this way in my -ears, when you ought, on the contrary, to be preparing for your -departure?" - -"Why, it is our worthy huesped," Don Cornelio replied with that joyful -accent peculiar to him. "What! You are not fond of music? You are -wrong, my worthy friend, for what I am singing to you is really fine." - -"That is possible," the other said in a rough voice; "but I should feel -obliged by your giving me no more of it." - -"Oh, oh! You are not in a good temper this morning. What's the matter -with you, that you are so bandaged up? On my soul, you must be ill. Oh! -I see what it is; you slept with your window open, and have caught a -toothache." - -The landlord turned green with impotent fury. - -"Caballero," he shouted, "take care." - -"Of what?" Don Cornelio said peacefully. "Toothache is not catching, as -I am aware. Poor man! Pain causes him to wander. Take care of yourself, -my good man; take care of yourself, I advise you." - -And without further ceremony he turned his back on him, and began again -the song which so annoyed the landlord at the point where he broke it -off. - -"Hum!" the latter growled, shaking his fist at the singer; "I hope that -you will catch something in the row. Ah!" he added, "the sun is rising: -perhaps that will induce him to come down." - -In fact, the sun appeared at this moment in a bed of vapour, and after a -twilight, whose duration was almost nothing, the day succeeded, as it -were, immediately to night. - -Don Cornelio, aided by the colonel's servants, fed the horses and -saddled the mules--preparations which brought a smile to the landlord's -lips which would have caused the colonel to feel uncomfortable had he -seen it. - -Suddenly a sound of horses was heard outside, and two men trotted into -the patio, through the gateway left open after the departure of the -arrieros and other travellers. At this unexpected arrival the landlord -turned as if a viper had stung him. - -"Confusion!" he muttered; "day has hardly broken ere these accursed -fellows come across my path." - -The two arrivals troubled themselves in no way about their host's -ill-temper, but dismounted, and taking the bridles off their horses, led -them to the noria to let them drink. - -The travellers were dressed in the garb of the frontier men, and -appeared to be from forty to forty-five years of age. Like all wayfarers -in this blessed country, where every man must depend on himself alone, -they were armed; but, in lieu of the lance or fusil usual in the -interior, they had excellent Mexican rifles--a peculiarity which, in -addition to their _zarapes_ of Indian manufacture, and their fiery and -half-wild mustangs, allowed them to be recognised as Sonorians, or at -least men domiciled in that state. - -The landlord, seeing that the newcomers did not appear to trouble -themselves in the least about him, decided at length on walking toward -them and addressing them. - -"What do you want?" he said to them. - -"Nothing just at present," the elder replied; "but so soon as our horses -have finished drinking, you will give each of them a measure of maize -and a truss of alfalfa." - -"I am the mesonero, and not a peon. It is not my place to wait upon -you," he said brutally. - -The traveller who had spoken looked askance at the host. - -"I don't care whether it is you or your criados who do it," he answered -dryly, "provided that the order I have given is executed promptly, for I -am in a hurry." - -In the face of this rebuff, and especially the glance that accompanied -it, the huesped judged it prudent to draw in his horns and assume a more -conciliatory tone. For the last few hours poor Saccaplata had not been -fortunate with his travellers. All those Heaven sent him had the air of -young bulls escaped from the _toril_. - -"Your excellencies are doubtless anxious to set out again?" he said in -an insinuating voice. - -The strangers made no answer. - -"Not to be too curious," the landlord continued, not yet discouraged, -"may I ask in what direction your honourable seigneuries intend to -proceed?" - -One of the travellers then raised his head, and, looking the indiscreet -mesonero full in the face, said with a mocking air,-- - -"If you are asked, you will answer that you do not know. Come, my good -fellow, have us attended to, and blow your own _puchero_, without -troubling yourself about ours: you might find it too hot for you." - -The host shrugged his shoulders and slipped away, the more nimbly -because he noticed the colonel entering the patio at the moment, and -felt no desire to come in contact with him. - -The two strangers exchanged a smile, and, without further remark, -watched the peon who was giving their horses the provender they had -ordered. - -Don Sebastian was ready to start: he had come to give a final glance to -the horses before leading his daughter downstairs. Don Cornelio walked -up to him so soon as he saw him, and after wishing him good day, drew -him a little aside and whispered,-- - -"Look there, colonel," and he pointed to the two strangers; "those are -sturdy fellows, if I am not mistaken." - -"They are so," Don Sebastian made answer; "I did not notice them -before." - -"They have only just arrived. They would be famous recruits added to our -party, if they would consent to travel with us. What do you think of -it?" - -"I think you are right; but will they consent?" - -"Why not? If they are going the same road as ourselves they will derive -the same benefit from our presence as we shall from theirs." - -"That is true. Have you spoken to them?" - -"No: as I told you, they arrived this moment. You ought to try to -persuade them." - -"I see no harm in attempting it, at least," the colonel answered. - -Hereupon, leaving Don Cornelio, he advanced toward the strangers, and -saluting them politely, said,-- - -"You have magnificent horses, caballeros. I see that they come from the -prairies." - -"Yes, they are real mustangs," one of the strangers replied, returning -the bow. - -"You are finishing your journey at a very early hour," the colonel -continued. "With horses like yours a deal of ground could be covered." - -"What makes you suppose, caballero, that our journey is ended?" - -"Why, your arrival at this hostelry at so early an hour." - -"Ah! You might be mistaken." - -"Pardon my indiscretion, caballeros. Do you come from Guadalajara, or -are you going there?" - -"Caballero," the stranger replied dryly, who had hitherto spoken, "we -the more readily pardon your indiscretion, because it appears that in -this hostelry everybody passes his time in asking questions; still, you -will permit me not to answer yours. My companion and myself are old -travellers, and we know that on the roads of this country men too often -repent gossiping about their business, but never of keeping it to -themselves." - -The colonel drew himself up with an air of pique. - -"As you please, caballero," he replied coldly. "I cannot feel annoyed at -your prudence; still, I would observe that you have given a wrong -meaning to my remarks. I only wished to offer you my escort in crossing -an ill-famed gorge, in which the band of the dangerous robber, El -Buitre, is at this moment ensconced." - -"I know the man by repute," the stranger said in a somewhat more affable -tone. "My friend and myself will, I hope, be sufficient to keep him at -arm's length; still, though I do not accept your offer, I thank you for -the cordiality which urged you to make it." - -The conversation broke off here. The two men bowed with all the marks of -the most exquisite politeness, and turned their backs on each other. The -colonel, annoyed at the way in which his advances had been met, gave the -order for departure, and went to fetch his daughter. An instant later he -reappeared with her; the band mounted, and, on a signal from Don -Sebastian, set out. On passing before the strangers, who watched their -departure, the colonel took off his hat, as did Don Cornelio. Dona -Angela gave a graceful bow, accompanied by a charming smile. The -strangers, in their turn, uncovered and bowed respectfully to the party. - -"There, scoundrel," the colonel said as he threw an ounce to the -landlord, who watched their departure with a cunning look, "there's a -plaster for your wounds." - -Saccaplata sharply picked up the ounce, thrust it into his pocket, and -crossed himself as he muttered,-- - -"You will want a good many ounces to cure your wounds, you will. Bah!" -he added, with a sinister laugh, "it is now El Buitre's affair; let them -settle it together." - -When Don Sebastian had left the hostelry he divided his party into -three: two of his servants rode in front, gun on thigh; two others -behind; while he and Don Cornelio, having Dona Angela between them, rode -in the middle. All being thus arranged, and the order given to keep a -careful outlook, the cavalcade started at a sharp trot. - -In the meanwhile the two strangers, as we have said, remained at the -meson. They watched the little party for a long time, and then, as their -horses had finished eating, they put on their bridles and tightened -their girths. - -"My faith, Don Louis!" the younger of the two at length said, "I can't -help it; I must tell you what I have on my mind, or I shall choke." - -"Speak, my friend," his comrade said with a sad smile. "I know as well -as you do what is troubling your mind." - -"Perhaps so; still that would surprise me." - -"Listen, then, Belhumeur. You are asking yourself at this moment why I -was so rude to that gentleman whom I do not know, and whom I saw for a -moment for the first time in my life?" - -"By my faith! You have guessed it: that was, in truth, my thought. I -seek in vain the reason for such extraordinary conduct on your part, and -I confess that I give it up as a bad job." - -"Do not trouble yourself any further, my good fellow. I was -involuntarily guided by a secret presentiment, by a species of -incomprehensible instinct, which forced me to act as I did." - -"That is strange." - -"Yes, is it not so? You know the feeling of instinctive repulsion one -experiences on touching a reptile?" - -"Of course." - -"Well, when that man advanced toward me, even before I saw him, I felt -his presence, if I may say so; my heart beat violently; and when he -addressed me I felt a sudden and incomprehensible pain." - -Belhumeur regarded him for a moment with fixed attention. - -"And you conclude from that?" he said. - -"That this man will be my enemy at some appointed moment; that he will -stand in my path, gloomy and implacable, and prove fatal to me." - -"Come, my friend, that is not possible. You are leaving this country, -never to return to it, since, in spite of all your researches, you have -been unable to find the man on whose behalf you came. The man you saw -this morning is a field officer in the Mexican army, and it is not very -likely he will leave his country: everything opposes it. Where can you -meet again?" - -"I do not know, Belhumeur; I seek neither to guess nor to foresee the -future. It is evident that, after leaving you at the Hacienda del -Milagro, I shall proceed to Guaymas, where I shall embark, I know not -yet for what country; and it is my settled purpose never to set foot in -Mexico again. Still I repeat to you, although it may appear absurd, I am -convinced that that man will be my enemy some day, and that one of us -will kill the other." - -"Come, come, I will not discuss that subject with you; it is better for -us, I fancy, to start, for we have a long journey before us today." - -"That is true, my friend. Let us start, and think no more of my -forebodings. They will turn out as Heaven may direct." - -"Amen!" Belhumeur said. "That is how I like to see you; thus you -resemble my brave Raphael, my dear Loyal Heart, to whom I wish to make -you known before leaving you." - -"You will afford me the greatest pleasure." - -They mounted their horses, paid the landlord, and in their turn quitted -the meson de San Juan, walking their horses in the direction of the -barranca del mal paso, where the colonel had preceded them. They -proceeded for some time in silence, side by side. At length the -Canadian, who could not remain long without speaking, took the word. - -"Do you not think, Don Louis, that, supposing the colonel spoke the -truth, two men like ourselves would prove very useful to him?" - -"What does that concern us?" Don Louis asked sharply. - -"Us nothing; and assuredly, if only that soldier, to whom you have such -an antipathy, were concerned, I should not trouble myself about him, but -leave him to settle with the bandits as best he could." - -"Well?" - -"Don't you understand me?" - -"No, on my honour." - -"Did you not notice the charming girl that accompanies him?" - -"Of course I did." - -"Would it not be frightful--?" - -"Good heavens!" the Count de Prebois Crance, whom the reader has -doubtlessly recognised,[4] quickly interrupted him, "that would be -fearful. Poor child! Forward, Belhumeur, forward! We must save her." - -"Ah!" the Canadian thought to himself, "I was sure I should find the -soft place." - -The two men bowed over their horses' necks, and started with the -velocity of the tempest. They had scarce gone a mile when cries and -shots reached their ears. - -"Forward--confound it, forward!" the count shouted, urging his horse to -increased speed. - -"Forward!" Belhumeur repeated. - -They rushed into the barranca at headlong speed, and fell like two -demons into the midst of the bandits, whom they saluted with two shots; -then clubbing their rifles, they employed them like maces, bounding into -the medley with indescribable fury. - -It was high time for this assistance to reach the colonel. Three of his -servants were killed; Don Cornelio was lying wounded on the ground; -while Don Sebastian, with his back against a block of granite, was -desperately defending himself against five or six bandits who assailed -him. - -El Buitre had seized Dona Angela, and thrown her across his saddle-bow, -in spite of her shrieks and resistance; but suddenly Don Louis dealt the -bandit a crushing blow on the head, which hurled him to the ground, and -delivered the girl. Belhumeur all this time did not remain inactive; he -wounded and trampled under his horse's hoofs all those who dared to -oppose his passage. - -The salteadores, surprised by this sudden attack, which they were far -from anticipating--frightened by the carnage the newcomers caused among -their comrades, and not knowing how many foes they might have upon them, -were seized with a panic fear, and fled in the utmost disorder, -clambering up the rocks. El Garrucholo, at the peril of his life, picked -up his captain, whom he would not abandon, and El Buitre once again -escaped the garota. The salteadores lost in this skirmish more than -two-thirds of their numbers. - -When tranquillity was restored, and the bandits had completely -disappeared, Don Sebastian warmly thanked the two adventurers for the -timely aid they had rendered him. Don Louis received politely, but very -coldly, the colonel's advances, confining himself to saying that if he -had been so fortunate as to save his life, he found a reward in his own -heart, and that was sufficient for him; but, in spite of the colonel's -pressing, he refused to tell him who he was, alleging as his sole reason -that he was about to leave Mexico for ever, and that he did not wish to -lay on him a burden so heavy as gratitude. At this remark Dona Angela -drew nearer to Don Louis, and said with a smile of gentle reproach,-- - -"It is quite natural that you who have saved our lives should forget the -fact, or at least attach but slight importance to it; but my father and -myself will remember it for ever." - -And before Don Louis could prevent it, the lovely girl bounded like a -fawn, threw her arms round his neck, and holding up her pure forehead, -which was still rather pale,-- - -"Kiss me, my saviour!" she said, with tears in her eyes. - -The count, affected, in spite of himself, by an action full of such -simple frankness, respectfully kissed the maiden's brow, then turned -away, that she might not read the sweet and yet painful impression so -simple an action had produced on him. - -Dona Angela, smiling and blushing, sought refuge in her father's arms, -leaving in Don Louis' hand a small relic she usually wore round her -neck. - -"Keep it," she said to him, with that sweet Spanish superstition so full -of grace; "it will bring you good fortune." - -"Yes, I will keep it, senorita," the count replied, hiding it in his -bosom, "as a reminiscence of a moment of happiness you unconsciously -caused me this day, by proving to me that, in spite of misfortunes, my -heart is not so dead as I fancied." - -The preparations for departure were made. Don Sebastian, deprived of his -servants, could not dream of continuing his journey. He decided on -returning to Guadalajara, in order to obtain another escort -sufficiently strong to protect his daughter from such a danger as that -she had escaped by a miracle. He was, however, greatly embarrassed by -Don Cornelio, whom he did not wish to abandon, and yet could not -transport. - -"I will take charge of this man, caballero," Don Louis then said to him. -"Do not trouble yourself about him further. My friend and I are in no -great haste. We will carry him to the meson of San Juan, and not leave -him till he is thoroughly cured." - -Two hours later the two parties separated in front of Saccaplata's -meson, who saw them return with great terror; but the colonel thought it -advisable, for Don Cornelio's sake, to appear ignorant of the part the -landlord had played in the attack, to which himself and daughter had so -nearly fallen victims. - -Don Sebastian and Don Louis separated with a frigid bow, like men who -are persuaded they will never meet again. But no one can foresee the -future, and unconsciously chance was about to bring them hereafter face -to face under strange circumstances, the realisation of which neither -assuredly suspected at the moment. - - -End Of Prologue. - - -[3] He knows not where to look; he fears or distrusts everything. If he -is afraid of the anger of Heaven, why did he insult it? - -[4] See the "Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE NIGHT HALT. - - -Before the discovery of the rich placers in the neighbourhood of San -Francisco, California was completely wild and almost unknown. The port -of San Francisco, the finest and largest in the world, destined to -become very shortly the commercial _entrepot_ of the Pacific, was at -that time only frequented by whalers, who, at the period when the whales -retire to the shallow water, came to fish there, cut them up, and melt -down their blubber. - -A few Flat-head Indians wandered haphazard through the vast forests that -covered the seaboard; and in this country, which trade has now seized -on, and which is entering, with all sail set, into the movement of -progress, wild beasts lorded it as masters. - -An old officer of Charles X.'s Swiss Guard had founded a poor colony on -the territory of San Francisco, and cut down trees, which he converted -into planks by the aid of a few watermills. - -Such was the condition in which this magnificent country languished, -when suddenly the news of the discovery of rich placers in California -burst on the world like a shell. Then the country, as if touched by the -magic wand of some powerful enchanter, became all at once transformed. -From all parts of the world adventurers flocked in, bearing with them -that feverish activity and boundless audacity which ignore all -difficulties, and surmount every obstacle. - -At a spot where, a few days previously, gloomy and mysterious forests, -old as the world, stretched out, a city was created, improvised, and -within a few months counted its inhabitants by tens of thousands. The -port, so long deserted, was crammed with vessels of every sort and every -size, and the gold fever renewed the Saturnalia of the Spanish -conquistadors of the Middle Ages. - -For some time after, this country offered to the eye of the observer a -sight the most hideous, the most grand, the most heart-rending, and most -striking that can be imagined. All was mingled, confounded, and -upturned. It was a confusion, a hurly-burly impossible to describe, -where nothing existed any longer--where every tie was broken, every -social idea annihilated; and in this terrible pell-mell, in this -frightful race to the placers, rogues and gentlemen, soldiers and -priests, diplomatists and physicians, jostled each other, all running, -howling, wielding the dagger or the revolver, possessed by only one -idea, instinct, or passion--that of gold. For gold these men would have -sold everything--conscience, honour, probity, everything, even to -themselves! - -We will not enter into fuller details of this wondrous period, during -which California emerged from her nothingness, to take her place, after -ten years of desperate struggling, among the civilised peoples. Other -pens, far more eloquent than ours, have undertaken the rude task of -telling us the history of these striking incidents. We will confine -ourselves to stating that, at the period of our story, gold had only -just been discovered, and California was struggling against the first -raging attack of _delirium tremens_. - -It was about three years after the events we narrated in our prologue. - -In the Sierra Nevada, upon the picturesque slopes that descend gradually -to the sea, in the heart of an immense virgin forest a hundred leagues -from San Francisco, between that city and Los Angeles, the heat had been -stifling during the day. At sunset the sea breeze had risen, and -slightly refreshed the atmosphere; but it sank again almost immediately, -and the temperature had again become heavy and oppressive. - -The motionless trees concealed beneath their dense foliage birds of -every description, which only revealed their presence at intervals by -shrill and discordant cries. Hideous alligators wallowing in the mud of -the swamps, or holding on to the trunks of dead trees scattered here and -there, were the only living beings that animated the landscape, which -was rendered even more gloomy and mournful by the pale, uncertain, and -tremulous flickering of the moonbeams that filtered with great -difficulty through the rare openings in the verdurous forest dome, and -sported capriciously and fantastically about the trees and branches, -though unable to lessen the mysterious obscurity that reigned in the -leafy covert. - -A noise of horses' hoofs was heard on one of the innumerable tracks made -by the wild beasts as they proceed in search of water, and two men -debouched into a clearing formed by the fall of several trees that had -died of old age, and whose mossy trunks were already in a state of -decomposition. - -These men were both dressed in the costume of hunters or wood rangers, -and were armed with American rifles, long knives, and _machetes_. A -_reata_, rolled up and fastened to the saddle-bow, allowed them to be -recognised as partisans from the Mexican frontiers. - -Both had passed middle life; but there the resemblance between them -ended. At the first glance it was easy to guess that one belonged to the -Northern European race; while his comrade, on the contrary, by the olive -tint of his complexion, and his angular features, offered a perfect type -of the Indian aborigines of Chili, so eloquently celebrated by Ercilla, -and known in South America by the name of Araucanos--a powerful, -intelligent, and energetic race, the only one of all the native tribes -of the New World which has managed to retain its nationality, and caused -its independence to be respected to the present day. - -These two men were Valentine Guillois, better known as the -"Trail-hunter," and Curumilla, his silent and devoted companion ever -since the day that chance so many years previously had led Valentine -into Araucania.[1] - -Years, while accumulating on the heads of the two men, had produced but -a slight change in their external appearance. They were still quite -upright, and seemed equally vigorous. A few more wrinkles had formed on -the Frenchman's pensive brow, and some silvery threads were added to his -locks; his features, more angular than before, had assumed those firm -and distinct lines, alone produced by reflection and long contests -valiantly sustained; his eye was still equally frank, but the flash was -more incisive; and his face wore that melancholy impression which -deceptions of every description, and great grief, stamp indelibly on the -countenance of powerful men, whom the fearful storms of life have bowed, -though not broken. - -The Indian was still morose and concentrated. Age, which had laid even a -smaller hold on his organisation than on that of his comrade, had merely -increased the worthy Araucanian's habitual taciturnity, and drawn over -his gloomy face a thicker veil of that stoical fatalism peculiar to the -aboriginal race of America. - -The two men advanced slowly side by side, apparently plunged in deep -thought. At times Valentine stopped, looked cautiously around him, and -then resumed his march, shaking his head dubiously. Each time that the -hunter reined in his horse Curumilla imitated him, though not evidencing -by the slightest sign that he took any interest in his companion's -operations. - -The forest grew with each step denser, the paths became narrower, and -all appeared to forebode that the horses would soon be unable to -advance, impeded as they were by the creepers that were intertwined into -a thick trellis-work in front of them. - -The two horsemen at length reached the clearing to which we have -already alluded, after intense difficulty. On arriving there, Valentine -stopped, and heaving a sigh of relief,-- - -"By Jove!" he said, "Curumilla, my good friend, I was mad to believe you -and follow you so far; it is evident that we are lost." - -The Indian shook his head in denial. - -"Hem! I am aware that you fellows have a marvellous talent for following -a trail, and that you rarely lose your way, even in a place you have -never visited before. Still the darkness is so intense here, that I can -hardly distinguish objects only two paces ahead of me. Come, allow that -we have lost ourselves. Hang it! That may happen to anybody. I propose -that we stop here and await sunrise before we renew our search, the more -so because, for nearly two hours, it has been impossible to discover the -slightest trace proving to us that we are still on the right road." - -Curumilla, without replying, dismounted, and explored the clearing on -all sides; then, at the expiration of a few minutes, he returned to his -friend's side, and gave him a sign to mount again. Valentine had -carefully followed his movements. - -"Well," he said, checking him, "are you not convinced yet?" - -"One hour more," the Indian replied, liberating himself gently, and -getting into his saddle. - -"Hang, it all!" Valentine said, "I confess I am growing tired of playing -at hide and seek in this inextricable forest, and if you do not give me -a positive proof of what you assert, I will not stir from this spot." - -Curumilla bent toward him, and, showing him a small object, said,-- - -"Look!" - -"Eh?" Valentine remarked in surprise, after carefully examining the -object his comrade handed him. "What the deuce is it? Why," he added -almost immediately, "I ought to have recognised it at once: it is a -cigar-case, and a handsome one too. There is a cigar still in it, if I -am not mistaken." - -He remained for an instant in thought. - -"It is true," he went on, "that I have not seen these luxurious products -of civilisation for a long time; indeed, since I gave them up to lead -the life of a free hunter. Where did you find it, Curumilla?" - -"There," he answered, stretching out his arm. - -"Good! The owner of that case cannot be far from us, so let us push on." - -He pocketed the case, and the two horsemen set out once more. - -After crossing the clearing, the path on which they entered began -gradually to widen, and soon they noticed, by the moonbeams that lighted -them at intervals, that the path had been trodden by a large number of -cloven-footed animals, which had cropped the leaves and broken down the -branches on both sides. These traces were still quite fresh. - -"Come," Valentine said gaily, "I was wrong just now, Curumilla. We were -really on the right track, and I believe we shall soon catch up the -persons we have so long been seeking." - -Something like a smile attempted to contract the Indian's features; but -the attempt was not a happy one, and stopped at a grimace. All at once -Curumilla laid his hand on his comrade's bridle, and bending forward,-- - -"Listen," he said. - -Valentine listened attentively; but, for all that, several moments -passed ere he could distinguish aught else than those confused and -mysterious sounds which never expire in the desert: at length something -resembling a musical note borne on the breeze gently died away on his -ear. The hunter started back in surprise. - -"Ah, by Jupiter!" he exclaimed, "that musician has chosen a strange time -to give a concert. I am curious to see such an original a little nearer. -Let us push on." - -After marching for about a quarter of a mile further they began to see a -fire flashing through the trees, and distinctly heard a masculine and -sonorous voice singing to the accompaniment of a jarana. The hunters -stopped in surprise, and listened. - -"By heaven!" the Frenchman muttered, "it is the romancero of King -Rodrigo, sung by an unknown voice at night in the heart of a virgin -forest. Never has that powerful poetry affected me so deeply. In truth, -everything here harmonises with that song, which is so thoroughly -sorrowful and despairing. Whoever he may be, I must see the man who has -unconsciously caused me a few moments of such gentle emotion. Were it -the demon in person, I would shake his hand ere the last strains had -ceased vibrating on the strings of his jarana." - -And without further deliberation, Valentine, after giving Curumilla a -sign to follow him, resolutely entered the circle of light. At the sound -of horses' hoofs, the stranger, with a movement swift as thought, threw -the guitar across his back, and leaped up with a sabre in his right hand -and a revolver in the other. - -"Hold!" he shouted boldly; "stop, if you please, caballero, or I shall -fire." - -"Pray do not do so, senor," Valentine answered, who considered it -prudent to obey the order given him, "for you would run the risk of -killing a friend, and they are too rare in the desert to be received, -when met, by a pistol shot." - -"Hum! I trust what you say is true," the other answered, still on the -defensive; "still I should feel obliged by your explaining to me, in two -words, who you are, and what you are seeking after the acquaintance -becomes more intimate between us." - -"Of course, caballero; I see no inconvenience in satisfying your wishes, -especially as prudence is one of the theological virtues recommended in -the regions where we now are." - -"On my soul, you appear to me to be a jolly fellow! I hope we shall -become friends ere long; and to prove to you that I sincerely desire it, -and at the same time to arouse your confidence, I will begin by telling -you who I am, which will not take long." - -"Pray do so." - -The stranger then thrust his revolver into his belt, took three paces -forward, removed his wide-brimmed hat, whose long feather swept the -ground, and saluted his new acquaintance ceremoniously. - -"Senor caballero," he said with infinite grace and politeness, "my name -is Don Cornelio Mendoza de Arrizabal, gentleman of the Asturias, noble -as the king, and poor at this moment as Job of Bohemian memory. The few -_novillos_ lying around me are my property, and that of my partner, -absent at this moment in search of a few strayed members of the herd, -but whom I expect at any moment. These animals were purchased by us at -Los Angeles, and we are taking them to San Francisco, with the purpose -of selling them at the best price to the gold-seekers and other -adventurers collected in that curious city." - -After uttering this short speech the young man bowed again, put his hat -on his head, placed the point of his sabre on his boot, and waited, foot -forward, and his hand on his hip. - -Valentine had listened attentively, and when he spoke of his partner a -flash of joy sparkled in the hunter's eyes. - -"Caballero," he answered, uncovering in his turn, "my friend and myself -are two wood rangers, hunters, or trail-seekers, whichever you may -please to term us. Attracted by the light of your fire, and the -harmonious song that reached our ears, we came toward you for the -purpose of claiming from you that hospitality which is never refused in -the desert, offering to share our provisions with you, and to be hail -fellows well met so long as we may remain in your agreeable company." - -"You are welcome, caballeros," Don Cornelio replied nobly. "Pray -consider the little we possess as your own." - -The hunters bowed and dismounted. - - -[1] These two characters have been introduced in another work by our -author, and are old friends to French readers. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -FIFTEEN YEARS' SEPARATION. - - -The reception offered the travellers by Don Cornelio was stamped with -that graceful kindness and careless ease which so eminently distinguish -the Spanish character. Although the adventurer's resources were -extremely limited, still he gave the little he possessed with such -complacency and so much good humour to his guests, that the latter knew -not how to thank him for the attentions he lavished upon them. - -After supping as well as they could on _tasajo_ (jerked meat) and -_tortillas_ of maize, washed down with _pulque_ and _mezcal_, they -carefully wrapped themselves in their zarapes, lay down on the ground -with their feet to the fire, and soon appeared to be buried in a deep -sleep. - -Don Cornelio took up his jarana, and leaning against a larch tree, -hummed one of those interminable Spanish romances he was so fond of, in -order to keep awake while awaiting his partner's return. - -The bivouac where our friends now found themselves was certainly not -without a degree of the picturesque. The uncertain gleams of the fire -were reflected fantastically on the heads of some seven hundred and -fifty novillos, lying side by side, ruminating and sleeping, while the -horses were devouring their provender, stamping and neighing. The -Spaniard twanged his guitar, and the two hunters slept peacefully. This -scene, at once so simple and so singular, was worthy the pencil of -Callot. - -Two hours thus passed away, and nothing occurred to disturb the repose -the encampment enjoyed, and the moon sank lower and lower on the -horizon. Don Cornelio's fingers stiffened; his eyes closed; and at -times, despite his efforts to keep awake, his head fell on his chest. In -despair, the Spaniard at last, beaten by fatigue, was about to yield to -the sleep that overpowered him, when a distant noise suddenly dispelled -his somnolency, and restored him the full use of his mind and other -faculties. - -By degrees this noise, at first vague and indistinct, became louder; and -a horseman, armed with a long goad, entered the clearing, driving before -him a dozen novillos and half-savage bulls. After being helped by Don -Cornelio in stockading the straying animals he brought back, the -partner, who was no other than Count Louis de Prebois, dismounted and -sat down to the fire with that nonchalance and careless motion produced -in energetic natures, not so much by fatigue as by discouragement and -moral lassitude. - -"Ah!" he said, looking at the two men stretched out at the fire, and -who, in spite of the noise caused by his arrival, still slept, or -appeared to do so, "we have visitors, I see." - -"Yes," Don Cornelio made answer, "two hunters from the great prairies. I -thought I ought not to refuse them hospitality." - -"You have done well, Don Cornelio: no one has a right in the desert to -refuse the stranger, who asks for them courteously, the heat of his fire -and a moiety of his _tasajo_." - -"That was my idea." - -"Now, my friend, lie down by our guests and rest yourself. This long -watch after the day's toil must have fatigued you beyond measure." - -"But will you not sleep a few moments, Don Louis? Rest must be more -necessary to you than to myself." - -"Permit me to watch," the count answered with a sad smile. "Rest was not -made for me." - -Don Cornelio did not press him any further. Long accustomed to his -companion's character, he considered it useless to make any more -objections. A few moments later, wrapped in his zarape, and with his -head on his jarana for a pillow, he slept soundly. - -Don Louis threw a few handfuls of dry wood on the fire, which threatened -to expire, crossed his arms on his chest, and, leaning his back against -a tree, indulged in his thoughts, which were doubtlessly sorrowful and -very bitter; for the tears soon fell from his eyes, and ran down his -pallid cheeks, while stifled sighs exhaled from his bosom, and muttered -words escaped from his lips, crushed between his teeth by sorrow. - -So soon as the count, after ordering Don Cornelio to take some repose, -fell down exhausted at the foot of a tree, the hunter, who appeared to -be sleeping so profoundly, suddenly opened his eyes, rose, and walked -gently toward him step by step. - -Several hours passed away thus, Louis being still plunged in mournful -thoughts, Valentine standing behind him, leaning on his rifle, and -fixing on him a glance full of strange meaning. - -The stars gradually expired in the depths of the sky, an opal-coloured -band began slowly to stripe the horizon, the birds awoke beneath the -foliage, sunrise was at hand. Don Louis let his head fall on his chest. - -"Why struggle longer?" he said in a hoarse, deep voice. "What good to go -farther?" - -"Those are very despairing words in the mouth of a man so strong as -Count Louis de Prebois," a low but firm voice whispered in his ear, with -a tone of gentle and sympathising reproach. - -The count shuddered as if he had received an electric shock; a -convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs; and he bounded to his feet, -examining with haggard eye, pale brow, and disordered features, the man -who had so suddenly replied to the words pain had torn from him. The -hunter had not changed his position; his eye remained obstinately fixed -upon him, with an expression of melancholy, pity, and paternal kindness. - -"Oh!" the count muttered in terror, as he passed his hand over his dank -forehead; "it is not he--it cannot be he! Valentine, my brother!--you -whom I never hoped to see again--answer, in Heaven's name, is it you?" - -"'Tis I, brother," the hunter said gently, "whom Heaven brings a second -time across your path when all seems once again to fail you." - -"Oh!" the count said with an expression impossible to render, "for a -long time I have been seeking you--for a long time I have called on -you." - -"Here I am." - -"Yes," he continued, shaking his head mournfully, "you are here, -Valentine; but now, alas! It is too late. All is dead in me -henceforth--faith, hope, courage: nothing is left to me--nothing but the -desire to lie in that tomb, where all my belief and all my departed -happiness are buried eternally!" - -Valentine remained silent for a few moments, regarding his friend with a -glance at once gentle and stern. A flood of memories poured over the -hunter's heart; two glistening tears escaped from his eyes, and slowly -coursed down his bronzed cheeks; then, without any apparent effort, he -drew the count toward him, laid his head on his wide and loyal chest, -and kissed him paternally on the forehead. - -"You have suffered, then, severely, my poor Louis," he said to him -tenderly. "Alas, alas! I was not there to sustain and protect you; but," -he added, turning to heaven a glance of bitter sadness and sublime -resignation, "I too, Louis, I too, in the heart of the desert, where I -sought a refuge, have endured agonising grief. Many times I felt myself -strangled by despair; often and often my temples were crushed in by the -pressure of the furious madness that invaded my brain; my heart was -broken by the terrible anguish I endured; and yet, brother," he added in -a soft voice, filled with an ineffable melodiousness, "yet I live, I -struggle, and I hope," he said, so low that the count could hardly hear -him. - -"Oh! Blessed be the chance that brings us together again when I -despaired of seeing you, Valentine." - -"There is no such thing as chance, brother: it is God who prepares the -accomplishment of all events. I was seeking you." - -"You were seeking me over here?" - -"Why not? Did you not yourself come to Mexico to find me?" - -"Yes; but how did you learn the fact?" - -Valentine smiled. - -"There is nothing extraordinary in it. If you wish it, I will prove to -you in a few words that I am much better informed than you suppose, and -that I know nearly all that has happened to you since our separation at -the hacienda of the Paloma." - -"That is strange." - -"Why so? About three months ago were you not at the Hacienda del -Milagro?" - -"I was." - -"You left it after spending some days there on your return from a -journey you had undertaken to the far west, in search of a rich -auriferous placer?" - -"It is true." - -"During that expedition, full of strange and terrible incidents, two men -accompanied you?"[1] - -"Yes; a Canadian hunter and a Comanche chief." - -"Very good. The hunter's name was Belhumeur, the chief's Eagle-head, I -think?" - -"They were." - -"Do you not remember revealing to Belhumeur (a worthy and honourable -hunter, by the way) the reason of the gloomy sorrow that devours you, -and for what motives, mere vague suspicions though they were, you had -come to Mexico in order to look for your dearest friend, from whom you -had been separated so many years?" - -"Yes, I remember telling him all that." - -"The rest is not difficult to comprehend. I have known Belhumeur many -years, and Heaven brought us together during a hunt on the Rio Colorado. -One night, while seated at the fire, where our supper was roasting, -after talking about a thousand indifferent things, Belhumeur, whom you -had left only a few days previously, began by degrees to talk about you. -At first, absorbed in my own thoughts, I paid but slight attention to -his recital; but when he described to me your meeting with Count de -Lhorailles in the desert, your name, uttered by Belhumeur -unintentionally, made me tremble. It was then my turn to cross-question -him. When I had learned everything, by making him tell the story twenty -times over, my resolution was immediately formed, and two days later I -set out on your track. For three months I have been following you, and -have at last come up with you--this time, I hope, never to part again," -he added with a stifled sigh. "Still I do not know what has occurred to -you during the last three months. Tell me what you have been about. I am -listening." - -"Yes, I will tell you all. My object, indeed, in seeking you was to -demand the fulfilment of a solemn promise." - -The hunter's brow grew dark, and he frowned. - -"Speak," he said; "I am listening. As for the promise to which you -allude, when the moment has arrived I shall know how to fulfil it." - -"The sun is rising," Louis answered with a sad smile; "I must pay the -proper attention to my herd." - -"I will help you. You are right; those poor brutes must not be -neglected." - -At this moment the gloom was dispersed as if by enchantment; the sun -appeared radiant on the horizon; and thousands of birds of every -variety, hidden beneath the foliage, gaily celebrated its advent by -singing their matin hymn to it. - -Don Cornelio and Curumilla shook off the torpor of sleep, and opened -their eyes. The Indian chief rose, and walked toward Valentine with that -slow and majestic step peculiar to him. - -"Brother," the latter said, taking the Araucanian's hand in his own, "I -was not alone in my search for you. I had near me a friend whose heart -and arm never failed me, and whom I have ever found ready to help me in -weal and woe." - -Don Louis gazed doubtfully at the man whom the hunter pointed out to -him, and who stood motionless and stoical before him. Gradually his -features were expanded, his memory returned, and he affectionately -offered his hand to the Indian, saying with deep emotion,-- - -"Curumilla, my brother!" - -At this proof of memory and friendship, after the lapse of so many -years--this frank and true emotion on the part of a man to whom he had -already given so many marks of devotion--the crust of ice that -surrounded the Indian's heart suddenly melted, his face assumed an -earthy hue, and a convulsive tremor agitated all his limbs. - -"Oh, my brother Louis!" he exclaimed with an accent impossible to -describe. - -A sob resembling a roar burst from his chest; and, ashamed of having -thus betrayed his weakness, the chief turned quickly away, and hid his -face in the folds of his robe. - -Like all primitive and energetic natures, this man, on whom adversity -had no effect, was moved like a weak child by the immense joy he -experienced at seeing once again Don Louis, the man whom Valentine loved -more than a brother, and whose absence he had so long lamented. - -"Then you will not leave me again, brother?" Louis asked anxiously. - -"No, nothing shall separate us henceforth." - -"Thanks," the count answered. - -"Come, come," Valentine gaily remarked, "let us attend to the cattle." - -All were soon on the move in the bivouac. Don Cornelio understood -nothing of what he saw. These strangers, who had arrived but a few hours -ago, already so attached to his friend, talking with him like old -acquaintances, produced in him a series of notions each more extravagant -than the other; but Don Cornelio was a philosopher, and more than that, -remarkably curious. Certain that all would end sooner or, later in a -satisfactory explanation, he gaily made up his mind, and had no idea of -asking any information, especially as the two helps chance had sent him -could not fail to be extremely useful to him in guiding the -undisciplined animals which the count and himself had burdened -themselves with, and had yet so far to drive. - -A person must have himself been a _vaquero_ in the great American -savannahs, in order to form an idea of the numberless difficulties met -with in guiding novillos and untamed bulls for hundreds of leagues -across virgin forests and arid plains, defending them against wild -beasts which follow their track, and snap them up under your very eyes -if you do not take care, and, like the roaring lion of the Gospel, -wander incessantly round the herd, seeking what they may devour. At -other times the animals must be defended against the raving madness, or -_estampida_, caused by the want of water and the refraction of the sun, -during which they rush in every direction, and gore those who try to -bring them back. A man must be desperate like Don Louis, or a careless -philosopher like Don Cornelio, not to recoil before the perils and -difficulties of so hazardous a trade; for, among the eventualities we -have enumerated, we have not mentioned the _temporales_, or tempests, -which in a few minutes overthrow the face of nature, hollow out lakes, -and throw up mountains; nor the _Indios bravos_, or nomadic Indians, who -watch the caravans, plunder the merchandise, and murder the drivers or -traders. - -Valentine in vain racked his brains in order to discover why his friend, -whom he had known to be so effeminate and weak, could have resolved on -adopting such a mode of life. But his astonishment almost became -admiration when he saw him at work, and recognised the complete -metamorphosis that had been effected in him, both morally and -physically, and the cold, indomitable energy which had usurped the place -of the careless weakness and original irresolution of his character. - -He studied him thus carefully during the whole time he was employed in -restoring order among the herd, and organising everything for the day's -march. - -"Oh!" he said to himself, "this chosen organisation has been purified by -misfortune. There remain at the bottom of that half-broken heart a few -noble chords, which I will manage to set in motion when the time comes." - -And for the first time since many days a feeling of hearty joy caused -the trail-seeker to quiver. - - -[1] See "The Tiger Slayer." Same publishers. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A SAD MISTAKE. - - -Several days elapsed ere the two friends resumed their interrupted -conversation. - -They had continued their journey toward San Francisco without any -incident worth noticing, owing to the skill of Valentine and Curumilla. -Although this was the first time they had advanced so far from the -regions they were accustomed to traverse, their sagacity made up so well -for their want of knowledge that they avoided, with extreme good -fortune, the dangers that menaced the success of their journey, and -foresaw obstacles still remote, but which their knowledge of the desert -caused them to guess, as it were, intuitively. - -The two old friends observed, we may say studied, each other. After so -long a separation they required to restore a community of ideas. That -communion of thoughts and feelings which had existed so long between -them might be eternally broken through the different media into which -they had been thrown, and the circumstances that had modified their -characters. Each of them rendered greater by events--having acquired the -consciousness of his personal value and his intellectual power--had -possibly the right no longer to admit, without previous discussion, -certain theories which were formerly recognised without a contest. - -Still the friendship between the two men was so lively, the confidence -so entire, and the devotion so true, that, after a fortnight's -travelling side by side--a fortnight during which they touched on the -most varying subjects without once introducing the one they had so much -interest in thoroughly discussing--they convinced themselves that they -stood to each other precisely in the same position as before their -separation. - -Either through lassitude or deference, or perhaps the tacit recognition -of his foster brother's superiority over him, during this fortnight, Don -Louis, happy, perhaps, at having found once more the man who had been -wont to think and act for him, had not once attempted to assume an -independent position, but insensibly fell back under that moral -guardianship which Valentine had so long exercised over him. - -The two other persons lived on a perfectly good understanding--Don -Cornelio through carelessness, perhaps, Curumilla through pride. - -The Spaniard--a dear lover of liberty, happy at living in the open air -without troubles or annoyances of any description--goaded his novillos, -strummed his jarana, and sang the interminable _Romancero del Rey -Rodrigo,_ which he began again imperturbably so soon as he had finished, -in spite of Valentine's repeated remarks about the silence that must be -maintained in the desert, in order to avoid the ambuscades which the -Indians constantly place like so many spiders' webs in the path of -incautious travellers. The Spaniard listened docilely, and with a -contrite air, to the hunter's remonstrances; but, so soon as they were -ended, he twanged a tune, and recommenced his romancero--a philosophy -which the trail-seeker, while blaming, could not refrain from admiring. - -Curumilla was always the man we have seen him--prudent, foresighted, and -silent--but with a double dose of each quality. With eyes ever opened -and ears alert, the Araucanian chief rode from one end of the file to -the other, watching so carefully over its safety that no accident -occurred up to the day when we resume our narrative. - -They thus descended the woody slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and entered -the naked and sandy plains that stretch down to the sea, and on which, -with the exception of San Jose and Monterey (two towns in the last -throes of existence), the traveller only sees stunted trees and thorny -shrubs scattered at a great distance apart. - -Three days before reaching San Jose--a miserable _pueblo_, which serves -as a gathering place for hunters and arrieros who frequent these parts; -but where the population, decimated by fevers and misery, can do but -little for the _forasteros_ (strangers)--the caravan encamped on the -banks of a stream, beneath the shelter of a few trees that had grown -there by accident, and which the sea breeze shook incessantly, and -covered with that fine sand which enters the eyes, nose, ears, and -nothing can keep out. - -The sun was plunging into the sea under the form of a huge fire-ball; -there was a fresh breeze; in the distance appeared a few white sails, -which, like light kingfishers fearing a tempest, were hastening to -reach San Francisco; the coyotes were beginning to bark furiously on -the plain; and the few birds nestled on the branches tucked their heads -under their wings, and prepared to go to sleep. - -The fires were lighted, the animals penned, and after supper each -hastened to repair, by a few hours' sleep, the fatigue of a long day's -journey beneath a burning sky. - -"Sleep!" Louis said. "I will keep the first watch--the idler's watch," -he added with a smile. - -"I will take the second, then," Valentine said. - -"No, I will take that," Curumilla objected. "An Indian's eyes see -clearly in the night." - -"Hum!" the hunter remarked; "and yet I fancy my eyes are not so bad -either." - -Curumilla, without further reply, placed his finger on his lips. - -"Good!" the hunter said; "as you wish it, keep watch in my place, chief. -When you are tired, however, be sure and wake me." - -The Indian bowed. The three men wrapped themselves in their zarapes, and -lay on the ground, Don Louis alone remaining awake. - -It was a magnificent night: the sky, of a deep azure, was studded with -an infinity of stars that sparkled like diamonds; the moon poured forth -its tremulous and pallid beams; the atmosphere, wondrously pure and -transparent, allowed the country to be surveyed for an enormous -distance; the evening breeze had risen, and deliciously refreshed the -air; the earth exhaled acrid and balmy perfumes; the waves died away -amorously, and with mysterious murmurs, on the beach; and in the -distance might be indistinctly traced the outlines of the coyotes which -prowled about, howling mournfully, for they scented the novillos. - -Louis, seduced by this splendid evening, and yielding to that prairie -languor which conquers the strongest minds, was indulging in a gentle -reverie. He had attained that stage of mental somnolency which is not -waking, and yet not sleeping. He was enjoying the magic pictures his -fancy conjured up, when he was suddenly roused from this charming -sensation by a hand pressing heavily on his shoulder, while a voice -muttered in his ear the single word,-- - -"Prudence." - -Louis, suddenly recalled to a consciousness of the present, opened his -half-closed eyes, and turned sharply round. Curumilla was leaning over -him, and repeated his warning, with a sign of terrible meaning. The -count seized his rifle, which rested near him. - -"What is the matter?" he asked in a low voice. - -"Come, but keep in the shade," Curumilla replied in the same tone. - -Louis obeyed the hint, whose importance he recognised. Lying down on the -ground, he glided gently in the direction indicated by the Indian. - -He soon found himself sheltered behind a thicket, where he saw Don -Cornelio and Valentine in ambush, with their bodies bent forward, and -looking anxiously into the darkness. - -"Good heavens, friends!" the count said, "what is the meaning of this? -The profoundest silence prevails around us. All appears tranquil. Why -this alarm?" - -"Curumilla noticed this evening, before our halt, traces of Yaqui -Indians. You know, brother, that these demons are the most daring -robbers in the world. It is plain that they are after our beasts." - -"But what makes you suppose that? These traces, whose existence I do not -deny, may belong to travellers as well as to vagabonds. Nothing up to -the present makes us suppose that these fellows intend attacking us, and -we have not even seen them." - -A sinister smile contracted the chief's thin lips, and, touching the -count's arm with his finger, while at the same time lifting his own -robe, he showed him a bleeding scalp hanging from his belt. - -"Oh, oh!" Don Louis said, "have those demons ventured so near us, then?" - -"Yes; and had it not been for Curumilla, whose eye is never closed, and -mind ever on the watch, our animals would probably have been carried off -more than an hour ago." - -"Thanks for his vigilance, then," the count said with an expression of -annoyance, which he could not entirely conceal; "but you know the -Indians, comrades: so soon as they find they are detected, they are no -longer to be feared. I believe that, after the lesson they have -received, we are now in safety, and we need not trouble ourselves about -them more." - -"No, brother, you are mistaken. Look at your novillos; they are -restless. At each instant they raise their heads, and do not eat their -food in comfort. God has given animals an instinct of self-preservation -which never deceives them. Believe me, they fear a danger, and scent -enemies not far from them." - -"It is possible, indeed. Let us watch, then." - -The four men remained thus silent and attentive. An hour almost passed -away, and nothing happened to confirm their suspicions. Still the bulls -pressed more closely together. They had left off eating, and their -restlessness increased instead of diminishing. - -Suddenly Curumilla stretched out his arm in a north-eastern direction, -and after laconically whispering, "Do not stir," he gave Valentine his -rifle to hold, and before his friends had time to guess the direction he -had taken, he disappeared in the gloom. The three hunters exchanged a -silent glance, and cocked their rifles, so as to be ready for any event. - -There cannot be a more painful position than that of the brave man who, -in a strange country and on a dark night, is obliged to stand on guard -against a danger whose extent he cannot calculate. Affected by the -silent majesty of solitude, he creates phantasms a hundredfold more -terrible than the actual danger, and feels his courage fly away -piecemeal beneath the harsh pressure of waiting for something unseen. - -Such was the situation in which our three friends now were; and yet they -were three lion hearts, accustomed for many years to Indian warfare, and -whom no peril, however great it might have been, would have been able -to affect beneath the warm beams of the sun; but, during the darkness, -imagination creates such horrible phantoms, that, if we may be allowed -to employ a trivial comparison, we might say that people are not so much -afraid of the danger itself as of the fear of that danger. - -The three men had remained in this awkward situation for some time; when -suddenly a fearful yell rose in the air, followed by the fall of a body -to the ground, and the flight of several men, whose black outlines stood -out on the horizon. The adventurers fired at random, and rushed rapidly -in the direction where they heard the struggle, which seemed still going -on. - -At the moment they arrived, Curumilla, whom they recognised, had his -right knee pressed into the chest of a man he held down under him, while -his left hand compressed his throat, and reduced him to the most perfect -state of powerlessness. - -"Wah!" the Araucanian said, turning to his comrades with a look of -inexpressible ferocity, "a chief!" - -"Good prize," Valentine said. "Thrust your knife into the scoundrel's -chest, and there's an end of him." - -Curumilla raised his knife, whose blade sent forth a bluish flash. - -"A moment," Don Louis exclaimed. "Let us see first who he is; we shall -still be able to kill him if we think fit." - -Valentine shrugged his shoulders. - -"Let the chief settle that business," he said; "he understands it -better than we do. When you have one of those vipers under your heel you -must crush him, lest he may sting you presently." - -"No," the count remarked resolutely, "I will never consent to see a man -murdered before me. That poor wretch has acted in accordance with his -nature; let us act in accordance with ours, then. Curumilla, I implore -you, allow your prisoner to rise, but watch him, so that he cannot -escape." - -"You are wrong, brother," the implacable hunter replied; "you do not -know these demons so well as I do. Still act as you please; but you will -eventually see that you have committed a folly." - -The count made no reply, but only gave Curumilla another sign to do as -he ordered. The Araucanian obeyed with repugnance. Still he helped his -half-strangled prisoner to rise, and while carefully watching him, led -him to the fire, where the hunters had already preceded him. - -The count took a rapid glance at the Indian. He was a man of Herculean -stature, powerfully built, and still young, with haughty, gloomy, and -cruel features; in a word, though he was a handsome rather than an ugly -man in appearance, there was an expression of roguery, baseness, and -ferocity about him, which in no way pleaded in his favour. He wore a -species of hunting shirt, without sleeves, of striped calico, drawn in -round the waist by a large girdle of untanned deer hide; breeches of the -same stuff as the shirt hung down to his knees; and the lower part of -his legs was protected from stings by leather gaiters fastened to the -knee and ankle. He wore on his feet moccasins artistically worked, and -adorned behind by several wolf tails--a mark of distinction only allowed -to renowned warriors. His plaited hair was raised on either side his -head, while behind it fell to his waist, and was decorated with plumes -of every possible colour. Round his neck hung several medals, among -which was one rather larger than the rest, representing General Jackson, -ex-President of the American Union. His face was painted with four -different colours--blue, black, white, and red. - -So soon as he found himself in the presence of the hunters seated round -the fire, he crossed his arms on his chest, raised his head haughtily, -and waited stoically till they thought proper to address him. - -"Who are you?" Don Louis asked him in Spanish. - -"Mixcoatzin (the Serpent of the Cloud)." - -"Hum!" Valentine muttered to himself, "the scoundrel is well named. I -never saw such a hangdog face as his before." - -"What did Mixcoatzin want in my camp?" - -"Does not the _Yori_ know?" the Indian said imperturbably. "Mixcoatzin -is a chief among the Yaquis." - -"You wished to steal my cattle, I suppose?" - -"The Yaquis are not robbers; all that is on their land belongs to them. -The palefaces need only return to their home on the other side of the -great salt lake." - -"If I condemn you to death what will you say?" - -"Nothing; it is the law of war. The paleface will see how a Yaqui chief -endures pain." - -"You allow, then, that you deserve death?" - -"No; the paleface is the stronger--he is the master." - -"If I let you go what will you think?" - -The Indian shrugged his shoulders. - -"The paleface is not a fool," he said. - -"But suppose I do act in that way?" - -"I shall say that the paleface is afraid." - -"Afraid of what?" - -"Of the vengeance of the warriors of my nation." - -It was Don Louis' turn to shrug his shoulders. - -"Then," he proceeded, "if I restored you your liberty you would feel no -gratitude?" - -"Why should I be grateful? A warrior should kill his enemy when he holds -him. If he does not do so he is a coward." - -The hunters could not refrain from a start of surprise at the -enunciation of this singular theory. Don Louis rose. - -"Listen," he said. "I do not fear you, and I will give you a proof of -it." - -And, with a movement quick as thought, he seized the long tail that hung -down the chiefs back, and cut it off with his knife. - -"Now," he added, buffeting him with the tress he had cut off, "be off, -villain: you are free. I despise you too much to inflict on you any -other punishment than that you have undergone. Return to your tribe, -and tell your friends how the whites avenge themselves on enemies so -contemptible as yourself, and those that resemble you." - -At the deadly insult he received the Indian's face became hideous; he -suffered a momentary stupor caused by shame and anger; but by a -supernatural effort he suddenly overcame his feelings, seized Don Louis' -arm, and thrusting his face into the Frenchman's,-- - -"Mixcoatzin is a powerful chief," he hissed. "Let the Yori remember his -name, for he will meet him again." - -And, bounding like a tiger, he dashed into the plain, where he at once -disappeared. - -"Stop!" Don Louis shouted to his friends, who were rushing in pursuit; -"Let him escape. What do I care for such a wretch's hatred? He can do -nothing to me." - -The hunters reluctantly took their seats again by the fire. - -"Hum!" Louis added, "I have perhaps committed a folly." - -Valentine looked at him. - -"Worse than a folly, brother," he said; "a sad mistake. Take care of -that man: one day or other he will revenge himself on you." - -"Possibly," the count said carelessly; "but when did you begin to fear -the Indians so greatly, brother?" - -"From the day I first learned to know them," the hunter said coldly. -"You have offered that man an insult which demands blood; be assured -that he will make you repent of it." - -"I care little." - -After these few words the hunters resumed their interrupted sleep, and -the rest of the night passed without any fresh incident. - -At sunrise the adventurers continued their journey; and by night, after -a day of incredible fatigue through the burning sands of the savannah, -they at length reached the _pueblo_ or _lugar_ of San Jose, where the -inhabitants received them with shouts of joy, persuaded as they were -that the strangers would not leave without supplying them with a few of -those objects of primary necessity which they have themselves no means -of procuring. - -San Jose is the last caravan halt before reaching San Francisco. The -travellers had made a journey of more than one hundred and eighty -leagues in less than three weeks, through difficulties and dangers -without end--a speed hitherto unexampled. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -EXPLANATIONS. - - -The hunters placed their animals in a vast corral; then they sought a -shelter for themselves in a meson, the landlord of which, a perfect -likeness of the worthy Knight of La Mancha, received them to the best of -his ability. After the rough journey they had made, it was a great -delight to the adventurers to rest their heads once again beneath a -roof, and be, for a few hours at least, lodged in a manner almost -civilised. - -Don Louis and Valentine occupied the same cuarto, while Curumilla and -Don Cornelio selected that exactly facing theirs. So soon as these -provisional arrangements were made, and supper enjoyed in common, all -retired to rest. - -Before lying down on the _cuadro_, covered with an oxhide, intended for -his bed, Don Louis walked up to Valentine, who, lying back in a _butaca_ -(easy chair), was smoking a cigarette, and idly watching the blue smoke -ascend in spirals. - -"What are you thinking about?" he asked him, as he leant familiarly on -the back of the butaca. - -"About you," Valentine replied, turning to him with a smile. - -"About me?" - -"Yes. What other anxiety can I have at present, save to see you happy?" - -The count looked down on the ground and sighed. - -"It is impossible," he said. - -Valentine looked at him. - -"Impossible!" he repeated. "Oh, oh! Have we reached that point? Come, -let us have an explanation, once for all." - -"You are right; the hour has arrived: let us have a hearty explanation." - -The count drew up a butaca, sat down opposite Valentine, took a cigar -from the case his foster brother handed him, and lit it. The hunter -followed all his movements attentively. When he saw him comfortably -installed, he said,-- - -"Speak." - -"Alas! My life has nothing very interesting in it; it has resembled that -of all adventurers. At one time rich, at another poor, I have wandered -about, traversing Mexico in every direction, dragging after me the -memory of my lost happiness, like the galley slaves cannon ball. For a -moment I imagined that a future might still exist for me, and that I -might at least regain my rank in the world, if I did not secure again a -position like that I had lost I started for San Francisco, that weird -Eldorado, whose marvels the hundred-mouthed rumour was narrating. There -I found myself mixed up with a crowd of greedy and unbridled -adventurers, whose life was one continued orgy, and whose sole passion -was gold. I saw there, within a few months, the most prodigious -metamorphoses. I saw the most scandalous fortunes spring up and collapse -again, and plunging resolutely into this gulf, I demanded from chance my -share of feverish joys and intoxicating emotions; but I lacked faith, -and nothing succeeded with me. I tried every profession, ever pursued by -that implacable fatality which was determined to crush me. I had great -difficulty in saving myself from a death by hunger. In turn hunter, -porter, Heaven knows what, my efforts availed nothing in that Babel, -where the condemned of civilisation jostled each other, who, all marked -with the indelible seal of Dante's reprobates, piled ruin on ruin to -form themselves a pedestal of ingots, which was immediately overthrown -by another. Disgusted with this mingled life of blood, filth, rags, and -gold, I set off, resolved to become a drover. A noble profession, is it -not, for a Count de Prebois, whose ancestors made three crusades?" he -added, with a bitter laugh. "But I knew generals ostlers, marquises -waiters; hence I, who had never been anything, could, without any great -degradation, become a trader in cattle. And then I had another object in -the choice of my profession. Ever since my arrival in North America I -have been looking for you: I hoped to find you again some day. For the -first time fortune has smiled on me, you see, as I have succeeded in -meeting with you. That is all I had to say to you. Now you know as much -about my life as I do; so ask me no more." - -After these words, uttered in a sharp voice, the count threw himself -back on his butaca, relit his cigar, crossed his arms on his chest, and -seemed determined not to add a word. Valentine looked at him for a long -time with the most concentrated attention, at times tossing his head, -and frowning with evident dissatisfaction. At length he resolved to -renew the conversation. - -"Hum!" he said, "I now know your whole life, I grant it. There is -nothing very extraordinary about it in a country like that where we are. -It in no way departs from the common law. You would do very wrong to -complain." - -"I do not complain," the count exclaimed quickly; "I merely assert a -fact." - -"Of course," Valentine said; "and yet, in all you have told me, one -point remains obscure to me." - -"Which?" - -"You told me all you wished to do--that is well; but leaving out of the -question the fraternal friendship that attaches us, and which, however -powerful it may be, cannot to my mind account for your settled -determination to find me again, you have not told me for what purpose -you sought me so obstinately." - -The count sprang up, and his eye flashed. - -"Have you not guessed it, Valentine?" - -"No!" - -The count let his head fall, and for a few moments the conversation was -again interrupted. - -"You are right, Valentine: better finish at once, and never return to -the subject again; besides, you know as well as I what I wish to say," -the count replied, with the accent of a man whose mind is made up. - -"Perhaps so," the hunter said laconically. - -"Come, come, I am not an ass; and on the morning of that day when you -asked a shelter at my bivouac, you understood me at the first word I let -fall." - -"It is possible," Valentine said imperturbably; "still, as I have no -pretence to the art of divination, be good enough to explain yourself -clearly and categorically." - -"You insist on it?" - -The hunter bowed his assent. - -"Well, be it so," the count went on; "you are still the same man you -were fifteen years ago." - -"Are we not referring to that very period now?" Valentine said with a -smile. - -"Ah!" the count exclaimed, striking the arm of his butaca, "you see that -you understood me." - -"Did I say the contrary?" - -"Why, then, do you demand----?" - -"Because it must be so," the hunter said dryly. - -"Be at rest, for I will repeat your own words." - -"I am listening." - -"You remember, I suppose, a cold winter night, in the bedroom of my -house at Paris?" - -"December 31st, 1834, at eleven in the evening," Valentine remarked. - -"Yes; the rain lashed the window panes, the wind whistled in the long -passages. I was awaiting your coming. You arrived. Then, as now, I was -face to face with ruin. I wished to die: you prevented me." - -"It is true. Did I do wrong?" - -"Perhaps," the count said in a hollow voice; "but these are the words -you made use of." - -"Allow me to repeat them myself; for, in spite of the fifteen years that -have elapsed, Louis, that scene is as present to my mind as if it took -place yesterday. After proving to you that you did wrong to despair," -Valentine said in a solemn voice, "that all was not lost, I replied to a -final objection you raised, 'Be easy, Louis, be easy. If I have not -fulfilled my promise in two years, I will hand you the pistols myself, -and then--' 'Then?' you asked. 'Then,' I added, 'you shall not kill -yourself alone.' 'I accept,' you answered. Those were the words that -passed between us on that night, which decided your future and made a -man of you. Is it not so? Have I forgotten the slightest detail? -Answer." - -"No, you have forgotten nothing, Valentine." - -"Well?" - -"Well, now that I have faithfully fulfilled the promise I made you, I -come to claim of you the complete execution of our compact." - -"I do not comprehend you." - -"What! You do not comprehend me?" the count said, bounding from his -butaca. - -"No," Valentine answered coldly. "Did I not keep my promise? Ah, Louis, -since you insist on it, by heavens!" he added, growing animated in his -turn, "let us reckon up accounts. I ask nothing better. What do you mean -by talking to me of fulfilling an agreement? Have I not fulfilled my -engagements? Did I not find for you that woman you despaired of ever -seeing again? Did you not marry her? Did you not enjoy with her ten -years of perfect happiness? By what right do you complain of the -fatality that pursues you? By what right do you curse your destiny, -ungrateful man! Whose happiness lasted ten years--ten ages in this -earth? Look around you. Show me a man who, throughout his whole life, -can reckon one year of that happiness you rail at, and then I will pity -you, will weep with you, and, if it must be, help you to die. Oh! All -men are the same--weak in the presence of joy as in grief, forgetting, -in a few hours of adversity, years of happiness. And so, after fifteen -years, you have returned to the same point. Insensate! Do you know, you -who speak in that way, what it is to pass a whole existence of suffering -and horrible agony: to feel hour by hour, minute by minute, your heart -lacerated, and that without hope, and yet smile and seem gay--in a word, -live? Have you for a single day endured that atrocious suffering, you -who speak so deliberately about dying?" - -Gradually, while speaking, Valentine had grown animated, his features -were contracted, and his eyes flashed flames. Louis gazed on his friend -without comprehending him, but startled at the state of exaltation in -which he saw him. - -"Valentine," he exclaimed, "Valentine, in heaven's name, calm yourself!" - -"Ah!" the hunter continued, with a ghastly laugh, "you suffer, you -say--you are unhappy; and yet listen. That woman you loved, whom I found -for you again, whom I enabled you to marry--well, it was not love I felt -for her, but idolatry. To be able to tell her so I would joyfully have -parted with my blood drop by drop; and yet I, to whom you have just told -your grief, I placed you in each other's arms. I smiled--do you -understand me?--smiled on your love, and without a murmur, a word, to -reveal that passion which gnawed my heart, I fled into the desert, alone -with my love. Face to face with it I suffered for fifteen years. Oh, my -God, my God! The wound is as painful now as on the first day. Tell me, -Louis, now that you know all--for we are frank with each other--what are -your sufferings compared with mine? By what right would you die?" - -"Oh, pardon me, pardon me, Valentine!" Louis exclaimed, as he rushed -into his arms. "Oh! You are right; I am very ungrateful to you." - -"No," Valentine answered sadly, as he returned his embrace; "no, Louis, -you are a man; you have followed the common law. I cannot and ought not -to be angry with you. Pardon me, on the contrary, for allowing myself to -be carried away so far as to reveal to you the secret which I had sworn -to bury eternally in my heart. Alas! We have all our cross to bear in -this world, and mine has been rude. God doubtlessly decreed it so, -because I am strong," he added, with an attempt at a smile. "But, to -return to yourself, it is true that youth has fled far from us, with its -gay perspective and smiling illusions; life has no longer anything to -offer us, save the painful trials of a ripe age. I am as wearied of -existence as yourself; it weighs equally on me as on you. You see, my -friend, I am fully of your opinion. I will not only not prevent you from -dying, but I wish to accomplish my promise fully by accompanying you -into the tomb." - -"You, Valentine! O no! It is impossible." - -"Why so? Is not our position the same? Have we not both suffered -equally? An implacable creditor, you have asked me to honour my -signature. Very good; but on one condition." - -Louis was too well acquainted with his foster brother's firm and -resolute character to try and combat his will. - -"What is it?" he asked simply. - -"I shall choose the mode of death." - -"Be it so." - -"Oh, pardon me, Louis! I shall not propose an ordinary suicide, so I -must have your word of honour before I explain myself more fully." - -"I give it you." - -"Good! There are two difficult things for a man to do in this -world--arranging his life, and arranging his death. The man who kills -himself coldly by blowing out his brains in his room, after writing to -his friends to announce his suicide, is either a coward or a madman. -That is not the sort of suicide I wish; it means nothing, it proves -nothing, and is of no service. But there is a manner of suicide which I -have ever dreamed of, because it is noble and great: it is that of the -man who, unable or unwilling to do more with a life he despises, -sacrifices it for his fellow men, with no other object than that of -being useful to them, and falls after accomplishing his task." - -"I believe I understand you, Valentine." - -"Perhaps so; but let me finish. We are in the country best prepared for -such a design. Already several attempts--all unsuccessful, however--have -been made, especially by the Count de Lhorailles in his colony of -Guetzalli. Sonora, which is the richest country in the world, is in the -last throes, under the brutalising and unintelligent system of the -Mexican government. Well, let us restore life to this country; let us -galvanise it, summon to our aid the French emigrants in California, and -come here to give liberty to a people whose energetic character will -comprehend us. What do we risk in the event of non-success? Death! Why, -that is exactly what we desire. At any rate, when we have fallen, we -shall sleep in a shroud of glory as martyrs, bearing with us the regrets -and sympathies of all. Instead of killing ourselves like cowards, we -shall have died in the breach like heroes. Is not that martyrdom the -noblest, the most sublime of all? - -"Yes, Valentine, you are right--always right Oh, men like ourselves can -only die in that fashion!" - -"Good!" Valentine exclaimed; "you have understood me." - -"Not only have I understood you, brother, but I guessed your meaning -before." - -"How so?" - -"When I met the Count de Lhorailles for the last time in the desert, I -was returning with Belhumeur and an Indian chief from visiting a placer -of incalculable value which that Indian had discovered, and the -ownership of which he gave to Belhumeur, who, in his turn, handed it -over to me. On my return, I proceeded to Mexico, where I entered into -negotiations with several notable persons; among others, the French -_charge d'affaires_. You of course know how slow everything is to -succeed in this unhappy country. Still, owing to the rich samples I had -the precaution to bring with me, and, above all, the powerful protection -of certain persons, I succeeded in founding a company, of which I was -appointed chief, with the right of levying a French company, armed and -disciplined, in order to take possession of the placer, and work it on -behalf of the company." - -"What then?" - -"Well, I returned to San Francisco, and made a few arrangements; but I -needed two things--first, patience, and next, money to enlist my men and -purchase the necessary stores; and--shall I confess it to you?--what I -most needed was the desire to succeed. But you, Valentine, have caused -that desire to spring up in me; your presence has restored all my -energy, and though I know not how I shall remove all the obstacles that -oppose the execution of my plan, I shall do so, I swear it to you." - -"What were you doing in Sonora, then?" - -"I can hardly explain it to you. My speculation in cattle was more a -flight than anything else. I was disgusted with everything, and tried to -make an end of it, no matter how." - -"Now it is my turn. Tomorrow, at sunrise, you will start. You will -proceed at full speed to San Francisco. Your excursion in Sonora was -only an exploring tour. You will employ any pretext you like, in a word, -and set to work earnestly forming your company. During that time I will -sell your herd, and arrange so as to procure you the funds you require. -Trouble yourself about nothing, but push ahead boldly." - -"But how will you manage it? The sum I need is large." - -"That does not concern you: let me arrange matters in my way; At the -appointed hour I will furnish you with more than you want, so it is -settled. You will start at sunrise?" - -"I will do so; but when and where shall I see you again?" - -"Ah! That is true. On the twenty-fifth day from this, at sunset, I will -enter your room." - -"But I do not know myself yet where I shall lodge." - -"Do not let that trouble you; I shall find out." - -"So, then, at sunset of the twenty-fifth day?" - -"Yes, I will arrive with the treasure ships," Valentine replied with a -laugh. - -"Thanks, brother; you are my good genius. If my life has had a few -blemishes, you are preparing me a glorious death to expiate them." - -"Pity yourself, pray! I am going to make of you a Francisco Pizarro and -an Almagro." - -The two men shook hands affectionately, while exchanging a sorrowful -smile. After a few more unimportant remarks, they threw themselves on -their beds, where they soon fell asleep, overpowered as they were by -fatigue. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE CONSEQUENCES OP A LOVE SONG. - - -During the conversation between the foster brothers, certain events we -must describe to the reader occurred in the cuarto to which Curumilla -and Don Cornelio had retired. - -On entering the room, Curumilla, instead of lying down on the cuadro -intended for him, laid his zarape on the tiled flooring, stretched -himself out upon it, and immediately closed his eyes. Don Cornelio, on -the contrary, after hanging the lamp to a nail in the wall, trimmed up -the smoking wick with the point of his knife, sat down on the side of -the bed, with his legs hanging down, and then began in a sonorous voice -the romance of King Rodrigo. - -At this slightly unseasonable music Curumilla half opened one eye, -though without protesting in any other way against this unwonted -disturbance of his rest. Don Cornelio may or may not have noticed the -Indian's silent protest; but in either case he took no heed of it, but -went on singing, raising his voice to the highest compass of which it -was capable. - -"Wah!" the chief said, raising his bead. - -"I was certain," Don Cornelio remarked with a friendly smile, "that the -music would please you." - -And he redoubled his flourishes. - -The Araucanian rose, went up to the singer, and touched him gently on -the shoulder. - -"We must sleep," he said in his guttural voice, and with an ill-tempered -grimace. - -"Bah, chief! Music makes a man forget sleep. Just listen. - - "'Oh, si yo naciera ciego! - Oh, tu sin beldad nacieras! - Maldito sea el punto--'"[1] - -The Indian seemed to listen with sustained attention, his body bent well -forward, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the singer. Don Cornelio -felicitated himself internally on the effect he fancied he had produced -on this primitive native, when suddenly Curumilla, seizing him by the -hips, squeezed him in his nervous hands at in iron pincers, and lifting -him with as much ease as if he had been but a child, carried him, spite -of his resistance, into the patio, and seated him on the side of the -wall. - -"Wah!" he said, "music is good here." - -And, without adding another word, he turned his back on the Spaniard, -walked into his cuarto, laid himself on his zarape, and went to sleep -immediately. - -At first Don Cornelio was quite confounded by this sudden attack, and -knew not if he ought to laugh or feel vexed at the simple way in which -his companion had got rid of his company; but Don Cornelio was a -philosopher, gifted with an admirable character. What had happened to -him seemed so droll that he burst into an Homeric laugh, which lasted -several minutes. - -"No matter," he said, when he had at length regained his seriousness, -"the adventure is curious, and I shall laugh at it for many a long day. -After all, the fellow was not entirely in the wrong. I am famously -situated here to sing and play my jarana as long as I think proper; at -any rate I shall run no risk of disturbing the sleepers, as I am quite -alone." - -And after this consolation, which he administered to himself to satisfy -his somewhat offended pride, he prepared to continue his serenade. - -The night was clear and serene; the sky was studded with a profusion of -stars, in the midst of which sparkled the dazzling southern cross; a -slight breeze, laden with the perfumes of the desert, gently refreshed -the air; the deepest silence brooded over San Jose; for, in the retired -Mexican pueblos, everybody returns home at an early hour. Everybody -appeared asleep, too, in the meson, although at a few windows the weak -and dying light of the candles gleamed behind the cotton curtains. - -Thus Don Cornelio, unconsciously yielding to the influences of this -magnificent evening, omitted the first four verses of the romancero, and -after a skilful prelude, struck up the sublime description of night:-- - - "A l'escaso resplendor, - De cualque luciente estrella, - Que en el medroso silencio, - Tristamente centellea."[2] - -And he continued thus with eyes uplifted to heaven, and brow glowing -with enthusiasm to the end of the romance; that is to say, until he had -sung the ninety-six verses of which this touching piece of poetry is -composed. - -The Mexicans, children of the Andalusians, the musicians and dancers -_par excellence_, have not degenerated in this respect from their -forefathers; on the contrary, they have, if that be possible, -exaggerated these two passions, to which they sacrifice everything. - -When Don Cornelio began singing, the patio, as we have, already -remarked, was completely deserted; but gradually, as the musician became -more animated, doors opened in every corner of the yard, men and women -appeared, advanced gently to the singer, and formed a circle round him; -so that after the final strophe he found himself surrounded by a group -of enthusiastic hearers, who applauded him frenziedly. - -Don Cornelio rose from the wall on which he was seated, lifted his hat, -and saluted his audience gracefully. - -"Come," he said to himself, "this will be something for that Indian, who -appreciates music so slightly, to reflect upon." - -"_Capa de Dios!_" an arriero said, "that is what I call singing." - -"Poor Senor Don Rodrigo, how he must have suffered!" a young criada -exclaimed in short petticoats, and with a flashing eye. - -"And that perfidious _picaro_ of a Count Julian, who introduced the -Moors into a Catholic country!" the landlord said with an angry gesture. - -"God be praised!" the audience said in chorus; "Let us hope that he is -roasting in the lowest pit." - -Don Cornelio was at the pinnacle of jubilation. Never before had he -obtained such a success. All his hearers thanked him for the pleasure he -had caused them, with those noisy demonstrations and cries of joy which -distinguish southern races. The Spaniard did not know whom to listen to, -or on which side to turn. The shouts assumed such a character of -enthusiasm, that the singer began to fear that he would be unable to get -rid of his frenzied audience the whole long night. - -Fortunately for him, at the moment when, half willingly, half perforce, -he was preparing, on the general request, to recommence his romance, -there was a movement in the crowd; it parted to the right and left, and -left a passage for a tall and pretty girl, who, with a well-turned leg -confined in silk stockings with gold clocks, her _rebozo_ coquettishly -drawn over her head, and her hair buried beneath a profusion of jasmine -flowers, placed herself resolutely before the singer, and said with a -graceful smile, which allowed her double row of pearly teeth to be -seen,-- - -"Are you not, caballero, a noble hidalgo of Spain, of the name of Don -Cornelio?" - -We must do Don Cornelio the justice to allow that he was so dazzled by -this delicious apparition that he remained for some seconds with gaping -mouth, unable to find a word. - -The girl stamped her foot impatiently. - -"Have you been suddenly turned into stone?" she asked, with a slightly -mocking accent. - -"Heaven forbid, senorita!" he at length stammered. - -"Then be good enough to answer the question I asked you." - -"Nothing easier, senorita. I am indeed Don Cornelio Mendoza de -Arrizabal, and have the honour to be a Spanish gentleman." - -"That is what I call plain speaking," she said, with a slight pout. "If -it be so, caballero, I must ask you to follow me." - -"To the end of the world," the young man exclaimed impetuously. "I -should never travel in pleasanter company." - -"I thank you for the compliment, caballero, but I do not intend to take -you so far. I only wish to conduct you to my mistress, who desires to -see you and speak with you for an instant." - -"_Rayo del cielo!_ If the mistress be only as pretty as the maid, I -shall not regret the trip if it last a week." - -The girl smiled again. - -"My mistress is staying in this inn, only a few steps off." - -"All the worse, all the worse! I should have preferred a journey of -several leagues before meeting her." - -"A truce to gallantry. Are you willing to follow me?" - -"At once, senorita." - -And throwing his jarana on his back, and bowing for the last time to the -audience, who opened a passage for him respectfully,-- - -"I am at your orders," he said. - -"Come, then." - -The girl turned away and hurried off rapidly, the Spaniard following -close at her heels. - -Don Cornelio, like all the adventurers whom a hazardous life in Europe -had cast on the American shores, nourished in his heart a secret hope -of re-establishing, by a rich marriage, his fortunes, which were more -than compromised. Several instances, though rare, we allow, of marriages -contracted in this romantic fashion, had imbedded this idea deeply in -the Spaniard's somewhat windy brain. - -He was young, noble, handsome--at least he thought so; hence he -possessed all needed for success. It is true that, until this moment, -fortune had never deigned to smile on him; no young girl seemed to care -for his assassinating glances, or respond to his interested advances. -But this ill success had in no way rebuffed him, and what happened at -this moment seemed to justify his schemes, by offering him, at the -moment he least expected it, that occasion he had so long awaited. - -Only one thing saddened his brow, and clouded the internal joy he -experienced, and that was the seedy condition of his attire, sadly -ill-treated by the brambles, and torn by the sharp points of the rocks, -during his long journey in Sonora. But with that characteristic fatuity -innate in the Spaniards, he consoled himself by the reflection that his -personal advantages would amply compensate for the seedy condition of -his dress, and that the lady who had sent for him, if she felt any -tender interest in him, would attach but slight value to a new cloak or -a faded cloak. It was with these conquering feelings that Don Cornelio -arrived behind the _camarista_ at the door of a cuarto, before which she -stopped. - -"It is here," she said, turning round to him. - -"Very good," he said, drawing himself up. "We will enter whenever you -please." - -She smiled cunningly with a twinkle of her black eyes, and turned the -key in the lock. The door opened. - -"Senorita," the waiting-maid said, "I have brought you the gentleman." - -"Let him come in, Violanta," a sweet voice answered. - -The girl stepped aside to make room for Don Cornelio, who walked in, -twisting his moustache with a conquering air. - -The room in which he found himself was small, and rather better -furnished than the other cuartos in the hostelry, probably owing to the -indispensable articles the temporary occupier of the room had the -precaution to bring with her. Several pink candles burned in silver -chandeliers, and on a sofa lay a lovely young girl of sixteen to -seventeen years of age, buried in muslin, like a hummingbird in a nest -of roses, who bent on the Spanish gentleman two large black eyes -sparkling with humour, maliciousness, and curiosity. - -In spite of the immense dose of self-love with which he was cuirassed, -and the intimate conviction he had of his own merits, Don Cornelio -stopped in considerable embarrassment on the threshold, and bowed -profoundly, without daring to advance into the interior of this cuarto, -which appeared to him a sanctuary. - -By a charming sign the young woman invited him to draw nearer, and -pointed out a butaca, about two paces from the sofa on which she was -reclining. The young man hesitated; but the camarista, laughing like a -madcap, pushed him by the shoulders and compelled him to sit down. - -Still the position of our two actors, opposite each other, was rather -singular. Don Cornelio, a prey to the most powerful embarrassment he -ever experienced, twisted the brim of his beaver in his hands, as he -cast investigating glances cautiously around; while the girl, no less -confused, timidly looked down, and seemed at present almost to regret -the inconsiderate step she had let herself be led to take. - -Still, as in all difficult circumstances of life, women possess a will -of initiative greater than that of men, because they make a strength of -their weakness, and know at once how to approach the most awkward -questions, it was the lady who first regained her coolness and commenced -the conversation. - -"Do you recognise me, Don Cornelio?" she asked him in a deliberate tone, -which made the Spaniard quiver. - -"Alas, senorita!" he replied, trying to gain time, "where could I have -had the happiness of ever seeing you? I have only lived up to the -present in an _inferno_." - -"Let us speak seriously," she said with an almost imperceptible frown. -"Look me well in the face, caballero, and answer me frankly: do you -recognise me--yes or no?" - -Don Cornelio timidly raised his eyes, obeyed the order he had received -in so peremptory a fashion, and after a few seconds,-- - -"No, senorita," he said with a suppressed sigh, "I do not recognise you; -I do not believe that I ever had the happiness of meeting you before -today." - -"You are mistaken," she replied. - -"I! O no! It is impossible." - -"Do not swear, Don Cornelio; I will prove to you the truth of what I -assert." - -The young man shook his head incredulously. - -"When a man has had once the happiness of seeing you--" he murmured. - -She interrupted him sharply. - -"You do not know what you say, and your gallantry is misplaced. Before -contradicting me you would do better by listening to what I have to say -to you." - -Don Cornelio protested. - -"I repeat," she said distinctly, "that you are mad. For two days you -travelled in the company of my father and myself." - -"I!" - -"Yes, you." - -"Oh!" - -"It is just three years ago. At that period I was only a child, scarce -fourteen: there is, consequently, nothing extraordinary in your having -forgotten me. At that period you sang your inevitable romance of Don -Rodrigo, of which I will say no harm, however," she added, with an -enchanting smile, "because I recognised you by that song. My father, now -governor and political chief of Sonora, was at that time only a -colonel." - -The Spaniard struck his forehead. - -"I remember," he exclaimed. "You were going from Guadalajara to Tepic, -when I had the pleasure of meeting you in the middle of the night." - -"Yes." - -"That is it. Let me see, your father's name is Don Sebastian Guerrero, -and yours--" - -"Well, and mine?" she said, with a pretty challenging pout. - -"Yours, senorita," he said gallantly, "is Dona Angela. What other name -could you bear?" - -"Come," she said, clapping her dainty hands together with a ringing -laugh, "I am glad to see that you have a better memory than I believed." - -"Oh!" he muttered reproachfully. - -"We had a rather disagreeable adventure, if I remember right, with -certain bandits?" she continued. - -"Extremely disagreeable, for I was half killed." - -"That is true; I remember something of the sort. Were you not rescued by -a hunter, a wood ranger? I can hardly remember." - -"A noble gentleman, senorita," Don Cornelio replied with fire, "to whom -I owe my life." - -"Ah!" she said carelessly, "that is possible. The man helped you, nursed -you, and then you parted?" - -"Not exactly." - -"What!" she said, with some agitation, "you continued to live together?" - -"Yes." - -"Always?" - -"Yes." - -"But now?" she said, with a certain hesitation in her voice. - -"I repeat to you, senorita, that we have not separated." - -"Indeed! Is he here?" - -"Yes." - -"In this hostelry?" - -"On the other side of the yard." - -"Ah!" she murmured, letting her head fall on her breast. - -"What's the matter now?" the Spaniard asked himself. - -And not interrupting the sudden reverie into which the young lady had -fallen, he waited respectfully until it pleased her to renew the -conversation. - - -[1] Oh, if I had been born blind, or if you had been born ugly! Accursed -be the day and hour-- - -[2] By the feeble light of some clear star, which, in the midst of the -gloomy silence, mournfully twinkles. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -DELILAH. - - -The position of our two characters toward each other was somewhat -singular. Both appeared to be watching each other, and trying to -discover the flaw in the armour; but in this struggle of a man against a -woman, the latter must inevitably prove the conqueror. - -Don Cornelio had possibly a rather exaggerated opinion of himself. This -was what ruined him, and delivered him bound hand and foot over to his -dangerous adversary. - -Dona Angela, resting coquettishly on her elbow, with her chin on the -palm of her dainty hand, fixed on him two eyes sparkling with -maliciousness, so that the Spaniard, as it were, fascinated by the -brilliancy of this irresistible glance, had not even the will to turn -his head, and liberate himself from the deceptive charm that fascinated -him. - -"Violanta," the girl said, in a voice soft and pure as the song of the -_centzontle_, the American nightingale, "have you no refreshments to -offer this caballero?" - -"Oh, certainly," said the crafty camarista, with a look sufficient to -tempt St. Anthony; and she rose quickly to obey her mistress's -directions. - -Don Cornelio, flattered in his heart by this politeness, which he was -far from expecting, thought it necessary to break out in excuses; but -Dona Angela cut him short by herself saying,-- - -"You will forgive me, caballero, for receiving you so poorly, but I did -not expect to have the honour of your visit in this wretched pueblo." - -Naturally enough, Don Cornelio, infatuated with the advantages he -fancied he possessed, regarded this remark as a compliment. - -Angela maliciously bit her rosy lips, and continued, with a bow,-- - -"But now that I have been so fortunate as to meet again with an old -friend, for I hope you will permit me to give you that appellation----" - -"Oh, senorita!" the young man said with a movement of joy. - -"I flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of enjoying your -company more frequently." - -"Senorita, believe me that I shall be too happy." - -"I know your gallantry, Don Cornelio," she interrupted him with a smile. -"I am aware that you will seize every opportunity to offer me your -homage." - -"Heaven is my witness, senorita. Unfortunately, adverse fate will -possibly ordain differently." - -"Why so?" - -"You are only passing through this wretched town." - -"Yes. My father is proceeding to Tepic, where his new position as -governor of the province demands his residence." - -"That is true. You see, then, madam, that it is almost impossible for us -ever to meet again." - -"Do you think so?" she asked. - -"Alas! I am atrociously afraid of it." - -"Why so?" she said, bending her body forward in curiosity. - -"Because, according to every probability, tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall -take diametrically opposite routes, senorita." - -"Oh, that is not possible!" - -"Unfortunately it is too true." - -"Explain this enigma to me." - -"I would it were one; but a child can read it." - -"I do not at all understand you?" - -"I will explain myself more clearly." - -"Go on." - -"When you and your father, madam, start tomorrow for Tepic, my friends -and myself will set out for San Francisco." - -"San Francisco!" - -"Alas! Yes." - -"What need have you to go there?" - -"I! None." - -"Well, then?" - -Don Cornelio behaved like most men when in a state of embarrassment; -that is to say, he scratched his head. At length he said,-- - -"I cannot leave my friends." - -"What friends?" - -"Those in whose company I am." - -"Then they want to go to San Francisco?" - -"Yes." - -"What to do?" - -"Ah! That is it," the Spaniard replied, more and more embarrassed by the -obligation of confessing the trade in which he was engaged, and which he -fancied must lower him to an extraordinary degree in the eyes of the -young lady whose heart he fancied he had touched. - -"I am waiting," she said with a slight frown of her arched brows. - -Don Cornelio, driven into his last retrenchments, determined to make a -clean breast of it. - -"You must know," he said in a honeyed voice, "that my friends are -hunters." - -"Ah!" she remarked. - -"Yes." - -"Well, what then?" - -"Why, then, why, they hunt, I suppose," he continued, discountenanced by -the lady's singular tone. - -"That is probable," she said, with a little silvery laugh. "And what do -they hunt?" - -"Well, pretty nearly all sorts of animals." - -"Specify." - -"Wild bulls, for instance." - -"Very good; we will say, then, that they hunt wild bulls?" - -"Yes." - -"Why those animals more than others?" - -"I will tell you." - -"I shall feel delighted." - -Don Cornelio bowed. - -"You must know that at San Francisco--" - -"San Francisco again?" - -"Alas! Yes." - -"Very good: proceed." - -"Oxen, bullocks, and generally all animals that serve for food, are -extremely dear." - -"Ah!" - -"O dear, yes! You understand that people in that country pay great -attention to finding gold, and very little to seeking food." - -"Quite correct." - -"So my friend reasoned thus." - -"Which friend?" - -"The hunter, Don Louis." - -"Don Louis?" - -"Yes, the man who three years back, when the bandits attacked you, -arrived so opportunely, and whom I have never quitted since." - -Dona Angela experienced such a startling emotion that her face suddenly -turned pale. Don Cornelio, busied with his story, did not perceive the -effect the accidental mention of that name produced, but continued,-- - -"'Very good, then,' he said to himself. 'Bulls obtain fabulous prices in -California; in Mexico they may be had for almost nothing. Let us go and -buy or lasso them in Mexico.'" - -"So then?" - -"Well, we set out." - -"You were in California at that time?" - -"At San Francisco, with Don Louis." - -"And now?" - -"We have a magnificent herd of novillos, which we have driven a long -distance, and which we hope to dispose of at a large profit at San -Francisco." - -"I hope so." - -"Thank you, madam; the more so as we had an enormous difficulty in -procuring them." - -"But all that does not teach me why you cannot separate from your -friends." - -"At any rate not until we have sold the bullocks. You understand, -senorita, that acting otherwise would be ungentlemanly." - -"That is true; but why insist on selling your bulls nowhere save at San -Francisco?" - -"We do not at all insist on that." - -"Then, supposing you found a good price here, you would dispose of -them?" - -"I see nothing to prevent it." - -Dona Angela gave a start of joy, which Don Cornelio naturally -interpreted to his own advantage. - -"That might be arranged," she said. - -"You think so?" - -"Yes, if you are not too craving." - -"You need not apprehend that, senorita." - -"My father possesses a hacienda a few leagues from this town. I know -that he intends to re-form his _ganado_, and he stopped here today in -order to have an interview with his _mayordomo_." - -"Oh! That is a providential chance." - -"Is it not?" - -"It is really. Has the mayordomo arrived?" - -"Not yet: we do not expect him till tomorrow. I fancy that a day's delay -will do you no injury." - -"Not the slightest." - -"Well, then, if you consent, we will settle this affair while we are -together; that is to say," she added, "you will tell me the prices, that -I may inform my father." - -"Ah!" he said, with a certain hesitation, "I can, unfortunately, say -nothing on that head." - -"Why so? Are you not the owner of the herd?" - -"Pardon me." - -"Well, what then?" she interrupted, looking at him with fixed attention. - -"That is to say, I am not sole owner." - -"You have partners?" - -"Yes, I have one." - -"And that partner----?" - -"Stay, madam, I prefer being frank with you, and telling you clearly how -matters stand." - -"I am listening, caballero." - -"I am owner without being so." - -"I do not understand you at all." - -"It is very simple, however, as you will see." - -"I am all anxiety." - -"Just imagine that Don Louis, after curing me of my wounds, felt that -loyal and open friendship for me which has no counterpart in town life. -Not only would he not consent to my leaving him, but aware that, owing -to reverses too long to repeat to you, I was almost penniless, he -insisted on my becoming a sharer in all the enterprises he thought -proper to undertake; so that, without the outlay of a penny, I hold one -half the property. Hence, as you will see, I can do nothing until I have -first taken his instructions." - -"That is only just, it seems to me." - -"And to me too, madam; and that is the reason why, in spite of the -lively desire I entertain to settle the business with you at once, I -find it impossible to do so." - -Dona Angela seemed to reflect for a moment, then went on with a -palpitation of the heart and a tremor in her voice, which she could not -conceal, in spite of all her efforts:-- - -"After all, the matter is perfectly simple, and may be arranged very -easily." - -"I ask nothing better; still I confess, to my shame, that I do not see -what means I should employ." - -"It is a trifle, tomorrow, before the mayordomo's arrival, I will speak -with my father: he will, I doubt not, be delighted to render a service -to the man who saved our lives. You will tell your friend, he will come -to an arrangement with my father, and all will be settled." - -"Indeed, madam, I did not think of that. All can be arranged in that -way." - -"Unless your friend--Don Louis, I think you called him----?" - -"Yes, madam, Don Louis. He is a gentleman belonging to one of the -noblest and oldest families in France." - -"Ah! All the better. Unless, I say, he should not consent to deal with -my father." - -"And why should he not, senorita?" - -"Oh! I do not know; but on our first meeting, after saving my father's -life and mine, that caballero behaved so singularly toward us that I -fear----" - -"You are wrong, madam, to suppose that Don Louis could refuse an offer -so advantageous as that you make him; besides, I will talk with him, and -am certain to bring him over to my views." - -"O dear me!" she said negligently, "I have but a very slight interest in -all this. I should not like the proposal to cause you the slightest -annoyance with your partner. I am only looking after your interests in -the affair, Don Cornelio." - -"I am convinced of it, madam, and thank you humbly," he replied, with a -low bow. - -"I only know you. Your partner, though he rendered me a great service, -is but a stranger to me, especially after the peremptory manner in which -he declined my father's advances and offers of service." - -"You are perfectly right, senorita. Believe me that I attach full value -to the delicacy of your conduct." - -"Still," she continued, in an insinuating and slightly malicious voice, -"I confess to you that I should not be sorry to find myself once more -face to face with that strange man, were it only to convince myself that -the opinion I formed of him was wrong." - -"Don Louis, madam," the Spaniard answered complacently, "is a true -caballero, kind, noble, and generous, ever ready to help with purse or -sword those who claim his assistance. Since I have had the honour of -living in his society I have had many opportunities of appreciating the -greatness of his character." - -"I am happy to hear what you tell me, senor, for I confess that this -caballero left a very bad impression on me, doubtlessly through the -rough manner in which he parted from us." - -"That bad impression was unjust, madam. As for the roughness with which -you reproach him alas! It is only melancholy." - -"What!" she exclaimed quickly, while a rosy tinge suddenly invaded her -forehead, "melancholy, do you say? Is the gentleman unhappy?" - -"Who is not so?" Don Cornelio asked with a sigh. - -"Perhaps, though, you are mistaken." - -"Alas! No, madam. Don Louis has been the victim of frightful disasters: -judge for yourself. He had a wife he adored, who had presented him with -several charming children. One night the Indians surprised his hacienda, -fired it, massacred his wife, his children, his whole family, in a word, -and himself only escaped by a miracle." - -"Oh, that is horrible!" she exclaimed, as she buried her face in her -hands. "Poor man! Now I heartily pardon what appeared singularity in his -manners. Alas! The society of his fellow men must weigh upon him." - -"Yes, madam, it doubtlessly does so; for the grief he endures is of that -nature which cannot be consoled. And yet, when he knows of a misfortune -to alleviate, or any good deed to do, he forgets himself only to think -of those he wishes to aid." - -"Yes, you are right, caballero; that man has a noble heart." - -"Alas, madam! I should ever remain below the truth in what I might tell -you of him. You must live his life, be constantly by his side, in order -to understand and appreciate him at his full value." - -There were a few moments of silence. The night was drawing on; the -candles were beginning to dim; the camarista, who had but a very slight -interest in this conversation, had laid her head against the back of her -butaca; her eyes were closed, and she was enjoying that catlike sleep -peculiar to women and the feline race, and which does not prevent them -being constantly on the watch. - -"Tell me, Don Cornelio," Dona Angela continued with a smile, "have you -never spoken with Don Louis about our meeting during the long period -that has since elapsed?" - -"Never, madam." - -"Ah!" - -"Once, and only once, I remember that I tried to bring the conversation -round to that subject by some rather direct allusions." - -"Well?" - -"Don Louis, who, till then, had seemed to listen kindly to my -observations, suddenly requested me, in very distinct language, never to -return to that subject, remarking that he had only acted in accordance -with his duty; that he would do the same again; and that it was not -worth while talking about, the less so as chance would, in all -probability, never again bring him into contact with the persons to whom -he had been so fortunate as to render this slight service." - -The young lady frowned. - -"I thank you," she said in a slightly affected voice, "I thank you, Don -Cornelio, for the kindness with which you have treated the whims of a -woman you did not know." - -"Oh, madam!" he exclaimed in protest; "for a long time I have been your -most humble slave." - -"I know your gallantry, but will not abuse it longer. Be assured that I -shall keep our long conversation in pleasant memory. Be kind enough not -to forget the proposals I wish to make to Don Louis." - -"Tomorrow, madam, at the hour you think most suitable, my friend and -myself will have the honour to present ourselves to the general." - -"Do not derange yourselves, caballero; a criado will warn you when my -father is ready to receive you. Farewell!" - -"Farewell!" he replied, bowing respectfully to the young lady, who -dismissed him with a gracious smile. - -The Spaniard went out with joy in his heart. - -"Oh!" Dona Angela murmured, so soon as she was alone, "I love him!" - -Whom was she speaking of? - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A RETROSPECT. - - -Before carrying our story further we must give the reader certain -details about the family and antecedents of Don Sebastian Guerrero, who -is destined to play a great part in our narrative. - -The family of Don Sebastian was rich; he descended in a straight line -from one of the early kings of Mexico, and pure Aztec blood flowed in -his veins. Like several other great Mexican families, his ancestors had -not been dispossessed by the conquerors, to whom they rendered important -services; but they were obliged to add a Spanish name to the Mexican -one, which sounded harshly in Castilian ears. - -Still the Guerrero family boasted loudly of its Aztec origin, and if it -seemed ostensibly devoted to Spain, it secretly maintained the hope of -seeing Mexico one day regain her liberty. - -Thus, when the heroic Hidalgo, the humble curate of the little village -of Dolores, suddenly raised the standard of revolt against the -oppressors of his country, Don Eustaquio Guerrero, though married but a -short time previously to a woman he adored, and father of a son hardly -six years of age, was one of the first to respond to the appeal of the -insurgents, and join Hidalgo at the head of four hundred resolute men -raised on his own enormous estates. - -The Mexican revolution was a singular one; for nearly all the promoters -and heroes were priests--the only country in the world where the clergy -have openly taken the initiative in progress, and thus displayed -profound sympathy for the liberty of the people. - -Don Eustaquio Guerrero was in turn companion of those modest heroes whom -disdainful history has almost forgotten, and whose names were, Hidalgo, -Morelos, Hermenegildo Galeana, Allende, Abasolo, Aldama, Valerio -Trujano, Torres, Rayon, Sotomayor, Manuel Mier-y-Teran, and many others -whose names have escaped me; and who, after fighting gloriously for the -liberty of their country, now repose in their bloody tombs, protected by -that glorious nimbus which Heaven places round the brow of martyrs, -whatever be the cause they have defended, so long as that cause is just. - -More fortunate than the majority of his brave comrades in arms, who were -destined to fall one after the other, some as victims to Spanish -barbarity, others conquered by treachery, Don Eustaquio escaped as if by -a miracle from the innumerable dangers of this war, which lasted ten -years, and at length witnessed the complete expulsion of the Spaniards -and the proclamation of independence. - -The brave soldier, prematurely aged, covered with wounds, and disgusted -by the ingratitude of his fellow countrymen, who, scarce free, began -attacking each other, and inaugurated that fatal era of -_pronunciamientos,_ the list of which is already so long, and will only -be closed by the ruin of the country, and the loss of its nationality, -retired, gloomy and sad, to his Hacienda del Palmar, situated in the -province of Valladolid, and sought, in the company of his wife and son, -to recover some sparks of that happiness he had formerly enjoyed when he -was but an obscure citizen. - -But this supreme consolation was denied him; his wife died in his arms -scarce two years after their reunion, attacked by an unknown disease, -which dragged her to the grave in a few weeks. - -After the death of the woman he loved with all the strength of his soul, -Don Eustaquio, crushed by sorrow, only dragged on a wretched existence, -which terminated exactly one year after his wife's death. Her name was -the last word that wandered on his pallid lips as he drew his parting -breath. - -Don Sebastian, who was scarce twenty years of age, was left an orphan. -Alone, without relatives or friends, the young man shut himself up in -his hacienda, where he silently bewailed the two beings he had lost, -and on whom he had concentrated all his affections. - -Don Sebastian would probably have remained for many years in retirement, -without seeing the world, or caring how it went on--leading the -careless, idle, and brutalising life of those great land-holders whom no -idea of progress or amelioration impels to trouble themselves about -their estates, timid and fearful, like all men who live alone, spending -his days in hunting and sleeping--had not chance, or rather his lucky -star, brought to Palmar an old partisan chief who had long fought by the -side of Don Eustaquio, and who, happening to pass a few leagues from the -place, felt old reminiscences aroused in him, and determined to press -the hand of his old comrade, whose death he was not aware of. - -The name of this man was Don Isidro Vargas. He was of lofty stature, his -shoulders were wide, his limbs athletic, and his features imprinted with -an uncommon energy; in a word, he presented in his person the type of -that powerful and devoted race which is daily dying out in Mexico, and -of which, ere long, not a specimen will be left. - -The unexpected arrival of this guest, whose heavy spurs and long -steel-scabbarded sabre re-echoed noisily on the tiled floors of the -hacienda, brought life into the mansion which had been so long devoted -to silence and the gloomy tranquillity of the cloister. - -Like all old soldiers, Captain Don Isidro had a rough voice and sharp -way of speaking; his manners were brusque, but his character was gay, -and gifted with a rare equanimity of temper. - -When he entered the house Don Sebastian was out hunting, and the -hacienda seemed uninhabited. The captain at first found enormous -difficulty in meeting with anyone to address. At length, by careful -search, he detected a peon half asleep under a verandah, who gave some -sort of answer to the questions asked him. By great patience and -questions made with that craft peculiar to the Mexicans, the captain -succeeded in obtaining some valuable information. - -The death of Don Eustaquio only astonished the worthy _soldado_ -slightly; he expected it, indeed, from the moment he learnt the death of -the senora, for whom he knew his old comrade professed so deep a love; -but on learning the idle life Don Sebastian had led since his father's -death, the captain burst out in a furious passion, and swore by all the -saints in the Spanish calendar (and they are tolerably numerous), that -this state of things should not last much longer. - -The captain had known the young man when he was but a child. Many times -he had dandled him on his knee, and thus, with his ideas of honour and -generosity, he thought himself obliged, as an old friend of his father, -to remove the son from the slothful existence he led. - -Consequently the old soldier installed himself authoritatively in the -hacienda, and firmly awaited the return of the man he had been -accustomed to regard for a long time almost in the light of a son. - -The day passed peacefully. The Indian peons, long accustomed to profess -the greatest respect for embroidered hats and jingling sabres, left him -free to act as he pleased--a liberty the old soldier did not at all -abuse, for he contented himself with ordering an immense vase full of an -infusion of tamarinds, which he placed on a table, up to which he drew a -butaca, and amused himself with smoking an enormous quantity of husk -cigarettes, which he made as he wanted them, with that dexterity alone -possessed by the Spanish race. - -At about _oracion_ time, or six in the evening, the captain, who had -fallen quietly asleep, was aroused by a great noise, mingled with -shouts, barking, and the neighing of horses, which he heard outside. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, turning up his moustache, "I fancy the _muchacho_ has -at last arrived." - -It was, indeed, Don Sebastian returning from the chase. - -The old partisan, who was sitting opposite a window, was enabled to -examine his friend's son at his ease, without being perceived in his -turn. He could not repress a smile of satisfaction at the sight of the -vigorous young man, with his haughty features bearing the imprint of -boldness, wildness, and timidity, and his well-built limbs. - -"What a pity," he muttered to himself, "if such a fine fellow were to be -expended here without profit to himself or to others! It will not be my -fault if I do not succeed in rousing the boy from the state of lethargy -into which he is plunged. I owe that to the memory of his poor father." - -While making these reflections, as he heard the clanking of spurs in the -room before that in which he was, he fell back on his butaca, and put on -again his usual look of indifference. Don Sebastian entered. He had not -seen the captain for several years. The greeting he gave him, though -slightly awkward and embarrassed, was, however, affectionate. After the -first compliments they sat down face to face. - -"Well, muchacho," the captain said, suddenly plunging _in medias res_, -"you did not expect a visit from me, I fancy?" - -"I confess, captain, that I was far from supposing that you would come. -To what fortunate accident do I owe your presence in my house?" - -"I will tell you presently, muchacho. For the present we will talk about -other matters, if you have no objection." - -"At your ease, captain; I do not wish to displease you in any way." - -"We will see that presently, _cuerpo de Dios!_ And in the first place, -to speak frankly, I will tell you that I did not come to see you, but -your worthy father, my brave general. _Voto a brios!_ The news of his -death quite upset me, and I am not myself again yet." - -"I am very grateful, captain, for the kindly memory in which you hold my -father." - -"_Capa de Cristo!_" the captain said, who, among other habits more or -less excellent, possessed to an eminent degree that of seasoning each of -his phrases with an oath, at times somewhat unorthodox, "of course I -hold in kind memory the man by whose side I fought for ten years, and -to whom I owe it that I am what I am. Yes, I do remember him, and I hope -soon, _canarios!_ To prove it to his son." - -"I thank you, captain, though I do not perceive in what way you can give -me this proof." - -"Good, good!" he said, gnawing his moustache. "I know how to do it, and -that is enough. Everything will come at its right season." - -"As you please, my old friend. At any rate, you will be kind enough to -remember that you are at home here, and that the longer you stay the -greater pleasure you will afford me." - -"Good, muchacho! I expected that from you. I will avail myself of the -hospitality so gracefully offered, but will not abuse it." - -"An old comrade in arms of my father's cannot do that in his house, -captain, and you less than anyone else. But," he added, seeing a peon -enter, "here is a servant come to announce that the dinner is served. I -confess to you that, as I have been hunting all day, I am now dying of -hunger: if you will follow me we will sit down to the table and renew -our acquaintance glass in hand." - -"I ask nothing better, _rayo de Dios!_" the captain said as he rose. -"Though I have not been hunting, I think I shall do honour to the -repast." - -And without further talking they passed into a dining room, where a -sumptuously and abundantly-served table awaited them. - -According to a patriarchal custom, which, unfortunately, like all good -things, is beginning to die out, at Palmar the master and servants took -their meals together. This custom, which had existed in the family since -the conquest, Don Sebastian kept up--in the first place, through respect -for his father's memory, and secondly, because the servants at the -hacienda were devoted to their master, and to some extent supplied the -place of a family. - -The evening passed away, without any incident worthy of remark, in -chatting about war and the chase. Captain Don Isidro Vargas was an old -soldier, as cunning as a monk. Too clever to assail the young man's -ideas straightforwardly, he resolved to study him for some time, in -order to discover the weak points of his character, and see how he must -attack him in order to drag him out of that slothful and purposeless -life he led in this forgotten province. Thus several days were passed in -hunting and other amusements, and the captain never once alluded to the -subject he had at heart. At times he might make a covert allusion to the -active life of the capital, the opportunities of securing a fine -position which a man of Don Sebastian's age could not fail to find at -Mexico, if he would take the trouble to go there, and many other -insinuations of the same nature; but the young man let them pass without -making the slightest observation, or even appearing to understand them. - -"Patience!" the captain muttered. "I shall eventually find the flaw in -his cuirass; and if I do not succeed, I must be preciously clumsy." - -And he recommenced his covert attacks, not allowing the young man's -impassive indifference to rebuff him. - -Don Sebastian performed his duties as master of the house with -thoroughly Mexican grace, amenity, and sumptuousness; that is, he -invented every sort of amusement which he thought would be most suited -to the worthy captain's tastes. The latter let him do so with the utmost -coolness, and conscientiously enjoyed the pleasures the young man -procured him, charmed in his heart by the activity he displayed in -pleasing him, and more and more persuaded that, if he succeeded in -arousing in him the feelings which he supposed were slumbering in his -mind, it would be easy to convert him to his own ideas, and make him -abandon the absorbing life of a _campesino_. - -More than once, during the few days they spent in hunting in the -magnificent plains that surrounded the hacienda, accident enabled the -captain to admire the skill with which the young man managed his steed, -and his superiority in all those exercises which demand strength, -activity, and, above all, skill. - -On one occasion especially, at the moment the hunters galloped in -pursuit of a magnificent stag they had put up, they found themselves -suddenly face to face with a cougouar, which threatened to dispute their -progress. The cougouar is the American lion. It has no mane. Like all -the other carnivora of the New World it cares little about attacking a -man, and it is only when reduced to the last extremity that it turns -upon him; but then it fights with a courage and energy that frequently -render its approach extremely dangerous. - -On the occasion to which we allude the cougouar seemed resolved to await -its enemies boldly. The captain, but little accustomed to find himself -face to face with such enemies, experienced that internal tremor which -assails the bravest man when he finds himself exposed to a serious -danger. Still, as the old soldier was notoriously brave, he soon -recovered from this involuntary emotion, and cocked his gun, while -watching the crouching animal, which fixed its glaring eyes on him. - -"Do not fire, captain," Don Sebastian said with a perfectly calm voice; -"you are not used to this chase, and, without wishing it, might injure -the skin, which you see is magnificent, and that would be a pity." - -Don Sebastian thereupon let his gun fall, took a pistol from his -holster, and spurring his horse at the same time that he checked it, -made it rear. The animal rose, and stood almost on its hind legs; the -cougouar suddenly bounded forward with a terrible roar; the young man -dug his knees into his horse, which bounded on one side, while Don -Sebastian pulled the trigger. The monster rolled on the ground in -convulsive agony. - -"_Cuerpo de Cristo!_" the captain shouted; "why, you've killed it on the -spot! No matter, muchacho; you played for a heavy stake." - -"Bah!" the other said as he dismounted; "it is not so difficult as you -fancy; it only requires practice." - -"Hum! It must require practice to shoot such an animal on the wing. The -ball has entered its eye." - -"Yes, we generally shoot them there, so as not to spoil the skin." - -"Ah, very good! To tell you the truth, though, I, who am by no means a -bad shot, should not like to try the experiment." - -"You are calumniating yourself." - -"Very possibly." - -"Poor Pepe, my tigrero, will lose by that a reward of ten piastres--all -the worse for him. Shall we return to the hacienda, and send someone to -bring the brute in?" - -"With all my heart." - -They went back. - -"Hum!" the captain said to himself as they galloped on, "I must have a -definitive explanation with him this very evening." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -A MEXICAN'S PROGRESS. - - -The Hispano-Americans usually drink nothing with their meals: it is only -when the _dulces_, or cakes and sweetmeats, have been eaten, and each -guest has swallowed the glass of water intended to facilitate digestion, -that the liquors are put on the table, and the Catalonian _refino_ -begins to circulate; then the _puros_ and _pajillos_ are lighted, and -the conversation, always rather stiff during the meal, becomes more -intimate and friendly, owing to the absence of the inferior guests, who -then retire, leaving the master of the house and his guests at perfect -liberty. - -The captain had judiciously chosen this moment to commence his attack. -Not that he hoped to have a better chance with the young man at the -termination of the meal--for the sobriety of the Southern Americans is -proverbial--but because at that moment Don Sebastian, being freed from -all cares, must more easily yield to the influence the captain fancied -he could exercise over him. - -The captain poured some refino into a large glass, which he filled with -water, lit a puro, leant his elbows on the table, and looked fixedly at -the young man. - -"Muchacho," he said to him abruptly, "does the life you lead in the -desert possess a great charm for you?" - -Surprised at this question, which he was far from expecting, Don -Sebastian hesitated ere he replied. - -"Yes," the captain said, emptying his glass, "do you amuse yourself -greatly here? Answer me frankly." - -"On my word, captain, as I never knew any other existence than that I am -leading at this moment, I cannot answer your question thoroughly: it is -certain that I feel myself hipped at times." - -The captain struck his tongue against his palate with evident -satisfaction. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, "I am glad to hear you speak so." - -"Why?" - -"Because I hope you will easily accept the proposition I am about to -make to you." - -"You!" - -"Who else, then, if not I?" - -"Speak!" the young man said with a careless air; "I am listening." - -The captain threw away his cigar, gave vent to two or three sonorous -_hums_, and at length said in a sharp voice,-- - -"Sebastian, my dear fellow! Do you think that, if your worthy father -could return to this world, he would be well pleased to see you thus -idly wasting the precious hours of your youth?" - -"I do not at all understand your meaning, captain." - -"That is possible. I never pretended to be a great orator, and today -less than at any other period of my long career. I will, however, try to -explain myself so clearly that, if you do not understand me, _caray!_ It -is because you will not." - -"Go on; I am listening." - -"Your father, muchacho, whose history you probably do not know, was at -once a brave soldier and a good officer. He was one of the founders of -our liberty, and his name is a symbol of loyalty and devotion to every -Mexican. For ten years your father fought the enemies of his country on -every battlefield, enduring, though rich and a gentleman, hunger and -thirst, heat and cold, gaily and without complaining; and yet, had he -wished it, he might have led a luxurious and thoroughly easy life. You -loved your father?" - -"Alas, captain! Can I ever be consoled for his loss?" - -"You will be consoled. You have many things to learn yet, and that among -others. Poor boy! There is nothing eternal in the world--neither joy, -nor sorrow, nor pleasure. But let us return to what I was saying. Were -your father permitted to quit the abode of the just, where he is -doubtlessly sojourning, and return for a few moments to earth, he would -speak to you as I am now doing; he would ask an account of the useless -indolence in which you spend your youth, thinking no more of your -country, which you can and ought to serve, than if you lived in the -heart of a desert. Did your father endure so many sacrifices in order to -create such an existence--tell me, muchacho?" - -The worthy captain, who had probably never preached so much in his life, -stopped, awaiting a reply to the question he had asked; but this reply -did not come. The young man, with his arms crossed on his chest, his -body thrown back, and his eyes obstinately fixed on the ground, seemed -plunged in deep thought. The captain continued after a lengthened -delay,-- - -"We," he said, "demolished; you young men must rebuild. No one at the -present day has the right to deprive the Republic of his services. Each -must, under penalty of being considered a bad citizen, carry his stone -to the social edifice, and you more than anyone else, muchacho--you, the -son of one of the most celebrated heroes of the War of Independence. -Your country calls you--it claims you: you can no longer remain deaf to -its voice. What are you doing here among your dogs and horses, wasting -ingloriously your courage, dissipating your energy without profit to -anyone, and growing daily more brutalised in a disgraceful solitude? -_Cuerpo de Cristo!_ I can understand that a man may love his father, and -even weep for him--for that is the duty of a good son, and your father -certainly deserves the sacred recollection you give him--but to make of -that grief a pretext to caress and satisfy your egotism, that is worse -than a bad action--it is cowardice!" - -At this word the young man's tawny eye flashed lightning. - -"Captain!" he shouted, as he struck the table with his clenched fist. - -"_Rayo de Dios!_" the old soldier continued boldly, "the word is spoken, -and I will not withdraw it: your father, if he hear me, must approve me. -Now, muchacho, I have emptied my heart; I have spoken frankly and -loyally, as it was my duty to do. I owed it to myself to fulfil this -painful duty. If you do not understand the feeling that dictated the -rough words I uttered, all the worse for you; it is because your heart -is dead to every generous impulse, and you are incapable of feeling how -much I must have loved you to find the courage to speak to you in that -way. Now do as you think proper; I shall not have to reproach myself for -having hidden the truth from you. It is late. Good night, muchacho. I -will go to bed, for I start early tomorrow. Reflect on what I have said -to you. The night is a good counsellor, if you will listen in good -faith to the voices that chatter round your pillow in the darkness." - -And the captain emptied his glass and rose. Don Sebastian imitated him, -took a step toward him, and laid his hand on his shoulder. - -"One moment," he said to him. - -"What do you want?" - -"Listen to me in your turn," the young man said in a gloomy voice. "You -have been harsh with me, captain. Those truths you have told me you -might perhaps have expressed in milder language, in consideration of my -age, and the solitude and isolation in which I have hitherto lived. -Still I am not angry at your rude frankness; on the contrary, I am -grateful to you for it, for I know that you love me, and the interest -you take in me alone urged you to be so severe. You say that you depart -tomorrow?" - -"Yes." - -"Where do you intend going?" - -"To Mexico." - -"Very good, captain; you will not go alone. I shall accompany you." - -The old soldier looked at the young man for a moment tenderly; then -pressing with feverish energy the hand held out to him,-- - -"It is well, muchacho," he said to him with great emotion. "I was not -mistaken in you; you are a brave lad, and, _caray!_ I am satisfied with -you." - -The two men left Palmar together the next morning, and rode toward -Mexico, which city they reached after a ten days' journey. But during -those ten days, spent _tete-a-tete_ with the captain, the young man's -ideas were completely modified, and a perfect change came over his -aspirations. - -General Guerrero's son belonged unconsciously to that numerous class of -men who are utterly ignorant of themselves, and pass their lives in -indolence until the moment when, an object being suddenly offered them, -their imagination is inflamed, their ambition is aroused, and they -become as eager in the chase as they had been previously negligent and -indifferent as to their future. - -Captain Don Isidro Vargas heartily praised the intelligence with which -the young man he emphatically called his pupil understood the lessons he -gave him as to his behaviour in the world. - -Don Sebastian experienced no difficulty--thanks to his name, and the -reputation his father so justly enjoyed--in obtaining his grade as -lieutenant in the army. This step was, for the young man, the first rung -of the ladder, which he prepared to climb as rapidly as possible. - -It was fine work at that day, in Mexico, for an intelligent man to fish -in troubled waters; and, unfortunately, we are obliged to confess that, -in spite of the long years that have passed since the proclamation of -its independence, nothing is as yet changed in that unhappy country, -where anarchy has been systematised. - -If ever a country could do without an army, it was Mexico after the -recognition of her liberty and the entire expulsion of the Spaniards, -owing to her isolation in the midst of peaceful nations, and the -security of her frontiers, which no enemy menaced. Unhappily, the war of -independence had lasted ten years. During that long period the peaceful -and gentle population of that country, held in guardianship by its -oppressors, had become transformed. A warlike ardour had seized on all -classes of society, and a species of martial fever had aroused in every -brain a love of arms. - -Hence that naturally came about which all sensible people expected; that -is to say, when the army had no longer enemies before it to combat, the -troops turned their arms against their fellow citizens, vexing and -tyrannising over them at their pleasure. - -The government, instead of disbanding this turbulent army, or at any -rate reducing it to a _minimum_ by only keeping up the depots of the -various corps, considered it far more advantageous to lean on it, and -organise a military oligarchy, which pressed heavily on the country. -This deplorable system has plunged this unhappy country into disastrous -complications, against which it struggles in vain, and has dug the abyss -in which its nationality will sooner or later be swallowed up. - -The army, then, after the war, assumed an influence which it has ever -since retained, and which increased in proportion as the men placed at -the head of the government more fully understood that it alone could -maintain them in power or overthrow them at its good pleasure. The army, -therefore, made revolutions that its leaders might become powerful. From -the lowest _alferez_ up to the general of division, all the officers -look to troubles for promotion--the alferez to become lieutenant, the -colonel to exchange his red scarf for the green one of the brigadier -general, and the general of division to become President of the -Republic. - -Hence pronunciamientos are continual; for every officer wearied of a -subaltern grade, and who aspires to a higher rank, pronounces himself; -that is to say, aided by a nucleus of malcontents like himself, which is -never wanting, he revolts by refusing obedience to the government, and -that the more easily because, whether conqueror or conquered, the rank -he has thus appropriated always remains his. - -The military career is, therefore, a perfect steeplechase. We know a -certain general, whose name we could write here in full if we wished, -who attained the presidency by stepping from pronunciamiento to -pronunciamiento without ever having smelt fire, or knowing the first -movement of platoon drill--an ignorance which is not at all -extraordinary in a country where one of our sergeant conductors would be -superior to the most renowned generals. - -Don Sebastian judged his position with the infallible eye of an -ambitious man; and suddenly attacked by a fever of immense activity, he -resolved to profit cleverly by the general anarchy to gain a position. -He clambered up the first steps at full speed and became a full colonel -with startling rapidity. On reaching that position he married, in order -to secure himself, and to give him that solidity he desired for the -great game he intended to play, and which, in his mind, only ended with -the presidential chair. - -Already very rich, his marriage increased his fortune, which he sought -to augment, however, by every possible scheme; for he was aware what the -cost of a successful pronunciamiento was, and he did not mean to suffer -a defeat. - -As if everything was destined to favour this man in all he undertook, -his wife, a dear and charming woman, whose love and devotion he never -comprehended, died after a short illness, and left him father of a girl -as charming and amiable as herself--that lovely Angela whom we have -already met several times in the course of our narrative. - -Don Sebastian could have married again if he liked; but by his first -marriage he had obtained what he wanted, and preferred to remain free. -At the period we have now reached he had attained general's rank, and -secured the appointment of political governor of the state of Sonora, -the first stepping-stone for his ambitious projects. - -Colossally rich, he was interested in all the great industrial -enterprises, and a shareholder in most of the mining operations. It was -for the object of watching these operations more closely, that he had -asked for the government of Sonora, a new country, almost unknown, where -he hoped to fish more easily in troubled waters, owing to its distance -from the capital, and the slight surveillance he had to fear from the -government, in which he had, moreover, all-powerful influences. - -In a word, General Guerrero was one of those gloomy personages who, -under a most fascinating exterior, the most affable manners, and most -seductive smiles, conceal the most perverse instincts, the coldest -ferocity, and the most rotten soul. - -Still this man had in his heart one feeling which, by its intensity, -expiated many faults. - -He loved his daughter. - -He loved her passionately, without calculation or afterthought; yet this -paternal love had something terrible about it: he loved his daughter as -the jaguar or the panther loves its cubs, with fury and jealousy. - -Dona Angela, though she had never tried to sound her father's -impenetrable heart, had still divined the uncontrolled power she -exercised over this haughty nature which crushed everything, but became -suddenly weak and almost timid in her presence. The charming maid -employed her power despotically, but ever with the intention of doing a -good deed, as, for instance, to commute the sentence of a prisoner or -succour the unfortunate; in a word, to render lighter the yoke of iron -under which the general, with his feline manners, crushed his -subordinates. - -Thus the girl was as much adored by all those who approached her as the -general was feared and hated. God had doubtlessly wished, in His -ineffable goodness, to place an angel by the side of a demon, so that -the wounds inflicted by the latter might be cured by the former. - -Now that we have described these two persons to the best of our ability, -whose characters will be more fully developed in the course of our -story, we will resume our narrative at the point where we interrupted -it. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE NEXT DAY. - - -The sky was just beginning to be tinted with shades of opal--a few stars -still shone feebly here and there in the gloomy depths of the sky. It -was about half past three in the morning. - -Within the _locanda_ men and animals were sleeping that calm sleep which -precedes sunrise. Not a sound, save at intervals the barking of a dog -baying at the moon, broke the silence that brooded over the pueblo of -San Jose. - -The door of the cuarto in which the foster brothers rested was -cautiously opened, a thin thread of light found its way through the -orifice, and Valentine and the count came out. Don Louis had no reason -for departing unseen; he had no motives for hiding himself. If he took -so many precautions, it was only through a fear of disturbing the sleep -of the other lodgers, who had not such good reasons as himself for -rising so early, and whom, consequently, it was unnecessary to arouse. - -On arriving in the patio Don Louis prepared his horse's trappings, while -Valentine led the animal from the corral, carefully rubbed it down, and -gave it water. When all was in order Valentine opened the gate, the two -men shook hands for the last time, and Don Louis entered the gloom of -the only street of the pueblo, where he soon disappeared, amid the -barking of the masterless dogs aroused by his passing, and who rushed -after him howling furiously, and snapping at his horse's legs. - -Valentino remained for a moment motionless and thoughtful, listening -mechanically to the decreasing sound of the hoofs on the hardened -ground. - -"Perhaps I ought not to have put him on that path," he muttered. "Who -knows what awaits him at the other end?" A stifled sigh broke from his -bosom. "Bah!" he added a moment after, "all roads do not lead to the -same point--death! Why let such foolish forebodings have any effect over -me? Live and learn." - -The worthy hunter, somewhat comforted by these philosophic reflections, -re-entered the patio, and set to work shutting the outer door, before -throwing himself for an hour or two on his cuadro. While engaged in this -occupation, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps behind him: he -turned his head, and recognised Don Cornelio. - -"Ah, ah, my dear friend!" he said gaily, offering him his hand, which -the other pressed affectionately; "You are up very early." - -"Eh?" the Spaniard answered with a laugh. "I think it a good joke for -you to make that remark to me." - -"Why so?" - -"Because, if I have risen so early, it appears as if you had not been to -bed at all." - -Valentine began laughing. - -"By Jove! You are right. The fact is that, with the exception of -yourself and myself, it is certain that everybody is asleep in the -pueblo; and now that this door is closed again, with your permission, I -will go and do the same for an hour or two." - -"What! You are going to bed again?" - -"Certainly." - -"What to do?" - -"Why, to sleep, I suppose." - -"Pardon me, but I did not mean that." - -"I suppose not." - -"And you know what I wish to say to you?" - -"I! Not the least in the world. But, as you are a man far too -intelligent to spend in walking about the time you might pass far more -agreeably in sleeping, I presume that you have certain weighty reasons -for being here now." - -"That is true, on my word." - -"You see!" - -"Yes; but I did not wish exactly to speak with you." - -"Whom with, then?" - -"With Don Louis." - -"Hum! And you cannot tell it to me?" - -"O yes, I can; but I think it would be better to speak with him myself." - -"Confuse the thing!" - -Don Cornelio gave that shrug of the shoulders which in all countries and -languages signifies the same thing; that is, that the shrugger declines -all responsibility. - -"And," Valentine continued, "what you have to communicate to Don Louis -is probably very important?" - -"Very." - -"Hang it all, that is annoying; for it is impossible for you to speak -with him." - -"Bah! How so?" - -"Because there is an obstacle." - -"For me?" - -"For you and for everybody else." - -"Oh, oh! And what is that obstacle, Don Valentine, if you please?" - -"Oh, I do not want to make any mystery of it; I am more vexed than -yourself at what has happened; but the obstacle is very simply that Don -Louis has gone away." - -"Gone! Don Louis!" the other said in amazement. - -"Yes." - -"How was that--without speaking to anybody? Gone off at a venture?" - -"Not exactly. There were urgent reasons to speed his departure; and see, -I was engaged in shutting the gate after him when you arrived. A moment -earlier and you would have met him." - -"How unlucky!" - -"It is; but what would you do? After all, the misfortune is not so -great as it may seem to you at the first blush. We shall see him again -in a few days." - -"You are sure of it?" - -"Quite; for it is arranged between us. So soon as I have succeeded in -selling the herd, we shall go and join our friend again. So take -patience, Don Cornelio; the separation will not be long. Console -yourself with that thought, and good night." - -Valentine turned and walked a few steps, but the Spaniard stopped him. - -"What do you want now?" - -"Only one word." - -"Make haste, for I am dropping with sleep." - -"Pardon me, but you made a remark this moment which struck me greatly." - -"Ah! What was it?" - -"You said that Don Louis had commissioned you to sell the herd." - -"Yes, I did. What then?" - -"That was the very subject I wished to speak with him about." - -"Bah!" - -"Yes, I have found a purchaser." - -"What! For the whole herd?" - -"Yes, in a lump." - -"Stay, stay!" Valentine said, fixing his piercing eyes upon him; "that -would singularly simplify matters." - -"Would it not?" - -"Where on earth have you dug up this strange purchaser since last -night?" - -"There is nothing at all strange about him, I assure you. I found him -here." - -"Here, in this locanda?" - -"On my word, yes." - -"I really beg your pardon," Valentine said. "I am too well acquainted -with the gravity of your character to suppose that you have any -intention of deceiving me--" - -"Oh!" - -"But all this is so extraordinary--" - -"I am as much astonished as yourself at it." - -"Really!" - -"The more so because I did not know that Don Louis wished to sell the -herd here, and consequently the proposition does not emanate from me." - -"That is true. So you have been offered--" - -"To take the whole herd off my hands this very day--yes." - -"That is strange. Tell me all about it, my dear friend. What a pity that -Don Louis has started!" - -"Is it not?" - -"Well, you said, then--" - -"Permit me, if you have no objection, we will proceed to your cuarto, -where we can converse much more agreeably than here." - -"You are right, especially as people are beginning to get up in the -house." - -In fact, the servants of the hostelry and the muleteers were already -stirring, and walking round our two friends, whom they examined -curiously, while attending to their own business. Valentine and Don -Cornelio left the patio, and proceeded to the hunter's cuarto. So soon -as they had installed themselves Valentine said,-- - -"Now I am all attention. Speak, my good fellow. I confess I am anxious -to hear the solution of this riddle." - -Don Cornelio was aware of the friendship existing between Don Louis and -Valentine; hence he had not the slightest difficulty in telling the -hunter what had happened to him that night in the minutest details. - -"Is that all?" Valentine said, who had listened with the greatest -attention. - -"Yes; and now what do you think of it?" - -"Hum!" the hunter said thoughtfully, "if I must give you my opinion, it -appears to me rather less clear now than an hour ago." - -"Nonsense!" - -"That is my opinion. Still we must not neglect this opportunity which -presents itself so famously to get rid of our cattle advantageously." - -"That is what I think." - -"Very good; then do not stir. Above all, do not say a syllable about Don -Louis' departure." - -"Do you think so?" - -"That is important." - -"As you please." - -"Then supposing you are summoned?" - -"I will go." - -"No, we will both go; that will be more proper. Is that understood?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Then good night; I am going to sleep a little. If there is anything new -wake me up." - -"All right." - -And Don Cornelio withdrew. - -Valentine was not at all inclined to sleep; but he wished to be alone, -that he might reflect on what he had just heard. He perfectly understood -that the young lady had been playing with the Spaniard like a cat with a -mouse, feigning an interest in him which she did not at all feel. But -what was her object in all this? Did she love Don Louis? Had the maiden -retained in her heart the remembrance of what had happened to the child? -Had gratitude unconsciously changed in her into love with growing years? - -This was what the hunter could not fathom. Valentine had never been very -expert in the matter of women; their hearts were to him as a dead -letter, an unknown tongue, in which he could not read a word. The life -he had constantly led in the desert, ever contending either with Indians -or with wild beasts, had not been at all favourable to the study of the -feminine heart; and besides, the deep love of his early youth--a love -the memory of which still palpitated in his heart--had prevented him -paying the slightest attention to the few women chance had at times -thrown in his way, and who had only appeared to him weak, defenceless -creatures, whom it was his duty to defend. - -Thus the worthy hunter was now considerably bothered, and knew not what -to do in order to read the young lady's intentions. It was evident to -him that Dona Angela had a secret object she desired to gain, and that -the purchase of the novillos was only a pretext to draw nearer to Don -Louis. But what was that object? Why did she wish to see his friend? -That was what he vainly sought, and was unable to discover. - -"After all," he muttered to himself, while going over the chaos of -thoughts that jostled each other in his brain, "it is perhaps better -that she should not see Louis. Who knows what might be the result of -such an interview? The lady's father is governor of Sonora, and we must -be most careful not to get into any trouble with him. Who knows whether -we may not need him hereafter? It is strange, I do not know where I have -heard his name before; but I am certain I do not hear it today for the -first time. Guerrero--Don Sebastian Guerrero. Under what circumstances -can that name have been pronounced in my presence?" - -The hunter had reached this point in his monologue when the door opened -gently, and a man entered. It was Curumilla. Valentine started with joy -on seeing him. - -"You are welcome, chief," he said. - -The Araucanian pressed his hand, and sat down silently by his side. - -"Well, chief," Valentine continued, "you are awake. Have you been taking -a turn in the pueblo?" - -The Indian smiled disdainfully. - -"No," he said. - -An idea crossed the hunter's mind. - -"My brother should go down into the patio," he said. "It seems there are -other travellers beside us: he should see them." - -"Curumilla has seen them." - -"Ah!" - -"He knows them." - -Valentine made a sign of astonishment. - -"What! You know them?" he exclaimed. - -"Only the man. Curumilla is a chief: his memory is long." - -"Ah, ah!" the hunter went on. "Is it possible that I shall obtain in -this way the information I have been racking my brains to find?" - -The Indian smiled and shook his head. - -"Who is the man, chief? Is he a friend?" - -"He is an enemy." - -"An enemy, by Jupiter! I was certain I had heard his name before." - -"Let my brother listen," the chief went on. "Curumilla has seen the -paleface: he will kill him." - -"Hum! Do not go to work so fast, chief. In the first place tell me who -he is; then we shall see what we have to do. Unfortunately we are not -here on the prairies: the death of that individual, whoever he may be, -might cost us dear." - -"The palefaces are women," the Indian replied disdainfully. - -"That is possible, chief; but prudent. Tomorrow is not passed, as you -gentlemen say, and every man gains his point who knows how to wait. For -the present let us be shy; we are not the stronger." - -Curumilla shrugged his shoulders. It was plain that the worthy Indian -was not a friend to temporising measures; still he did not raise the -slightest objection. - -"Come, chief, tell me who he is, and under what circumstances we had a -quarrel with him." - -The Indian rose and stood right in front of Valentine. - -"Does not my brother remember?" he asked. - -"No." - -"Wah! The conspiracy of the Paso del Norte, when Curumilla killed -Dog-face." - -"Oh!" Valentine exclaimed, striking his forehead, "I have it; it is the -general who commanded the Mexican troops, and to whom Don Miguel de -Zarate surrendered." - -"Yes." - -"Well, he was a brave and honest soldier in those days; he kept his word -to our friend nobly. I cannot be angry with him." - -"He is a traitor." - -"From your point of view, chief, possibly so, but not from mine. It is -true; I perfectly remember him now. Poor General Ibanez often spoke to -me about him: he was not fond of him either. It is a strange -coincidence. Good! Fear nothing, chief; I will watch. Whether friend or -foe, this man has never seen me--he knows not who I am; hence I have a -great advantage over him. Thanks, chief!" - -"Is my brother satisfied?" - -"You have rendered me an immense service, chief; so you can judge -whether I am satisfied." - -Curumilla smiled. - -"Wah!" he said, "all the better." - -"Yes, chief, all the better, and let us breakfast. I feel a ferocious -appetite ever since, thanks to you, I have been able to see my way a -little more clearly." - -Curumilla and Don Cornelio had prepared their frugal meal in their -cuarto, consisting of red haricot beans with pepper, a few _varas_ of -dried meat, and maize tortillas, the whole washed down with aloe pulque -of the first quality, and a few _tragos_ of excellent Catalonian refino. - -The three friends ate with good appetite, and were preparing to light -their cigars, the obligato termination of every American meal, when they -heard a discreet tap at the door, which was only leaned to. - -"Come in," Valentine said. - -A criado appeared, and after bowing courteously to all present, said,-- - -"My master, his Excellency General Don Sebastian Guerrero, presents his -civilities to the caballeros here assembled, and desires that Senor Don -Cornelio and Senor Don Louis will favour him with a moment's interview, -if their occupations will permit of it." - -"Tell his Excellency," Valentine answered, "that we shall have the -honour of obeying his orders." - -The servant bowed and retired. - -"Why, you know, senor," Don Cornelio then said, "that Don Louis is -absent." - -"No matter: am I not here?" - -"That is true, but--" - -"Leave me alone," the hunter quickly interrupted him; "I will answer for -everything." - -"Very good; do as you think proper." - -"Trust to me. How can it concern this man whether he deals with Don -Louis or anyone else, so long as the ganado is young, vigorous, and -cheap?" - -"That is true; it must be a matter of indifference to him." - -"Come on: you will see that I shall settle this affair satisfactorily." - -And he went out, followed by Don Cornelio, who, however, did not seem -completely satisfied. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -IN WHICH THE SALE OF THE HERD IS DISCUSSED. - - -What Dona Angela had told Don Cornelio was true: her father was really -expecting his mayordomo that morning, in order to consult with him about -certain improvements he wished to introduce at one of his haciendas, and -also about buying cattle to re-stock his prairies, which had been -devastated during the last periodical incursion which the Apache and -Comanche Indians are in the habit of making upon the Mexican territory. - -Still, Dona Angela, like the true Creole she was, had never hitherto -troubled herself about her father's domestic affairs, having too much to -do in thinking of her toilet and pleasures. Hence she did not know how -to bring the conversation gently round to that point, without allowing -the interest she took in it to be suspected. But the most simple-minded -woman becomes crafty when her interest is at stake. After the Spaniard -had withdrawn the girl remained pensive for a few moments; but then a -smile played on her rosy lips, she patted her dainty little hands -gleefully together, and fell asleep murmuring softly,-- - -"I have found it." - -The Mexicans are early risers, that they may enjoy the freshness of the -morning hours. At half past seven Dona Angela opened her eyes, and -devoutly paid her matin orisons to the Virgin; then, aided by Violanta, -her clever camarista, she proceeded to the charming mystery of her -toilet. - -Her sleep had been as peaceful as that of a bird: hence she was calm, -and gloriously lovely. At the moment that Violanta put in the last pin, -intended to hold the long and thick tresses of her magnificent hair, a -knock was heard at the door. It was the general. - -Don Sebastian was dressed in the rich costume of the Sonorian country -gentry; but his masculine and sharply-cut features, his haughty glance, -his long moustaches, but, above all, his decided walk, allowed him to be -recognised for a soldier at the first glance, in spite of the dress he -had assumed. It had been the general's custom for many long years to -come thus every morning, and wish his daughter good day: his child's -frank and simple smile sent a gentle ray of sunshine into his heart, -whose reflection aided him during the rest of the day in supporting the -inseparable cares of power. - -Violanta hastened to open, and the general walked in. Dona Angela -cunningly watched the expression of his face, and she bounded with -delight on fancying she saw that he was pleased in spite of the severe -appearance he sought to give his features. Don Sebastian kissed his -daughter affectionately, and sat down on a butaca which Violanta drew -forward for him. - -"Oh, my child!" he said, "how fresh and radiant you are this morning! It -is easy to see that you have passed an excellent night." - -"At any rate, papa," she said with a little pout, "if it was not so, it -was not my fault, I assure you; for I was greatly inclined to sleep when -I retired last night." - -"What do you mean? Was your sleep disturbed?" - -"Yes, several times." - -"_Caramba!_ Dear little one, it was the same with me. Some scamp -persisted in strumming the most melancholy airs on the guitar, that -would have frightened the cats themselves, and kept me awake all night -Deuce take the musician and his silly instrument!" - -"It was not that, papa. I scarcely heard the man of whom you are -speaking." - -"What was it, then? I was not aware of any other noises last night but -that." - -"I cannot explain to you positively what I heard; but Violanta was also -aroused several times like myself." - -"Is that true, little one?" the general asked, turning to the camarista, -apparently busy at the moment in arranging the cuarto. - -"Oh, senor general," she exclaimed, clasping her hands, "it was a -fearful noise--a noise to wake the dead!" - -"What the deuce could it be?" - -"I do not know," she replied, assuming her most innocent air. - -"Did it last long?" - -"All the night," she said, trumping what her mistress had alleged. - -"Hum! But it must have resembled something, I suppose?" - -"Certainly, papa; but I do not know with what to compare it." - -"And you, little wench, cannot you make a guess?" - -"I fancy I know." - -"Ah! Well, then, tell us at once, instead of leaving us in the dark." - -"I will, Excellency. This morning, taking advantage of my lady's -sleeping, I went down very gently to try and discover the cause of the -noise that kept us awake all night." - -"And you found it?" - -"I think I did." - -"Very good: go on." - -"It seems that hunters arrived here yesterday with a large herd of -novillos, toros, &c., which they are taking, I believe, to California. -It was these animals which, by stamping and roaring, prevented us -sleeping, for their corral adjoins this house." - -"And how did you learn all this?" - -"Oh! Very easily, Excellency. Accident willed it that I should address -one of the owners of the herd." - -"Listen to that! Accident was very kind." - -Violanta blushed. The general did not notice it, but continued, "Are you -sure they were not vaqueros belonging to some hacienda?" - -"O no, Excellency; they are hunters." - -"Good; and they want to sell their _ganado_?" - -"The man I spoke with said so." - -"I suppose he asks a high price?" - -"I do not know." - -"That is true. Well, my child," he added, rising and turning to his -daughter, "so soon as you are ready we will breakfast, and perhaps I -will deliver you from the horrible noise of these animals." - -The general kissed his daughter once again, and left the room. So soon -as he was gone the two girls began laughing like little madcaps. - -We must allow that both had played their part to perfection, and though -he little suspected it, had, in a few moments, led the general to do -exactly what they wanted, while leaving him persuaded that he was merely -acting from his own impulse. - -A few minutes later Dona Angela joined her father in the cuarto, which -was employed as dining room. The mayordomo had arrived, and the general -only awaited his daughter's presence to begin the meal. This mayordomo, -already known to the reader, was no other than Don Isidro Vargas, who -had accepted this situation as a retiring pension. - -The Mexican haciendas, especially in Sonora, are often eight to ten -leagues in extent. To watch so large a tract of country, on which -immense bands of wild horses and numerous herds of cattle pasture at -liberty, a young, robust, and active man is generally selected, who is -called in that country a _hombre de a caballo_. In truth, the profession -of a mayordomo is excessively severe: he must constantly be on -horseback, galloping day and night, in heat or cold, doing everything -and looking after everything himself, and obliging the peons to work, -who are the idlest fellows in existence, and the biggest thieves -imaginable. - -Don Isidro was no longer young. At the period when we bring him again on -the stage he was nearly seventy; but this long, thin man, on whose bones -a yellow skin, dry as parchment, seemed to be glued, was as upright and -vigorous as if he were but thirty: age had gained no power over his -body, which was solely composed of muscles and nerves. Thus, by his -continual vigilance, his indefatigable ardour, and his uncommon energy, -he was the terror of the poor fellows whom their evil destiny had placed -under his orders, and who fully believed that their mayordomo had made a -compact with the demon, so closely did he watch them, and so thoroughly -was he acquainted with their slightest actions. - -The mayordomo had retained his _botas vaqueras_, and his spurs with -enormous rowels, which compel the wearer to walk tiptoe. His zarape and -hat of vicuna skin were negligently thrown on a butaca in a corner, and -at his left side hung a sheathless machete, passed through an iron ring. - -So soon as he perceived the young lady he walked up to her, wished her -good day, and embraced her affectionately. The captain knew Dona Angela -from the day of her birth, and loved her as his daughter. She, for her -part, entertained a great friendship for the old soldier, with whom she -had played when a child, and whom she still liked to tease, to which the -worthy mayordomo lent himself with the best grace in the world. - -They sat down to table; but that expression is somewhat pretentious when -applied to a Mexican breakfast. - -We have already frequently remarked that the Spanish Americans are the -most sober people in the world. The least thing suffices them. Thus the -breakfast in question was only composed of a small cup of that excellent -chocolate which the Spaniards alone know how to make, of a few maize -tortillas, and a large glass of water. This meal, if it be one, is -common to all classes of society in Mexico. - -The party sat down to table, then, Dona Angela said the benedicite and -the chocolate was served. The conversation, at the outset, was -completely in the hands of the general and the captain, and turned -exclusively on what had happened at the hacienda since the general's -last visit; then it gradually veered round to the subject of the ganado. - -"By the way," Don Sebastian said, "have you recovered any of the cattle -those demons of Apaches took from us in their last attack?" - -"Not a head, general, _Valgame Dios!_ You might as well pursue the wind -and the tempest as try to catch up those red devils." - -"Then we have lost--" - -"All that was within their reach; that is to say, about 2500 head." - -"That is hard; and how have you repaired the loss?" - -"Up to the present I have only succeeded in collecting 1500 head; and if -you remember, it was on this very subject that you gave me the meeting -here." - -"I remember the fact perfectly; still I do not exactly see what we can -do, except buy other cattle." - -"Hang it! That is the only way we have of completing our herds." - -"Have you any in view?" - -"At this moment?" - -"Yes." - -"No, indeed, I have not, for the ganado is growing beyond all price. The -discovery of gold in California has caused an enormous number of -adventurers from every country to flock there. You know what the -_gringos_ are; they must have meat. These miserable heretics are such -gluttons that they could not do without it; and thus they have devoured -all the ganado they could find in their neighbourhood, and are now -obliged to fetch it for nearly two hundred leagues. You can understand -that such a thing sends prices up enormously." - -"That is annoying." - -"And yet, general, only an instant agone, while placing my horse in the -corral. I saw the most magnificent herd of novillos that can be -imagined. It is evident that the poor animals have travelled at least -one hundred leagues, for they appear so fatigued." - -Dona Angela gave a sly glance at her camarista, who was standing behind -her. - -"I have heard of them," the general said carelessly; "they are on the -road to San Francisco, I believe." - -"What did I say not a moment ago?" the captain exclaimed, striking his -fist on the table. "_Caray!_ If those confounded gringos are let alone, -they will have devoured all our cattle before ten years have passed." - -"Can we not try to purchase these?" - -"It would be an excellent business for us, even if we paid dearly; but -their owners will not be inclined to sell." - -"Who knows? I fancy, on the contrary, that they are willing to get rid -of them." - -"_Rayo de Dios!_ Buy them, then." - -"Yes; but at what price?" - -"It is certain that cattle are growing scarcer and scarcer: offer them -for each head bought here the price it would fetch at San Francisco." - -"Hum! And how is the market down there?" - -"About eighteen piastres." - -"Oh, oh! That is to say, for six hundred head--" - -"Ten thousand eight hundred piastres: offer the even money." - -"That is dear." - -"What would you have? You will have to do it." - -"That is true; but it is hard." - -The general reflected for a moment, and then turned to his daughter. - -"Angela," he said, "what is the name of the hunter who owns the herd?" - -The young lady started. - -"Why do you ask me, papa?" she replied, with feigned astonishment; "I -really do not know what you mean. I am entirely ignorant whether there -is a herd in this hostelry." - -"That is true," the general said, recollecting. "Where the deuce is my -head gone? It was your camarista, I believe, who spoke to one of the -fellows." - -"Yes, papa." - -"Pardon me. Come, Violanta, my child, can you tell me this man's name?" - -The girl approached with downcast eyes, and twisting the hem of her fine -muslin apron between her fingers with an embarrassed air. It was evident -she was trying all she knew to blush. The general awaited her answer for -several minutes, but then lost patience. - -"Come, you little fool," he exclaimed, "will you make up your mind to -speak, yes or no? People would fancy I was asking you a question unfit -for a maiden to answer." - -"I do not say that, general," she replied hesitatingly. - -"Enough of that mock modesty. What is the name of the owner of this -ganado?" - -"There are two, general." - -"What are their names, then?" - -"One is a Spaniard, the other a Frenchman, Excellency." - -"What do I care what country the scamps belong to? I only want to know -their names." - -"One is called Don Cornelio." - -"And the other?" - -"Don Louis." - -"But they have other names beside those?" - -Violanta exchanged a rapid glance with her mistress. - -"I do not know them," she said. - -"Hum!" the general remarked sarcastically, "you only know people, it -appears, by their baptismal names. That's worth knowing." - -This time the girl really blushed, and retired in great confusion. Don -Sebastian made a sign to a peon who was standing respectfully a few -paces off. - -"Gregorio," he said, "go and present the compliments of General Don -Sebastian Guerrero to the Senores Don Louis and Don Cornelio, and beg -them to honour him with a visit. You understand me?" - -The peon bowed and went out. - -"We must be polite with these people," the general observed. "Now that -the discovery of the Californian placers has overthrown all classes of -society, who knows with whom we may have to deal?" - -And he accompanied this remark by a sarcastic laugh, in which the -captain, as the worthy Mexican he was, noisily joined. - -We will observe parenthetically that General Guerrero, like the majority -of his countrymen, professed the most inveterate hatred for Europeans, a -hatred which nothing justified, unless it was that superiority which the -Creoles are obliged to recognise in the Europeans--a superiority which -they submit to unwillingly, but before which they are forced to bow -their heads. - -Several minutes elapsed, and then the peon returned. - -"Well?" the general asked him. - -"Excellency," the peon answered respectfully, "the caballeros will have -the honour of waiting on you. They are following me." - -"Very good. Put a bottle of Catalonian refino and glasses on the table. -I know from experience that these gentry have no partiality for pure -water." - -After this new jest the general rolled a _papelito,_ lighted it, and -waited. Within five minutes the sound of footsteps was heard in the -corridor; the door opened, and two men appeared. - -"It is not he!" Dona Angela murmured in a low voice, for her eyes were -anxiously fixed on the door. - -The two men were Valentine and Don Cornelio. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION. - - -We have mentioned in a previous chapter the object for which Valentine -presented himself in his friend's place. He wished to try and discover -for what reason Dona Angela desired so ardently to see Louis again. As -for Don Cornelio, he was intimately persuaded that his personal merits -had done it all, and that the young lady's sole wish was to have another -interview with himself. - -On the other hand, the hunter, warned by Curumilla, was not sorry to see -the man with whom he had been indirectly connected at another period of -his life--a connection which might at any moment become more intimate, -owing to the general's new position and Don Louis' projects. - -The two strangers presented themselves boldly; their manner was -respectful, without arrogance or excessive humility; such, in a word, as -might be expected from men long tried by the innumerable hazards of an -adventurous life. - -The general probably expected to see men of low habits and vulgar -features. At the sight of the two men, whose masculine and honest faces -struck him, he started imperceptibly, rose, saluted them courteously, -and invited them to sit down on chairs he ordered to be placed for them. - -Dona Angela knew not what to think after Don Cornelio's positive -statement. The absence of Don Louis, and the substitution for him of a -man she did not know, appeared inexplicable. Still, without exactly -understanding her feelings, she guessed, under this substitution, a -mystery which she sought in vain to fathom. Violanta was as confused and -astonished as her mistress: the captain alone remained indifferent to -what passed. The old soldier, profiting cleverly by the fact of the -bottle of refino having been placed on the table, had poured out a large -glass of aguardiente, which he swallowed in small doses, while patiently -waiting till the general thought proper to open the ball. - -When the hunters had at length taken their seats, after repeated -pressing, the general took the word. - -"You will pardon me, gentlemen, for having disturbed you by compelling -you to come here, when it should have been my place to go to your -cuarto, as it is I who wish to speak with you." - -"General," Valentine answered with a respectful bow, "my friend and -myself would have been in despair had we caused you the least annoyance. -Pray believe that we shall always be happy to obey your orders, whatever -they may be." - -After this mutual interchange of compliments the speakers bowed again. -No people in the world carry to such an extent as the Mexican the feline -gentleness of manner, if we may be permitted to employ the expression. - -"Which of you two gentlemen," the general continued gracefully, "is -Senor Don Cornelio?" - -"It is I, caballero," the Spaniard answered with a bow. - -"In that case," Don Sebastian went on, turning to the hunter with an -amiable smile, "this caballero is Don Louis?" - -"Pardon me, general," the Frenchman answered distinctly, "my name is -Valentine." - -The general started. - -"What?" he said in surprise. "And where, then, is Senor Don Louis?" - -"It is impossible for him to obey your orders." - -"Why so?" - -"Because," Valentine continued, casting a side glance at the young lady, -who, though she appeared to be very busily talking with her camarista, -did not lose a word that was said, "because, general, Don Louis, unaware -that he should have the honour of being received by your Excellency this -morning, started at sunrise for San Francisco." - -Dona Angela turned pale as death, and was on the point of fainting at -this news; still she overcame the emotion she experienced, and became -apparently calm. She wished to learn all. This emotion, though so -transitory, had not escaped Valentine's observation. The general nearly -turned his back on his daughter: hence it was impossible for him to see -anything that passed. - -"That is annoying," he answered. - -"I am in despair, general." - -"His absence will doubtlessly be of short duration?" - -"He will not return." - -Valentine pronounced these words dryly. The emotion Dona Angela -experienced was so lively that she could not check a slight cry of pain. - -"What is the matter, nina?" her father asked her, turning sharply. "What -is the meaning of that cry?" - -"I cut myself," she answered with the most innocent air possible. - -"Oh, oh!" her father said in alarm; "it is not dangerous?" - -"No; a mere scratch. I was a goose to be frightened. Forgive me, papa." - -The general asked no further questions, but continued his conversation -with the Frenchman. - -"I am vexed at this _contretemps_," he said, "for I wished to consult -with your friend on very important business." - -"No matter; I am here. My friend, on starting, gave me full power to act -in his name. You can speak, general; that is to say, if you do not -consider me unworthy of your confidence." - -"Such a supposition would be an insult, sir." - -Valentine bowed. - -"Well, caballero," the general continued, "the affair I wished to -discuss with your friend is certainly important; but if your full powers -extend to commercial transactions, I do not see why I should not treat -with you as well as with him." - -"Speak openly, then, general, for I am Don Louis' partner." - -"This is the affair in two words--" - -"Pardon me," Dona Angela suddenly said, with a little air of resolution, -which even imposed on the general himself; "before you begin talking -about trade, I should like to ask this gentleman a few questions." - -The general turned in surprise, and bent an inquiring glance on his -daughter. - -"What can you have to ask this caballero?" he said. - -"You will soon know, my dear papa," she replied with a slight tone of -sarcasm, "if you will permit me to ask him two or three questions." - -"Speak, then, you little madcap," the general exclaimed with a shrug of -his shoulders; "speak, and make a finish as soon as you can." - -"Thank you, papa. Your permission is, perhaps, not very graciously -granted, but I shall not bear you malice on that account." - -"As you permit it, general, I am at the lady's orders." - -"In the first place, sir, promise me one thing." - -"What is it, senorita?" - -"That you will answer frankly and honestly all the questions I may ask -you." - -"What is the meaning of this folly, Angela?" the general said -impatiently. "Is this the moment or the place? Is it befitting for--?" - -"Papa," the young lady boldly interrupted him, "you gave me permission -to speak." - -"Granted; but not in the way you seemed inclined to do so." - -"Have a little patience, papa." - -"Bah!" the captain said, interposing, "let her speak as she likes. Go -on, my child--go on." - -"I am waiting this gentleman's answer," she said. - -"I make you the promise you ask, senorita," Valentine answered. - -"I hold your word. What is your friend's name, sir?" - -"Which one, senorita?". - -"The one whose place you have taken." - -"His name is Count Louis de Prebois Crance." - -"He is a Frenchman?" - -"Born at Paris." - -"You have known him a long time?" - -"Since his birth, senorita. My mother was his nurse." - -"Ah!" she said with pleasure; "then you are really his friend?" - -"I am his foster brother." - -"He has no secrets from you?" - -"None, I fancy." - -"Good!" - -"Come, come," the general exclaimed, "this is becoming intolerable. What -is the meaning of this interrogatory to which you subject the caballero, -and to which he has the goodness to yield so complacently? Confound it, -nina! I beg the senor's pardon in your name; for your conduct toward him -is most improper." - -"What is there improper in it, papa? My intentions are good, and I am -certain that you will agree with me when you learn why I asked the -caballero these simple questions, which, however, appear to you so -extraordinary." - -"Well, go on. What is the reason?" - -"This. Three years back, during your journey from Guadalajara to Tepic, -were you not attacked by salteadores at the spot called the Mal Paso?" - -"Yes; but what has that in common, I ask--?" - -"Wait," she said gaily. "Two men came to your assistance?" - -"Yes, and I am not ashamed to confess that, without them, I should -probably have not only been robbed, but murdered by the bandits. -Unfortunately these men obstinately refused to tell me their names. All -my researches up to the present have been fruitless. I have been unable -to find them again, and show them my gratitude, which I assure you vexes -me extremely." - -"Yes, papa, I know that you have often in my presence regretted your -inability to find the courageous man to whom you owe your life, as well -as I do, who was but a child at the time." - -The young lady uttered these words with an emotion that affected all her -hearers. - -"Unfortunately," the general said a moment later, "three years have -elapsed since that adventure. Who knows what has become of that man?" - -"I do, papa." - -"You, Angela!" he exclaimed in surprise. "It is impossible." - -"My father, the questions I addressed to the gentleman, and which he -answered so kindly, had only one object; to acquire a certainty by -corroborating through the answers I received certain information I had -obtained elsewhere." - -"So that--?" - -"The man who saved your life is the Count Don Louis, who started this -very morning for San Francisco." - -"Oh!" the general said in great agitation, "it is impossible. You are -mistaken, my child." - -"Pardon me, general, but my friend has frequently told me the story in -its amplest details," Valentine observed. "Why seek to hide longer a -thing you now know?" - -"And to remove all doubts, if any remain, which I hardly suppose, papa, -in the presence of this caballero's loyal assurance, look at this man," -she added, pointing to the Spaniard. "Do you not recognise Don Cornelio, -our old travelling companion, who constantly sang to his jarana the -romance of El Rey Rodrigo?" - -The general examined the young man attentively. - -"It is true," he said presently; "I now recognise this caballero, whom I -left wounded, at his own request, in the hands of my generous -liberator." - -"Whom I have not left since," Don Cornelio affirmed. - -"Ah!" the general said. "But why this obstinacy on Don Louis' part to -keep his secret? Did he fancy that gratitude was too heavy a burden for -me to bear?" - -"Do not think such a thing of my friend," Valentine exclaimed quickly. -"Don Louis believed, and still believes, that the service he rendered -you was too trifling to have such great importance attached to it." - -"_Caspita!_ When he saved my honour! But now that I know him he shall -not escape me longer. I will find him sooner or later, and prove to him -that we Mexicans have a memory as long for good as for ill. I am his -debtor, and, by heavens! I will pay him my debt." - -"That is good, papa," the young lady exclaimed, as she threw herself -into his arms. - -"Enough, little madcap, enough. Confusion! You are stifling me. But tell -me, little rogue, I believe that in all this you have been playing me a -nice little trick." - -"Oh, father!" she answered with a blush. - -"Would you, miss, have the goodness to explain to me how you obtained -all this information? I confess that it puzzles me considerably, and I -should like to know." - -Dona Angela, began laughing to conceal her embarrassment; but suddenly -making up her mind with that decision which marked her character,-- - -"I will tell you, if you promise not to scold me too severely," she -said. - -"Go on; we will see afterwards." - -"I told you a story this morning, papa," she said, letting her eyes -fall. - -"I suspect it: go on." - -"If you frown in that way, and put on your naughty air, I warn you that -I shall not say a word." - -"And you will be right, nina," the captain supported her. - -The general smiled. - -"Come," he said, "you are taking her part, are you?" - -"_Caspita!_ I should think so." - -"Come, come, be at your ease; I will not be angry, the more so because I -suspect that the pretty baggage behind you, with her cunning looks, has -something to do with the plot," he said, looking at Violanta, who could -not keep her countenance. - -"You have guessed it, papa. I slept splendidly last night: nothing -disturbed my slumbers." - -"Just listen to that, the little deceiver!" - -"Last evening, however, I heard the sound of a jarana accompanying the -Romance del Rey Rodrigo. I remembered our old travelling companion who -never sang anything else. I know not how it was, but I persuaded myself -that he was the singer, and so I sent Violanta to invite him to my room. -Then--" - -"Then he told you all?" - -"Yes, papa. As I knew the desire you felt to know your liberator, I -wished to surprise you by letting you find him at the moment you least -expected. Unfortunately chance has thwarted all my plans, and destroyed -my combinations." - -"That was right, nina, for it will teach you not to have any secrets -from your father. But console yourself, my child; we will find him -again, and then he must allow us to express our gratitude to him, which -time, far from lessening, has only heightened." - -The young lady, without saying anything further, returned pensively to -her seat. The general turned to Valentine. - -"It is now our turn, caballero. You are the owner of the herd of -cattle?" - -"Yes, general; but I am not the only one." - -"Who are your partners?" - -"Don Louis and the caballero here present." - -"Very good. Do you wish to dispose of your cattle advantageously?" - -"It is my intention." - -"How many head have you?" - -"Seven hundred and seventy." - -"And you are taking them--?" - -"To San Francisco." - -"_Caramba!_ That is a tough job." - -"We purpose hiring peons to drive the animals." - -"But if you could find a purchaser here?" - -"I should prefer it." - -"Well, I want cattle: most of mine have been stolen by the -Apaches--those infernal plunderers! If you consent we will strike a -bargain. Your herd suits me. My mayordomo has seen it, and I will buy it -in the lump." - -"I wish nothing better." - -"We say seven hundred and seventy head, I think?" - -"Yes." - -"At twenty-five piastres apiece: that makes 19,250 piastres, if I am -not mistaken. Does that suit you?" - -"No, general," Valentine replied firmly. - -Don Sebastian looked at him in amazement. - -"Why so?" he said. - -"Because I should rob you." - -"Hum! That is my business." - -"That is possible, general; but it is not mine." - -"What do you mean?" - -"I mean that cattle are sold, one with the other, at eighteen piastres -in San Francisco, and I cannot sell them for twenty-five here." - -"Nonsense! I fancy I know the value of ganado as well as any man; and I -offer you the price your herd is worth." - -"No, general, it is not worth it, and you know it as well as I do," the -hunter objected resolutely. "I thank you for your generosity, but I -cannot accept it: my friend would be angry with me for making such a -bargain." - -"Then you refuse?" - -"I do." - -"It is perfectly novel for a merchant to refuse to gain a profit on his -wares." - -"Pardon me, general, I do not refuse an honest profit; but I will not -rob you, that is all." - -"On my word, you are the first man I ever knew to look at trade in that -light." - -"Probably, general, because you have never had dealings with a -Frenchman." - -"I must yield. What do you ask for the beasts?" - -"Nineteen piastres per head, which, I assure you, will give me a very -handsome profit." - -"Be it so. That makes--?" - -"Fourteen thousand six hundred and thirty piastres." - -"Very good. If that will suit you, I will give you an order for that sum -on Messrs. Torribi, Dellaporta, and Co., at Guaymas." - -"That will do admirably." - -"You hear, captain, the herd is ours?" - -"Good! This night it will start for the hacienda." - -"When do you propose leaving, senores?" - -"As soon as our business is settled here, general. We are anxious to -rejoin our friend." - -"In an hour the bill of exchange will be ready." - -Valentine bowed. - -"Still," the general continued, "you will be good enough to tell Don -Louis that I regard myself as his debtor, and if ever he come to Sonora -I will prove it." - -"Possibly he may soon arrive," the hunter replied, with a side glance at -Dona Angela, who blushed. - -"I hope so; and now, gentlemen, I am at your service. If I can be of any -use to you, remember that you can always apply to me." - -"Receive my thanks, general." - -After exchanging a few more words they parted. In passing Dona Angela, -Valentine bowed respectfully. - -"Don Louis still has your reliquary," he muttered in so low a voice that -she guessed the words rather than heard them. - -"Thank you," she answered; "you are kind." - -"She loves Louis," Valentine said to himself as he returned to the -cuarto, accompanied by Don Cornelio. - -"The man is a fool to refuse a profit of 5000 piastres," the general -said to Don Isidro so soon as he found himself alone with him. - -"Perhaps so," the latter replied thoughtfully; "but I fancy he is an -enemy." - -The general shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, not deigning to -attach the slightest importance to this insinuation. - -The same evening Valentine and his two companions left San Jose, and -proceeded toward Guaymas, without seeing Dona Angela or the general -again. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -CONVERSATION. - - -During the few thousand years since the world on which we vegetate -issued from the hands of the Creator, many revolutions have taken place, -many extraordinary facts have been accomplished. How many nations have -succeeded each other, rising and falling in turn, disappearing without -even leaving a trace, after traversing history like dazzling meteors, -and then going out eternally in the night of ages! - -But of all the strange facts of which the memory has been preserved, -none in our opinion can be compared with what we have seen accomplished -under our own eyes, with extraordinary audacity and success, during -about three-quarters of a century. - -Adventurers bursting from every quarter of the globe--some impelled by -the fanaticism of religious faith, others by a spirit of adventure, -others again, and the large majority, urged on by wretchedness--after -landing as pilgrims on the American shores, asking shelter from the poor -and innocent inhabitants of those hospitable countries, and purchasing -for a song fertile estates, gradually congregated, expelled the first -possessors of the soil, founded cities and ports, built arsenals, and -one day shaking off the yoke of the mother country under whose aegis they -had timidly sought shelter, constituted themselves an independent state, -and founded that colossus, with feet of clay, body of gold, and head of -mud, which is called the United States of America. - -Humble at the outset, this poor Republic, singing in a loud voice the -words, "Liberty and Fraternity!"--words whose noble and grand -significance it never comprehended--displaying a rigid tolerance, an -exaggerated virtue and puritanism, stepped insidiously into the councils -of the European powers, climbed cunningly up to the thrones of -sovereigns, and, beneath the mask of disinterestedness, gained -acceptance from all. Suddenly, when the favourable moment arrived, the -United States rose and assumed a haughty posture. They who had laid down -in their Act of Independence that they would never consent to any -aggrandisement, said in a domineering voice to Europe, surprised and -almost terrified by such audacity, "This quarter of the globe is ours. -We are a powerful nation. You must henceforth settle with us." - -Unfortunately for themselves, in uttering these proud words, the -Northern Americans did not believe them. On the one hand they were -perfectly aware of their weakness; and, on the other, they knew very -well that a multitude of individuals collected from all sides, without -any tie of family or language among them, cannot form a people--that, is -to say, a nation--in one century, not even in two. - -Still, to be just and impartial to the United States, we must allow that -their inhabitants possess to a supreme degree that feverish ardour -which, if well directed, produces great results. - -It is evident that these bold adventurers are accomplishing, though they -little suspect it, a providential mission. What it is no one can say, -themselves least of all. These men who stifle on the frontiers, which -their population, though daily increasing, cannot fill; who aspire -continually to leap over the barriers which other nations oppose to -them; who only dream of the unknown, and are perpetually gazing at the -distant horizon--these men, in whose ear a secret voice constantly -murmurs, as to the Jew of the legend, "Onward, onward!"--these men are -destined, ere long, to play a grand, glorious, and noble part in modern -civilisation, if the profound egotism that undermines, and the thirst -for gold which devours them, does not kill in them those regenerating -virtues with which they are unconsciously endowed; and if, forgetting -the spirit of conquest and desire for further aggrandisement, they draw -more closely together the ties between the several states, and practise -among themselves that liberty and fraternity of which they talk so -jactantly abroad, but know so little at home. - -No people equals the Americans in the art of founding towns. In a few -days, on the spot where a virgin forest full of mystery and shadow -stood, they lay out streets, build houses, light gas; and in the midst -of these streets and squares, created as if by enchantment, the forest -trees are not yet dead, and a few forgotten oaks flourish with a -melancholy air. - -It is true that many of these towns, improvised for the exigencies of -the moment, are frequently deserted as rapidly as they were built; for -the North American is the true nomadic race. Nothing attaches it to the -soil: convenience alone can keep it at any given spot. It has none of -those heart affections, none of those memories of childhood or youth, -which induce us often to endure suffering in a place rather than quit it -for others where we should be comparatively much better off. In a word, -the American has no _home_, that word so endearing to Europeans. To him -the most agreeable and comfortable abode is that where he can pile -dollar on dollar with the greatest facility. - -San Francisco, that city which now counts more than 60,000 inhabitants, -and in which all the refinements of luxury can be found, is an evident -proof of the marvellous facility with which the Americans improvise -towns. We can remember bartering, scarce fifteen years back, with -Flat-head Indians, beneath the shade of secular trees, on sites where -splendid edifices now rise. We have fished alone in this immense bay, -the finest in the world, which is at present almost too small to hold -the innumerable vessels that follow each other in rapid succession. - -At the period of our story San Francisco was not yet a city in the true -acceptation of the word. It was a conglomeration of huts and clumsy -cabins built of wood, and which afforded some sort of shelter to the -adventurers of every nation whom the gold fever cast on its shores, and -who only stopped there long enough to prepare for proceeding to the -mines, or throw into the bottomless abysses of the gambling houses the -nuggets they had collected with so much difficulty and suffering. - -The police were almost non-existing: the stronger man made the law. The -knife and revolver were the _ultima ratio_, and lorded it over this -heterogeneous population, composed of the worst specimens the five parts -of the globe could throw up. - -A population incessantly renewed, never the same, lived in this Hades, a -prey to that constant and fatal intoxication which the sight of that -terrible metal called gold produces in even the strongest-minded men. - -Still, at the period of which we are writing, the first fury of the race -to the placers had somewhat cooled down. Owing to the impulse given by a -few resolute men, gifted with lofty intellects and generous hearts, the -normal life was beginning to be gradually organised; the bandits no -longer daringly held the top of the causeway, honest men could at length -breathe and raise their heads, all foreboded better days, and the dawn -of an era of order, peace, and tranquillity had arrived. - -About two months after the events we narrated in our preceding chapter -we will lead the reader to a charming house built a little out of the -throng, as if the inhabitants had sought to isolate themselves as much -as possible; and after introducing him into a room modestly furnished -with a few common chairs and a table, on which lay a large map of -Mexico, we will listen to the conversation of the two men who were -leaning over this map. - -One of them is already well known to us, for he is the Count Louis; the -other was a man of middle age, with a fine and intelligent face, whose -eye sparkled with boldness and frankness; his manners were also very -elegant. He appeared to be a Frenchman; at least he was talking in that -language. At the moment we joined them the two gentlemen were inserting -black-headed pins into certain districts of the map spread out before -them. - -"I am perfectly of your opinion, my dear count," the stranger said as he -rose: "that road is the most direct, and at the same time the safest." - -"Is it not?" Louis answered. - -"Without any doubt. But tell me--you are quite resolved to disembark at -Guaymas?" - -"That is the most favourable point." - -"I ask you that question, my dear countryman, because I have written to -our representative in that town." - -"Well?" the count said quickly, rising in his turn. - -"All goes well; at least he tells me so in his letter." - -"He has answered you?" - -"Courier for courier. The Mexican authorities will see your arrival with -the greatest pleasure; a barrack will be prepared for your men, and the -principal posts of the town intrusted to them. You are expected with the -most lively impatience." - -"All the better, for I confess to you that I feared much annoyance in -that quarter: the Mexicans have such a singular character, that one -never knows how to deal with them." - -"What you say is perfectly true, my friend; but remember that your -position is an exceptional one, and can in no possible manner cause -umbrage to the authorities of the town. You are the owner of a placer of -incalculable richness, situated in a country where you will have -continually to apprehend attacks from the Indians; you will, therefore, -only pass through Guaymas." - -"Literally so; for I declare to you that I shall set out with the least -possible delay for the mine." - -"Another thing, too: most of the men whose hatred or envy you might have -occasion to fear are shareholders in the company you represent. If they -show you any ill will, or try to impede your operations, they will -carry on the war at their own expense, and naturally will be the first -punished." - -"That is true." - -"And then you have no political object: your conduct is clearly laid -down. Your desire is to find gold." - -"Yes, and to insure a happy and independent position for the brave men -who accompany me." - -"What more noble task could you undertake?" - -"So you are satisfied, sir?" - -"I could not be more so, my dear count. Everything smiles on you: the -company is definitively formed at Mexico." - -"I knew that before. During my stay in that city I drew up the plans and -prepared everything; besides, I believe I can reckon on the friends we -have there." - -"I believe so too. Did not the President of the Republic himself seem to -adopt your views?" - -"Enthusiastically." - -"Very good. Now, in Sonora, the governor, with whom you will have alone -to deal, is one of our largest shareholders, so you have nothing to fear -in that quarter." - -"Tell me, sir, do you know our representative at Guaymas?" - -At this question a cloud passed over the stranger's forehead. - -"Not personally," he answered, after a certain degree of hesitation. - -"Then you can give me no information about him? You understand that it -is important for me to know the character of the man with whom I shall -doubtlessly enter into permanent relations, and from whom I shall be -compelled to ask protection in certain difficult circumstances, such as -may occur at any moment." - -"That is true, my dear count. As you observe, you know not in what -position accident may place you; it is, therefore, necessary that I -should instruct you, so listen to me." - -"I am giving you the most earnest attention." - -"Guaymas, as you are very well aware, is of very slight importance to -our nation in a commercial point of view. During the whole year not a -dozen ships bearing our flag put in there. The French Government, -therefore, considered it useless to send a French agent to that town, -and acted like most of the powers--it selected one of the most -respectable merchants in Guaymas, and made him its representative." - -"Ah, ah!" the count said thoughtfully; "then our consular agent in that -port is not a Frenchman?" - -"No; he is a Mexican. It is unlucky for you; for I will not hide from -you that our countrymen have several times complained of not obtaining -from him that protection which it is his duty to give them. It seems, -too, that this man is wonderfully greedy for gain." - -"As far as that is concerned I do not alarm myself at all." - -"The rest need not trouble you either. The Mexicans generally are not -bad. They are children--that is all. You will easily master this man by -talking to him firmly, and not yielding an inch of what you consider -your right." - -"Trust to me for doing that." - -"There is nothing else to be done." - -"Thanks for this precious information, which I shall profit by, be -assured, at the proper time and place. What is his name?" - -"Don Antonio Mendez Pavo; but, before your departure, I will give you a -letter for him, which I am sure will prevent your having any vexatious -disputes with the fellow." - -"I accept with great pleasure." - -"And now another point." - -"Go on." - -"Are your enlistments completed?" - -"Nearly so; I only need ten more men at the most." - -"You are organising your expedition in a military manner?" - -"I wished to avoid it, but that is impossible, owing to the Indian -tribes through which we must pass, and with whom we shall have -doubtlessly a tussle." - -"You may expect it." - -"So you see, my dear sir, I take my precautions in consequence." - -"You act wisely. What will be the strength of your company?" - -"Two hundred and fifty to three hundred men at the outside." - -"You are right: a larger force would arouse the susceptibility of the -Mexicans, and perhaps cause them alarm as to the purity and loyalty of -your intentions." - -"That is what I wish to avoid at any price." - -"Are your men French?" - -"All. I do not wish to have any men with me on whose devotion I cannot -calculate. I should be afraid, by mixing strangers among my fellows, -that I might relax those family ties so necessary for the success of an -expedition like mine, and which can be easily established among men all -belonging to the same nation." - -"That is extremely logical." - -"And then," the count went on, "I only enlist old soldiers or sailors, -all men accustomed to military discipline, and who are familiar with the -use of arms." - -"Then your organisation is terminated?" - -"Nearly so, as I told you." - -"All the better. In spite of the pleasure I feel in your delightful -society, I should like to see you at work already." - -"Thank you, but that will not be long first: the vessel is chartered, -and if nothing happen to derange my plans, I shall say good-by to you -within a week. You know that, in an affair like this, speed is the great -point." - -"Success depends, above all, on celerity and decision." - -"I shall be deficient in neither, be assured." - -"Above all, do not forget to take with you two or three men you can -trust, and who are thoroughly acquainted with the country you are about -explore." - -"I have with me two wood rangers, from whom the desert has no secrets." - -"You can trust in them?" - -"As in myself." - -"Bravo! I feel a presentiment that we shall succeed." - -"Heaven grant it! For my part, I will do all to deserve it." - -The stranger took his hat. - -"Ah, ah! I have been here a long time, and forget that people may be -waiting for me at the office. I must leave you, my dear count." - -"Already?" - -"Needs must. Shall I see you this evening?" - -"I cannot promise. You know that I am not my own master either, -especially at this moment." - -"That is true; still try to come." - -"I will." - -"That's right. Good-by till I see you again." - -The two men shook hands affectionately, and the stranger departed. - -So soon as he was alone the count bent again over the map, which he -studied carefully: it was not till night had completely set in that he -gave up his task. - -"How is it," he said to himself thoughtfully, "that Valentine has not -yet arrived? He should have been here." - -As he finished this monologue he heard a rap at the door. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -PREPARATIONS. - - -The period at which our story happens was a happy time for desperate -enterprises and filibustering expeditions. - -In fact, the political commotions that had overthrown Europe some time -previously had brought to the surface, and set in motion, a great number -of those unprincipled men, whose sole object is to secure from the -revolutions that desolate their country very lucrative, if not very -honourable, positions, and for whom anarchy is the sole safety valve. - -But, after the first convulsions inseparable from a revolution, when the -popular effervescence began gradually to cool down, and the overflowing -waters returned to their bed--in a word, when society, wearied of paltry -struggles sustained for no avowable motives, and merely kept up to -satisfy the disgraceful ambition of a few men of no value, understood -that the re-establishment of order was the sole path of salvation, all -those individuals who had for a season played a part more or less -important found themselves cast on the pavement of the towns without -resources; for, with that improvidence inherent in their natures, -squandering day by day the favours which blind fortune had lavished on -them, they had kept nothing for bad times, convinced as they were that -the state of things they had produced would last for ever. - -For a few months they struggled, not courageously, but obstinately, -against adversity, seeking by every means to recapture the prey which -they had so foolishly allowed to slip from their grasp. But they were -soon compelled to allow that times had changed, that their hour was -past, and that the ground which had hitherto maintained them was sinking -hourly beneath their feet, and threatened to swallow them up. - -Their position was becoming critical. It was impossible for them to -resume their humble and peaceful avocations, and return to that -nothingness from which a mad caprice of chance had drawn them. The idea -did not even occur to them. They had tasted luxury and honour; they -could not and would not work again: pride and sloth imperiously forbade -it. - -Cincinnatus has never found an imitator in history, and that is the -reason why his memory has been so preciously kept up by all to the -present day. The men of whom we are speaking were far from being like -Cincinnatus, though they in so far resembled the Roman Dictator that -they claimed to govern nations. - -What was to be done? - -Fortunately Providence, whose ways are incomprehensible, watched over -them. - -The discovery of the rich placers of California, the news of which had -been almost stifled under the blow of the terrible European political -commotions, suddenly returned to the surface, and in a short time -assumed a considerable extension. The most extravagant stories -circulated about the incalculable riches that lay almost on the ground -in the soil of the new Eldorado. Then all the vagabond imaginations -began to ferment. All eyes were fixed on America, and the birds of prey -that wanted a booty in Europe rushed with a loud cry of joy toward that -unknown land, where they fancied they should find in a few days all the -joys with which they had been gorged, and which they hoped this time to -satisfy. - -Unfortunately, in California, as elsewhere, the first condition for -acquiring wealth is incessant, permanent, and regular labour. - -On landing in America numerous poignant deceptions awaited the -adventurers. The mines, indeed, existed--they were rich; but the gold -they contained could only be extracted with great difficulty, great -fatigue, and, above all, great expense--three impossibilities which our -gold-seekers could not overcome. - -Many perished either of want, or of a violent death through pot-house -quarrels, or through the change of climate, to which they had not the -time to grow accustomed. Those who survived, wan and ragged, displayed -their starving faces in all the bad places of San Francisco, ready to do -anything for the smallest sum of money that would lull their wolfish -appetite. - -In the meanwhile the first adventurers had been succeeded by others, and -still they flocked in. The few, privileged by fortune, who returned to -Europe rich in a few months, had naturally aroused the cupidity of the -numberless pariahs of civilisation; and San Francisco, that country -blessed by Heaven, whose climate is so fine and soil so fertile, -threatened to become a vast and mournful cemetery. - -At this time it happened that a few enterprising men, seeing their -illusions fading away, and perceiving that the gold they coveted so -ardently constantly fled before them while they were unable to catch it, -turned their glances in another direction, and, despairing of growing -rich in the mines, resolved to seize, sword and revolver in hand, those -riches which it was impossible for them to acquire otherwise; that is to -say, they resuscitated for their own behoof the filibustering -expeditions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. - -Thus was a new path opened to emerge from the frightful wretchedness in -which they languished, and the adventurers eagerly entered upon it. -Filibustering enterprises sprang up on all sides with as much regularity -as if they had been perfectly respectable financial operations; and the -plethora of San Francisco began, to the great relief of the peaceful -population, to be diverted on the surrounding countries. - -The count had, therefore, arrived at a propitious moment to put in -execution the plan he meditated. He belonged to one of the oldest and -noblest families in France. He enjoyed, and that justly, a spotless -reputation in California; moreover, he was very strict in the selection -of the men he enlisted; finally, he offered an honourable scope for -their ambition, which is very flattering to men who have nothing to -lose. Nothing more was needed to excite the emulation of all the -ragamuffins, and urge them to place themselves under his orders. - -Among the adventurers were many really estimable persons, who in no way -merited the sad fate they were undergoing, and who, seduced by the -unknown, had been attracted to California by the fallacious promises of -European speculators, and had been the victims of the scoundrels who -induced them to emigrate. These men endured their sufferings nobly, -awaiting with the patience of well-tempered hearts the opportunity to -take their revenge and regain that position which a moment of mad -intoxication and credulous simplicity had made them forfeit. - -The Count, with that infallible glance he possessed, and the knowledge -of mankind which lengthened misfortune had enabled him to acquire, had -picked out the best men from the crowd that daily invaded his house so -soon as his intention became known, and assured himself of the -co-operation of devoted comrades of tried courage, who, regarding the -count's enterprise as the sole means of emerging from their frightful -position, attached themselves to him with a firm resolve to do or die. - -Hence we will assert here that of all the expeditions formed at that -period in California, the only really honourable one which contained the -elements of success was that led by Count Louis de Prebois Crance. - -We do not go beyond the mark when we say that the count was adored by -his comrades. These rude adventurers, so harshly tried by destiny, had -guessed, with the ineffable perspicacity of men who have suffered -greatly, the inexhaustible kindness, perfect loyalty, and vast -intelligence locked up in the heart of their chief, and how much tender -solicitude and friendship for them were concealed beneath his mournful -countenance and the imposing severity of his liquid blue eye. Thus it -was not merely respect he inspired them with, but veneration and -devotion, extending almost to fanaticism. - -An expedition like that the count was preparing was no easy thing to -organise, especially with the scanty resources he had at his disposal; -for he only obtained vague promises from his partners, and was forced to -seek in himself the means for satisfying all. - -The rich placer which Belhumeur and Eagle-head pointed out to him had -been worked in the time of the Spanish monarchy; but since the -declaration of independence, carelessness and disorder having taken the -place of the energy displayed by the Castilians, the Indians soon -expelled the miners: the placer had, therefore, been temporarily -abandoned. Then gradually the Apaches and Comanches, growing bolder as -they perceived the weakness of the white men, advanced and recaptured -vast territories, on which they established themselves permanently, -knowing that the Mexicans would never attempt to drive them out. In this -way the placer to which we allude, formerly situated in the possessions -of New Spain, was now surrounded by Indian territory, and to reach it it -was necessary to wage a mortal contest with the two most dangerous -nations of the desert, the Apaches and Comanches, who would under no -pretext suffer the invasion of their frontiers by the whites, but would -defend their ground inch by inch against them. - -The Mexican government had only authorised the formation of the mining -company founded by the count on the express condition that the miners, -organised as a military force, should pursue the Indians, attack them -whenever they came up with them, and definitively expel them from the -territory they had usurped since the proclamation of independence. The -count had accepted a rough and almost impossible mission: any other in -his place would have backed out and refused to accept such terms. But -Count Louis was a man in a thousand, gifted with a rare energy, which -obstacles only rendered greater. And then, personally, what did he care -for the issue of the affair? It was not wealth, but death, he sought; -still he did not wish to fall till he had given his comrades that wealth -he had promised them, and rescued them from the stings of adverse -fortune. - -He accepted the conditions, then, but not blindly, ambitiously, or -egotistically. He accepted them as a man of heart, who sacrifices -himself for an idea, and for the general happiness; and who, while -recognising the almost insurmountable difficulties that oppose the -success of his noble projects, hopes to succeed in overcoming them by -his courage, perseverance, and abnegation. - -The energy, patience, and intelligence which the count had displayed -during the two months since his parting with Valentine, no one but -himself could have told. One of the clauses in his contract with the -suspicious and shifting Mexican government obliged him not to take more -than three hundred men with him. The President of the Republic, General -Arista, doubtlessly feared the invasion and conquest of Mexico by the -French, had they been four hundred in number. - -These wretched conditions are so ridiculous, that they would be -incredible were they not rigorously true. We could, if we pleased, write -down here the words uttered in the Senate of Mexico, in which this fear -of invasion is distinctly expressed. - -The count, in order to dissipate all doubts on this head, and, above -all, not to arouse suspicions, decided on only taking two hundred and -sixty men instead of three hundred. - -But this company, destined to traverse a country swarming with obstinate -enemies, compelled during the journey to fight perhaps several times a -day, constrained in this desolate country to supply its own wants (for -it had no help to expect anywhere), must receive a powerful -organisation. - -This was what the count thought of first. - -Those persons who have never worn that heavy harness called a military -tunic cannot form even a distant idea of the thousand difficulties of -detail which arise at every step in the complete organisation of a -company, so that the service may be done properly, and the soldier not -suffer needlessly. - -The count was obliged to improvise. He had never served, and was not at -all aware of the nature of such a task as his; but he was a gentleman -and a Frenchman, two reasons for inventing what a man is ignorant of -when war is the subject. The military genius is so innate in the French -nation, that we may say every man is a soldier. At any rate, Louis -proved it in an undeniable manner. - -Obliged to foresee everything, and provide for all eventualities, he -undertook everything; and, on seeing the nature of his arrangements, his -men, all old soldiers and connoisseurs in such matters, were convinced -that their chief had been long engaged in military affairs. - -He made a regular army of his company; that is to say, he had infantry, -cavalry, and artillery. In order that the discipline might be strictly -maintained the infantry were divided into sections, commanded by tried -men selected by himself. A few sailors, accustomed to handle guns, were -appointed to serve a small mountain howitzer, which the count carried -with him, more for the purpose of terrifying the Indians than in the -hope that it would ever prove of use to him. - -Lastly, some forty picked men, most of them old Chasseurs d'Afrique, -formed the cavalry, and were placed under the orders of an officer for -whom the count felt a peculiar esteem, whom he had known a long time, -and in whose ability he placed entire confidence. - -But what we have described was nothing when compared with what still -remained to be done--purchasing arms, provisions, the necessary tools -for working the mine, ammunition, and, above all, means of transport. - -The count was not discouraged. He improvised a commissariat, and -alone--alone we repeat; for he had refused the offer of large American -bankers, who at length, recognising his value, had proposed to take an -interest in his enterprise--with his scanty resources, he had done -everything, organised everything, and now only awaited his foster -brother's arrival, in order to pay the balance of his accounts, ship his -company, and set sail. - -Now that we have fully explained these matters to our reader, which are -so important to a proper understanding of what follows, we will resume -our narrative at the point where we were compelled to break it off. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -VALENTINE'S RETURN. - - -As we have already said, the count sprang up on hearing a rap at the -door of his house. - -"Who can come at this hour," he muttered. "I expect nobody." - -And he went to the door and opened it. Three men entered, wrapped -closely in their cloaks. The darkness in the room prevented Don Louis -recognising their features, which were, besides, half hidden by the -brims of their sombreros. - -"Good evening, gentlemen," he said to them. "Who are you, and what would -you with me?" - -"Oh, oh!" one of the newcomers said with a laugh. "By Jupiter! That is a -very dry reception." - -Don Louis started at the sound of this voice, which he recognised at -once. - -"Valentine!" he exclaimed with emotion. - -"By Jove!" the other said gaily, as he threw off his cloak, "I suppose -you thought I was dead?" - -"And do you not recognise me, Senor Don Louis?" the second person said, -also throwing off his cloak. - -"Don Cornelio, my friend, you are welcome." - -"That's right," Valentine went on; "we are beginning to understand one -another at last--that is fortunate. Were you going out?" - -"Yes, but for no urgent matter." - -"I do not disturb you, then?" - -"On the contrary, sit down and let us talk." - -"All right." - -"Have you supped?" - -"Not yet; and you?" - -"Nor I either. That is capital--we will sup here together. In that way -we can say what we like, and not fear listeners, unless you prefer going -to the hotel." - -"St! Deuce take me if I care about it. Let us sup here, my boy; it will -be better in every way." - -"That is what I thought. Let me give some orders, and I shall be at your -service." - -Louis went out. - -"Ouf!" Valentine said, stretching himself in an easy chair, "I am -beginning to get tired. How do you feel, Don Cornelio?" - -"I!" the latter replied with a sigh. "I can move neither arm nor leg; I -walk about like a somnambulist." - -"Nonsense! Such a stout fellow as you." - -"Stout as you please--do you know we have not been to bed or to sleep -for seven nights?" - -"Do you think so?" the Frenchman said carelessly. - -"_Capa de Dios!_ Do I think so? I am sure of it. The proof of it is, -that in those seven days we rode three hundred leagues, and killed ten -horses." - -"On my word, that is true." - -"So you see----" - -"Well, what do you conclude from that?" - -"Why, that you were in a hurry." - -"And yet, in spite of all our diligence, my friend thinks that we have -been too slow." - -"Then I must say he is not reasonable. But are we going to leave the -chief kicking his heels at the door?" - -"Good gracious! I never thought of him," Valentine said as he rose. - -And he walked toward the door. - -At the same moment Curumilla appeared at one end of the room, while Don -Louis came in at the other, at the head of several servants. Louis -placed the candlesticks he held in his hand on the table, and turning to -his friend,-- - -"Where are you going?" he asked him. - -"To look for Curumilla, whom I left in charge of the horses; but there -he is!" - -"Do not trouble yourself about the horses; I have given orders as to -them." - -"To supper, then, for I am dying of hunger; my comrades and myself have -eaten nothing for sixteen hours." - -The four men sat down to the table, which had been copiously covered -with dishes of every description. The meal began: the guests ate for a -long time without exchanging a word. The newcomers had an imperious -necessity to recruit their strength. At length, when the edge was -slightly taken off his appetite, Valentine poured out some drink, and -addressing his foster brother, began the conversation. - -"Why, Louis, do you know that you are not difficult to find in this -deuce of a city? Your reputation appears to be enormous." - -"How so?" Louis said with a smile. - -"By Jove! Everybody knows your address: they only call you the general. -I did not need to ask many questions to find this house--everybody -offered to guide me. It seems as if affairs are going on well, eh?" - -The count smiled softly; but, before replying, he made the servants a -sign to leave the room, and when the door was closed upon them,-- - -"All goes on very well," he said; "but now that you have arrived it will -go on better still." - -"Ah, ah! You think so?" Valentine said, sipping like an amateur the -Bordeaux in his glass. - -"I hope so." - -"Well, you are not mistaken, brother; I hope so too." - -Louis gave a start of joy. - -"You have been a long time in coming," he said. - -"Do you think so?" - -"If you knew how impatiently I expected you." - -"I suppose so; but believe me, my friend, when you have heard all I have -done, only one thing will astonish you--that I am here already." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Patience! Tell me first what you have been doing during our separation. -But one word first--have you beds for us?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then, as supper is over, through pity for Don Cornelio, who is -asleep in that easy chair, let him be taken to a bed, where he can -repose at his ease: he needs it, I assure you." - -"The fact is," the Spaniard stammered, "that my eyes _will_ close, in -spite of all my efforts to keep them open." - -Louis had risen. On a signal he gave, a servant took charge of Don -Cornelio, and led him away. Curumilla had lighted his calumet, and was -smoking silently. - -"Now for us two," Valentine said. - -"But the chief," Louis observed: "does he not wish to rest?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about him--he is made of iron; but if by any -accident sleep comes upon him, you need not be alarmed--he will stretch -himself in a corner of this room." - -"Very good. Now, then, listen to me." - -"I am all attention." - -Louis gave his friend a detailed account of all he had done since his -return to San Francisco. The narrative was long, for the count had much -to tell. Valentine listened with the closest attention, not interrupting -him once. The night was far advanced when Louis at length ended his -report. Curumilla was still smoking. - -When the count stopped there was a moment's silence, and then Valentine -took the word. - -"You have done miracles. You have accomplished impossibilities." - -"Then you are satisfied with me?" - -"I admire you. You have displayed in all this business incredible energy -and intelligence. Now let us arrive at the financial question." - -"Yes, that is the serious point at this moment. Unfortunately it will -not be so easy to settle as the others." - -"Who knows? Then you owe a deal of money?" - -"An enormous sum." - -"Oh, oh!" - -"Why, you understand I had everything to buy." - -"That is right; and you possessed?" - -"As you know, nothing." - -"Hum, hum! The account is clear. Then you owe for everything?" - -"Nearly so." - -"Are your accounts in order?" - -"Of course, as I only waited for you to start." - -"Let us have a look at them." - -Louis opened a drawer, from which he took several papers covered with -figures. He spread them out on the table with a stifled sigh. - -"Why do you sigh?" Valentine asked him. - -"Because I am anxious." - -"Anxious about what?" - -"Why, hang it! About paying them." - -Valentine smiled. - -"Nonsense!" he said, "let us look all the same." - -The count bent over the papers. - -"What are you doing?" Valentine said. - -"I am calculating." - -"What is the good? Tell me the totals only--that will be quicker." - -"You are right: 17,533 piastres, 6 reals." - -"Good!" Valentine commenced writing the amount in pencil on a piece of -waste paper. "Next." - -"Twenty-one thousand two hundred and seven piastres, five reals." - -"Very good: go on." - -"Twelve thousand eight hundred and twenty-three piastres." - -"No reals?" - -"No." - -"Go on." - -"Seven thousand six hundred and seventy-five piastres, six reals." - -"Six reals. Very good. What next?" - -"That is all." - -"What! No more?" - -"Is not that enough?" - -"I do not mean that; but, from the way you spoke, I expected a -formidable amount." - -"Is not this so?" - -"Not so very. Come, let us add it up." - -"That is very easy. Here it is: total, 59,239 piastres, 7 reals." - -"Seven reals. The total is correct. Have you not a few small debts -beside?" - -"Of course, I have a few personal matters to pay; and then I should not -like to start empty-handed." - -"That would be awkward; so that, as far as I can see you will want about -eighty or one hundred thousand piastres to be perfectly clear?" - -"Oh! Then I should have more than I require." - -"It is better to have too much than not enough." - -"That is true; but where to find such a sum?" - -"Let me tell you a story." - -"Eh?" Louis said in surprise. "Are you jesting, brother?" - -"I never jest in serious matters. Listen to my story, I am convinced -that it will interest you." - -Louis could not suppress a movement of ill temper. He fell back in his -chair, and crossed his arms. - -"Speak," he said, "I am listening." - -"Patience!" Valentine said, with a smile. - -The count tossed his head. - -"I am beginning," the hunter went on. "You remember in what way we -parted at the _venta_ of San Jose?" - -"Perfectly." - -"The next day I sold the herd in a lump. Another time, I will explain to -you in what way; and I shall have certain explanations to ask of you. -For the present, suffice it for you to know that I made an excellent -deal, and sold it for 14,630 piastres." - -"A famous sum! Unfortunately, we are still far from our reckoning." - -"Patience! Then the bargain was a good one." - -"Excellent: I should not have got such a price here." - -"All the better; at Guaymas I took a bill on Wilson and Baker. Do you -know them?" - -"Very well; it is a substantial house." - -"Good! Then tomorrow we will cash it. After selling the herd, I left San -Jose with my two friends, not knowing, I confess, how to procure the -money I had promised you, and of which you had such pressing need." - -"A need I still have," Louis observed. - -"Agreed," Valentine continued; "after galloping about for a long time, -without knowing exactly where we were going, I resolved to ask my -companions' advice. Of course Don Cornelio could suggest nothing. He -contented himself with strumming a melancholy air on his guitar: you -know that is his resource in embarrassing circumstances. You have known -Curumilla as long as I have: the worthy chief only speaks when he is -compelled; but when he opens his mouth, he speaks gold, and this time it -really occurred." - -While saying this, Valentine could not refrain from smiling. Louis -turned to the chief, to whom he offered his hand, which the other -pressed with a grimace of pleasure. The hunter continued,-- - -"From the descriptions you had given me, I knew pretty nearly the -position of the mine of which you had become proprietor. Curumilla -offered to take us there. 'We shall be very unlucky,' he said, 'we who -know the desert so well, if we do not succeed in foiling the Indians and -reaching the mine. Once there, we will take as much native gold as we -want to satisfy our friend's wants.' As the advice was good, I resolved -to follow it." - -"What!" Louis shouted, rising hurriedly, "you did that, brother?" - -"Of course I did." - -"But you ran a risk of assassination at every step." - -"I knew it; but I knew also that you must have a large sum." - -"Oh, brother, brother!" Louis exclaimed, in great emotion, "so much -devotion, while I was accusing you." - -"You did not know what I was doing; you were right." - -"Oh! I shall never forgive myself." - -"Nonsense! Did we not swear once for all, to be entirely devoted to each -other?" - -"That is true. Oh! You have nobly kept your oath everywhere and ever, -brother." - -"And have you not done the same? Besides, this time the idea does not -belong to me; I only followed the chief's advice." - -"Oh, he is like you; you dare not say anything to him, or he would be -vexed." - -Curumilla laid down his calumet for an instant; and, approaching the -count, laid his hand on his shoulder, and looking at him with an -expression impossible to describe, while touching the Frenchman's chest -and his own in turn,-- - -"Koutenepi," he said, in a quivering voice, "Louis, Curumilla--three -brothers, one heart." - -And he sat down again. - -There was a long pause. The two white men were admiring the devotion and -admiration of this brave Indian, who only lived for and through them, -and asked themselves in their hearts, if, in spite of the warm -friendship they bore him, they were really worthy of so profound an -attachment. - -"In short," Valentine went on at last, "no sooner said than done. I will -not describe to you the incidents of our journey, for that would occupy -too much precious time. Suffice it for you to know that, thanks to our -lengthened prairie experience, after surmounting innumerable obstacles, -and almost falling into the clutches of the redskins a hundred times, we -at length reached the mine. Oh, brother, I know not the riches of the -Californian placers, but I doubt whether they can be compared to the one -of which you are now owner." - -"Ah!" Louis exclaimed; "it is true then, it is rich?" - -"Brother, its riches are incalculable; the native gold is found on the -surface. Even I, whose, I will not say disinterestedness, but whose -indifference for gold you know, was dazzled, so dazzled, that for some -moments I could not imagine what I saw was real. I asked myself was I -awake, or if I was not dreaming." - -While Valentine spoke thus, Louis walked up and down the room, wiping -away the perspiration that stood on his forehead. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, much agitated; "now I shall succeed, no matter what -may happen." - -"Do not defy chance, brother," Valentine replied sorrowfully. - -"Do not fancy, brother, that these immense riches turn me mad. No, no; -what do I care for self? I am thinking of the poor fellows I have -attached to my fortunes; those who have placed confidence in me, and who -will be happy through me. No, I do not defy chance; I thank Providence." - -He sat down again, poured out a glass of water, which he swallowed at a -draught, and passing his hand over his brow,-- - -"Go on, now," he said; "I am calm." - -"I have not much more to add. I had taken with me three bat horses; I -loaded them. I put gold, too, in my _alforjas_, in Curumilla's, and in -Don Cornelio's. That worthy gentleman was perfectly mad: he bounded like -a wild colt, and strummed his guitar furiously. He would not leave the -placer, but insisted on awaiting our return there, alone. I was almost -obliged to employ force to carry him off, so greatly had the sight of -that gold fascinated him. In conclusion, you asked me for 80,000 -piastres. Here are bills for 150,000 on Wilson and Baker. Add the price -of the herd sold at San Jose, and you have a sum of 164,000 piastres, -which is a very pretty lump of money in my opinion. What do you say?" - -He then drew the bills from his breast, and handed them to his foster -brother. Louis was confounded. He could not find words to reply. - -"Ah!" Valentine added carelessly, "I forgot. As I supposed you would not -be sorry to have a specimen of your placer, to show your partners, I -brought you this." - -He handed him a lump of gold, about as large as a man's fist. Louis took -it mechanically, laid it on the table, and looked at it for an instant -with a fixed and haggard eye; then two tears coursed down his pallid -cheeks, and a sob burst from his chest. He stretched out his arms; and, -seizing Valentine and Curumilla, drew them to him, and embraced them -passionately, murmuring,-- - -"Brothers, brothers! Thanks not only for myself, but for our poor -countrymen, whom your sublime devotion has saved from wretchedness, -perhaps from crime!" - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE DEPARTURE. - - -French emigration, in America or elsewhere, has rarely, or, to speak -more truthfully, has never succeeded. - -Whence does this result? The Frenchman is brave to rashness, -intelligent, and laborious. He laughs and sings continually, supporting -with the greatest philosophy the rudest blows of fortune, and carelessly -confiding in the future. All that is true. But the Frenchman is no -coloniser; that is to say, under all circumstances, he remains a -Frenchman, and does not wish to be anything else. - -The French emigrant, when he quits his country, retains always, not only -the desire, but the intention of seeing it again some day. All his -efforts tend to acquire the necessary sum to return to the village or -town where he was born. No matter whether chance deserts him, he ever -regards himself as a traveller and not as a sojourner; whatever be the -position he may achieve, his eyes are incessantly fixed on France, the -only country, in his opinion, where men can live and die happily. - -Infatuated by his nationality, never willing to make the slightest -concession to the habits, creeds, and manners of the people, with whom -he is temporarily obliged to live, esteeming them as far beneath himself -in intelligence and civilisation, the Frenchman passes through foreign -nations with a sardonic smile on his lips, and a mocking -glance--shrugging his shoulders in contempt at all that he sees, without -trying to explain it, and preferring a sarcasm to a good lesson. Hence -it generally happens that the Frenchman is not only not loved; but in -spite of his open, frank, and merry character, is almost detested, by -foreigners. - -At San Francisco, the French emigrants--being without any socialities, -and composed of individuals of every description, who shunned or tried -to injure each other, instead of affording mutual aid--were, we are -forced to confess, very slightly esteemed by the Americans, those -colonisers _par excellence_. A few energetic men had contrived -individually to make the French name respected. - -Count de Prebois' expedition was consequently, in every respect, a -blessing for his unhappy countrymen: in the first place by delivering -them from the frightful want that held them in its iron clutches; and -secondly by elevating them in their own eyes, and in those of the -adventurers of every country whom the _mineral yellow fever_ had -attracted to these parts. - -The count's enterprise had the result of rendering the French colony, at -first so despised, highly respectable; and the Americans now began to -feel secretly jealous of it. The enlistment of the French company to -work the rich placers of Apacheria, was the important event of the day; -it was spoken of everywhere. A number of adventurers burnt to take part -in the expedition, and employed every means to gain acceptance. - -But, as we have said, the count had laid down in this respect a line of -conduct from which he would not deviate: the principal condition of -enlistment was the fact of being a Frenchman; thus any number of poor -fellows was rejected by the count, and many a violent enmity did he -collect on his head, but the count cared little for all the disturbance; -he continued his work imperturbably. Thus, as we have said, when -Valentine arrived at San Francisco, the company was almost complete, and -composed of picked men. - -The hunter heard the news from his friend's lips, with the greatest -satisfaction. - -"Come," he said; "you have lost no time." - -"Have I?" - -"By Jove! To form a mining company, and collect a body of men in less -than two months, is no trifle. I congratulate you with all my heart." - -"Thank you. Still, without you nothing would have been effected; for -mark the fact, Valentine, that although I have the richest capitalists -and highest men in Mexico as shareholders in the _Atravida_, not one of -them would have advanced me an ochavo to pay the expenses of the -organisation, which I was bound to settle alone." - -"That is a clever arrangement, brother. You have to deal with cunning -shareholders." - -"All the better. I will soon prove to them that they did wrong in not -giving me all that confidence I deserve." - -"I like that way of revenging yourself. But tell me----" - -"What?" - -"Have you influential men among your shareholders?" - -"What do you mean by influential?" - -"Why, men whose political position offers you a certain guarantee -against the annoyances which will be inevitably created down there, to -prevent the success of your enterprise, and prepare its failure." - -"I fear nothing of the sort." - -"All the better." - -"Judge for yourself. I have among my shareholders the French envoy at -Mexico, the French consul at Guaymas, the Governor of Sonora, and many -others." - -"Did you not say the Governor of Sonora?" - -"Yes." - -"Ah, ah, ah!" - -"Well?" - -"Oh, nothing." - -"Yes, you mean something; so speak." - -"Indeed, why should I make a mystery of it? Do you know this governor?" - -"No. I only know that he is colossally rich, that his name is Don -Sebastian Guerrero, and he is a general." - -"Is that all?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, you are mistaken in fancying you do not know him." - -"Nonsense." - -"Yes; and as it appears, you have even rendered him a great service." - -"You are jesting; I never saw him." - -"That is your mistake. Like the worthy knight errant, you are, you saved -him from the hands of the miscreants." - -"Come, speak seriously." - -"I am doing so. In one word, you saved his life and his daughter's." - -"I? You are mad." - -"Not the least in the world. Indeed the father, and especially the young -lady--who, between ourselves, is delightful--entertain the most -affecting reminiscences of you." - -"Who on earth told you that fine story?" - -"Who? why the general himself." - -"That is a little too strong." - -"Come, think a little. About three or four years back, I do not know -exactly which, did you not after leaving Guadalajara----?" - -"Wait a minute," the count said hurriedly. "It would be strange if the -person I saved were really the same----" - -"Strange or no, it is." - -"Well, then, that is famous for us." - -"By Jove! We have a powerful friend, who will defend us tooth and nail -against all comers. That is famous. I really believe Providence is -declaring for us." - -"I did not know that the Mexicans were gifted with so excellent a -memory." - -"I rather think it is the Mexican ladies in this case." - -"No matter; the circumstance is of good augury." - -"I hope you will profit by it." - -"As much as I can." - -"Bravo! And now that your affairs are settled, or nearly so, when do you -intend to make a move?" - -"I have certain arrangements still to make; so I cannot leave San -Francisco before ten days." - -"Can I be of any service to you?" - -"None here; but over there, great." - -"That is to say----" - -"Are you fatigued?" - -"Fatigued of what?" - -"Why, of riding about in the fashion you have done, for some time past?" - -"Once for all, and let that be carefully understood between us, remember -that I am never tired." - -"Good! Then you can render me a service?" - -"What is it?" - -"Though I cannot start for ten days, you can be in the saddle by -daybreak, I suppose?" - -"Of course." - -"You must return by land to Sonora, to deliver three letters I will give -you, one for Don Antonio Pavo, consular agent at Guaymas, the second for -the Governor of Sonora, and the third for a certain Canadian hunter whom -you will probably find at the Hacienda del Milagro, in the neighbourhood -of Tepic." - -"I will do it. Is that all?" - -"Yes. You understand that I do not wish to arrive there, before -preparations have been made for my reception." - -"You are right: so I start----" - -"Tomorrow." - -"You mean today: it is now two o'clock." - -"By Jove! That is true. How time slips away." - -"Where shall I wait for you?" - -"At Guaymas." - -"That is understood. Write the letters while Curumilla and I saddle the -three horses." - -"Will you take your Spaniard with you?" - -"Yes, he will be useful to me there." - -"As you please." - -Valentine and Curumilla went out, while Louis began his letters. -Valentine, after saddling the horses, was conducted to the room where -Don Cornelio was asleep. We must do the Spaniard the justice of saying -that he offered the most obstinate resistance to the hunter, and it was -not till he was compelled, that he left the bed in which he slept so -comfortably. At length, when Valentine had succeeded, part by -persuasion, part by carrying him, in placing him on his saddle and -confiding him to Curumilla, he returned to the room where he had left -his foster brother. The letters were ready; and Valentine took them. - -"Now, brother, good-bye," he said, "and may you be fortunate." - -The two men remained for a long time in an affectionate embrace. Louis -knew the hunter too well, to try and induce him to take a few hours' -rest; he, therefore, accompanied him to the gate, where the four men -exchanged a parting greeting, and, at a sign from Valentine, the horses -started at full speed. They soon disappeared in the darkness, but the -sound of their horses' hoofs re-echoed for a long time on the hardened -soil. Louis remained motionless in the gateway, so long as the -slightest sound reached his ear, and then went in again, murmuring:-- - -"A man must be accursed who does not succeed, with such devoted -friends." - -The count worked through the whole night, not thinking of taking a -moment's rest. The sun was already high on the horizon, and he still -remained bent over the table, writing figures after figures. The door -opened; and the person we saw talking confidentially with the count on -the previous evening entered. Louis started at the noise, but on -recognising his visitor a smile played over his stern countenance. - -"You are welcome, consul," he said gaily, as he offered him his hand; -"you could not have arrived at a better moment. Have you come to -breakfast?" - -"Yes, my dear count; for I wish to talk seriously with you." - -"All the better, for I shall keep you the longer. Take a chair, and -pardon my being surprised in this state, but I have spent the night in -arranging these documents. Deuce take the man who invented writing and -accounts." - -The consul, for the gentleman was no other than the French -representative in California, sat down, smiling; and, by the count's -orders, an appetising breakfast was served almost immediately. The two -gentlemen sat down opposite each other, and began a vigorous attack on -the dishes. - -"Well," Louis said presently, "any news?" - -"Bad." - -"Ah, ah! That worthy Jonathan is yelping, I suppose?" - -"Louder than ever." - -"Look at that! And why, may I ask?" - -"You can guess it." - -"Nearly so; but no matter, out with it." - -"You are aware that you have made a number of enemies here?" - -"Well, it was not my own fault." - -"That is true! Well, these enemies are stirring, and making loud -remarks." - -"About what?" - -"Why, you know people can always find something to turn into scandal. -They say that the expedition will fail, that you are reduced to -expedients, and that you do not know how to escape from your present -position." - -"Is that all?" - -"No. They add, that you have contracted enormous debts, which you will -never succeed in paying." - -"Good again!" - -"You understand that these calumnies produce a very bad effect." - -"Naturally." - -"I have therefore come to you, my dear count. I am not rich, -unfortunately; still, I have at my disposal some 20,000 piastres. I am a -shareholder in the company, and it is therefore my duty to come to its -assistance; so I frankly offer you the money, which may be of some -slight service to you." - -The count cordially pressed his guest's hand. - -"Thanks!" he said to him, with suppressed emotion, touched by the -delicacy of this noble and generous procedure. - -"Yes," the consul continued, ransacking his pockets, and producing a -bundle of notes; "we must silence these scoundrels. Here is the amount." - -And he offered the notes to the count, who declined them with a gentle -smile. - -"You are mistaken as to the meaning of the word I used," he remarked. "I -thanked you, not because I accept your generous offer, but because it -proves to me the esteem in which you hold me." - -"Still----" the consul urged him. - -"Again I thank you; but all my debts will be paid within an hour. I have -at this moment nearly 200,000 piastres at my disposal." - -The consul looked at him, open-eyed. - -"But yesterday----?" he said. - -"Yes!" the count interrupted him quietly, "yesterday I had nothing, -today I am rich. I will explain to you this very simple miracle." - -When the count ended his narrative, the consul pressed his hand -joyfully. - -"Good gracious!" he said, "you do not know, my dear count, what pleasure -you cause me at this moment; you have staunch friends." - -"Among whom I may reckon yourself." - -"Oh! As for me," he said simply; "that is not astonishing; for am I not -one of your shareholders?" - -As soon as breakfast was over, the count set out to settle with his -creditors, or rather those of the company, in order to destroy all -excuse for malevolence, and close the mouth of the envious. After this, -the count lost no time in making his final arrangements, and enlisting -the few men he was still short of. - -In a word, as he told Valentine when he left him, ten days had scarce -elapsed since their nocturnal meeting, ere all the preparations were -ended, and the company only awaited a favourable moment to embark and -start. - -The day on which the French company embarked for Sonora was a memorable -one for San Francisco. The North American, beneath his cold and -straight-laced appearance, conceals a warm and enthusiastic heart. When -the Frenchmen entered the boats which were to bear them to the ship, for -a moment and as if by enchantment, all enmities were silenced; and an -enthusiastic mob, congregated on the pier, accompanied them with shouts -and wishes for success, while waving their hats and handkerchiefs. - -The count, as was his duty, was the last to embark. Several of his -friends, among them being the consul, bore him company. As he leaped -into the boat, the count turned, and pressed the consul's hand in -parting. - -"Good-bye," he said. "I will succeed, or Sonora shall be my tomb." - -"Good-bye, till we meet again, my friend," the other answered. "I will -not say farewell; I feel convinced that you will succeed." - -"God grant it," Louis murmured, as he leaped into the boat and shook his -head sadly. - -A formidable shout burst from the crowd. The count bowed with a smile, -and the boat started. An hour later, the white sails of the ship that -bore the adventurers glistened, like a kingfisher's wing, on the -horizon. The consul, who remained on the beach till the last moment, -slowly walked homeward, saying to himself:-- - -"Whatever may happen, that man is not an adventurer, but a hero. He has -more genius than Cortez. Will he be equally lucky?" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -TWO MEN MADE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. - - -As several interesting events of our narrative will take place at -Guaymas, we will describe that town in a few words. - -Mexico possesses several roadsteads in the Pacific; but in reality has -only two ports worthy that name, Guaymas and Acapulco. For the present, -we will confine ourselves to the former. - -Owing to a large quantity of islands which surround the port like a -hill, and the lofty coasts, the roads are in all weathers as sure and -calm as a lake. The sea breaks gently on shores adorned with mango -trees, whose pale green forms a strange contrast to the earthy red of -the beach, and gives the port a wild and desolate aspect, further -increased by the continual silence of the roads, where a few ships seek -shelter at rare intervals under the isle Del Venado, but, where usually -only a few coasters are visible, or wretched canoes, hollowed out of -trunks of trees, and belonging to the Hiaqui Indians. - -The town stretches carelessly along the beach, with its white, low, and -flat-roofed houses, defended by a fort built of red clay, armed with a -few rusty and unserviceable guns. Guaymas, like all the pueblos of the -republic, is dirty, ill built, and the streets are unpaved; in short, at -each step you acquire proofs of that carelessness and egotistic -incapacity which characterises the Mexicans. Behind the town, rise lofty -and denuded mountains, which protect it from the cold winds of the -Cordilleras. - -Still, Guaymas, founded only a few years back, and whose population is -but 6,000 at the utmost, is destined ere long, owing to the security of -its port, and its magnificent position, to acquire a great commercial -importance. - -The day on which we resume our story, about an hour after the _oracion_, -or at seven in the evening, a man, wrapped in a thick cloak, and with -the brim of his sombrero pulled down over his eyes, stopped at the door -of a rather handsome house, and after casting a furtive glance around, -to see that he was not watched, gave discreetly three separate knocks. -This manner of rapping was evidently a signal; and the man we allude to -must have been expected, for the door opened at once. The stranger -entered, and the door was noiselessly closed after him. - -The stranger then found himself in one of those inner patios found in -all the houses of Guaymas; but he probably was perfectly acquainted with -the place; for, without a second's hesitation, he turned to the left, -mounted a few steps, and rapped at a second door, which was before him, -in the same way as he had done at the first. - -"Come in," a voice shouted from within. - -The stranger pushed the door, which yielded to the pressure, and entered -a large room, which might be considered to be furnished with a certain -degree of luxury for Mexico, and especially for a province so remote as -Sonora. But this luxury was in bad taste, and smelled of the _parvenu_. -The furniture and pictures that decorated the room had been probably -purchased or exchanged with the captain of the vessels that at times put -into Guaymas, and presented the strangest possible discordance of style. - -A man was seated in a butaca, almost in the centre of the room, and -carelessly smoking a pajillo. When the stranger entered, he nodded to -him, pointed to a chair, and said laconically,-- - -"Shut the door, and sit down." - -The stranger took off his cloak and hat, which he threw on a sideboard; -and, after closing the door as he had been recommended, he fell into a -butaca with a sigh of satisfaction. We will describe these two new -characters in a few words. - -The first--that is to say, the master of the house--was a plump little -fellow, as broad as he was long, with ordinary features, while his -little sharp eyes gave his face an expression of soothing falseness and -cowardly villainy. He was about fifty years of age, though he did not -appear so, owing to the freshness of his apoplectic complexion, and -long, flat, and greasy masses of black hair, which fell below his red -and coarse ears. This worthy personage was dressed in the European -fashion, with a profusion of jewellery, and rings on his fingers; and, -through his costume and manners, which were made up of effrontery and -timidity, he bore a considerable likeness to a butcher or a cattle -dealer in his Sunday clothes. - -His visitor, whom we have met before by the way, formed a perfect -contrast with him. He was a half-breed, of Indian and Mexican descent, -tall, dry, and thin as a lath; his face, like a knife blade, was adorned -with an enormous beaked nose, which overshadowed a mouth stretching from -ear to ear, and full of teeth white as almonds; round eyes with -blood-shot eyelids, constantly agitated by a convulsive movement, -completed the strangest and most sinister face that could be conceived. -A cruel mocking smile continually moved his thin lips, and added to the -feeling of discomfort his entire person inspired. In a word, his -approach produced that clammy coldness felt in touching a viper or any -other reptile. Beneath his cloak he wore the gold embroidered uniform of -the higher Mexican officers. His name was Don Francisco Flores, and he -wore the badge of a colonel in the Mexican service. We shall soon learn -who was the hideous person, concealed under this borrowed name. - -The colonel, after seating himself, took out some tobacco, made a -cigarette, and began smoking with the most superb nonchalance. For some -minutes the two men remained silent, examining each other with the -corner of the eye. At last, the former, doubtlessly fatigued by this -obstinate inquisition, which weighed upon him, and from which he could -not escape, resolved to take the word. - -"Caballero," he said, "you see that the instructions conveyed in the -letter you did me the honour of writing to me, have been followed out -point for point." - -The colonel made a sign of assent, while emitting an enormous puff of -smoke. The other continued,-- - -"Now I will take the liberty of observing that I do not at all -understand your singular missive, and that I see no reason why you -should surround yourself with so great a mystery." - -"Ah!" the colonel said, with a laugh peculiar to himself, and which bore -a strong likeness to a pile of plates breaking. - -"Yes," the first speaker continued, annoyed by this irreverence; "and I -should not be sorry, I confess, to have a clear and categorical -explanation." - -And, saying this, he drew himself up haughtily in his butaca; and -regarded his visitor fixedly. The latter did not appear at all affected -by this hostile manifestation; on the contrary, he stretched out his -legs, and said, as he threw himself back in his chair,-- - -"Don Antonio, are you fond of money?" - -"Eh?" the other remarked. - -"I beg your pardon. I should have said gold: I will therefore modify my -question. Are you fond of gold?" - -"Really, sir----" - -"Answer clearly, without any hesitation, as a caballero should do. I -suppose that I am not talking Hebrew; so reply, yes or no." - -"But----" - -"_Capa de Dios!_ if you go on in that way we shall never finish, master, -_caray_. You are too sharp a greyhound, not to have recognised at the -first glance with whom you have to deal. Answer clearly, then, without -further tergiversation." - -"Well, then, yes," Antonio answered, subjugated involuntarily by the -man's accent. - -"Very good. Do you love it much?" - -"Well, tolerably." - -"That is not enough." - -"Very much, then, if you absolutely insist." - -"I beg your pardon. It is a matter of indifference to me. It is not I -who am in question, but only yourself." - -"Well, well, I understand you." - -"That is lucky; but you took your time to do so." - -"Come, what is the business?" - -"Ah, ah! You are coming to the point." - -Don Antonio smiled. - -"Well, I am only doing what you wish." - -"That is true; so we shall not dispute about that." - -"Go on; I am listening." - -"You received my letter, as you allowed. Now, do you know why I arranged -this meeting?" - -"I am waiting to hear it from your lips." - -"I will tell you at once. You are aware that a society has been formed -at Mexico, called the Atravida?" - -"I have heard it mentioned." - -"Of course, as you are a partner in it." - -"That is possible; but the question is not about that, I presume?" - -"Perhaps it is. Well, this company, established under the auspices of -the first Mexican capitalists, supported by the government, is intended -to work the rich mines of the _Plancha de Plata_, situated in the heart -of Apacheria." - -"I am aware of it." - -"Very good. You see we shall soon understand each other." - -"I doubt it." - -"I hope so. This company, composed of Frenchmen, all resolute men, -organised as soldiers, and under the command of a skilful chief----" - -"Count Don Louis de Prebois----" - -"I know him. Spare your praise of him. This company, supported by high -influences, must not, however, reach the mines." - -"Ah, ah! And what will prevent it, if you please?" - -"Yourself first of all." - -"Oh, oh! I do not believe it." - -"Nonsense! You shall see. Let me finish first." - -"Go on." - -"How much do you think this affair will bring you in?" - -"I cannot tell you." - -"What, not even approximatively?" - -"It is very difficult to calculate, for the mines are rich." - -"Yes, but they are remote. Come, mention a figure." - -"It is impossible." - -"Nonsense! Even supposing I were to help you----?" - -"Ah! If you help me----" - -"I thought so." - -"But stay," Don Antonio remarked sharply. "What great interest have you, -then, in spoiling this affair?" - -"I, none; it is you." - -"I!" Don Antonio exclaimed in amazement; "that is a little too much." - -"You shall see." - -"I am most eager to do so." - -"So soon as the Atravida company was established, another, under the -name of the _Conciliadora_, was at once set on foot, as always happens, -and naturally for the same object." - -"Come, the name is a capital one." - -"It is. Now you know that competition is the backbone of trade." - -Don Antonio bowed in assent; and the colonel continued, with his dry and -harsh smile. - -"The Conciliadora, although powerfully protected at Mexico, required an -active, intelligent, and upright agent in Sonora; and it immediately -turned its eyes on you. Indeed, Don Antonio Mendez Pavo, performing the -duties of French consul at Guaymas, was the only man capable of serving -it efficaciously. As the result of this reasoning, you were put down for -200 paid up shares of 500 piastres each; the coupons of which were -intrusted to me to deliver to you. That makes, if I am not mistaken, a -very nice little sum, which I shall have the honour of handing to you." - -And he felt in the pocket of his uniform; but Don Antonio disdainfully -checked him. - -"You are strangely mistaken about me, caballero," he said; "when a man -has the honour of representing France, he cannot be bribed in so -miserable a way." - -"Nonsense!" the colonel said, laughing. - -"My duty orders me to protect the French company; and whatever may -happen, I will do so." - -"Magnificently spoken." - -"So now," Don Antonio continued with fire, "return to the persons who -sent you, and tell them that Don Antonio Pavo is not one of those men -who can be induced to forget his duty so easily." - -"That is charming, and you really spoke it with proper emphasis." - -Don Antonio rose, and with a majestic smile shewed the colonel the door. - -"Begone, sir," he said coldly; "or I shall not answer for the -consequences of my anger." - -The colonel did not stir; he made no change in the carelessly insolent -position he had adopted from the outset. Still, when Don Antonio ceased, -he threw away his cigarette, and giving the last speaker a glance of -most peculiar significance,-- - -"Have you done?" he answered quietly. - -"Caballero!" Don Antonio exclaimed, drawing himself up majestically. - -"Permit me, Don Antonio, I have no wish to remain any longer here and -waste your precious time. Still, you will allow with me, that every man -intrusted with a mission must accomplish it in its entirety; and you are -too conversant with business to deny this fact." - -"I allow it, sir," Don Antonio answered, suddenly calmed by these words. - -"Very good; then, be kind enough to sit down again and listen to me a -few moments longer." - -"Be brief, sir." - -"I only ask for five minutes." - -"I grant them." - -"You are generous, sir; I will, therefore, profit by your permission. I -go on, then. You are inscribed for 200 shares, representing, if I am not -mistaken, 100,000 piastres, which I consider a very respectable sum." - -"Not a word more on that subject, sir." - -"I know," the colonel continued imperturbably, "what you would object; a -bird in the hand is worth a vulture in the air." - -Don Antonio, troubled by the meaning attached to his words, could find -no reply. The colonel continued; - -"The chiefs of the company employed the same line of reasoning as -yourself, sir. They understood that they must act fairly and above board -with a man holding so high as yourself, and so worthy in every respect -of their confidence; consequently, they commissioned me to hand you, in -addition to the shares----" - -"Sir," Senor Pavo essayed again. - -"Fifty thousand piastres," the colonel said distinctly. - -Don Antonio made a bound of surprise. - -"What!" he exclaimed. "What did you say, senor?" - -"I mentioned 50,000 piastres." - -"Ah, ah!" - -"In good bills, payable at sight." - -"On what house?" - -"Torribio de la Porta and Co." - -"An excellent house, sir." - -"Is it not?" - -"Most assuredly." - -"But," the colonel said as he rose, "since you refuse our offers, and my -mission is now accomplished, I need only withdraw, after begging to -pardon the loss of time I have occasioned you; for you _do_ refuse, I -think?" - -Don Antonio had turned green; his small grey eyes, obstinately fixed on -the papers the colonel toyed with, sparkled like live coals. - -"Permit me," he said stammering. - -"Eh? Can I be mistaken, senor?" - -"I--I--I fancy you are." - -"This time, bear in mind, we must understand each other thoroughly, in -order to avoid any future misunderstanding, which might entail regret." - -"Be at your ease. I believe there will no longer be any misapprehension -between us. An affair, as you know, does not always strike a man at the -first glance." - -"That is true; but now you fully understand it?" - -"Perfectly." - -"All the better. Now we can have a frank explanation." - -"Yes," Don Antonio said, with a mocking accent; "and, to begin, Senor -Garrucholo, doff for a moment your borrowed character, for I like to -know with whom I am dealing." - -El Garrucholo, for the ex-bandit was really hidden under Colonel -Francisco Flores, shuddered involuntarily at finding himself thus -detected. He cast a viper's glance at the man who had unmasked him, and -seized him fiercely by the arm. - -"Take care, Don Antonio, there are secrets which kill those who hold -them." - -"That is possible, my master," the other answered, triumphing in his -heart at the effect his revelation had produced. "But as, if I am not -mistaken, we are about to complete together a very dirty transaction, I -wished to prove to you that, if you held my secret, I had yours; and -that it is to your interest to deal fairly by me." - -"Threatened persons live a long time," the bandit said with a shrug of -his shoulders. - -"I do not threaten; I merely take my precautions--that is all. Now, let -us converse." - -The two men drew their chairs together and commenced a conversation, ear -to ear, in so low a voice that no one could have overheard them. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -GUAYMAS. - - -The Mexicans are only children, though terrible children we allow, on -whom it is impossible to calculate, no matter in what way. Their -deplorable conduct, under all circumstances, since they succeeded in -constituting themselves an independent nation, proves that, unless an -entire change takes place in their character, no more is to be hoped -from them in the future than they have effected in the past. - -Curious, fickle, cowardly, rash, distrustful, cruel, and -superstitious--such is the Mexican. - -Let it not be supposed that we speak thus through a hatred of a people, -among whom we lived so long; on the contrary, we love the Mexicans, we -pity them, we should like to see them regard seriously their position, -as a free nation, and behave as men; but we repeat it, they are -terrible, stormy, and obstinate children, from whom no good can be -derived, we are honestly afraid. - -One of the manias of this people is to attract, by the most handsome -promises, fallacious offers, and most friendly demonstrations, those -strangers whom they fancy may prove useful in any way. They receive -these foreigners with open arms, weep with joy while embracing them, -offer them the most tenderly fraternal caresses, and give them more than -they ever ventured to ask. Then one fine day, without any reason, -motive, or slightest pretext, they change from white to black, begin -hating with their whole soul the foreigners they have so greatly petted, -insult and betray them, lay snares for them, and eventually ill treat or -assassinate them, and that, too, while offering them a hand, and smiling -on them. - -If we wished to recriminate, how many names could we quote, how many -shades would it be easy for us to evoke in support of our statements, -without counting the noble and unfortunate De Raousset Boulbon, and the -impetuous and generous Lapuillade, victims offered in a cowardly way to -that hideous Mexican prejudice--a prejudice which is the basis of the -policy of this unlucky people, and which will ruin it--not through a -hatred of the foreigner, for that is a noble and national feeling, but -through a hatred of Europeans, whom they despair of ever equalling, and -to whom, in their ignorance and carelessness, they feel a mortal -jealousy and envy. - -It is evident that during the ten years' struggle Mexico had to sustain -against Spain, the former country produced grand and noble characters; -but it seems that, exhausted by that gigantic effort, it was incapable -of casting others like them into the crucible, for since the first hour -of its liberty to the present day, it has not produced a single man -worthy of walking, even at a distance, in the footsteps of the -illustrious founders of its independence. - -This is very sad to say; and yet, if we passed it over in silence, we -might be reproached for not stating the truth, and for recoiling from -the task we imposed on ourselves in writing this story, in which we have -merely changed the names through a feeling that will be appreciated. - -The arrival of the French company, however, was anxiously expected at -Guaymas. The most absurd and contradictory reports were spread about it, -its chief, and the object of the expedition; and as is generally the -rule, the most absurd rumours obtained the greatest and firmest -credence. Even before the arrival of the French, malevolence was -watching in the shade, and seeking darkly to arouse the ill will of the -population against the new arrivals. - -What Colonel Flores stated in his conversation with Don Antonio Pavo was -perfectly correct. Hardly had the organisation of the Atravida company -been completed in San Francisco, ere two American houses, perfectly -comprehending the advantages of this enterprise in which they were not -allowed to join, for reasons we will be silent about for their credit, -treacherously established a rival company, intended to impede the -operations of the elder company by all means, even the most dishonest. - -Hatred never slumbers. The affair went on rapidly, so rapidly that the -second company had all its batteries prepared for effective action -before the French had quitted San Francisco. This operation was managed -with such Machiavellism, and the secret was so well kept, that the -count, in spite of his extensive relations, suspected nothing, and -embarked for Sonora with his heart full of hope and illusions. - -Valentine was awaiting his friend with the most lively impatience. The -hunter had conscientiously fulfilled the commissions the count gave him; -and all had, apparently, succeeded famously. A comfortable barrack was -prepared for the company: the French agent had been most honeyed, and -placed himself at the hunter's disposal to do all he might desire with -the most charming affability. Still the latter was not satisfied. With -no plausible reason, with nothing arising to contradict these offers of -friendship, Valentine, by one of those forebodings which Heaven sends to -those it loves and wishes to protect, felt that all this amenity -concealed a snare; the lips smiled, it is true, but the eyebrows -frowned, and the brow was wrinkled. - -General Guerrero, while testifying his delight at the arrival of the -company, and placing himself at the orders of the hunter, had continued -under various pretexts to reside at Hermosillo, instead of coming to -Guaymas to welcome the company, as he should have done; in the first -place as governor of the province, secondly, as member of the company; -two reasons more than sufficient to suggest his change of abode. - -Valentine, hence, was very restless; and the more so because, while -feeling that a storm was collecting, he could not foresee whence it -would come. Hence, he remained a greater part of the day by the -seashore, watching anxiously every sail that appeared, hoping to see his -friend arrive at any moment; for he supposed, with some show of reason, -that the presence of the count and his brave comrades would suffice to -silence those who sought to injure him: for the majority of the people -was not only far from being hostile to the expedition, but seemed well -disposed toward it. - -Things were in this state one morning, when, according to his custom, -Valentine was preparing to proceed to his observatory, as he called the -rock on which he passed whole days. All at once, Don Antonio and Colonel -Flores rushed into the cuarto where he resided, crying, gesticulating, -and repeating, both at once:-- - -"Here they are, here they are! They are coming!" - -"Who?" Valentine asked them, hardly able yet to put faith in such -blessed news. - -"El conde! El conde!" - -"He will be here in an hour at the latest," said Don Antonio. - -"Perhaps before," the colonel backed him up. "We are going to meet him." - -"And I, too," Valentine exclaimed. - -They went out. The news had spread with the rapidity of a powder train. -Guaymas took a holiday. Immediately, before any orders were given by the -authorities, the houses were hung with flags; for, as it happened, -Corpus Christi would be celebrated a few days later, and the banners had -been got in readiness. - -The inhabitants, dressed in their best clothes, the Hiaqui Indians, of -whom a great number let themselves out to private persons as workmen and -servants--in a word, everybody, hurried and ran toward the beach, -shouting, laughing, singing, and uttering interminable hurrahs. It was -really a curious sight,--this crowd, hastening joyously to meet a few -Frenchmen, whose good intentions toward them they instinctively guessed. - -The authorities of the town followed the popular movement; but it was -easy to read that they did not act from their own will, but were carried -onward by the current of public opinion. - -When Valentine and the two men who had constituted themselves his -companions reached the beach, it was already invaded by the whole -population. A few cable's lengths from shore the ship that brought the -French might be distinctly seen. It advanced majestically, impelled by a -strong breeze. It had its top-gallant sails set, and its lower sails -clewed up, which allowed a large crowd to be seen on the poop. When the -vessel had passed a little beyond Venado Island--the usual anchorage of -large ships--it tacked, and sent down top-sails; then the anchor was let -go, and the main jib lowered. - -Valentine leaped hurriedly into a canoe, and, before Don Antonio and the -colonel could follow him, pushed off. Not noticing the signs his -companions made him, the hunter proceeded rapidly in the direction of -the ship, vigorously aided by the man already in the canoe, and who was -no other than Curumilla. In a few minutes they reached the vessel. Louis -perceived them from a distance, so that when they came alongside he -received them, and helped them aboard. Even before embracing his foster -brother, or pressing his hand, Valentine turned and looked searchingly -along the beach. - -"Good!" he said, "they have not found a boat yet. Come, brother, let us -go down into your cabin, I must speak with you without delay." - -"Let me, at least, say 'how do you do' to you," Louis remarked, with a -smile. - -"Come: we have not a moment to lose." - -The count looked at the hunter, and saw that his face was grave. He -understood at once that he had important news to communicate. He no -longer resisted. He gave his orders hurriedly to one of his officers, to -prepare everything for the debarkation, and followed his foster brother -who was anxiously awaiting him. Louis led him into the modest berth -which he had engaged during the passage, and prepared to shut the door. - -"No," Valentine said, preventing him, "leave it open, on the contrary; -in that way we shall see the persons who come." - -"As you please. Speak." - -"I have only two words to say to you; but they are two I would advise -you to profit by." - -"You may be sure of that." - -"You have powerful enemies here. Who they are I know not; but they -detest you." - -"What do you say?" - -"A thing of which I am certain." - -"But, my dear fellow, whoever those enemies may be, I have nothing to -fear from them. My papers are all regular, my grant is clearly and -carefully registered. I have not only the authorisation, but also the -support of the government. I only act by formal orders, and, therefore, -fear nothing." - -"Brother," Valentine answered sententiously, "when you have to deal with -Mexicans, you must always apprehend treachery. I have known them many a -long year, and unfortunately know also what dependence is to be placed -in them." - -"You startle me." - -"No, I warn you, that is all. It is your duty to be constantly on your -guard." - -"Do you know that, before Heaven, I am responsible for the lives of all -these brave fellows intrusted to me?" - -"That is why I advise you to be prudent, and not to trust in any one. -There are two men above all whom I recommend you to distrust." - -"Their names?" - -"Don Antonio Pavo, and Colonel Don Francisco Flores." - -Louis could hardly refrain from a start of surprise, as he looked his -brother in the face. - -"It is not possible," he exclaimed; "you must be mistaken." - -"Why so?" - -"Because these two men, one of whom is agent to the French government -here, and the other the delegate of the Atravida, are both shareholders -in the company. I am specially recommended to them, and have letters -for both." - -"As you please; but I assure you these men are betraying you." - -"Have you any proof?" - -"None." - -"How do you know it, then?" - -"I do not know it, and yet I am sure of it. Believe me, brother; for you -are aware that I am rarely mistaken." - -Louis shook his head sadly. - -"All this is strange," he said. - -At this moment a man leaned over the companion, and uttered the one -word, "Spies!" in a low voice, yet sufficiently loud to be heard by the -two men. - -"Halloh!" Louis exclaimed with a start. - -"It is nothing," Valentine observed; "only Curumilla warning us that our -two men are coming. Let us return to the deck, for they must not fancy -we have any doubts of them. Examine the two men carefully, when you find -yourself in their presence; and I am certain you will come over to my -opinion afterwards." - -Louis made no reply. They went on deck, and Valentine left him. - -"I am returning to land," he said; "you will see me again on the beach." - -The hunter leaped into the canoe, which Curumilla had allowed to fall -behind the vessel, so that it might not be noticed; and he pushed off -for land at the very moment the colonel and Don Antonio set foot on -deck. - -No people is possessed, to so eminent a degree as the Mexican, of the -most refined politeness and most graceful gallantry. By their feline and -gentle manners they can seduce and charm persons they have an interest -in cheating, whenever they please. Unfortunately, in spite of all the -efforts they made, and the cajolery they employed to convince Don Louis -of their sincerity and profound attachment to him, Don Antonio and the -colonel had physiognomies which so clearly revealed the disgraceful -passions that moved them, that all their labour was thrown away. - -As Valentine had warned him, on the approach of these two men the count -had involuntarily experienced a feeling of repulsion, so strong, that he -was compelled to make an effort over himself, to prevent them seeing the -effect they produced upon him. The count, however, thought it advisable -to pretend to be their dupe, in order to profit by the faults their -fancied security might induce them to commit, and derive from them all -the information he might need at a future date. - -He therefore responded to their advances and offers of service with such -frankness and cordiality, that he succeeded in completely duping the -crafty scoundrels who fancied him their dupe. - -The count had scarce arrived in Sonora, he had not yet set foot on land, -ere he had to commence his diplomatic apprenticeship, and contend in -craft and falsehood with people, from whom he should have expected the -frankest friendship and most absolute devotion--a rude task for a -character so loyal and thoroughly honest as that of the count; but the -success of the expedition depended on his finesse, and the skill with -which he eluded the snares which would be incessantly spread beneath his -feet. He understood this, and made up his mind to his course of action, -though it was against the grain. - -After conversing for some time with the two men, the count, seeing that -all was in readiness for the landing, gave orders for it. Immediately -the adventurers took their stations with admirable order in the boats -brought from the port to receive them. The small flotilla advanced -steadily toward the beach, amid the shouts of the crowd assembled on the -shore, and the clangor of all the town bells, rung as a symbol of -rejoicing. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE FIRST FORTNIGHT. - - -A man must have been essentially a pessimist, or thoroughly acquainted -with the Mexican character, to apprehend treachery on seeing the warm -reception accorded to the Frenchmen by the inhabitants of Guaymas. It -was a madness--a delirium impossible to describe. Leperos, rancheros, -campesinos, rich hacenderos, all pressed round the French, vying with -each other in offering them a hearty welcome. It seemed as if this -little band of adventurers, who were only passing through the town, -brought to Sonora peace, tranquillity, and liberty; in a word, all those -things the Mexicans want, and for which they sigh in vain. The cries -of, _Viva los Franceses! Viva el conde!_ rose on all sides with a -deafening sound. - -So soon as the company landed, by Don Louis' orders, the ranks were -speedily formed; and the count, having Colonel Flores on his right hand, -Don Antonio on his left, led his men to the barrack prepared for them, -clearing his way with difficulty through the dense masses of spectators. -In front of the barrack the alcalde mayor, and the juez de letras--that -is to say, the two principal authorities of the town--flanked by their -ragged alguaciles, were awaiting the arrival of the company; and on -perceiving them, Don Louis commanded a halt. - -The two magistrates then walked a few paces toward the count, whom they -saluted respectfully, and began a long address stuffed with all sorts of -pompous Mexican hyperboles, from among which Don Louis managed to -discover that the Sonorians rejoiced in the depths of their hearts at -the arrival of the valiant French company; that they set on his courage -all their hope of being protected against their ferocious neighbours, -the Apaches; that the French had not landed on a foreign shore, but amid -brethren and sincere friends, who would be delighted to have it in their -power to prove their devotion; and a thousand other things too long to -repeat here. - -When the alcalde mayor had ended his discourse amid the warm applause of -the crowd, the juez de letras began one in his turn, equally long, -equally diffuse, and equally perfidious as the first, and which met with -the same success. - -We will remark here that the Mexicans adore long speeches. - -At length, when the two magistrates had finished speaking, the count -bowed gracefully, and replied to them with a few of those words which -come straight from the heart. They produced a perfect frenzy. The crowd -yelled with joy, waving their hats and handkerchiefs; while from every -window a perfect shower of flowers escaped from the dainty hands of the -senoritas, and literally inundated the adventurers, who cordially -responded to this delicate attention. - -The company then entered the barrack; it was a large house, with an -enormous inner court, admirably adapted for the use to which it was put -at this moment. Within an hour, the adventurers, with that eminent knack -peculiar to Frenchmen, were comfortably installed, and appeared to have -occupied their quarters for the last six months. - -The count fancied he had got rid of the alcalde and juez de letras: but -it was not so; they had still several requests to make of him before -they left him at liberty, and would not neglect them. - -As in all other centres of population in Mexico, at Guaymas everyone -lives pretty much as he pleases, without troubling himself greatly about -the authorities. This liberty, or rather license, may be advantageous to -one portion of the population, but is evidently extremely prejudicial to -the other; in this sense, that the rascals, having entire liberty to -commit all the wicked actions Satan constantly breathes in their ear, -the honest people are obliged to defend themselves, and not count in -any way upon the protection of a problematical police, which, if it -happen to exist, naturally makes common cause with the brigands. - -The magistrates had judged in their wisdom to profit by the stay of the -Frenchmen at Guaymas, in order to disperse the scoundrels of every -description, with whom the city abounds, with a salutary terror. -Consequently, they begged the count to guard the principal posts of the -pueblo with men belonging to his company, and to organise patrols to -traverse the streets by night, and watch over the tranquillity of the -citizens and public security. - -When, after much circumlocution, the magistrates at length ventilated -their request, the count answered them with a smile, that he was -entirely at the service of the Mexican government, and if they -considered his assistance useful, they might dispose of him and his men -as they thought proper. The magistrates thanked him heartily, and, -incited by the facility with which the count granted their first -request, they ventured to bring forward the second, which, in their idea -being of much more delicate nature, they feared would be refused. It was -as follows:-- - -_Corpus Christi_ is the most important religious ceremony of Mexico. -This festival, to augment the splendour of which the people undergo the -heaviest sacrifices, fell this year just a few days after the arrival of -the French in Sonora. They wished the count to promise to have his -little mountain guns fired during the whole period the procession went -about the streets. - -Guaymas had many guns in the forts; but unfortunately they were -dismounted, and completely honeycombed with rust. - -It may be easily understood, that in the mind of the superstitious -Sonorians, on so solemn a festival as this, the bells were not -sufficient, and that the ceremony would entirely lose its solemn -character, unless a few gunshots were fired. - -The worthy magistrates little expected that they were causing the count -a lively pleasure, by asking of him two things as a favour, which, had -he dared, he would have claimed as a right, for the following reasons. - -Since the discovery of gold, so many scamps of every description had -sought refuge in San Francisco, that the Californian population justly -enjoyed a frightful reputation for vice, crime, and debauchery, in all -the adjacent countries, and especially in the Pacific ports, on which -they sometimes pounced like swarms of predacious birds. The count -ardently desired on behalf of his undertaking, to show the Sonorians -among whom they were destined to live, that the French emigrants had -nothing in common with these sinister bandits, and that the men he had -the honour to command were brave men, resolved to behave themselves -properly, wherever chance took them, and never to molest the Mexican -population. - -As for the second question, it was even more serious in the count's -eyes. The Mexicans are not only ignorant and superstitious, but even -more. Although they do not understand a syllable of the religion they -profess, or perhaps on account of that, they are exaggerated fanatics, -and sooner pardon a murder than an insult, however slight in its nature, -not to the religion itself, but merely to its exaggerated ceremonial. -This fanaticism, carefully maintained during the Spanish dominion, was -intended to keep foreigners, that is to say the English, whom they -feared greatly, from the shores of New Spain. At that time, indeed, the -English were almost the only Europeans who ventured to visit the Spanish -colonies. - -The monks profited by the difference of our religion, to make the most -exaggerated portraits of the English to their parishioners, investing -them with horns and claws, as the children of Lucifer must necessarily -have. The Indians, credulous as babes, accepted, with closed eyes, all -the fables the monks thought proper to tell them; and, with them, every -foreigner became an Englishman, that is to say a heretic, a gringo. - -The declaration of independence, while enabling the Mexicans to see -foreigners of all nations, made no change in their convictions; for it -is not so easy to destroy a prejudice rooted for centuries. They -continued, as in the past, to see in foreigners only Englishmen, and -consequently gringos; hence, that smouldering hatred which breaks out -every time that occasion offers, and that secret horror they experience -at the sight of every European. - -Being on the point of burying himself with his company in the heart of -Mexico--of passing through fanatic, credulous, and ignorant tribes, with -whom it was important to live in peace, and give them no pretext for -quarrelling--it was of the highest interest to the count to show by an -undeniable proof that the French were not gringos, but, on the contrary, -as good catholics as the Sonorians. - -Hence he favourably greeted the magistrates' request--a request which -probably concealed a trap--and promised them not only that the guns -should thunder during the whole period of the procession, but that the -company would be happy to accompany the holy sacrament during its -progress through the streets of the town. The more so, the count added, -because the French were catholics, and would eagerly seize the -opportunity to manifest their fervour for their revered religion. - -The magistrates, having at length obtained all they desired, took leave -of the count with great demonstrations of gratitude and respect. The -count breathed again, for the _sederunt_ had been long. Still, all was -not over yet, as the count soon perceived. - -Don Antonio, and his inseparable friend the colonel, would not so easily -loose their hold, and only consented to withdraw when the count promised -to be present that same evening with all his officers at a banquet Don -Antonio had prepared, to _fete_ the arrival of the French company. The -count gave his word, and was at length left at liberty for a few hours. - -Now that the company had arrived at Guaymas, that is to say, the first -halt on the road to the mines, the expedition had really commenced, the -first obstacles were cleared. According to the count's idea, all -required now was to give his men a few days' rest, and then push -resolutely onward. - -Profiting by the first impression produced by the Frenchmen, the count, -without loss of a moment, had his papers put in order, and easily -obtained his passports for the interior. Several days passed thus, the -French reigned as masters in Guaymas, petted and caressed by the -inhabitants whom their gaiety and carelessness pleased above all, and -who, having hitherto seen a few ragged outcast Mexican soldiers, could -not leave off admiring the training, martial aspect, and the perfect -dexterity with which the foreigners manoeuvred and managed their -weapons. - -The company performed the police duties of the town with the greatest -care; thefts and assassinations ceased as if by enchantment; and the -Sonorians slept tranquilly, on the faith of their new friends. - -On Corpus Christi day, as had been arranged, the French cannon were -fired during a portion of the day, and the adventurers accompanied the -procession, bearing bouquets in their muzzles, and behaving with the -greatest decency. Their presence at church produced all the effect the -count anticipated from it; and the certainty acquired by the inhabitants -that the strangers were good catholics, still further increased the -friendship they entertained for them. - -Matters went on thus for several days, and nothing occurred to trouble -the azure of the count's projects. In fact, the most perfect harmony -prevailed between him and the magistrates, at least apparently; hence, -with the native frankness of his character, the count began to reproach -himself secretly for the distrust he had at first felt, or rather -Valentine inspired him with; and in his heart he accused his friend of -having yielded to unjust prejudices against men who seemed to study not -merely to satisfy him, but to anticipate the slightest desires of the -members of the expedition. - -Indeed, how could the count suspect treachery? He had only come on the -entreaty of the Mexican government. It was that government which -demanded that his company should be trained, numerous, and well armed. -The chief authorities of the country had a greater interest in the -success of the enterprise, because they were nearly all shareholders. To -suppose that, under such circumstances, these persons intended to cheat -him, the count must have at first admitted that they were insane; for no -one ever carries on war at his own expense, and the Mexicans are -generally known to have a clutching hand for money. - -In the meanwhile, time passed rapidly; the count was afraid, lest the -_morale_ of his comrades might suffer by a longer stay in the heart of a -Sonorian city. He was burning to set out; but, unfortunately, it was -impossible for him to do so, until depots of provisions had been made -along the road, and the government of the state had arranged with him -the definitive movements of the company on its march to the mines. - -Don Louis complained bitterly both to the colonel and Don Antonio of the -continual delays he was obliged to suffer, and the pretexts, more or -less plausible, employed to keep him in disgraceful inaction. The -governor, who declined to quit Pitic, only made evasive answers to his -letters, or declared that he had received no instructions. - -This state of things could not, and must not, last longer. As there was -a risk of the company dissolving, and all the fruit of the preliminary -labours being lost, before the enterprise had been seriously entered on, -Don Louis resolved at all risks to emerge from this equivocal position. -Consequently, after having formally stated his wishes to Colonel Flores -and Don Antonio, he informed them that since General Guerrero did not -appear to understand the tenour of his letters, he was resolved to -proceed himself to Pitic, and have a categorical explanation with him. - -The two men started with joy at this news; for they required the count's -absence for the success of the plans they had formed. Instead, -therefore, of turning him from his project, they urged him warmly to put -it in execution without delay, and start as soon as possible. Don Louis -had no need to be stimulated and urged on thus. So soon as he left the -two men, he proceeded to the barrack, assembled the company, and told -them of his speedy departure, which was joyfully heard by all these -energetic and ardent men whom rest fatigued, and on whom idleness began -to weigh heavily. The count intrusted the temporary command to one of -the officers on whom he thought he could most count, giving him the -order that, if he heard nothing from him within four days, the company -would start at once to join him, and after again urging the men to keep -up the strictest discipline, the count finally quitted the barrack. - -At his house he found Valentine awaiting him. The latter approved his -conduct, but refused to accompany him, giving as his reason, that he -believed he should serve the good cause better by remaining at Guaymas. -The truth was, that the hunter did not wish to leave out of sight the -men he had undertaken to watch, until he had discovered their -machinations. - -Louis did not insist. He knew that with a man of Valentine's character -there was no chance of discussing, when he had once formed a -determination. Followed by Don Cornelio and an escort of ten -well-mounted horsemen, the count set out, after once again pressing his -friend's hand, and proceeded toward Pitic, where--at least he hoped -so--he should at length find the word of the enigma. - -"Hum!" Valentine muttered, following him with a thoughtful glance; -"either I am greatly mistaken, or, now that he is no longer here, to -thwart by his presence the gloomy machinations of the scoundrels who -wish to make him their dupe, we shall soon have something new." - -After this aside, the hunter walked with his usual measured step toward -the barrack, where he arrived in a few moments, and found the -adventurers in a state of great excitement, produced by the departure of -their leader. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -PITIC. - - -The distance is not great from Guaymas to Pitic, and the count covered -it in a few hours. - -Pitic, or Hermosillo, is a delightful town, enclosed with walls, and -surrounded by kitchen gardens, whose produce is rather important. -Unfortunately, the night had completely set in when the count arrived -there, and he could only take a vague glance at the scenery, which, seen -through the obscurity, had entirely changed its character, and assumed a -gloomy appearance, which painfully contracted the adventurer's heart. -The count had considerably recovered from his first illusions; the -paltry annoyances of which he was the object now made him see the future -under a different light, and he already doubted the success of an -enterprise against which, from the outset, so many underhand obstacles -were raised. - -At the moment of mounting his horse, he had received from the general -commandant of the province a note giving him peremptory orders to remain -at Guaymas, with his company, and not to march forward until more ample -information, that is to say, until the general had received positive -instructions on the subject, from the central government at Mexico. As -may be easily supposed, this order, intimated in so brutal a manner -after all that had passed, had obtained the sole result of pressing the -count's departure; for he was outraged by this flagrant violation of all -the conditions stipulated in his treaty. - -The little band entered Pitic without exciting the slightest attention. -At this hour the streets were nearly deserted; and the few travellers -they met _en route,_ deceived by their Mexican costume, did not even -take the trouble to look at them. The count dismounted in the Calle San -Agostino, before a house which he had got in readiness for the occasion, -without saying a word to anyone. After a gentle rap at the door, it -opened, and the party entered. The house belonged to a Frenchman, who -had gone on a journey in the interior, for commercial reasons; but -during his absence, the servants, in obedience to his instructions, -received the count with the utmost attention. The latter, after -whispering a few words to Don Cornelio, who went out at once, retired to -the cuarto prepared for him. - -Don Louis was a man of powerful and energetic temper, a man of action -before all. He understood that, after the turn that matters had taken, -he must act energetically and without losing a moment, unless he wished -to receive an irreparable check. His plan was formed, and he prepared to -carry it out without delay. - -Don Cornelio returned at the moment when the count, who had changed his -costume, was giving a final glance at his appearance. - -"Already!" he said, on perceiving the Spaniard. - -"I have found the house, it is only a few paces from here." - -"All the better, we shall have less distance to go." - -"Five minutes at the most." - -"Is General Guerrero in Pitic?" - -"He is. Still I fancy you would do better by delaying your visit till -tomorrow." - -"Why so?" - -"Because there is a _tertulia_ this evening at the palace." - -The count turned. - -"What difference does that make?" he asked. - -"Oh, as you please, senor; but, perhaps, you do not know what a tertulia -is." - -"Not exactly; but you will explain it to me?" - -"Nothing more easy. A tertulia is a party, a festival--a ball, in a -word." - -"I understand. And you are sure, Don Cornelio, that there is a tertulia -this evening at the governor's palace?" - -"Positively sure, your excellency." - -"Bravo! That will do our business." - -The Spaniard looked at him in amazement. - -"Don Cornelio," the count continued, "change your travelling dress. I -mean to take you with me." - -"The fact is----," he said hesitating. - -"What then?" - -"I must confess to you, senor conde, that I have no other clothes save -those I wear." - -"Ah, that is of no consequence," the count replied with a smile, -pointing at the same time to a heap of clothes thrown pell-mell on the -furniture. "I suppose that you are sufficiently my friend not to feel -annoyed at the cool way in which I treat you." - -"Oh, not at all," the Spaniard exclaimed, with a movement of joy. - -"I must ask you to make haste, though; for I am waiting." - -"I only ask for five minutes." - -"I give you ten. You will find me in the patio; I am going to give my -escort orders to mount." - -The count went out, and Don Cornelio eagerly set to work obeying him. We -must add, to the glory of the Spaniard, that Don Louis' treatment of -him, so far from annoying him, had caused him to feel a deep gratitude. - -The Spaniard was not mistaken; there was really a tertulia at the -governor's palace. General Guerrero was extremely rich: hence, the ball -he gave this evening was sumptuous, and in every way worthy of the -exalted post he occupied in the province. - -The crowd filled his rooms, which glistened with light and dazzled with -gilding. All the higher society of Pitic was assembled at the palace; -tables, covered with gold, were surrounded by players, who, with that -proud carelessness characteristic of Mexicans, risked enormous sums on a -card. In a vast hall, a band, perhaps rather wild to European ears, -regulated the movements of the dancers; while a private room was -reserved for the ladies. Dona Angela, ravishingly beautiful, was seated -on her throne, in the midst of this bevy of pretty women. - -But, despite all the general's efforts to please his guests, and excite -them to amuse themselves, the festivities languished. The young ladies, -generally so impassioned for dancing, refused all invitations; they -preferred to remain talking together in the apartment reserved for them. -The fact was, they were discussing at this moment a most interesting -point, which had the privilege of arousing feminine curiosity to the -highest pitch. The news of the French landing at Guaymas supplied the -staple of the conversation. - -"Good gracious!" a young woman said, with a charming smile, "will the -English come here?" - -"Doubtlessly," another observed; "but they are not English, _Querida_." - -"Oh, you are mistaken, Carmencita. All foreigners are English, that is -to say heretics; my confessor told me so." - -"They must be hideous," a third asserted, advancing her head in -curiosity. - -"Indeed not, I assure you; they are men like others," the second speaker -observed, a pretty brunette, with black eyes that sparkled with malice. -"I spent Corpus Christi with my uncle at Guaymas, and saw them. Some of -them, indeed, are very good-looking." - -"That is impossible!" they exclaimed in chorus. "They are heretics!" - -"They will massacre us." - -"They are said to be very cruel." - -"Their chief especially." - -Till then Dona Angela had remained silent, absorbed in silent thought; -but at this remark she suddenly raised her head. - -"Their chief is a caballero," she said in a loud voice. "He is a conde -in his own country; and if he has come to Sonora, it is probably only on -our behalf." - -All the young women were silent; for they were amazed at this strange -outbreak on the part of Dona Angela; then they began chattering -together. The young lady, vexed at having thrust herself forward so -imprudently, bit her lips, blushed slightly, and fell back in her -reverie. At this moment Don Sebastian entered the room. - -"Ah, here is the general!" three or four young girls exclaimed gaily, as -they rose and eagerly surrounded him. - -"Yes, here I am, senoritas," he answered with a smile. "What do you want -of me?" - -"Merely some information." - -"About what?" - -"We wish to know," Dona Carmencita began; then she corrected herself. -"It is not I, general, but these ladies." - -"I am persuaded of that," Don Sebastian said, gallantly; "be good -enough, then, to be their interpreter. What do they desire to know?" - -"Who are the Ingleses?" - -"What Ingleses?" - -"Those who have landed at Guaymas." - -"Ah! Very good." - -"You will tell us, will you not, general?" they all exclaimed at once. - -"If it is agreeable to you." - -"Oh! Greatly so." - -"In the first place, they are not English." - -"They must be, as they are foreigners." - -The general smiled at this simple observation; but mentally recognising -the impossibility of destroying an opinion so deeply rooted, he turned -the question. - -"These men are two hundred and odd in number." - -"So many as that?" two or three young ladies exclaimed, with a gesture -of terror. - -"Yes, indeed, so many as that, senoritas; but reassure yourselves--you -have nothing to fear from them. They are kind and obliging, and their -chief is a perfect caballero." - -"But why do they come here?" - -"They came for the purpose of working certain mines." - -"I beg your pardon, papa," Dona Angela observed, who had been -attentively listening to the conversation. "Did you not say they came?" - -"Yes, my child, I said so." - -"But they are still at the port, I think?" - -"Yes, they are; but it is probable that they will soon depart." - -"For the mines?" - -"No. To return whence they came." - -Dona Angela contracted her eyebrows, a movement in her which denoted -grave annoyance and great mental preoccupation, and was silent again. - -"All the better. Let them go, the heretics!" one of the ladies -exclaimed. "These accursed English only come to our country to plunder -us." - -"That is true." The majority warmly supported her. - -"Besides, I do not care what is said; I assert that they are frightfully -ugly." - -"Well!" a young lady said, with a delicious pout, "I should have liked -to see one--only one--to know what to think about them." - -"I am very much afraid, Dona Redempcion," the general remarked with a -smile, "that it will now be impossible to satisfy your curiosity." - -"All the worse; for a heretic must be an extraordinary animal. Are they -as ugly as the Indios Bravos?" - -"That is a different matter." - -"Ah! And are you certain, general, that I shall not be able to see one? -That annoys me." - -"I regret it, senorita." - -"And I, too. But supposing one of them were to come to Hermosillo?" - -"That is peremptorily forbidden them. They will be cautious not to -disobey the order they have received." - -"Ah!" she said with a pout. - -At the same moment, a door was thrown open with a crash; and a servant -announced in a loud and perfectly distinct voice,-- - -"His Excellency the Count Louis de Prebois. His Excellency Don Cornelio -Mendoza." - -If the count purposed to produce an effect, his object was completely -attained. His sudden entrance was a regular tableau, and caused a -general emotion, whose immense extent it was certainly impossible for -him to calculate. - -All the ladies had risen, and, grouped round the general, examined with -a curious and timid eye the chief of the adventurers. - -The count, whose splendid ranchero costume, which he wore with -inimitable grace, added to the fascinating charm spread over his whole -person, walked a few steps with a smile, bowed around with a gesture -full of elegance, and waited. The general had suddenly turned of a livid -pallor. - -The news of the count's arrival, spreading through the other rooms with -incomprehensible rapidity, suddenly stopped the dancing and gambling; -all the guests quitted the other rooms, and proceeded toward the one in -which the count was said to be. - -Still, each second that elapsed added to the embarrassment of the -position; the general felt it, and sought in vain a mode of escape. Don -Louis understood, or rather guessed, the general's perplexity; hence, -advancing two paces, he said with exquisite politeness,-- - -"I am confounded, general, by the trouble I have involuntarily caused -among your guests. It seems that I was not expected at Pitic." - -The general succeeded in regaining a little self-possession. - -"I allow it, caballero," he replied. "Still the impromptu visit you have -deigned to make me must be most agreeable to me, be assured." - -"I hope so, general; and yet, to judge by the glances directed upon me -from all sides, I may be permitted to doubt it." - -"You are mistaken, senor conde," the general continued, attempting to -smile. "For the last few days fame has been so occupied with you, that -the eagerness of which you are now the object ought not at all to -astonish you." - -"I should wish, general," the count said, with a bow, "that this -eagerness were more friendly. My conduct, since my arrival in Sonora, -should have attracted greater sympathy toward me." - -"What would you? We are savages, senor conde," the general said with a -sarcastic smile; "we have the misfortune not to love what comes from -foreign parts; so you must forgive us. But enough on that subject, for -the present," he added, changing his tone. "As you have been kind enough -to become my guest, allow me to present you officially to these ladies, -who are burning to become better acquainted with you." - -Don Louis yielded gracefully to the general's wishes. The latter then, -affecting the most exquisite courtesy, presented his guest, as he called -him, to the most influential persons at the ball. Then he led him to his -daughter, who, since the count's entrance, had stood motionless, with -her eyes obstinately fixed upon him. - -"Senor conde," the general said, "my daughter, Dona Angela. Dona Angela, -the Count Don Louis de Prebois Crance." - -Don Louis bowed respectfully before the young lady. - -"I have had the honour of knowing the count for a long while," she said -with a graceful smile. - -"It is true," the general said, suddenly pretending to remember; "we -have been acquainted for a long time, caballero." - -"It was not my place to remind you under what circumstances we met." - -"That is true, count, it was mine; believe me that I have not forgotten -it." - -"Nor I," the young lady murmured; "for I owe you my life, senor." - -"Oh, senorita!" - -"Permit me, permit me, senor conde," the general said, with an emphasis -assuredly affected; "we Mexican caballeros have a long memory for good -as for ill. You risked your life to defend mine, and that is one of the -debts we like to pay. I am your debtor, senor Don Louis." - -"Are you speaking seriously, general?" the count asked, looking at him -fixedly. - -"Certainly, caballero; the subject is too serious for me to treat it -otherwise. I will even add that my most lively desire would be soon to -find the occasion to acquit my debt." - -"If that be so, general, I can offer you the occasion, if you will allow -me?" - -"How so?" the general asked, somewhat taken aback by finding himself -taken at his word. "I am too happy to be agreeable to you. What do you -want of me?" - -"I want nothing, general; I only wish to make a request of you." - -"A request! You, Don Louis? Oh, oh, what is it? Pray speak." - -"I would beg you to grant me a few moments of private conversation." - -"This night?" - -"This very instant." - -"Come," the general continued, "I hoped to be free from business for a -few hours at least, but you order otherwise. Your request shall be -satisfied, Don Louis; a caballero has but his word." - -"Pray pardon me, general. I am really confounded by pressing you so -greatly; but imperious reasons----" - -"Not a word more, I implore you, Don Louis, or you will make me suppose -that you attach to this interview an importance which it cannot possibly -possess." - -Don Louis contented himself with bowing in reply. The general then -turned to his guests, the majority of whom, their first curiosity -satisfied, had returned to the various amusements they had quitted for a -moment. - -"Senoras and caballeros," he said, "I must ask you to pardon me for -leaving you for a few minutes; but as you see, Don Louis has my word, -and I must free it." - -The guests bowed courteously. Dona Angela had summoned Don Cornelio to -her side, and, profiting by the liberty Mexican manners give young -girls, she was conversing with him in a low voice. - -"Go, papa," she said with a soft smile, intended for the count; "but do -not keep Senor Don Louis too long. Now that the ladies know him, they -would like some conversation with him." - -"Do not be alarmed, ladies; in ten minutes we shall return. Any -discussion between myself and the count cannot be long." - -"Heaven grant that be true," Louis said in his heart; "but I believe the -contrary." - -The general passed his arm through the count's, led him through the -saloons, and stopped at a door he opened. - -"Go in, caballero," he said to him. - -The count entered, and the general followed, carefully closing the door -behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. - - -The room to which the general led the count was a study. Don Sebastian -pointed to a chair, and took another himself. There was a moment's -silence, during which the two men examined each other carefully. On -passing the study threshold, both doffed that gaiety they had imprinted -on their faces, to assume a severe and thoughtful look, harmonising -better with the grave questions they were probably about to discuss. - -"I am waiting, senor conde," the general at length said, "till it please -you to explain yourself." - -"I hesitate to do so, general," Don Louis answered. - -"You hesitate, count!" - -"Yes, because, in what I have to say to you, there are some matters so -delicate that I almost fear to approach them." - -The general was mistaken as to the meaning of the count's words. How -could he understand the exquisite delicacy that dictated them? - -"You can speak without fear," he said; "no one can hear you. Precautions -have been taken, so that nothing said in this room can transpire -outside. Banish then, I implore you, all reserve, and explain yourself -frankly." - -"I will do so, as you demand it; indeed, it is, perhaps, better that it -should be so. In this way, I shall know at once what I have to hope or -fear." - -"You are bound to hope everything from me," the general said in an -insinuating voice. "I wish you no harm; on the contrary, I desire to -serve you; and to give you an example of frankness, I will begin by -declaring to you, that your fate depends on yourself alone, and that the -success or ruin of your enterprise is in your own hands." - -"If it be really so, general, the discussion between us will not be -long. But, allow me in the first place to set forth my grievances, in -order to throw full light on the state of the case." - -"Do so." - -"In the first place, permit me one question. Do you know the conditions -of my treaty with the Mexican government?" - -"Of course I do, count, as I have in my possession a copy of it." - -Don Louis made a sign of surprise. - -"That must not astonish you," the general continued; "remember what -occurred at Mexico. Do you not owe to an influential person, whose name -you are ignorant of, the removal of those insurmountable obstacles which -prevented the acceptance of your treaty by the President of the -Republic?" - -"I allow it." - -"That person, I can now tell you, was myself." - -"You, general?" - -"Myself. Then, do you remember that when all was concluded, I became the -first shareholder who gave his signature, and supplied funds?" - -"That is perfectly correct; but this only renders more incomprehensible -the strange position in which I have been placed." - -"How so?" - -"Pardon me, general, the frankness with which I express myself." - -"Go on, count. We are here to tell each other the truth." - -"In reality, since my arrival at Guaymas, your conduct toward me has -been inexplicable." - -"You are jesting. I consider it most natural." - -"Still, it appears to me----" - -"Come, what do you find so extraordinary in my conduct?" - -"Well, everything." - -"Mention details." - -"I will do so." - -"Let us see." - -"Shall I start from the commencement?" - -"Certainly." - -"Very good. You know, as you have a copy of my agreement, that it is -stated in it that I shall only stay at Guaymas just the time necessary -for the company to settle the halting places, and prepare provision and -fodder." - -"Perfectly correct." - -"I have been kept at the port nearly a fortnight under excuses, each -more frivolous than the other. Comprehending how injurious inaction may -prove to my company, I made repeated applications to the captain-general -and yourself. All my letters were answered by want of instructions." - -"Go on." - -"Wearied with this abnormal position, I at length succeed in obtaining -my passports to start for the mine. At that moment I receive from you, -general, a note giving me orders not to leave Guaymas." - -"Very good. Proceed." - -Don Louis, confounded by the impassiveness of the speaker, whose face -remained calm and voice tranquil, began to feel himself growing angry. - -"Now, general," he said, raising his voice, "I have a right to ask you -clearly what game we are playing. - -"A very simple one, my dear count, I repeat to you; and you can, if you -really desire it, hold all the trumps in your hand." - -"I confess that I do not at all understand you." - -"That is impossible!" - -"On my honour! I should feel most sincerely obliged by your explaining -to me clearly what is happening; for I assure you that I am in a fog -from which I despair ever to escape." - -"That depends on yourself alone." - -"By Heavens, general, you will allow that you are jesting with me?" - -"Not the least in the world." - -"What? At the request of your government, I come to Sonora with -permission to work the mines. Owing to your influence, as you yourself -allow, my treaty is signed. Confiding in Mexican honesty, I organise an -expedition--I arrive; and my partners, yourself first of all, turn -against me and treat me, not as their friend, their representative, not -with even the respect due to a gentleman, but affect to consider me as -almost a filibuster." - -"O count! You are going too far." - -"On my soul, general, such things can only be witnessed in Mexico." - -"My dear count, you are mistaken. No one is seeking to injure you, on -the contrary." - -"Still, up to the present, you, one of the largest shareholders in the -company, whose interests are at stake, you in a word, who, owing to the -influence you possess, should have helped us in the most effective -manner, have only employed that power to impede our movements and injure -us in every way." - -"O count! What terms you are employing." - -"Good Heavens, general, excuse me! But it is time for all these absurd -annoyances to cease, and for me to be allowed to proceed to the mines. -All this has lasted too long." - -The general appeared to reflect for a moment. - -"Come, frankly," he said at last; "did you not understand why I acted -toward you in that way?" - -"I swear it." - -"That is strange. Pardon me in your turn, count; but I had a very -different opinion of you." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Then you did not guess why I, general, military governor of Sonora, -supported so warmly your petition to the President?" - -"But----" - -"You did not guess," he went on sharply, "why I demanded that your -companions should be well armed, and organised as soldiers?" - -"It appears to me----" - -"You did not understand why I had you invested with a military power as -extensive as if you were chief of an army? Come, count, you are not -speaking seriously at this moment; or else you wish to play a cunning -game with me." - -While pronouncing these words with a certain degree of vehemence, this -time real, the general had left his chair, and was walking about the -room in agitation. The count listened to him with the greatest -attention, while watching him closely. When he was silent, he replied:-- - -"I will tell you, general, what I did understand." - -"Speak." - -"I understood, that the Mexican government, too weak to recover for -itself the rich placers of the Plancha de la Plata, which by its -carelessness, had fallen once more into the hands of the Indians, would -gladly see strangers carry out an expedition from which it would reap -the greatest profit. I understood, besides, that the government, unable -effectively to protect the inhabitants of Sonora against the incursions -of the Apaches and Comanches, would be delighted if the same strangers -took on themselves at their risk and peril to restrain these ferocious -plunderers within their frontiers. I understood lastly, that General Don -Guerrero, (whose life and his daughter's I had been so fortunate as to -save, and who felt such deep gratitude toward me), had gladly seized on -the opportunity to do me a service in his turn, by placing at my -disposal that great influence he possesses, to obtain for me that which -I had so long solicited in vain. That is all I understood, general." - -"Ah! That is all?" - -"Yes; but am I mistaken?" - -"Perhaps." - -"Then, be kind enough to explain yourself categorically, general." - -"What use would it be now? It is too late," the general answered, -darting at him a glance of strange meaning. - -"Why, then, too late?" - -Don Sebastian walked quickly up to the count, and stopped in front of -him. - -"Because now," he said, "we can never understand each other." - -"You believe so, general?" - -"I am sure of it." - -"But, for what reason?" - -"You wish me to tell it you?" - -"I beg you." - -"Well, then, senor conde, the reason is this: you are a man of too much -sense and vast intelligence--in a word, you are a man in a thousand----" - -"General, I implore you----" - -"I do not flatter you, count; I tell you the truth. Unfortunately, -though you speak Spanish with rare perfection, you are not sufficiently -acquainted with _Mexican_ for us ever to understand each other." - -"Ah!" the count said, without adding another word. - -"I am right, I think; this time you caught the meaning of my words?" - -"Perhaps, general, I will reply in the remark you employed an instant -ago." - -"Very good. Now, I think, we have nothing more to say to each other." - -"Permit me a few words." - -"Speak." - -"Whatever may happen, general, on passing the door of the room, I shall -not remember one word of our conversation." - -"As you please, count; we have said nothing the whole town might not -hear." - -"That is true; but others might possibly put a different interpretation -on them than mine. There are so many ways of understanding words." - -"Oh! But ours were remarkably innocent." - -"They were. I trust, general, we shall not part as foes." - -"Why should we be so, my dear count? I desire, on the contrary, that the -agreeable acquaintance we have renewed this evening may be changed ere -long--on your side at least, for on mine it has long been so--into a -durable friendship." - -"You overwhelm me, general." - -"Do I not owe you my life?" - -"So I may always count on you?" - -"As on yourself, my dear friend." - -These words were uttered by the two speakers with such delicately -sharpened irony, that no one could have guessed, beneath the charming -smile that played on their lips, the rage and hatred which swelled their -hearts. - -"Now," the general continued, "I believe we can return to the ballroom?" - -"I am at your orders, general." - -Don Sebastian opened the door of the room, and stood against the wall. -The count passed him. - -"Do you play, Don Louis?" the general asked him. - -"Rarely; still, if you wish it, I shall be happy to cover your stake." - -"This way then." - -They entered a room in which several monte tables were established. The -gamblers were collected before a table, at which a man, who had an -enormous pile of gold before him, was enjoying extraordinary good luck. -The man was Don Cornelio. After conversing for some time with Dona -Angela, the Spaniard, attracted by the irresistible charm of gold, -approached the monte tables, and, fascinated in spite of himself, he had -risked the few ounces he possessed. - -Luck had been favourable to him; so constantly favourable, that in less -than an hour he had gained nearly all the gold of all the players who -had ventured to hold their ground against him; so that he eventually won -an enormous sum. At the moment the count and the general arrived near -him, Don Cornelio's last adversary retired, completely cleaned out, and -the fight ceased for want of combatants; so that the Spaniard, after -looking around him, and seeing that no one cared longer to contend with -him, began with unchangeable coolness thrusting into the vast pockets of -his _calzoneras_ the ounces piled up before him. - -"Oh, oh!" the general said, gaily, "it seems that the Atravida company -is in luck to-night, Senor Don Louis; it gains on all sides at once." - -The count smiled at this double-edged compliment. - -"Let us see if I shall change the vein?" Don Sebastian continued, "Will -you play against me, Don Louis?" - -"On one condition." - -"What? I accept it beforehand." - -"This: I have a peculiar custom of never playing more than three -stakes." - -"Good." - -"Wait a minute. I play them, doubling each time." - -"The deuce! And if you lose one of the three?" - -"That is of no consequence; still, I do not think I shall lose," he said -with perfect calmness. - -"What! You do not think you will lose?" - -"No; I confess to you that I have great luck in play. The reason is, -probably, because I care very little about winning." - -"That is possible; still, what you tell me is so curious, that I should -like to convince myself of the fact." - -"It only depends on you." - -By degrees, the guests had drawn nearer the two gentlemen, and formed a -group around them. Dona Angela had also advanced, and was now close to -Don Louis' side. - -"Come," the general said, "let us play three stakes." - -"At your orders." - -"How much shall we set?" - -"What you please." - -"Suppose we say 2000 piastres?" - -"Agreed." - -The general took up a pack of new cards. - -"If you have no objection," he remarked, "we will neither of us cut." - -"As you please." - -"But who shall be dealer?" - -"I," Dona Angela suddenly exclaimed, as she seized the pack of cards. - -"Oh, oh!" the general said with a smile, "take care, Don Louis; my -daughter is enlisted against you." - -"I cannot believe that the senorita is my enemy," the count replied, as -he bowed to the young lady. - -Dona Angela blushed, but said nothing; she unfastened the pack, and -shuffled the cards. - -"Two thousand piastres," the general said. "Deal, my child." - -She began turning up the cards. - -"Lost!" she said in a moment. - -"That is true," said the general; "I have lost; now for the second. -_Caramba!_ Take care, nina, we are playing this time for 4000 piastres." - -"Lost!" she cried. - -"Again! That is singular. Come, Don Louis, the last one." - -"Perhaps it would be better to stop here; neither you nor I, general, -care for this money." - -"That is the reason I wish for the third stake; besides, luck may have -favoured you hitherto." - -"Did I not warn you?" - -"Come, come; I wish to be certain." - -"Lost!" the young lady said for the third time, in her harmonious voice. - -"_Caramba!_ This is really singular. I owe you 14,000 piastres, Don -Louis. I allow that you have really extraordinary fortune." - -"I know it," the count answered, still perfectly cool; "and now permit -me to leave you. Senorita, accept my grateful thanks for the kind -assistance you granted me in this matter." - -The young lady bowed, ashamed and blushing, - -"Tomorrow, at daybreak, the 14,000 piastres will be at your house, Don -Louis." - -"Do not hurry yourself, general; I shall have the honour of seeing you -again." - -The count thereupon took leave, and withdrew with Don Cornelio, -obsequiously accompanied to the door of the last room by the general. - -"Double traitor!" the count muttered, as he mounted. "Take care of -yourself, for now I see your game. In spite of your cunning, you have -let me read your thoughts." - -The count, followed by his escort, thoughtfully returned to the house he -inhabited. He was reflecting on the means to be employed in foiling the -machinations of his enemies, and carrying out his expedition -successfully. As for Don Cornelio, he only thought of one thing--the -luck he had had during the evening; and, while galloping by Don Louis' -side, he mentally calculated the number of ounces he had gained, of -which fact he had not yet been able to assure himself satisfactorily. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE TAPADA. - - -The American character is made up of contrasts; and one of the strangest -of these is the honesty and punctuality with which play debts are -liquidated. The man who would remorselessly assassinate another to rob -him of two reals, would not fail to pay him, within twenty-four hours, -any gambling debt, however large it might be. - -The next morning, on waking, Don Louis found on the table of his room -several canvas bags, filled with ounces. They contained the 14,000 -piastres, lost on the previous evening by the general, and which the -latter had sent at sunrise. - -Louis was annoyed at this punctuality, which, in his ignorance of -Mexican habits, he was far from expecting. It appeared to him of evil -omen. He dressed; and, after breakfasting, left Don Cornelio engaged in -counting his previous evening's gains, and wrapping himself in his -cloak, went out with the intention of looking at the town. - -As, during his walk, he passed before the palace, he took advantage of -this circumstance to give his card to one of the general's criados, not -wishing, after the conversation they had held, to force himself upon -him, but intending to call in person the next day. - -The count employed several hours in traversing the town, visiting the -churches, of which two or three are rather fine, and smoking sundry -cigarettes on the Alameda, a delightful promenade shaded by noble -trees, where the fair sex of Pitic breathe the fresh air every evening. -At length, he returned home, shut himself up in his room, and earned on -his correspondence till a late hour. - -The next day, as he had resolved, he proceeded to the palace: it was -closed. The general, summoned by an important affair, had started at -four o'clock the previous afternoon on horseback, only taking with him a -small squadron of lancers. But, the man added who gave the count this -information, his excellency the general would not be long absent; he -would probably return within four days. The count, try all he knew, -could obtain no more positive information. The Mexicans, ordinarily so -gossiping, can become, when their interests demand it, as dumb as fish; -and in that case it is impossible, either by money or promises, to get a -single syllable from them. - -Don Louis retired, excessively annoyed at this _contretemps_, which -seemed expressly prepared for him; still, in order to clear up his -doubts, and not wishing, under circumstances so grave, to act lightly, -and commit any imprudence, although the general's behaviour seemed to -him highly improper, he resolved to wait a few days, in order that he -might have right on his side, by proving that Don Sebastian's departure -had been premeditated for the purpose of avoiding any further -explanation with him. - -Daily, the count sent one of his men to the palace to inquire whether -the general had returned. The answer was always the same. The general -was absent, but it was certain he would soon return: he was indeed -expected at any moment. Eight days passed thus. Another subject of -restlessness then arose, to increase the count's annoyances and the -impatient feeling that was beginning to conquer him. - -On leaving Guaymas, he had given orders to the officer to whom he gave -the temporary command of the company, to start to join him after four -days. The men, then, must not only have started, but must be close to -Pitic, as the two towns were only fifteen leagues apart, a distance -which an armed body can easily cover between two suns; and yet, since -his leaving the port, the count had received no news--no reply to his -letters; and the company did not make its appearance. - -What had happened since his leaving Guaymas? What new obstacles had been -interposed to the movement of his company? Whence resulted this -incomprehensible delay of four days? Why had not the officer left in -charge informed him of what had occurred? Or had his couriers been -interrupted on the road? Why had not Valentine or Curumilla, those two -resolute and devoted men, for whom the greatest obstacles had no -existence, come to warn him? - -All these suppositions, and many others that offered themselves to the -count's perplexed mind, threw him into a state of moral excitement -impossible to describe. He knew not what to resolve, what means to -employ, in order to acquire a certainty a hundred fold preferable to -the doubt that gnawed him. At length, he decided on sending Don -Cornelio, in whom he believed he could trust, at full gallop to Guaymas. -That gentleman was out, however, and was sought for without being found. - -This new obstacle culminated the count's feverish impatience. He mounted -his horse, and started with the intention of exploring the environs of -the town, in the secret hope of discovering some traces of his comrades, -or at least learning some news about them. During the four hours he -galloped in every direction, he saw nothing, and heard nothing. He -turned back--a prey to a mighty sorrow, and heavy discouragement. - -On approaching his house, the sound of a jarana reached his ears, and he -hurried on his steed. Don Cornelio, carelessly seated on a stool in the -porch of the house, was strumming his guitar, singing, as was his wont, -his inevitable romance of King Rodrigo. On perceiving Don Louis, the -Spaniard threw his instrument far from him, and rose with a cry of joy. - -"At length!" he shouted. - -"Why at length?" the count answered. "I consider the exclamation -curious, since I have been searching after you, and could not lay my -hand on you." - -The Spaniard smiled mysteriously. - -"I know it," he said; "but this place is not propitious for talking. Don -Louis, will you permit me to accompany you to your cuarto?" - -"With the greatest pleasure; the more so, as I also wish to speak with -you." - -"Come, that is a charming coincidence." - -On reaching his room, Don Louis turned to his companion. - -"Well," he said to him; "what have you to tell me?" - -"Listen. This morning, according to my daily custom, I was walking about -after breakfast, smoking a papelito, when, at the corner of the Calle de -la Merced and the Calle San Francisco, I felt a slight touch on my arm. -I turned sharply. A charming woman, or at least I suppose so, for it was -impossible for me to distinguish her features, so carefully were they -hidden in the folds of her rebozo, made me a sign to follow her. What -would you have done in my place, Don Louis?" - -"I do not know, my friend; but I entreat you, be brief, for I am in a -hurry." - -"Well, I followed her. You know that I have an idea about Mexican women, -and am convinced that some day or other----" - -"In Heaven's name, my friend, come to the point," Don Louis interrupted -him, stamping his foot impatiently. - -"I am doing so. I followed her then. She entered the church of la -Merced, I at her heels. The church was deserted at that moment, which -caused me a lively pleasure; because in such a case a man can talk at -his ease. Do not be impatient, I have come to it. When I reached a -rather dark corner, the young and charming female, for I assert that she -is both, turned so suddenly that I almost trod on her toes. 'Are you not -Don Cornelio Mendoza?' she asked me. 'Yes,' I replied. - -"'In that case,' she said, 'you are a friend of the count.' I guessed at -once that the stranger alluded to you. 'I am his intimate friend,' I -continued. 'That is well,' she added, drawing from her bosom a small -note, which she placed in my hand; 'give him this as quickly as -possible, it alludes to very grave matters.' I seized the paper, on -which I mechanically fixed my eyes; when I raised them again, my -incognita had disappeared, fled like a sylph, leaving no trace. It was -impossible for me to catch her up, for the confounded place was so -dark." - -"Well, and where is the note?" Don Louis asked. - -"Here it is. Oh, I did not lose it! It was too warmly recommended to -me." - -The count took it, and, without deigning a glance, threw it on the -table. Since his arrival at Pitic he had received twenty a day, and had -not answered one; he did not even read them now, as he felt convinced -they all meant the same thing. - -"And now," he added, "you have finished, I presume?" - -"Yes." - -"Then listen to me in your turn," he continued, handing him the letter -he had prepared for the hunter during his absence. "You will mount this -instant, start for Guaymas; give this letter to Don Valentine, and bring -me back the answer. You understand?" - -"Of course." - -"I can rely on your diligence?" - -"I start." - -He went out. Ten minutes later, Don Louis heard the hurried footfalls of -a horse re-echoing before the gateway. - -"Tomorrow, at this hour, I shall know on what I have to depend," Don -Louis muttered. - -He threw himself on a butaca; and, resting his elbows on a table, he -buried his head in his hands, and fell into deep thought. In this -position, his eyes were involuntarily fixed on the note Don Cornelio had -given him, and which was just in front of him. A sickly smile played on -his lips. - -"Poor fools!" he muttered, "who only dream of love and pleasure, to whom -life is only one long festival. What need have I of your false -protestations, to which I cannot respond? Love for me no longer exists. -Like all the women who have preceded her, this one, doubtlessly, offers -me an eternal love, which she will forget tomorrow. Why trouble myself -about such absurdities? My heart is dead to joy--only too dead, alas!" - -And he thrust the paper away. - -The night was rapidly falling, and the count kindled a lucifer match to -light a candle; but, as frequently happens to people deeply engaged, -when he held the lucifer to the candle, he perceived that the former was -nearly burnt out. Then, mechanically, he took up the note he had -spurned, folded it up, and was going to twist it into a spill; but all -at once he stopped, threw the match on the floor, lit another, and read -this note, so despised a moment previously. The following were the -contents:-- - -"A person interested in the Count Don Louis begs him, for his own sake, -to go this evening to the Alameda at ten o'clock, under the first walk -on the left. A person seated on the third bench will say to him -'Guaymas,' he will answer 'Atravida,' and follow her at a distance, -without addressing other questions to her, to the spot where she is -directed to lead him, and where the count will learn matters which, for -his own safety and that of his comrades, it is important for him to -know." - -This strange note was not signed. - -"What is the meaning of this?" the count said to himself. "Is it a -mystification? For what object? Is it a snare offered me, in which they -wish me to fall? By Heaven, I will know the truth! What hour is -it--nine? I have still an hour before me. If my mysterious correspondent -meditates an assassination, he will find with whom he has to deal. Who -knows? Perhaps it is really a warning a good friend wishes to give me? I -shall soon see." - -While saying this, the count had changed his clothes for others of a -dark hue. He put on his waist belt, through an iron ring of which, -according to the Mexican fashion, he passed a sheathless machete; he -placed two excellent revolvers in his girdle, wrapped himself carefully -in the folds of a wide cloak, pulled his broad brimmed hat over his -eyes, and prepared to go out. - -"By Jove!" he said, as he crossed the threshold of the house, "armed as -I am, the brigands who attempt to attack me will have their work cut -out." - -At the moment the count entered the street, it struck a quarter to ten -by the clock of the Cabildo. - -"I have just time," he said. - -And he began walking quickly. The night was dark, the streets were -deserted. As the count had expected, he reached the Alameda exactly as -the clock struck ten. - -"Let us see," he said. - -He then walked with a firm step, though looking carefully around, and -with his hand on his arms, in fear of a surprise. Conforming to the -instructions of the note, he proceeded toward the walk indicated to him. -He soon distinguished a dark form, which he recognised as that of a -female seated on a bench. The count was then ashamed of his suspicions, -left his hold of his arms, and, after reflection, was on the point of -returning, supposing that this rendezvous was not so serious as he had -at first supposed. Still, after a moment's reflection, he resolved on -carrying out the affair to the end, and walked toward the stranger, who -remained perfectly calm. At the moment he was passing her she coughed -gently, and the count turned to her. - -"_Guaymas_" she said in a low voice. - -"_Atravida_" the count replied in the same tone. - -"Come." - -"Go on." - -The strange woman rose, and not turning once, proceeded with a firm and -hasty step along the Alameda, and turned into a narrow street inhabited -by leperos, stopping before a house of rather wretched appearance. She -then opened the door with a key she held in her hand, and went in, -being careful to leave the door ajar. The count was close at her heels, -and entered without any hesitation. He found himself in dense obscurity, -and heard the door close behind him with a spasm at his heart. - -"It is plain that I am in a wasp's nest," he said to himself. - -"Fear nothing," a soft and melodious voice suddenly said, almost in his -ear; "you have no occasion to alarm yourself, for these precautions are -not taken against yourself." - -The affectionate and almost mournful accent of this voice completely -reassured the count. - -"I fear nothing," he said. "Were I afraid of a snare, should I have -come?" - -"Listen, moments are precious. I have only a few seconds at my command." - -"I am listening." - -"You have powerful enemies; one especially has sworn your destruction. -Take care! You would not serve his plans and become the agent of -disorder, in order to help that man in gaining the object of his -ambition; so that man has resolved your death." - -"I despise the man's threats, for I know him." - -"Perhaps so, I mention no names. Still, he is not alone against you. If -you wish to foil your enemy's plans, act vigorously; above all be -prudent. Treason is everywhere in Mexico, it is breathed in the air; so -trust to none but well tried men. You have traitors even among those who -come nearest to you." - -"What do my enemies want?" - -"To destroy you, I tell you, because you have refused to become their -accomplice." - -"Oh! I will avenge myself." - -"Take care! Above all, do not remain long here. Your enemies can act the -more surely in the dark, when, they know you are away from your company. -Rejoin your comrades." - -"I will do so this very night." - -"Yes, start at once for the mines. If you can reach them before your -enemies are in a position to raise the mask, you will be saved." - -"Thanks for your advice, I will follow it." - -"So now, good-by." - -"Good-bye," the count said, with an accent of regret. - -"We must not meet again." - -"What! After the signal service you render me at this moment----" - -"It must be. Everything parts us." - -"Tell me one thing, pray." - -"What?" - -"Whence comes the interest you deign to show me?" - -"Is the motive for a woman's actions ever known?" - -"Oh, you are jesting with me, senora; that is wrong." - -The strange lady sighed. - -"No, Don Louis," she continued, "I am not jesting with you. What need -that you should know me? Sufficient for you that I watch over you. Seek -not for the motive." - -"On the contrary, I am anxious to know it." - -"Were I to tell you that I loved you, would you believe it, Don Louis?" -she said, sorrowfully. - -"Oh!" he said, with emotion, "I would pity you, madam, if you attached -yourself to a wretched being like myself, whose life has only been one -long suffering." - -"Do you not know, then, that we women love the unhappy before all? Our -mission upon earth is to offer consolation." - -"Madam, I implore you, do not let me leave you thus. I should carry away -in my heart a grief which nothing could cure." - -"I was wrong to come," she murmured, mournfully. - -"Oh! Say not so, as you have perchance saved my life." - -"Farewell, Don Louis," she replied, with an accent of ineffable -gentleness; "we must part. Whatever may occur, remember that you have a -devoted friend--a sister." - -"A sister!" he remarked, bitterly, "be it so. If that is your wish; -madam, I do not insist." - -"Take this ring, as you wish absolutely to know who I am. My name is -engraved upon it, but promise me not to read it for three days." - -"I swear it," he replied, holding out his hand in the darkness. - -A hand seized on his, pressed it gently, left a ring in it; and then he -heard a slight rustling of silk, and a soft voice murmured farewell for -the last time. The count heard a door close, and that was all. In a -second, the door which had granted him admission to the house opened -again. Don Louis wrapped himself in his cloak, and went out, a prey to -considerable agitation. He reached his abode at full speed; from a -distance he perceived a man standing before his gateway. The count, -through a secret presentiment he could not explain, hurried onward. - -"Valentine!" he suddenly exclaimed, with marks of amazement. - -"Yes, brother," the other answered; "fortunately I met Don Cornelio. -Your horse is ready; come, let us start." - -"What is the matter, then?" he exclaimed, anxiously. - -"Off, off! I will tell you all on the road." - -Five minutes later, the adventurers started at full speed on the road -from Pitic to Guaymas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE REVOLT. - - -We will leave Don Louis and Valentine galloping on the road to Guaymas, -and explain to the reader what had occurred in that town during the -count's absence. - -The French company formed at San Francisco was not completely made up, -when the hunter brought his friend the money he required: about a dozen -men were still deficient. Pressed by time and wishful to reach Sonora as -soon as possible, Don Louis neglected to employ the same precautions in -enrolling these men, as he had with the rest. He accepted almost anybody -that presented himself. Unfortunately, among the new recruits were four -or five scamps, to whom any restraint was unendurable, and who entered -the company solely impelled by that instinct for evil which governs -vicious natures; that is to say, with the secret intention of committing -every crime that might prove profitable to them, so soon as they reached -Mexico. - -During the passage from San Francisco to Guaymas, and even so long as -the count remained in the latter town, these persons carefully avoided -showing themselves in their true colours, justly fearing punishment; but -so soon as the count left Guaymas for Pitic, they threw off the mask, -and in company with a few scamps of their own stamp, whom they picked up -in the slums about the port, commenced a life of disorder and -debauchery. - -Colonel Flores and Don Antonio did not fail to profit by the irregular -conduct of these men, and planted spies upon them, who excited them by -all the means at their command to redouble their disorderly conduct. -These emissaries cleverly spread the report that Don Louis had purposely -deceived his comrades, that the mines of the Plancha de la Plata had no -existence, that he had obtained no concession, and that his object was -very different from what he had stated to his followers. - -These calumnies, at first weak and as it were ashamed to expose -themselves in broad daylight, in a short time obtained a degree of -consistency; and a great fermentation was visible in the company. The -officers, justly alarmed at what was passing, assembled in council, and -resolved to warn the count of the alarming state of matters, and the -dangers that menaced the expedition. Colonel Flores, as delegate of the -government, was present at this council, and gave his opinion that a -courier should be despatched to the count at once. The courier was -really sent off, but almost immediately intercepted. This happened on -the third day after the count's departure. The officer to whom he -intrusted the command, reassured by the departure of the courier, and -desirous to cover his responsibility by executing the orders he had -received, ordered the assembly to be sounded at daybreak of the fourth -day, and issued orders for immediate departure. - -Murmurs broke out on all sides, cries and yells were heard, and for some -time there was an inextricable confusion. Colonel Flores had hurried up, -on hearing what was taking place. He insinuated that it would be -probably imprudent to leave Guaymas, with the soldiers in their present -state of excitement, and that it would be better to await the count's -return, who, warned by the courier sent off the previous day, would -doubtlessly arrive at once, and a hundred other more or less specious -arguments. - -But the temporary commandant was an old African soldier, trained in -habits of discipline, and who only obeyed his orders. He replied sharply -to the colonel that he begged him to attend to his own affairs, for what -was occurring in no way concerned him. As for himself he had his orders, -and would obey them, whatever the consequences might be. - -Colonel Flores finding himself so sharply taken up, and perceiving that -he was on the wrong road, immediately changed his batteries, and -perfectly coincided with the officer, whom he urged to continue as he -had begun, and not yield an inch to the insubordination of his soldiers. -The commandant shrugged his shoulders contemptuously at these new -suggestions from the worthy colonel, and walking into the middle of the -yard, where the soldiers, forming scattered groups, were consulting -together, he ordered the buglers to sound the assembly. - -He was at once obeyed; but the adventurers yelled at the buglers, and -redoubled their shouts and vociferations. The commandant remained -motionless on the spot he had selected, with his arms folded on his -chest; when the buglers had given the call, he pulled out his watch and -coolly looked at the hour. The insurgents watched him closely, the other -officers had come up, and ranged themselves round their chief. - -"Return to your squads, gentlemen," he said to them in a clear voice, -which, though not raised above the tone of an ordinary conversation, was -distinctly heard by all. "Your men have five minutes to fall in; we -shall start in a quarter of an hour." - -A prolonged laugh greeted these words. The commandant returned his sabre -to its scabbard, and walked with a measured step straight up to one of -the scamps who had been the originator of the tumult, and who appeared -to insult him most of all. The man started on seeing his chief walking -toward him, and instinctively looked behind him. The shouts had ceased, -and the adventurers, were waiting curiously the issue. When the -commandant was only two paces from the man, he stopped, and looking him -firmly in the face said,--- - -"Were you laughing at me just now?" - -The other hesitated to reply. - -"It is not the chief who is speaking to you at this moment," the officer -continued, "but the man you have insulted." - -The adventurer felt that the eyes of all his comrades were fixed upon -him; so he recalled all his effrontery. - -"Well, supposing I was?" he said insolently. - -"In that case," the officer continued quietly, "you are a scoundrel." - -"A scoundrel?" the other retorted, in a passion. "You must be more -careful in your language, I advise you." - -"You are a scoundrel, I repeat; and I am going to punish you." - -"Punish me?" he said, sneeringly; "come on then." - -"Give the fellow a sabre," the officer said, turning to the spectators. - -"A sabre? What for?" - -"To give me satisfaction for your insult." - -"I do not know how to use a sabre." - -"Ah, that is the case, is it? You insult me because, you fancy yourself -supported by your comrades, and that I am alone; but your comrades are -brave men; they know me, and would not wish to insult me." - -"No, no!" several voices exclaimed. - -"While you are a miserable coward, unworthy longer to belong to the -company. I dismiss you; you are no Frenchman; be off!" - -Then, with a strength he little thought he possessed, the officer seized -the man by the collar of his coat, and hurled him twenty paces. He -jumped up, and ran off at full speed followed by a general yell. - -The officer was not mistaken. The fellow was not a Frenchman. But why -need we divulge his nationality? A whole nation must not be responsible -for the villainy of a single man. - -When the officer turned round again after this summary execution, he saw -that all the adventurers had fallen in, and were standing motionless and -silent. The commandant reproached nobody, and did not appear to remember -any longer the resistance offered to him. All men are alike. To subdue -them, you must prove to them that you possess a decided superiority over -them. - -Colonel Flores was stupefied. He understood nothing of what was taking -place. - -"Hum!" he muttered to himself; "what energy! What courage! I fancy we -shall not find it an easy matter to master men like these." - -The commandant, after assuring himself by a glance that the company had -really returned to its duty, gave the order for starting. This order, at -once repeated by the subaltern officers, was obeyed without the -slightest murmur; and the adventurers set out on their march, preceded -by a long file of mules, carrying the baggage, and two or three carts, -conveying invalids. The guns (for the count had judged it necessary to -augment his artillery), were in the centre, dragged by mules. The march -was closed by the cavalry, a detachment of ten men having been -previously told off to form the vanguard. - -The Frenchmen traversed Guaymas at a quick step, amid the shouts and -wishes of success of the population collected on their road. Don Antonio -accompanied the company to the Rancho de San Jose, which forms, as it -were, a suburb of Guaymas. On arriving there, he took leave of the -officers in the most friendly manner, repeating his offers of service; -and after pressing the hand of Colonel Flores, who went on with the -adventurers, and exchanging a glance with him, he returned to the port. - -It was late when the Frenchmen started. The heat was stifling; -consequently they could not cover much ground, retarded, as they were, -by the mules and carts. At sunset, they encamped at the entrance of a -village, about four leagues from the town. - -The commandant imagined he had gained everything by inducing the company -to leave Guaymas; but he was mistaken. The leaven of discord, artfully -spread among the adventurers, was still at work, and was carefully kept -up by the men to whom we have alluded. It was by no means the interest -of these fellows to bury themselves in the interior of the country, -where they would have no chance of finding what they had come to Mexico -for, namely, opportunities for robbery and debauch. Thus, far from -feeling discouraged by the check they had received that very morning, -they intended to begin again, as soon as the occasion presented itself. - -Valentine, who carefully watched all that went on around him, took the -commandant on one side when the camp was formed, and warned him of the -insubordination in the company. The latter, however, attached no great -importance to the hunter's observations; for he was persuaded that, -after the vigorous manner in which he had behaved, the adventurers would -not dare to mutiny again. - -Valentine's previsions were only too well founded, as the commandant had -proof the next morning, when he wished to start again. The adventurers -bluntly refused; threats or prayers were equally unavailing; they -remained deaf to every observation. It was no longer mutiny, but a -perfect revolt, followed only too soon by utter anarchy. The promoters -of disorder triumphed; still they could not succeed in inducing their -comrades to return to Guaymas. - -Through a remnant of that feeling of duty which never deserts soldiers, -the adventurers were unwilling to abandon the count; they returned -merely to the old charges that had been suggested to them. They wanted a -proof that the mines really existed, that their chief had a regular -concession, and that they were not cheated. In addition to these demands -they set up another, which would completely compromise the future of the -company, were it granted. They demanded that all the officers chosen by -Don Louis should be broken, and the company be permitted to choose -others by vote. - -Valentine remarked to them that they could do nothing during their -chiefs absence. They must await his return, or commit a flagrant act of -illegality; for Don Louis was at liberty to choose whom he pleased for -officers, as he was the sole leader of the expedition, and alone -responsible for its conduct. - -The adventurers at length yielded to this reasoning, which appeared to -them just; and, in order to stop as soon as possible these discussions -which only delayed the affairs of the company, it was settled that -Valentine should start the next morning for Pitic, and bring back the -count with him. Valentine promised to do what they wanted, and -tranquillity was gradually restored for the remainder of the day. - -The next morning, at daybreak, therefore, Valentine mounted his horse, -and started for Pitic. We have seen that he was fortunate enough to find -Don Louis, and in what way he brought him off. On the road he told his -friend all that had occurred, in the fullest details. Hence, the count -was burning to arrive at the camp to check the disorder, and prevent the -dissolution of the company, whose existence was seriously menaced, if -such a state of things was allowed to continue only a few hours longer. - -At daybreak, the horsemen reached the camp. All was topsy-turvy; -confusion and disorder prevailed on all sides. The adventurers would -listen to nothing. The officers, rendered powerless, knew not what to -do, or how to turn away the storm that threatened them. But the sudden -arrival of the count was a thunderbolt for the mutineers. - -Don Louis leaped off his horse, and walked resolutely toward them. At -the sight of him, the adventurers involuntarily felt the feeling of duty -re-aroused in their hearts, which they had vainly striven to stifle. - -"The assembly!" the count shouted in a thundering voice. - -Yielding to this man's magical influence, which they had so long been -accustomed to respect, they obeyed orders, and assembled around him. - -"Not so," he continued; "fall in." - -The first step was taken, they formed their ranks. The count surveyed -them, looking closely along the ranks. The adventurers stood silent and -gloomy; they felt themselves guilty. These hardened men trembled, not -from fear but shame. The count addressed them. - -"What have you to reproach me with, comrades?" he said to them, in his -gentle and sympathising voice. "Since the moment I first collected you -around me, have I not done all in my power to improve your position? -Have I not constantly treated you as my children? Speak: if I have -injured one of you, or committed a single act of injustice, tell it me? -You have been led to believe that I am deceiving you, that I was not the -owner of the Plancha de Plata, that this mine did not exist. Look here," -he added, as he drew a document from his chest, "here are the papers; -the agreement is regularly drawn up, the stations are prepared up to -the mines. Now, have you faith in me? do you now suppose that I am -deceiving you. Answer!" - -He was silent for a moment; but not a voice was raised to answer him. - -"Ah! That is the state of the case," he continued; "now listen to me. -The mines to which I am leading you contain incalculable wealth. These -riches will be yours. I shall only take what you give me. You shall -settle my share. Will you now accuse me of wishing to cheat you for my -own profit? You ask for fresh officers chosen by yourselves. I will -never consent to such a condition. Your officers are men in whose -capacity I have full and entire confidence: they well keep their -positions. Among you there are cowards, who have become the tools of my -enemies for the purpose of destroying us. These men all belong to the -second squad. They had better spare me the trouble of discharging them -with ignominy." - -The adventurers, carried away by their chiefs frank and honourable -language, rushed toward him, uttering shouts of joy. Peace was made: all -was forgotten. The emissaries, so suddenly discharged, profited by the -general enthusiasm to disappear without beat of drum. - -"Here is a courier!" Valentine suddenly said. - -The count turned sharply. A _lancero_ was coming up at full gallop. - -"_El senor conde?_" he asked. - -"I am he," Don Louis answered. - -The soldier held out to him a sealed despatch. The count took it with an -indescribable flutter of the heart, and rapidly ran over the lines. -Suddenly he uttered a shout of joy. - -"Listen," he said; "here is the order I have so long been expecting. The -President of the Republic authorizes us to set out immediately for the -mines. Comrades, we will be off at once for the Plancha de Plata." - -"To the mines!" the adventurers shouted. - -On folding up the paper, Don Louis noticed a few words in French written -at the foot of the envelope. - -"What is this?" he muttered. - -He then read:-- - -"Start at once. Perhaps counter orders have already been given. Your -enemies are on the alert." - -"Oh!" the count said, "what do I care now? I will manage to foil all -their tricks." - -The adventurers set to work gaily in preparing the carts for the long -journey they would have to go. The two field pieces were carefully -fastened on their carriages; in short, all preparations were taken to -avoid the accidents inseparable from a journey across the desert. - -The adventurers worked with such zeal to terminate their preparations, -that within two hours the column was on their march for Apacheria. The -joy was at its height, the enthusiasm general. One man alone doubted, -and that man was Valentine. - -The fact was, that the hunter was acquainted with the Mexican character, -the groundwork of which is cunning, treachery, and roguery; and, in -spite of himself, he trembled for his comrades. - -[The further adventures of the gold-seekers will be found in the -concluding volume of this series, which is called "The Indian Chief."] - - -THE END. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gold-Seekers, by -Gustave Aimard and Lascelles Wraxall - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD-SEEKERS *** - -***** This file should be named 42532.txt or 42532.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/5/3/42532/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (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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