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diff --git a/44421-8.txt b/44421-0.txt index fddfc8a..05ca056 100644 --- a/44421-8.txt +++ b/44421-0.txt @@ -1,38 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rebel Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Rebel Chief - A Tale of Guerilla Life - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: April 23, 2017 [EBook #44421] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE REBEL CHIEF *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard and Marc D'Hooghe at Free -Literature (back online soon in an extended version, also -linking to free sources for education worldwide ... MOOC's, -educational materials,...) - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44421 *** THE REBEL CHIEF @@ -91,7 +57,7 @@ CONTENTS. XXXII. EL PALO QUEMADO XXXIII. SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS XXXIV. A SUPREME RESOLUTION - XXXV. JESÚS DOMÍNGUEZ + XXXV. JESÚS DOMÃNGUEZ XXXVI. THE BEGINNING OF THE END XXXVII. THE LAST BLOW XXXVIII. FACE TO FACE @@ -113,7 +79,7 @@ most agreeably diversified. Las Cumbres form a succession of defiles in the mountains, through which winds, with infinite meanderings, the road that runs to Puebla de -los Ángeles (the town of the Angels), so called, because the angels, +los Ãngeles (the town of the Angels), so called, because the angels, according to tradition, built the cathedral there. The road to which we allude, made by the Spaniards, runs along the side of the mountains with curves of extraordinary boldness, and is bordered on either side @@ -126,7 +92,7 @@ behind rise perpendicularly. On July 2nd, 18--, about four in the afternoon, at the moment when the sun, already low on the horizon, only shed its beams obliquely on the -earth, calcined by the heat of the mediodía, and when the rising breeze +earth, calcined by the heat of the mediodÃa, and when the rising breeze was beginning to refresh the parching atmosphere, two horsemen, well mounted, emerged from a thick clump of yuccas, bananas, and purpled flowered bamboos, and turned into a dusty road, which led by a series @@ -142,7 +108,7 @@ intention of enjoying for a few minutes longer the effects of this admirable kaleidoscope, which is unique in the world. Judging from the direction they were following, the travellers appeared -to come from Orizaba, and to be going to Puebla de los Ángeles, whence +to come from Orizaba, and to be going to Puebla de los Ãngeles, whence they were at no great distance at the moment. The two horsemen wore the attire of rich hacenderos, a costume which we @@ -311,7 +277,7 @@ her in marriage, and obtained her hand; while his sister consented, by the persuasion of the Duchess of Montpensier, to give hers to one of the general's aides-de-camp. The artificial and politic duchess, thought by these alliances to keep the French nobility aloof from -him whom she called, the Béarnais and the Huguenot, and retard his +him whom she called, the Béarnais and the Huguenot, and retard his triumph if she did not render it impossible. As usually happens in such cases, her calculations proved to be false. The king re-conquered his kingdom, and those gentlemen most compromised in the troubles of the @@ -450,7 +416,7 @@ the meaning of this?" The rolling of a carriage soon became distinct, and a berlin appeared, dragged at a tremendous pace by a team of six mules. -"Maldición!" the adventurer exclaimed with an angry gesture on +"Maldición!" the adventurer exclaimed with an angry gesture on perceiving the carriage. The young man looked at his companion: the latter was pale as a corpse, @@ -522,13 +488,13 @@ that occurred:-- General Zuloaga, nominated President of the Republic, one day found--it is not known why--power too oppressive for his shoulders, and abdicated -in favour of General don Miguel Miramón, who was consequently appointed +in favour of General don Miguel Miramón, who was consequently appointed interim President. The latter, an energetic and most ambitious man, began by governing at Mexico, where he was careful in the first instance to have his nomination to the first magistracy approved by Congress, who unanimously elected him, and by the ayuntamiento. -Miramón hence found himself _de facto_ and _de jure_ legitimate interim +Miramón hence found himself _de facto_ and _de jure_ legitimate interim President; that is to say, for the period that must still elapse until the general elections. @@ -536,13 +502,13 @@ Matters went on tolerably well for a considerable period; but Zuloaga, doubtless wearied of the obscurity in which he was living, altered his mind one fine day, and suddenly at a moment when it was least expected, issued a proclamation to the people, came to an understanding with the -partisans of Juárez, who, in his quality of Vice President on Zuloaga's +partisans of Juárez, who, in his quality of Vice President on Zuloaga's abdication, had not recognized the new President, but had himself elected constitutional President at Veracruz by a so-called national junta, and published a decree, by which he revoked his abdication, and -took back from Miramón the power he had entrusted to him. +took back from Miramón the power he had entrusted to him. -Miramón was but little affected by this unusual declaration, as he +Miramón was but little affected by this unusual declaration, as he confided in the right he imagined he had, and which Congress had sanctioned. He went alone to the house inhabited by General Zuloaga, seized his person, and compelled him to follow him; saying with a @@ -559,16 +525,16 @@ Constitutionals. Zuloaga offered no resistance: he apparently yielded to his fate, and accepted the consequences of his position so far as to complain to -Miramón about not having a command in his army. The latter allowed +Miramón about not having a command in his army. The latter allowed himself to be deceived by this feigned resignation, and promised that his desire should be satisfied at the first battle. But one fine morning, Zuloaga and his aides-de-camp, who had been appointed to guard, rather than do him honour, suddenly disappeared, and it was -learnt a few days after, that they had taken refuge with Juárez, from +learnt a few days after, that they had taken refuge with Juárez, from whose capital Zuloaga began protesting again more than ever against the -violence done him, and fulminating decrees against Miramón. +violence done him, and fulminating decrees against Miramón. -Juárez is a cautious, cunning Indian, a profound dissimulator, a +Juárez is a cautious, cunning Indian, a profound dissimulator, a skilful politician. He is the only President of the Republic, since the declaration of independence, who was not a military man. Issuing from the lowest classes of Mexican society, he gradually rose, by @@ -580,25 +546,25 @@ immeasurable ambition, which he carefully concealed beneath the cloak of a deep love for his country, he had gradually succeeded in creating a party, which, at the period of which we write, had grown formidable. The constitutional President organized his government at Veracruz, and -from his cabinet instructed his generals to fight Miramón. Although he +from his cabinet instructed his generals to fight Miramón. Although he was not recognized by any power but the United States, he acted as if he were the true and legitimate depository of the national power. The adhesion of Zuloaga, whom he despised in his heart for his cowardice and nullity, supplied him with the weapon he needed to carry out his plans successfully. He made him, so to speak, the standard of his party, by declaring that Zuloaga must first be restored to the power -which had been violently torn from him by Miramón, and that they would +which had been violently torn from him by Miramón, and that they would then proceed to new elections. However, Zuloaga did not hesitate to recognize him solemnly as sole President, legitimately nominated by the free election of the citizens. -The question was distinctly laid down. Miramón represented the +The question was distinctly laid down. Miramón represented the conservative party, that is to say, the party of the clergy, large -landowners and merchants; while Juárez represented the absolute +landowners and merchants; while Juárez represented the absolute democratic party. The war then assumed formidable dimensions. Unluckily, money is needed -to wage war, and that was what Juárez was entirely without, for the +to wage war, and that was what Juárez was entirely without, for the following reasons: In Mexico the public fortunes are not concentrated in the hands of @@ -614,20 +580,20 @@ sort, spend their time in lending out their money at a high rate of interest, and ostensibly engage in usury, which enriches them, while they run no risk of losing their capital. -Juárez, though master of Veracruz, found himself, then, in a very +Juárez, though master of Veracruz, found himself, then, in a very critical position; but he is a man of resources, and felt no embarrassment in finding the money he wanted. He first began by laying hands on the customs of Veracruz, then he organized cuadrillas, or guerillas, who had no scruples in attacking the haciendas of the -partisans of Miramón, Spaniards settled in the country, and generally +partisans of Miramón, Spaniards settled in the country, and generally very rich, and of foreigners of all nations who possessed any worth taking. These guerillas did not restrict their exploits to this; they undertook to plunder travellers and attack convoys: and it must not be supposed that we are exaggerating the facts, on the contrary, we are toning them down. We must add, for the sake of being just, that -Miramón, for his part, let no opportunity slip for employing the same +Miramón, for his part, let no opportunity slip for employing the same means, when he had the chance; but this was rare, for his position -was not so advantageous as that of Juárez for fishing with profit in +was not so advantageous as that of Juárez for fishing with profit in troubled waters. It is true that the guerilleros acted apparently on their own account, @@ -648,7 +614,7 @@ resembling--though it was very large--a hen house, offered an animated appearance, very singular at so early an hour. This rancho, built in the centre of a grassy patch, in a delicious -situation, only a few paces from the Rincón grande, had been changed a +situation, only a few paces from the Rincón grande, had been changed a short time before into a venta, or inn, for travellers surprised by the night, or who, for some reason, preferred stopping here to pushing on to the town. @@ -675,7 +641,7 @@ travellers. The latter, aroused by his shouts, came out of the venta, half awake, and went to take their places in the coach. They were nine in number, with the exception of two individuals, dressed in the European style, and easily to be recognized as Frenchmen. All the rest -wore the Mexican garb, and appeared to be true _hijos del país_, that +wore the Mexican garb, and appeared to be true _hijos del paÃs_, that is to say, children of the country. At the moment when the driver, or mayoral--a pure-blooded Yankee--after @@ -687,7 +653,7 @@ and a band of horsemen, dressed in a sort of uniform, though in very bad condition, halted in front of the rancho. This troop, composed of twenty men, with hangdog faces, was commanded -by an alférez, or sub-lieutenant, as poorly attired as his soldiers; +by an alférez, or sub-lieutenant, as poorly attired as his soldiers; but his weapons were in excellent condition. This officer was a tall, thin, but muscular man, with a crafty face, @@ -700,14 +666,14 @@ The Yankee, so insolent a moment before, suddenly changed his manner: he bowed humbly, with a false smile, and answered in a soothing voice, while affecting a great joy, which he probably did not feel-- -"Ah! Válgame Dios! It is señor don Jesús Domínguez! What a fortunate +"Ah! Válgame Dios! It is señor don Jesús DomÃnguez! What a fortunate meeting! I was far from expecting so great a happiness this morning. Has your Excellency come to escort the diligence?" "Not today; another duty brings me." "Oh! Your Excellency is perfectly right; my travellers do not at all -deserve so honourable an escort. They are costeños, who do not appear +deserve so honourable an escort. They are costeños, who do not appear to me at all rich. Besides, I shall be obliged to stop at least three hours at Orizaba, to repair my coach." @@ -719,7 +685,7 @@ ordered, he rapidly got down from his box and went up to the officer. "You have some news to give me, have you not, compadre?" the latter said. -"I have señor," the mayoral replied with a false laugh. +"I have señor," the mayoral replied with a false laugh. "Ah, ah," said the other, "and what is it, good or bad?" @@ -741,7 +707,7 @@ deserve any notice. Do you intend to examine them?" "I have not yet decided; I will think over it." "Well, you will act as you think proper. Pardon me for leaving you, -señor don Jesús, but my passengers are growing impatient and I must be +señor don Jesús, but my passengers are growing impatient and I must be off." "Good-bye then for the present." @@ -757,19 +723,19 @@ haughtily, asked: "Eh! Have you not a Spanish caballero and a lady here?" "Yes," the ventero replied, doffing his hat with a respect mingled with -fear. "Yes, señor officer, a rather aged caballero, accompanied by a +fear. "Yes, señor officer, a rather aged caballero, accompanied by a very young lady, arrived here yesterday a little after sunset, in the berlin which you can see there under the shed: they had an escort with them. From what the soldiers said, they have come from Veracruz, and are going to Mexico." "Those are the people I am sent to serve as their escort as far as -Puebla de los Ángeles; but they do not seem in any hurry to start: yet, +Puebla de los Ãngeles; but they do not seem in any hurry to start: yet, it will be a long day's journey and they would do well to hurry." At this moment an inner door was opened, a richly dressed gentleman entered the common room, and after slightly raising his hat and -uttering the usual Ave María Purísima, he walked up to the officer who, +uttering the usual Ave MarÃa PurÃsima, he walked up to the officer who, on perceiving him, had taken several steps toward him. This new personage was a man of about fifty-five years of age, but @@ -781,12 +747,12 @@ his countenance. heard the few words you addressed to our host: I believe, sir, that I am the person you have orders to escort." -"It is true, señor," the sub-lieutenant politely replied, "the name you +"It is true, señor," the sub-lieutenant politely replied, "the name you have mentioned is really the one written on the order of which I am the bearer: I await your good pleasure, ready to do whatever you may desire." -"I thank you, señor: my daughter is slightly unwell, and I should be +"I thank you, señor: my daughter is slightly unwell, and I should be afraid of injuring her delicate health, if I set out at so early an hour. If you have no objection, we will remain a few hours longer here, and then set out after breakfast, which I shall feel honoured by your @@ -798,11 +764,11 @@ agreeable to a lady: be kind enough, therefore, to excuse if I refuse your gracious invitation, for which, however, I feel as grateful as if I had accepted it." -"I will not press you, señor, though I should have been flattered to +"I will not press you, señor, though I should have been flattered to have you as a guest: it is settled then that we are to remain here a little while longer?" -"As long as you please, señor: I repeat that I am at your orders." +"As long as you please, señor: I repeat that I am at your orders." After this exchange of politeness the two speakers separated, the old gentleman re-entered the rancho, and the officer went out to give his @@ -827,9 +793,9 @@ elegance of her form. So soon as the young lady was comfortably seated in the berlin, don Antonio turned to the officer who had hurried up to him. -"We will start whenever you please, señor lieutenant," he said to him. +"We will start whenever you please, señor lieutenant," he said to him. -Don Jesús bowed. +Don Jesús bowed. The escort mounted: the old gentleman then entered the carriage, the door of which was closed by a footman who seated himself by the side of @@ -843,7 +809,7 @@ disappeared in a cloud of dust. "May heaven protect them," the ventero muttered, as he crossed himself and tossed in his hand two gold ounces given him by don Antonio: "the -old gentleman is a worthy man, but unfortunately don Jesús Domínguez +old gentleman is a worthy man, but unfortunately don Jesús DomÃnguez is with him, and I am greatly afraid that his escort will be fatal to him." @@ -923,7 +889,7 @@ Dolores?" "You see I do not know, papa, since I ask you." -"You are a curious niña," he continued laughingly, shaking his finger +"You are a curious niña," he continued laughingly, shaking his finger at her, "you would like to make me confess my secret." "Then you have a secret, papa?" @@ -965,10 +931,10 @@ Cumbres, and the road made so many winds, that it was impossible to see more than thirty yards before or behind. The old gentleman called up one of the servants who rode close to the carriage. -"What is the matter, Sánchez?" the traveller asked. "I fancy we are not +"What is the matter, Sánchez?" the traveller asked. "I fancy we are not going so fast as before." -"That is true, señor amo," Sánchez answered, "since we left the plain, +"That is true, señor amo," Sánchez answered, "since we left the plain, we have not been advancing so rapidly, though I do not know the reason: the soldiers of our escort appear alarmed, and are talking together in a low voice, while incessantly looking round them: it is evident that @@ -976,30 +942,30 @@ they fear some danger." "Could the salteadores or guerillas who infest the roads think of attacking us?" the old gentleman said with ill-disguised anxiety, -"Pray inquire, Sánchez--Hem! The spot would be capitally chosen for +"Pray inquire, Sánchez--Hem! The spot would be capitally chosen for a surprise, still, our escort is numerous, and unless they have an understanding with the bandits, I doubt whether the latter would -venture to bar our way. Come, Sánchez, cross-question the soldiers +venture to bar our way. Come, Sánchez, cross-question the soldiers adroitly, and report to me what you learn." The servant bowed, checked his horse to let the carriage pass him, and then prepared to carry out the commission with which his master had intrusted him. -But Sánchez caught up the berlin again almost immediately: his features +But Sánchez caught up the berlin again almost immediately: his features were distorted, his panting voice hissed between his teeth which were clenched by terror, and a cadaverous pallor covered his face. -"We are lost, señor amo," he muttered, as he bent down to the carriage +"We are lost, señor amo," he muttered, as he bent down to the carriage window. "Lost!" the old gentleman exclaimed with a nervous tremor, and giving his daughter, who was dumb with terror, a glance charged with the most -impassioned paternal love: "Lost! You must be mad, Sánchez, explain +impassioned paternal love: "Lost! You must be mad, Sánchez, explain yourself, in Heaven's name." -"It is unnecessary, mi amo," the poor fellow stammered. "Here is señor -don Jesús Domínguez, the chief of the escort, coming up: without doubt +"It is unnecessary, mi amo," the poor fellow stammered. "Here is señor +don Jesús DomÃnguez, the chief of the escort, coming up: without doubt he will inform you of what is taking place." "What is it? Better, on my soul, a certainty however terrible its @@ -1027,7 +993,7 @@ The traveller's four servants ranged themselves behind him unhesitatingly, with their rifles in readiness to fire on receiving their master's order. -Sánchez had spoken truly; don Jesús Domínguez was coming up at a +Sánchez had spoken truly; don Jesús DomÃnguez was coming up at a gallop; but he was not alone, another horseman accompanied him. The latter was a short, thick set man, with stern features and a @@ -1036,7 +1002,7 @@ a full blooded Indian: he wore the sumptuous uniform of a colonel in a regular army. The traveller at once recognized this unpleasant personage as don -Felipe Neri Irzabal, one of the guerillero chiefs of Juárez' party; he +Felipe Neri Irzabal, one of the guerillero chiefs of Juárez' party; he had met him twice or thrice at Veracruz. It was with a nervous start and a thrill of terror that the old @@ -1063,10 +1029,10 @@ the only one you can invoke." "Well, you are mistaken, my good sir; I do not invoke it, but arrest you as a spy, convicted of high treason." -"Nonsense, you are mad, señor Coronel. I a traitor and a spy!" +"Nonsense, you are mad, señor Coronel. I a traitor and a spy!" -"Señor, for some time past the government of his most gracious -Excellency, President Juárez, has had its eye on you; your movements +"Señor, for some time past the government of his most gracious +Excellency, President Juárez, has had its eye on you; your movements have been watched; we know for what motive you so hurriedly left Veracruz, and with what object you are going to Mexico." @@ -1075,7 +1041,7 @@ aware of the fact, as he himself signed my safe conduct, and the escort that accompanies me was graciously granted me by him, without my having the necessity to ask for it." -"All that is true, señor; our magnanimous President--who always feels +"All that is true, señor; our magnanimous President--who always feels a repugnance for rigorous measures--did not wish to have you arrested; he preferred, through consideration for your grey hairs, to leave you means of escape; but your last act of treachery has filled up the @@ -1086,11 +1052,11 @@ order I now execute." "And may I know of what treason I am accused?" -"You must know better than anyone else, señor don Andrés de la Cruz, +"You must know better than anyone else, señor don Andrés de la Cruz, the motives which induced you to give up your own name and assume that of don Antonio de Carrera." -Don Andrés--for such in reality was his name--was startled by this +Don Andrés--for such in reality was his name--was startled by this revelation; not that he felt himself guilty, for this change of name had been effected with the assent of the President; but he was confounded by the duplicity of the people who arrested him, and who, @@ -1098,26 +1064,26 @@ for want of better reasons, even played this one to make him fall into an infamous snare, in order to seize on a fortune which they had long coveted. -Don Andrés, however, overcame his emotion, and addressed the guerillero +Don Andrés, however, overcame his emotion, and addressed the guerillero once more. -"Take care of what you are doing, señor Coronel," he said; "I am not a +"Take care of what you are doing, señor Coronel," he said; "I am not a nobody, and will not let myself be thus despoiled without complaining; there is at Mexico a Spanish ambassador, who will be able to procure me justice." "I do not know what you mean," don Felipe answered imperturbably; "If -you are alluding to señor Pacheco, I do not think that his protection +you are alluding to señor Pacheco, I do not think that his protection will be very profitable to you; for this gentleman, who entitles himself ambassador extraordinary of H.M. the Queen of Spain, has -thought proper to recognize the government of the traitor Miramón. +thought proper to recognize the government of the traitor Miramón. Hence we of the other party have nothing to do with him, and his influence with the national President is completely null. However, I have no occasion to discuss the point with you; whatever may happen, I arrest you. Will you surrender, or do you intend to offer a useless resistance? Answer." -Don Andrés surveyed the persons who surrounded him; he saw that he had +Don Andrés surveyed the persons who surrounded him; he saw that he had no hope or support to expect from anyone but his own servants, hence he let his revolvers fall at his feet, and folded his arms on his chest. @@ -1125,7 +1091,7 @@ let his revolvers fall at his feet, and folded his arms on his chest. all those who surround me against the violence which is done me." "Pray protest, my dear sir, you are quite at liberty to do so, and it -is not of the slightest consequence to me. Don Jesús Domínguez," he +is not of the slightest consequence to me. Don Jesús DomÃnguez," he added, addressing the officer who had calmly and carelessly witnessed this scene, "we will at once proceed to a minute inspection of the baggage, and, above all, the papers of the prisoner." @@ -1138,30 +1104,30 @@ caballero." "What do you mean?" "Only this, that the money and securities you expect to find in my -baggage are no longer there. I know you too well, señor, not to have +baggage are no longer there. I know you too well, señor, not to have taken my precautions in the provision of what is happening at this moment." -"Maldición!" exclaimed the guerillero, as he smote the pommel of his +"Maldición!" exclaimed the guerillero, as he smote the pommel of his saddle with his fist; "Devil of a gachupine; do not fancy you will escape in this way. I will know where you have hidden your treasures, even if I am obliged to flay you alive." -"Try it," don Andrés said ironically, and he turned his back on him. +"Try it," don Andrés said ironically, and he turned his back on him. The bandit had revealed himself. The guerillero, after the outbreak into which his avarice had led him; had no reason to affect moderation toward a man whom he intended to plunder in such an audaciously cynical manner. -"Very good," he said, "we shall see," and bending down to don Jesús' +"Very good," he said, "we shall see," and bending down to don Jesús' ear, he whispered to him for a few minutes. The two bandits were doubtless concerting together the most effectual means by which to force the Spaniard to reveal his secret, and place himself at their mercy. -"Don Andrés," the guerillero said a moment after with a nervous grin; +"Don Andrés," the guerillero said a moment after with a nervous grin; "since that is the case, I will venture to interrupt your journey; before returning to Veracruz, we will proceed together to your hacienda of Arenal, where we shall be able to discuss our business far more @@ -1201,7 +1167,7 @@ and, gradually falling back, considerably enlarged the circle, as they cordially felt no desire to enter into a discussion with this mysterious personage. -Don Andrés felt hope return to his heart; a secret foreboding warned +Don Andrés felt hope return to his heart; a secret foreboding warned him that the sudden arrival of this stranger, though it might not entirely change his position, would at least produce a more advantageous phase for himself; moreover, he fancied that he could @@ -1210,7 +1176,7 @@ him to remember where he had heard it. Hence, while everybody else fell back in terror, he, on the contrary, approached the stranger with an instinctive eagerness, for which he could not account. -Don Jesús Domínguez, the commander of the escort, had disappeared; he +Don Jesús DomÃnguez, the commander of the escort, had disappeared; he had fled disgracefully. @@ -1275,7 +1241,7 @@ knew how, and perfectly informed as to the movements of the soldiers sent in search of him, always appeared suddenly before them, foiled their tricks, and compelled them to make a disgraceful retreat. -On one occasion, however, the government of Juárez hoped that it was +On one occasion, however, the government of Juárez hoped that it was all over with El Rayo, and that he could not escape the measures taken to seize him. @@ -1313,14 +1279,14 @@ journey, I ask your permission to leave you, while thanking you for the pleasant company you have afforded me since our meeting." "Oh, oh!" the commandant said, with a coarse laugh, "That will not do, -señor padre; we cannot separate in that manner." +señor padre; we cannot separate in that manner." "Why so, my son?" the monk asked, approaching the officer, though still holding his mule. "For a very simple reason, my worthy Fray--" -"Pancracio, at your service, señor caballero," the monk said, with a +"Pancracio, at your service, señor caballero," the monk said, with a bow. "Pancracio--very good," the officer continued. "I want you, or, to @@ -1329,7 +1295,7 @@ shrive a man, who is about to die." "Who is it?" -"Do you know El Rayo, señor padre?" +"Do you know El Rayo, señor padre?" "Santa Virgin! Of course I know him, illustrious commandant." @@ -1347,13 +1313,13 @@ he indicated to him. "Are you sure of it, illustrious commandant?" -"¡Caray! Of course I am." +"¡Caray! Of course I am." "Well, I fancy you are mistaken." "Ah! What do you mean? Do you know anything?" -"Certainly I know something, for I am El Rayo, accursed ladrón!" +"Certainly I know something, for I am El Rayo, accursed ladrón!" And before the officer, startled at this sudden revelation, which he was so far from expecting, had regained his coolness, El Rayo @@ -1397,8 +1363,8 @@ El Rayo stood for an instant calm, cold, and frowning in the face of the soldiers grouped in front of him, and then said, in a sharp, distinct voice-- -"Señores, I fancy you have forgotten that no one but myself has the -right to give orders on the high roads of the republic. Señor don +"Señores, I fancy you have forgotten that no one but myself has the +right to give orders on the high roads of the republic. Señor don Felipe Neri," he added, turning to the officer, who was standing motionless a few paces from him, "you can turn back with your men; the road is perfectly free as far as Puebla--you understand me, I suppose?" @@ -1415,7 +1381,7 @@ today, so take my advice, and turn back." The officer again hesitated, and then, urging his horse forward a few yards, he said, in a voice which emotion caused to tremble-- -"Señor, I know not whether you are a man or a demon thus alone to +"Señor, I know not whether you are a man or a demon thus alone to impose your will on brave men; to die is nothing for a soldier when he is struck in the chest when facing the enemy; once already I have recoiled before you, but do not wish to do so again, so kill me today, @@ -1441,7 +1407,7 @@ Without losing an instant the officer turned his horse and ordered his troopers to fall back, a manoeuvre which they performed with the most praiseworthy eagerness. -Don Andrés de la Cruz, for we will now restore him his true name, had +Don Andrés de la Cruz, for we will now restore him his true name, had looked on with great interest at this scene, in which he had not as yet ventured to interfere. @@ -1454,7 +1420,7 @@ permit me to remark that I have been delayed in this defile for a long time already, and that I should like to continue my journey, in order to protect my daughter from danger, as soon as possible." -"No danger threatens doña Dolores, señor," El Rayo coldly answered; +"No danger threatens doña Dolores, señor," El Rayo coldly answered; "this delay of only a few minutes cannot possibly have any injurious consequences for her; besides, I wish you to witness this combat, which is to some extent fought in support of your cause, hence I beg you to @@ -1462,14 +1428,14 @@ have patience. But stay, here is don Felipe returning; the affair will not take long. Fancy that you are betting on a cock fight, and I am convinced that you will take pleasure in what is going to happen." -"But still--" don Andrés interposed. +"But still--" don Andrés interposed. "You would disoblige me by insisting further, caballero," El Rayo interrupted him, drily. "You have, as I know, excellent revolvers which Devismes sent you from Paris; be kind enough to lend one of them to -señor don Felipe. They are loaded, I suppose." +señor don Felipe. They are loaded, I suppose." -"Yes, sir," don Andrés replied, offering the officer one of his pistols. +"Yes, sir," don Andrés replied, offering the officer one of his pistols. The latter took it, turned it over in his hands, and then raised his head with an air of disappointment. @@ -1477,21 +1443,21 @@ head with an air of disappointment. "I do not know how to use these weapons," he said. "Oh, that is very easy," El Rayo courteously replied, "and you will -be perfectly acquainted with their mechanism in an instant. Señor don -Andrés, be kind enough to explain to this caballero the very simple +be perfectly acquainted with their mechanism in an instant. Señor don +Andrés, be kind enough to explain to this caballero the very simple management of these weapons." The Spaniard obeyed, and the officer at once comprehended the explanation that was given him. -"Now, señor don Felipe," El Rayo resumed, still cold and impassive, +"Now, señor don Felipe," El Rayo resumed, still cold and impassive, "listen to me attentively. I consent to give you this satisfaction on the condition that whatever the issue of the combat may be, you -agree to turn back immediately after, leaving señor don Andrés and his +agree to turn back immediately after, leaving señor don Andrés and his daughter at liberty to continue their journey if they may think proper: do you agree to this?" -"Certainly, señor." +"Certainly, señor." "Very good. Now, then, this is what you and I are going to do; so soon as we have dismounted we will station ourselves twenty paces from each @@ -1505,11 +1471,11 @@ hurry." "Pardon me, Excellency, but suppose I kill you with these six shots?" -"You will not kill me, señor," El Rayo answered coldly. +"You will not kill me, señor," El Rayo answered coldly. "Do you think so?" -"I am sure of it; to kill a man of my stamp, señor don Felipe," El Rayo +"I am sure of it; to kill a man of my stamp, señor don Felipe," El Rayo said, with an accent of cutting irony, "a firm heart and a hand of iron are required: you possess neither." @@ -1750,7 +1716,7 @@ all your attentions to me." "Do you know the owner of this hacienda?" -"Don Andrés de la Cruz? Very well." +"Don Andrés de la Cruz? Very well." "What sort of man is he?" @@ -1779,7 +1745,7 @@ beings." "You will accompany me to the hacienda, sir, I suppose?" said the count. -"No, I shall not see señor don Andrés; in a few minutes I shall have +"No, I shall not see señor don Andrés; in a few minutes I shall have the honour of taking leave of you." "To meet again soon, I hope!" @@ -1854,7 +1820,7 @@ to a groom, who led it away. At the moment when the count was walking towards a large door surmounted by a verandah, and which gave admission to the apartment, -don Andrés went out, ran eagerly toward him, pressed him warmly to his +don Andrés went out, ran eagerly toward him, pressed him warmly to his heart, and embraced him several times, while saying-- "Heaven be praised! Here you are, at last! We were beginning to be in a @@ -1871,7 +1837,7 @@ embarrassment, but stated his name, adding-- no ceremony--act here as if you were at home: this house, with all it contains, is at your disposal, and belongs to you." -The young man began protesting, but don Andrés once more interrupted +The young man began protesting, but don Andrés once more interrupted him. "I am an old fool," he said. "I am keeping you here, listening to my @@ -1881,7 +1847,7 @@ your apartments, which have been ready for you for some days past." "My dear cousin," the count answered; "I thank you a thousand times for your kind attention; but I think it would be only polite for you to -introduce me to doña Dolores, ere I retire." +introduce me to doña Dolores, ere I retire." "There is no hurry for that, my dear Count: my daughter is at this moment shut up in her boudoir with her women. Let me announce @@ -1892,12 +1858,12 @@ circumstances,--and go and rest yourself." you are so good as to place me so thoroughly at my ease, that I shall not be at all sorry to take a few hours' rest." -"Did I not know it?" don Andrés replied, gaily; "But all young people +"Did I not know it?" don Andrés replied, gaily; "But all young people are the same--they doubt nothing." The hacendero thereupon led his guest to the apartments which had been tastefully prepared and furnished under the immediate inspection of -don Andrés, and were intended to serve as the count's abode during the +don Andrés, and were intended to serve as the count's abode during the whole of the period he might be pleased to spend at the hacienda. The suite of rooms, though not large, was arranged in a very sensible @@ -1919,12 +1885,12 @@ The count, newly landed in Mexico, and who, like all foreigners, formed a false idea of a country which he did not know, was far from expecting to find at the Hacienda del Arenal a lodging so convenient, and in such conformity with his rather serious tastes and habits, hence he -was really ravished by everything he saw. He warmly thanked don Andrés +was really ravished by everything he saw. He warmly thanked don Andrés for the trouble he had been kind enough to take in rendering his stay in the house agreeable to him, and assured him that he was far from expecting so cordial a reception. -Don Andrés de la Cruz, highly pleased with this compliment, rubbed his +Don Andrés de la Cruz, highly pleased with this compliment, rubbed his hands in glee, and at length withdrew, leaving his relative at liberty to repose, if he thought proper. @@ -1973,7 +1939,7 @@ dismissed his valet, sat down on a butaca, took up a book, and very shortly after fell fast asleep. At about four in the afternoon, just as he was waking, Raimbaut entered -the room, and announced that don Andrés de la Cruz was waiting for him +the room, and announced that don Andrés de la Cruz was waiting for him to sit down to table, as the hour for the evening meal had arrived. The count cast a glance at his toilette, and, preceded by Raimbaut, who @@ -1998,7 +1964,7 @@ entire centre of the room. When Count de la Saulay entered the dining room, the other guests, numbering from twenty to twenty-five, were already assembled. -Don Andrés, like many of the great Mexican landowners, had kept up on +Don Andrés, like many of the great Mexican landowners, had kept up on his estates the custom of making his people eat at the same table with himself. @@ -2009,10 +1975,10 @@ which attach masters to servants, and rendered the latter, so to speak, vassals of the family whose private life they shared up to a certain point. -Don Andrés de la Cruz was standing at the end of the room, between doña +Don Andrés de la Cruz was standing at the end of the room, between doña Dolores, his daughter, and don Melchior, his son. -We will say nothing of doña Dolores, with whom the reader is already +We will say nothing of doña Dolores, with whom the reader is already acquainted. Don Melchior was a young man of nearly the same age as the count. His tall stature and powerful limbs rendered him a gallant gentleman, in the common acceptance of the term. His features were @@ -2024,7 +1990,7 @@ became menacing and haughty upon the slightest emotion. His gestures were noble, and his manners distinguished; and he wore the Mexican costume in all its purity. -So soon as the introductions had been made by don Andrés, the party +So soon as the introductions had been made by don Andrés, the party took their seats. The hacendero, after bidding Ludovic sit on his right hand, by his daughter's side, made a sign to the latter. She repeated the _Benedicite_, the guests said _Amen_, and the meal commenced. @@ -2034,14 +2000,14 @@ do not drink during meals. It is only when the dulces or sweets are brought in, that is to say, at dessert, that vessels containing water are placed on the table. -By a delicate attention, don Andrés offered wine to his French guest, +By a delicate attention, don Andrés offered wine to his French guest, who was waited on by his valet, standing behind him, to the general amazement of the company. -The meal was silent, in spite of the repeated efforts of don Andrés to +The meal was silent, in spite of the repeated efforts of don Andrés to animate the conversation. The count and don Melchior limited themselves to the exchange of a few conventional phrases, and then held their -tongues. Doña Dolores was pale, and seemed to be unwell; she ate hardly +tongues. Doña Dolores was pale, and seemed to be unwell; she ate hardly anything, and did not utter a syllable. At length dinner was over. They rose from table, and the servants of @@ -2051,9 +2017,9 @@ The count, involuntarily disturbed by the cold and measured reception which don Melchior had offered him, alleged the fatigue of the journey as a reason for wishing to retire to his apartments. -Don Andrés consented to this with much repugnance. Don Melchior and +Don Andrés consented to this with much repugnance. Don Melchior and the count exchanged a ceremonious bow, and turned their backs on each -other. Doña Dolores gave the young man a graceful bow, and the count +other. Doña Dolores gave the young man a graceful bow, and the count withdrew, after warmly shaking the hand which his host held out to him. It took Count de la Saulay, who was habituated to the comfortable @@ -2061,11 +2027,11 @@ elegance and pleasant relations of Parisian life, to become used to the sad, monotonous, and savage existence at the Hacienda del Arenal. In spite of the cordial reception which had been given him by don -Andrés de la Cruz and the attention he did not cease to offer him, the +Andrés de la Cruz and the attention he did not cease to offer him, the young man speedily perceived that his host was the sole person of the family who regarded him favourably. -Doña Dolores, though very polite to him and even gracious in their +Doña Dolores, though very polite to him and even gracious in their daily relations when chance brought them together, still seemed to be embarrassed in his presence, and to shun every occasion when he could converse with her in private: so soon as she perceived that her father @@ -2109,11 +2075,11 @@ Dissatisfied with himself and the persons by whom he was surrounded, feeling himself in a false position, which could not fail to become ridiculous ere long, the count thought of getting out of it as speedily as possible. But, before provoking a frank and decisive explanation on -the part of don Andrés de la Cruz, who did not seem to suspect in the +the part of don Andrés de la Cruz, who did not seem to suspect in the slightest degree the turn affairs were taking, the count resolved to know positively what he had to depend on as regarded his affianced; for with that fatuity natural to all men spoiled by facile successes, he -felt a mental conviction that it was impossible doña Dolores would not +felt a mental conviction that it was impossible doña Dolores would not have loved him, if her heart had not already been captivated by someone else. @@ -2126,7 +2092,7 @@ abandoned, in order to seek so humiliating an adventure two thousand leagues from home. In spite of her indifference for the count, we have remarked, however, -that doña Dolores felt herself obliged to be polite and attentive to +that doña Dolores felt herself obliged to be polite and attentive to the count, although not so amiable as he might have desired: an example which her brother completely dispensed himself from following towards his father's guest, whom he treated with such marked coldness, that it @@ -2177,7 +2143,7 @@ He bowed silently to the company, sat down without uttering a syllable, ate, then twisted a cigarette, which he lighted, and then withdrew to his apartments without further notice of the party. -Once or twice don Andrés, who understood perfectly well how unpolite +Once or twice don Andrés, who understood perfectly well how unpolite such conduct was towards his guest, tried to apologize for his son, by throwing the blame of this apparent rudeness on his very serious occupations, which completely absorbed him; but the count replied that @@ -2188,7 +2154,7 @@ which he evidenced for him by treating him not as a stranger, but as a friend and relative, and that he would be most sorry if don Melchior, on his account, set any restraint on his habits. -Don Andrés, though not duped by his guest's apparent gentleness, had +Don Andrés, though not duped by his guest's apparent gentleness, had not considered it prudent to dwell on this subject, and it dropped. Don Melchior was feared by all the people belonging to the hacienda, @@ -2228,20 +2194,20 @@ The count, by the advice of his professor, had adopted the Mexican garb, an elegant and convenient costume, which he wore with unparalleled grace. -Don Andrés de la Cruz rubbed his hands with glee on seeing the man +Don Andrés de la Cruz rubbed his hands with glee on seeing the man whom he already regarded almost as his son-in-law, assume the garb of the country--a certain proof in his eyes of the count's intention to settle in Mexico. He had even on this occasion adroitly tried to lead the conversation to the subject he had nearest his heart, that is to -say, the young man's marriage, with doña Dolores. But the count who was +say, the young man's marriage, with doña Dolores. But the count who was always on his guard, avoided this awkward subject, as he had done on -several previous occasions, and don Andrés withdrew, shaking his head +several previous occasions, and don Andrés withdrew, shaking his head and muttering-- "Yet we must come to an explanation." It was at least the tenth time since the count's arrival at the -hacienda that don Andrés de la Cruz promised himself to have an +hacienda that don Andrés de la Cruz promised himself to have an explanation with him, but up to then, the young man had always contrived to elude it. @@ -2295,9 +2261,9 @@ looked out. Almost immediately he drew himself back, suppressing a cry of surprise. The spot where he was, was exactly opposite the suite of apartments -occupied by doña Dolores de la Cruz. +occupied by doña Dolores de la Cruz. -A window in this suite was open, and doña Dolores leaning on the window +A window in this suite was open, and doña Dolores leaning on the window ledge, was talking to a man who was standing in the garden, but exactly opposite to her, a distance of scarce two feet separated the speakers, who appeared engaged in a most interesting conversation. @@ -2359,7 +2325,7 @@ very improbable, and yet who knows?" he added fatuously. During this long aside, the two speakers had continued their conversation which had been totally unheard by the young man, when he -began to listen again. Doña Dolores was concluding-- +began to listen again. Doña Dolores was concluding-- "I will do it, as you insist on it: but is it very necessary, my friend?" @@ -2406,19 +2372,19 @@ at his bed side, with a paper in his hand. "Ah!" he exclaimed; "Can it be news from France?" "I do not think so; this letter was given to Lanca by one of the -waiting women of doña Dolores de la Cruz, with a request to deliver it +waiting women of doña Dolores de la Cruz, with a request to deliver it to M. le Comte, as soon as he woke." "This is strange," the young man muttered, as he took the note and examined it attentively; "it is certainly addressed to me," he muttered, at length deciding on opening it. -The note was from doña Dolores de la Cruz, and only contained these few +The note was from doña Dolores de la Cruz, and only contained these few words, written in a delicate though rather tremulous hand. -"Doña Dolores de la Cruz earnestly requests señor don Ludovic de la +"Doña Dolores de la Cruz earnestly requests señor don Ludovic de la Saulay to grant her a private interview for a very important affair at -three o'clock in the afternoon of today. Doña Dolores will await the +three o'clock in the afternoon of today. Doña Dolores will await the ount in her own apartments." "This time I cannot make head or tail of it," the count exclaimed. "But @@ -2468,23 +2434,23 @@ a mano_, the mountain built by human hands, or the great teocali of Cholula. This pyramid, crowned with cypresses, and on the top of which now -stands a chapel dedicated to "Nuestra Señora de los remedios," is +stands a chapel dedicated to "Nuestra Señora de los remedios," is entirely constructed of bricks, its height is one hundred and seventy feet, and its base, according to the calculations of Humboldt, is 1355 feet in length, or a little more than double the base of the pyramids of Cheops. -Monsieur Ampère remarks, with considerable tact and cleverness, that +Monsieur Ampère remarks, with considerable tact and cleverness, that the imagination of the Arabs has surrounded with prodigies, the, to them, unknown cradle of the Egyptian pyramids, whose construction they refer to the deluge; and the same was the case in Mexico. On this -subject he relates a tradition picked up in 1566, by Pedro del Río, +subject he relates a tradition picked up in 1566, by Pedro del RÃo, about the pyramids of Cholula, and preserved in his MSS., which are now in the Vatican. We will in our turn, make a loan from the celebrated savant, and relate here this tradition, such as he gives it in his _Promenades en -Amérique_. +Amérique_. "During the last great inundation, the country of Anahuac (the plateau of Mexico), was inhabited by giants. All those who did not perish in @@ -2595,7 +2561,7 @@ ran with a gentle incline underground. This grotto doubtless received air and light through a great number of imperceptible fissures, for it was dry, and perfectly clear. -"Go, López," said one of the strangers. +"Go, López," said one of the strangers. "Are you going up above?" the other asked. @@ -2604,9 +2570,9 @@ imperceptible fissures, for it was dry, and perfectly clear. "Good; that is understood." He then whistled to the horses, which trotted up, and, at a signal from -López, entered the cavern without the slightest hesitation. +López, entered the cavern without the slightest hesitation. -"Good-bye for the present," said López. +"Good-bye for the present," said López. The stranger gave him an affirmative nod; the servant entered in his turn, let the stone fall behind him, and it fitted so exactly into the @@ -2650,7 +2616,7 @@ with pictures, but with six or eight of those coloured engravings, manufactured at Epinal, and with which that town inundates the world. They represented different episodes in the wars of the empires, and were decently framed and glazed. In a corner, about six feet from the -ground, a statuette, representing Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the +ground, a statuette, representing Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, was placed on a mahogany console, edged with points, on which were fixed yellow wax tapers, three of which were lighted. Six equipales, four butacas, a sideboard covered with various @@ -2725,19 +2691,19 @@ asleep!" "Ah! There you are, my good friends," he said, with a pleasant smile, as he offered them his hand; "it is a joyous waking for me, since I find you at my side. Good day! Louise, my girl. Good day! Mother -Thérèse; and good day to you, too, my old Loïck! You have cheerful +Thérèse; and good day to you, too, my old Loïck! You have cheerful faces, which it is a pleasure to look at!" "How sorry I am that you woke up, Mr. Oliver," the charming Louise said. -"The more so, because you were doubtless fatigued," Loïck said. +"The more so, because you were doubtless fatigued," Loïck said. "Stuff! I have forgotten it. You did not expect to find me here, eh?" -"Pardon me, Mr. Oliver," Thérèse replied; "López informed us of your +"Pardon me, Mr. Oliver," Thérèse replied; "López informed us of your arrival." -"That confounded López cannot hold his tongue," Oliver said, gaily; "he +"That confounded López cannot hold his tongue," Oliver said, gaily; "he must always be chattering." "You will breakfast with us, I hope?" the young woman asked. @@ -2749,7 +2715,7 @@ see Mr. Oliver decline, that is all." breakfast." "Ah! That is all right," the young woman exclaimed. And, aided by -Thérèse, who was her mother, as Loïck was her father, she instantly +Thérèse, who was her mother, as Loïck was her father, she instantly began making preparations for the morning meal. "But, you know," said Oliver, "nothing Mexican, I do not expect the @@ -2766,10 +2732,10 @@ remained near the window, and were conversing together. "Are you still satisfied?" Oliver asked his host. -"Perfectly," the other answered. "Don Andrés de la Cruz is a good +"Perfectly," the other answered. "Don Andrés de la Cruz is a good master; besides, as you know, I have but few dealings with him." -"That is true. You only depend on Ño Leo Carral." +"That is true. You only depend on Ño Leo Carral." "I do not complain of him. He is a worthy man, although a majordomo. We get on famously together." @@ -2789,7 +2755,7 @@ The adventurer looked at him fixedly. Oliver shook his head. -"Do you remember, Loïck," he said to him, sternly, "the conditions I +"Do you remember, Loïck," he said to him, sternly, "the conditions I imposed on you, when I granted you your pardon?" "Oh! I do not forget them, sir." @@ -2821,7 +2787,7 @@ done, some day, on the real culprit." this sinister history, whose denouement will be terrible." "Yes," the adventurer said with concentrated energy--"very terrible -indeed! And you will help in it, Loïck." +indeed! And you will help in it, Loïck." The _vaquero_ gave a sigh, which did not escape the other. @@ -2845,9 +2811,9 @@ The meal commenced under rather melancholy auspices, but thanks to the efforts of the adventurer, the former gaiety soon returned, and the end of the breakfast was as merry as could be desired. -All at once López suddenly entered the rancho. +All at once López suddenly entered the rancho. -"Señor Loïck," he said, "here is your son: I do not know what he is +"Señor Loïck," he said, "here is your son: I do not know what he is bringing, but he is on foot and leading his horse by the bridle." All rose and left the rancho. At about a gunshot from the rancho, they @@ -2861,9 +2827,9 @@ burden. examining the arrival for some moments, "can it be he? Oh, I must make certain without delay." -And, after making López a sign to follow him, he rushed down the steps, +And, after making López a sign to follow him, he rushed down the steps, to the amazement of the _vaquero_ and the two women who soon saw him -running, followed by López, across the plain to meet Dominique. +running, followed by López, across the plain to meet Dominique. The latter had noticed the two men and had halted to await their arrival. @@ -3099,7 +3065,7 @@ lost." "Do I not know perfectly well I am lost?" the wounded man who overheard the last word said; "Kill me, therefore, without making me suffer more." -"You hear me, señor," the young man answered "very good then, listen +"You hear me, señor," the young man answered "very good then, listen to me without interruption: I am not one of the men who brought you into your present state. I am a traveller, whom accident or rather Providence brought on this road, to come to your assistance and, as I @@ -3154,7 +3120,7 @@ have no wants to satisfy." "Still, it is my duty." -"Not a word more on this subject, I must request, señor. Any pressure +"Not a word more on this subject, I must request, señor. Any pressure on your part would be a mortal insult to me. I am doing my duty in saving your life, and have no claim to any recompense." @@ -3182,7 +3148,7 @@ your house?" "My house!" the wounded man exclaimed, with ill-disguised terror, and making a movement as if he would try to fly. "You know me then, -señor--know my residence?" +señor--know my residence?" "I do not know you, and am ignorant where your house is situated. How could I know such details, when I never saw you before this night?" @@ -3196,7 +3162,7 @@ this cross, when you so providentially discovered me. As for a home, I have no other at this moment but the one you may be pleased to offer me. This is my whole story: it is as simple as truth." -"Whether it be true or not does not concern me, señor. I have no right +"Whether it be true or not does not concern me, señor. I have no right to interfere in your affairs against your will. Let me request you, therefore, to refrain from giving me information which I do not ask of you--which does not concern me, and which, in your present condition, @@ -3364,16 +3330,16 @@ among whom you lived so long?" The young man attempted to answer, but he hurriedly checked him. "Enough, now the evil is done," he said to him: "it is of no use -alluding to it. López will convey him to the cavern of the rancho, -where he will nurse him. Go, López, lose no time; lead away this man, +alluding to it. López will convey him to the cavern of the rancho, +where he will nurse him. Go, López, lose no time; lead away this man, while I talk with Dominique." -López obeyed, and the young man allowed him to do so. He was beginning +López obeyed, and the young man allowed him to do so. He was beginning to comprehend that possibly his heart had deceived him, and that he had too easily given way to a feeling of humanity towards a man who was a perfect stranger to him. -There was a rather lengthened silence. López had gone off with the +There was a rather lengthened silence. López had gone off with the wounded man, and had already disappeared in the cavern. Oliver and Dominique, standing face to face, remained motionless and pensive. At length the adventurer raised his head. @@ -3442,7 +3408,7 @@ return to you." "Very good, I see that you have a good memory: go on." "I obeyed you, and remained among the Indians, hunting and living with -them: six months ago, you came yourself to the banks of the Río Gila, +them: six months ago, you came yourself to the banks of the RÃo Gila, where I was at the time, and you told me that you had come to fetch me and that I must follow you. I followed you, therefore, without asking an explanation which I did not need: for do I not belong to you, body @@ -3540,7 +3506,7 @@ us, we must bow before the manifestation of His will." "Then, it is your intention--?" -"My intention is to order López to watch over your patient: he will +"My intention is to order López to watch over your patient: he will remain in the cavern where he will be taken the greatest care of, but you will not see him again, as it is unnecessary for you to know any more about him at present: in my turn, I pledge you my word that all @@ -3556,7 +3522,7 @@ any relations with him." "Good: in that case you will tell them so, for I cannot undertake it." -"I will do so: but I shall not see him either; López alone will remain +"I will do so: but I shall not see him either; López alone will remain in charge of him." "Have you nothing more to say to me?" @@ -3570,7 +3536,7 @@ you want for your journey." "Oh, I am ready," he interrupted. -"That is possible, but I am not; have I not to give López orders about +"That is possible, but I am not; have I not to give López orders about your wounded man?" "That is true, and besides I must say good-bye to my family." @@ -3587,7 +3553,7 @@ smile; "but not at all in the way you suppose." "I reckon on it; but come, we have lost too much time already." They proceeded toward the mound. The adventurer entered the vault, -and the young man went up to the rancho. Loïck and the two women +and the young man went up to the rancho. Loïck and the two women were awaiting him on the platform considerably perplexed by the long conversation he had held with Oliver; but Dominique was impenetrable--he had lived too long in the desert to let the truth be @@ -3597,18 +3563,18 @@ he only answered by clever evasions, and at last his father and the two women, despairing of making him speak, resolved to leave him at peace. His breakfast was all ready on the table. As he was hungry, he took advantage of this pretext to change the conversation, and while eating, -announced his departure. Loïck made no remark, for he was accustomed to +announced his departure. Loïck made no remark, for he was accustomed to these sudden absences. At the end of about half an hour Oliver reappeared. Dominique rose and took leave of his family. -"You are taking him with you," said Loïck. +"You are taking him with you," said Loïck. "Yes," Oliver replied, "for a few days; we are going into the _Tierra Caliente_." -"Take care," said Louise anxiously; "you know that Juárez' guerillas +"Take care," said Louise anxiously; "you know that Juárez' guerillas are scouring the country." "Fear nothing, little sister," the young man said as he embraced her; @@ -3678,7 +3644,7 @@ THE MEETING. Ever since Count de la Saulay's arrival at the hacienda del Arenal, -doña Dolores had treated him with a degree of reserve which the +doña Dolores had treated him with a degree of reserve which the marriage projects made by the two families were far from justifying. The young lady had not only had no private interviews with the man whom she ought to consider to some extent her betrothed, but had not @@ -3691,7 +3657,7 @@ the strictest reserve. In these conditions, and especially after the scene at which he had been present on the previous evening, we can easily understand what the -stupefaction of the young man must be on learning that doña Dolores +stupefaction of the young man must be on learning that doña Dolores requested an interview with him. What could she have to say to him? For what motive did she grant him this meeting? What reason impelled her to act thus? Such were the questions which the count did not cease @@ -3703,20 +3669,20 @@ strike. Had he been in Paris instead of a Mexican hacienda, he would have certainly known beforehand what he had to expect from the message he had received, and his conduct would have been regulated beforehand. -But here the coldness of doña Dolores toward him--a coldness which had +But here the coldness of doña Dolores toward him--a coldness which had never once thawed--the preference which after the last night's scene she seemed to give to another person, all combined to deprive this interview of the slightest supposition of love. Was it his renunciation -of her hand, and immediate retirement, that doña Dolores was about to +of her hand, and immediate retirement, that doña Dolores was about to request of him? Singular contradiction of the human mind! The count, who felt for this marriage a repulsion more and more marked, whose formal intention it was to have, as soon as possible, an explanation on this subject with -don Andrés de la Cruz, and whose firm resolution it was to withdraw, +don Andrés de la Cruz, and whose firm resolution it was to withdraw, and renounce the alliance so long prepared, and which displeased him the more because it was forced on him--revolted at the supposition of -this renunciation, which, without doubt, doña Dolores was going to ask +this renunciation, which, without doubt, doña Dolores was going to ask him; his wounded self-esteem made him regard this question under a perfectly new light, and the contempt which the young lady seemed to feel for his hand, filled him with shame and anger. @@ -3729,7 +3695,7 @@ of repulsion, had inspired no other feeling but a cold indifference. There was certainly something desperate about this; for an instant he went so far as to fancy--for anger blinded him to such an extent--that he was really in love with his cousin, and he was on the point of -swearing to remain deaf to the tears and supplications of doña Dolores, +swearing to remain deaf to the tears and supplications of doña Dolores, and insisting on the completion of the marriage within the shortest period possible. But fortunately the pride which had urged him to this determination suddenly suggested to him a more simple, and assuredly @@ -3744,7 +3710,7 @@ gave him a superiority over his rivals, or understanding the happiness she would find in an alliance with him. While revolving all these, and many other thoughts, the count left his -rooms, crossed the courtyard, and proceeded to the apartments of doña +rooms, crossed the courtyard, and proceeded to the apartments of doña Dolores. He remarked, though without attaching much importance to the fact, that several saddle horses were waiting in the court, held by peons. At the door of the apartments stood a young Indian girl with @@ -3755,14 +3721,14 @@ and finally raised a curtain of white China crape, embroidered with large flowers of every hue, and introduced the count, without saying a word, into a delightful boudoir, furnished throughout with China lace. -Doña Dolores, half-reclining on a hammock of aloe fibre, was amusing +Doña Dolores, half-reclining on a hammock of aloe fibre, was amusing herself with teasing a pretty parrot half the size of her hand, and was laughing heartily at the little creature's cries of fury. The young lady was charming, thus: the count had never seen her so lovely. After bowing deeply to her, he stopped in the door, experiencing an admiration mingled with such great stupefaction, that -doña Dolores after looking at him for a moment, could not retain her +doña Dolores after looking at him for a moment, could not retain her seriousness, but burst out into a silvery peal of laughter. "Forgive me, cousin," she said to him, "but you look so singular at @@ -3872,34 +3838,34 @@ the patio. Raimbaut followed his example, had laid in a complete arsenal. The two men were thus, without exaggeration, capable in case of need, to face fifteen bandits. -Doña Dolores, already mounted, was talking with her father while -awaiting the count's arrival. Don Andrés de la Cruz was rubbing his +Doña Dolores, already mounted, was talking with her father while +awaiting the count's arrival. Don Andrés de la Cruz was rubbing his hands in delight, the good understanding between the young people charmed him. "So you are going to take a ride?" he said to the count; "I wish you all possible pleasure." -"The señorita has deigned to offer to accompany her," Ludovic answered. +"The señorita has deigned to offer to accompany her," Ludovic answered. "She has acted admirably, for her choice could not be better." While exchanging these few words with his future father-in-law, the count had mounted. -"A pleasant trip," continued don Andrés, "and mind you are careful -whom you meet, Juárez' cuadrillas are beginning to prowl about the +"A pleasant trip," continued don Andrés, "and mind you are careful +whom you meet, Juárez' cuadrillas are beginning to prowl about the neighbourhood, so I have been informed." -"Do not be alarmed, papa," doña Dolores replied; "besides," she added +"Do not be alarmed, papa," doña Dolores replied; "besides," she added with a charming smile aimed at the young man, "under my cousin's escort I fear nothing." "Be off then and get back early." -"We shall return before the _oración_, papa." +"We shall return before the _oración_, papa." -Don Andrés gave them a last farewell nod, and they left the hacienda. +Don Andrés gave them a last farewell nod, and they left the hacienda. The count and the young lady galloped side by side. Raimbaut, as a well trained servant, followed a few paces in the rear. @@ -3980,7 +3946,7 @@ The young woman gave a meaning smile. "Would it be indiscreet to ask you why you entertain this unfavourable supposition?" -"Not at all, cousin; but señor Oliver appeared to me a very mysterious +"Not at all, cousin; but señor Oliver appeared to me a very mysterious gentleman; his manners are not those of everybody. As I think, there would be nothing extraordinary if, according to circumstances--" @@ -4001,7 +3967,7 @@ I asked you to accompany me on my ride." This confession was made by the young lady in such simple faith that the count was completely staggered by it, and looked at her for a -moment as if he did not comprehend her. Doña Dolores did not notice his +moment as if he did not comprehend her. Doña Dolores did not notice his astonishment. With her hand placed as a screen over her eyes, she was examining the plain. @@ -4050,7 +4016,7 @@ as perfect for good as for evil, and whom opportunity can as easily make remarkable men as great villains. Oliver had profoundly studied the extraordinary character of his -_protégé_, hence he knew better than himself, perhaps, of what he was +_protégé_, hence he knew better than himself, perhaps, of what he was capable; and he had frequently shuddered on probing the hidden depths of this strange organization which did not know itself; and while imposing his will on the indomitable nature and making it bow as he @@ -4147,14 +4113,14 @@ I am expecting arrive, I shall give you more detailed instructions." "Very good, go on." "Two persons are going to join us here, a young man, and a young lady; -the latter is doña Dolores de la Cruz, daughter of the owner of the +the latter is doña Dolores de la Cruz, daughter of the owner of the hacienda del Arenal: she is sixteen years of age, and very beautiful; she is a gentle, pure, and simple girl." "Very good, but that does not concern me, for you know I trouble myself but slightly about squaws." -"That is true, so I will not dwell on the point: doña Dolores is +"That is true, so I will not dwell on the point: doña Dolores is betrothed to don Ludovic, who will marry her immediately." "Much good may it do him; and who is don Ludovic? Some Mexican, I @@ -4180,7 +4146,7 @@ friends in the world." I fancy: hang it, they are riding fast, they will be on us in ten minutes." -"They are doña Dolores and Count Ludovic." +"They are doña Dolores and Count Ludovic." They rose to go and receive the young people, who, in truth, were coming up at full speed. @@ -4222,7 +4188,7 @@ friends." After these words, the two young men warmly shook hands. -"Are you satisfied, my friend?" doña Dolores asked. +"Are you satisfied, my friend?" doña Dolores asked. "You are a fairy, dear child," Oliver replied with emotion; "you cannot imagine how happy you render me." @@ -4241,9 +4207,9 @@ which rapidly drew nearer, and the majordomo soon appeared. "Come on, come on, Leo," the adventurer shouted to him. -"Here I am, señor," the majordomo replied, "entirely at your orders." +"Here I am, señor," the majordomo replied, "entirely at your orders." -"Listen to me attentively," Oliver resumed, addressing doña Dolores; +"Listen to me attentively," Oliver resumed, addressing doña Dolores; "the affair is serious, I am compelled to go away this very day: my absence may last for a long time; and hence it is impossible for me to watch over you: unfortunately I have a foreboding that an imminent @@ -4286,7 +4252,7 @@ Saulay; and for greater security you will pretend, not to understand a word of Spanish." "Permit me," Ludovic observed, "I have spoken several times to don -Andrés about an intimate friend attached to the French Legation in +Andrés about an intimate friend attached to the French Legation in Mexico, and whom I expect to visit me at the hacienda at any moment." "Perfect, Dominique will pass for him, and if he likes, he can talk @@ -4313,7 +4279,7 @@ majordomo replied; "I have only now to arrange with these gentlemen." "All is going well, so now let us separate: I should have been a long way off by this time." -"Are you leaving us already, my friend?" doña Dolores asked with +"Are you leaving us already, my friend?" doña Dolores asked with emotion. "I must, my child; be of good cheer, and have confidence in God; during @@ -4322,7 +4288,7 @@ my absence, He will watch over you; farewell." The adventurer pressed the count's hand for the last time, kissed the young lady's forehead, and leapt into the saddle. -"Let me see you again soon," doña Dolores said to him. +"Let me see you again soon," doña Dolores said to him. "Tomorrow you will see your friend Meriadec," Dominique said with a laugh, and he started at a gallop after the adventurer. @@ -4350,32 +4316,32 @@ POLITICAL. The closing months of 18-- had arrived. Political events were beginning to press on each other with such rapidity that the least enlightened minds already understood that they were hurrying towards an imminent -catastrophe. In the South, the troops of General Gutiérrez had gained +catastrophe. In the South, the troops of General Gutiérrez had gained a great victory over the constitutional army commanded by General -don Diego Álvarez (the same who at an earlier period presided at +don Diego Ãlvarez (the same who at an earlier period presided at Guaymas over the court-martial that condemned to death our unfortunate countryman and friend Count Gaston de Raousset Boulbon). The carnage of the Pinto Indians had been immense: 1200 remained on the battlefield, and the artillery and abundant materiel fell into the hands of the victor. But at the same period, there commenced in the interior a series of opposite events: the first was the flight of Zuloaga, that -president who, after abdicating in favour of Miramón, revoked that +president who, after abdicating in favour of Miramón, revoked that abdication one day without knowing exactly why, without consulting anyone, and at the moment when it was least expected. -General Miramón then loyally offered to the President of the Supreme +General Miramón then loyally offered to the President of the Supreme Court of Justice to assume the executive power and convoke the assembly of the Notables to have himself elected chief magistrate of the Republic. While this was happening, a new catastrophe added fresh -dangers to the situation. Miramón, whom his continual victories had +dangers to the situation. Miramón, whom his continual victories had probably endowed with imprudent confidence, or more probably impelled by the desire to come to an end in some way or another, offered battle at Silao to forces four times his own. He suffered a complete rout, lost his artillery, and was himself on the point of perishing: it was only by performing prodigies of valour, and killing with his own hand several of those that surrounded him, that he succeeded in cutting his -way out of the melée and escaping to Querétaro, where he arrived almost -alone. From this place, Miramón, not allowing himself to be crushed +way out of the melée and escaping to Querétaro, where he arrived almost +alone. From this place, Miramón, not allowing himself to be crushed by misfortunes, returned to Mexico, whose inhabitants thus learned simultaneously his defeat, his arrival, and his intention to offer himself for election. @@ -4385,7 +4351,7 @@ he was elected President by the Chamber of Notables almost unanimously. The general, who knew how time pressed, took the oaths, and immediately entered on his duties. Although materially the defeat at Silao was almost nothing, still from a moral point of view the effect produced -was immense. Miramón understood this: he actively employed himself +was immense. Miramón understood this: he actively employed himself in restoring a little order in the finances, creating resources, precarious but sufficient for the urgent necessities of the moment in raising fresh troops, and taking all the precautions that prudence @@ -4395,12 +4361,12 @@ Mexico, and these various movements, ill-understood by the people, alarmed them and made them apprehend approaching misfortunes. Under these circumstances, the president, wishing doubtless to satisfy public opinion and restore a little tranquillity to the capital, consented -to enter into negotiations with his rival Juárez, which, if they did +to enter into negotiations with his rival Juárez, which, if they did not lead to peace, might at any rate produce an armistice which would temporarily check bloodshed. Unluckily, a fresh complication rendered all hope of an arrangement impossible. -General Márquez had been sent to the relief of Guadalajara, which +General Márquez had been sent to the relief of Guadalajara, which town, it was supposed continued successfully to resist the federal troops; but all at once, after the federals had carried off a conducta de plata belonging to English merchants, an armistice was concluded @@ -4409,12 +4375,12 @@ of the conducta had no doubt a great deal to do--and General Castillo, commandant of Guadalajara, abandoned by the majority of his troops, found himself compelled to leave the town and take refuge on the Pacific: so that the federals, freed from this obstacle, combined -against Márquez, defeated him, and destroyed his corps, the only one +against Márquez, defeated him, and destroyed his corps, the only one that still kept the field. The situation thus became more and more critical: the federals meeting with no further obstacle or resistance in their victorious march, rose up on all sides and every hope of negotiations was lost. Fighting must go on at all risks. The fall of -Miramón, consequently, could only be a question of time: the general +Miramón, consequently, could only be a question of time: the general doubtless perfectly comprehended this, but he did not let it be seen, and, on the contrary, redoubled his ardour and activity in order to parry the incessantly rising embarrassments of his situation. @@ -4426,7 +4392,7 @@ and resolved to carry to the mint their gold and silver ornaments, to be melted and placed at the disposal of the ex-executive power. Unfortunately, all these efforts were thrown away, the expenses increased in a ratio with the continually growing dangers of the -situation, and ere long Miramón, after vainly employing all the +situation, and ere long Miramón, after vainly employing all the expedients which his critical position suggested to him, found himself with an empty treasury and the sorrowful conviction that it was useless to dream of refilling it. @@ -4518,12 +4484,12 @@ walked up to don Antonio, who, on his side, advanced to meet him. "Who are you?" don Antonio asked in a low voice, when he was but five or six yards from the stranger. -"The man you are expecting, señor don Antonio," the other immediately +"The man you are expecting, señor don Antonio," the other immediately replied; "Coronel don Felipe Neri Irzabel, at your service." "Yes, it is you. I recognize you. Approach." -"It is very lucky. Well, señor don Antonio," the colonel replied, +"It is very lucky. Well, señor don Antonio," the colonel replied, offering his hand; "and your health?" "Bad," said don Antonio, falling back without touching the hand that @@ -4535,7 +4501,7 @@ importance to it. "You have come with a large escort," don Antonio continued. "Caray! Do you fancy, my dear sir, that I have any wish to fall into -the hands of Miramón's scouts? My account would be soon settled if they +the hands of Miramón's scouts? My account would be soon settled if they caught me. But I fancy that in spite of all the pleasure we feel at meeting, we had better attend to business without delay. What is your opinion?" @@ -4554,15 +4520,15 @@ Don Antonio made a gesture of disgust. "Drawn up as I requested?" -"Everything is in it, señor, so set your mind at rest," the colonel +"Everything is in it, señor, so set your mind at rest," the colonel continued, with a coarse laugh. "Where could honesty be found at the present day, except among people of our stamp? What you stipulated is accepted. The whole is signed, 'Ortega, General-in-Chief of the Federal Army,' and countersigned, -'Juárez, President of the Republic.' Are you satisfied?" +'Juárez, President of the Republic.' Are you satisfied?" -"I will answer you, señor, when I have seen the paper." +"I will answer you, señor, when I have seen the paper." "Nothing easier. Here it is," the guerillero said, drawing a large envelope from his dolman, and presenting it to don Antonio. @@ -4585,23 +4551,23 @@ As he read, a lively satisfaction was legible on his face. At length he put out the taper, folded up the paper, which he carefully secured in his pocketbook, and then addressed the colonel. -"Señor, you will thank General Ortega from me. He has behaved toward me +"Señor, you will thank General Ortega from me. He has behaved toward me like a perfect caballero." -The guerillero bowed. "I will not fail, señor," he answered; +The guerillero bowed. "I will not fail, señor," he answered; "especially if you have some information to add to that which you have already given us." "I certainly have, and of a very important nature." "Ah! Ah!" said the other, rubbing his hands eagerly; "pray let me have -it, my dear señor." +it, my dear señor." -"Listen, then. Miramón is at the last gasp. He wants money, and cannot +"Listen, then. Miramón is at the last gasp. He wants money, and cannot possibly obtain any. The troops, nearly all recruits, badly armed, and worse clothed, have not been paid for two months, and are murmuring." -"Very good! Poor dear Miramón! He is in a very bad way, then?" +"Very good! Poor dear Miramón! He is in a very bad way, then?" "The worse for him is, that the clergy, who promised at the outset to come to his assistance, have now refused their help." @@ -4609,14 +4575,14 @@ come to his assistance, have now refused their help." "But," the guerillero remarked, ironically, "how is it that you are so well informed, my dear sir?" -"Do you not know that I am attaché to the Spanish Embassy?" +"Do you not know that I am attaché to the Spanish Embassy?" "That is true--I forgot it; pray excuse me. What more do you know?" "The ranks of the partisans of the president are daily growing thinner: his old friends are abandoning him. Hence, in order to raise him slightly in public opinion, he has resolved to attempt a sortie, and -attack General Berriozábal's division." +attack General Berriozábal's division." "Come, come! That is worth knowing!" @@ -4625,14 +4591,14 @@ attack General Berriozábal's division." "Thanks! We will be on our guard. Is that all?" "Not yet. Reduced, as I told you, to the last extremity, and wishing to -procure money--no matter by what means, Miramón has resolved to imitate +procure money--no matter by what means, Miramón has resolved to imitate the robbery of the conducta of 'Laguna Seca,' effected by your party." "I know," the colonel interrupted, rubbing his hands. "It was I who carried out that _negotiation_. Unfortunately," he added, with a sigh of regret, "such hauls are rare." -"Miramón has therefore resolved," don Antonio continued, "to carry off +"Miramón has therefore resolved," don Antonio continued, "to carry off the money of the Convention, which is at this moment at the British Legation." @@ -4644,14 +4610,14 @@ jests in money matters." "I am aware of it: and hence the idea was suggested through my influence!" -"Señor!" the guerillero said majestically; "In this instance you have +"Señor!" the guerillero said majestically; "In this instance you have deserved well of your country. But the amount cannot be large?" "It is a tolerably round sum." "Ah, ah! How much at a guess?" -"Six hundred and sixty thousand piastres (£132,000)." +"Six hundred and sixty thousand piastres (£132,000)." The guerillero was dazzled. @@ -4694,7 +4660,7 @@ Don Antonio gave him a piercing glance. "Do you doubt my word?" he said haughtily. -"It is my principle never to doubt anything, señor," the colonel +"It is my principle never to doubt anything, señor," the colonel answered. "The sum is a large one." @@ -4708,7 +4674,7 @@ believe, the best thing I can do, so listen to me." "Speak." -"Above all, do not be vexed, my dear señor; business is business, hang +"Above all, do not be vexed, my dear señor; business is business, hang it all, and must be treated on the square." "That is my opinion too, go on." @@ -4735,7 +4701,7 @@ succeeded in retaining his coolness. "Well, then, what do you desire?" he asked him in a choking voice. -"Nothing for the present, señor; let us finish our resolution. So soon +"Nothing for the present, señor; let us finish our resolution. So soon as we enter Mexico--which I hope both for you and me will not be long first--you will take me to a banker I know: he will be responsible for the sum, and all will be settled. Does that suit you?" @@ -4746,7 +4712,7 @@ the sum, and all will be settled. Does that suit you?" of no consequence, and now that we have nothing more to say to each other for the present, permit me to take leave of you, my dear sir." -"You are at liberty to retire, señor," don Antonio replied drily. +"You are at liberty to retire, señor," don Antonio replied drily. "I kiss your hands, my dear sir, and trust I shall see you again shortly." @@ -4810,7 +4776,7 @@ sentries. "Well, well," the other replied with a grin; "I think that the gentleman must be a stranger, who is making a mistake, and fancies -himself at the door of a mesón." +himself at the door of a mesón." "Enough of that insolence, scoundrels," the horseman said sternly; "I have lost too much time already. Warn the officer of the guard, and @@ -4830,7 +4796,7 @@ open behind him, but almost immediately reappeared, preceding a captain in full dress uniform. The horseman bowed to the captain, and repeated the request which he had previously made to the sentries. -"I am very sorry to refuse you, señor," the officer replied, "but my +"I am very sorry to refuse you, señor," the officer replied, "but my orders prohibit me from letting anyone into the palace before eight o'clock; if the reason that brings you here is serious, be kind enough therefore to return at that hour, and nobody will oppose your entrance." @@ -4840,24 +4806,24 @@ And he bowed as if taking leave. "Pardon me, Captain," the horseman continued; "one word more, if you please." -"Say it, señor." +"Say it, señor." "It is unnecessary for anyone but yourself to hear it." -"Nothing is easier, señor," the officer replied, as he came near enough +"Nothing is easier, señor," the officer replied, as he came near enough to touch the stranger; "now speak." The horseman leaned down, and murmured in a low voice a few words, which the officer listened to with marks of the most profound surprise. "Are you satisfied now, Captain?" -"Perfectly, señor;" and turning to the sergeant, who was standing a few +"Perfectly, señor;" and turning to the sergeant, who was standing a few yards off, he said "open the gate." "It is unnecessary," the stranger remarked; "with your permission I will dismount here, and a soldier can hold my horse." -"As you please, señor." +"As you please, señor." The horseman dismounted, and threw the bridle to the sergeant, who held it till a private should come to take his place. @@ -4866,7 +4832,7 @@ it till a private should come to take his place. your kindness by leading me yourself to the person who expects me, I am at your orders." -"I am at yours, señor," the officer replied, "and since you desire it, +"I am at yours, señor," the officer replied, "and since you desire it, I shall have the honour of accompanying you." They then entered the palace, leaving behind them the sergeant and two @@ -4882,9 +4848,9 @@ two men at length reached the door of a study guarded, by two sentries; an usher, with a silver chain round his neck, was slowly walking up and down; at the sight of the two men he hurried up to them. -"You have arrived, señor," said the captain. +"You have arrived, señor," said the captain. -"I have now only to take my leave of you, señor, and offer you my +"I have now only to take my leave of you, señor, and offer you my thanks for your politeness," the horseman answered. They bowed, and the captain returned to his post. @@ -4897,32 +4863,32 @@ the stranger. "His Excellency will make an exception in my favour," the stranger remarked gently. -"I doubt it, señor; the order is general, and I dare not break it." +"I doubt it, señor; the order is general, and I dare not break it." The stranger appeared to reflect for a moment. The usher waited, evidently surprised that the stranger should persevere in remaining. The other at length raised his head; "I -understand, señor," he said, "how sacred the order you have received +understand, señor," he said, "how sacred the order you have received must be to you, hence I have no intention of urging you to disobey it; still, as the subject that brings me here is of the most serious nature, let me implore you to do me a service." -"To oblige you, señor, I will do anything that is compatible with the +"To oblige you, señor, I will do anything that is compatible with the duties of my office." -"I thank you, señor; however, I assure you, and you will soon receive +"I thank you, señor; however, I assure you, and you will soon receive proof of my assertion, that, far from reprimanding you, his Excellency, the President, will feel obliged to you for allowing me to reach his presence." -"I had the honour of remarking to you, señor--" +"I had the honour of remarking to you, señor--" "Let me explain to you what I want of you," the stranger interrupted quickly, "then you will tell me whether you can or cannot do me the service I ask of you." -"That is fair, speak, señor." +"That is fair, speak, señor." "I will write one word on a piece of paper, and this paper you will place before his Excellency's eyes, without saying a word, if his @@ -4938,17 +4904,17 @@ them." "Is it very necessary, then, that you should see his Excellency this morning?" the usher continued, without answering the question asked him. -"Señor don Livio," the stranger answered in a grave voice, "for though +"Señor don Livio," the stranger answered in a grave voice, "for though you do not know me, I know you, I am aware of your devotion to General -Miramón; well, on my honour and faith as a Christian, I swear to you +Miramón; well, on my honour and faith as a Christian, I swear to you that it is most urgent for him that I should see him without delay." -"That is sufficient, señor," the usher replied; seriously, "if it only +"That is sufficient, señor," the usher replied; seriously, "if it only depended on myself, you would be with him at this moment; there are paper, pen and ink, on that table, please write." The horseman thanked him, took up a pen and wrote in large letters, in -the middle of a sheet, this one word, "ADOLFO .°.", followed by three +the middle of a sheet, this one word, "ADOLFO .°.", followed by three dots, arranged in a triangle, and then handed it to the usher. "There," he said to him. @@ -4974,7 +4940,7 @@ hand. Don Adolfo respectfully pressed the President's hand, and sat down in an armchair by his side. At the moment when we bring him on the stage, -President Miramón, the general whose name was in every mouth, and who +President Miramón, the general whose name was in every mouth, and who was justly considered the first warrior of Mexico, as he was her best administrator, was quite a young man: he was scarce _twenty-six years of age_, and yet, what noble and grand actions he had accomplished @@ -5062,15 +5028,15 @@ is it?" "Hum! A very decent amount." -"Is it not? I next surprised that bandit Cuéllar; after that his worthy +"Is it not? I next surprised that bandit Cuéllar; after that his worthy partner Carvajal, and lastly their friend Felipe Irzabal had a row with -me; without counting several partisans of Juárez, whom their evil star +me; without counting several partisans of Juárez, whom their evil star brought across my track." "But the total from these various encounters, my friend?" "Nine hundred and odd thousand piastres; the guerilleros of the worthy -Juárez are excellent shearing, for they have their arms free, and take +Juárez are excellent shearing, for they have their arms free, and take advantage of it to fatten themselves by fishing largely in troubled waters. In short, I bring you about twelve hundred thousand piastres, which will be brought here on mules within an hour, and which you are @@ -5089,7 +5055,7 @@ decent amount." "What other sum are you alluding to, General? You have found money, then?" -"Yes," he replied with some hesitation; "a friend of mine, attaché to +"Yes," he replied with some hesitation; "a friend of mine, attaché to the Spanish embassy, suggested the means to me." Don Adolfo bounded as if he had been stung by a viper. @@ -5127,13 +5093,13 @@ The door had just been opened. "Did I not forbid you disturbing me?" the President said to the usher, who was standing respectfully before him. -"General Márquez, Excellency," the usher answered impassively. +"General Márquez, Excellency," the usher answered impassively. The President started, and a slight flush spread over his face. "Let him come in," he said sharply. -General Márquez appeared. +General Márquez appeared. "Well?" the President asked him. @@ -5163,10 +5129,10 @@ official seals, and I removed all the money I found, being careful to have it counted twice in the presence of witnesses, in order to be sure of the amount of money which I appropriated, in order to restore it in full hereafter. I thus carried off one million four hundred thousand -piastres (£240,000), which were immediately transported to the palace +piastres (£240,000), which were immediately transported to the palace by my orders." -After this succinct narration, General Márquez bowed, like a man +After this succinct narration, General Márquez bowed, like a man convinced that he has perfectly done his duty, and who expects complimenting. @@ -5205,7 +5171,7 @@ He rose. "Are you leaving me already?" the President asked him. "I must, Excellency; have I not to bring the money here, which I at -least took from your enemies?" Miramón hung his head sadly. +least took from your enemies?" Miramón hung his head sadly. "Pardon me, General, I was wrong, I should not have spoken thus; do I not know in my own case that misfortune is a bad adviser?" @@ -5253,17 +5219,17 @@ stranger whom accident makes them suddenly meet. Don Adolfo, while rapidly advancing through the streets, did not fail to observe what was going on around him; the ill-disguised restlessness, the growing anxiety of the population did not escape him. -Earnestly attached to General Miramón, whose noble character, lofty +Earnestly attached to General Miramón, whose noble character, lofty ideas, and, above all, his real desire for the welfare of his country, had attracted him, he felt a profound mental grief at the sight of the general despondency of the masses, and the disaffection of the people toward the only man, who at this moment, had he been honestly -supported, was able to save them from the government of Juárez--that +supported, was able to save them from the government of Juárez--that is to say, from anarchy organized by the terrorism of the sabre. He continued to advance without appearing to pay any attention to what was going on, or to what was being said in the groups collected on the doorsteps, in the shops, or at the corners of the streets, groups in -which the carrying off of the English money by General Márquez upon the +which the carrying off of the English money by General Márquez upon the peremptory order of the President of the Republic, was being discussed and appreciated in a thousand different ways. @@ -5275,12 +5241,12 @@ most arbitrary act of power. Don Adolfo perfectly understood this distinction; the inhabitants of the faubourg, mostly poor people belonging to the lowest class of the population, were indifferent to an act which could not affect them, and by which only the rich city -merchants could be hurt. On coming near the _Garita_, or Gate of Belén, +merchants could be hurt. On coming near the _Garita_, or Gate of Belén, he at length stopped before an isolated house, of modest, though not poor appearance, whose door was carefully closed. At the sound of his horse's hoofs, a window was half opened, a cry of delight was raised in the interior of the house, and a moment later the gate was thrown -wide open to let him pass in. Don Adolfo entered, crossed the _zaguán_, +wide open to let him pass in. Don Adolfo entered, crossed the _zaguán_, reached the patio, where he dismounted, and fastened his horse to a ring fixed in the wall. @@ -5292,12 +5258,12 @@ quickly?" remain a very little time with you, in spite of my lively desire to grant you several hours." -"Very good, brother; in the doubt you can let José lead your horse to +"Very good, brother; in the doubt you can let José lead your horse to the corral, where it will be more comfortable than in the patio." "Do as you please, sister." -"You hear, José?" the lady said to an old man servant; "Lead Moreno +"You hear, José?" the lady said to an old man servant; "Lead Moreno to the corral, rub him down carefully, and give him a double feed of alfalfa. Come, brother," she added, passing her arm through don Jaime's. @@ -5321,24 +5287,24 @@ for he leads a most mysterious life: going off without saying where to, staying away frequently a very long time, and then returning without saying where he comes from." -"Patience, María, patience! Do you not know," he said with a shade of +"Patience, MarÃa, patience! Do you not know," he said with a shade of sorrow in his voice, "that we are toiling for you and your daughter? Some day, ere long I hope, all will be cleared up." "Heaven grant it, don Jaime; but we are very solitary, and very anxious in this small house; the country is in a state of utter disturbance, the roads are infested by brigands; we tremble every moment lest you or -don Estevan may have fallen into the hands of Cuéllar, Carvajal, or El +don Estevan may have fallen into the hands of Cuéllar, Carvajal, or El Rayo, those bandits without faith or law, about whom frightful stories are daily told us." -"Reassure yourself, sister, Cuéllar, Carvajal, and even El Rayo," he +"Reassure yourself, sister, Cuéllar, Carvajal, and even El Rayo," he replied with a smile, "are not so terrible as people think proper to represent to you; however, I only ask a little patience of you; before a month, I repeat, sister, all mystery shall cease, and justice be done." -"Justice!" doña María murmured, with a sigh; "Will that justice restore +"Justice!" doña MarÃa murmured, with a sigh; "Will that justice restore me my lost happiness--my son?" "Sister," he replied with some degree of solemnity, "why doubt the @@ -5347,7 +5313,7 @@ power of Heaven? Hope, I tell you." "Alas! Don Jaime, do you really understand the full import of that remark? Do you know what it is to say to a mother: hope?" -"María, do I need to repeat to you that you and your daughter are the +"MarÃa, do I need to repeat to you that you and your daughter are the two sole ties that attach me to life, that I have devoted my entire existence to you, sacrificing for the sake of seeing you one day happy, avenged and restored to the high rank from which you ought not to @@ -5384,8 +5350,8 @@ eyes are red, you are pale, you have been crying again." is all; have you not brought don Estevan back with you?" "No," he replied lightly, "he will not return for some days; but he -is perfectly well," he added, exchanging a significant look with doña -María. +is perfectly well," he added, exchanging a significant look with doña +MarÃa. "Have you seen him?" @@ -5400,22 +5366,22 @@ us sit down," and she rang a bell. The same old servant who had led don Jaime's horse to the corral, came in. -"You can serve, José," doña Carmen said to him. +"You can serve, José," doña Carmen said to him. They sat down to table and began their meal. We will trace in a few lines the portrait of the two ladies whom the exigencies of our narrative have compelled us to bring on the scene. -The first, doña María, don Jaime's sister, was still a beautiful woman, +The first, doña MarÃa, don Jaime's sister, was still a beautiful woman, although her sunken and worn features bore traces of great sorrows; her carriage was noble, her manner graceful, and her smile sweet and sad. Although she could not be more than forty-two, her hair had turned perfectly white, and formed a striking contrast with her black eyebrows -and bright flashing eyes, which revealed strength and youth. Doña María +and bright flashing eyes, which revealed strength and youth. Doña MarÃa was dressed in long mourning robes, which gave her a religious and ascetic appearance. -Doña Carmen, her daughter, was twenty-two years of age at the most; +Doña Carmen, her daughter, was twenty-two years of age at the most; she was lovely as her mother--of whom she was the living portrait--had been at her age. All about her was graceful and dainty; her voice had an extraordinary sweet modulation, her pure brow evidenced candour, and @@ -5432,7 +5398,7 @@ sounds perceptible to himself alone; at other times he sank into so profound a reverie, that his sister or niece was forced to recall him to himself by giving him a gentle tap. -"Really, there is something the matter with you, brother," doña María +"Really, there is something the matter with you, brother," doña MarÃa could not refrain from saying to him. "Yes," the young lady added, "this preoccupation is not natural, uncle, @@ -5452,7 +5418,7 @@ in the city, that I confess to you plainly I fear a catastrophe." things of that sort. I advise you seriously, if you are not absolutely obliged, not to leave the house today." -"Oh, not today, or tomorrow, brother," doña María eagerly answered; +"Oh, not today, or tomorrow, brother," doña MarÃa eagerly answered; "for a long time past we have only gone out to go to mass." "Not even to attend mass for some time hence, sister, I should advise @@ -5470,7 +5436,7 @@ course is to protect oneself." "You really terrify me, brother." -"Good Heavens, uncle, what will become of us?" doña Carmen exclaimed, +"Good Heavens, uncle, what will become of us?" doña Carmen exclaimed, clasping her hands in horror; "These Mexicans frighten me--they are thorough barbarians." @@ -5484,7 +5450,7 @@ feelings." "Unfortunately, I must allow that they repay us with interest the injury which they accuse our forefathers of having done them, and that they detest us cordially; but they do not know that you and I -are Spaniards, and believe you to be _hijas del país_, which is a +are Spaniards, and believe you to be _hijas del paÃs_, which is a protection for you; as for don Estevan, he passes for a Peruvian, and everybody is convinced that I am a Frenchman; hence you see that the danger is not so great as you suppose, and that you have nothing @@ -5511,7 +5477,7 @@ Don Jaime laughed and lit his cigarette. "By the bye," he said presently, "have you seen anyone from the rancho?" -"Yes, a fortnight ago Loïck came with his wife Thérèse, and brought us +"Yes, a fortnight ago Loïck came with his wife Thérèse, and brought us some cheese and two jars of pulque." "Did he say anything about the Arenal?" @@ -5526,13 +5492,13 @@ some cheese and two jars of pulque." "Good gracious, I do not remember exactly what he said." -"Stay uncle, I remember, these were the exact words, señorita, when +"Stay uncle, I remember, these were the exact words, señorita, when you see your uncle, be kind enough to inform him that the wounded -man whom he placed in the vault in López' charge, took advantage of +man whom he placed in the vault in López' charge, took advantage of the absence of the latter to escape, and that in spite of all our researches, we could not find him again." -"Maldición!" don Jaime exclaimed furiously, "Why did that ass of a +"Maldición!" don Jaime exclaimed furiously, "Why did that ass of a Dominique not let him die like a wild beast: I suspected it would end thus." @@ -5584,20 +5550,20 @@ able to appear elegant when she wishes to do so." "My kind uncle!" the young lady exclaimed, "I am sure that you are depriving yourself for our sake." -"That is not your business, señorita, I wish to see you looking nice, +"That is not your business, señorita, I wish to see you looking nice, that is my whim: it is your duty as a submissive niece to obey me, without venturing any remarks: come kiss me both and let me be off, for I have delayed too long already." The two ladies followed him into the patio, where they helped him to -saddle Moreno, whom doña Carmen patted and fed with sugar, an attention +saddle Moreno, whom doña Carmen patted and fed with sugar, an attention for which the noble animal appeared duly grateful. At the moment when don Jaime was giving the old servant orders to open the gate, the hasty galloping of a horse was audible outside: then, hurried blows were dealt on the gate. "Oh, oh!" said don Jaime, "What is happening?" and he went boldly under -the zaguán. +the zaguán. "Uncle, brother," the two ladies screamed, attempting to arrest him. @@ -5606,7 +5572,7 @@ who is there?" he shouted. "A friend," was the reply. -"It is Loïck's voice," the adventurer said, and opened the gate. +"It is Loïck's voice," the adventurer said, and opened the gate. The ranchero came in, "Heaven be praised!" he exclaimed on noticing don Jaime, "For allowing me to meet you here." @@ -5614,9 +5580,9 @@ Jaime, "For allowing me to meet you here." "What has happened?" the adventurer quietly asked. "A great misfortune," he answered, "the hacienda del Arenal has been -captured by Cuéllar's band." +captured by Cuéllar's band." -"¡Demonios!" the adventurer shouted, turning pale with passion, "When +"¡Demonios!" the adventurer shouted, turning pale with passion, "When did this happen?" "Three days ago." @@ -5631,7 +5597,7 @@ get here." "Rest, yourself and eat, and then you will tell me what has happened." The two ladies hastened to place before the ranchero, bread, meat and -pulque. While Loïck was taking the nourishment, of which he had such +pulque. While Loïck was taking the nourishment, of which he had such pressing need, don Jaime was walking in agitation up and down the room. At a sign from him the ladies had discreetly retired, leaving him alone with the ranchero. @@ -5643,7 +5609,7 @@ with the ranchero. "Now, do you feel capable of narrating to me how this catastrophe occurred?" -"I am at your orders, señor." +"I am at your orders, señor." "Speak, then." @@ -5663,10 +5629,10 @@ We will substitute our narrative for that of the ranchero, who, indeed, was ignorant of many of the details, only knowing the facts which had been related to himself. We will go back to the precise moment when Oliver--for the reader has of course recognized him in don -Jaime--parted from doña Dolores and the count, at a distance of about -two leagues from the hacienda del Arenal. Doña Dolores and the persons +Jaime--parted from doña Dolores and the count, at a distance of about +two leagues from the hacienda del Arenal. Doña Dolores and the persons who accompanied her, did not reach the hacienda till a few minutes -before sunset. Don Andrés, alarmed by this lengthened ride, received +before sunset. Don Andrés, alarmed by this lengthened ride, received them with marks of the most lively joy: but he had noticed them a long way off, and on seeing Leo Carral with them, he had been reassured. @@ -5675,7 +5641,7 @@ with a thoroughly paternal anxiety. "I can understand all the pleasure you of course feel in galloping by the side of that madcap, Dolores; but you do not know this country, and may lose your way. Moreover, the roads are at this moment infested with marauders belonging to all the -parties that divide the unhappy republic; and these pícaros have no +parties that divide the unhappy republic; and these pÃcaros have no more scruple in firing at a gentleman, than in killing a coyote." "I believe your fears are exaggerated, sir: we have had a delightful @@ -5691,20 +5657,20 @@ saying a word; only now and then, evidently astonished at the good understanding that seemed to prevail between his sister and the French gentleman, he turned his head toward them, giving them glances of a singular expression; but the young people feigned not to remark -them, and continued their conversation in a low voice. Don Andrés was +them, and continued their conversation in a low voice. Don Andrés was radiant. In his joy he spoke loudly, addressed everybody, and ate and drank heartily. When they rose from table, Ludovic checked the old gentleman, as they were taking leave. "Pardon me," he said; "but I should like a word with you." -"I am at your orders," don Andrés replied. +"I am at your orders," don Andrés replied. "Good heavens! I do not know how to explain it to you, sir. I am afraid I have acted rather lightly, and have committed an offence against propriety." -"You, Count!" don Andrés remarked, with a smile; "You will permit me +"You, Count!" don Andrés remarked, with a smile; "You will permit me not to believe it." "I thank you for the good opinion you have of me; still I must make you @@ -5717,7 +5683,7 @@ straight to Mexico, for I was ignorant of your presence here--" "Quite true; go on." -"Well, I wrote to an intimate friend of mine, an attaché of the French +"Well, I wrote to an intimate friend of mine, an attaché of the French Legation, to inform him, first, of my arrival, and in the next place, to beg him to take the trouble of finding me rooms. Now, this friend, whose name is Baron Charles de Meriadec, and who belongs to a very @@ -5734,12 +5700,12 @@ and confidence, for which I am extremely grateful." morning, I received a note from him, in which he tells me that he has obtained leave, and intends to spend his holiday with me." -"Ah! ¡Caramba!" Don Andrés exclaimed, joyously; "The idea is +"Ah! ¡Caramba!" Don Andrés exclaimed, joyously; "The idea is delightful, and I shall thank your friend for it." "Then you do not consider him rather unceremonious?" -"What do you mean by unceremonious, Count?" Don Andrés quickly +"What do you mean by unceremonious, Count?" Don Andrés quickly interrupted; "are you not almost my son-in-law?" "But I am not so yet, sir." @@ -5760,7 +5726,7 @@ whenever the opportunity is afforded you." Don Melchior understood the sarcasm hidden under these words. He bowed stiffly, and withdrew with a growl. -"And when does the Baron de Meriadec arrive don Andrés continued. +"And when does the Baron de Meriadec arrive don Andrés continued. "Well, sir, you confuse me; but as I must confess everything, I believe that he will arrive tomorrow morning." @@ -5801,7 +5767,7 @@ a request." wish: this evening with your permission, everything shall be put in order." -Ludovic hereupon took leave of don Andrés, and retired to his +Ludovic hereupon took leave of don Andrés, and retired to his apartments; but almost immediately after him came peons loaded with furniture, who in a few minutes converted his drawing room into a comfortable bedroom. The count, so soon as he was alone with his valet, @@ -5812,7 +5778,7 @@ morning, the count was informed that a rider, dressed in the European fashion and followed by an _arriero_, driving two mules loaded with trunks and portemanteaux was approaching the hacienda. Ludovic had no doubt that it was Dominique, and hence hurried to the hacienda gate. -Don Andrés was already there to do the honour to the stranger. +Don Andrés was already there to do the honour to the stranger. The count in his heart felt some anxiety as to the way in which the _vaquero_ would wear his European dress, so tight and warm and for @@ -5826,11 +5792,11 @@ about the part he was undertaking to play, but he was soon convinced that it was really Dominique who was before him. The two young men greeted each other with marks of the most lively -friendship, and then the count introduced his friend to don Andrés. +friendship, and then the count introduced his friend to don Andrés. The hacendero, delighted with the good looks and appearance of the young man, gave him a most cordial greeting, and then the count and the -baron retired, followed by the arriero, who was no other than Loïck +baron retired, followed by the arriero, who was no other than Loïck the ranchero. So soon as the mules were unloaded, and the trunks were placed in the apartments, the baron--for we will temporarily give him the title--gave a generous fee to the arriero who most heartily thanked @@ -5866,11 +5832,11 @@ same key. Upon this, the two young men shook hands cordially, laughing like schoolboys home for the holidays. A portion of the day was thus spent without further incident than the introduction of Baron Charles de -Meriadec, by his friend Count Louis de Saulay, to doña Dolores, and her +Meriadec, by his friend Count Louis de Saulay, to doña Dolores, and her brother, don Melchior de la Cruz, a double introduction in which the baron behaved like a practised comedian. -Doña Dolores returned a graceful and encouraging smile for the +Doña Dolores returned a graceful and encouraging smile for the compliment which the young man considered himself obliged to pay her. Don Melchior contented himself with a silent bow, while giving him an ugly look from under his eyelashes. @@ -5880,7 +5846,7 @@ ugly look from under his eyelashes. "I entirely share that opinion," the count answered distinctly. -At about three in the afternoon, doña Dolores sent to ask the young men +At about three in the afternoon, doña Dolores sent to ask the young men if they would do her the honour of offering her their company for a few moments: they eagerly accepted and hastened to join her. They crossed don Melchior in the courtyard: the young man did not speak to them, but @@ -5891,7 +5857,7 @@ existence of the inhabitants of the hacienda. The count and his friend frequently went out, accompanied by the majordomo, either to shoot or simply for a ride; sometimes, though -rarely, doña Dolores accompanied them. +rarely, doña Dolores accompanied them. Now that the count was no longer alone with her, she seemed to be less afraid of meeting him and at times even to take pleasure in it: @@ -5909,7 +5875,7 @@ lady's manoeuvres: though exquisitely polite to her and most attentive, he still remained within the strict limits he had laid down for himself, not wishing to render a man jealous, for whom he professed a sincere friendship, and whom he knew to be on the point of marrying -doña Dolores. +doña Dolores. As for don Melchior, his character had grown more and more sombre, his absences had become longer and more frequent, and on the rare occasions @@ -5919,11 +5885,11 @@ repugnance he had felt for them from the outset, had changed with the course of time into a good and hearty Mexican hatred. In the meanwhile, political events pressed on with ever increasing -rapidity: Juárez' troops seriously occupied the country: already +rapidity: Juárez' troops seriously occupied the country: already scouts belonging to his party had appeared in the neighbourhood of the hacienda: people talked vaguely of Spanish chateaux taken by assault, plundered, burnt, and whose owners had been cowardly assassinated by -the guerilleros. The anxiety was great at Arenal: don Andrés de la +the guerilleros. The anxiety was great at Arenal: don Andrés de la Cruz, who was not reassured as to the future by the fact of his being a Spaniard, took the most extensive precautions not to be surprised by the enemy. The question of abandoning the hacienda and retiring to @@ -5946,7 +5912,7 @@ he met don Melchior on horseback proceeding to the hacienda gate. The count then asked himself why, at so advanced an hour (it was about nine o'clock at night), don Melchior ventured on a moonless night to go alone into the country, at the risk of falling into an ambush of -Juárez' guerilleros, whose scouts, as he was perfectly well aware, had +Juárez' guerilleros, whose scouts, as he was perfectly well aware, had been prowling round the hacienda for some days past. This fresh departure of the young man, for which there was no apparent @@ -5966,7 +5932,7 @@ to the neighbourhood of the hacienda." "Can it be foreboding?" the count said pensively. "Will you let me accompany you?" -"I purpose going out and beating up the country a little," Ño Leo +"I purpose going out and beating up the country a little," Ño Leo Carral continued. "Very good: have my horse and don Carlos' saddled, we will join you in @@ -6006,17 +5972,17 @@ expedition." "I suspect don Melchior." -"But remember, friend, that he is the son and heir of don Andrés." +"But remember, friend, that he is the son and heir of don Andrés." "Yes, but as we say on the wrong side of the blanket; his mother was a Zapotheque Indian, with whom, I do not know why, my master fell in love, for she was neither beautiful, nor good, nor witty; however, the result of their connection was a child, and that child is don Melchior. -The mother died in childbirth, imploring don Andrés not to abandon the +The mother died in childbirth, imploring don Andrés not to abandon the poor creature; my master promised it, recognized the boy, and brought him up as if he had been legitimate, and a few years later induced his wife to receive him into the family. He was thus brought up as if he -were really a legitimate son, the more so, that doña Lucia de la Cruz +were really a legitimate son, the more so, that doña Lucia de la Cruz died, only leaving her husband a daughter." "Ah! Ah!" said the count, "I am beginning to get a glimpse of the @@ -6024,7 +5990,7 @@ truth." "All went on well for some years; don Melchior, most kindly treated by his father, gradually came to persuade himself that on the death of don -Andrés the paternal fortune would fall to him; but about a year ago my +Andrés the paternal fortune would fall to him; but about a year ago my master received a letter, after reading which he had a long and serious explanation with his son. @@ -6045,7 +6011,7 @@ anything, even a crime, to seize on it. This, Excellency, was what I thought it my duty to tell you. Heaven knows that if I have spoken, it was solely from a pure motive." -"Everything is now explained to me, Ño Leo Carral. I am, like yourself, +"Everything is now explained to me, Ño Leo Carral. I am, like yourself, persuaded that Melchior meditates some odious treachery against the man to whom he owes everything, and who is his father." @@ -6099,7 +6065,7 @@ suspecting that he had passed through all the outposts of a hostile camp; had been within pistol shot of sentinels ambuscaded on the right and left, and had escaped death perhaps twenty times by a miracle. -"Señores, take the bags off the horses, as they are no longer wanted, +"Señores, take the bags off the horses, as they are no longer wanted, while I light a torch of ocote wood," Leo Carral then said. The young men obeyed, for they tacitly recognized the majordomo as the @@ -6138,7 +6104,7 @@ might have discovered this grotto during his rides, I determined to visit it tonight, and solidly wall it up inside, so as to prevent a surprise in this way." -"Famously reasoned, Ño Leo Carral; there is no want of stones, so we +"Famously reasoned, Ño Leo Carral; there is no want of stones, so we will set to work as soon as you like." "One moment, Excellency, let us make certain first that other persons @@ -6201,7 +6167,7 @@ what was going on. "To arms, to arms!" shouted the count, and his two companions. -In a few words don Andrés was informed of the state of matters, and +In a few words don Andrés was informed of the state of matters, and while he had his daughter guarded in her rooms, by some devoted attendants, and organized the defense as well as circumstances permitted him, the majordomo, followed by the two young men and their @@ -6357,7 +6323,7 @@ barrels. how it is bulging. It will fall in a moment." And, setting the example, he ran off at full speed. Nearly all the -defenders of the hacienda, about forty in number, with don Andrés at +defenders of the hacienda, about forty in number, with don Andrés at their head, were assembled at the entrance of the huerta. "Why are you running so hard?" the hacendero asked the young men; "Are @@ -6366,7 +6332,7 @@ the brigands after you?" "No, no," Dominique replied; "not yet; but you will soon have news of them." -"Where is doña Dolores?" the count asked. +"Where is doña Dolores?" the count asked. "In my apartments with her women, and perfectly safe." @@ -6386,10 +6352,10 @@ huerta. You will wait for me there with Lanca, both well armed. Go." Raimbaut went off at once, as quiet and calm as if nothing extraordinary were occurring at the moment. -"Ah!" said don Andrés with a sigh of regret; "If Melchior was here he +"Ah!" said don Andrés with a sigh of regret; "If Melchior was here he would be very useful to us." -"He will be here soon, señor, you may be sure," the count remarked, +"He will be here soon, señor, you may be sure," the count remarked, ironically. "Where can he be, though?" @@ -6418,7 +6384,7 @@ and there the disfigured remains of what had been a moment before men, emerged from the middle of the fragments. The catastrophe must have been awful, but the passage kept the secret close. -"Oh! Heaven be praised! We are saved!" don Andrés exclaimed. +"Oh! Heaven be praised! We are saved!" don Andrés exclaimed. "Yes, yes," the majordomo said; "if no other assailants arrive from another quarter." @@ -6440,47 +6406,47 @@ a torch in the other. "By heaven! I will stop him!" Dominique said, taking aim at him. -Don Andrés darted at the gun, which he threw up. +Don Andrés darted at the gun, which he threw up. "It is my son!" he said. The shot passed harmlessly through the air. -"Hum! I fancy you will repent having saved his life, señor," Dominique +"Hum! I fancy you will repent having saved his life, señor," Dominique coldly replied. -Don Andrés, dragged away by the count and Dominique, entered his +Don Andrés, dragged away by the count and Dominique, entered his apartments, all the issues to which his peons hastily barricaded, and then kept up a sustained fire from the windows on the besiegers. -Don Melchior had an understanding with the partisans of Juárez. +Don Melchior had an understanding with the partisans of Juárez. Reduced, as the majordomo had very correctly told the count, to a state of desperation by the speedy marriage of his sister, and the inevitable loss of the fortune of which he had so long entertained the hope of being sole heir, the young man forgot all moderation, and, under -certain conditions accepted by Cuéllar, though with, the intention of +certain conditions accepted by Cuéllar, though with, the intention of not fulfilling them, he had proposed to the latter to surrender the hacienda to him; and all the measures had been taken in consequence. It was then arranged that a portion of the cuadrilla, under the orders of resolute officers, should attempt a surprise by the secret passage, which the young man had previously made known. Then, while this -troop was operating, the other of the cuadrilla, under Cuéllar's own +troop was operating, the other of the cuadrilla, under Cuéllar's own orders, and guided by don Melchior, would silently scale the walls of the hacienda on the side of the corrals, which the inhabitants would doubtless neglect to defend. We have related the success of this double attack. -Cuéllar, though he was still ignorant of it, had lost one half of his +Cuéllar, though he was still ignorant of it, had lost one half of his cuadrilla, who were buried under the ruins of the grotto. With the men left him he was at this moment waging an obstinate fight with the peons of the hacienda, who, knowing they had to deal with the band of -Cuéllar, the most ferocious and sanguinary of all Juárez' guerilleros, +Cuéllar, the most ferocious and sanguinary of all Juárez' guerilleros, and that this band never granted quarter, fought with the energy of desperation, which renders strength tenfold as great. The combat lasted some time. The peons, ambushed in the apartments, had lined the windows with everything that came to hand, and fired under cover at the assailants scattered about the courtyards, on whom they entailed -considerable losses. Cuéllar was furious, not alone at this unforeseen +considerable losses. Cuéllar was furious, not alone at this unforeseen resistance, but also at the incomprehensible delay of the soldiers of his cuadrilla who had entered by the grotto, and who should have joined him long ere this. He had certainly heard the noise of the explosion, @@ -6512,11 +6478,11 @@ an instinctive movement of terror before the terrible spectacle that was presented to them. This room was splendidly lit up by a number of candles, placed in all the chandeliers and on the various articles of furniture. In one corner of the room a barricade had been erected -by piling up the furniture: behind this barricade, doña Dolores had +by piling up the furniture: behind this barricade, doña Dolores had sought shelter with all the wives and children of the hacienda peons, two paces in front of the barricade, four men were standing erect with a gun in one hand and a pistol in the other. These four men were don -Andrés, the count, Dominique and Leo Carral: two barrels of gunpowder +Andrés, the count, Dominique and Leo Carral: two barrels of gunpowder with the heads knocked out were placed near them. "Halt," the count said in a jeering voice, "halt, I request, @@ -6543,7 +6509,7 @@ The guerilleros recoiled, uttering shrieks of terror. "Do not fire, do not fire," they exclaimed; "here is the colonel." -In fact, Cuéllar arrived. Cuéllar is a frightful bandit, this statement +In fact, Cuéllar arrived. Cuéllar is a frightful bandit, this statement will surprise nobody, but we must do him the justice of stating that he possesses unparalleled bravery. He forced his way through his soldiers, and soon found himself standing alone in front of them. He bowed @@ -6560,7 +6526,7 @@ there is enough there to send us all to paradise." hesitated to blow up your men, whom you sent as scouts through the grotto." -"What," Cuéllar asked, turning pale, "what is it you are saying about +"What," Cuéllar asked, turning pale, "what is it you are saying about my soldiers?" "I am saying," the count replied coldly, "that you can have their @@ -6570,36 +6536,36 @@ have fallen there." A shudder of terror ran along the ranks of the guerilleros at these words. -There was a silence. Cuéllar was reflecting. He raised his head, every +There was a silence. Cuéllar was reflecting. He raised his head, every trace of emotion had disappeared from his face, and he looked around him as searching for something. "Are you looking for a light?" Dominique asked him, as he advanced -toward him candle in hand: "Pray light your cigarette, señor." +toward him candle in hand: "Pray light your cigarette, señor." And he politely held out the candle. -Cuéllar lit his cigarette, and returned the candlestick. +Cuéllar lit his cigarette, and returned the candlestick. -"Thanks, señor," he said. +"Thanks, señor," he said. Dominique rejoined his companions. -"So then," said Cuéllar, "you request a capitulation." +"So then," said Cuéllar, "you request a capitulation." -"You are mistaken, señor," the count replied coolly; "on the contrary, +"You are mistaken, señor," the count replied coolly; "on the contrary, we offer you one." "You offer us?" the guerillero said with amazement. "Yes, since we are masters of your life." -"Pardon me," Cuéllar said, "that is specious, for on blowing us up, you +"Pardon me," Cuéllar said, "that is specious, for on blowing us up, you will go with us." "Hang it! That is precisely what we intend." -Cuéllar reflected once more. +Cuéllar reflected once more. "Come," he said a moment after, "let us not wage a war of words, but come to the fact like men: what do you want?" @@ -6615,18 +6581,18 @@ CHAPTER XVII. AFTER THE BATTLE. -Cuéllar was carelessly smoking his cigarette, his left hand was laid on +Cuéllar was carelessly smoking his cigarette, his left hand was laid on his long sabre, the end of the scabbard resting on the floor: there was a charming ease in the way in which he stood at the door of the room, letting his eyes wander around with a feline gentleness, and emitting through his mouth and nostrils, with the blessed sensuality of a real enjoyer, thick clouds of bluish smoke. -"Pardon, señores," he said, "before going further, it is necessary to +"Pardon, señores," he said, "before going further, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding, I think, so permit me to make a slight observation." -"Do so, señor," the count answered. +"Do so, señor," the count answered. "I am perfectly willing to treat: I am a very easy man to deal with as you see, but do not ask of me extravagant things which I should @@ -6641,7 +6607,7 @@ Although these words were uttered with a smiling air, the count was not deceived as to the resolute purpose of the man with whom he was dealing. -"Oh señor," he said, "you know us very badly, if you suppose us capable +"Oh señor," he said, "you know us very badly, if you suppose us capable of asking impossibilities of you, still as our position is good, we wish to take advantage of it." @@ -6649,17 +6615,17 @@ wish to take advantage of it." and your countrymen never doubt anything, I thought it my duty to make this observation to you." -"Be convinced señor," the count answered, while affecting the same +"Be convinced señor," the count answered, while affecting the same tranquillity as the other, "that we shall only demand reasonable conditions." -"You demand," Cuéllar repeated, laying a stress on these two words. +"You demand," Cuéllar repeated, laying a stress on these two words. "Yes: hence we will not oblige you to leave the hacienda, because we know that if you went out today, you would recommence the attack tomorrow." -"You are full of penetration, señor: so pray come to the facts." +"You are full of penetration, señor: so pray come to the facts." "In the first place you will give up the poor peons who have escaped the massacre." @@ -6670,12 +6636,12 @@ the massacre." "Agreed, go on." -"Don Andrés de la Cruz, his daughter, my friend, myself and Leo Carral, +"Don Andrés de la Cruz, his daughter, my friend, myself and Leo Carral, the majordomo, and all the women and children sheltered in this room, will be at liberty to retire whenever we please without fear of being disturbed." -Cuéllar made a grimace. "What next?" he said. +Cuéllar made a grimace. "What next?" he said. "Pardon me, is that settled?" @@ -6684,7 +6650,7 @@ Cuéllar made a grimace. "What next?" he said. "My friend and I are strangers, Frenchmen, and Mexico is not at war, as far as I am aware, with our country." -"It might happen," Cuéllar said maliciously. +"It might happen," Cuéllar said maliciously. "Perhaps so, but in the meanwhile we are at peace, and have a claim to your protection." @@ -6717,29 +6683,29 @@ everything that belongs to us." "Well, what more do you want?" -"As I told you, hostages: you can perfectly understand, señor, that I +"As I told you, hostages: you can perfectly understand, señor, that I would not confide my life and that of my companions, I will not say to you, for I hold your word and believe it good, but to your soldiers, who, like the worthy guerilleros they are, would have not the slightest scruple, if we had the madness to place ourselves in their power, about plundering us and perhaps worse: you do not command regular troops, -señor, and however strict may be the discipline you maintain in your +señor, and however strict may be the discipline you maintain in your cuadrilla, I doubt whether it goes so far as to make your prisoners respected, when you are not there to protect them by your presence." -Cuéllar, flattered in his heart by the count's remarks, gave him a +Cuéllar, flattered in his heart by the count's remarks, gave him a gracious smile. "Hum," he said, "what you say may be true up to a certain point. Well, who are the hostages you desire, and how many are they?" -"Only one, señor, you see that it is very trifling." +"Only one, señor, you see that it is very trifling." "Very trifling, indeed; but who is this hostage?" "Yourself," the count answered distinctly. -"Canarios!" Cuéllar said with a grin, "You are a cool hand: that one +"Canarios!" Cuéllar said with a grin, "You are a cool hand: that one would in truth be sufficient." "For that reason we will have no other." @@ -6754,7 +6720,7 @@ please?" "The word of a French gentleman, caballero," the count hastily replied, "a word which has never been pledged in vain." -"On my word," Cuéllar continued with that bonhomie of which he +"On my word," Cuéllar continued with that bonhomie of which he possesses so large a share and which, where it suits him, causes him to be taken for the best fellow in the world: "I accept, caballero, let what may happen, for I am curious to try that word of honour of which @@ -6772,24 +6738,24 @@ remain here during my absence and watch that everything goes on right." "Yes," don Melchior replied hoarsely. The count, after whispering a few words to the majordomo, again -addressed Cuéllar. +addressed Cuéllar. -"Señor," he said to him, "be kind enough to give orders for the peons -to be brought here: then, while you remain with us, Ño Leo Carral will +"Señor," he said to him, "be kind enough to give orders for the peons +to be brought here: then, while you remain with us, Ño Leo Carral will go and make all the preparations for our departure." -"Good," said Cuéllar, "the majordomo can go about his business: you +"Good," said Cuéllar, "the majordomo can go about his business: you hear, my men," he added, turning to the guerilleros who still stood motionless, "this man is free, bring the peons here." Some fifteen poor wretches, with their clothes in rags, covered with blood, but armed as had been agreed, then entered the drawing room: these fifteen men were all that remained of the defenders of -the hacienda. Cuéllar then entered the room in the doorway of which +the hacienda. Cuéllar then entered the room in the doorway of which he had been hitherto standing, and without being invited to do it, posted himself behind the barricade. Don Melchior, feeling the false position in which he was placed, now that he remained alone, facing the -besieged, turned away to retire; but at this moment don Andrés rose, +besieged, turned away to retire; but at this moment don Andrés rose, and addressed him in a loud and imperious voice. "Stay, Melchior," he said to him, "we cannot separate thus: now, that @@ -6828,10 +6794,10 @@ who left a passage for him with a movement of horror. A funereal silence pervaded the room; all these men, though so little impressionable, felt the influence of the terrible malediction -pronounced by a father on a guilty son. Cuéllar was the first to +pronounced by a father on a guilty son. Cuéllar was the first to recover his coolness. -"You were wrong," he said to don Andrés, with a shake of his head, "to +"You were wrong," he said to don Andrés, with a shake of his head, "to offer your son this crushing insult in the presence of all." "Yes, yes," the old gentleman answered sadly, "he will avenge himself; @@ -6840,13 +6806,13 @@ but what do I care? Is not my life henceforth crushed?" And bowing his head on his chest, the old man sank into a deep and gloomy meditation. -"Watch over him," Cuéllar said to the count, "I know don Melchior, he +"Watch over him," Cuéllar said to the count, "I know don Melchior, he is a thorough Indian." -In the meanwhile, doña Dolores, who up to this moment had remained, +In the meanwhile, doña Dolores, who up to this moment had remained, timidly concealed among her women behind the barricade, rose, removed some articles of furniture, glided softly through the opening she had -effected, and sat down by the side of don Andrés. The latter did not +effected, and sat down by the side of don Andrés. The latter did not stir; he had neither seen her come nor heard her place herself by his side. She bent down to him, seized his hand, which she pressed in her own; kissed him softly on the forehead, and said to him in her @@ -6857,7 +6823,7 @@ respects you? Do not let yourself be thus prostrated by grief; look at me, papa, in Heaven's name! I am your daughter, do you not love me, who feel so great a love for you?" -Don Andrés raised his face, which was bathed in tears, and opened his +Don Andrés raised his face, which was bathed in tears, and opened his arms to the girl, who rushed into them with a cry of joy. "Oh! I was ungrateful," he exclaimed, with ineffable tenderness; "I doubted the infinite goodness of God; my daughter is left to me! I am no longer @@ -6927,7 +6893,7 @@ departure. Beckoning the women and children, the little caravan was composed of about sixty persons, all that were left of the two hundred servants of the hacienda. -Cuéllar rode at the head, by the side of the count; behind him was doña +Cuéllar rode at the head, by the side of the count; behind him was doña Dolores, between her father and Dominique; next came the peons, leading the bat mules, under the direction of Leo Carral and the count's two servants; the guerilleros formed the rearguard. @@ -6943,12 +6909,12 @@ hour. Suddenly a great light tinged the sky with reddish hues, and lit up the country for a long distance. The hacienda was on fire. At this sight, -don Andrés cast a sad glance behind him, and gave vent to a deep sigh, -but he did not utter a word. Cuéllar was the only person that spoke; he +don Andrés cast a sad glance behind him, and gave vent to a deep sigh, +but he did not utter a word. Cuéllar was the only person that spoke; he tried to prove to the count, that war had painful necessities, that for -a long time past, don Andrés had been denounced as an avowed partisan -of Miramón, and that the capture and destruction of the hacienda were -only the results of his dislike of President Juárez. All matters to +a long time past, don Andrés had been denounced as an avowed partisan +of Miramón, and that the capture and destruction of the hacienda were +only the results of his dislike of President Juárez. All matters to which the count, understanding the inutility of a discussion on such a subject with such a man, did not even take the trouble to reply. They rode on then for about three hours, without any incident occurring to @@ -6960,13 +6926,13 @@ still indistinct outlines standing out against the dark blue sky. The count ordered the party to halt. -"Señor," he said to Cuéllar, "you have loyally fulfilled the conditions +"Señor," he said to Cuéllar, "you have loyally fulfilled the conditions stipulated between us; receive my thanks, and those of my unfortunate companions here; we are not more than two leagues from Puebla, it is daylight, and it is, therefore, unnecessary for you to accompany us further." -"In truth, señor, I believe that you can now do without me, and as +"In truth, señor, I believe that you can now do without me, and as you permit it, I will leave you, repeating my regret for what has occurred, but unfortunately I am not the master, and--" @@ -6974,23 +6940,23 @@ occurred, but unfortunately I am not the master, and--" irreparable, for the present at least: so it is useless to dwell on the subject any longer." -Cuéllar bowed. "One word, señor Conde," he said, in a low voice. +Cuéllar bowed. "One word, señor Conde," he said, in a low voice. The young man went up to him. "Let me," the guerillero continued, "give you a piece of advice ere we part." -"Pray go on, señor." +"Pray go on, señor." "You are still far from Puebla, where you will not arrive for two hours: be on your guard, and carefully watch the country around you." -"What do you mean, señor?" +"What do you mean, señor?" "It is impossible to know what may happen: I repeat to you, watch." -"Farewell, señor," the young man replied mechanically as he returned +"Farewell, señor," the young man replied mechanically as he returned his salute. After thus courteously taking leave of the party, the guerillero placed @@ -7000,7 +6966,7 @@ gesture. The count watched him depart with a pensive air. "What is the matter, friend?" Dominique asked him. -Ludovic told him what Cuéllar had said to him on taking leave. +Ludovic told him what Cuéllar had said to him on taking leave. The _vaquero_ frowned. "There is something in the background," he said; "in any case the advice is good and we should do wrong to neglect it." @@ -7016,7 +6982,7 @@ THE AMBUSH. For some minutes after the departure of the guerillero, the melancholy caravan silently continued its journey. The last words uttered by -Cuéllar had gone home, however: the count and the _vaquero_ felt +Cuéllar had gone home, however: the count and the _vaquero_ felt involuntarily restless, and without daring to impart their gloomy presentiments to each other, they advanced with excessive prudence, sniffing the air, so to speak, and starting at the least suspicious @@ -7057,7 +7023,7 @@ place would be better for an ambush." "What is to be done?" the count muttered. "I do not know exactly, for it is a difficult case: still I feel -convinced that we ought to redouble our prudence. Place don Andrés and +convinced that we ought to redouble our prudence. Place don Andrés and his daughter in front, warn the peons to march with finger on trigger, and be ready for the slightest alarm: in the meanwhile, I will go out scouting and if the enemy is pursuing us, I will contrive to throw him @@ -7074,17 +7040,17 @@ best armed peons, and gave them orders attentively to watch the approaches; but he concealed from them, through fear of terrifying them, the gravity of the events he foresaw. The majordomo, as if he divined the count's anxiety and shared his suspicions of an approaching -attack, had placed don Andrés and his daughter in the centre of a +attack, had placed don Andrés and his daughter in the centre of a small group of devoted servants, of whom he took the command, and hurrying on the horses, he left an interval of about one hundred -yards between himself and the main body. Doña Dolores, overwhelmed by +yards between himself and the main body. Doña Dolores, overwhelmed by the terrible emotions of the night, had paid very slight attention to the arrangements made by her friends, and mechanically followed the new impulse given her, in all probability unconscious of the new dangers that menaced her, and only thinking of one thing, watching over her father, whose state of prostration was becoming more and more alarming. In fact, since his departure from the hacienda, in spite of -his daughter's entreaties, don Andrés had not uttered a syllable, with +his daughter's entreaties, don Andrés had not uttered a syllable, with fixed, lacklustre eyes, with his head bowed on his chest and his body agitated by a continuous nervous trembling, he left his horse to guide itself, without appearing to know whither he was going, so utterly had @@ -7094,7 +7060,7 @@ Leo Carral, who was devoted to his master and young mistress and who understood how incapable the old gentleman would be of offering the slightest resistance in the probable event of an attack, had especially recommended the servants he selected to serve as an escort to don -Andrés, not to lose sight of him; and in the event of a combat, to make +Andrés, not to lose sight of him; and in the event of a combat, to make every possible effort to draw him out of the medley, and protect him as far as possible from danger: then at a signal the count gave him, he turned back and rejoined him. @@ -7122,7 +7088,7 @@ consideration." "What you tell me is horrible." -"What would you have, señor? It is so." +"What would you have, señor? It is so." "Thank Heaven, we are approaching Puebla, and once inside the town we shall have nothing more to fear." @@ -7144,7 +7110,7 @@ Excellency." "In the case of our being attacked, I insist that you leave us to our own resources, and escape at full speed towards Puebla, taking with you -don Andrés and his daughter, while we are fighting. Perhaps you will +don Andrés and his daughter, while we are fighting. Perhaps you will have time to place them in safety behind the walls of the town." "I will obey you, Excellency. No one shall reach my master without @@ -7153,7 +7119,7 @@ passing over my corpse. Have you nothing more to say to me?" "No. Return to your post; and may Heaven be gracious to us!" The majordomo bowed, and galloped up to the small troop, in the centre -of whom were don Andrés and his daughter. Almost at the same moment +of whom were don Andrés and his daughter. Almost at the same moment Dominique reappeared on the side of the track: he fetched his horse, and then stationed himself on the count's right. @@ -7201,7 +7167,7 @@ that we are following them at this moment." "That the situation is dangerous, even critical; and that whatever precautions we may take, I am greatly afraid that we have to deal with too strong a party. Remark how the path gradually contracts--how the -sides become scarped. We are now in a _cañon_, and in a quarter of an +sides become scarped. We are now in a _cañon_, and in a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes at the most, we shall reach the spot where the canyon opens out into the plain. It is there, be assured, that our watchers are waiting for us." @@ -7210,7 +7176,7 @@ watchers are waiting for us." escaping the fate that menaces us, and we must push on all the same." "I know it, and it is that which vexes me," the _vaquero_ said with -a suppressed sigh, as he cast a side glance at doña Dolores. "If the +a suppressed sigh, as he cast a side glance at doña Dolores. "If the question only concerned us, it would be soon settled, for we are men, and could fall bravely; but will our death save that old man and that poor innocent girl?" @@ -7244,7 +7210,7 @@ position to offer conditions." The count, without being in the slightest degree disconcerted, drew a few paces nearer. -"Take care of what you are going to do, señor," he replied; "a treaty +"Take care of what you are going to do, señor," he replied; "a treaty was loyally concluded between your chief and us. Any infraction of that treaty would be an act of treachery, and the dishonour would fall on your chief." @@ -7278,7 +7244,7 @@ struggle began--a terrible, fearful struggle; for the peons knew that no quarter would be granted them by their ferocious adversaries, and they fought accordingly, performing prodigies of valour--not to conquer, for they did not believe that possible--but not to fall -unavenged. Don Andrés had torn himself from the arms of his daughter, +unavenged. Don Andrés had torn himself from the arms of his daughter, who tried in vain to retain him; and, only armed with a machete, boldly threw himself into the thickest of the fight. The attack of the peons was so impetuous, that the barricade was crossed at the first bound, @@ -7291,17 +7257,17 @@ were so mixed up. Don Melchior was far from expecting such a vigorous resistance on the part of the peons: owing to the advantageous position he had chosen, he had believed the victory easy and reckoned on immediate submission. The event singularly deranged his calculations, -and he was beginning to see the consequences of his action. Cuéllar, +and he was beginning to see the consequences of his action. Cuéllar, who would doubtless have forgiven an act of treachery accomplished without striking a blow, would not pardon him for letting his bravest soldiers be thus madly killed. These thoughts redoubled don Melchior's rage. The small troop, horribly decimated, now only counted a few men capable of fighting, the rest were either killed or wounded. -Don Andrés' horse had been killed and the old gentleman, though his +Don Andrés' horse had been killed and the old gentleman, though his blood poured from two wounds, did not the less continue to fight. All at once he uttered a fearful cry of despair: don Melchior had dashed -with a tiger's bound into the centre of the group where doña Dolores +with a tiger's bound into the centre of the group where doña Dolores had sought shelter. Hurling down all the peons who came in his way, don Melchior seized the girl, in spite of her resistance, threw her across his horse's neck, and clearing all obstacles, fled, without troubling @@ -7310,20 +7276,20 @@ on seeing themselves thus abandoned, gave up a fight which no longer possessed any object for them, and doubtless, in pursuance of an order previously given them, dispersed in all directions, leaving the peons at liberty to continue their journey to Puebla, if such were their -desire. The abduction of doña Dolores had been so rapidly performed by +desire. The abduction of doña Dolores had been so rapidly performed by don Melchior that no one noticed it at the first moment, and the cry of -despair uttered by don Andrés alone gave the alarm. Without calculating +despair uttered by don Andrés alone gave the alarm. Without calculating the dangers to which they exposed themselves, the count and the majordomo dashed in pursuit of don Melchior. But the young man who was mounted on a valuable horse, had a considerable advance on their tired steeds, which was augmented every instant. Dominique cast a glance at -don Andrés, who had thrown himself on the ground, and raised him gently -saying, "Have good hopes, señor, I will save your daughter." +don Andrés, who had thrown himself on the ground, and raised him gently +saying, "Have good hopes, señor, I will save your daughter." The old gentleman clasped his hands, and after looking at him with an expression of unspeakable gratitude fainted away. The _vaquero_ remounted his horse, and driving his spurs into his flanks, he left -don Andrés in the hands of his servants, and in his turn started in +don Andrés in the hands of his servants, and in his turn started in pursuit of the abductor. Shortly after the pursuit began, the _vaquero_ acquired the certainty that don Melchior who was better mounted than himself and his comrades, would speedily be out of reach. The young @@ -7340,18 +7306,18 @@ sign of the cross, shouldered his gun and pulled the trigger. Don Melchior's horse, struck in the head, rolled on the ground, dragging down the rider in its fall. At the same moment, some thirty partizans appeared in the distance, galloping at full speed toward the scene of -the ambuscade. Cuéllar galloped at their head. Great as was the haste +the ambuscade. Cuéllar galloped at their head. Great as was the haste displayed by the count and the majordomo to reach the spot where don -Melchior was lying, Cuéllar arrived, before them. Don Melchior rose, +Melchior was lying, Cuéllar arrived, before them. Don Melchior rose, much hurt by his fall, and leaned down to his sister to help her to -rise: doña Dolores had fainted. +rise: doña Dolores had fainted. -"By heavens, señor," Cuéllar said in a rough voice, "you are a rude +"By heavens, señor," Cuéllar said in a rough voice, "you are a rude comrade, you practise treachery and ambushes with a rare talent, but may the fiend twist my neck sooner than he ought to do, if we ride any longer in company." -"You select your time badly for jesting, señor," don Melchior replied; +"You select your time badly for jesting, señor," don Melchior replied; "this young lady, who is my sister, has fainted." "Whose fault is it," the partizans exclaimed brutally, "except your @@ -7366,7 +7332,7 @@ wherever you like, so long as it is not with us, and that I intend from this moment to have nothing more in common with you. This is clear, is it not?" -"Perfectly clear, señor, and hence I will not abuse your patience any +"Perfectly clear, señor, and hence I will not abuse your patience any longer: supply me with the requisite horses for my sister and myself, and I will leave you immediately." @@ -7377,27 +7343,27 @@ her away with you." Don Melchior turned pale with rage, but he comprehended that any resistance on his part was impossible: he folded his arms on his chest, drew himself up haughtily and waited. The count, the majordomo, and -Dominique were really hurrying up. Cuéllar walked some paces toward +Dominique were really hurrying up. Cuéllar walked some paces toward them--and the young man felt rather anxious, for they did not know the partisan's intentions, and apprehended that he might declare against them. -But Cuéllar hastened to disabuse them: "You arrive opportunely, -señores," he said with a kindly accent: "I hope that you have not done +But Cuéllar hastened to disabuse them: "You arrive opportunely, +señores," he said with a kindly accent: "I hope that you have not done me the insult of supposing that I was in any way connected with the trap to which you so nearly fell victims." -"We did not believe it for a moment, señor," the count politely replied. +"We did not believe it for a moment, señor," the count politely replied. -"I thank you for the good opinion you entertain of me, señores: of +"I thank you for the good opinion you entertain of me, señores: of course you have come to request that this young lady may be delivered to you." -"That is certainly our intention, señor." +"That is certainly our intention, señor." "And if I refuse to let you remove her," don Melchior said fiercely. -"I shall blow out your brains, señor," the partisan coolly interrupted. +"I shall blow out your brains, señor," the partisan coolly interrupted. "Believe me, you had better not try to contend with me, but rather profit by my present good temper to be off: for I might soon repent of this last reproof of my kindness I give you, and abandon you to your @@ -7405,10 +7371,10 @@ enemies." "Be it so," don Melchior remarked bitterly; "I will retire since I am compelled to do so;" and looking at the count disdainfully, he added, -"We shall meet again, señor, and then I hope, if the strength is not +"We shall meet again, señor, and then I hope, if the strength is not entirely on my side, that at least the chances will be equal." -"You have already been mistaken on that point, señor; I have too much +"You have already been mistaken on that point, señor; I have too much confidence in God to believe that it will not always be so." "We shall see," he replied in a hollow voice, falling back a few paces @@ -7428,18 +7394,18 @@ who surrounded him, he cried in a choking voice--"Make way; I accept this new insult; make way for the parricide." Everybody recoiled with horror watching this monster, who departed -across the plain, apparently calm and peaceful. Cuéllar himself watched +across the plain, apparently calm and peaceful. Cuéllar himself watched him retire with a shake of the head. "That man is a demon," he muttered, and crossed himself. -This gesture was piously imitated by the soldiers. Doña Dolores was +This gesture was piously imitated by the soldiers. Doña Dolores was gently raised in Dominique's arms, placed on the count's horse, and the -young men, escorted by Cuéllar, returned to don Andrés. The peons had +young men, escorted by Cuéllar, returned to don Andrés. The peons had bound up their master's wounds to the best of their ability. By the count's orders, they then made a litter of branches, which they covered with their _sarapes_, and the old gentleman was laid on it by his -daughter's side. Don Andrés was still unconscious. Cuéllar then took +daughter's side. Don Andrés was still unconscious. Cuéllar then took leave of the count. "I regret more than I can express this unfortunate event," he said @@ -7450,7 +7416,7 @@ see him reduced fills me with compassion." The young men thanked the rough partisan for this proof of sympathy, and after collecting their wounded, they finally took leave of him, and sadly recommenced their journey to Puebla, where they arrived two hours -later, accompanied by several relations of don Andrés, who, warned by a +later, accompanied by several relations of don Andrés, who, warned by a peon sent on ahead, had come out to meet them. @@ -7462,11 +7428,11 @@ CHAPTER XIX COMPLICATIONS. -Loïck ended his narrative. The _ranchero's_ story had been a long +Loïck ended his narrative. The _ranchero's_ story had been a long one. Don Jaime listened, to it from one end to the other without interruption, with a cold and impassive face, but with flashing eyes. -"Is that all?" he asked Loïck, turning to him. +"Is that all?" he asked Loïck, turning to him. "Yes, all, Excellency." @@ -7510,7 +7476,7 @@ silence. "Of course you told him under what name I concealed myself in this house?" don Jaime continued a moment after. -"Hang it!" Loïck said simply, "if I had not done so he would have had +"Hang it!" Loïck said simply, "if I had not done so he would have had a difficulty in finding you, Excellency." "That is true; he is coming then?" @@ -7520,12 +7486,12 @@ a difficulty in finding you, Excellency." "It is well." Don Jaime walked up and down the room reflecting, then approaching -Loïck, who was still motionless at his place, he asked him-- +Loïck, who was still motionless at his place, he asked him-- "Did you come alone to Mexico?" -"López accompanied me, Excellency; but I have left him at a pulquería -near the Belén gate, where he is waiting for me." +"López accompanied me, Excellency; but I have left him at a pulquerÃa +near the Belén gate, where he is waiting for me." "Good, you will join him there, but say nothing to him; in an hour, not sooner, you will return here with him, perhaps I shall want you both." @@ -7539,7 +7505,7 @@ come." "A note! From whom?" -Loïck felt in his dolman, drew out a carefully sealed letter, and +Loïck felt in his dolman, drew out a carefully sealed letter, and handed it to don Jaime. "Here it is," he said. @@ -7555,11 +7521,11 @@ effect:-- "Everything is going on admirably; our man is coming of his own accord to the bait held out to him. Saturday, midnight, Peral." -"Hope!" "Córdoba." +"Hope!" "Córdoba." Don Jaime tore the note up into imperceptible pieces. -"What day is this?" he suddenly asked Loïck. +"What day is this?" he suddenly asked Loïck. "Today?" he repeated, startled by this question, which he did not at all anticipate. @@ -7572,7 +7538,7 @@ all anticipate. Don Jaime again walked up and down the room in deep thought. -"Can I go?" Loïck ventured. +"Can I go?" Loïck ventured. "You ought to have gone ten minutes ago," he answered sharply. @@ -7581,20 +7547,20 @@ bowed, and retired. Don Jaime remained alone, but at the end of a minute the door opened, and the two ladies came in again. Their faces were anxious, and they timidly approached the adventurer. -"You have received bad news, don Jaime?" doña María asked. +"You have received bad news, don Jaime?" doña MarÃa asked. "Alas! Yes, sister," he answered, "very bad indeed." "May we hear it?" "I have no reason for concealing it from you; and, besides, it concerns people whom you love." -"Heavens!" said doña Carmen, clasping her hands, "Can it be Dolores?" +"Heavens!" said doña Carmen, clasping her hands, "Can it be Dolores?" "Dolores--yes, my child," don Jaime answered; "Dolores, your friend; the Hacienda del Arenal has been surprised and burnt by the Juarists." "Oh, Heavens!" the two ladies exclaimed sorrowfully; "Poor Dolores! And -don Andrés?" +don Andrés?" "He is dangerously wounded," @@ -7610,17 +7576,17 @@ their peons, commanded by Leo Carral." "Oh! He is a devoted servant." "But had he been alone, I doubt whether he would have succeeded in -saving his masters; fortunately don Andrés had at the hacienda two +saving his masters; fortunately don Andrés had at the hacienda two French gentlemen, the Count de la Saulay." -"The gentleman who is going to marry Dolores?" doña Carmen said eagerly. +"The gentleman who is going to marry Dolores?" doña Carmen said eagerly. -"Yes, and the Baron Charles de Meriadec, attaché to the French Embassy; +"Yes, and the Baron Charles de Meriadec, attaché to the French Embassy; it appears that these two young men performed prodigies of valour, and that it was through their bravery that our friends escaped the horrible fate which threatened them." -"May God bless them!" doña María exclaimed; "Though I do not know them, +"May God bless them!" doña MarÃa exclaimed; "Though I do not know them, I already feel an interest in them as if they were old friends." "You will soon know one of them at least." @@ -7637,22 +7603,22 @@ I already feel an interest in them as if they were old friends." "That is my opinion. I intend to go to her." -"Why could she not come to us?" doña Carmen said; "She would be in +"Why could she not come to us?" doña Carmen said; "She would be in safety here, and her father should not want for a nurse." "What you are saying, Carmen, is very judicious; perhaps it would be as well for her to live for some time with you. I will think over it; -before all, I must see don Andrés, that I may convince myself of the +before all, I must see don Andrés, that I may convince myself of the state he is in, and whether he can be removed." -"Brother," doña María observed, "I notice that you have told us +"Brother," doña MarÃa observed, "I notice that you have told us about Dolores and her father, but you have not said a word about don Melchior." Don Jaime's face suddenly grew dark at this remark, and his features were contracted. -"Can any misfortune have happened to him?" doña María exclaimed. +"Can any misfortune have happened to him?" doña MarÃa exclaimed. "Would to Heaven it were so!" he replied with a sadness mingled with anger; "Never speak to me about that man--he is a monster." @@ -7669,7 +7635,7 @@ Melchior de la Cruz." "Oh!" the two ladies exclaimed in horror. -"Afterwards, when don Andrés and his daughter obtained permission to +"Afterwards, when don Andrés and his daughter obtained permission to retire safe and sound to Puebla, a man laid a snare for them a short distance from the town, and treacherously attacked them: this man was once again don Melchior." @@ -7680,19 +7646,19 @@ hands and burst into sobs. "Is it not?" he continued; "The more horrible, as don Melchior had coldly calculated on his father's death, that he wished by a parricide to seize his sister's fortune, a fortune to which he had no claim, and -which the approaching marriage of doña Dolores will entirely strip from +which the approaching marriage of doña Dolores will entirely strip from him, or, at least, he believed so." -"This man is a monster!" said doña María. +"This man is a monster!" said doña MarÃa. The two ladies were terrified by this announcement. Their intimacy with the de la Cruz family was great, the two younger ladies having been almost brought up together; they loved each other like sisters, -although though doña Carmen was a little older than doña Dolores, +although though doña Carmen was a little older than doña Dolores, hence the news of the misfortune which had so suddenly burst on don -Andrés filled them with grief. Doña María warmly urged don Jaime to -have don Andrés and his daughter conveyed to Mexico and lodged in her -house, when doña Dolores would find that care and consolation which she +Andrés filled them with grief. Doña MarÃa warmly urged don Jaime to +have don Andrés and his daughter conveyed to Mexico and lodged in her +house, when doña Dolores would find that care and consolation which she must need so greatly after such a disaster. "I will see, I will strive to satisfy you," don Jaime replied; "still, @@ -7700,11 +7666,11 @@ I dare not promise you anything as yet. I intend to start this very day for Puebla, and if I were not expecting a visit from Baron de Meriadec I should set out at once." -"It would be the first time," doña María said gently, "that I should +"It would be the first time," doña MarÃa said gently, "that I should see you leave us almost without regret." Don Jaime smiled. At this moment they heard the outer gate opened, and -a horse's hoofs re-echo in the zaguán. +a horse's hoofs re-echo in the zaguán. "Here is the baron," said the adventurer, and he went to meet his visitor. @@ -7727,9 +7693,9 @@ to two ladies who desire to know you, and let us not remain any longer here." "Ladies," don Jaime said as he entered, "allow me to introduce to you -Baron Charles de Meriadec, attaché to the French Embassy, one of my +Baron Charles de Meriadec, attaché to the French Embassy, one of my best friends, to whom I have before alluded. My dear baron, I have the -honour to present to you doña María, my sister, and doña Carmen, my +honour to present to you doña MarÃa, my sister, and doña Carmen, my niece." Although the adventurer omitted, no doubt purposely, one-half of the @@ -7749,8 +7715,8 @@ aware of the frightful events at the hacienda." since you take an interest in this unhappy family, I am afraid to add to your grief, and be a messenger of evil tidings." -"We are intimately connected with don Andrés de la Cruz and his -charming daughter," doña María observed. +"We are intimately connected with don Andrés de la Cruz and his +charming daughter," doña MarÃa observed. "In that case, madam, forgive me if I have only bad news to impart to you." @@ -7766,7 +7732,7 @@ town surrendered to the first summons." "Were you ignorant of it?" -"Yes; I believed it to be still held by Miramón." +"Yes; I believed it to be still held by Miramón." "The first business of the Juarists was, according to their invariable custom, to plunder and imprison the foreigners, and more especially @@ -7775,18 +7741,18 @@ pretence of a trial; the prisons are crowded; they have been obliged to employ several convents in which to bestow their prisoners. Terror reigns in Puebla." -"Go on, my friend; and don Andrés?" +"Go on, my friend; and don Andrés?" -"Don Andrés, as, of course, you are aware, is dangerously wounded." +"Don Andrés, as, of course, you are aware, is dangerously wounded." "Yes, I know it." "His state admits of but slight hopes; the governor of the town, in spite of the representations of the notables and the entreaties -of all honest people, had don Andrés arrested as convicted of high +of all honest people, had don Andrés arrested as convicted of high treason--those are the very words of the warrant--in spite of the tears of his daughter and all his friends, he had been removed to the -dungeons of the old Inquisition; the house occupied by don Andrés has +dungeons of the old Inquisition; the house occupied by don Andrés has been plundered and destroyed." "Why, this is frightful! It is barbarity!" @@ -7795,7 +7761,7 @@ been plundered and destroyed." "How, nothing?" -"Don Andrés was tried, and as he protested his innocence, in spite +"Don Andrés was tried, and as he protested his innocence, in spite of all the efforts of the judges to make him condemn himself, he was subjected to torture." @@ -7813,10 +7779,10 @@ the hapless man is dead?" had not even been condemned, for his murderers are in no hurry; time is their own, and they are playing with their victim." -"And Dolores!" doña Carmen exclaimed; "Poor Dolores! How she must +"And Dolores!" doña Carmen exclaimed; "Poor Dolores! How she must suffer!" -"Doña Dolores has disappeared; she has been carried off." +"Doña Dolores has disappeared; she has been carried off." "Disappeared!" don Jaime shouted in a voice of thunder; "And you still live to tell me of it?" @@ -7843,7 +7809,7 @@ name, goes to the town to arrange measures with the majordomo." "Yes, but I first consulted with the count, as I did not like to act without having his advice." -"You were right, sister, prepare a suitable apartment for doña Dolores." +"You were right, sister, prepare a suitable apartment for doña Dolores." "You will bring her back then?" the two ladies exclaimed. @@ -7851,9 +7817,9 @@ without having his advice." "Shall we be off?" the young man cried impatiently. -"In a moment, I expect Loïck and López." +"In a moment, I expect Loïck and López." -"Is Loïck here?" +"Is Loïck here?" "It may be he who brought me the news about the surprise of the hacienda." @@ -7865,7 +7831,7 @@ it will be taken care of, and I will give you another." "Very good." -"Of course you heard the names of don Andrés' principal persecutors?" +"Of course you heard the names of don Andrés' principal persecutors?" "They are three in number, the first is the first secretary, the tool of the new governor, his name is don Antonio de Cacerbar." @@ -7892,7 +7858,7 @@ and then went off again, leaving behind him a long train of blood." "Yes." -"In that case, I know where to find doña Dolores: it was he who carried +"In that case, I know where to find doña Dolores: it was he who carried her off." "It is probable." @@ -7902,7 +7868,7 @@ her off." "The third is a young man with a handsome face, soft voice, and noble manners, more terrible than both the others, it is said, though he has no official title: he seems to hold great power and passes for a secret -agent of Juárez." +agent of Juárez." "His name?" @@ -7919,7 +7885,7 @@ feared; we shall succeed." "May heaven hear you!" the two ladies exclaimed with clasped hands. -Doña María, ever since the arrival of the pretended baron, had been +Doña MarÃa, ever since the arrival of the pretended baron, had been suffering from an extraordinary feeling, while the young man was conversing with don Jaime. She gazed at him with strange intentness, she felt her eyes fill with tears and her bosom oppressed, she could @@ -7934,23 +7900,23 @@ but everything was a chaos in her memory, an insurmountable barrier seemed to be raised between the present and the past, as if to prove to her that she was allowing herself to be overpowered by a wild hope, and that the man who was before her, was really a stranger to her. -Don Jaime attentively followed on doña María's face the different +Don Jaime attentively followed on doña MarÃa's face the different feelings that were in turn reflected on it; but whatever his opinion on the subject might be, he remained cold, impassive, and apparently indifferent to the interludes of this family drama, which, however, -must interest him to the highest degree. Loïck arrived followed by -López: a fresh horse was saddled for Dominique. +must interest him to the highest degree. Loïck arrived followed by +López: a fresh horse was saddled for Dominique. "Let us go," the adventurer said as he rose, "time presses." The young man took leave of the ladies. -"You will return, will you not, sir?" doña María graciously asked him. +"You will return, will you not, sir?" doña MarÃa graciously asked him. "You are a thousand times too kind, madam," he answered, "I shall consider it a happiness to avail myself of your delightful invitation." -They left the room, doña María seized her brother's arm. +They left the room, doña MarÃa seized her brother's arm. "One word, don Jaime," she said to him in a trembling voice. @@ -7989,7 +7955,7 @@ this time he came from behind the _rancho_, and was leading two horses by the bridle. These horses were saddled. The adventurer and Dominique leapt down, removed their _alforjas_ and pistols, placed them on the fresh horses and remounted. The man returned a second time with two -other horses, which Loïck and López mounted. The man, still silent, +other horses, which Loïck and López mounted. The man, still silent, collected the bridles of the four horses, and went off dragging them after him. @@ -8018,9 +7984,9 @@ dismounting. "We will establish our headquarters here temporarily." His companions leaped down and prepared to unsaddle their horses. -"Wait," he continued. "Loïck, you will go to your _rancho_, where the +"Wait," he continued. "Loïck, you will go to your _rancho_, where the Count de la Saulay and his servants are at present, and bring them -here. You, López, will fetch our provisions." +here. You, López, will fetch our provisions." "Are we two going to wait under this enramada, then?" Dominique asked. @@ -8137,7 +8103,7 @@ The young man started as if a viper had suddenly stung him. "I am, in truth, sad, master," he muttered. -"Have I not told you that we shall find doña Dolores again?" he +"Have I not told you that we shall find doña Dolores again?" he continued. Dominique quivered, and his face became livid; "Master," he said, as he @@ -8168,7 +8134,7 @@ you in return?" he asked. myself." There was a lengthened silence. While putting on his monastic garb, the -adventurer examined the young man aside. "The count does not love doña +adventurer examined the young man aside. "The count does not love doña Dolores?" he at length said. "What! Can it be possible?" he exclaimed, hotly. Don Jaime burst into a @@ -8192,7 +8158,7 @@ The adventurer shrugged his shoulders. "Your conclusion is absurd," he said. "Does a man ever know what he will do? Does the morrow belong to him?" -"But since the misfortunes which have crushed doña Dolores' family and +"But since the misfortunes which have crushed doña Dolores' family and herself, the count has been attempting impossibilities to save the young lady." @@ -8202,7 +8168,7 @@ trying to save her, even at the risk of his life and fortune." Dominique shrugged his shoulders several times, "He loves her," he said. -"In that case I will turn the sentence; doña Dolores does not love +"In that case I will turn the sentence; doña Dolores does not love him." "You think so?" @@ -8344,7 +8310,7 @@ house as a malefactor, in disguise, of course, to assassinate me." in disguise it is because circumstances compelled me to take the precaution, that is all: moreover, I only followed your example," and suddenly changing his tone, he added--"by the by, are you satisfied -with Juárez? Has he rewarded your treachery handsomely? I have heard +with Juárez? Has he rewarded your treachery handsomely? I have heard say that he is a very greedy and mean Indian, and so, I suppose, he contented himself with making you promises?" @@ -8358,7 +8324,7 @@ him with a look of indescribable contempt, shouted, in a voice of thunder-- "No, scoundrel, I have come to blow out your brains if you refuse to -reveal to me what you have done with your sister, doña Dolores!" +reveal to me what you have done with your sister, doña Dolores!" @@ -8393,7 +8359,7 @@ and perfumed smoke, he said-- "Come, I am waiting for you." "Good! This is what I propose to you: you are my prisoner, well, I will -restore you to liberty if you will deliver doña Dolores, I will not say +restore you to liberty if you will deliver doña Dolores, I will not say into my hands, but into those of Count de la Saulay, her cousin, whom she is going to marry immediately." @@ -8404,7 +8370,7 @@ sister's legal guardian." "Yes, since our father is dead." -"Don Andrés de la Cruz dead?" the adventurer exclaimed, leaping up. +"Don Andrés de la Cruz dead?" the adventurer exclaimed, leaping up. "Alas! Yes," the young man replied, hypocritically raising his eyes to heaven; "we had the grief of losing him the night before last, and he @@ -8445,7 +8411,7 @@ considerations must be maintained, the general has decided to send him, under a good escort, to our most illustrious president. Another piece of good news, you are intrusted with the command of this escort." -"¡Demonios!" don Melchior exclaimed, triumphantly, "You are a good +"¡Demonios!" don Melchior exclaimed, triumphantly, "You are a good friend. But now it is my turn: look carefully at that monk, do you recognize him? Well, this man is no other than the adventurer called don Adolfo, don Olivero, don Jaime, or by a hundred names, who has so @@ -8486,7 +8452,7 @@ _sarape_, and buckled on his spurs. "Now we can start," said don Melchior. -"Come," said don Diego, "señor don Adolfo, or whatever be your name, be +"Come," said don Diego, "señor don Adolfo, or whatever be your name, be kind enough to go first." The adventurer obeyed without a word. Twenty-five or thirty soldiers @@ -8753,7 +8719,7 @@ and drew his knife. They rushed head foremost into the midst of the conspirators, striking right and left, and forcing a passage. Like most desperate actions, this one succeeded through its sheer madness. There was a gigantic -melée, a frightful struggle for some minutes between the members, +melée, a frightful struggle for some minutes between the members, who were taken off their guard, and the two men who were resolved to escape, or perish with arms in their hands. Then the furious gallop of horses became audible, and a mocking voice shouting in the distance,-- @@ -8860,12 +8826,12 @@ or would tell him anything; the mother superior of the convent was dumb. already," don Antonio said to him. They set out. What means don Antonio employed to discover the retreat -of doña Dolores, we are unable to say, but so much is certain, that two +of doña Dolores, we are unable to say, but so much is certain, that two days after his arrival in the capital, he was acquainted with the young lady's residence. Let us leave for a short season these two men, whom we shall meet -again but too soon, and describe how doña Dolores had been liberated. +again but too soon, and describe how doña Dolores had been liberated. The young lady was placed, by don Melchior's orders, in a convent of Carmelite nuns. The mother superior--whom don Melchior succeeded in winning to his interests by a large sum of money he paid her, and @@ -8901,20 +8867,20 @@ the Governor. Don Diego, after exchanging a few compliments, drew a sealed letter from his dolman, and handed it to the superior, who opened and hastily read it. -"Very good, señor," she answered, "I am ready to obey you." +"Very good, señor," she answered, "I am ready to obey you." "Please, madam, carefully do bear in mind the tenour of the order I have communicated to you, and which I am compelled to request back. Everybody, you understand, madam," he said, laying a marked stress on -the word, "must be ignorant how doña Dolores has left the convent: this +the word, "must be ignorant how doña Dolores has left the convent: this recommendation is of the highest importance." -"I will not forget it, señor." +"I will not forget it, señor." "You are at liberty to say that she has escaped. Now, madam, be kind -enough to warn doña Dolores." +enough to warn doña Dolores." -The superior left don Diego in her cell, and went herself to fetch doña +The superior left don Diego in her cell, and went herself to fetch doña Dolores. So soon as he was alone, the young man tore into impalpable fragments the order he had shown the superior, and threw them into the _brasero_, when the fire immediately consumed them. @@ -8926,7 +8892,7 @@ smiled with an air of mockery. The superior was not absent more than a quarter of an hour. -"Here is doña Dolores de la Cruz," said the abbess; "I have the honour +"Here is doña Dolores de la Cruz," said the abbess; "I have the honour of delivering her into your hands." "Very good, madam; I hope soon to prove to you that his Excellency @@ -8935,7 +8901,7 @@ persons who obey him without hesitation." The mother superior bowed humbly, and raised her eyes to Heaven. -"Are you ready, señorita?" don Diego asked the young lady. +"Are you ready, señorita?" don Diego asked the young lady. "Yes," she answered laconically. @@ -8950,23 +8916,23 @@ through, she gave a farewell bow to the secretary, and closed the gate again, as if anxious to be delivered from the alarm that his presence caused her. -"Señorita," don Diego said respectfully, "be kind enough to mount this +"Señorita," don Diego said respectfully, "be kind enough to mount this horse." -"Señor," she said in a sad but firm voice, "I am a poor defenseless +"Señor," she said in a sad but firm voice, "I am a poor defenseless orphan: I obey you, because any resistance on my part would be madness; but--" -"Doña Dolores," said one of the horsemen, "we are sent by don Jaime." +"Doña Dolores," said one of the horsemen, "we are sent by don Jaime." "Oh!" she exclaimed joyfully, "'Tis the voice of don Carlos." -"Yes, señorita; reassure yourself, then, and be good enough to mount +"Yes, señorita; reassure yourself, then, and be good enough to mount without further delay, as we have no time to spare." The young lady leapt lightly on don Diego's horse. -"Now, señores," the young man said, "you no longer need me--good-bye; +"Now, señores," the young man said, "you no longer need me--good-bye; gallop your hardest, and I wish you a pleasant journey." They dashed away like a whirlwind, and soon disappeared in the darkness. @@ -8978,13 +8944,13 @@ And wrapping himself in his cloak, he returned on foot to the palace of the government, where he resided. The two men who accompanied the young lady were Dominique and Leo Carral. They galloped the whole night. At sunrise they reached an abandoned _rancho_, where several persons were -awaiting them. Doña Dolores joyfully recognized among them don Adolfo +awaiting them. Doña Dolores joyfully recognized among them don Adolfo and the count. Surrounded by these devoted friends, she had nothing more to fear. She was saved. The journey was a continued maze, but her joy was immense when she arrived in Mexico, and under the escort of her brave friends entered the small house, where every preparation had been -made to receive her. She fell weeping into the arms of doña María and -doña Carmen. Don Adolfo and his friends discreetly retired, leaving the +made to receive her. She fell weeping into the arms of doña MarÃa and +doña Carmen. Don Adolfo and his friends discreetly retired, leaving the ladies to their confidences. The count, in order to watch more closely over the young lady, hired a house in the same street, and offered to share it with Dominique, who eagerly accepted it. It was arranged, in @@ -9001,10 +8967,10 @@ him _carte blanche_ in these rare appearances. The adventurer conversed for some time on indifferent topics with the two friends, and then left them, after recommending them to be vigilant. -Matters went on well for some days; doña Dolores, under the beneficial +Matters went on well for some days; doña Dolores, under the beneficial impression of happiness, had resumed all her girlish gaiety and confidence; she and Carmen twittered like hummingbirds from morn till -night in every corner of the house; doña María herself, yielding to the +night in every corner of the house; doña MarÃa herself, yielding to the influence of this frank and simple joy, seemed quite rejuvenated, and at times her earnest features were even illumined by a smile. @@ -9093,7 +9059,7 @@ the most delicious productions of your country." And after hobnobbing, he emptied the glass at one draught. The bottles rapidly succeeded each other, for the glasses were no sooner filled than emptied. They soon began to grow excited. Then they lit cigars, and attacked the -liqueurs--Jamaica rum, Cataluña refino, and French brandy. With their +liqueurs--Jamaica rum, Cataluña refino, and French brandy. With their elbows on the table, and enveloped in a dense cloud of fragrant smoke, they went on talking with less reservation, and insensibly--they did not perceive it themselves--their conversation assumed a more earnest @@ -9176,7 +9142,7 @@ Count. You see that there is nothing essentially interesting in it." "In that case," Dominique said to the adventurer, "you are at liberty to begin your story whenever you please." -Oliver filled a champagne glass with Cataluña refino, emptied it at a +Oliver filled a champagne glass with Cataluña refino, emptied it at a draught, and then struck the table with the handle of his knife. "Attention, gentlemen," he said. "I am about to begin. I must before @@ -9303,7 +9269,7 @@ but one desire, that of repairing the faults of his youth. Welcomed in all families, at first with a slight coldness, but ere long with distinction, he had almost succeeded in causing the errors of his past life to be forgotten, when extraordinary rejoicings took place in -the county on the occasion of some _fête_ or anniversary. The prince +the county on the occasion of some _fête_ or anniversary. The prince naturally assumed the initiative, as was his duty; and by his brother's instigation he even resolved to take a part in them himself, in order to give them greater lustre." @@ -9983,15 +9949,15 @@ that period, more especially when railways were only just beginning, and only existed in few places, journeys were long, fatiguing and expensive. This lasted twenty-seven days. The count's first business on arriving, was to enquire after his Imperial Majesty; the court was at -Schönbrunn. Now Schönbrunn, the Saint Cloud of the Austrian Emperors, +Schönbrunn. Now Schönbrunn, the Saint Cloud of the Austrian Emperors, is only a league and a half from Vienna. Still, not to lose precious time in false steps, he must obtain an audience with the Emperor as speedily as possible. Count Oclau was of too great a family to be kept waiting long; two days after his arrival in Vienna an audience -was granted him. The palace of Schönbrunn stands, as we said, about a +was granted him. The palace of Schönbrunn stands, as we said, about a league and a half from Vienna, beyond the suburb of Mariahilf and a little to the left. This imperial palace, commenced by Joseph I., and -finished By María-Theresa, is a simple, elegant, and graceful building, +finished By MarÃa-Theresa, is a simple, elegant, and graceful building, though not without a certain majesty. It is composed of a large main building with two wings, with a double flight of steps leading to the first floor; low buildings running parallel to the main edifice, serve @@ -10003,15 +9969,15 @@ into the Danube, gives access to the palace, behind which extends in an amphitheatrical form, an immense garden, surmounted by a belvedere, placed on the top of a large grass plot, which is flanked on the right and left by magnificent coppices full of shadow, freshness, -and twittering birds. Schönbrunn, rendered celebrated by Napoleon I. +and twittering birds. Schönbrunn, rendered celebrated by Napoleon I. residing there twice, and by the painful death of his son, bears a stamp of indescribable sadness and languor, everything is gloomy, dull, and desolate; the court with its formal etiquette and brilliant parades only imperfectly succeeds at lengthened intervals, in galvanizing this -corpse. Schönbrunn, like the palace of Versailles, is only a body +corpse. Schönbrunn, like the palace of Versailles, is only a body without a soul, and nothing could restore it to life." -"The count arrived at Schönbrunn ten minutes before his audience, +"The count arrived at Schönbrunn ten minutes before his audience, which was fixed at noon. A chamberlain on duty awaited him, and at once introduced him to his majesty. The Emperor was in a private room, leaning upon a mantelpiece. The reception granted the count was most @@ -10051,7 +10017,7 @@ kingdom, the _primus inter pares_, and I suppose that it is much the same everywhere now; any attack upon one of the members of the nobility affects the sovereign as seriously as all the other nobles of the empire. When the Regent of France condemned Count de Horn to -be broken alive on the wheel upon the Place de Grève, for robbing +be broken alive on the wheel upon the Place de Grève, for robbing and murdering a Jew in the Rue Quincampoix, he replied to a nobleman of the court, who interceded with him on behalf of the culprit, and represented to him that the Count de Horn, allied to reigning families, @@ -10072,7 +10038,7 @@ justice he claimed; since, the Prince once dead, it would be easy to restore to his sister-in-law or her son, in the event of his being recovered, the titles and fortune which his uncle had so criminally appropriated. This, in my opinion, is what was arranged between the -Emperor and the count at the long audience granted at Schönbrunn." +Emperor and the count at the long audience granted at Schönbrunn." "Matters turned out so in reality, Count, with the exception that the Emperor insisted that hostilities should not commence between the @@ -10158,7 +10124,7 @@ studying his character a little, which I have done with you, and you doubtless have done with me. Now, I believe that I know you intimately enough, my friend, to feel convinced that you did not come suddenly to our house tonight with the mere object of supping, or, forgive the -phrase, indulging in a _débauche_, which does not agree with your +phrase, indulging in a _débauche_, which does not agree with your character or morals, as you are the most sincerely sober man I ever met. Moreover, I ask myself, why you, so chary of your words, and especially of your secrets, have told us this story, very interesting, @@ -10240,8 +10206,8 @@ CHAPTER XXVI. SUNNY HOURS. -The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a -secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and +The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a +secure shelter between doña MarÃa and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste. In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which @@ -10264,7 +10230,7 @@ garden and were gaily conversing together, a frightful tumult was heard outside. The old servant ran in great alarm to inform his mistress that a band of ruffians, assembled before the house, insisted on having the gate opened to them, threatening to break it down if they were not -obeyed. The count re-assured doña María, told her to fear nothing, and +obeyed. The count re-assured doña MarÃa, told her to fear nothing, and after begging her and the young ladies not to leave the garden, he and Dominique advanced to the outer door. Raimbaut had accidentally come a few minutes previously to bring his master a letter, and his @@ -10273,7 +10239,7 @@ took their double-barrelled guns and revolvers, and after making their arrangements in a few words, the count approached the gate, on which furious blows were being dealt outside, and ordered the old servant to open it. The gate was hardly opened ere there was an awful pushing, and -a dozen individuals rushed into the _zaguán_ with furious shouts and +a dozen individuals rushed into the _zaguán_ with furious shouts and yells. But suddenly they stopped. Before them, at ten paces distance at the most, three men were standing with shouldered guns, ready to pull the trigger. The bandits, who were mostly unarmed, as they were @@ -10293,7 +10259,7 @@ all trembling, in the thickets. This lesson had been sufficient; henceforth the quiet of the inhabitants of the small house was undisturbed. -Still, doña María, grateful for the service the young men had done her, +Still, doña MarÃa, grateful for the service the young men had done her, not only did not think that they paid too long visits, but even when they proposed to retire, she invited them to remain. It is true that the young ladies joined their entreaties to hers, so that the count and @@ -10302,18 +10268,18 @@ passed the greater part of the day with them. It was the day after the night don Adolfo had spent in supping so heartily with his friends; noon had long struck from all the city -churches, and the young men, who generally presented themselves at doña -María's at eleven o'clock, had not yet made their appearance. The two +churches, and the young men, who generally presented themselves at doña +MarÃa's at eleven o'clock, had not yet made their appearance. The two young ladies, who were in the dining room, pretended to be arranging -and dusting the furniture, so as not to go and join doña María, who had +and dusting the furniture, so as not to go and join doña MarÃa, who had been for a long time expecting them in the garden. Though they did not speak, the girls, while arranging, or rather deranging the furniture, had their eyes incessantly fixed on the clock. -"Can you understand, Carmelita," doña Dolores at length said with a +"Can you understand, Carmelita," doña Dolores at length said with a delicious pout, "why my cousin has not yet arrived?" -"It is inconceivable, querida," doña Carmen at once answered. "I +"It is inconceivable, querida," doña Carmen at once answered. "I confess that I feel very anxious, for the city is in a disturbed state at this moment, I hear. I only hope nothing unpleasant has happened to the two poor young gentlemen." @@ -10330,7 +10296,7 @@ The young ladies heaved a sigh, looked at each other silently for a moment, and then fell into one another's arms with a burst of tears. They understood each other. It was not for themselves they feared. -"You love him, then?" doña Dolores at length whispered in her friend's +"You love him, then?" doña Dolores at length whispered in her friend's ear. "Oh, yes," she replied softly. "And you?" @@ -10340,7 +10306,7 @@ ear. The confession was made; they now understood one another, and had nothing further to conceal. -"How long have you loved him?" doña Carmen continued. +"How long have you loved him?" doña Carmen continued. "I do not know, but I fancy that I have always loved him." @@ -10375,7 +10341,7 @@ his friend entered. "In the _huerta_, Excellency," the servant answered, as he closed the door after them. -The ladies were seated in an arbour; doña María was embroidering, the +The ladies were seated in an arbour; doña MarÃa was embroidering, the young ladies were attentively reading--so attentively, indeed, that, though they suddenly blushed, they did not hear the sound of their visitors' footsteps on the gravel walks, and were greatly surprised on @@ -10384,24 +10350,24 @@ perceiving them. The gentlemen took off their hats on entering the arbour, and bowed respectfully to the ladies. -"Here you are at last, gentlemen," doña María remarked with a smile; +"Here you are at last, gentlemen," doña MarÃa remarked with a smile; "do you know that we felt very anxious?" -"Oh!" said doña Carmen with a pout. +"Oh!" said doña Carmen with a pout. -"Not so very," doña Dolores murmured, "these gentlemen have doubtless +"Not so very," doña Dolores murmured, "these gentlemen have doubtless found an opportunity to amuse themselves elsewhere and took advantage of it." The count and Dominique gazed at the young ladies in surprise, for they did not understand. -"Come, come, little mad caps," doña María said gently: "do not torment +"Come, come, little mad caps," doña MarÃa said gently: "do not torment the poor young men so, you render them quite confused: it is probable that they did not come sooner because they were prevented." "Oh! These gentlemen are perfectly at liberty to come when they -please:" doña Dolores said disdainfully. +please:" doña Dolores said disdainfully. "We should be sorry to feel angry with them for such a trifle," Carmen added with the same tone. @@ -10411,17 +10377,17 @@ countenance. The teasing girls looked at them for a second, and then burst into such a frank and sudden laugh, that the count and Dominique turned pale with annoyance. -"¡Viva Dios!" the _vaquero_ exclaimed, stamping his foot angrily, "It +"¡Viva Dios!" the _vaquero_ exclaimed, stamping his foot angrily, "It is too unkind to punish us thus for a fault we have not committed." "Don Adolfo detained us against our will!" the count said. -"You have seen don Jaime?" doña María asked. +"You have seen don Jaime?" doña MarÃa asked. "Yes, madam, he paid us a visit at eleven o'clock last night." The young men then took chairs, and a pleasant conversation was carried -on. Doña Carmen and Dolores continued to tease them: they were happy at +on. Doña Carmen and Dolores continued to tease them: they were happy at having made them so utterly disconcerted, though in their hearts they felt a grudge because their lovers had not comprehended the feeling that dictated their reproaches. As for the count and Dominique, they @@ -10467,7 +10433,7 @@ in Mexico, but what you know only vaguely is the motive that brought me to this country." "I fancy I was told you had come here with the intention of marrying -your cousin, doña Dolores de la Cruz." +your cousin, doña Dolores de la Cruz." "That is true: but what you do not know is the way in which this marriage was arranged, and the motives that prevent me from breaking it @@ -10476,24 +10442,24 @@ off." "Ah!" said Dominique. "I will be brief: know then that while still a child, by the conditions -of a family compact I was betrothed to my cousin doña Dolores, of whose +of a family compact I was betrothed to my cousin doña Dolores, of whose existence even I was ignorant. When I became a man, my parents called on me to fulfil this engagement, which they had made in my name without consulting me. In spite of the very natural repugnance I felt for this strange union with a woman whom I did not know, I was compelled to obey. I quitted with regret the happy careless life I was leading -in Paris among my friends, and embarked for Mexico. Don Andrés de la +in Paris among my friends, and embarked for Mexico. Don Andrés de la Cruz received me on my arrival with the liveliest joy, overwhelmed me with the most delicate attentions, and introduced me to his daughter, -my betrothed. Doña Dolores received me coldly, even more than coldly: +my betrothed. Doña Dolores received me coldly, even more than coldly: evidently she was no more satisfied than myself with the union she was forced to contract with a stranger, and felt hurt at the right her father had thus arrogated of disposing of her hand without consulting -her, or even warning her; for doña Dolores, as I learned afterwards, +her, or even warning her; for doña Dolores, as I learned afterwards, was perfectly ignorant of the compact concluded between the two branches of our family. As for myself, delighted at the cool reception which I received from the woman I was destined to marry, I hoped that -possibly this union might not be completed. Doña, Dolores is very +possibly this union might not be completed. Doña, Dolores is very beautiful, as you are aware." "Ah, yes," Dominique muttered. @@ -10506,7 +10472,7 @@ accomplished woman." true." "Well, I cannot love her, the feeling is stronger than I am; and yet -duty--duty forces me to marry her, for doña Dolores has suddenly become +duty--duty forces me to marry her, for doña Dolores has suddenly become an orphan. She is almost ruined, and surrendered defenselessly to her brother's hatred: betrothed to her against my will, it is true, but very really betrothed, honour orders me to carry out this union, the @@ -10514,14 +10480,14 @@ last wish of her dying father; and yet I love--" "What do you say?" Dominique exclaimed in a panting voice. -"Forgive me, Dominique; I love doña Carmen." +"Forgive me, Dominique; I love doña Carmen." "Oh, thanks, Great Heaven!" "What do you mean?" "I love too," said Dominique; "you render me very happy, for the woman -I love is doña Dolores!" +I love is doña Dolores!" The count offered his hand to Dominique, but the latter threw himself into his arms. They held each other closely embraced for some time, but @@ -10571,10 +10537,10 @@ in a ropy voice the languishingly amorous words of a _triste_. A fat little man, with grey eyes full of motion, and a mocking countenance, came out of the venta and approached the hammock. -"Señor don Felipe," he said with a respectful bow to the improvised +"Señor don Felipe," he said with a respectful bow to the improvised musician; "will you not dine?" -"Señor ventero," the officer answered roughly "when you speak to me, +"Señor ventero," the officer answered roughly "when you speak to me, you might, I think, be more respectful toward me, and give me the title to which I have a right--that is to say, call me Colonel." @@ -10584,7 +10550,7 @@ first; "I am a ventero, and very little acquainted with military ranks." "That will do--you are excused! I will not dine yet, for I am expecting someone who has not yet arrived, but will be here shortly." -"That is certainly very unfortunate, señor coronel don Felipe," the +"That is certainly very unfortunate, señor coronel don Felipe," the ventero remarked; "a dinner that I have prepared with so much care, will be entirely spoiled." @@ -10603,13 +10569,13 @@ he was certain that the horseman coming toward him was the person he had so long been expecting. "Ouf!" the traveller said, stopping his horse short before the portello -and leaping off; "I could not stand it any longer, válgame Dios; what a +and leaping off; "I could not stand it any longer, válgame Dios; what a horrible heat!" At a sign from the colonel, a soldier took the horse and led it to the corral. -"Ah, señor don Diego, you are welcome," said the colonel, as he +"Ah, señor don Diego, you are welcome," said the colonel, as he offered his hand; "I have almost despaired of seeing you. Dinner is waiting for us: after such a ride, you must be almost dead of hunger." @@ -10620,7 +10586,7 @@ satisfying the claims of an appetite sharpened by a long abstinence, they only interchanged a few words; but ere long their ardour was calmed, they threw themselves back on their _butacas_ with an "ah" of satisfaction, lit their cigarettes and began smoking them, while -sipping some excellent Cataluña refino which the host had brought as +sipping some excellent Cataluña refino which the host had brought as the wind up of the dinner. "There," don Diego said, "now that we have fed well--thanks be to @@ -10653,9 +10619,9 @@ about the matter." "Ah!" the colonel said again. "It annoys me, I confess, but I must make up my mind to it; I will go -and find Cuéllar, perhaps he will not be so difficult to deal with." +and find Cuéllar, perhaps he will not be so difficult to deal with." -"Cuéllar is a scoundrel," don Felipe exclaimed violently. +"Cuéllar is a scoundrel," don Felipe exclaimed violently. "I am well aware of it," don Diego replied gently; "but what do I care for that? By giving him ten thousand piastres beforehand, I am certain @@ -10668,7 +10634,7 @@ The colonel filled the glasses: he seemed absorbed in thought. "Well, you understand, my dear sir, that I am not the man to ask any friend of mine to undertake such a job gratuitously." -"But Cuéllar is no friend of yours." +"But Cuéllar is no friend of yours." "It is true, and that is why I feel sorry about applying to him." @@ -10687,9 +10653,9 @@ Don Diego appeared to reflect. "Well, in that case, nothing prevents me from speaking. This is simply the matter: I shall tell you nothing new, Colonel, when I mention that numerous spies, seeing both causes at once, sell without scruple -to Miramón the secrets of our military operations, just as they make +to Miramón the secrets of our military operations, just as they make us pay largely for the information they supply us about those of the -enemy. Now, the government of his Excellency, don Benito Juárez, has, +enemy. Now, the government of his Excellency, don Benito Juárez, has, at this moment, his eyes open upon the machinations of two men, who are strongly suspected of playing a double part; but the individuals in question are gifted with such a remarkable talent, their measures are @@ -10761,7 +10727,7 @@ English banking house in Veracruz. Don Diego rose. "Yes; I am sorry to be compelled to leave you." -"We shall meet again soon, señor don Diego." +"We shall meet again soon, señor don Diego." The young man remounted his horse, and went off at a rapid pace. @@ -10782,7 +10748,7 @@ LOVE. Dolores and Carmen were alone in the garden. Hidden like two timid turtle doves, in an arbour of orange, lemon, and flowering pomegranate -trees, and were eagerly conversing. Doña María kept her room, through +trees, and were eagerly conversing. Doña MarÃa kept her room, through a slight indisposition--such, at least, was the excuse she made to the young ladies for not keeping them company in the garden, but, in reality, she had shut herself up to read an important letter which don @@ -10801,7 +10767,7 @@ their mutual love, by a feeling of delicacy inseparable from every real passion, they hesitated and recoiled with a blush before the thought of urging the young men to declare themselves. -Doña Carmen and doña Dolores were really simple and innocent girls, +Doña Carmen and doña Dolores were really simple and innocent girls, ignorant of all the coquettish tricks of which, among us, the so-called civilized people, women make such cruel, and, at times, implacable sport. By one of those strange accidents, which real life so frequently @@ -10809,11 +10775,11 @@ creates, the conversation of the young ladies was, with but a few slight differences, the same as the one that had previously taken place between the count and his friend on the same subject. -"Dolores," doña Carmen said, in a caressing voice, "you are braver than +"Dolores," doña Carmen said, in a caressing voice, "you are braver than I. You know don Ludovic better than I do; and, besides, he is your relation; why this reserve with him?" -"Alas! My darling," doña Dolores replied, "this reserve which surprises +"Alas! My darling," doña Dolores replied, "this reserve which surprises you is forced upon me by my position. Count Ludovic is now my sole relation, as I am deserted by all the others; for many years past we have been betrothed to each other." @@ -10842,7 +10808,7 @@ not to leave me without a protector, and to conclude this marriage. You see that there are several and very serious reasons why it seems to me impossible to escape from the fate that menaces me." -"But, my darling," doña Carmen exclaimed, warmly, "why do you not have +"But, my darling," doña Carmen exclaimed, warmly, "why do you not have a clear explanation with the count? Perhaps this explanation would smooth all difficulties." @@ -10886,7 +10852,7 @@ you." At this moment footsteps were heard on the gravel walk. -"Here is somebody," said doña Dolores. +"Here is somebody," said doña Dolores. "It is the count," Carmen at once replied. @@ -10906,10 +10872,10 @@ The girl blushed. The count appeared at the entrance of the arbour. He was really alone. He bowed to the young ladies, and waited for their permission to -join them. Doña Dolores offered him her hand with a smile, while her +join them. Doña Dolores offered him her hand with a smile, while her companion bowed to hide her blushes. -"You are welcome, cousin," said doña Dolores. "You arrive late today." +"You are welcome, cousin," said doña Dolores. "You arrive late today." "I am pleased, cousin," he replied, "that you have noticed this involuntary delay. My friend, don Domingo, who was obliged to go @@ -10924,7 +10890,7 @@ down between us and let us talk." He entered the arbour, and sat down between the two young ladies. -"Permit me, doña Carmen," he continued, as he bent down courteously to +"Permit me, doña Carmen," he continued, as he bent down courteously to the young lady, "to offer you my respectful homage, and inquire after your health." @@ -10932,7 +10898,7 @@ your health." Heaven, my health is very good; but I should wish that my mother's were the same." -"Is doña María ill?" he eagerly asked. +"Is doña MarÃa ill?" he eagerly asked. "I hope not; still she is so indisposed as to keep her room." @@ -10949,24 +10915,24 @@ of cousin, and betrothed of my dear Dolores," she said significantly, rendered us, and which give you a claim to our gratitude." "Hence, whatever may happen, you and your friend don Domingo will -always be welcome to us, caballero," doña Carmen said with a smile. +always be welcome to us, caballero," doña Carmen said with a smile. -"You overwhelm me, señoritas." +"You overwhelm me, señoritas." "Shall we not have the pleasure of seeing your friend today?" -"Within an hour he will be here, señorita. But you are rising: do you -purpose leaving us, doña Carmen?" +"Within an hour he will be here, señorita. But you are rising: do you +purpose leaving us, doña Carmen?" "I ask your permission to leave you for only a few minutes, caballero; -doña Dolores will keep you company, while I go and see whether my +doña Dolores will keep you company, while I go and see whether my mother is better." -"Do so, señorita; and be kind enough to inform her of the lively +"Do so, señorita; and be kind enough to inform her of the lively interest I feel in her, and my grief at finding her indisposed." The young lady bowed and went away, light as a bird. The count and -doña Dolores remained alone. Their situation was singular and most +doña Dolores remained alone. Their situation was singular and most embarrassing, for they thus unexpectedly found themselves in a position to have that explanation, from which they both hung back, while recognising its urgent necessity. If it is difficult for a woman to @@ -10988,7 +10954,7 @@ which assail me every moment, I confess that I should be very happy." "I congratulate you, cousin." -"In truth, what do I want for here? Doña María and her daughter love +"In truth, what do I want for here? Doña MarÃa and her daughter love me. They lavish kindness and attention, and I have a small circle of devoted friends--can I desire anything else in this world, where real happiness cannot exist?" @@ -11113,7 +11079,7 @@ At the same instant Dominique entered the arbour. "Good God!" Dominique cried, turning pale, "What is going on here?" "Nothing that need alarm you, my friend," the count answered, with a -smile, "doña Dolores permits you to offer her your homage." +smile, "doña Dolores permits you to offer her your homage." "Can it be true?" he exclaimed, as he rushed towards her, and fell on his knees. @@ -11142,24 +11108,24 @@ the happiest of men." "Egotist!" the count said gently to him, "You only think of yourself, when my heart is perhaps hopelessly suffering." -Doña Dolores had only fled so fast from the arbour in order to restore +Doña Dolores had only fled so fast from the arbour in order to restore a little order to her thoughts, and to recover from the excessive emotion she was suffering. As she entered the house Carmen was leaving it. Dolores threw herself into her arms, and burst into tears. Carmen, terrified at the state in which she saw her friend, led her gently to her bedroom, and she obeyed -mechanically, without offering the slightest resistance. It took doña +mechanically, without offering the slightest resistance. It took doña Dolores some time ere she was able to inform her friend of what had taken place in the arbour, and how the unexpected arrival of Dominique -had forced from her, as it were, an avowal of love. Doña Carmen, +had forced from her, as it were, an avowal of love. Doña Carmen, who was far from expecting so quick, and so happy a conclusion, was overjoyed. Henceforth no constraint, no misunderstanding; they could indulge in their sweet dreams of the future without any cause of alarm. What had they to fear, now they were sure of the love of the two young men? What -obstacle could prevent their speedy union? Thus doña Carmen reasoned, +obstacle could prevent their speedy union? Thus doña Carmen reasoned, to reassure the modesty of her friend, which had been rather startled by the confession which had involuntarily escaped her and filled her with shame, girls are so: they are willing that the man whom they love @@ -11184,23 +11150,23 @@ THE BOLD STROKE. Going back a little distance, we will relate what had occurred from -the day when Miramón so freely disposed of the money of the Convention +the day when Miramón so freely disposed of the money of the Convention bonds deposited in the English consulate, to that which our story has reached; for the political events precipitated the termination of the narrative we have undertaken to write. As don Jaime had predicted to him, the rather brutal manner in which -General Márquez executed his orders, and the most illegal act of +General Márquez executed his orders, and the most illegal act of seizing the money, cast a fatal slur on the character of the young President, which up to this time had been pure from any violence or spoliation. On learning this news, the members of the diplomatic body, among -others the ambassador of Spain, and the Chargé d'Affaires of France, -who were better disposed to Miramón than to Juárez, owing to the +others the ambassador of Spain, and the Chargé d'Affaires of France, +who were better disposed to Miramón than to Juárez, owing to the nobility of his character, and the loftiness of his views, had from this moment considered the cause of the moderate party represented by -Miramón as hopelessly lost, unless one of those miracles, so frequent +Miramón as hopelessly lost, unless one of those miracles, so frequent in revolutions, but of which no possibility could be seen, occurred. Besides, the comparatively large sum of the Convention bonds, joined to that which don Jaime remitted to the President, had not been sufficient @@ -11211,18 +11177,18 @@ The greater part of the money was employed in paying the soldiers, who not having received a farthing for three months, were beginning to raise seditious cries, and threatening to desert in a body. -The army paid, or nearly so, Miramón began recruiting for the purpose +The army paid, or nearly so, Miramón began recruiting for the purpose of increasing it, so that he might, for the last time, try the fortune of war, resolved to defend, inch by inch, the power which had been freely entrusted to him by the representatives of the nation. Still, in spite of the confidence he affected, the young and adventurous general did not deceive himself as to the deplorable state of his position, when opposed to the far more considerable, and really imposing forces -of the _Puros_, as the partizans of Juárez called themselves. Hence, +of the _Puros_, as the partizans of Juárez called themselves. Hence, before playing the last stake, he determined to try the last resources in his power, that is to say, a diplomatic mediation. -The Spanish ambassador, on arriving in Mexico, recognized Miramón's +The Spanish ambassador, on arriving in Mexico, recognized Miramón's government; it was therefore to this diplomatist that the President in his desperate circumstances applied, with the object of obtaining a mediation of the resident ministers, to try and effect the @@ -11242,7 +11208,7 @@ determined. This despatch, addressed, on October 3rd, 1860, to the Minister of Spain, terminated with these significant words, which fully displayed -Miramón's lassitude, and his desire for a settlement. +Miramón's lassitude, and his desire for a settlement. "Heaven grant that this convention, confidentially attempted, may obtain a better result than those which have been proposed up to this @@ -11250,13 +11216,13 @@ day." As was generally supposed, this final attempt at reconciliation failed. The motive was simple and easy to be understood, even by persons -the least versed in politics. Juárez, master of the larger portion +the least versed in politics. Juárez, master of the larger portion of the territory of the republic, felt himself in his government of Veracruz too strong, through his adversary's exhaustion, not to prove intractable, he would not share the position by reciprocal conditions, but triumph fully. -Still Miramón, like a brave lion at bay before the hunters, had faith +Still Miramón, like a brave lion at bay before the hunters, had faith in his valiant sword which had so often been victorious, he did not despair yet, or perhaps would not despair. In order to keep together the scattered strength of his last defenders, he addressed to them a @@ -11291,7 +11257,7 @@ opposing ill fortune?" "I do not, far from that, I am resolved to fall if necessary, sooner than yield to the law, which would be imposed on me by that villain -Juárez, a hateful and vindictive Indian, picked up through pity on the +Juárez, a hateful and vindictive Indian, picked up through pity on the side of a road by a Spaniard, and who only employs the learning he has gained, and the education he has received by accident, to distract his country, and plunge it into an abyss of misfortunes." @@ -11345,7 +11311,7 @@ surprise the enemy, attack him--" "It is infallible; consider, General, that your enemies rightly consider you shut up in the city, engaged in fortifying yourself there in the provision of the siege, with which they menace you; that since -the defeat of General Márquez, they know that none of your partizans +the defeat of General Márquez, they know that none of your partizans keep the field, and that consequently they have no attack to fear, and march with the most perfect security." @@ -11357,7 +11323,7 @@ in detail; you have the hope of seizing once more the fortune which is abandoning you, and of delivering yourself from your odious rival. Only gain the victory in three or four encounters with his troops, and your partizans who are deserting you because they believe you ruined, will -return in crowds, and Juárez's formidable army will melt away like snow +return in crowds, and Juárez's formidable army will melt away like snow before the sun." "Yes, yes, I understand the boldness of this plan." @@ -11424,7 +11390,7 @@ CHAPTER XXX. THE SORTIE. -As Miramón had stated to the adventurer, at five o'clock, a.m. +As Miramón had stated to the adventurer, at five o'clock, a.m. precisely, he left Mexico at the head of his troops. His forces were not numerous, they only consisted of three thousand five hundred men, infantry and cavalry, without artillery, on account of the execrable @@ -11432,7 +11398,7 @@ roads along which he was obliged to march. Every cavalryman carried an infantry soldier behind him, in order to render the march more rapid. It was really a _coup de main_ that the President was about to attempt, a most hazardous one, but for that very reason it had numerous chances -of success. General Miramón rode at the head of the army, in the midst +of success. General Miramón rode at the head of the army, in the midst of his staff with whom he gaily conversed; on seeing him thus calm and smiling it might have been fancied that no anxiety disturbed his mind; he seemed on leaving Mexico to have resumed that happy carelessness of @@ -11449,7 +11415,7 @@ others were carrying their fruit and vegetables, all were in a hurry and carelessly singing, in order to dispel the weariness and length of the road. On passing the President, whom they knew well, they stopped in amazement, took off their hats and bowed to him with an -affectionate respect. Ere long, by Miramón's orders, the troops entered +affectionate respect. Ere long, by Miramón's orders, the troops entered almost insurmountable paths, on which the horses only advanced with great difficulty. The country became more abrupt and diversified: the march became more rapid, and silence was re-established in the ranks of @@ -11476,7 +11442,7 @@ into their ranks. They were approaching Toluca, the spot where the President resolved to await the enemy. The road, cut up by deep ravines, which could only be crossed with great difficulty, became almost impracticable; still, the soldiers were not discouraged; they -were the _élite_ of Miramón's troops, his most faithful partizans, who +were the _élite_ of Miramón's troops, his most faithful partizans, who had accompanied him since the beginning of the war. They had redoubled their ardour in the presence of obstacles which they surmounted laughingly, encouraged by the example of their young general, who @@ -11486,7 +11452,7 @@ and self-denial. General Cobos had been detached to reconnoitre at the head of twenty resolute men, in order to watch the enemy's march, and warn the general as soon as he caught sight of them, by falling back unseen on the main -body. Suddenly Miramón perceived three horsemen galloping toward him, +body. Suddenly Miramón perceived three horsemen galloping toward him, supposing, correctly, that they were the bearers of important news. He spurred his horse, and hastened to meet them. He soon joined them. Of these three men, two were soldiers; the third, who was well mounted and @@ -11503,12 +11469,12 @@ motionless before him. "I pray your Excellency first to read this letter," he answered, as he drew a sealed note from his dolman, and respectfully handed it to the -general. Miramón opened it and rapidly read it. +general. Miramón opened it and rapidly read it. "Ah! Ah!" he said, examining him attentively; "What is your name, my good fellow?" -"López, General." +"López, General." "Good. So he is near here?" @@ -11518,7 +11484,7 @@ good fellow?" "Yes, General, for as long as you may want me." -"Tell me, López, do you know this country?" +"Tell me, López, do you know this country?" "I was born in it, Excellency." @@ -11528,7 +11494,7 @@ good fellow?" "Do you know the enemy's position?" -"Perfectly, Excellency; the heads of Generals Berriozábal and +"Perfectly, Excellency; the heads of Generals Berriozábal and Degollados' columns are not more than a league from Toluca, where they intend to make a long halt." @@ -11540,7 +11506,7 @@ intend to make a long halt." "There is one that shortens the distance by more than two-thirds." -"¡Caray!" the general exclaimed, "We must take it." +"¡Caray!" the general exclaimed, "We must take it." "Yes, but it is narrow, dangerous, and impracticable for artillery; even cavalry will not pass it without great difficulty." @@ -11570,7 +11536,7 @@ by the bridle." "No; if you keep your promise, I will give you ten ounces." -"Although it is not interest that directs me," López said with a laugh, +"Although it is not interest that directs me," López said with a laugh, "I am so certain of not making any mistake, that I regard the money as gained." @@ -11581,11 +11547,11 @@ him his purse. soldiers to maintain the deepest silence, so that we may come upon the enemy unawares, and attack him before he has time to look about him." -Miramón sent a soldier to General Cobos with orders for him to fall +Miramón sent a soldier to General Cobos with orders for him to fall back as quickly as possible; then he made his soldiers dismount, placed the infantry in front, four abreast, the greatest width possible, and the dismounted cavalry formed the rearguard. General Cobos soon -returned, and Miramón told him in a few words what was going on. The +returned, and Miramón told him in a few words what was going on. The President placed himself at the head of the troops, having his own horse and the guide's led behind him, in spite of the entreaties of his friends. @@ -11595,12 +11561,12 @@ greater part of the danger falls on me. My place is here, and I remain." They were compelled to let him act as he pleased. -"Shall we start?" Miramón asked López. +"Shall we start?" Miramón asked López. "I am ready, General." They set out: all their movements had been performed in the deepest -silence, with admirable rapidity and precision. López had made no +silence, with admirable rapidity and precision. López had made no mistake; the path along which he led the troops was so rocky and difficult, that they advanced much more rapidly on foot. @@ -11629,7 +11595,7 @@ will camp, and much too high for them to dream of crowning them." that I am here, I will not recoil." They continued their advance with redoubled precautions. They had -been for about five and twenty minutes on the path, when López, after +been for about five and twenty minutes on the path, when López, after looking searchingly around, suddenly halted. "What are you doing?" the general asked. @@ -11643,7 +11609,7 @@ passage." The general looked at him attentively. "Go," he at length said; "we will await your return before we push on. I trust to you." -López took off his weapons and hat, which were not only useless to him, +López took off his weapons and hat, which were not only useless to him, but might betray him; and lying down on the ground, he began crawling in the Indian fashion, and soon disappeared among the bushes that bordered the path. At a signal from the President, the word to halt ran @@ -11653,15 +11619,15 @@ the general. The guide did not return, and the anxiety was great. "That man is a traitor," General Cobos said. -"I do not believe it," Miramón at once replied: "I am sure of the +"I do not believe it," Miramón at once replied: "I am sure of the person who sent him to me." At this moment the bushes were parted, and a man appeared. It was -López, the guide. His face was calm, his eye bright, his step +López, the guide. His face was calm, his eye bright, his step confident. He approached the President, stopped at two paces from him, saluted, and waited till he was spoken to. -"Well?" Miramón asked. +"Well?" Miramón asked. "I have advanced to the very crest of the heights, Excellency," he replied. "I have distinctly seen the bivouac of the Puros. They do not @@ -11674,12 +11640,12 @@ suspect your presence, and I believe that you can act." "Good! Lead me to the entrance of the path, for I must examine the ground before I arrange my plan of attack." -López picked up his gun and hat. +López picked up his gun and hat. "I am ready," he said. They advanced. Behind them, at a short distance, came the army. -Everything was deserted, as the guide had announced. Miramón examined +Everything was deserted, as the guide had announced. Miramón examined the ground with the most serious attention. "Good!" he muttered; "I know now what remains for me to do." and, @@ -11711,16 +11677,16 @@ the crown with one blow of your machete. You have understood me?" "In that case, I shall rejoin my master." He took his horse from the asistente who was holding it, and calmly -proceeded toward the tree. Miramón divided his infantry into three +proceeded toward the tree. Miramón divided his infantry into three corps, and placed his cavalry in reserve. All these arrangements made, the troops began to ascend the heights. When they reached the -top--"Forward! Forward!" Miramón shouted, waving his sword, and rushing +top--"Forward! Forward!" Miramón shouted, waving his sword, and rushing down the slope. The whole army rolled after him like an avalanche. -On seeing the President raise his sword, López deftly lopped off the +On seeing the President raise his sword, López deftly lopped off the crown of the tree, on the top of which he was; then, when this exploit was accomplished, he stepped down, leaped on his horse, and galloped -after the army. The sudden appearance of Miramón's troops caused a +after the army. The sudden appearance of Miramón's troops caused a frightful disorder in the bivouac of the Puros, who were far from expecting so sharp and vigorous an attack, as their spies had assured them that no corps kept the field. The soldiers ran to their arms, and @@ -11728,7 +11694,7 @@ the officers tried to organize a resistance: but even before the ranks could be formed, the President's troops were upon them, and charged them furiously to the shouts of-- -"Long live Mexico! Miramón! Miramón!" +"Long live Mexico! Miramón! Miramón!" The generals who commanded the Puros, brave and intelligent officers, strove a tremendous resistance. At the head of those troops who had @@ -11740,15 +11706,15 @@ reason to fear that, if the combat was prolonged, they might assume the offensive. At this moment loud shouts were heard in their rear, and a large body of cavalry rushed upon them with couched lances. Taken between two enemies, the Juaristas believed themselves betrayed. They -lost their heads, and began to disband. Miramón's cavalry appeared +lost their heads, and began to disband. Miramón's cavalry appeared at this moment, and vigorously charged the enemy. The combat then degenerated into a massacre: it was no longer a fight, but a butchery. The Juaristas, attacked in front, on the flank, and in the rear, broke and fled. The retreat began, and was soon changed into a rout. -General Berriozábal, General Degollado, his sons, two colonels, all +General Berriozábal, General Degollado, his sons, two colonels, all the officers composing their staff, fourteen guns, a large quantity of ammunition and arms, and nearly two thousand prisoners, fell into -Miramón's hands. The President had seven men killed, and eleven +Miramón's hands. The President had seven men killed, and eleven slightly wounded. The battle had only lasted twenty-five minutes. The victory was complete. Capricious fortune granted a last smile to the man whose ruin she had resolved on. @@ -11762,12 +11728,12 @@ CHAPTER XXXI. TRIUMPH. -This unforeseen victory, so brilliant and, complete, gained by Miramón +This unforeseen victory, so brilliant and, complete, gained by Miramón over veteran troops commanded by renowned officers, restored courage and hope to the terrified partizans of the President of the Republic. The temper of the troops changed to such an extent, that they no longer doubted the triumph of their cause, and in a few minutes grew -to regard it as definitively gained. Amid the general joy, Miramón +to regard it as definitively gained. Amid the general joy, Miramón alone entertained no illusions as to the value of the victory he had gained. For him this new lustre cast on his armies, which had so long been victorious, was only the last and brilliant flicker of an expiring @@ -11777,7 +11743,7 @@ hopes. Still in his heart he thanked fortune for the last smile she had deigned to grant him, and which would prevent him from falling from power like a common man. When the cavalry sent in pursuit of the fugitives, to prevent them from rallying, at length rejoined the -main body, which had remained on the field of battle, Miramón, after +main body, which had remained on the field of battle, Miramón, after granting his troops two hours' rest, gave orders to return to Mexico. The return of the expeditionary force was not nearly so rapid as its @@ -11785,7 +11751,7 @@ preceding march. The tired horses only advanced with difficulty. The infantry had dismounted to escort the prisoners, and thus the cannons and numerous baggage waggons, which had been captured and now followed the army, could only pass along a wide and beaten road, which compelled -Miramón to follow the high road and occasioned him a delay of several +Miramón to follow the high road and occasioned him a delay of several hours. It was about ten at night when the vanguard of the expeditionary force reached the garitas of Mexico. It was quite dark, and yet the city appeared in the darkness, flashing with an innumerable quantity of @@ -11809,11 +11775,11 @@ monks, so cold on the previous day for the man who had ever supported them, had suddenly felt their slumbering enthusiasm aroused at the news of his victory. -Miramón passed through the crowds, cold and impassive, returning with +Miramón passed through the crowds, cold and impassive, returning with an imperceptible expression of irony the salutations incessantly made to him on both sides of the road. He dismounted at the palace; a little in front of the gate a man was standing motionless and smiling. This -man was the adventurer. On seeing him, Miramón could not restrain a +man was the adventurer. On seeing him, Miramón could not restrain a movement of joy. "Ah, come, come, my friend," he exclaimed walking toward him. @@ -11891,7 +11857,7 @@ pale. "What is that you are saying, my dear General?" will hear the cries of death which the army and the people are raising in concert." -"Ah!" Miramón muttered. "Political assassinations committed in cold +"Ah!" Miramón muttered. "Political assassinations committed in cold blood after the victory: I will never consent to authorize such odious crimes. No, a thousand times no! I at least will never have that said of me. Where are the captured officers?" @@ -11915,21 +11881,21 @@ immense saloon, in which his most devoted partizans were assembled. The President seated himself in a chair raised on two steps, prepared for him at the end of the room, and the officers who remained faithful to his cause, grouped themselves on either side of him. At an affectionate -nod from Miramón the adventurer remained by his side, apparently +nod from Miramón the adventurer remained by his side, apparently indifferent. A noise of footsteps and the rattling of arms were heard outside, and the captured officers, preceded by General Cobos, entered the hall. Although they affected calmness, the prisoners were rather anxious as to the fate reserved for them. They had heard the cries of death raised -against them, and were aware of the ill feeling of Miramón's partizans +against them, and were aware of the ill feeling of Miramón's partizans towards them. -The one who walked first was General Berriozábal, a young man of thirty +The one who walked first was General Berriozábal, a young man of thirty at the most, with an expressive head, firm and delicate features, and a noble and easy demeanour. After him came General Degollado between his two sons; then two colonels and the officers composing General -Berriozábal's staff. +Berriozábal's staff. The prisoners advanced with a firm step toward the President, who on their approach, hastened from his chair and walked a few steps toward @@ -11956,7 +11922,7 @@ attacks of people ill disposed toward you, and rendered savage by the sufferings of a long war: you are, therefore, prisoners on parole, caballeros, and at liberty to act as you please." -"General," Berriozábal answered in the name of all, "we thank you +"General," Berriozábal answered in the name of all, "we thank you sincerely for your courtesy, we could not expect less from your well-known generosity. We give you our word, and will only employ the liberty you grant us within the limits you may think proper, promising @@ -11965,7 +11931,7 @@ from our parole." After a few more compliments had been exchanged between the President and the two generals, the prisoners withdrew to the apartments assigned -to them. At the moment when Miramón was preparing to return to his +to them. At the moment when Miramón was preparing to return to his cabinet, the adventurer quickly checked him, and pointed to a general officer, who was apparently trying to escape notice. @@ -12017,14 +11983,14 @@ yells raised as a consolation, dispersed in their turn, and returned to the more or less ill-famed dens, always open in the low quarters of the city, and where they were sure of finding a shelter. -López alone remained firm at his post. The adventurer had ordered him +López alone remained firm at his post. The adventurer had ordered him to wait for him at the palace gate, and he did so. Still, as the night was dark, and the most profound obscurity had succeeded the radiant illumination of the evening, he waited with his hand on his weapons, with ears and eyes on the watch, lest, in spite of the vicinity of the palace, he might be surprised and robbed by some night prowler, who would not have been sorry of the windfall if the peon had not thus kept -good guard. When López saw the palace gate opened, he understood that +good guard. When López saw the palace gate opened, he understood that it could only be his master who thus came out alone, and he went up to him. @@ -12051,7 +12017,7 @@ my old patient." "On the contrary, for I also saw him in the palace." -"¡Ah demonio! In that case I regret that I did not listen to his +"¡Ah demonio! In that case I regret that I did not listen to his conversation." "What conversation--when, with whom? Speak or choke: come, will you @@ -12091,7 +12057,7 @@ of walking alone at a place of that description." "That we will very soon find out," the adventurer remarked as he mounted; "give me my reins and follow me: the horses are not tired?" -"No, they are quite fresh," López said, as he handed the adventurer a +"No, they are quite fresh," López said, as he handed the adventurer a double-barrelled gun, a brace of revolvers, and a machete; "by your orders I went to the corral, where I left our tired horses, I saddled Mono and Zopilote, now here, and returned to wait for you." @@ -12214,7 +12180,7 @@ The two horsemen resumed their journey. "He is really going to the Palo Quemado," the adventurer muttered; "we shall find him there." -"That is probable," López said with the utmost coolness. +"That is probable," López said with the utmost coolness. "It is strange that I did not guess that sooner, for it is easy enough." @@ -12225,12 +12191,12 @@ surrounding country. "Here is the Palo Quemado," don Jaime said. -"Yes," was all that López answered. +"Yes," was all that López answered. They advanced a few paces, and then stopped. All at once a dog began barking furiously. -"¡Demonio!" don Jaime exclaimed; "We must pass, or that accursed animal +"¡Demonio!" don Jaime exclaimed; "We must pass, or that accursed animal will betray us." They spurred their horses, and darted past at full speed. At the end of @@ -12239,7 +12205,7 @@ was quite silent. The horsemen stopped, and don Jaime dismounted. "Hide the horses somewhere in the vicinity," he said, "and wait for me." -López made no answer, the worthy man was not given to talking, and +López made no answer, the worthy man was not given to talking, and did not care to lavish his words unnecessarily. The adventurer, after inspecting his weapons with the great care so as to be sure, in the probable event of his being obliged to use them, that they would not @@ -12326,9 +12292,9 @@ he was beginning to stray into abstruse arguments, and seemed to be supporting with indomitable doggedness a condition which he wished to impose on his two hearers, and to which they would not consent. -"No," he repeated, incessantly, "it is useless to press me, señores, +"No," he repeated, incessantly, "it is useless to press me, señores, I will not give you the letter you ask of me. I am an honest man, and -have only one word, _¡voto a brios!_" and at each sentence he struck +have only one word, _¡voto a brios!_" and at each sentence he struck the table with his fist. "But," don Melchior remarked, "if you insist on keeping this letter, @@ -12365,8 +12331,8 @@ President intrusted to you for us?" ten thousand piastres. It is really giving it away, but I am an honest man." -"Hum!" the adventurer muttered to himself, "An autograph of señor -Benito Juárez is really precious. I would not bargain if he offered it +"Hum!" the adventurer muttered to himself, "An autograph of señor +Benito Juárez is really precious. I would not bargain if he offered it to me." "But," don Melchior exclaimed, "you will commit a scandalous robbery in @@ -12464,7 +12430,7 @@ my dear don Felipe?" "Several things," the adventurer replied; "but let us proceed regularly, as there is no hurry." -The guerillero poured out a tumbler of Cataluña refino, raised it to +The guerillero poured out a tumbler of Cataluña refino, raised it to his lips, and emptied it at a draught. "Take care," the adventurer observed to him; "Spanish brandy is strong, @@ -12511,7 +12477,7 @@ The adventurer smiled again, rested his elbows on the table, and leaned over slightly to the guerillero. "How much," he said, "did you ask your noble friends for the letter -which señor don Benito Juárez ordered you to deliver to them?" +which señor don Benito Juárez ordered you to deliver to them?" Don Felipe fixed on him a look of terror, and mechanically made the sign of the cross. @@ -12522,10 +12488,10 @@ sign of the cross. things about you more especially, and the numerous businesses you carry on. I know the bargain you made with a certain don Diego: moreover, if you desire it, I will repeat to you word for word the conversation -which you held scarce an hour ago in this very room with the señores +which you held scarce an hour ago in this very room with the señores don Melchior de la Cruz and Don Antonio de Cacerbar. Now, let us come to facts: I wish you to give me--you understand me, I suppose?--Give -me, and not sell me, the letter of señor Juárez which you have in your +me, and not sell me, the letter of señor Juárez which you have in your dolman, which you refused to the honourable caballeros whose names I mentioned to you, and surrender to me at the same time the other papers of which you are the bearer, and which I presume must be very @@ -12722,7 +12688,7 @@ as he could in his cloak, which was cut to pieces, he left the room, reached the passage, went through the hole in the hedge unnoticed by the sentry who was still standing in front of the door, and on arriving at a certain distance from the Palo Quemado, he imitated the hoot of -the owl. Almost immediately López appeared with the two horses. +the owl. Almost immediately López appeared with the two horses. "To Mexico," don Jaime cried, as he bounded into the saddle; "this time, I believe, I hold my vengeance." @@ -12753,7 +12719,7 @@ market, so that it was easy for them to enter the city unnoticed. Don Jaime proceeded straight to the house he inhabited in the calle de San Francisco, near the Plaza Mayor. -On reaching home, he dismissed López, who was literally falling asleep. +On reaching home, he dismissed López, who was literally falling asleep. In spite of the copious draughts which he had taken while his master was at the Palo Quemado, he gave him leave for the whole day, merely appointing a meeting with him the same evening, and then withdrew to @@ -12784,7 +12750,7 @@ honour to be his residuary legatee. It was to fulfil this sacred promise that he went out. About six o'clock he returned home. His word was liberated. He had delivered to don Felipe's mother and sister the fortunes which a knife thrust had made them so promptly inherit. At the -door of his house the adventurer found López, quite refreshed, who was +door of his house the adventurer found López, quite refreshed, who was awaiting him. The peon had prepared a modest dinner for his master. "What news is there?" don Jaime asked him, as he sat down to talk, and @@ -12816,7 +12782,7 @@ reported." "The news is rather probable. The enemy must at this moment be concentrating his forces. What next?" -López burst into a laugh. +López burst into a laugh. "Why are you laughing, animal?" don Jaime asked him. @@ -12825,7 +12791,7 @@ López burst into a laugh. "Is it very funny?" "Well, you shall judge. It is said that one of the most formidable -guerillero chiefs of Benito Juárez was found this morning killed by a +guerillero chiefs of Benito Juárez was found this morning killed by a knife in a room at the rancho of the Palo Quemado." "Oh, oh!" said don Jaime, smiling in his turn, "And do they say how @@ -12849,7 +12815,7 @@ sleeping only a few yards off, heard nothing." his name--was a frightful tyrant, without faith or law, about whom numberless atrocities are reported." -"If that is the case, my dear López, everything is for the best, and we +"If that is the case, my dear López, everything is for the best, and we need not trouble ourselves any further about the scoundrel," don Jaime said as he rose. @@ -12872,7 +12838,7 @@ Don Jaime then went out as he had stated, took a short walk, but only under the portales of the Plaza Mayor, so that he might reach the palace exactly at the appointed hour. At eight o'clock precisely the adventurer presented himself at the palace gates. An usher was waiting -to lead him to the President. General Miramón was walking, sad and +to lead him to the President. General Miramón was walking, sad and pensive, up and down a small saloon adjoining his private apartments; on perceiving don Jaime, his face became more cheerful. @@ -12884,13 +12850,13 @@ side, and let us talk, if you are willing." "I find, you sorrowful, General; has anything annoying happened to you?" "No, my friend, nothing; but you know that for a long time past I have -not had much cause for gaiety, I have just left Madame Miramón, the +not had much cause for gaiety, I have just left Madame Miramón, the poor woman is trembling, not for herself, dear and gentle creature, but for her children. She sees everything in dark colours, and foresees terrible disasters. She has been weeping, and that is why you find me sad." -"But why not, General, send Madame Miramón away from this city, which +"But why not, General, send Madame Miramón away from this city, which may be besieged any day?" "I have proposed it to her several times, I have insisted by trying to @@ -12940,7 +12906,7 @@ They then approached a table, on which was stretched out an immense map of the Mexican Confederation, with pins stuck into it at a great number of points. -The President continued:--"Don Benito Juárez, from his capital of +The President continued:--"Don Benito Juárez, from his capital of Veracruz, has ordered the concentration of his troops, and their immediate march on Mexico, where we are shut in, the only point of the territory we still hold; alas! Here is General Ortega's corps @@ -12948,7 +12914,7 @@ composed of 11,000 veteran troops, it is coming from the interior, that is to say, from Guadalajara, picking up on its passage all the small detachments scattered over the country. Amondia and Gazza are coming from Jalapa, bringing with them nearly 6000 regulars, and flanked on -the right and left by the guerillas of Cuéllar, Carvajal, and don +the right and left by the guerillas of Cuéllar, Carvajal, and don Felipe Neri Irzabal." "As for the last, General, you need not trouble yourself about him @@ -13014,7 +12980,7 @@ to discuss them." "Thanks, let us quit this subject and return to what we were saying; I do not wish by my fault to entail the destruction of the capital, and expose it to the sanguinary horrors of pillage, which always follow -the capture of a besieged city. I know Juárez's guerillas, the bandits +the capture of a besieged city. I know Juárez's guerillas, the bandits who compose them would cause irreparable misfortunes if the city were handed over to them, they would not leave one stone on the other, be assured my friend." @@ -13049,7 +13015,7 @@ can reckon on you, I suppose?" "Of course, General; am I not yours, body and soul?" "I know it, my friend: but enough of politics at present. Pray -accompany me to the apartments of madame Miramón; she eagerly desires +accompany me to the apartments of madame Miramón; she eagerly desires to see you." "This gracious invitation fills me with joy, General; and yet I should @@ -13067,7 +13033,7 @@ late." blessing left us, as the future no longer belongs to us." And taking don Jaime by the arm, he gently led him to the apartments of -madame Miramón, a charming, timid, and loving woman--the true guardian +madame Miramón, a charming, timid, and loving woman--the true guardian angel of the general; who was terrified by her husband's greatness and was only happy in private life, between her two children. @@ -13077,17 +13043,17 @@ was only happy in private life, between her two children. CHAPTER XXXV. -JESÚS DOMÍNGUEZ. +JESÚS DOMÃNGUEZ. -At the end of an hour, don Jaime left the palace followed by López, +At the end of an hour, don Jaime left the palace followed by López, went to the house in the suburbs, where he found the count and his friend, who wholly occupied with their love, and indifferent to the events that were going on around them, spent whole days with those whom they loved, enjoying with the happy carelessness of youth the present, which seemed to them so sweet, without wishing to think of the future. -"Oh, here you are at last, brother!" doña María exclaimed joyfully. +"Oh, here you are at last, brother!" doña MarÃa exclaimed joyfully. "What a stranger you have grown!" "Business!" the adventurer answered with a smile. @@ -13100,7 +13066,7 @@ his arm, was waiting for the party to sit down. not let you sup alone with these caballeros, if you will permit me to bear you company." -"What happiness!" doña Carmen exclaimed. +"What happiness!" doña Carmen exclaimed. The gentlemen offered a hand to the ladies and led them to their seats, after which they sat down by their side. The supper began. It was as it @@ -13113,7 +13079,7 @@ console in the dining room The twelve strokes fell one after the other with a majestic slowness into the midst of the conversation, which they suddenly chilled and stopped. -"Good gracious!" doña Dolores exclaimed, with a slight start of terror, +"Good gracious!" doña Dolores exclaimed, with a slight start of terror, "So late!" "How time passes!" don Jaime said carelessly. "We must now think of @@ -13121,8 +13087,8 @@ going." They left the table; and the three friends, after promising to visit the three recluses as often and soon as possible, at length withdrew, -leaving the ladies at liberty to retire. López was waiting for his -master under the _zaguán_. +leaving the ladies at liberty to retire. López was waiting for his +master under the _zaguán_. "What do you want?" the latter asked him. @@ -13153,7 +13119,7 @@ inform you of what has taken place between this man and myself." "Good-bye." They then went out, followed by Leo Carral and the count's two -servants. Doña María's old servant closed the gate with a bang, but was +servants. Doña MarÃa's old servant closed the gate with a bang, but was careful to open it again noiselessly. Don Jaime placed himself at the wicket, whence it was easy to watch all the movements of the supposed spy. At the noise caused by the departure of the young men, the latter @@ -13173,8 +13139,8 @@ him up to a statuette of the Virgin placed in a niche above a shop, in front of which some tapers were burning, and then, with a backhander he knocked off his prisoner's hat and curiously examined his features. -"Ah, señor Jesús Domínguez," he said an instant after, in an ironical -voice, "is it you? ¡Viva Dios! I did not expect to meet you here." +"Ah, señor Jesús DomÃnguez," he said an instant after, in an ironical +voice, "is it you? ¡Viva Dios! I did not expect to meet you here." The poor wretch looked piteously at the man in whose power he was, but made no answer. The adventurer waited a moment, then seeing that his @@ -13207,7 +13173,7 @@ tightly? You are twisting it so cruelly, that it must be broken." "Very good," he said, loosing his hold; "but make no attempt to fly, for you would suffer for it. Now speak." -Jesús Domínguez, on feeling himself delivered from the adventurer's +Jesús DomÃnguez, on feeling himself delivered from the adventurer's rough grasp, gave a sigh of relief, shook his arm several times, in order to re-establish the circulation, and then decided on speaking. @@ -13233,7 +13199,7 @@ accompanies me, and it was by his express orders I came." "Certainly Excellency. He is don Melchior de la Cruz." -"I suspected it. Now I can guess all. You are ordered to spy doña +"I suspected it. Now I can guess all. You are ordered to spy doña Dolores de la Cruz, I suppose?" "Yes, Excellency." @@ -13266,7 +13232,7 @@ it is impossible to resist you. I prefer telling you everything!" "You will act wisely." "Well, this is the matter in a few words. I was not only ordered to -watch doña Dolores, but also the old and young lady with whom she +watch doña Dolores, but also the old and young lady with whom she resides, as well as all the persons who visit them." "Hang it all! That was work enough for one man." @@ -13332,7 +13298,7 @@ Employ me, Excellency, I implore you." "Try me, and you will see, Excellency; that is all I say." -The adventurer pretended to reflect. Jesús Domínguez anxiously waited. +The adventurer pretended to reflect. Jesús DomÃnguez anxiously waited. "No," he said at last; "you are a man who cannot be trusted." @@ -13371,7 +13337,7 @@ advance." impossible!" "It is so possible that here they are," he continued, taking them from -his pocket, and placing them in Jesús' hand. +his pocket, and placing them in Jesús' hand. The bandit clutched them with a movement of feverish joy. @@ -13427,7 +13393,7 @@ anxiety, they were already preparing to go in search of him, when he entered: they received him with warm testimonies of joy, and then asked him about his expedition. Don Jaime saw no reason for keeping them in ignorance of what had taken place, and he repeated to them in detail -his conversation with Jesús Domínguez, and how he had led him to betray +his conversation with Jesús DomÃnguez, and how he had led him to betray his master. This narrative greatly amused the young men. The three remained together till daybreak: shortly before sunrise they separated, don Jaime's last remark on leaving them being the following: @@ -13460,18 +13426,18 @@ smoking his cigar, listening to everything that was said with the simplicity of a believer, accepting as true all the monstrous absurdities invented by the novelists of the street corners, and not saying a word himself. Every day he took a walk on the canal de Las -Vigas, accident made him meet Jesús Domínguez, they conversed for a +Vigas, accident made him meet Jesús DomÃnguez, they conversed for a long time while walking side by side, and then separated apparently mutually satisfied. For the last two or three days, however, don Jaime had not seemed so pleased with his spy, sharp words and covert threats were exchanged between them. -"My friend Jesús Domínguez;" don Jaime said to his spy at the sixth or +"My friend Jesús DomÃnguez;" don Jaime said to his spy at the sixth or seventh interview he had with him: "take care; I fancy I can perceive that you have been trying to play a double game. I have a fine nose as you are aware, and scent treachery." -"Oh, Excellency," Jesús Domínguez exclaimed, "you are mistaken; I am on +"Oh, Excellency," Jesús DomÃnguez exclaimed, "you are mistaken; I am on the contrary most faithful, be assured of that, for men do not betray a generous caballero like yourself." @@ -13481,7 +13447,7 @@ promised me for the last three days." Upon this don Jaime left the spy greatly abashed by this sharp reprimand, and very anxious as to the turn matters might take if he -did not act prudently; for, it must be confessed, Jesús Domínguez' +did not act prudently; for, it must be confessed, Jesús DomÃnguez' conscience was not very tranquil. Don Jaime's suspicions were not totally devoid of foundation; if the spy had not yet betrayed his generous protector, the idea had occurred to him of doing so, and for @@ -13491,7 +13457,7 @@ brilliant stroke in order to regain his confidence; for this purpose he decided on taking the papers which don Jaime asked of him, and handing them to him on the morrow, with a determination of stealing them from him again if he considered it worth the while. On the next day, at the -appointed hour, don Jaime was at the place of meeting: Jesús Domínguez +appointed hour, don Jaime was at the place of meeting: Jesús DomÃnguez speedily arrived, and with a great display of devotedness according to his wont, handed a rather large bundle of papers to the adventurer; the latter took a rapid glance at them, concealed them under his cloak, @@ -13499,7 +13465,7 @@ and after letting a heavy purse of gold drop into the guerillero's hand, he brusquely turned his back on him, without listening to his protestations. -"¡Diablos!" Jesús Domínguez muttered. "He does not seem in a very sweet +"¡Diablos!" Jesús DomÃnguez muttered. "He does not seem in a very sweet temper today, so I must not leave him the time to take his precautions: I have luckily discovered where he lives, and now I must act and go and tell everything to don Melchior. I shall be able to arrange @@ -13509,7 +13475,7 @@ betray him, don Melchior will be enchanted, and congratulate me on my skill. By Heavens! Sense is a fine thing. I am decidedly a man full of intelligence." -While complimenting himself thus in an aside, Jesús Domínguez, who +While complimenting himself thus in an aside, Jesús DomÃnguez, who was walking with his head down as persons who are reflecting do, ran full butt against two individuals who were walking arm in arm and conversing. The two persons were probably quick tempered, for they @@ -13529,7 +13495,7 @@ poor fellow was really dead; after which they quietly went off, though not till they had eased him of his money and everything that could prove his identity. -Thus died señor Jesús Domínguez. The celadores picked up his body two +Thus died señor Jesús DomÃnguez. The celadores picked up his body two hours later, and as no one recognized it, it was unceremoniously cast into a hole dug in the cemetery, without further enquiry. Don Melchior was perhaps astonished at not seeing him again; but as he placed slight @@ -13547,7 +13513,7 @@ THE BEGINNING OF THE END. The few days which had elapsed since his interview with don Jaime, -were not wasted by General don Miguel Miramón. Decided on playing a +were not wasted by General don Miguel Miramón. Decided on playing a last stake, he had not been willing to risk it till he had as far as possible equalized the advantages, even though he might not have all the chances on his side, so as to render the struggle which, whatever @@ -13562,7 +13528,7 @@ to repair the injury which this stroke had done him, and paved the way for a negotiation, by which he pledged himself to refund in London the money he had so unfortunately taken; while alleging as excuse for this audacious act that it was only intended as reprisals -against Mr. Mathew, the Chargé d'Affaires of the British Government, +against Mr. Mathew, the Chargé d'Affaires of the British Government, whose incessant machinations and hostile demonstrations against the recognized government of Mexico had placed the President in the critical position in which he now found himself. As a proof of this @@ -13579,13 +13545,13 @@ journal. This publication had produced all the effect the President anticipated from it, and, by increasing the instinctive hatred of the population for the English nation, regained him the sympathies of a few. -Miramón then redoubled his efforts, and, at length succeeded in arming +Miramón then redoubled his efforts, and, at length succeeded in arming eight thousand men--a very small number against the twenty-four thousand who menaced him--for General Huerta, whose conduct had for some time past been marked with hesitation, at length decided on leaving Morelia at the head of four thousand men, who, joined to the -eleven thousand of González Ortega, the five thousand of Gazza Amondia, -and the four thousand of Aureliano Carvajal and Cuéllar, formed an +eleven thousand of González Ortega, the five thousand of Gazza Amondia, +and the four thousand of Aureliano Carvajal and Cuéllar, formed an effective strength of twenty-four thousand men, who were advanced by forced marches on Mexico, and would speedily appear before the city. The situation became more critical with every moment. The population, @@ -13593,7 +13559,7 @@ ignorant of the President's plans, were agitated by the most lively terror, expecting at any moment to see the heads of the Juarist columns debouch, and to undergo all the horrors of a siege. -In the meanwhile, Miramón, who was anxious before all not to lose the +In the meanwhile, Miramón, who was anxious before all not to lose the esteem of his countrymen, and to calm the exaggerated fears of the population, resolved on convoking the ayuntamiento. He then strove, by a speech full of courage, to make these representatives of the @@ -13604,7 +13570,7 @@ and that, whatever might be the result of the battle he proposed to fight, the city would have no cause to fear a siege. This assurance slightly calmed the fears of the population, and stopped, as if by enchantment, the tentatives at disorder, and the seditious cries which -the hidden partizans of Juárez secretly excited among the groups +the hidden partizans of Juárez secretly excited among the groups assembled in the squares, which were constantly stationed there for the last two or three days, and even bivouacked there at night. @@ -13618,24 +13584,24 @@ proposed, some of which, as always happens under such circumstances, were impracticable--and others which, had they been adopted, might possibly have saved the government. -Unfortunately, on this day, General Miramón, usually so sensible and +Unfortunately, on this day, General Miramón, usually so sensible and prudent, allowed himself to be carried away by his personal resentment, instead of considering the true interests of the nation. -Don Benito Juárez is a lawyer. We will mention, in passing, that, since +Don Benito Juárez is a lawyer. We will mention, in passing, that, since the proclamation of Mexican Independence, he is the sole President of the Republic who has not emerged from the ranks of the army, or -belonged to the magistracy. Now, Juárez, not being a soldier, could +belonged to the magistracy. Now, Juárez, not being a soldier, could not place himself at the head of his army. Hence, he had temporarily established his residence at Veracruz, which he had made his capital, -and appointed don González Ortega Commander-in-Chief, with the most +and appointed don González Ortega Commander-in-Chief, with the most extensive powers as regarded questions of military strategy, trusting entirely to special knowledge and experience for the conduct of the war. But he had completely held back the diplomatic question in his own hands, not wishing that General Ortega, a brave soldier but very bad negotiator, should compromise, by misplaced generosity, the success which he anticipated from his cautious And crafty policy. It -was General Ortega by whom Miramón had been defeated at Silao. The +was General Ortega by whom Miramón had been defeated at Silao. The resentment at this defeat had remained ever present in the President's heart: and he felt the most lively desire to wash out the insult he had received on that occasion. Hence, forgetting his habitual prudence, and @@ -13671,7 +13637,7 @@ finished." "Do so, pray, General," the adventurer said, seating himself in a butaca. -Miramón resumed his momentarily interrupted occupation. Don Jaime gazed +Miramón resumed his momentarily interrupted occupation. Don Jaime gazed at him for a moment with an expression of indescribable melancholy. "So," he said, "your resolution is decidedly formed, General?" @@ -13694,13 +13660,13 @@ don Jaime." "Now, be kind enough to tell what direction you intend to follow, and the corps you have resolved to attack." -"I intend to take the bull by the horns; that is to say, González +"I intend to take the bull by the horns; that is to say, González Ortega himself." The adventurer shook his head, but did not venture the slightest observation. He merely said, "Very good." -Miramón left his writing table and sat down by his side. "There that is +Miramón left his writing table and sat down by his side. "There that is finished," he said; "now I am at your service. I guess that you wish to make up some important communication; so speak, don Jaime, I am ready to hear you." @@ -13713,7 +13679,7 @@ read it without displaying the slightest sign of surprise, and then returned it to the adventurer. "Have you read the signature?" he said. "Yes," he replied coldly; "it is a letter of credit given by don -Benito Juárez to don Antonio Cacerbar, recommending the latter to his +Benito Juárez to don Antonio Cacerbar, recommending the latter to his adherents." "It is really so, General; you have now no doubts left as to that man's @@ -13741,7 +13707,7 @@ my position was most precarious, he did not hesitate to recognize my government. Since then he has offered me the best advice, and given the greatest proof of sympathy; his conduct has been so kind toward me, that he has compromised his diplomatic position, and so soon as -Juárez obtains the power, he will certainly hand him his passports. Don +Juárez obtains the power, he will certainly hand him his passports. Don Pacheco is aware of all this, and yet, at this moment, when I am all but ruined, his conduct remains the same. It is on him alone--I confess it--I reckon to obtain from the enemy, in the probable event of a @@ -13878,7 +13844,7 @@ of you." After affectionately pressing the hand which the general offered him, don Jaime withdrew. -López was waiting for him at the palace gate; he mounted his horse, and +López was waiting for him at the palace gate; he mounted his horse, and at once returned home. After writing some letters, which he ordered his peon to deliver at once, don Jaime changed his dress, took certain papers locked up in a bronze casket, assured himself that the hour was @@ -13886,7 +13852,7 @@ not improper (it was hardly ten at night), then went out, and hurried toward the Spanish Embassy, from which he was at no great distance. The ambassador's door was still open; servants in handsome liveries were moving about the courtyard and vestibule; a porter was standing at the -entrance of the _zaguán_, halberd in hand. +entrance of the _zaguán_, halberd in hand. Don Jaime addressed him. The porter called a footman, and made the adventurer a sign to follow this man. On reaching an antechamber, an @@ -13946,7 +13912,7 @@ He rose, went to his table, wrote a few words on a sheet of paper bearing the arms of Spain and the Embassy stamp, signed it, sealed it, and then handed it open to don Jaime. -"Here," he said, "is a letter for his Excellency, General Miramón; will +"Here," he said, "is a letter for his Excellency, General Miramón; will you take charge of it, or do you prefer it being sent by the Embassy?" "I will take charge of it, with your Excellency's permission," he @@ -13997,9 +13963,9 @@ of the loungers. At about ten a.m. loud shouts were heard rapidly drawing nearer the Paseo. The people were greeting the President of the Republic. -General Miramón came up in the midst of a brilliant staff. The +General Miramón came up in the midst of a brilliant staff. The expression on the President's face was a glad one, he seemed to be -pleased with these shouts of "Long live Miramón!" uttered as he +pleased with these shouts of "Long live Miramón!" uttered as he passed, and which proved to him that the people still loved him and were displaying, after their fashion, their gratitude for the heroic resolution he had formed of risking a final battle on the open field, @@ -14011,7 +13977,7 @@ rapid orders ran along the ranks, the soldiers fell in, the regimental bands began playing, the bugles sounded, the drums beat, the general passed slowly along the front, and the review began. The soldiers seemed full of ardour, the crowd had communicated their enthusiasm to -them, and they shouted, "Long live Miramón!" heartily, as the President +them, and they shouted, "Long live Miramón!" heartily, as the President passed. The inspection held by the general was short and conscientious. It was @@ -14032,7 +13998,7 @@ congratulated the commanding officers, and then the marching pass began; but, after passing in front of the President, the troops resumed their former positions, and established a temporary bivouac. -Miramón, not wishing uselessly to fatigue his troops by compelling +Miramón, not wishing uselessly to fatigue his troops by compelling them to march during the great heat, had resolved not to set out till nightfall. Up to that moment the troops would bivouac on the Paseo. Among the officers who composed the President's staff, and returned @@ -14084,7 +14050,7 @@ present, my friends." They separated. Don Jaime entered the palace and proceeded to the President's cabinet. The usher knew him, and raised no difficulty about -letting him pass. Miramón was listening to the reports several scouts +letting him pass. Miramón was listening to the reports several scouts made him touching the enemy's movements. Don Jaime sat down and waited patiently till the President had finished his examination. At length the last scout completed his report and withdrew. @@ -14164,12 +14130,12 @@ the troops camped, orders were given not to light any bivouac fires. At about three in the morning a scout arrived. He was at once conducted to the President. -"Ah, ah! It is you, López?" the general said, on recognizing him. +"Ah, ah! It is you, López?" the general said, on recognizing him. -"Yes, General," López replied, with a smile to don Jaime, who was +"Yes, General," López replied, with a smile to don Jaime, who was seating by the President's side negligently smoking a cigarette. -"What news? Have you heard anything about the enemy?" Miramón asked. +"What news? Have you heard anything about the enemy?" Miramón asked. "Yes, General, and quite fresh." @@ -14179,7 +14145,7 @@ seating by the President's side negligently smoking a cigarette. "Good, we shall soon be there then. Which corps is it?" -"That of General don González Ortega." +"That of General don González Ortega." "Bravo," the President said joyously, "you are a precious lad: here is something for you." @@ -14200,9 +14166,9 @@ thousand are cavalry, and thirty-five guns." "Good, rest yourself, you have an hour to sleep." -López bowed and withdrew. +López bowed and withdrew. -"At last then," said Miramón, "we are going to meet face to face." +"At last then," said Miramón, "we are going to meet face to face." "How many troops have you, General?" don Jaime asked. @@ -14213,7 +14179,7 @@ double my friend, courage will make up for the deficiency." "May heaven grant it!" -At four o'clock the camp was raised: López acted; as guide. The troops, +At four o'clock the camp was raised: López acted; as guide. The troops, shivering with cold, were in a very unsatisfactory temper. At about seven they; halted, the army was drawn up in battle array in a very advantageous position and the guns placed in battery. Don Jaime drew @@ -14221,12 +14187,12 @@ up his horse behind the regular cavalry. Then, all arrangements being made, they breakfasted. At eight o'clock, what the Spaniards call a _tiroteo_ began to be heard: the outposts were falling back before the heads of Ortega's columns, which were debouching on the battlefield -selected by Miramón, and were exchanging shots with them. +selected by Miramón, and were exchanging shots with them. Nothing would have been easier for the President than to avoid the -battle, but he did not wish it, as he longed for the end. Miramón was -surrounded by his surest lieutenants, Vélez, Cobos, Negrete, Ayestarán -and Márquez. On perceiving the enemy he mounted his horse, rode along +battle, but he did not wish it, as he longed for the end. Miramón was +surrounded by his surest lieutenants, Vélez, Cobos, Negrete, Ayestarán +and Márquez. On perceiving the enemy he mounted his horse, rode along the ranks of his small army, gave his instructions in a loud sharp voice, strove to communicate to all the valiant ardor that inflated him, and raising his sword in the air, shouted-- @@ -14234,7 +14200,7 @@ him, and raising his sword in the air, shouted-- "Forward!" The battle at once commenced. The Juarist army forced to form under -the enemy's fire, had a marked disadvantage. Miramón's troops, excited +the enemy's fire, had a marked disadvantage. Miramón's troops, excited by the example of their young chief, who was only twenty-six years of age, fought like lions and performed prodigies of valour. In vain did the Juarists try to establish themselves in the position they had @@ -14243,13 +14209,13 @@ the enemy. In spite of their numerical superiority, the soldiers only advanced inch by inch, and were constantly driven back and broken by the President's troops. -Miramón's lieutenants, into whom his soul seemed to have passed, placed +Miramón's lieutenants, into whom his soul seemed to have passed, placed themselves at the head of the troops, drew them after them, and dashed into the thickest of the fight. One more effort, and the battle was -gained, and Ortega forced to retreat. Miramón hurried up. He judged +gained, and Ortega forced to retreat. Miramón hurried up. He judged the position with an infallible glance. The moment had arrived to hurl his cavalry on the centre of the Juarists, and break it by a decisive -charge. The President shouted: "charge!" The cavalry hesitated. Miramón +charge. The President shouted: "charge!" The cavalry hesitated. Miramón repeated the order. The cavalry set out, but, instead charging, one-half went over to the enemy, and charged with couched lances, the other half that still remained faithful. Demoralized by this @@ -14259,12 +14225,12 @@ cowardly deserted, fought without energy. Cries of "treachery, treachery!" ran along the ranks. In vain did the officers try to lead the soldiers again against the enemy. They were -demoralized. Ere long the flight became general. Miramón's army no +demoralized. Ere long the flight became general. Miramón's army no longer existed. Ortega was once again the victor but through a shameful treachery at the very moment when he had lost the battle. We have said that don Jaime took up a position with his cuadrilla in -the rear of Miramón's cavalry. Certainly, if three hundred men could +the rear of Miramón's cavalry. Certainly, if three hundred men could have changed the issue of the battle, these brave horsemen would have accomplished the prodigy. Even when the rout was general, they continued fighting with unparalleled obstinacy against the Juarist @@ -14284,29 +14250,29 @@ loosened. There a gap, and through this gap the cuadrilla passed, carrying off don Melchior in its centre--a prisoner. "To the President! To the President!" don Jaime shouted, as he dashed -with his whole band up to Miramón, who was vainly trying to rally a few +with his whole band up to Miramón, who was vainly trying to rally a few detachments. -Miramón's lieutenants, who were all his friends, had not abandoned +Miramón's lieutenants, who were all his friends, had not abandoned him. They had sworn to die with him. The cuadrilla made a last charge for the purpose of disengaging the general. Then, after taking one -despairing glance at the battlefield, Miramón consented to listen to +despairing glance at the battlefield, Miramón consented to listen to his friends, and retreat. Of his whole army, scarce a thousand men remained to him. The rest were dead, dispersed, or had gone over to the enemy. -The first moments of the retreat were terrible. Miramón was suffering +The first moments of the retreat were terrible. Miramón was suffering from a fearful sorrow, caused not by his defeat, which he had foreseen, but by the cowardly treachery of which he was the victim. When they no longer feared being caught up by the enemy, the President ordered a -halt, to enable the horses to breathe. Miramón, leaning against a tree, +halt, to enable the horses to breathe. Miramón, leaning against a tree, with folded arms and drooping head, maintained a stern silence, which his generals, standing near him, did not venture to break. Don Jaime advanced, and, stopping two paces from the President, said: "General!" -At the sound of this friendly voice, Miramón raised his head, and +At the sound of this friendly voice, Miramón raised his head, and offered his hand to the adventurer. "Is it you?" he said, "My friend? Oh! Why did I so obstinately refuse @@ -14341,7 +14307,7 @@ At these words a quiver of joy ran along the ranks. "By Heaven!" Cobos exclaimed; "the villain deserves quartering." -"Bring the man here," Miramón said, sadly; for his heart was painfully +"Bring the man here," Miramón said, sadly; for his heart was painfully affected at being forced to act severely; "he shall be tried." "That will not take long," said General Negrete; "he will meet with the @@ -14389,12 +14355,12 @@ insult, looked around him in horror, and made a movement to rise. A detonation was heard; the criminal uttered a fearful cry of agony, and fell with his face on the ground, writhing in awful convulsions. -"Finish him!" Miramón said, pityingly. +"Finish him!" Miramón said, pityingly. "No!" Cobos cried, roughly; "Let him die like a dog. The more he suffers, the more perfect our vengeance will be." -Miramón gave a look of disgust, and ordered the boot and saddle to be +Miramón gave a look of disgust, and ordered the boot and saddle to be sounded. The troops set out. Only two men remained with the wretched man, watching him writhe at their feet in atrocious agony. These two men were General Cobos and don Jaime. Don Jaime bent down to him, @@ -14428,12 +14394,12 @@ CHAPTER XXXVIII. FACE TO FACE. -When General Miramón arrived in Mexico, the news of his defeat was +When General Miramón arrived in Mexico, the news of his defeat was already public. Then a singular fact occurred. The clergy and the -aristocracy, whom President Miramón had always supported and defended, +aristocracy, whom President Miramón had always supported and defended, and yet whose indifference and egotism had caused his ruin and entailed his destruction, now deplored the way in which they had behaved to the -man who was alone able of saving them. If Miramón had wished in this +man who was alone able of saving them. If Miramón had wished in this supreme hour to make an appeal to the people, they would immediately have gathered round him, and it would have been easy for him to organize a vigorous defense. The idea did not even occur to him. He was @@ -14445,8 +14411,8 @@ no longer necessary from the moment when Mexico was prepared to open its gates to the Federal troops without a blow. A deputation, composed of the ministers of France and Spain, General -Berriozábal, the prisoner of Toluca, and General Ayestarán, a -particular friend of Miramón, at once proceeded to General Ortega, in +Berriozábal, the prisoner of Toluca, and General Ayestarán, a +particular friend of Miramón, at once proceeded to General Ortega, in order to obtain an honorable capitulation. Don Antonio de Cacerbar had tried to join the deputation. He had @@ -14465,7 +14431,7 @@ as he was requested to do in the letter he had received, he summoned a dozen distinguished cutthroats, and concealed them behind the tapestry, in order to be ready for any event. -It was the day of Miramón's return to Mexico, and about nine o'clock +It was the day of Miramón's return to Mexico, and about nine o'clock at night. Don Antonio had retired to his bedroom, and was reading, or rather, trying to read; for his troubled conscience did not allow him the necessary calmness of mind to take this innocent amusement, when he @@ -14481,9 +14447,9 @@ till one of the strangers resolved on speaking. This really happened. -"Señor don Antonio," one of them said, advancing a step, "I bring you -doña María, Duchess de Tobar, your sister-in-law, doña Carmen de Tobar, -your niece, and doña Dolores de la Cruz." +"Señor don Antonio," one of them said, advancing a step, "I bring you +doña MarÃa, Duchess de Tobar, your sister-in-law, doña Carmen de Tobar, +your niece, and doña Dolores de la Cruz." At these words, uttered with an accent of cutting irony, don Antonio fell back a step, and his face, was covered with an earthy paleness. @@ -14491,7 +14457,7 @@ fell back a step, and his face, was covered with an earthy paleness. "I do not understand you," he said in a voice which he strove in vain to render firm, but which trembled. -"Do you not recognize me, don Horacio?" doña María then said in a soft +"Do you not recognize me, don Horacio?" doña MarÃa then said in a soft voice; "Has grief so completely altered my features that it is possible for you to deny that I am the unhappy wife of the brother whom you assassinated?" @@ -14504,7 +14470,7 @@ contempt, raising his voice. "You wish for witnesses to what is going to take place here, caballero? I presume you consider there are not enough of us to hear what is going -to be said. Well, I consent; come out of your hiding places, señores; +to be said. Well, I consent; come out of your hiding places, señores; and you, caballeros, come." At the same instant the tapestry was raised, the door opened, and some @@ -14525,12 +14491,12 @@ uncovered faces." With a gesture he removed the mask that covered his face: his companions imitated him. The reader will have recognized them already. They were don Jaime, Domingo, count Ludovic, Leo Carral, don Diego, and -Loïck, the ranchero. +Loïck, the ranchero. -"Now, señor," don Jaime continued, "put off your borrowed name, as we +"Now, señor," don Jaime continued, "put off your borrowed name, as we have thrown away our masks. Do you recognize me? I am don Jaime de Bivar, your sister-in-law's brother. For twenty-two years I have been -following you step by step, señor don Horacio de Tobar, watching all +following you step by step, señor don Horacio de Tobar, watching all your movements, and seeking the vengeance which Heaven at length grants me, great and complete as I dreamed of it." @@ -14562,7 +14528,7 @@ is a Spanish ambassador in Mexico." "Yes," don Jaime answered, "but that ambassador leaves you to all the rigour of the Mexican laws." -"He, my friend, my protector, who introduced me to President Miramón? +"He, my friend, my protector, who introduced me to President Miramón? It is not so, it cannot be. Besides, what have I, a foreigner, to fear from the laws of this country?" @@ -14571,14 +14537,14 @@ order to betray it to the profit of another. That letter, which you demanded so earnestly from Colonel don Felipe, and which he refused to sell you, he gave me for nothing; and the compromising letters which were taken from you at Puebla, thanks to don Estevan, whom you do not -know, but who is your cousin, are at this moment in Juárez' hands. +know, but who is your cousin, are at this moment in Juárez' hands. Hence you are hopelessly lost in that quarter; for, as you are aware, -clemency is not one of señor don Benito Juárez' striking virtues. +clemency is not one of señor don Benito Juárez' striking virtues. Lastly, I also possess your most precious secret--that which you -believed so well guarded. I know of the existence of doña Carmen's twin +believed so well guarded. I know of the existence of doña Carmen's twin brother; I know also where he is, and can, if I like, suddenly bring him before you. See, here is the man to whom you sold your nephew," he -added, pointing to Loïck, who was standing motionless by his side. +added, pointing to Loïck, who was standing motionless by his side. "Oh!" he muttered, falling back into a chair, and folding his arms in despair. "I am lost!" @@ -14586,7 +14552,7 @@ despair. "I am lost!" "Yes, and most utterly lost, don Horacio," he said, contemptuously, "for not even death will be able to save you from dishonour." -"Speak, in Heaven's name!" doña María exclaimed, approaching her +"Speak, in Heaven's name!" doña MarÃa exclaimed, approaching her brother-in-law, "tell me that I am not mistaken, that don Jaime really spoke the truth; that I have a son, in short, and that this son is the twin brother of my beloved Carmen?" @@ -14610,7 +14576,7 @@ Don Jaime approached her. "Courage, poor woman!" he said to her, gently. There was a moment of mournful silence. In the room where so many persons were collected, nothing was to be heard but the sound of oppressed breathing and the -stifled sobs of doña María and the two young ladies. Don Horacio +stifled sobs of doña MarÃa and the two young ladies. Don Horacio advanced a step. "My noble brother-in-law," he said in a firm voice, impressed with @@ -14631,15 +14597,15 @@ to happen here, and fear a snare, I will not go except by the express order of don Jaime--it was he who brought me up; I am his adopted son, and it is my duty to defend him." -"Remain then, señor," don Horacio replied with a sorrowful smile, +"Remain then, señor," don Horacio replied with a sorrowful smile, "since you may belong to our family." Don Jaime stepped forward at this moment. "Brother-in-law," he said to him, "that son, whom you carried off from my sister, the heir of the Dukes de Tobar, whom you believe -lost, I saved! Dominique, embrace your mother. María! This is your son!" +lost, I saved! Dominique, embrace your mother. MarÃa! This is your son!" "Mother!" the young man cried, bounding wildly towards her, "Mother!" -"My son!" doña María murmured, in a dying voice, and fell fainting in +"My son!" doña MarÃa murmured, in a dying voice, and fell fainting in the arms of the child she had at length recovered. Though resolute against grief, like all choice natures, joy had @@ -14656,10 +14622,10 @@ terrible voice, "coward and villain, my curses on you!" Don Horacio bowed his head before this anathema, but drawing himself up again immediately, he said, "God is just! My punishment is beginning. I knew that this man was alive. By great search I had succeeded in -finding again, under the name of Loïck, the wretch to whom I sold him +finding again, under the name of Loïck, the wretch to whom I sold him at the house of his birth." -"Yes," said don Jaime, "and this Loïck, whom want led into crime, +"Yes," said don Jaime, "and this Loïck, whom want led into crime, repenting of his fault, restored him to me." "Yes, all this is true," don Horacio said, in a low voice. "This @@ -14684,7 +14650,7 @@ Don Jaime and Dominique remained gloomy and silent. "Will you refuse me? Are you pitiless?" he anxiously exclaimed. -At this moment, doña María left the sofa on which her son had laid her: +At this moment, doña MarÃa left the sofa on which her son had laid her: walking with a slow and mechanical step toward don Horacio, she placed herself between him, her brother and her son. Then, stretching out her arm with supreme majesty, she said in a voice marked with ineffable @@ -14734,9 +14700,9 @@ first fratricide: Cain, what hast thou done with thy brother?" At these words, uttered in an awful tone, don Horacio sank senseless on the floor. -Don Jaime and doña María recoiled from him with horror. He remained +Don Jaime and doña MarÃa recoiled from him with horror. He remained lying on the ground for some minutes, and the persons present did not -make a movement to succour him: at length doña María leaned over him. +make a movement to succour him: at length doña MarÃa leaned over him. "Stay mother!" the young man exclaimed, "Do not touch that wretch! The contact would sully you!" @@ -14763,10 +14729,10 @@ don Estevan alone remained in the sitting room with the young ladies, upon receiving a sign from don Jaime. Don Jaime then walked up to his sister and offered her his arm. -"Come," he said to her; "come, María, this scene is killing you. Your +"Come," he said to her; "come, MarÃa, this scene is killing you. Your place is no longer here, now that you have forgiven this man." -Doña María offered but a slight resistance, and followed her brother, +Doña MarÃa offered but a slight resistance, and followed her brother, who led her into the sitting room, the door of which he closed after them. The rolling of a carriage was heard, in which the three ladies returned home under the count's escort. At the same moment a clash of @@ -14785,7 +14751,7 @@ Antonio Cacerbar, you are my prisoner: corchetes, seize this man." himself between his brother-in-law and the police agents. "Thanks," the latter said, "thanks for having saved the honour of my -name. Señores," he said in a loud voice, pointing to Dominique, who +name. Señores," he said in a loud voice, pointing to Dominique, who was standing by his side, "this is the Duke de Tobar. I am a great criminal; pray to Heaven to pardon me." @@ -14798,7 +14764,7 @@ Suddenly he turned pale, tottered like a drunken man, and rolled on the floor without even a sigh. He was dead. Don Horacio had poisoned himself. -"Señores," don Jaime then said to the prefect and the Alcalde mayor, +"Señores," don Jaime then said to the prefect and the Alcalde mayor, "your duty ceases with the death of the culprit; his corpse henceforth belongs to his family. Have the goodness to withdraw." @@ -14836,25 +14802,25 @@ EPILOGUE--THE HATCHET. In the meanwhile political events advanced with a fatal rapidity. The deputation sent to General Ortega returned to Mexico without obtaining any capitulation. The situation was becoming excessively -critical: under the circumstances, General Miramón displayed extreme +critical: under the circumstances, General Miramón displayed extreme self denial; not wishing to compromise the city of Mexico further, he resolved to abandon it on the same night. He therefore proceeded to the ayuntamiento, to whom he proposed to appoint a temporary President or Alcalde, who, through his previous relations with the triumphant party, would be able to save the city, and maintain order -in it. The ayuntamiento unanimously applied to General Berriozábal, +in it. The ayuntamiento unanimously applied to General Berriozábal, who generously accepted this difficult office. His first care was to request the foreign ministers to arm their countrymen, who would take the place of the disorganized police, and watch over and guard the general safety. -During this time Miramón made all his preparations for departure. Not +During this time Miramón made all his preparations for departure. Not being able to take his wife and children with him on a flight whose incidents might be sanguinary, he resolved to entrust them to the Spanish ambassador, by whom they were received with all the respect to which their unhappy situation gave them a claim. Had he wished it, -Miramón would have gone away without having any violence to apprehend -from Juárez' partizans. Naturally good-hearted, if he was regarded as a +Miramón would have gone away without having any violence to apprehend +from Juárez' partizans. Naturally good-hearted, if he was regarded as a political adversary, no one hated him as a personal enemy. Propositions to escape alone had even been made him on several occasions, but with that chivalrous delicacy which is one of the noblest traits of his @@ -14875,11 +14841,11 @@ strange events of the previous day, at length took their leave, feeling somewhat alarmed about the protracted absence of don Jaime, owing to the confusion that prevailed at the moment in the city; they had just reached home, and were preparing to retire for the night, when -Raimbaut, the count's valet, announced López. The peon was armed as if +Raimbaut, the count's valet, announced López. The peon was armed as if for a dangerous expedition. "Oh! Oh!" the duke said to him, "What an arsenal you have about you, -López." +López." "Have you a communication to make to us?" the count asked. @@ -14899,7 +14865,7 @@ and wait." "Before an hour he will be here. He gave me orders to remain with you." -"Good! Take advantage of that hour to rest yourself, López, while we +"Good! Take advantage of that hour to rest yourself, López, while we get ready." When don Jaime arrived at about eleven o'clock, his friends were @@ -14922,7 +14888,7 @@ me to tell you what I intend doing." "Very good. Go on." -"You are aware that I am very intimate with General Miramón," he +"You are aware that I am very intimate with General Miramón," he continued. The young men nodded an affirmative. @@ -14940,11 +14906,11 @@ said. "It does not concern us." "I do not see in all this," said the duke, "the part we have to play." -"It is this," don Jaime continued, "Miramón believes he can reckon on +"It is this," don Jaime continued, "Miramón believes he can reckon on the fifteen hundred men who compose his escort. But I am persuaded of the contrary. The soldiers are attached to him, it is true, but they detest certain persons who are going with him. I fear lest they may -allow themselves to be seduced, and Miramón in this way made prisoner." +allow themselves to be seduced, and Miramón in this way made prisoner." "That is what will probably happen," the count remarked with a shake of the head. @@ -14981,7 +14947,7 @@ but I suppose, before all, you have provided for my mother's safety?" "Be at your ease, nephew; the Spanish ambassador, at my request, has placed a guard of merchants belonging to our nation, inside the house; neither she, nor Carmen, nor Dolores, has anything to fear; besides, -Estevan is with her, and owing to the credit he enjoys with Juárez, he +Estevan is with her, and owing to the credit he enjoys with Juárez, he alone would suffice to protect them efficaciously." "In that case, off we go!" the young man exclaimed, jumping up merrily. @@ -14995,7 +14961,7 @@ house, and proceeded in the direction of the Plaza Mayor, where the troops were assembled. The Plaza Mayor was extremely animated, the soldiers were fraternizing with the people, talking and laughing as if the affair going on this moment was the most ordinary matter -in the world. General Miramón--surrounded by a rather large group, +in the world. General Miramón--surrounded by a rather large group, composed of officers who had remained faithful to his cause, or who, too deeply compromised to hope to obtain favourable conditions from the conquerors, preferred accompanying him on his flight to remaining in @@ -15026,7 +14992,7 @@ friends," the count remarked, with a bow. not alone yet." The conversation continued in this tone for some time. An hour after, -midnight struck at the _sagrario_. Miramón drew himself up. +midnight struck at the _sagrario_. Miramón drew himself up. "Let us go, gentlemen," he said in a firm voice; "the hour has arrived to abandon the city." @@ -15037,7 +15003,7 @@ The bugles sounded. A sudden movement began in the crowd, who were driven back under the portales. The soldiers mounted and closed up. Then calmness was re-established, as if by enchantment, and a silence of death brooded over this immense square, which was covered with -people, and literally paved with heads. Miramón sat upright on his +people, and literally paved with heads. Miramón sat upright on his horse in the midst of his troops. Don Jaime and his companions were mixed up with the officers surrounding the general. After a moment's hesitation, the general took a last sad glance at the dark, gloomy @@ -15046,7 +15012,7 @@ palace, in which not a single light was burning. "Forward!" he shouted. The troops started. The march commenced. At the same instant shouts of -"Long live Miramón!" were raised on all sides. +"Long live Miramón!" were raised on all sides. "They regret me already," the general said in a low voice to don Jaime; "and yet I have not left them." @@ -15067,14 +15033,14 @@ addressing his friends. Ere long this agitation increased, a few cries were heard from the vanguard. -"What is going on there?" Miramón asked. +"What is going on there?" Miramón asked. "Your soldiers are revolting," don Jaime said, bluntly. "Oh, it is not possible!" he exclaimed. At the same instant there was a terrible explosion of cries, hootings -and hisses, in which prevailed the shout of--"Long live Juárez! The +and hisses, in which prevailed the shout of--"Long live Juárez! The hatchet! The hatchet!" The hatchet is, in Mexico, the symbol of the federation. Shouting @@ -15082,7 +15048,7 @@ for the hatchet is the same thing as revolting, or, to speak more in accordance with classical phraseology, making a _pronunciamiento_. This shout for the hatchet at once ran from one rank along the other, became general, and ere long the confusion and the disorder were at their -height. Juárez' partizans mingled with the troops, raised cries of +height. Juárez' partizans mingled with the troops, raised cries of death against the enemies whom they did not wish to let escape, sabres were drawn, lances couched, and a conflict became imminent. @@ -15098,11 +15064,11 @@ flight in all directions. "What is to be done?" the general exclaimed. -"Cut a way through," don Jaime answered, and without giving Miramón +"Cut a way through," don Jaime answered, and without giving Miramón time for reflection, he shouted, in a thundering voice--"Forward!" At the same instant the insurgents dashed with couched lances at the -small group, of which Miramón formed the centre. There was a frightful +small group, of which Miramón formed the centre. There was a frightful medley for some minutes; don Jaime and his friends, who were well mounted, and more especially well armed, succeeded at length in cutting a passage, through which they dragged the general in their midst. @@ -15116,26 +15082,26 @@ for you." An hour later they passed through the gate again, and re-entered the city, mixed up with the disbanded troops, who were raising deafening -cries of "Long live Juárez!" and themselves shouting more loudly than -those who surrounded them. Once inside the city they separated; Miramón +cries of "Long live Juárez!" and themselves shouting more loudly than +those who surrounded them. Once inside the city they separated; Miramón and don Jaime remained alone; prudence demanded that the fugitives should only return to their homes one by one. At about four in the -morning they were all together in safety. Juárez' troops entered the +morning they were all together in safety. Juárez' troops entered the city, preceding by only a few hours General Ortega. Thanks to the -measures taken by General Berriozábal, and the foreign residents +measures taken by General Berriozábal, and the foreign residents acting together, the change of government was effected almost without commotion. On the morrow the city appeared as tranquil as if nothing extraordinary had occurred. -Don Jaime, however, was not tranquil; he was afraid that if Miramón +Don Jaime, however, was not tranquil; he was afraid that if Miramón remained any length of time in the city his presence might eventually become known; hence he sought an opportunity to get him away, and was beginning to despair about finding one, when accident offered one, on which he was certainly far from calculating. Several days had elapsed; the revolution was finished, and matters had resumed their ordinary -course, when Juárez at length arrived from Veracruz, and made his +course, when Juárez at length arrived from Veracruz, and made his entry into the city. The first operation of the new President was, as -Miramón had truly foreseen, to intimate to the ambassador of Spain +Miramón had truly foreseen, to intimate to the ambassador of Spain his expulsion from the territory of the Mexican republic. Similar notifications were made on the same day to the legate of the Holy See, and to the representatives of Guatemala and Ecuador. This brutal @@ -15145,7 +15111,7 @@ Consternation prevailed in the city; what might not be expected from a government which began with such unjustifiable acts? The opportunity which don Jaime had so long sought was at length -offered him. Miramón would depart not with the Spanish ambassador, but +offered him. Miramón would depart not with the Spanish ambassador, but with the representative of Guatemala. This was what really happened. The departure of the expelled ministers took place on the same day. They were the Spanish ambassador, the legate of the Holy See, the @@ -15155,12 +15121,12 @@ episcopate of the republic, had been exiled from the territory of the republic, and took advantage of the escort of the ambassador to leave the capital. -Miramón, whose wife and children had left several days previously, +Miramón, whose wife and children had left several days previously, followed the minister of Guatemala in a disguise which rendered him unrecognisable. Count de la Saulay and the duke de Tobar proceeded, -on their side, to Veracruz, escorting doña María and the two young +on their side, to Veracruz, escorting doña MarÃa and the two young ladies. Don Jaime, who was unwilling to abandon his friend, travelled -with the ambassador, attended by López. Don Estevan alone remained in +with the ambassador, attended by López. Don Estevan alone remained in Mexico. We will not relate the insults and annoyances to which the expelled ministers and the bishops had to submit during the course of their journey from Puebla, where they were kept prisoners, to Veracruz, @@ -15173,7 +15139,7 @@ constrained to claim the assistance of a French brig of war, and a Spanish vessel anchored off Sacrificios, and which at once sent parties of marines ashore. -Miramón had been recognized, but owing to the energy of the French +Miramón had been recognized, but owing to the energy of the French Consul, and of the commander of the brig, he succeeded in making his escape from his enemies. @@ -15184,11 +15150,11 @@ with all our characters on board. On January 15th, 1863, a double marriage was celebrated in Havana. -That of the Count de la Saulay with doña Carmen de Tobar, and that of -the Duke de Tobar with doña Dolores de la Cruz. +That of the Count de la Saulay with doña Carmen de Tobar, and that of +the Duke de Tobar with doña Dolores de la Cruz. The witnesses were, the Ambassador of Her Catholic Majesty to Mexico, -General Miramón, the Commander of the _Velasco_, and the ex-minister of +General Miramón, the Commander of the _Velasco_, and the ex-minister of Guatemala. It was the legate of the Holy See who gave the nuptial blessing to the @@ -15197,7 +15163,7 @@ young couples. Count de la Saulay, we understand, lately set out again for Mexico, in order to claim by the aid of the French intervention, the immense estates which his wife possesses in that country, and which the -government of Juárez thought proper to confiscate. +government of Juárez thought proper to confiscate. Don Jaime de Bivar, accompanies his friend. Leo Carral is with them. @@ -15210,367 +15176,4 @@ THE END. 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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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Rebel Chief - A Tale of Guerilla Life - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: April 23, 2017 [EBook #44421] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE REBEL CHIEF *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard and Marc D'Hooghe at Free -Literature (back online soon in an extended version, also -linking to free sources for education worldwide ... MOOC's, -educational materials,...) - - - - - - -</pre> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44421 ***</div> <h1>THE REBEL CHIEF</h1> @@ -217,7 +176,7 @@ educational materials,...) <tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">EL PALO QUEMADO</a></td></tr> <tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS</a></td></tr> <tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">A SUPREME RESOLUTION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">JESÚS DOMÍNGUEZ</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">JESÚS DOMÃNGUEZ</a></td></tr> <tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">THE BEGINNING OF THE END</a></td></tr> <tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">THE LAST BLOW</a></td></tr> <tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">FACE TO FACE</a></td></tr> @@ -244,7 +203,7 @@ most agreeably diversified.</p> <p>Las Cumbres form a succession of defiles in the mountains, through which winds, with infinite meanderings, the road that runs to Puebla de -los Ángeles (the town of the Angels), so called, because the angels, +los Ãngeles (the town of the Angels), so called, because the angels, according to tradition, built the cathedral there. The road to which we allude, made by the Spaniards, runs along the side of the mountains with curves of extraordinary boldness, and is bordered on either side @@ -257,7 +216,7 @@ behind rise perpendicularly.</p> <p>On July 2nd, 18—, about four in the afternoon, at the moment when the sun, already low on the horizon, only shed its beams obliquely on the -earth, calcined by the heat of the mediodía, and when the rising breeze +earth, calcined by the heat of the mediodÃa, and when the rising breeze was beginning to refresh the parching atmosphere, two horsemen, well mounted, emerged from a thick clump of yuccas, bananas, and purpled flowered bamboos, and turned into a dusty road, which led by a series @@ -273,7 +232,7 @@ intention of enjoying for a few minutes longer the effects of this admirable kaleidoscope, which is unique in the world.</p> <p>Judging from the direction they were following, the travellers appeared -to come from Orizaba, and to be going to Puebla de los Ángeles, whence +to come from Orizaba, and to be going to Puebla de los Ãngeles, whence they were at no great distance at the moment.</p> <p>The two horsemen wore the attire of rich hacenderos, a costume which we @@ -442,7 +401,7 @@ her in marriage, and obtained her hand; while his sister consented, by the persuasion of the Duchess of Montpensier, to give hers to one of the general's aides-de-camp. The artificial and politic duchess, thought by these alliances to keep the French nobility aloof from -him whom she called, the Béarnais and the Huguenot, and retard his +him whom she called, the Béarnais and the Huguenot, and retard his triumph if she did not render it impossible. As usually happens in such cases, her calculations proved to be false. The king re-conquered his kingdom, and those gentlemen most compromised in the troubles of the @@ -581,7 +540,7 @@ the meaning of this?"</p> <p>The rolling of a carriage soon became distinct, and a berlin appeared, dragged at a tremendous pace by a team of six mules.</p> -<p>"Maldición!" the adventurer exclaimed with an angry gesture on +<p>"Maldición!" the adventurer exclaimed with an angry gesture on perceiving the carriage.</p> <p>The young man looked at his companion: the latter was pale as a corpse, @@ -653,13 +612,13 @@ that occurred:—</p> <p>General Zuloaga, nominated President of the Republic, one day found—it is not known why—power too oppressive for his shoulders, and abdicated -in favour of General don Miguel Miramón, who was consequently appointed +in favour of General don Miguel Miramón, who was consequently appointed interim President. The latter, an energetic and most ambitious man, began by governing at Mexico, where he was careful in the first instance to have his nomination to the first magistracy approved by Congress, who unanimously elected him, and by the ayuntamiento.</p> -<p>Miramón hence found himself <i>de facto</i> and <i>de jure</i> legitimate interim +<p>Miramón hence found himself <i>de facto</i> and <i>de jure</i> legitimate interim President; that is to say, for the period that must still elapse until the general elections.</p> @@ -667,13 +626,13 @@ the general elections.</p> doubtless wearied of the obscurity in which he was living, altered his mind one fine day, and suddenly at a moment when it was least expected, issued a proclamation to the people, came to an understanding with the -partisans of Juárez, who, in his quality of Vice President on Zuloaga's +partisans of Juárez, who, in his quality of Vice President on Zuloaga's abdication, had not recognized the new President, but had himself elected constitutional President at Veracruz by a so-called national junta, and published a decree, by which he revoked his abdication, and -took back from Miramón the power he had entrusted to him.</p> +took back from Miramón the power he had entrusted to him.</p> -<p>Miramón was but little affected by this unusual declaration, as he +<p>Miramón was but little affected by this unusual declaration, as he confided in the right he imagined he had, and which Congress had sanctioned. He went alone to the house inhabited by General Zuloaga, seized his person, and compelled him to follow him; saying with a @@ -690,16 +649,16 @@ Constitutionals.</p> <p>Zuloaga offered no resistance: he apparently yielded to his fate, and accepted the consequences of his position so far as to complain to -Miramón about not having a command in his army. The latter allowed +Miramón about not having a command in his army. The latter allowed himself to be deceived by this feigned resignation, and promised that his desire should be satisfied at the first battle. But one fine morning, Zuloaga and his aides-de-camp, who had been appointed to guard, rather than do him honour, suddenly disappeared, and it was -learnt a few days after, that they had taken refuge with Juárez, from +learnt a few days after, that they had taken refuge with Juárez, from whose capital Zuloaga began protesting again more than ever against the -violence done him, and fulminating decrees against Miramón.</p> +violence done him, and fulminating decrees against Miramón.</p> -<p>Juárez is a cautious, cunning Indian, a profound dissimulator, a +<p>Juárez is a cautious, cunning Indian, a profound dissimulator, a skilful politician. He is the only President of the Republic, since the declaration of independence, who was not a military man. Issuing from the lowest classes of Mexican society, he gradually rose, by @@ -711,25 +670,25 @@ immeasurable ambition, which he carefully concealed beneath the cloak of a deep love for his country, he had gradually succeeded in creating a party, which, at the period of which we write, had grown formidable. The constitutional President organized his government at Veracruz, and -from his cabinet instructed his generals to fight Miramón. Although he +from his cabinet instructed his generals to fight Miramón. Although he was not recognized by any power but the United States, he acted as if he were the true and legitimate depository of the national power. The adhesion of Zuloaga, whom he despised in his heart for his cowardice and nullity, supplied him with the weapon he needed to carry out his plans successfully. He made him, so to speak, the standard of his party, by declaring that Zuloaga must first be restored to the power -which had been violently torn from him by Miramón, and that they would +which had been violently torn from him by Miramón, and that they would then proceed to new elections. However, Zuloaga did not hesitate to recognize him solemnly as sole President, legitimately nominated by the free election of the citizens.</p> -<p>The question was distinctly laid down. Miramón represented the +<p>The question was distinctly laid down. Miramón represented the conservative party, that is to say, the party of the clergy, large -landowners and merchants; while Juárez represented the absolute +landowners and merchants; while Juárez represented the absolute democratic party.</p> <p>The war then assumed formidable dimensions. Unluckily, money is needed -to wage war, and that was what Juárez was entirely without, for the +to wage war, and that was what Juárez was entirely without, for the following reasons:</p> <p>In Mexico the public fortunes are not concentrated in the hands of @@ -745,20 +704,20 @@ sort, spend their time in lending out their money at a high rate of interest, and ostensibly engage in usury, which enriches them, while they run no risk of losing their capital.</p> -<p>Juárez, though master of Veracruz, found himself, then, in a very +<p>Juárez, though master of Veracruz, found himself, then, in a very critical position; but he is a man of resources, and felt no embarrassment in finding the money he wanted. He first began by laying hands on the customs of Veracruz, then he organized cuadrillas, or guerillas, who had no scruples in attacking the haciendas of the -partisans of Miramón, Spaniards settled in the country, and generally +partisans of Miramón, Spaniards settled in the country, and generally very rich, and of foreigners of all nations who possessed any worth taking. These guerillas did not restrict their exploits to this; they undertook to plunder travellers and attack convoys: and it must not be supposed that we are exaggerating the facts, on the contrary, we are toning them down. We must add, for the sake of being just, that -Miramón, for his part, let no opportunity slip for employing the same +Miramón, for his part, let no opportunity slip for employing the same means, when he had the chance; but this was rare, for his position -was not so advantageous as that of Juárez for fishing with profit in +was not so advantageous as that of Juárez for fishing with profit in troubled waters.</p> <p>It is true that the guerilleros acted apparently on their own account, @@ -779,7 +738,7 @@ resembling—though it was very large—a hen house, offered an animated appearance, very singular at so early an hour.</p> <p>This rancho, built in the centre of a grassy patch, in a delicious -situation, only a few paces from the Rincón grande, had been changed a +situation, only a few paces from the Rincón grande, had been changed a short time before into a venta, or inn, for travellers surprised by the night, or who, for some reason, preferred stopping here to pushing on to the town.</p> @@ -806,7 +765,7 @@ travellers. The latter, aroused by his shouts, came out of the venta, half awake, and went to take their places in the coach. They were nine in number, with the exception of two individuals, dressed in the European style, and easily to be recognized as Frenchmen. All the rest -wore the Mexican garb, and appeared to be true <i>hijos del país</i>, that +wore the Mexican garb, and appeared to be true <i>hijos del paÃs</i>, that is to say, children of the country.</p> <p>At the moment when the driver, or mayoral—a pure-blooded Yankee—after @@ -818,7 +777,7 @@ and a band of horsemen, dressed in a sort of uniform, though in very bad condition, halted in front of the rancho.</p> <p>This troop, composed of twenty men, with hangdog faces, was commanded -by an alférez, or sub-lieutenant, as poorly attired as his soldiers; +by an alférez, or sub-lieutenant, as poorly attired as his soldiers; but his weapons were in excellent condition.</p> <p>This officer was a tall, thin, but muscular man, with a crafty face, @@ -831,14 +790,14 @@ very early hour, it strikes me."</p> he bowed humbly, with a false smile, and answered in a soothing voice, while affecting a great joy, which he probably did not feel—</p> -<p>"Ah! Válgame Dios! It is señor don Jesús Domínguez! What a fortunate +<p>"Ah! Válgame Dios! It is señor don Jesús DomÃnguez! What a fortunate meeting! I was far from expecting so great a happiness this morning. Has your Excellency come to escort the diligence?"</p> <p>"Not today; another duty brings me."</p> <p>"Oh! Your Excellency is perfectly right; my travellers do not at all -deserve so honourable an escort. They are costeños, who do not appear +deserve so honourable an escort. They are costeños, who do not appear to me at all rich. Besides, I shall be obliged to stop at least three hours at Orizaba, to repair my coach."</p> @@ -850,7 +809,7 @@ ordered, he rapidly got down from his box and went up to the officer.</p> <p>"You have some news to give me, have you not, compadre?" the latter said.</p> -<p>"I have señor," the mayoral replied with a false laugh.</p> +<p>"I have señor," the mayoral replied with a false laugh.</p> <p>"Ah, ah," said the other, "and what is it, good or bad?"</p> @@ -872,7 +831,7 @@ deserve any notice. Do you intend to examine them?"</p> <p>"I have not yet decided; I will think over it."</p> <p>"Well, you will act as you think proper. Pardon me for leaving you, -señor don Jesús, but my passengers are growing impatient and I must be +señor don Jesús, but my passengers are growing impatient and I must be off."</p> <p>"Good-bye then for the present."</p> @@ -888,19 +847,19 @@ haughtily, asked:</p> <p>"Eh! Have you not a Spanish caballero and a lady here?"</p> <p>"Yes," the ventero replied, doffing his hat with a respect mingled with -fear. "Yes, señor officer, a rather aged caballero, accompanied by a +fear. "Yes, señor officer, a rather aged caballero, accompanied by a very young lady, arrived here yesterday a little after sunset, in the berlin which you can see there under the shed: they had an escort with them. From what the soldiers said, they have come from Veracruz, and are going to Mexico."</p> <p>"Those are the people I am sent to serve as their escort as far as -Puebla de los Ángeles; but they do not seem in any hurry to start: yet, +Puebla de los Ãngeles; but they do not seem in any hurry to start: yet, it will be a long day's journey and they would do well to hurry."</p> <p>At this moment an inner door was opened, a richly dressed gentleman entered the common room, and after slightly raising his hat and -uttering the usual Ave María Purísima, he walked up to the officer who, +uttering the usual Ave MarÃa PurÃsima, he walked up to the officer who, on perceiving him, had taken several steps toward him.</p> <p>This new personage was a man of about fifty-five years of age, but @@ -912,12 +871,12 @@ his countenance.</p> heard the few words you addressed to our host: I believe, sir, that I am the person you have orders to escort."</p> -<p>"It is true, señor," the sub-lieutenant politely replied, "the name you +<p>"It is true, señor," the sub-lieutenant politely replied, "the name you have mentioned is really the one written on the order of which I am the bearer: I await your good pleasure, ready to do whatever you may desire."</p> -<p>"I thank you, señor: my daughter is slightly unwell, and I should be +<p>"I thank you, señor: my daughter is slightly unwell, and I should be afraid of injuring her delicate health, if I set out at so early an hour. If you have no objection, we will remain a few hours longer here, and then set out after breakfast, which I shall feel honoured by your @@ -929,11 +888,11 @@ agreeable to a lady: be kind enough, therefore, to excuse if I refuse your gracious invitation, for which, however, I feel as grateful as if I had accepted it."</p> -<p>"I will not press you, señor, though I should have been flattered to +<p>"I will not press you, señor, though I should have been flattered to have you as a guest: it is settled then that we are to remain here a little while longer?"</p> -<p>"As long as you please, señor: I repeat that I am at your orders."</p> +<p>"As long as you please, señor: I repeat that I am at your orders."</p> <p>After this exchange of politeness the two speakers separated, the old gentleman re-entered the rancho, and the officer went out to give his @@ -958,9 +917,9 @@ elegance of her form.</p> <p>So soon as the young lady was comfortably seated in the berlin, don Antonio turned to the officer who had hurried up to him.</p> -<p>"We will start whenever you please, señor lieutenant," he said to him.</p> +<p>"We will start whenever you please, señor lieutenant," he said to him.</p> -<p>Don Jesús bowed.</p> +<p>Don Jesús bowed.</p> <p>The escort mounted: the old gentleman then entered the carriage, the door of which was closed by a footman who seated himself by the side of @@ -974,7 +933,7 @@ disappeared in a cloud of dust.</p> <p>"May heaven protect them," the ventero muttered, as he crossed himself and tossed in his hand two gold ounces given him by don Antonio: "the -old gentleman is a worthy man, but unfortunately don Jesús Domínguez +old gentleman is a worthy man, but unfortunately don Jesús DomÃnguez is with him, and I am greatly afraid that his escort will be fatal to him."</p> @@ -1054,7 +1013,7 @@ Dolores?"</p> <p>"You see I do not know, papa, since I ask you."</p> -<p>"You are a curious niña," he continued laughingly, shaking his finger +<p>"You are a curious niña," he continued laughingly, shaking his finger at her, "you would like to make me confess my secret."</p> <p>"Then you have a secret, papa?"</p> @@ -1096,10 +1055,10 @@ Cumbres, and the road made so many winds, that it was impossible to see more than thirty yards before or behind. The old gentleman called up one of the servants who rode close to the carriage.</p> -<p>"What is the matter, Sánchez?" the traveller asked. "I fancy we are not +<p>"What is the matter, Sánchez?" the traveller asked. "I fancy we are not going so fast as before."</p> -<p>"That is true, señor amo," Sánchez answered, "since we left the plain, +<p>"That is true, señor amo," Sánchez answered, "since we left the plain, we have not been advancing so rapidly, though I do not know the reason: the soldiers of our escort appear alarmed, and are talking together in a low voice, while incessantly looking round them: it is evident that @@ -1107,30 +1066,30 @@ they fear some danger."</p> <p>"Could the salteadores or guerillas who infest the roads think of attacking us?" the old gentleman said with ill-disguised anxiety, -"Pray inquire, Sánchez—Hem! The spot would be capitally chosen for +"Pray inquire, Sánchez—Hem! The spot would be capitally chosen for a surprise, still, our escort is numerous, and unless they have an understanding with the bandits, I doubt whether the latter would -venture to bar our way. Come, Sánchez, cross-question the soldiers +venture to bar our way. Come, Sánchez, cross-question the soldiers adroitly, and report to me what you learn."</p> <p>The servant bowed, checked his horse to let the carriage pass him, and then prepared to carry out the commission with which his master had intrusted him.</p> -<p>But Sánchez caught up the berlin again almost immediately: his features +<p>But Sánchez caught up the berlin again almost immediately: his features were distorted, his panting voice hissed between his teeth which were clenched by terror, and a cadaverous pallor covered his face.</p> -<p>"We are lost, señor amo," he muttered, as he bent down to the carriage +<p>"We are lost, señor amo," he muttered, as he bent down to the carriage window.</p> <p>"Lost!" the old gentleman exclaimed with a nervous tremor, and giving his daughter, who was dumb with terror, a glance charged with the most -impassioned paternal love: "Lost! You must be mad, Sánchez, explain +impassioned paternal love: "Lost! You must be mad, Sánchez, explain yourself, in Heaven's name."</p> -<p>"It is unnecessary, mi amo," the poor fellow stammered. "Here is señor -don Jesús Domínguez, the chief of the escort, coming up: without doubt +<p>"It is unnecessary, mi amo," the poor fellow stammered. "Here is señor +don Jesús DomÃnguez, the chief of the escort, coming up: without doubt he will inform you of what is taking place."</p> <p>"What is it? Better, on my soul, a certainty however terrible its @@ -1158,7 +1117,7 @@ oppose it, but remained immoveable in their ranks.</p> unhesitatingly, with their rifles in readiness to fire on receiving their master's order.</p> -<p>Sánchez had spoken truly; don Jesús Domínguez was coming up at a +<p>Sánchez had spoken truly; don Jesús DomÃnguez was coming up at a gallop; but he was not alone, another horseman accompanied him.</p> <p>The latter was a short, thick set man, with stern features and a @@ -1167,7 +1126,7 @@ a full blooded Indian: he wore the sumptuous uniform of a colonel in a regular army.</p> <p>The traveller at once recognized this unpleasant personage as don -Felipe Neri Irzabal, one of the guerillero chiefs of Juárez' party; he +Felipe Neri Irzabal, one of the guerillero chiefs of Juárez' party; he had met him twice or thrice at Veracruz.</p> <p>It was with a nervous start and a thrill of terror that the old @@ -1194,10 +1153,10 @@ the only one you can invoke."</p> <p>"Well, you are mistaken, my good sir; I do not invoke it, but arrest you as a spy, convicted of high treason."</p> -<p>"Nonsense, you are mad, señor Coronel. I a traitor and a spy!"</p> +<p>"Nonsense, you are mad, señor Coronel. I a traitor and a spy!"</p> -<p>"Señor, for some time past the government of his most gracious -Excellency, President Juárez, has had its eye on you; your movements +<p>"Señor, for some time past the government of his most gracious +Excellency, President Juárez, has had its eye on you; your movements have been watched; we know for what motive you so hurriedly left Veracruz, and with what object you are going to Mexico."</p> @@ -1206,7 +1165,7 @@ aware of the fact, as he himself signed my safe conduct, and the escort that accompanies me was graciously granted me by him, without my having the necessity to ask for it."</p> -<p>"All that is true, señor; our magnanimous President—who always feels +<p>"All that is true, señor; our magnanimous President—who always feels a repugnance for rigorous measures—did not wish to have you arrested; he preferred, through consideration for your grey hairs, to leave you means of escape; but your last act of treachery has filled up the @@ -1217,11 +1176,11 @@ order I now execute."</p> <p>"And may I know of what treason I am accused?"</p> -<p>"You must know better than anyone else, señor don Andrés de la Cruz, +<p>"You must know better than anyone else, señor don Andrés de la Cruz, the motives which induced you to give up your own name and assume that of don Antonio de Carrera."</p> -<p>Don Andrés—for such in reality was his name—was startled by this +<p>Don Andrés—for such in reality was his name—was startled by this revelation; not that he felt himself guilty, for this change of name had been effected with the assent of the President; but he was confounded by the duplicity of the people who arrested him, and who, @@ -1229,26 +1188,26 @@ for want of better reasons, even played this one to make him fall into an infamous snare, in order to seize on a fortune which they had long coveted.</p> -<p>Don Andrés, however, overcame his emotion, and addressed the guerillero +<p>Don Andrés, however, overcame his emotion, and addressed the guerillero once more.</p> -<p>"Take care of what you are doing, señor Coronel," he said; "I am not a +<p>"Take care of what you are doing, señor Coronel," he said; "I am not a nobody, and will not let myself be thus despoiled without complaining; there is at Mexico a Spanish ambassador, who will be able to procure me justice."</p> <p>"I do not know what you mean," don Felipe answered imperturbably; "If -you are alluding to señor Pacheco, I do not think that his protection +you are alluding to señor Pacheco, I do not think that his protection will be very profitable to you; for this gentleman, who entitles himself ambassador extraordinary of H.M. the Queen of Spain, has -thought proper to recognize the government of the traitor Miramón. +thought proper to recognize the government of the traitor Miramón. Hence we of the other party have nothing to do with him, and his influence with the national President is completely null. However, I have no occasion to discuss the point with you; whatever may happen, I arrest you. Will you surrender, or do you intend to offer a useless resistance? Answer."</p> -<p>Don Andrés surveyed the persons who surrounded him; he saw that he had +<p>Don Andrés surveyed the persons who surrounded him; he saw that he had no hope or support to expect from anyone but his own servants, hence he let his revolvers fall at his feet, and folded his arms on his chest.</p> @@ -1256,7 +1215,7 @@ let his revolvers fall at his feet, and folded his arms on his chest.</p> all those who surround me against the violence which is done me."</p> <p>"Pray protest, my dear sir, you are quite at liberty to do so, and it -is not of the slightest consequence to me. Don Jesús Domínguez," he +is not of the slightest consequence to me. Don Jesús DomÃnguez," he added, addressing the officer who had calmly and carelessly witnessed this scene, "we will at once proceed to a minute inspection of the baggage, and, above all, the papers of the prisoner."</p> @@ -1269,30 +1228,30 @@ caballero."</p> <p>"What do you mean?"</p> <p>"Only this, that the money and securities you expect to find in my -baggage are no longer there. I know you too well, señor, not to have +baggage are no longer there. I know you too well, señor, not to have taken my precautions in the provision of what is happening at this moment."</p> -<p>"Maldición!" exclaimed the guerillero, as he smote the pommel of his +<p>"Maldición!" exclaimed the guerillero, as he smote the pommel of his saddle with his fist; "Devil of a gachupine; do not fancy you will escape in this way. I will know where you have hidden your treasures, even if I am obliged to flay you alive."</p> -<p>"Try it," don Andrés said ironically, and he turned his back on him.</p> +<p>"Try it," don Andrés said ironically, and he turned his back on him.</p> <p>The bandit had revealed himself. The guerillero, after the outbreak into which his avarice had led him; had no reason to affect moderation toward a man whom he intended to plunder in such an audaciously cynical manner.</p> -<p>"Very good," he said, "we shall see," and bending down to don Jesús' +<p>"Very good," he said, "we shall see," and bending down to don Jesús' ear, he whispered to him for a few minutes.</p> <p>The two bandits were doubtless concerting together the most effectual means by which to force the Spaniard to reveal his secret, and place himself at their mercy.</p> -<p>"Don Andrés," the guerillero said a moment after with a nervous grin; +<p>"Don Andrés," the guerillero said a moment after with a nervous grin; "since that is the case, I will venture to interrupt your journey; before returning to Veracruz, we will proceed together to your hacienda of Arenal, where we shall be able to discuss our business far more @@ -1332,7 +1291,7 @@ and, gradually falling back, considerably enlarged the circle, as they cordially felt no desire to enter into a discussion with this mysterious personage.</p> -<p>Don Andrés felt hope return to his heart; a secret foreboding warned +<p>Don Andrés felt hope return to his heart; a secret foreboding warned him that the sudden arrival of this stranger, though it might not entirely change his position, would at least produce a more advantageous phase for himself; moreover, he fancied that he could @@ -1341,7 +1300,7 @@ him to remember where he had heard it. Hence, while everybody else fell back in terror, he, on the contrary, approached the stranger with an instinctive eagerness, for which he could not account.</p> -<p>Don Jesús Domínguez, the commander of the escort, had disappeared; he +<p>Don Jesús DomÃnguez, the commander of the escort, had disappeared; he had fled disgracefully.</p> @@ -1406,7 +1365,7 @@ knew how, and perfectly informed as to the movements of the soldiers sent in search of him, always appeared suddenly before them, foiled their tricks, and compelled them to make a disgraceful retreat.</p> -<p>On one occasion, however, the government of Juárez hoped that it was +<p>On one occasion, however, the government of Juárez hoped that it was all over with El Rayo, and that he could not escape the measures taken to seize him.</p> @@ -1444,14 +1403,14 @@ journey, I ask your permission to leave you, while thanking you for the pleasant company you have afforded me since our meeting."</p> <p>"Oh, oh!" the commandant said, with a coarse laugh, "That will not do, -señor padre; we cannot separate in that manner."</p> +señor padre; we cannot separate in that manner."</p> <p>"Why so, my son?" the monk asked, approaching the officer, though still holding his mule.</p> <p>"For a very simple reason, my worthy Fray—"</p> -<p>"Pancracio, at your service, señor caballero," the monk said, with a +<p>"Pancracio, at your service, señor caballero," the monk said, with a bow.</p> <p>"Pancracio—very good," the officer continued. "I want you, or, to @@ -1460,7 +1419,7 @@ shrive a man, who is about to die."</p> <p>"Who is it?"</p> -<p>"Do you know El Rayo, señor padre?"</p> +<p>"Do you know El Rayo, señor padre?"</p> <p>"Santa Virgin! Of course I know him, illustrious commandant."</p> @@ -1478,13 +1437,13 @@ he indicated to him.</p> <p>"Are you sure of it, illustrious commandant?"</p> -<p>"¡Caray! Of course I am."</p> +<p>"¡Caray! Of course I am."</p> <p>"Well, I fancy you are mistaken."</p> <p>"Ah! What do you mean? Do you know anything?"</p> -<p>"Certainly I know something, for I am El Rayo, accursed ladrón!"</p> +<p>"Certainly I know something, for I am El Rayo, accursed ladrón!"</p> <p>And before the officer, startled at this sudden revelation, which he was so far from expecting, had regained his coolness, El Rayo @@ -1528,8 +1487,8 @@ chilled their courage.</p> of the soldiers grouped in front of him, and then said, in a sharp, distinct voice—</p> -<p>"Señores, I fancy you have forgotten that no one but myself has the -right to give orders on the high roads of the republic. Señor don +<p>"Señores, I fancy you have forgotten that no one but myself has the +right to give orders on the high roads of the republic. Señor don Felipe Neri," he added, turning to the officer, who was standing motionless a few paces from him, "you can turn back with your men; the road is perfectly free as far as Puebla—you understand me, I suppose?"</p> @@ -1546,7 +1505,7 @@ today, so take my advice, and turn back."</p> <p>The officer again hesitated, and then, urging his horse forward a few yards, he said, in a voice which emotion caused to tremble—</p> -<p>"Señor, I know not whether you are a man or a demon thus alone to +<p>"Señor, I know not whether you are a man or a demon thus alone to impose your will on brave men; to die is nothing for a soldier when he is struck in the chest when facing the enemy; once already I have recoiled before you, but do not wish to do so again, so kill me today, @@ -1572,7 +1531,7 @@ about to receive."</p> troopers to fall back, a manoeuvre which they performed with the most praiseworthy eagerness.</p> -<p>Don Andrés de la Cruz, for we will now restore him his true name, had +<p>Don Andrés de la Cruz, for we will now restore him his true name, had looked on with great interest at this scene, in which he had not as yet ventured to interfere.</p> @@ -1585,7 +1544,7 @@ permit me to remark that I have been delayed in this defile for a long time already, and that I should like to continue my journey, in order to protect my daughter from danger, as soon as possible."</p> -<p>"No danger threatens doña Dolores, señor," El Rayo coldly answered; +<p>"No danger threatens doña Dolores, señor," El Rayo coldly answered; "this delay of only a few minutes cannot possibly have any injurious consequences for her; besides, I wish you to witness this combat, which is to some extent fought in support of your cause, hence I beg you to @@ -1593,14 +1552,14 @@ have patience. But stay, here is don Felipe returning; the affair will not take long. Fancy that you are betting on a cock fight, and I am convinced that you will take pleasure in what is going to happen."</p> -<p>"But still—" don Andrés interposed.</p> +<p>"But still—" don Andrés interposed.</p> <p>"You would disoblige me by insisting further, caballero," El Rayo interrupted him, drily. "You have, as I know, excellent revolvers which Devismes sent you from Paris; be kind enough to lend one of them to -señor don Felipe. They are loaded, I suppose."</p> +señor don Felipe. They are loaded, I suppose."</p> -<p>"Yes, sir," don Andrés replied, offering the officer one of his pistols.</p> +<p>"Yes, sir," don Andrés replied, offering the officer one of his pistols.</p> <p>The latter took it, turned it over in his hands, and then raised his head with an air of disappointment.</p> @@ -1608,21 +1567,21 @@ head with an air of disappointment.</p> <p>"I do not know how to use these weapons," he said.</p> <p>"Oh, that is very easy," El Rayo courteously replied, "and you will -be perfectly acquainted with their mechanism in an instant. Señor don -Andrés, be kind enough to explain to this caballero the very simple +be perfectly acquainted with their mechanism in an instant. Señor don +Andrés, be kind enough to explain to this caballero the very simple management of these weapons."</p> <p>The Spaniard obeyed, and the officer at once comprehended the explanation that was given him.</p> -<p>"Now, señor don Felipe," El Rayo resumed, still cold and impassive, +<p>"Now, señor don Felipe," El Rayo resumed, still cold and impassive, "listen to me attentively. I consent to give you this satisfaction on the condition that whatever the issue of the combat may be, you -agree to turn back immediately after, leaving señor don Andrés and his +agree to turn back immediately after, leaving señor don Andrés and his daughter at liberty to continue their journey if they may think proper: do you agree to this?"</p> -<p>"Certainly, señor."</p> +<p>"Certainly, señor."</p> <p>"Very good. Now, then, this is what you and I are going to do; so soon as we have dismounted we will station ourselves twenty paces from each @@ -1636,11 +1595,11 @@ hurry."</p> <p>"Pardon me, Excellency, but suppose I kill you with these six shots?"</p> -<p>"You will not kill me, señor," El Rayo answered coldly.</p> +<p>"You will not kill me, señor," El Rayo answered coldly.</p> <p>"Do you think so?"</p> -<p>"I am sure of it; to kill a man of my stamp, señor don Felipe," El Rayo +<p>"I am sure of it; to kill a man of my stamp, señor don Felipe," El Rayo said, with an accent of cutting irony, "a firm heart and a hand of iron are required: you possess neither."</p> @@ -1881,7 +1840,7 @@ all your attentions to me."</p> <p>"Do you know the owner of this hacienda?"</p> -<p>"Don Andrés de la Cruz? Very well."</p> +<p>"Don Andrés de la Cruz? Very well."</p> <p>"What sort of man is he?"</p> @@ -1910,7 +1869,7 @@ beings."</p> <p>"You will accompany me to the hacienda, sir, I suppose?" said the count.</p> -<p>"No, I shall not see señor don Andrés; in a few minutes I shall have +<p>"No, I shall not see señor don Andrés; in a few minutes I shall have the honour of taking leave of you."</p> <p>"To meet again soon, I hope!"</p> @@ -1985,7 +1944,7 @@ to a groom, who led it away.</p> <p>At the moment when the count was walking towards a large door surmounted by a verandah, and which gave admission to the apartment, -don Andrés went out, ran eagerly toward him, pressed him warmly to his +don Andrés went out, ran eagerly toward him, pressed him warmly to his heart, and embraced him several times, while saying—</p> <p>"Heaven be praised! Here you are, at last! We were beginning to be in a @@ -2002,7 +1961,7 @@ embarrassment, but stated his name, adding—</p> no ceremony—act here as if you were at home: this house, with all it contains, is at your disposal, and belongs to you."</p> -<p>The young man began protesting, but don Andrés once more interrupted +<p>The young man began protesting, but don Andrés once more interrupted him.</p> <p>"I am an old fool," he said. "I am keeping you here, listening to my @@ -2012,7 +1971,7 @@ your apartments, which have been ready for you for some days past."</p> <p>"My dear cousin," the count answered; "I thank you a thousand times for your kind attention; but I think it would be only polite for you to -introduce me to doña Dolores, ere I retire."</p> +introduce me to doña Dolores, ere I retire."</p> <p>"There is no hurry for that, my dear Count: my daughter is at this moment shut up in her boudoir with her women. Let me announce @@ -2023,12 +1982,12 @@ circumstances,—and go and rest yourself."</p> you are so good as to place me so thoroughly at my ease, that I shall not be at all sorry to take a few hours' rest."</p> -<p>"Did I not know it?" don Andrés replied, gaily; "But all young people +<p>"Did I not know it?" don Andrés replied, gaily; "But all young people are the same—they doubt nothing."</p> <p>The hacendero thereupon led his guest to the apartments which had been tastefully prepared and furnished under the immediate inspection of -don Andrés, and were intended to serve as the count's abode during the +don Andrés, and were intended to serve as the count's abode during the whole of the period he might be pleased to spend at the hacienda.</p> <p>The suite of rooms, though not large, was arranged in a very sensible @@ -2050,12 +2009,12 @@ park.</p> a false idea of a country which he did not know, was far from expecting to find at the Hacienda del Arenal a lodging so convenient, and in such conformity with his rather serious tastes and habits, hence he -was really ravished by everything he saw. He warmly thanked don Andrés +was really ravished by everything he saw. He warmly thanked don Andrés for the trouble he had been kind enough to take in rendering his stay in the house agreeable to him, and assured him that he was far from expecting so cordial a reception.</p> -<p>Don Andrés de la Cruz, highly pleased with this compliment, rubbed his +<p>Don Andrés de la Cruz, highly pleased with this compliment, rubbed his hands in glee, and at length withdrew, leaving his relative at liberty to repose, if he thought proper.</p> @@ -2104,7 +2063,7 @@ dismissed his valet, sat down on a butaca, took up a book, and very shortly after fell fast asleep.</p> <p>At about four in the afternoon, just as he was waking, Raimbaut entered -the room, and announced that don Andrés de la Cruz was waiting for him +the room, and announced that don Andrés de la Cruz was waiting for him to sit down to table, as the hour for the evening meal had arrived.</p> <p>The count cast a glance at his toilette, and, preceded by Raimbaut, who @@ -2129,7 +2088,7 @@ entire centre of the room.</p> <p>When Count de la Saulay entered the dining room, the other guests, numbering from twenty to twenty-five, were already assembled.</p> -<p>Don Andrés, like many of the great Mexican landowners, had kept up on +<p>Don Andrés, like many of the great Mexican landowners, had kept up on his estates the custom of making his people eat at the same table with himself.</p> @@ -2140,10 +2099,10 @@ which attach masters to servants, and rendered the latter, so to speak, vassals of the family whose private life they shared up to a certain point.</p> -<p>Don Andrés de la Cruz was standing at the end of the room, between doña +<p>Don Andrés de la Cruz was standing at the end of the room, between doña Dolores, his daughter, and don Melchior, his son.</p> -<p>We will say nothing of doña Dolores, with whom the reader is already +<p>We will say nothing of doña Dolores, with whom the reader is already acquainted. Don Melchior was a young man of nearly the same age as the count. His tall stature and powerful limbs rendered him a gallant gentleman, in the common acceptance of the term. His features were @@ -2155,7 +2114,7 @@ became menacing and haughty upon the slightest emotion. His gestures were noble, and his manners distinguished; and he wore the Mexican costume in all its purity.</p> -<p>So soon as the introductions had been made by don Andrés, the party +<p>So soon as the introductions had been made by don Andrés, the party took their seats. The hacendero, after bidding Ludovic sit on his right hand, by his daughter's side, made a sign to the latter. She repeated the <i>Benedicite</i>, the guests said <i>Amen</i>, and the meal commenced.</p> @@ -2165,14 +2124,14 @@ do not drink during meals. It is only when the dulces or sweets are brought in, that is to say, at dessert, that vessels containing water are placed on the table.</p> -<p>By a delicate attention, don Andrés offered wine to his French guest, +<p>By a delicate attention, don Andrés offered wine to his French guest, who was waited on by his valet, standing behind him, to the general amazement of the company.</p> -<p>The meal was silent, in spite of the repeated efforts of don Andrés to +<p>The meal was silent, in spite of the repeated efforts of don Andrés to animate the conversation. The count and don Melchior limited themselves to the exchange of a few conventional phrases, and then held their -tongues. Doña Dolores was pale, and seemed to be unwell; she ate hardly +tongues. Doña Dolores was pale, and seemed to be unwell; she ate hardly anything, and did not utter a syllable.</p> <p>At length dinner was over. They rose from table, and the servants of @@ -2182,9 +2141,9 @@ the hacienda dispersed to go to their work.</p> which don Melchior had offered him, alleged the fatigue of the journey as a reason for wishing to retire to his apartments.</p> -<p>Don Andrés consented to this with much repugnance. Don Melchior and +<p>Don Andrés consented to this with much repugnance. Don Melchior and the count exchanged a ceremonious bow, and turned their backs on each -other. Doña Dolores gave the young man a graceful bow, and the count +other. Doña Dolores gave the young man a graceful bow, and the count withdrew, after warmly shaking the hand which his host held out to him.</p> <p>It took Count de la Saulay, who was habituated to the comfortable @@ -2192,11 +2151,11 @@ elegance and pleasant relations of Parisian life, to become used to the sad, monotonous, and savage existence at the Hacienda del Arenal.</p> <p>In spite of the cordial reception which had been given him by don -Andrés de la Cruz and the attention he did not cease to offer him, the +Andrés de la Cruz and the attention he did not cease to offer him, the young man speedily perceived that his host was the sole person of the family who regarded him favourably.</p> -<p>Doña Dolores, though very polite to him and even gracious in their +<p>Doña Dolores, though very polite to him and even gracious in their daily relations when chance brought them together, still seemed to be embarrassed in his presence, and to shun every occasion when he could converse with her in private: so soon as she perceived that her father @@ -2240,11 +2199,11 @@ wife.</p> feeling himself in a false position, which could not fail to become ridiculous ere long, the count thought of getting out of it as speedily as possible. But, before provoking a frank and decisive explanation on -the part of don Andrés de la Cruz, who did not seem to suspect in the +the part of don Andrés de la Cruz, who did not seem to suspect in the slightest degree the turn affairs were taking, the count resolved to know positively what he had to depend on as regarded his affianced; for with that fatuity natural to all men spoiled by facile successes, he -felt a mental conviction that it was impossible doña Dolores would not +felt a mental conviction that it was impossible doña Dolores would not have loved him, if her heart had not already been captivated by someone else.</p> @@ -2257,7 +2216,7 @@ abandoned, in order to seek so humiliating an adventure two thousand leagues from home.</p> <p>In spite of her indifference for the count, we have remarked, however, -that doña Dolores felt herself obliged to be polite and attentive to +that doña Dolores felt herself obliged to be polite and attentive to the count, although not so amiable as he might have desired: an example which her brother completely dispensed himself from following towards his father's guest, whom he treated with such marked coldness, that it @@ -2308,7 +2267,7 @@ returning at the breakfast hour.</p> ate, then twisted a cigarette, which he lighted, and then withdrew to his apartments without further notice of the party.</p> -<p>Once or twice don Andrés, who understood perfectly well how unpolite +<p>Once or twice don Andrés, who understood perfectly well how unpolite such conduct was towards his guest, tried to apologize for his son, by throwing the blame of this apparent rudeness on his very serious occupations, which completely absorbed him; but the count replied that @@ -2319,7 +2278,7 @@ which he evidenced for him by treating him not as a stranger, but as a friend and relative, and that he would be most sorry if don Melchior, on his account, set any restraint on his habits.</p> -<p>Don Andrés, though not duped by his guest's apparent gentleness, had +<p>Don Andrés, though not duped by his guest's apparent gentleness, had not considered it prudent to dwell on this subject, and it dropped.</p> <p>Don Melchior was feared by all the people belonging to the hacienda, @@ -2359,20 +2318,20 @@ rate shot. Thanks again to the worthy majordomo.</p> garb, an elegant and convenient costume, which he wore with unparalleled grace.</p> -<p>Don Andrés de la Cruz rubbed his hands with glee on seeing the man +<p>Don Andrés de la Cruz rubbed his hands with glee on seeing the man whom he already regarded almost as his son-in-law, assume the garb of the country—a certain proof in his eyes of the count's intention to settle in Mexico. He had even on this occasion adroitly tried to lead the conversation to the subject he had nearest his heart, that is to -say, the young man's marriage, with doña Dolores. But the count who was +say, the young man's marriage, with doña Dolores. But the count who was always on his guard, avoided this awkward subject, as he had done on -several previous occasions, and don Andrés withdrew, shaking his head +several previous occasions, and don Andrés withdrew, shaking his head and muttering—</p> <p>"Yet we must come to an explanation."</p> <p>It was at least the tenth time since the count's arrival at the -hacienda that don Andrés de la Cruz promised himself to have an +hacienda that don Andrés de la Cruz promised himself to have an explanation with him, but up to then, the young man had always contrived to elude it.</p> @@ -2426,9 +2385,9 @@ looked out.</p> <p>Almost immediately he drew himself back, suppressing a cry of surprise.</p> <p>The spot where he was, was exactly opposite the suite of apartments -occupied by doña Dolores de la Cruz.</p> +occupied by doña Dolores de la Cruz.</p> -<p>A window in this suite was open, and doña Dolores leaning on the window +<p>A window in this suite was open, and doña Dolores leaning on the window ledge, was talking to a man who was standing in the garden, but exactly opposite to her, a distance of scarce two feet separated the speakers, who appeared engaged in a most interesting conversation.</p> @@ -2490,7 +2449,7 @@ very improbable, and yet who knows?" he added fatuously.</p> <p>During this long aside, the two speakers had continued their conversation which had been totally unheard by the young man, when he -began to listen again. Doña Dolores was concluding—</p> +began to listen again. Doña Dolores was concluding—</p> <p>"I will do it, as you insist on it: but is it very necessary, my friend?"</p> @@ -2537,19 +2496,19 @@ at his bed side, with a paper in his hand.</p> <p>"Ah!" he exclaimed; "Can it be news from France?"</p> <p>"I do not think so; this letter was given to Lanca by one of the -waiting women of doña Dolores de la Cruz, with a request to deliver it +waiting women of doña Dolores de la Cruz, with a request to deliver it to M. le Comte, as soon as he woke."</p> <p>"This is strange," the young man muttered, as he took the note and examined it attentively; "it is certainly addressed to me," he muttered, at length deciding on opening it.</p> -<p>The note was from doña Dolores de la Cruz, and only contained these few +<p>The note was from doña Dolores de la Cruz, and only contained these few words, written in a delicate though rather tremulous hand.</p> -<p>"Doña Dolores de la Cruz earnestly requests señor don Ludovic de la +<p>"Doña Dolores de la Cruz earnestly requests señor don Ludovic de la Saulay to grant her a private interview for a very important affair at -three o'clock in the afternoon of today. Doña Dolores will await the +three o'clock in the afternoon of today. Doña Dolores will await the ount in her own apartments."</p> <p>"This time I cannot make head or tail of it," the count exclaimed. "But @@ -2599,23 +2558,23 @@ a mano</i>, the mountain built by human hands, or the great teocali of Cholula.</p> <p>This pyramid, crowned with cypresses, and on the top of which now -stands a chapel dedicated to "Nuestra Señora de los remedios," is +stands a chapel dedicated to "Nuestra Señora de los remedios," is entirely constructed of bricks, its height is one hundred and seventy feet, and its base, according to the calculations of Humboldt, is 1355 feet in length, or a little more than double the base of the pyramids of Cheops.</p> -<p>Monsieur Ampère remarks, with considerable tact and cleverness, that +<p>Monsieur Ampère remarks, with considerable tact and cleverness, that the imagination of the Arabs has surrounded with prodigies, the, to them, unknown cradle of the Egyptian pyramids, whose construction they refer to the deluge; and the same was the case in Mexico. On this -subject he relates a tradition picked up in 1566, by Pedro del Río, +subject he relates a tradition picked up in 1566, by Pedro del RÃo, about the pyramids of Cholula, and preserved in his MSS., which are now in the Vatican.</p> <p>We will in our turn, make a loan from the celebrated savant, and relate here this tradition, such as he gives it in his <i>Promenades en -Amérique</i>.</p> +Amérique</i>.</p> <p>"During the last great inundation, the country of Anahuac (the plateau of Mexico), was inhabited by giants. All those who did not perish in @@ -2726,7 +2685,7 @@ ran with a gentle incline underground.</p> <p>This grotto doubtless received air and light through a great number of imperceptible fissures, for it was dry, and perfectly clear.</p> -<p>"Go, López," said one of the strangers.</p> +<p>"Go, López," said one of the strangers.</p> <p>"Are you going up above?" the other asked.</p> @@ -2735,9 +2694,9 @@ imperceptible fissures, for it was dry, and perfectly clear.</p> <p>"Good; that is understood."</p> <p>He then whistled to the horses, which trotted up, and, at a signal from -López, entered the cavern without the slightest hesitation.</p> +López, entered the cavern without the slightest hesitation.</p> -<p>"Good-bye for the present," said López.</p> +<p>"Good-bye for the present," said López.</p> <p>The stranger gave him an affirmative nod; the servant entered in his turn, let the stone fall behind him, and it fitted so exactly into the @@ -2781,7 +2740,7 @@ with pictures, but with six or eight of those coloured engravings, manufactured at Epinal, and with which that town inundates the world. They represented different episodes in the wars of the empires, and were decently framed and glazed. In a corner, about six feet from the -ground, a statuette, representing Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the +ground, a statuette, representing Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, was placed on a mahogany console, edged with points, on which were fixed yellow wax tapers, three of which were lighted. Six equipales, four butacas, a sideboard covered with various @@ -2856,19 +2815,19 @@ asleep!"</p> <p>"Ah! There you are, my good friends," he said, with a pleasant smile, as he offered them his hand; "it is a joyous waking for me, since I find you at my side. Good day! Louise, my girl. Good day! Mother -Thérèse; and good day to you, too, my old Loïck! You have cheerful +Thérèse; and good day to you, too, my old Loïck! You have cheerful faces, which it is a pleasure to look at!"</p> <p>"How sorry I am that you woke up, Mr. Oliver," the charming Louise said.</p> -<p>"The more so, because you were doubtless fatigued," Loïck said.</p> +<p>"The more so, because you were doubtless fatigued," Loïck said.</p> <p>"Stuff! I have forgotten it. You did not expect to find me here, eh?"</p> -<p>"Pardon me, Mr. Oliver," Thérèse replied; "López informed us of your +<p>"Pardon me, Mr. Oliver," Thérèse replied; "López informed us of your arrival."</p> -<p>"That confounded López cannot hold his tongue," Oliver said, gaily; "he +<p>"That confounded López cannot hold his tongue," Oliver said, gaily; "he must always be chattering."</p> <p>"You will breakfast with us, I hope?" the young woman asked.</p> @@ -2880,7 +2839,7 @@ see Mr. Oliver decline, that is all."</p> breakfast."</p> <p>"Ah! That is all right," the young woman exclaimed. And, aided by -Thérèse, who was her mother, as Loïck was her father, she instantly +Thérèse, who was her mother, as Loïck was her father, she instantly began making preparations for the morning meal.</p> <p>"But, you know," said Oliver, "nothing Mexican, I do not expect the @@ -2897,10 +2856,10 @@ remained near the window, and were conversing together.</p> <p>"Are you still satisfied?" Oliver asked his host.</p> -<p>"Perfectly," the other answered. "Don Andrés de la Cruz is a good +<p>"Perfectly," the other answered. "Don Andrés de la Cruz is a good master; besides, as you know, I have but few dealings with him."</p> -<p>"That is true. You only depend on Ño Leo Carral."</p> +<p>"That is true. You only depend on Ño Leo Carral."</p> <p>"I do not complain of him. He is a worthy man, although a majordomo. We get on famously together."</p> @@ -2920,7 +2879,7 @@ quarter all goes well."</p> <p>Oliver shook his head.</p> -<p>"Do you remember, Loïck," he said to him, sternly, "the conditions I +<p>"Do you remember, Loïck," he said to him, sternly, "the conditions I imposed on you, when I granted you your pardon?"</p> <p>"Oh! I do not forget them, sir."</p> @@ -2952,7 +2911,7 @@ done, some day, on the real culprit."</p> this sinister history, whose denouement will be terrible."</p> <p>"Yes," the adventurer said with concentrated energy—"very terrible -indeed! And you will help in it, Loïck."</p> +indeed! And you will help in it, Loïck."</p> <p>The <i>vaquero</i> gave a sigh, which did not escape the other.</p> @@ -2976,9 +2935,9 @@ shaking his head, he said:</p> efforts of the adventurer, the former gaiety soon returned, and the end of the breakfast was as merry as could be desired.</p> -<p>All at once López suddenly entered the rancho.</p> +<p>All at once López suddenly entered the rancho.</p> -<p>"Señor Loïck," he said, "here is your son: I do not know what he is +<p>"Señor Loïck," he said, "here is your son: I do not know what he is bringing, but he is on foot and leading his horse by the bridle."</p> <p>All rose and left the rancho. At about a gunshot from the rancho, they @@ -2992,9 +2951,9 @@ burden.</p> examining the arrival for some moments, "can it be he? Oh, I must make certain without delay."</p> -<p>And, after making López a sign to follow him, he rushed down the steps, +<p>And, after making López a sign to follow him, he rushed down the steps, to the amazement of the <i>vaquero</i> and the two women who soon saw him -running, followed by López, across the plain to meet Dominique.</p> +running, followed by López, across the plain to meet Dominique.</p> <p>The latter had noticed the two men and had halted to await their arrival.</p> @@ -3230,7 +3189,7 @@ lost."</p> <p>"Do I not know perfectly well I am lost?" the wounded man who overheard the last word said; "Kill me, therefore, without making me suffer more."</p> -<p>"You hear me, señor," the young man answered "very good then, listen +<p>"You hear me, señor," the young man answered "very good then, listen to me without interruption: I am not one of the men who brought you into your present state. I am a traveller, whom accident or rather Providence brought on this road, to come to your assistance and, as I @@ -3285,7 +3244,7 @@ have no wants to satisfy."</p> <p>"Still, it is my duty."</p> -<p>"Not a word more on this subject, I must request, señor. Any pressure +<p>"Not a word more on this subject, I must request, señor. Any pressure on your part would be a mortal insult to me. I am doing my duty in saving your life, and have no claim to any recompense."</p> @@ -3313,7 +3272,7 @@ your house?"</p> <p>"My house!" the wounded man exclaimed, with ill-disguised terror, and making a movement as if he would try to fly. "You know me then, -señor—know my residence?"</p> +señor—know my residence?"</p> <p>"I do not know you, and am ignorant where your house is situated. How could I know such details, when I never saw you before this night?"</p> @@ -3327,7 +3286,7 @@ this cross, when you so providentially discovered me. As for a home, I have no other at this moment but the one you may be pleased to offer me. This is my whole story: it is as simple as truth."</p> -<p>"Whether it be true or not does not concern me, señor. I have no right +<p>"Whether it be true or not does not concern me, señor. I have no right to interfere in your affairs against your will. Let me request you, therefore, to refrain from giving me information which I do not ask of you—which does not concern me, and which, in your present condition, @@ -3495,16 +3454,16 @@ among whom you lived so long?"</p> <p>The young man attempted to answer, but he hurriedly checked him.</p> <p>"Enough, now the evil is done," he said to him: "it is of no use -alluding to it. López will convey him to the cavern of the rancho, -where he will nurse him. Go, López, lose no time; lead away this man, +alluding to it. López will convey him to the cavern of the rancho, +where he will nurse him. Go, López, lose no time; lead away this man, while I talk with Dominique."</p> -<p>López obeyed, and the young man allowed him to do so. He was beginning +<p>López obeyed, and the young man allowed him to do so. He was beginning to comprehend that possibly his heart had deceived him, and that he had too easily given way to a feeling of humanity towards a man who was a perfect stranger to him.</p> -<p>There was a rather lengthened silence. López had gone off with the +<p>There was a rather lengthened silence. López had gone off with the wounded man, and had already disappeared in the cavern. Oliver and Dominique, standing face to face, remained motionless and pensive. At length the adventurer raised his head.</p> @@ -3573,7 +3532,7 @@ return to you."</p> <p>"Very good, I see that you have a good memory: go on."</p> <p>"I obeyed you, and remained among the Indians, hunting and living with -them: six months ago, you came yourself to the banks of the Río Gila, +them: six months ago, you came yourself to the banks of the RÃo Gila, where I was at the time, and you told me that you had come to fetch me and that I must follow you. I followed you, therefore, without asking an explanation which I did not need: for do I not belong to you, body @@ -3671,7 +3630,7 @@ us, we must bow before the manifestation of His will."</p> <p>"Then, it is your intention—?"</p> -<p>"My intention is to order López to watch over your patient: he will +<p>"My intention is to order López to watch over your patient: he will remain in the cavern where he will be taken the greatest care of, but you will not see him again, as it is unnecessary for you to know any more about him at present: in my turn, I pledge you my word that all @@ -3687,7 +3646,7 @@ any relations with him."</p> <p>"Good: in that case you will tell them so, for I cannot undertake it."</p> -<p>"I will do so: but I shall not see him either; López alone will remain +<p>"I will do so: but I shall not see him either; López alone will remain in charge of him."</p> <p>"Have you nothing more to say to me?"</p> @@ -3701,7 +3660,7 @@ you want for your journey."</p> <p>"Oh, I am ready," he interrupted.</p> -<p>"That is possible, but I am not; have I not to give López orders about +<p>"That is possible, but I am not; have I not to give López orders about your wounded man?"</p> <p>"That is true, and besides I must say good-bye to my family."</p> @@ -3718,7 +3677,7 @@ smile; "but not at all in the way you suppose."</p> <p>"I reckon on it; but come, we have lost too much time already."</p> <p>They proceeded toward the mound. The adventurer entered the vault, -and the young man went up to the rancho. Loïck and the two women +and the young man went up to the rancho. Loïck and the two women were awaiting him on the platform considerably perplexed by the long conversation he had held with Oliver; but Dominique was impenetrable—he had lived too long in the desert to let the truth be @@ -3728,18 +3687,18 @@ he only answered by clever evasions, and at last his father and the two women, despairing of making him speak, resolved to leave him at peace. His breakfast was all ready on the table. As he was hungry, he took advantage of this pretext to change the conversation, and while eating, -announced his departure. Loïck made no remark, for he was accustomed to +announced his departure. Loïck made no remark, for he was accustomed to these sudden absences.</p> <p>At the end of about half an hour Oliver reappeared. Dominique rose and took leave of his family.</p> -<p>"You are taking him with you," said Loïck.</p> +<p>"You are taking him with you," said Loïck.</p> <p>"Yes," Oliver replied, "for a few days; we are going into the <i>Tierra Caliente</i>."</p> -<p>"Take care," said Louise anxiously; "you know that Juárez' guerillas +<p>"Take care," said Louise anxiously; "you know that Juárez' guerillas are scouring the country."</p> <p>"Fear nothing, little sister," the young man said as he embraced her; @@ -3809,7 +3768,7 @@ Carral again. He is a good fellow."</p> <p>Ever since Count de la Saulay's arrival at the hacienda del Arenal, -doña Dolores had treated him with a degree of reserve which the +doña Dolores had treated him with a degree of reserve which the marriage projects made by the two families were far from justifying. The young lady had not only had no private interviews with the man whom she ought to consider to some extent her betrothed, but had not @@ -3822,7 +3781,7 @@ the strictest reserve.</p> <p>In these conditions, and especially after the scene at which he had been present on the previous evening, we can easily understand what the -stupefaction of the young man must be on learning that doña Dolores +stupefaction of the young man must be on learning that doña Dolores requested an interview with him. What could she have to say to him? For what motive did she grant him this meeting? What reason impelled her to act thus? Such were the questions which the count did not cease @@ -3834,20 +3793,20 @@ strike. Had he been in Paris instead of a Mexican hacienda, he would have certainly known beforehand what he had to expect from the message he had received, and his conduct would have been regulated beforehand.</p> -<p>But here the coldness of doña Dolores toward him—a coldness which had +<p>But here the coldness of doña Dolores toward him—a coldness which had never once thawed—the preference which after the last night's scene she seemed to give to another person, all combined to deprive this interview of the slightest supposition of love. Was it his renunciation -of her hand, and immediate retirement, that doña Dolores was about to +of her hand, and immediate retirement, that doña Dolores was about to request of him?</p> <p>Singular contradiction of the human mind! The count, who felt for this marriage a repulsion more and more marked, whose formal intention it was to have, as soon as possible, an explanation on this subject with -don Andrés de la Cruz, and whose firm resolution it was to withdraw, +don Andrés de la Cruz, and whose firm resolution it was to withdraw, and renounce the alliance so long prepared, and which displeased him the more because it was forced on him—revolted at the supposition of -this renunciation, which, without doubt, doña Dolores was going to ask +this renunciation, which, without doubt, doña Dolores was going to ask him; his wounded self-esteem made him regard this question under a perfectly new light, and the contempt which the young lady seemed to feel for his hand, filled him with shame and anger.</p> @@ -3860,7 +3819,7 @@ of repulsion, had inspired no other feeling but a cold indifference. There was certainly something desperate about this; for an instant he went so far as to fancy—for anger blinded him to such an extent—that he was really in love with his cousin, and he was on the point of -swearing to remain deaf to the tears and supplications of doña Dolores, +swearing to remain deaf to the tears and supplications of doña Dolores, and insisting on the completion of the marriage within the shortest period possible. But fortunately the pride which had urged him to this determination suddenly suggested to him a more simple, and assuredly @@ -3875,7 +3834,7 @@ gave him a superiority over his rivals, or understanding the happiness she would find in an alliance with him.</p> <p>While revolving all these, and many other thoughts, the count left his -rooms, crossed the courtyard, and proceeded to the apartments of doña +rooms, crossed the courtyard, and proceeded to the apartments of doña Dolores. He remarked, though without attaching much importance to the fact, that several saddle horses were waiting in the court, held by peons. At the door of the apartments stood a young Indian girl with @@ -3886,14 +3845,14 @@ and finally raised a curtain of white China crape, embroidered with large flowers of every hue, and introduced the count, without saying a word, into a delightful boudoir, furnished throughout with China lace.</p> -<p>Doña Dolores, half-reclining on a hammock of aloe fibre, was amusing +<p>Doña Dolores, half-reclining on a hammock of aloe fibre, was amusing herself with teasing a pretty parrot half the size of her hand, and was laughing heartily at the little creature's cries of fury.</p> <p>The young lady was charming, thus: the count had never seen her so lovely. After bowing deeply to her, he stopped in the door, experiencing an admiration mingled with such great stupefaction, that -doña Dolores after looking at him for a moment, could not retain her +doña Dolores after looking at him for a moment, could not retain her seriousness, but burst out into a silvery peal of laughter.</p> <p>"Forgive me, cousin," she said to him, "but you look so singular at @@ -4003,34 +3962,34 @@ the patio. Raimbaut followed his example, had laid in a complete arsenal. The two men were thus, without exaggeration, capable in case of need, to face fifteen bandits.</p> -<p>Doña Dolores, already mounted, was talking with her father while -awaiting the count's arrival. Don Andrés de la Cruz was rubbing his +<p>Doña Dolores, already mounted, was talking with her father while +awaiting the count's arrival. Don Andrés de la Cruz was rubbing his hands in delight, the good understanding between the young people charmed him.</p> <p>"So you are going to take a ride?" he said to the count; "I wish you all possible pleasure."</p> -<p>"The señorita has deigned to offer to accompany her," Ludovic answered.</p> +<p>"The señorita has deigned to offer to accompany her," Ludovic answered.</p> <p>"She has acted admirably, for her choice could not be better."</p> <p>While exchanging these few words with his future father-in-law, the count had mounted.</p> -<p>"A pleasant trip," continued don Andrés, "and mind you are careful -whom you meet, Juárez' cuadrillas are beginning to prowl about the +<p>"A pleasant trip," continued don Andrés, "and mind you are careful +whom you meet, Juárez' cuadrillas are beginning to prowl about the neighbourhood, so I have been informed."</p> -<p>"Do not be alarmed, papa," doña Dolores replied; "besides," she added +<p>"Do not be alarmed, papa," doña Dolores replied; "besides," she added with a charming smile aimed at the young man, "under my cousin's escort I fear nothing."</p> <p>"Be off then and get back early."</p> -<p>"We shall return before the <i>oración</i>, papa."</p> +<p>"We shall return before the <i>oración</i>, papa."</p> -<p>Don Andrés gave them a last farewell nod, and they left the hacienda. +<p>Don Andrés gave them a last farewell nod, and they left the hacienda. The count and the young lady galloped side by side. Raimbaut, as a well trained servant, followed a few paces in the rear.</p> @@ -4111,7 +4070,7 @@ is really his name."</p> <p>"Would it be indiscreet to ask you why you entertain this unfavourable supposition?"</p> -<p>"Not at all, cousin; but señor Oliver appeared to me a very mysterious +<p>"Not at all, cousin; but señor Oliver appeared to me a very mysterious gentleman; his manners are not those of everybody. As I think, there would be nothing extraordinary if, according to circumstances—"</p> @@ -4132,7 +4091,7 @@ I asked you to accompany me on my ride."</p> <p>This confession was made by the young lady in such simple faith that the count was completely staggered by it, and looked at her for a -moment as if he did not comprehend her. Doña Dolores did not notice his +moment as if he did not comprehend her. Doña Dolores did not notice his astonishment. With her hand placed as a screen over her eyes, she was examining the plain.</p> @@ -4181,7 +4140,7 @@ as perfect for good as for evil, and whom opportunity can as easily make remarkable men as great villains.</p> <p>Oliver had profoundly studied the extraordinary character of his -<i>protégé</i>, hence he knew better than himself, perhaps, of what he was +<i>protégé</i>, hence he knew better than himself, perhaps, of what he was capable; and he had frequently shuddered on probing the hidden depths of this strange organization which did not know itself; and while imposing his will on the indomitable nature and making it bow as he @@ -4278,14 +4237,14 @@ I am expecting arrive, I shall give you more detailed instructions."</p> <p>"Very good, go on."</p> <p>"Two persons are going to join us here, a young man, and a young lady; -the latter is doña Dolores de la Cruz, daughter of the owner of the +the latter is doña Dolores de la Cruz, daughter of the owner of the hacienda del Arenal: she is sixteen years of age, and very beautiful; she is a gentle, pure, and simple girl."</p> <p>"Very good, but that does not concern me, for you know I trouble myself but slightly about squaws."</p> -<p>"That is true, so I will not dwell on the point: doña Dolores is +<p>"That is true, so I will not dwell on the point: doña Dolores is betrothed to don Ludovic, who will marry her immediately."</p> <p>"Much good may it do him; and who is don Ludovic? Some Mexican, I @@ -4311,7 +4270,7 @@ friends in the world."</p> I fancy: hang it, they are riding fast, they will be on us in ten minutes."</p> -<p>"They are doña Dolores and Count Ludovic."</p> +<p>"They are doña Dolores and Count Ludovic."</p> <p>They rose to go and receive the young people, who, in truth, were coming up at full speed.</p> @@ -4353,7 +4312,7 @@ friends."</p> <p>After these words, the two young men warmly shook hands.</p> -<p>"Are you satisfied, my friend?" doña Dolores asked.</p> +<p>"Are you satisfied, my friend?" doña Dolores asked.</p> <p>"You are a fairy, dear child," Oliver replied with emotion; "you cannot imagine how happy you render me."</p> @@ -4372,9 +4331,9 @@ which rapidly drew nearer, and the majordomo soon appeared.</p> <p>"Come on, come on, Leo," the adventurer shouted to him.</p> -<p>"Here I am, señor," the majordomo replied, "entirely at your orders."</p> +<p>"Here I am, señor," the majordomo replied, "entirely at your orders."</p> -<p>"Listen to me attentively," Oliver resumed, addressing doña Dolores; +<p>"Listen to me attentively," Oliver resumed, addressing doña Dolores; "the affair is serious, I am compelled to go away this very day: my absence may last for a long time; and hence it is impossible for me to watch over you: unfortunately I have a foreboding that an imminent @@ -4417,7 +4376,7 @@ Saulay; and for greater security you will pretend, not to understand a word of Spanish."</p> <p>"Permit me," Ludovic observed, "I have spoken several times to don -Andrés about an intimate friend attached to the French Legation in +Andrés about an intimate friend attached to the French Legation in Mexico, and whom I expect to visit me at the hacienda at any moment."</p> <p>"Perfect, Dominique will pass for him, and if he likes, he can talk @@ -4444,7 +4403,7 @@ majordomo replied; "I have only now to arrange with these gentlemen."</p> <p>"All is going well, so now let us separate: I should have been a long way off by this time."</p> -<p>"Are you leaving us already, my friend?" doña Dolores asked with +<p>"Are you leaving us already, my friend?" doña Dolores asked with emotion.</p> <p>"I must, my child; be of good cheer, and have confidence in God; during @@ -4453,7 +4412,7 @@ my absence, He will watch over you; farewell."</p> <p>The adventurer pressed the count's hand for the last time, kissed the young lady's forehead, and leapt into the saddle.</p> -<p>"Let me see you again soon," doña Dolores said to him.</p> +<p>"Let me see you again soon," doña Dolores said to him.</p> <p>"Tomorrow you will see your friend Meriadec," Dominique said with a laugh, and he started at a gallop after the adventurer.</p> @@ -4481,32 +4440,32 @@ little before sunset.</p> <p>The closing months of 18— had arrived. Political events were beginning to press on each other with such rapidity that the least enlightened minds already understood that they were hurrying towards an imminent -catastrophe. In the South, the troops of General Gutiérrez had gained +catastrophe. In the South, the troops of General Gutiérrez had gained a great victory over the constitutional army commanded by General -don Diego Álvarez (the same who at an earlier period presided at +don Diego Ãlvarez (the same who at an earlier period presided at Guaymas over the court-martial that condemned to death our unfortunate countryman and friend Count Gaston de Raousset Boulbon). The carnage of the Pinto Indians had been immense: 1200 remained on the battlefield, and the artillery and abundant materiel fell into the hands of the victor. But at the same period, there commenced in the interior a series of opposite events: the first was the flight of Zuloaga, that -president who, after abdicating in favour of Miramón, revoked that +president who, after abdicating in favour of Miramón, revoked that abdication one day without knowing exactly why, without consulting anyone, and at the moment when it was least expected.</p> -<p>General Miramón then loyally offered to the President of the Supreme +<p>General Miramón then loyally offered to the President of the Supreme Court of Justice to assume the executive power and convoke the assembly of the Notables to have himself elected chief magistrate of the Republic. While this was happening, a new catastrophe added fresh -dangers to the situation. Miramón, whom his continual victories had +dangers to the situation. Miramón, whom his continual victories had probably endowed with imprudent confidence, or more probably impelled by the desire to come to an end in some way or another, offered battle at Silao to forces four times his own. He suffered a complete rout, lost his artillery, and was himself on the point of perishing: it was only by performing prodigies of valour, and killing with his own hand several of those that surrounded him, that he succeeded in cutting his -way out of the melée and escaping to Querétaro, where he arrived almost -alone. From this place, Miramón, not allowing himself to be crushed +way out of the melée and escaping to Querétaro, where he arrived almost +alone. From this place, Miramón, not allowing himself to be crushed by misfortunes, returned to Mexico, whose inhabitants thus learned simultaneously his defeat, his arrival, and his intention to offer himself for election.</p> @@ -4516,7 +4475,7 @@ he was elected President by the Chamber of Notables almost unanimously. The general, who knew how time pressed, took the oaths, and immediately entered on his duties. Although materially the defeat at Silao was almost nothing, still from a moral point of view the effect produced -was immense. Miramón understood this: he actively employed himself +was immense. Miramón understood this: he actively employed himself in restoring a little order in the finances, creating resources, precarious but sufficient for the urgent necessities of the moment in raising fresh troops, and taking all the precautions that prudence @@ -4526,12 +4485,12 @@ Mexico, and these various movements, ill-understood by the people, alarmed them and made them apprehend approaching misfortunes. Under these circumstances, the president, wishing doubtless to satisfy public opinion and restore a little tranquillity to the capital, consented -to enter into negotiations with his rival Juárez, which, if they did +to enter into negotiations with his rival Juárez, which, if they did not lead to peace, might at any rate produce an armistice which would temporarily check bloodshed. Unluckily, a fresh complication rendered all hope of an arrangement impossible.</p> -<p>General Márquez had been sent to the relief of Guadalajara, which +<p>General Márquez had been sent to the relief of Guadalajara, which town, it was supposed continued successfully to resist the federal troops; but all at once, after the federals had carried off a conducta de plata belonging to English merchants, an armistice was concluded @@ -4540,12 +4499,12 @@ of the conducta had no doubt a great deal to do—and General Castillo, commandant of Guadalajara, abandoned by the majority of his troops, found himself compelled to leave the town and take refuge on the Pacific: so that the federals, freed from this obstacle, combined -against Márquez, defeated him, and destroyed his corps, the only one +against Márquez, defeated him, and destroyed his corps, the only one that still kept the field. The situation thus became more and more critical: the federals meeting with no further obstacle or resistance in their victorious march, rose up on all sides and every hope of negotiations was lost. Fighting must go on at all risks. The fall of -Miramón, consequently, could only be a question of time: the general +Miramón, consequently, could only be a question of time: the general doubtless perfectly comprehended this, but he did not let it be seen, and, on the contrary, redoubled his ardour and activity in order to parry the incessantly rising embarrassments of his situation.</p> @@ -4557,7 +4516,7 @@ and resolved to carry to the mint their gold and silver ornaments, to be melted and placed at the disposal of the ex-executive power. Unfortunately, all these efforts were thrown away, the expenses increased in a ratio with the continually growing dangers of the -situation, and ere long Miramón, after vainly employing all the +situation, and ere long Miramón, after vainly employing all the expedients which his critical position suggested to him, found himself with an empty treasury and the sorrowful conviction that it was useless to dream of refilling it.</p> @@ -4649,12 +4608,12 @@ walked up to don Antonio, who, on his side, advanced to meet him.</p> <p>"Who are you?" don Antonio asked in a low voice, when he was but five or six yards from the stranger.</p> -<p>"The man you are expecting, señor don Antonio," the other immediately +<p>"The man you are expecting, señor don Antonio," the other immediately replied; "Coronel don Felipe Neri Irzabel, at your service."</p> <p>"Yes, it is you. I recognize you. Approach."</p> -<p>"It is very lucky. Well, señor don Antonio," the colonel replied, +<p>"It is very lucky. Well, señor don Antonio," the colonel replied, offering his hand; "and your health?"</p> <p>"Bad," said don Antonio, falling back without touching the hand that @@ -4666,7 +4625,7 @@ importance to it.</p> <p>"You have come with a large escort," don Antonio continued.</p> <p>"Caray! Do you fancy, my dear sir, that I have any wish to fall into -the hands of Miramón's scouts? My account would be soon settled if they +the hands of Miramón's scouts? My account would be soon settled if they caught me. But I fancy that in spite of all the pleasure we feel at meeting, we had better attend to business without delay. What is your opinion?"</p> @@ -4685,15 +4644,15 @@ soon as the occasion offers."</p> <p>"Drawn up as I requested?"</p> -<p>"Everything is in it, señor, so set your mind at rest," the colonel +<p>"Everything is in it, señor, so set your mind at rest," the colonel continued, with a coarse laugh.</p> <p>"Where could honesty be found at the present day, except among people of our stamp? What you stipulated is accepted. The whole is signed, 'Ortega, General-in-Chief of the Federal Army,' and countersigned, -'Juárez, President of the Republic.' Are you satisfied?"</p> +'Juárez, President of the Republic.' Are you satisfied?"</p> -<p>"I will answer you, señor, when I have seen the paper."</p> +<p>"I will answer you, señor, when I have seen the paper."</p> <p>"Nothing easier. Here it is," the guerillero said, drawing a large envelope from his dolman, and presenting it to don Antonio.</p> @@ -4716,23 +4675,23 @@ his pocket.</p> put out the taper, folded up the paper, which he carefully secured in his pocketbook, and then addressed the colonel.</p> -<p>"Señor, you will thank General Ortega from me. He has behaved toward me +<p>"Señor, you will thank General Ortega from me. He has behaved toward me like a perfect caballero."</p> -<p>The guerillero bowed. "I will not fail, señor," he answered; +<p>The guerillero bowed. "I will not fail, señor," he answered; "especially if you have some information to add to that which you have already given us."</p> <p>"I certainly have, and of a very important nature."</p> <p>"Ah! Ah!" said the other, rubbing his hands eagerly; "pray let me have -it, my dear señor."</p> +it, my dear señor."</p> -<p>"Listen, then. Miramón is at the last gasp. He wants money, and cannot +<p>"Listen, then. Miramón is at the last gasp. He wants money, and cannot possibly obtain any. The troops, nearly all recruits, badly armed, and worse clothed, have not been paid for two months, and are murmuring."</p> -<p>"Very good! Poor dear Miramón! He is in a very bad way, then?"</p> +<p>"Very good! Poor dear Miramón! He is in a very bad way, then?"</p> <p>"The worse for him is, that the clergy, who promised at the outset to come to his assistance, have now refused their help."</p> @@ -4740,14 +4699,14 @@ come to his assistance, have now refused their help."</p> <p>"But," the guerillero remarked, ironically, "how is it that you are so well informed, my dear sir?"</p> -<p>"Do you not know that I am attaché to the Spanish Embassy?"</p> +<p>"Do you not know that I am attaché to the Spanish Embassy?"</p> <p>"That is true—I forgot it; pray excuse me. What more do you know?"</p> <p>"The ranks of the partisans of the president are daily growing thinner: his old friends are abandoning him. Hence, in order to raise him slightly in public opinion, he has resolved to attempt a sortie, and -attack General Berriozábal's division."</p> +attack General Berriozábal's division."</p> <p>"Come, come! That is worth knowing!"</p> @@ -4756,14 +4715,14 @@ attack General Berriozábal's division."</p> <p>"Thanks! We will be on our guard. Is that all?"</p> <p>"Not yet. Reduced, as I told you, to the last extremity, and wishing to -procure money—no matter by what means, Miramón has resolved to imitate +procure money—no matter by what means, Miramón has resolved to imitate the robbery of the conducta of 'Laguna Seca,' effected by your party."</p> <p>"I know," the colonel interrupted, rubbing his hands. "It was I who carried out that <i>negotiation</i>. Unfortunately," he added, with a sigh of regret, "such hauls are rare."</p> -<p>"Miramón has therefore resolved," don Antonio continued, "to carry off +<p>"Miramón has therefore resolved," don Antonio continued, "to carry off the money of the Convention, which is at this moment at the British Legation."</p> @@ -4775,14 +4734,14 @@ jests in money matters."</p> <p>"I am aware of it: and hence the idea was suggested through my influence!"</p> -<p>"Señor!" the guerillero said majestically; "In this instance you have +<p>"Señor!" the guerillero said majestically; "In this instance you have deserved well of your country. But the amount cannot be large?"</p> <p>"It is a tolerably round sum."</p> <p>"Ah, ah! How much at a guess?"</p> -<p>"Six hundred and sixty thousand piastres (£132,000)."</p> +<p>"Six hundred and sixty thousand piastres (£132,000)."</p> <p>The guerillero was dazzled.</p> @@ -4825,7 +4784,7 @@ difficult researches with which you commissioned me."</p> <p>"Do you doubt my word?" he said haughtily.</p> -<p>"It is my principle never to doubt anything, señor," the colonel +<p>"It is my principle never to doubt anything, señor," the colonel answered.</p> <p>"The sum is a large one."</p> @@ -4839,7 +4798,7 @@ believe, the best thing I can do, so listen to me."</p> <p>"Speak."</p> -<p>"Above all, do not be vexed, my dear señor; business is business, hang +<p>"Above all, do not be vexed, my dear señor; business is business, hang it all, and must be treated on the square."</p> <p>"That is my opinion too, go on."</p> @@ -4866,7 +4825,7 @@ succeeded in retaining his coolness.</p> <p>"Well, then, what do you desire?" he asked him in a choking voice.</p> -<p>"Nothing for the present, señor; let us finish our resolution. So soon +<p>"Nothing for the present, señor; let us finish our resolution. So soon as we enter Mexico—which I hope both for you and me will not be long first—you will take me to a banker I know: he will be responsible for the sum, and all will be settled. Does that suit you?"</p> @@ -4877,7 +4836,7 @@ the sum, and all will be settled. Does that suit you?"</p> of no consequence, and now that we have nothing more to say to each other for the present, permit me to take leave of you, my dear sir."</p> -<p>"You are at liberty to retire, señor," don Antonio replied drily.</p> +<p>"You are at liberty to retire, señor," don Antonio replied drily.</p> <p>"I kiss your hands, my dear sir, and trust I shall see you again shortly."</p> @@ -4941,7 +4900,7 @@ sentries.</p> <p>"Well, well," the other replied with a grin; "I think that the gentleman must be a stranger, who is making a mistake, and fancies -himself at the door of a mesón."</p> +himself at the door of a mesón."</p> <p>"Enough of that insolence, scoundrels," the horseman said sternly; "I have lost too much time already. Warn the officer of the guard, and @@ -4961,7 +4920,7 @@ open behind him, but almost immediately reappeared, preceding a captain in full dress uniform. The horseman bowed to the captain, and repeated the request which he had previously made to the sentries.</p> -<p>"I am very sorry to refuse you, señor," the officer replied, "but my +<p>"I am very sorry to refuse you, señor," the officer replied, "but my orders prohibit me from letting anyone into the palace before eight o'clock; if the reason that brings you here is serious, be kind enough therefore to return at that hour, and nobody will oppose your entrance."</p> @@ -4971,24 +4930,24 @@ therefore to return at that hour, and nobody will oppose your entrance."</p> <p>"Pardon me, Captain," the horseman continued; "one word more, if you please."</p> -<p>"Say it, señor."</p> +<p>"Say it, señor."</p> <p>"It is unnecessary for anyone but yourself to hear it."</p> -<p>"Nothing is easier, señor," the officer replied, as he came near enough +<p>"Nothing is easier, señor," the officer replied, as he came near enough to touch the stranger; "now speak." The horseman leaned down, and murmured in a low voice a few words, which the officer listened to with marks of the most profound surprise.</p> <p>"Are you satisfied now, Captain?"</p> -<p>"Perfectly, señor;" and turning to the sergeant, who was standing a few +<p>"Perfectly, señor;" and turning to the sergeant, who was standing a few yards off, he said "open the gate."</p> <p>"It is unnecessary," the stranger remarked; "with your permission I will dismount here, and a soldier can hold my horse."</p> -<p>"As you please, señor."</p> +<p>"As you please, señor."</p> <p>The horseman dismounted, and threw the bridle to the sergeant, who held it till a private should come to take his place.</p> @@ -4997,7 +4956,7 @@ it till a private should come to take his place.</p> your kindness by leading me yourself to the person who expects me, I am at your orders."</p> -<p>"I am at yours, señor," the officer replied, "and since you desire it, +<p>"I am at yours, señor," the officer replied, "and since you desire it, I shall have the honour of accompanying you."</p> <p>They then entered the palace, leaving behind them the sergeant and two @@ -5013,9 +4972,9 @@ two men at length reached the door of a study guarded, by two sentries; an usher, with a silver chain round his neck, was slowly walking up and down; at the sight of the two men he hurried up to them.</p> -<p>"You have arrived, señor," said the captain.</p> +<p>"You have arrived, señor," said the captain.</p> -<p>"I have now only to take my leave of you, señor, and offer you my +<p>"I have now only to take my leave of you, señor, and offer you my thanks for your politeness," the horseman answered.</p> <p>They bowed, and the captain returned to his post.</p> @@ -5028,32 +4987,32 @@ the stranger.</p> <p>"His Excellency will make an exception in my favour," the stranger remarked gently.</p> -<p>"I doubt it, señor; the order is general, and I dare not break it."</p> +<p>"I doubt it, señor; the order is general, and I dare not break it."</p> <p>The stranger appeared to reflect for a moment.</p> <p>The usher waited, evidently surprised that the stranger should persevere in remaining. The other at length raised his head; "I -understand, señor," he said, "how sacred the order you have received +understand, señor," he said, "how sacred the order you have received must be to you, hence I have no intention of urging you to disobey it; still, as the subject that brings me here is of the most serious nature, let me implore you to do me a service."</p> -<p>"To oblige you, señor, I will do anything that is compatible with the +<p>"To oblige you, señor, I will do anything that is compatible with the duties of my office."</p> -<p>"I thank you, señor; however, I assure you, and you will soon receive +<p>"I thank you, señor; however, I assure you, and you will soon receive proof of my assertion, that, far from reprimanding you, his Excellency, the President, will feel obliged to you for allowing me to reach his presence."</p> -<p>"I had the honour of remarking to you, señor—"</p> +<p>"I had the honour of remarking to you, señor—"</p> <p>"Let me explain to you what I want of you," the stranger interrupted quickly, "then you will tell me whether you can or cannot do me the service I ask of you."</p> -<p>"That is fair, speak, señor."</p> +<p>"That is fair, speak, señor."</p> <p>"I will write one word on a piece of paper, and this paper you will place before his Excellency's eyes, without saying a word, if his @@ -5069,17 +5028,17 @@ them."</p> <p>"Is it very necessary, then, that you should see his Excellency this morning?" the usher continued, without answering the question asked him.</p> -<p>"Señor don Livio," the stranger answered in a grave voice, "for though +<p>"Señor don Livio," the stranger answered in a grave voice, "for though you do not know me, I know you, I am aware of your devotion to General -Miramón; well, on my honour and faith as a Christian, I swear to you +Miramón; well, on my honour and faith as a Christian, I swear to you that it is most urgent for him that I should see him without delay."</p> -<p>"That is sufficient, señor," the usher replied; seriously, "if it only +<p>"That is sufficient, señor," the usher replied; seriously, "if it only depended on myself, you would be with him at this moment; there are paper, pen and ink, on that table, please write."</p> <p>The horseman thanked him, took up a pen and wrote in large letters, in -the middle of a sheet, this one word, "ADOLFO .°.", followed by three +the middle of a sheet, this one word, "ADOLFO .°.", followed by three dots, arranged in a triangle, and then handed it to the usher.</p> <p>"There," he said to him.</p> @@ -5105,7 +5064,7 @@ hand.</p> <p>Don Adolfo respectfully pressed the President's hand, and sat down in an armchair by his side. At the moment when we bring him on the stage, -President Miramón, the general whose name was in every mouth, and who +President Miramón, the general whose name was in every mouth, and who was justly considered the first warrior of Mexico, as he was her best administrator, was quite a young man: he was scarce <i>twenty-six years of age</i>, and yet, what noble and grand actions he had accomplished @@ -5193,15 +5152,15 @@ is it?"</p> <p>"Hum! A very decent amount."</p> -<p>"Is it not? I next surprised that bandit Cuéllar; after that his worthy +<p>"Is it not? I next surprised that bandit Cuéllar; after that his worthy partner Carvajal, and lastly their friend Felipe Irzabal had a row with -me; without counting several partisans of Juárez, whom their evil star +me; without counting several partisans of Juárez, whom their evil star brought across my track."</p> <p>"But the total from these various encounters, my friend?"</p> <p>"Nine hundred and odd thousand piastres; the guerilleros of the worthy -Juárez are excellent shearing, for they have their arms free, and take +Juárez are excellent shearing, for they have their arms free, and take advantage of it to fatten themselves by fishing largely in troubled waters. In short, I bring you about twelve hundred thousand piastres, which will be brought here on mules within an hour, and which you are @@ -5220,7 +5179,7 @@ decent amount."</p> <p>"What other sum are you alluding to, General? You have found money, then?"</p> -<p>"Yes," he replied with some hesitation; "a friend of mine, attaché to +<p>"Yes," he replied with some hesitation; "a friend of mine, attaché to the Spanish embassy, suggested the means to me."</p> <p>Don Adolfo bounded as if he had been stung by a viper.</p> @@ -5258,13 +5217,13 @@ is changed, and with your permission I will go—"</p> <p>"Did I not forbid you disturbing me?" the President said to the usher, who was standing respectfully before him.</p> -<p>"General Márquez, Excellency," the usher answered impassively.</p> +<p>"General Márquez, Excellency," the usher answered impassively.</p> <p>The President started, and a slight flush spread over his face.</p> <p>"Let him come in," he said sharply.</p> -<p>General Márquez appeared.</p> +<p>General Márquez appeared.</p> <p>"Well?" the President asked him.</p> @@ -5294,10 +5253,10 @@ official seals, and I removed all the money I found, being careful to have it counted twice in the presence of witnesses, in order to be sure of the amount of money which I appropriated, in order to restore it in full hereafter. I thus carried off one million four hundred thousand -piastres (£240,000), which were immediately transported to the palace +piastres (£240,000), which were immediately transported to the palace by my orders."</p> -<p>After this succinct narration, General Márquez bowed, like a man +<p>After this succinct narration, General Márquez bowed, like a man convinced that he has perfectly done his duty, and who expects complimenting.</p> @@ -5336,7 +5295,7 @@ victory alone can absolve you."</p> <p>"Are you leaving me already?" the President asked him.</p> <p>"I must, Excellency; have I not to bring the money here, which I at -least took from your enemies?" Miramón hung his head sadly.</p> +least took from your enemies?" Miramón hung his head sadly.</p> <p>"Pardon me, General, I was wrong, I should not have spoken thus; do I not know in my own case that misfortune is a bad adviser?"</p> @@ -5384,17 +5343,17 @@ stranger whom accident makes them suddenly meet.</p> <p>Don Adolfo, while rapidly advancing through the streets, did not fail to observe what was going on around him; the ill-disguised restlessness, the growing anxiety of the population did not escape him. -Earnestly attached to General Miramón, whose noble character, lofty +Earnestly attached to General Miramón, whose noble character, lofty ideas, and, above all, his real desire for the welfare of his country, had attracted him, he felt a profound mental grief at the sight of the general despondency of the masses, and the disaffection of the people toward the only man, who at this moment, had he been honestly -supported, was able to save them from the government of Juárez—that +supported, was able to save them from the government of Juárez—that is to say, from anarchy organized by the terrorism of the sabre. He continued to advance without appearing to pay any attention to what was going on, or to what was being said in the groups collected on the doorsteps, in the shops, or at the corners of the streets, groups in -which the carrying off of the English money by General Márquez upon the +which the carrying off of the English money by General Márquez upon the peremptory order of the President of the Republic, was being discussed and appreciated in a thousand different ways.</p> @@ -5406,12 +5365,12 @@ most arbitrary act of power. Don Adolfo perfectly understood this distinction; the inhabitants of the faubourg, mostly poor people belonging to the lowest class of the population, were indifferent to an act which could not affect them, and by which only the rich city -merchants could be hurt. On coming near the <i>Garita</i>, or Gate of Belén, +merchants could be hurt. On coming near the <i>Garita</i>, or Gate of Belén, he at length stopped before an isolated house, of modest, though not poor appearance, whose door was carefully closed. At the sound of his horse's hoofs, a window was half opened, a cry of delight was raised in the interior of the house, and a moment later the gate was thrown -wide open to let him pass in. Don Adolfo entered, crossed the <i>zaguán</i>, +wide open to let him pass in. Don Adolfo entered, crossed the <i>zaguán</i>, reached the patio, where he dismounted, and fastened his horse to a ring fixed in the wall.</p> @@ -5423,12 +5382,12 @@ quickly?"</p> remain a very little time with you, in spite of my lively desire to grant you several hours."</p> -<p>"Very good, brother; in the doubt you can let José lead your horse to +<p>"Very good, brother; in the doubt you can let José lead your horse to the corral, where it will be more comfortable than in the patio."</p> <p>"Do as you please, sister."</p> -<p>"You hear, José?" the lady said to an old man servant; "Lead Moreno +<p>"You hear, José?" the lady said to an old man servant; "Lead Moreno to the corral, rub him down carefully, and give him a double feed of alfalfa. Come, brother," she added, passing her arm through don Jaime's.</p> @@ -5452,24 +5411,24 @@ for he leads a most mysterious life: going off without saying where to, staying away frequently a very long time, and then returning without saying where he comes from."</p> -<p>"Patience, María, patience! Do you not know," he said with a shade of +<p>"Patience, MarÃa, patience! Do you not know," he said with a shade of sorrow in his voice, "that we are toiling for you and your daughter? Some day, ere long I hope, all will be cleared up."</p> <p>"Heaven grant it, don Jaime; but we are very solitary, and very anxious in this small house; the country is in a state of utter disturbance, the roads are infested by brigands; we tremble every moment lest you or -don Estevan may have fallen into the hands of Cuéllar, Carvajal, or El +don Estevan may have fallen into the hands of Cuéllar, Carvajal, or El Rayo, those bandits without faith or law, about whom frightful stories are daily told us."</p> -<p>"Reassure yourself, sister, Cuéllar, Carvajal, and even El Rayo," he +<p>"Reassure yourself, sister, Cuéllar, Carvajal, and even El Rayo," he replied with a smile, "are not so terrible as people think proper to represent to you; however, I only ask a little patience of you; before a month, I repeat, sister, all mystery shall cease, and justice be done."</p> -<p>"Justice!" doña María murmured, with a sigh; "Will that justice restore +<p>"Justice!" doña MarÃa murmured, with a sigh; "Will that justice restore me my lost happiness—my son?"</p> <p>"Sister," he replied with some degree of solemnity, "why doubt the @@ -5478,7 +5437,7 @@ power of Heaven? Hope, I tell you."</p> <p>"Alas! Don Jaime, do you really understand the full import of that remark? Do you know what it is to say to a mother: hope?"</p> -<p>"María, do I need to repeat to you that you and your daughter are the +<p>"MarÃa, do I need to repeat to you that you and your daughter are the two sole ties that attach me to life, that I have devoted my entire existence to you, sacrificing for the sake of seeing you one day happy, avenged and restored to the high rank from which you ought not to @@ -5515,8 +5474,8 @@ eyes are red, you are pale, you have been crying again."</p> is all; have you not brought don Estevan back with you?"</p> <p>"No," he replied lightly, "he will not return for some days; but he -is perfectly well," he added, exchanging a significant look with doña -María.</p> +is perfectly well," he added, exchanging a significant look with doña +MarÃa.</p> <p>"Have you seen him?"</p> @@ -5531,22 +5490,22 @@ us sit down," and she rang a bell.</p> <p>The same old servant who had led don Jaime's horse to the corral, came in.</p> -<p>"You can serve, José," doña Carmen said to him.</p> +<p>"You can serve, José," doña Carmen said to him.</p> <p>They sat down to table and began their meal.</p> <p>We will trace in a few lines the portrait of the two ladies whom the exigencies of our narrative have compelled us to bring on the scene. -The first, doña María, don Jaime's sister, was still a beautiful woman, +The first, doña MarÃa, don Jaime's sister, was still a beautiful woman, although her sunken and worn features bore traces of great sorrows; her carriage was noble, her manner graceful, and her smile sweet and sad. Although she could not be more than forty-two, her hair had turned perfectly white, and formed a striking contrast with her black eyebrows -and bright flashing eyes, which revealed strength and youth. Doña María +and bright flashing eyes, which revealed strength and youth. Doña MarÃa was dressed in long mourning robes, which gave her a religious and ascetic appearance.</p> -<p>Doña Carmen, her daughter, was twenty-two years of age at the most; +<p>Doña Carmen, her daughter, was twenty-two years of age at the most; she was lovely as her mother—of whom she was the living portrait—had been at her age. All about her was graceful and dainty; her voice had an extraordinary sweet modulation, her pure brow evidenced candour, and @@ -5563,7 +5522,7 @@ sounds perceptible to himself alone; at other times he sank into so profound a reverie, that his sister or niece was forced to recall him to himself by giving him a gentle tap.</p> -<p>"Really, there is something the matter with you, brother," doña María +<p>"Really, there is something the matter with you, brother," doña MarÃa could not refrain from saying to him.</p> <p>"Yes," the young lady added, "this preoccupation is not natural, uncle, @@ -5583,7 +5542,7 @@ in the city, that I confess to you plainly I fear a catastrophe."</p> things of that sort. I advise you seriously, if you are not absolutely obliged, not to leave the house today."</p> -<p>"Oh, not today, or tomorrow, brother," doña María eagerly answered; +<p>"Oh, not today, or tomorrow, brother," doña MarÃa eagerly answered; "for a long time past we have only gone out to go to mass."</p> <p>"Not even to attend mass for some time hence, sister, I should advise @@ -5601,7 +5560,7 @@ course is to protect oneself."</p> <p>"You really terrify me, brother."</p> -<p>"Good Heavens, uncle, what will become of us?" doña Carmen exclaimed, +<p>"Good Heavens, uncle, what will become of us?" doña Carmen exclaimed, clasping her hands in horror; "These Mexicans frighten me—they are thorough barbarians."</p> @@ -5615,7 +5574,7 @@ feelings."</p> <p>"Unfortunately, I must allow that they repay us with interest the injury which they accuse our forefathers of having done them, and that they detest us cordially; but they do not know that you and I -are Spaniards, and believe you to be <i>hijas del país</i>, which is a +are Spaniards, and believe you to be <i>hijas del paÃs</i>, which is a protection for you; as for don Estevan, he passes for a Peruvian, and everybody is convinced that I am a Frenchman; hence you see that the danger is not so great as you suppose, and that you have nothing @@ -5642,7 +5601,7 @@ to change the conversation; really, uncle, you are a horrible man."</p> <p>"By the bye," he said presently, "have you seen anyone from the rancho?"</p> -<p>"Yes, a fortnight ago Loïck came with his wife Thérèse, and brought us +<p>"Yes, a fortnight ago Loïck came with his wife Thérèse, and brought us some cheese and two jars of pulque."</p> <p>"Did he say anything about the Arenal?"</p> @@ -5657,13 +5616,13 @@ some cheese and two jars of pulque."</p> <p>"Good gracious, I do not remember exactly what he said."</p> -<p>"Stay uncle, I remember, these were the exact words, señorita, when +<p>"Stay uncle, I remember, these were the exact words, señorita, when you see your uncle, be kind enough to inform him that the wounded -man whom he placed in the vault in López' charge, took advantage of +man whom he placed in the vault in López' charge, took advantage of the absence of the latter to escape, and that in spite of all our researches, we could not find him again."</p> -<p>"Maldición!" don Jaime exclaimed furiously, "Why did that ass of a +<p>"Maldición!" don Jaime exclaimed furiously, "Why did that ass of a Dominique not let him die like a wild beast: I suspected it would end thus."</p> @@ -5715,20 +5674,20 @@ able to appear elegant when she wishes to do so."</p> <p>"My kind uncle!" the young lady exclaimed, "I am sure that you are depriving yourself for our sake."</p> -<p>"That is not your business, señorita, I wish to see you looking nice, +<p>"That is not your business, señorita, I wish to see you looking nice, that is my whim: it is your duty as a submissive niece to obey me, without venturing any remarks: come kiss me both and let me be off, for I have delayed too long already."</p> <p>The two ladies followed him into the patio, where they helped him to -saddle Moreno, whom doña Carmen patted and fed with sugar, an attention +saddle Moreno, whom doña Carmen patted and fed with sugar, an attention for which the noble animal appeared duly grateful. At the moment when don Jaime was giving the old servant orders to open the gate, the hasty galloping of a horse was audible outside: then, hurried blows were dealt on the gate.</p> <p>"Oh, oh!" said don Jaime, "What is happening?" and he went boldly under -the zaguán.</p> +the zaguán.</p> <p>"Uncle, brother," the two ladies screamed, attempting to arrest him.</p> @@ -5737,7 +5696,7 @@ who is there?" he shouted.</p> <p>"A friend," was the reply.</p> -<p>"It is Loïck's voice," the adventurer said, and opened the gate.</p> +<p>"It is Loïck's voice," the adventurer said, and opened the gate.</p> <p>The ranchero came in, "Heaven be praised!" he exclaimed on noticing don Jaime, "For allowing me to meet you here."</p> @@ -5745,9 +5704,9 @@ Jaime, "For allowing me to meet you here."</p> <p>"What has happened?" the adventurer quietly asked.</p> <p>"A great misfortune," he answered, "the hacienda del Arenal has been -captured by Cuéllar's band."</p> +captured by Cuéllar's band."</p> -<p>"¡Demonios!" the adventurer shouted, turning pale with passion, "When +<p>"¡Demonios!" the adventurer shouted, turning pale with passion, "When did this happen?"</p> <p>"Three days ago."</p> @@ -5762,7 +5721,7 @@ get here."</p> <p>"Rest, yourself and eat, and then you will tell me what has happened."</p> <p>The two ladies hastened to place before the ranchero, bread, meat and -pulque. While Loïck was taking the nourishment, of which he had such +pulque. While Loïck was taking the nourishment, of which he had such pressing need, don Jaime was walking in agitation up and down the room. At a sign from him the ladies had discreetly retired, leaving him alone with the ranchero.</p> @@ -5774,7 +5733,7 @@ with the ranchero.</p> <p>"Now, do you feel capable of narrating to me how this catastrophe occurred?"</p> -<p>"I am at your orders, señor."</p> +<p>"I am at your orders, señor."</p> <p>"Speak, then."</p> @@ -5794,10 +5753,10 @@ his throat, commenced his narrative.</p> was ignorant of many of the details, only knowing the facts which had been related to himself. We will go back to the precise moment when Oliver—for the reader has of course recognized him in don -Jaime—parted from doña Dolores and the count, at a distance of about -two leagues from the hacienda del Arenal. Doña Dolores and the persons +Jaime—parted from doña Dolores and the count, at a distance of about +two leagues from the hacienda del Arenal. Doña Dolores and the persons who accompanied her, did not reach the hacienda till a few minutes -before sunset. Don Andrés, alarmed by this lengthened ride, received +before sunset. Don Andrés, alarmed by this lengthened ride, received them with marks of the most lively joy: but he had noticed them a long way off, and on seeing Leo Carral with them, he had been reassured.</p> @@ -5806,7 +5765,7 @@ with a thoroughly paternal anxiety. "I can understand all the pleasure you of course feel in galloping by the side of that madcap, Dolores; but you do not know this country, and may lose your way. Moreover, the roads are at this moment infested with marauders belonging to all the -parties that divide the unhappy republic; and these pícaros have no +parties that divide the unhappy republic; and these pÃcaros have no more scruple in firing at a gentleman, than in killing a coyote."</p> <p>"I believe your fears are exaggerated, sir: we have had a delightful @@ -5822,20 +5781,20 @@ saying a word; only now and then, evidently astonished at the good understanding that seemed to prevail between his sister and the French gentleman, he turned his head toward them, giving them glances of a singular expression; but the young people feigned not to remark -them, and continued their conversation in a low voice. Don Andrés was +them, and continued their conversation in a low voice. Don Andrés was radiant. In his joy he spoke loudly, addressed everybody, and ate and drank heartily. When they rose from table, Ludovic checked the old gentleman, as they were taking leave.</p> <p>"Pardon me," he said; "but I should like a word with you."</p> -<p>"I am at your orders," don Andrés replied.</p> +<p>"I am at your orders," don Andrés replied.</p> <p>"Good heavens! I do not know how to explain it to you, sir. I am afraid I have acted rather lightly, and have committed an offence against propriety."</p> -<p>"You, Count!" don Andrés remarked, with a smile; "You will permit me +<p>"You, Count!" don Andrés remarked, with a smile; "You will permit me not to believe it."</p> <p>"I thank you for the good opinion you have of me; still I must make you @@ -5848,7 +5807,7 @@ straight to Mexico, for I was ignorant of your presence here—"</p> <p>"Quite true; go on."</p> -<p>"Well, I wrote to an intimate friend of mine, an attaché of the French +<p>"Well, I wrote to an intimate friend of mine, an attaché of the French Legation, to inform him, first, of my arrival, and in the next place, to beg him to take the trouble of finding me rooms. Now, this friend, whose name is Baron Charles de Meriadec, and who belongs to a very @@ -5865,12 +5824,12 @@ and confidence, for which I am extremely grateful."</p> morning, I received a note from him, in which he tells me that he has obtained leave, and intends to spend his holiday with me."</p> -<p>"Ah! ¡Caramba!" Don Andrés exclaimed, joyously; "The idea is +<p>"Ah! ¡Caramba!" Don Andrés exclaimed, joyously; "The idea is delightful, and I shall thank your friend for it."</p> <p>"Then you do not consider him rather unceremonious?"</p> -<p>"What do you mean by unceremonious, Count?" Don Andrés quickly +<p>"What do you mean by unceremonious, Count?" Don Andrés quickly interrupted; "are you not almost my son-in-law?"</p> <p>"But I am not so yet, sir."</p> @@ -5891,7 +5850,7 @@ whenever the opportunity is afforded you."</p> <p>Don Melchior understood the sarcasm hidden under these words. He bowed stiffly, and withdrew with a growl.</p> -<p>"And when does the Baron de Meriadec arrive don Andrés continued.</p> +<p>"And when does the Baron de Meriadec arrive don Andrés continued.</p> <p>"Well, sir, you confuse me; but as I must confess everything, I believe that he will arrive tomorrow morning."</p> @@ -5932,7 +5891,7 @@ a request."</p> wish: this evening with your permission, everything shall be put in order."</p> -<p>Ludovic hereupon took leave of don Andrés, and retired to his +<p>Ludovic hereupon took leave of don Andrés, and retired to his apartments; but almost immediately after him came peons loaded with furniture, who in a few minutes converted his drawing room into a comfortable bedroom. The count, so soon as he was alone with his valet, @@ -5943,7 +5902,7 @@ morning, the count was informed that a rider, dressed in the European fashion and followed by an <i>arriero</i>, driving two mules loaded with trunks and portemanteaux was approaching the hacienda. Ludovic had no doubt that it was Dominique, and hence hurried to the hacienda gate. -Don Andrés was already there to do the honour to the stranger.</p> +Don Andrés was already there to do the honour to the stranger.</p> <p>The count in his heart felt some anxiety as to the way in which the <i>vaquero</i> would wear his European dress, so tight and warm and for @@ -5957,11 +5916,11 @@ about the part he was undertaking to play, but he was soon convinced that it was really Dominique who was before him.</p> <p>The two young men greeted each other with marks of the most lively -friendship, and then the count introduced his friend to don Andrés.</p> +friendship, and then the count introduced his friend to don Andrés.</p> <p>The hacendero, delighted with the good looks and appearance of the young man, gave him a most cordial greeting, and then the count and the -baron retired, followed by the arriero, who was no other than Loïck +baron retired, followed by the arriero, who was no other than Loïck the ranchero. So soon as the mules were unloaded, and the trunks were placed in the apartments, the baron—for we will temporarily give him the title—gave a generous fee to the arriero who most heartily thanked @@ -5997,11 +5956,11 @@ same key.</p> <p>Upon this, the two young men shook hands cordially, laughing like schoolboys home for the holidays. A portion of the day was thus spent without further incident than the introduction of Baron Charles de -Meriadec, by his friend Count Louis de Saulay, to doña Dolores, and her +Meriadec, by his friend Count Louis de Saulay, to doña Dolores, and her brother, don Melchior de la Cruz, a double introduction in which the baron behaved like a practised comedian.</p> -<p>Doña Dolores returned a graceful and encouraging smile for the +<p>Doña Dolores returned a graceful and encouraging smile for the compliment which the young man considered himself obliged to pay her. Don Melchior contented himself with a silent bow, while giving him an ugly look from under his eyelashes.</p> @@ -6011,7 +5970,7 @@ ugly look from under his eyelashes.</p> <p>"I entirely share that opinion," the count answered distinctly.</p> -<p>At about three in the afternoon, doña Dolores sent to ask the young men +<p>At about three in the afternoon, doña Dolores sent to ask the young men if they would do her the honour of offering her their company for a few moments: they eagerly accepted and hastened to join her. They crossed don Melchior in the courtyard: the young man did not speak to them, but @@ -6022,7 +5981,7 @@ existence of the inhabitants of the hacienda.</p> <p>The count and his friend frequently went out, accompanied by the majordomo, either to shoot or simply for a ride; sometimes, though -rarely, doña Dolores accompanied them.</p> +rarely, doña Dolores accompanied them.</p> <p>Now that the count was no longer alone with her, she seemed to be less afraid of meeting him and at times even to take pleasure in it: @@ -6040,7 +5999,7 @@ lady's manoeuvres: though exquisitely polite to her and most attentive, he still remained within the strict limits he had laid down for himself, not wishing to render a man jealous, for whom he professed a sincere friendship, and whom he knew to be on the point of marrying -doña Dolores.</p> +doña Dolores.</p> <p>As for don Melchior, his character had grown more and more sombre, his absences had become longer and more frequent, and on the rare occasions @@ -6050,11 +6009,11 @@ repugnance he had felt for them from the outset, had changed with the course of time into a good and hearty Mexican hatred.</p> <p>In the meanwhile, political events pressed on with ever increasing -rapidity: Juárez' troops seriously occupied the country: already +rapidity: Juárez' troops seriously occupied the country: already scouts belonging to his party had appeared in the neighbourhood of the hacienda: people talked vaguely of Spanish chateaux taken by assault, plundered, burnt, and whose owners had been cowardly assassinated by -the guerilleros. The anxiety was great at Arenal: don Andrés de la +the guerilleros. The anxiety was great at Arenal: don Andrés de la Cruz, who was not reassured as to the future by the fact of his being a Spaniard, took the most extensive precautions not to be surprised by the enemy. The question of abandoning the hacienda and retiring to @@ -6077,7 +6036,7 @@ he met don Melchior on horseback proceeding to the hacienda gate. The count then asked himself why, at so advanced an hour (it was about nine o'clock at night), don Melchior ventured on a moonless night to go alone into the country, at the risk of falling into an ambush of -Juárez' guerilleros, whose scouts, as he was perfectly well aware, had +Juárez' guerilleros, whose scouts, as he was perfectly well aware, had been prowling round the hacienda for some days past.</p> <p>This fresh departure of the young man, for which there was no apparent @@ -6097,7 +6056,7 @@ to the neighbourhood of the hacienda."</p> <p>"Can it be foreboding?" the count said pensively. "Will you let me accompany you?"</p> -<p>"I purpose going out and beating up the country a little," Ño Leo +<p>"I purpose going out and beating up the country a little," Ño Leo Carral continued.</p> <p>"Very good: have my horse and don Carlos' saddled, we will join you in @@ -6137,17 +6096,17 @@ expedition."</p> <p>"I suspect don Melchior."</p> -<p>"But remember, friend, that he is the son and heir of don Andrés."</p> +<p>"But remember, friend, that he is the son and heir of don Andrés."</p> <p>"Yes, but as we say on the wrong side of the blanket; his mother was a Zapotheque Indian, with whom, I do not know why, my master fell in love, for she was neither beautiful, nor good, nor witty; however, the result of their connection was a child, and that child is don Melchior. -The mother died in childbirth, imploring don Andrés not to abandon the +The mother died in childbirth, imploring don Andrés not to abandon the poor creature; my master promised it, recognized the boy, and brought him up as if he had been legitimate, and a few years later induced his wife to receive him into the family. He was thus brought up as if he -were really a legitimate son, the more so, that doña Lucia de la Cruz +were really a legitimate son, the more so, that doña Lucia de la Cruz died, only leaving her husband a daughter."</p> <p>"Ah! Ah!" said the count, "I am beginning to get a glimpse of the @@ -6155,7 +6114,7 @@ truth."</p> <p>"All went on well for some years; don Melchior, most kindly treated by his father, gradually came to persuade himself that on the death of don -Andrés the paternal fortune would fall to him; but about a year ago my +Andrés the paternal fortune would fall to him; but about a year ago my master received a letter, after reading which he had a long and serious explanation with his son.</p> @@ -6176,7 +6135,7 @@ anything, even a crime, to seize on it. This, Excellency, was what I thought it my duty to tell you. Heaven knows that if I have spoken, it was solely from a pure motive."</p> -<p>"Everything is now explained to me, Ño Leo Carral. I am, like yourself, +<p>"Everything is now explained to me, Ño Leo Carral. I am, like yourself, persuaded that Melchior meditates some odious treachery against the man to whom he owes everything, and who is his father."</p> @@ -6230,7 +6189,7 @@ suspecting that he had passed through all the outposts of a hostile camp; had been within pistol shot of sentinels ambuscaded on the right and left, and had escaped death perhaps twenty times by a miracle.</p> -<p>"Señores, take the bags off the horses, as they are no longer wanted, +<p>"Señores, take the bags off the horses, as they are no longer wanted, while I light a torch of ocote wood," Leo Carral then said.</p> <p>The young men obeyed, for they tacitly recognized the majordomo as the @@ -6269,7 +6228,7 @@ might have discovered this grotto during his rides, I determined to visit it tonight, and solidly wall it up inside, so as to prevent a surprise in this way."</p> -<p>"Famously reasoned, Ño Leo Carral; there is no want of stones, so we +<p>"Famously reasoned, Ño Leo Carral; there is no want of stones, so we will set to work as soon as you like."</p> <p>"One moment, Excellency, let us make certain first that other persons @@ -6332,7 +6291,7 @@ what was going on.</p> <p>"To arms, to arms!" shouted the count, and his two companions.</p> -<p>In a few words don Andrés was informed of the state of matters, and +<p>In a few words don Andrés was informed of the state of matters, and while he had his daughter guarded in her rooms, by some devoted attendants, and organized the defense as well as circumstances permitted him, the majordomo, followed by the two young men and their @@ -6488,7 +6447,7 @@ barrels.</p> how it is bulging. It will fall in a moment."</p> <p>And, setting the example, he ran off at full speed. Nearly all the -defenders of the hacienda, about forty in number, with don Andrés at +defenders of the hacienda, about forty in number, with don Andrés at their head, were assembled at the entrance of the huerta.</p> <p>"Why are you running so hard?" the hacendero asked the young men; "Are @@ -6497,7 +6456,7 @@ the brigands after you?"</p> <p>"No, no," Dominique replied; "not yet; but you will soon have news of them."</p> -<p>"Where is doña Dolores?" the count asked.</p> +<p>"Where is doña Dolores?" the count asked.</p> <p>"In my apartments with her women, and perfectly safe."</p> @@ -6517,10 +6476,10 @@ huerta. You will wait for me there with Lanca, both well armed. Go."</p> <p>Raimbaut went off at once, as quiet and calm as if nothing extraordinary were occurring at the moment.</p> -<p>"Ah!" said don Andrés with a sigh of regret; "If Melchior was here he +<p>"Ah!" said don Andrés with a sigh of regret; "If Melchior was here he would be very useful to us."</p> -<p>"He will be here soon, señor, you may be sure," the count remarked, +<p>"He will be here soon, señor, you may be sure," the count remarked, ironically.</p> <p>"Where can he be, though?"</p> @@ -6549,7 +6508,7 @@ and there the disfigured remains of what had been a moment before men, emerged from the middle of the fragments. The catastrophe must have been awful, but the passage kept the secret close.</p> -<p>"Oh! Heaven be praised! We are saved!" don Andrés exclaimed.</p> +<p>"Oh! Heaven be praised! We are saved!" don Andrés exclaimed.</p> <p>"Yes, yes," the majordomo said; "if no other assailants arrive from another quarter."</p> @@ -6571,47 +6530,47 @@ a torch in the other.</p> <p>"By heaven! I will stop him!" Dominique said, taking aim at him.</p> -<p>Don Andrés darted at the gun, which he threw up.</p> +<p>Don Andrés darted at the gun, which he threw up.</p> <p>"It is my son!" he said.</p> <p>The shot passed harmlessly through the air.</p> -<p>"Hum! I fancy you will repent having saved his life, señor," Dominique +<p>"Hum! I fancy you will repent having saved his life, señor," Dominique coldly replied.</p> -<p>Don Andrés, dragged away by the count and Dominique, entered his +<p>Don Andrés, dragged away by the count and Dominique, entered his apartments, all the issues to which his peons hastily barricaded, and then kept up a sustained fire from the windows on the besiegers.</p> -<p>Don Melchior had an understanding with the partisans of Juárez. +<p>Don Melchior had an understanding with the partisans of Juárez. Reduced, as the majordomo had very correctly told the count, to a state of desperation by the speedy marriage of his sister, and the inevitable loss of the fortune of which he had so long entertained the hope of being sole heir, the young man forgot all moderation, and, under -certain conditions accepted by Cuéllar, though with, the intention of +certain conditions accepted by Cuéllar, though with, the intention of not fulfilling them, he had proposed to the latter to surrender the hacienda to him; and all the measures had been taken in consequence. It was then arranged that a portion of the cuadrilla, under the orders of resolute officers, should attempt a surprise by the secret passage, which the young man had previously made known. Then, while this -troop was operating, the other of the cuadrilla, under Cuéllar's own +troop was operating, the other of the cuadrilla, under Cuéllar's own orders, and guided by don Melchior, would silently scale the walls of the hacienda on the side of the corrals, which the inhabitants would doubtless neglect to defend. We have related the success of this double attack.</p> -<p>Cuéllar, though he was still ignorant of it, had lost one half of his +<p>Cuéllar, though he was still ignorant of it, had lost one half of his cuadrilla, who were buried under the ruins of the grotto. With the men left him he was at this moment waging an obstinate fight with the peons of the hacienda, who, knowing they had to deal with the band of -Cuéllar, the most ferocious and sanguinary of all Juárez' guerilleros, +Cuéllar, the most ferocious and sanguinary of all Juárez' guerilleros, and that this band never granted quarter, fought with the energy of desperation, which renders strength tenfold as great. The combat lasted some time. The peons, ambushed in the apartments, had lined the windows with everything that came to hand, and fired under cover at the assailants scattered about the courtyards, on whom they entailed -considerable losses. Cuéllar was furious, not alone at this unforeseen +considerable losses. Cuéllar was furious, not alone at this unforeseen resistance, but also at the incomprehensible delay of the soldiers of his cuadrilla who had entered by the grotto, and who should have joined him long ere this. He had certainly heard the noise of the explosion, @@ -6643,11 +6602,11 @@ an instinctive movement of terror before the terrible spectacle that was presented to them. This room was splendidly lit up by a number of candles, placed in all the chandeliers and on the various articles of furniture. In one corner of the room a barricade had been erected -by piling up the furniture: behind this barricade, doña Dolores had +by piling up the furniture: behind this barricade, doña Dolores had sought shelter with all the wives and children of the hacienda peons, two paces in front of the barricade, four men were standing erect with a gun in one hand and a pistol in the other. These four men were don -Andrés, the count, Dominique and Leo Carral: two barrels of gunpowder +Andrés, the count, Dominique and Leo Carral: two barrels of gunpowder with the heads knocked out were placed near them.</p> <p>"Halt," the count said in a jeering voice, "halt, I request, @@ -6674,7 +6633,7 @@ barrel of gunpowder by his side.</p> <p>"Do not fire, do not fire," they exclaimed; "here is the colonel."</p> -<p>In fact, Cuéllar arrived. Cuéllar is a frightful bandit, this statement +<p>In fact, Cuéllar arrived. Cuéllar is a frightful bandit, this statement will surprise nobody, but we must do him the justice of stating that he possesses unparalleled bravery. He forced his way through his soldiers, and soon found himself standing alone in front of them. He bowed @@ -6691,7 +6650,7 @@ there is enough there to send us all to paradise."</p> hesitated to blow up your men, whom you sent as scouts through the grotto."</p> -<p>"What," Cuéllar asked, turning pale, "what is it you are saying about +<p>"What," Cuéllar asked, turning pale, "what is it you are saying about my soldiers?"</p> <p>"I am saying," the count replied coldly, "that you can have their @@ -6701,36 +6660,36 @@ have fallen there."</p> <p>A shudder of terror ran along the ranks of the guerilleros at these words.</p> -<p>There was a silence. Cuéllar was reflecting. He raised his head, every +<p>There was a silence. Cuéllar was reflecting. He raised his head, every trace of emotion had disappeared from his face, and he looked around him as searching for something.</p> <p>"Are you looking for a light?" Dominique asked him, as he advanced -toward him candle in hand: "Pray light your cigarette, señor."</p> +toward him candle in hand: "Pray light your cigarette, señor."</p> <p>And he politely held out the candle.</p> -<p>Cuéllar lit his cigarette, and returned the candlestick.</p> +<p>Cuéllar lit his cigarette, and returned the candlestick.</p> -<p>"Thanks, señor," he said.</p> +<p>"Thanks, señor," he said.</p> <p>Dominique rejoined his companions.</p> -<p>"So then," said Cuéllar, "you request a capitulation."</p> +<p>"So then," said Cuéllar, "you request a capitulation."</p> -<p>"You are mistaken, señor," the count replied coolly; "on the contrary, +<p>"You are mistaken, señor," the count replied coolly; "on the contrary, we offer you one."</p> <p>"You offer us?" the guerillero said with amazement.</p> <p>"Yes, since we are masters of your life."</p> -<p>"Pardon me," Cuéllar said, "that is specious, for on blowing us up, you +<p>"Pardon me," Cuéllar said, "that is specious, for on blowing us up, you will go with us."</p> <p>"Hang it! That is precisely what we intend."</p> -<p>Cuéllar reflected once more.</p> +<p>Cuéllar reflected once more.</p> <p>"Come," he said a moment after, "let us not wage a war of words, but come to the fact like men: what do you want?"</p> @@ -6746,18 +6705,18 @@ come to the fact like men: what do you want?"</p> <h4>AFTER THE BATTLE.</h4> -<p>Cuéllar was carelessly smoking his cigarette, his left hand was laid on +<p>Cuéllar was carelessly smoking his cigarette, his left hand was laid on his long sabre, the end of the scabbard resting on the floor: there was a charming ease in the way in which he stood at the door of the room, letting his eyes wander around with a feline gentleness, and emitting through his mouth and nostrils, with the blessed sensuality of a real enjoyer, thick clouds of bluish smoke.</p> -<p>"Pardon, señores," he said, "before going further, it is necessary to +<p>"Pardon, señores," he said, "before going further, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding, I think, so permit me to make a slight observation."</p> -<p>"Do so, señor," the count answered.</p> +<p>"Do so, señor," the count answered.</p> <p>"I am perfectly willing to treat: I am a very easy man to deal with as you see, but do not ask of me extravagant things which I should @@ -6772,7 +6731,7 @@ go to the deuce in such excellent company."</p> not deceived as to the resolute purpose of the man with whom he was dealing.</p> -<p>"Oh señor," he said, "you know us very badly, if you suppose us capable +<p>"Oh señor," he said, "you know us very badly, if you suppose us capable of asking impossibilities of you, still as our position is good, we wish to take advantage of it."</p> @@ -6780,17 +6739,17 @@ wish to take advantage of it."</p> and your countrymen never doubt anything, I thought it my duty to make this observation to you."</p> -<p>"Be convinced señor," the count answered, while affecting the same +<p>"Be convinced señor," the count answered, while affecting the same tranquillity as the other, "that we shall only demand reasonable conditions."</p> -<p>"You demand," Cuéllar repeated, laying a stress on these two words.</p> +<p>"You demand," Cuéllar repeated, laying a stress on these two words.</p> <p>"Yes: hence we will not oblige you to leave the hacienda, because we know that if you went out today, you would recommence the attack tomorrow."</p> -<p>"You are full of penetration, señor: so pray come to the facts."</p> +<p>"You are full of penetration, señor: so pray come to the facts."</p> <p>"In the first place you will give up the poor peons who have escaped the massacre."</p> @@ -6801,12 +6760,12 @@ the massacre."</p> <p>"Agreed, go on."</p> -<p>"Don Andrés de la Cruz, his daughter, my friend, myself and Leo Carral, +<p>"Don Andrés de la Cruz, his daughter, my friend, myself and Leo Carral, the majordomo, and all the women and children sheltered in this room, will be at liberty to retire whenever we please without fear of being disturbed."</p> -<p>Cuéllar made a grimace. "What next?" he said.</p> +<p>Cuéllar made a grimace. "What next?" he said.</p> <p>"Pardon me, is that settled?"</p> @@ -6815,7 +6774,7 @@ disturbed."</p> <p>"My friend and I are strangers, Frenchmen, and Mexico is not at war, as far as I am aware, with our country."</p> -<p>"It might happen," Cuéllar said maliciously.</p> +<p>"It might happen," Cuéllar said maliciously.</p> <p>"Perhaps so, but in the meanwhile we are at peace, and have a claim to your protection."</p> @@ -6848,29 +6807,29 @@ everything that belongs to us."</p> <p>"Well, what more do you want?"</p> -<p>"As I told you, hostages: you can perfectly understand, señor, that I +<p>"As I told you, hostages: you can perfectly understand, señor, that I would not confide my life and that of my companions, I will not say to you, for I hold your word and believe it good, but to your soldiers, who, like the worthy guerilleros they are, would have not the slightest scruple, if we had the madness to place ourselves in their power, about plundering us and perhaps worse: you do not command regular troops, -señor, and however strict may be the discipline you maintain in your +señor, and however strict may be the discipline you maintain in your cuadrilla, I doubt whether it goes so far as to make your prisoners respected, when you are not there to protect them by your presence."</p> -<p>Cuéllar, flattered in his heart by the count's remarks, gave him a +<p>Cuéllar, flattered in his heart by the count's remarks, gave him a gracious smile.</p> <p>"Hum," he said, "what you say may be true up to a certain point. Well, who are the hostages you desire, and how many are they?"</p> -<p>"Only one, señor, you see that it is very trifling."</p> +<p>"Only one, señor, you see that it is very trifling."</p> <p>"Very trifling, indeed; but who is this hostage?"</p> <p>"Yourself," the count answered distinctly.</p> -<p>"Canarios!" Cuéllar said with a grin, "You are a cool hand: that one +<p>"Canarios!" Cuéllar said with a grin, "You are a cool hand: that one would in truth be sufficient."</p> <p>"For that reason we will have no other."</p> @@ -6885,7 +6844,7 @@ please?"</p> <p>"The word of a French gentleman, caballero," the count hastily replied, "a word which has never been pledged in vain."</p> -<p>"On my word," Cuéllar continued with that bonhomie of which he +<p>"On my word," Cuéllar continued with that bonhomie of which he possesses so large a share and which, where it suits him, causes him to be taken for the best fellow in the world: "I accept, caballero, let what may happen, for I am curious to try that word of honour of which @@ -6903,24 +6862,24 @@ remain here during my absence and watch that everything goes on right."</p> <p>"Yes," don Melchior replied hoarsely.</p> <p>The count, after whispering a few words to the majordomo, again -addressed Cuéllar.</p> +addressed Cuéllar.</p> -<p>"Señor," he said to him, "be kind enough to give orders for the peons -to be brought here: then, while you remain with us, Ño Leo Carral will +<p>"Señor," he said to him, "be kind enough to give orders for the peons +to be brought here: then, while you remain with us, Ño Leo Carral will go and make all the preparations for our departure."</p> -<p>"Good," said Cuéllar, "the majordomo can go about his business: you +<p>"Good," said Cuéllar, "the majordomo can go about his business: you hear, my men," he added, turning to the guerilleros who still stood motionless, "this man is free, bring the peons here."</p> <p>Some fifteen poor wretches, with their clothes in rags, covered with blood, but armed as had been agreed, then entered the drawing room: these fifteen men were all that remained of the defenders of -the hacienda. Cuéllar then entered the room in the doorway of which +the hacienda. Cuéllar then entered the room in the doorway of which he had been hitherto standing, and without being invited to do it, posted himself behind the barricade. Don Melchior, feeling the false position in which he was placed, now that he remained alone, facing the -besieged, turned away to retire; but at this moment don Andrés rose, +besieged, turned away to retire; but at this moment don Andrés rose, and addressed him in a loud and imperious voice.</p> <p>"Stay, Melchior," he said to him, "we cannot separate thus: now, that @@ -6959,10 +6918,10 @@ who left a passage for him with a movement of horror.</p> <p>A funereal silence pervaded the room; all these men, though so little impressionable, felt the influence of the terrible malediction -pronounced by a father on a guilty son. Cuéllar was the first to +pronounced by a father on a guilty son. Cuéllar was the first to recover his coolness.</p> -<p>"You were wrong," he said to don Andrés, with a shake of his head, "to +<p>"You were wrong," he said to don Andrés, with a shake of his head, "to offer your son this crushing insult in the presence of all."</p> <p>"Yes, yes," the old gentleman answered sadly, "he will avenge himself; @@ -6971,13 +6930,13 @@ but what do I care? Is not my life henceforth crushed?"</p> <p>And bowing his head on his chest, the old man sank into a deep and gloomy meditation.</p> -<p>"Watch over him," Cuéllar said to the count, "I know don Melchior, he +<p>"Watch over him," Cuéllar said to the count, "I know don Melchior, he is a thorough Indian."</p> -<p>In the meanwhile, doña Dolores, who up to this moment had remained, +<p>In the meanwhile, doña Dolores, who up to this moment had remained, timidly concealed among her women behind the barricade, rose, removed some articles of furniture, glided softly through the opening she had -effected, and sat down by the side of don Andrés. The latter did not +effected, and sat down by the side of don Andrés. The latter did not stir; he had neither seen her come nor heard her place herself by his side. She bent down to him, seized his hand, which she pressed in her own; kissed him softly on the forehead, and said to him in her @@ -6988,7 +6947,7 @@ respects you? Do not let yourself be thus prostrated by grief; look at me, papa, in Heaven's name! I am your daughter, do you not love me, who feel so great a love for you?"</p> -<p>Don Andrés raised his face, which was bathed in tears, and opened his +<p>Don Andrés raised his face, which was bathed in tears, and opened his arms to the girl, who rushed into them with a cry of joy. "Oh! I was ungrateful," he exclaimed, with ineffable tenderness; "I doubted the infinite goodness of God; my daughter is left to me! I am no longer @@ -7058,7 +7017,7 @@ departure. Beckoning the women and children, the little caravan was composed of about sixty persons, all that were left of the two hundred servants of the hacienda.</p> -<p>Cuéllar rode at the head, by the side of the count; behind him was doña +<p>Cuéllar rode at the head, by the side of the count; behind him was doña Dolores, between her father and Dominique; next came the peons, leading the bat mules, under the direction of Leo Carral and the count's two servants; the guerilleros formed the rearguard.</p> @@ -7074,12 +7033,12 @@ hour.</p> <p>Suddenly a great light tinged the sky with reddish hues, and lit up the country for a long distance. The hacienda was on fire. At this sight, -don Andrés cast a sad glance behind him, and gave vent to a deep sigh, -but he did not utter a word. Cuéllar was the only person that spoke; he +don Andrés cast a sad glance behind him, and gave vent to a deep sigh, +but he did not utter a word. Cuéllar was the only person that spoke; he tried to prove to the count, that war had painful necessities, that for -a long time past, don Andrés had been denounced as an avowed partisan -of Miramón, and that the capture and destruction of the hacienda were -only the results of his dislike of President Juárez. All matters to +a long time past, don Andrés had been denounced as an avowed partisan +of Miramón, and that the capture and destruction of the hacienda were +only the results of his dislike of President Juárez. All matters to which the count, understanding the inutility of a discussion on such a subject with such a man, did not even take the trouble to reply. They rode on then for about three hours, without any incident occurring to @@ -7091,13 +7050,13 @@ still indistinct outlines standing out against the dark blue sky.</p> <p>The count ordered the party to halt.</p> -<p>"Señor," he said to Cuéllar, "you have loyally fulfilled the conditions +<p>"Señor," he said to Cuéllar, "you have loyally fulfilled the conditions stipulated between us; receive my thanks, and those of my unfortunate companions here; we are not more than two leagues from Puebla, it is daylight, and it is, therefore, unnecessary for you to accompany us further."</p> -<p>"In truth, señor, I believe that you can now do without me, and as +<p>"In truth, señor, I believe that you can now do without me, and as you permit it, I will leave you, repeating my regret for what has occurred, but unfortunately I am not the master, and—"</p> @@ -7105,23 +7064,23 @@ occurred, but unfortunately I am not the master, and—"</p> irreparable, for the present at least: so it is useless to dwell on the subject any longer."</p> -<p>Cuéllar bowed. "One word, señor Conde," he said, in a low voice.</p> +<p>Cuéllar bowed. "One word, señor Conde," he said, in a low voice.</p> <p>The young man went up to him.</p> <p>"Let me," the guerillero continued, "give you a piece of advice ere we part."</p> -<p>"Pray go on, señor."</p> +<p>"Pray go on, señor."</p> <p>"You are still far from Puebla, where you will not arrive for two hours: be on your guard, and carefully watch the country around you."</p> -<p>"What do you mean, señor?"</p> +<p>"What do you mean, señor?"</p> <p>"It is impossible to know what may happen: I repeat to you, watch."</p> -<p>"Farewell, señor," the young man replied mechanically as he returned +<p>"Farewell, señor," the young man replied mechanically as he returned his salute.</p> <p>After thus courteously taking leave of the party, the guerillero placed @@ -7131,7 +7090,7 @@ gesture. The count watched him depart with a pensive air.</p> <p>"What is the matter, friend?" Dominique asked him.</p> -<p>Ludovic told him what Cuéllar had said to him on taking leave.</p> +<p>Ludovic told him what Cuéllar had said to him on taking leave.</p> <p>The <i>vaquero</i> frowned. "There is something in the background," he said; "in any case the advice is good and we should do wrong to neglect it."</p> @@ -7147,7 +7106,7 @@ gesture. The count watched him depart with a pensive air.</p> <p>For some minutes after the departure of the guerillero, the melancholy caravan silently continued its journey. The last words uttered by -Cuéllar had gone home, however: the count and the <i>vaquero</i> felt +Cuéllar had gone home, however: the count and the <i>vaquero</i> felt involuntarily restless, and without daring to impart their gloomy presentiments to each other, they advanced with excessive prudence, sniffing the air, so to speak, and starting at the least suspicious @@ -7188,7 +7147,7 @@ place would be better for an ambush."</p> <p>"What is to be done?" the count muttered.</p> <p>"I do not know exactly, for it is a difficult case: still I feel -convinced that we ought to redouble our prudence. Place don Andrés and +convinced that we ought to redouble our prudence. Place don Andrés and his daughter in front, warn the peons to march with finger on trigger, and be ready for the slightest alarm: in the meanwhile, I will go out scouting and if the enemy is pursuing us, I will contrive to throw him @@ -7205,17 +7164,17 @@ best armed peons, and gave them orders attentively to watch the approaches; but he concealed from them, through fear of terrifying them, the gravity of the events he foresaw. The majordomo, as if he divined the count's anxiety and shared his suspicions of an approaching -attack, had placed don Andrés and his daughter in the centre of a +attack, had placed don Andrés and his daughter in the centre of a small group of devoted servants, of whom he took the command, and hurrying on the horses, he left an interval of about one hundred -yards between himself and the main body. Doña Dolores, overwhelmed by +yards between himself and the main body. Doña Dolores, overwhelmed by the terrible emotions of the night, had paid very slight attention to the arrangements made by her friends, and mechanically followed the new impulse given her, in all probability unconscious of the new dangers that menaced her, and only thinking of one thing, watching over her father, whose state of prostration was becoming more and more alarming. In fact, since his departure from the hacienda, in spite of -his daughter's entreaties, don Andrés had not uttered a syllable, with +his daughter's entreaties, don Andrés had not uttered a syllable, with fixed, lacklustre eyes, with his head bowed on his chest and his body agitated by a continuous nervous trembling, he left his horse to guide itself, without appearing to know whither he was going, so utterly had @@ -7225,7 +7184,7 @@ sorrow broken all his energy and will.</p> understood how incapable the old gentleman would be of offering the slightest resistance in the probable event of an attack, had especially recommended the servants he selected to serve as an escort to don -Andrés, not to lose sight of him; and in the event of a combat, to make +Andrés, not to lose sight of him; and in the event of a combat, to make every possible effort to draw him out of the medley, and protect him as far as possible from danger: then at a signal the count gave him, he turned back and rejoined him.</p> @@ -7253,7 +7212,7 @@ consideration."</p> <p>"What you tell me is horrible."</p> -<p>"What would you have, señor? It is so."</p> +<p>"What would you have, señor? It is so."</p> <p>"Thank Heaven, we are approaching Puebla, and once inside the town we shall have nothing more to fear."</p> @@ -7275,7 +7234,7 @@ Excellency."</p> <p>"In the case of our being attacked, I insist that you leave us to our own resources, and escape at full speed towards Puebla, taking with you -don Andrés and his daughter, while we are fighting. Perhaps you will +don Andrés and his daughter, while we are fighting. Perhaps you will have time to place them in safety behind the walls of the town."</p> <p>"I will obey you, Excellency. No one shall reach my master without @@ -7284,7 +7243,7 @@ passing over my corpse. Have you nothing more to say to me?"</p> <p>"No. Return to your post; and may Heaven be gracious to us!"</p> <p>The majordomo bowed, and galloped up to the small troop, in the centre -of whom were don Andrés and his daughter. Almost at the same moment +of whom were don Andrés and his daughter. Almost at the same moment Dominique reappeared on the side of the track: he fetched his horse, and then stationed himself on the count's right.</p> @@ -7332,7 +7291,7 @@ that we are following them at this moment."</p> <p>"That the situation is dangerous, even critical; and that whatever precautions we may take, I am greatly afraid that we have to deal with too strong a party. Remark how the path gradually contracts—how the -sides become scarped. We are now in a <i>cañon</i>, and in a quarter of an +sides become scarped. We are now in a <i>cañon</i>, and in a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes at the most, we shall reach the spot where the canyon opens out into the plain. It is there, be assured, that our watchers are waiting for us."</p> @@ -7341,7 +7300,7 @@ watchers are waiting for us."</p> escaping the fate that menaces us, and we must push on all the same."</p> <p>"I know it, and it is that which vexes me," the <i>vaquero</i> said with -a suppressed sigh, as he cast a side glance at doña Dolores. "If the +a suppressed sigh, as he cast a side glance at doña Dolores. "If the question only concerned us, it would be soon settled, for we are men, and could fall bravely; but will our death save that old man and that poor innocent girl?"</p> @@ -7375,7 +7334,7 @@ position to offer conditions."</p> <p>The count, without being in the slightest degree disconcerted, drew a few paces nearer.</p> -<p>"Take care of what you are going to do, señor," he replied; "a treaty +<p>"Take care of what you are going to do, señor," he replied; "a treaty was loyally concluded between your chief and us. Any infraction of that treaty would be an act of treachery, and the dishonour would fall on your chief."</p> @@ -7409,7 +7368,7 @@ struggle began—a terrible, fearful struggle; for the peons knew that no quarter would be granted them by their ferocious adversaries, and they fought accordingly, performing prodigies of valour—not to conquer, for they did not believe that possible—but not to fall -unavenged. Don Andrés had torn himself from the arms of his daughter, +unavenged. Don Andrés had torn himself from the arms of his daughter, who tried in vain to retain him; and, only armed with a machete, boldly threw himself into the thickest of the fight. The attack of the peons was so impetuous, that the barricade was crossed at the first bound, @@ -7422,17 +7381,17 @@ were so mixed up. Don Melchior was far from expecting such a vigorous resistance on the part of the peons: owing to the advantageous position he had chosen, he had believed the victory easy and reckoned on immediate submission. The event singularly deranged his calculations, -and he was beginning to see the consequences of his action. Cuéllar, +and he was beginning to see the consequences of his action. Cuéllar, who would doubtless have forgiven an act of treachery accomplished without striking a blow, would not pardon him for letting his bravest soldiers be thus madly killed. These thoughts redoubled don Melchior's rage. The small troop, horribly decimated, now only counted a few men capable of fighting, the rest were either killed or wounded.</p> -<p>Don Andrés' horse had been killed and the old gentleman, though his +<p>Don Andrés' horse had been killed and the old gentleman, though his blood poured from two wounds, did not the less continue to fight. All at once he uttered a fearful cry of despair: don Melchior had dashed -with a tiger's bound into the centre of the group where doña Dolores +with a tiger's bound into the centre of the group where doña Dolores had sought shelter. Hurling down all the peons who came in his way, don Melchior seized the girl, in spite of her resistance, threw her across his horse's neck, and clearing all obstacles, fled, without troubling @@ -7441,20 +7400,20 @@ on seeing themselves thus abandoned, gave up a fight which no longer possessed any object for them, and doubtless, in pursuance of an order previously given them, dispersed in all directions, leaving the peons at liberty to continue their journey to Puebla, if such were their -desire. The abduction of doña Dolores had been so rapidly performed by +desire. The abduction of doña Dolores had been so rapidly performed by don Melchior that no one noticed it at the first moment, and the cry of -despair uttered by don Andrés alone gave the alarm. Without calculating +despair uttered by don Andrés alone gave the alarm. Without calculating the dangers to which they exposed themselves, the count and the majordomo dashed in pursuit of don Melchior. But the young man who was mounted on a valuable horse, had a considerable advance on their tired steeds, which was augmented every instant. Dominique cast a glance at -don Andrés, who had thrown himself on the ground, and raised him gently -saying, "Have good hopes, señor, I will save your daughter."</p> +don Andrés, who had thrown himself on the ground, and raised him gently +saying, "Have good hopes, señor, I will save your daughter."</p> <p>The old gentleman clasped his hands, and after looking at him with an expression of unspeakable gratitude fainted away. The <i>vaquero</i> remounted his horse, and driving his spurs into his flanks, he left -don Andrés in the hands of his servants, and in his turn started in +don Andrés in the hands of his servants, and in his turn started in pursuit of the abductor. Shortly after the pursuit began, the <i>vaquero</i> acquired the certainty that don Melchior who was better mounted than himself and his comrades, would speedily be out of reach. The young @@ -7471,18 +7430,18 @@ sign of the cross, shouldered his gun and pulled the trigger. Don Melchior's horse, struck in the head, rolled on the ground, dragging down the rider in its fall. At the same moment, some thirty partizans appeared in the distance, galloping at full speed toward the scene of -the ambuscade. Cuéllar galloped at their head. Great as was the haste +the ambuscade. Cuéllar galloped at their head. Great as was the haste displayed by the count and the majordomo to reach the spot where don -Melchior was lying, Cuéllar arrived, before them. Don Melchior rose, +Melchior was lying, Cuéllar arrived, before them. Don Melchior rose, much hurt by his fall, and leaned down to his sister to help her to -rise: doña Dolores had fainted.</p> +rise: doña Dolores had fainted.</p> -<p>"By heavens, señor," Cuéllar said in a rough voice, "you are a rude +<p>"By heavens, señor," Cuéllar said in a rough voice, "you are a rude comrade, you practise treachery and ambushes with a rare talent, but may the fiend twist my neck sooner than he ought to do, if we ride any longer in company."</p> -<p>"You select your time badly for jesting, señor," don Melchior replied; +<p>"You select your time badly for jesting, señor," don Melchior replied; "this young lady, who is my sister, has fainted."</p> <p>"Whose fault is it," the partizans exclaimed brutally, "except your @@ -7497,7 +7456,7 @@ wherever you like, so long as it is not with us, and that I intend from this moment to have nothing more in common with you. This is clear, is it not?"</p> -<p>"Perfectly clear, señor, and hence I will not abuse your patience any +<p>"Perfectly clear, señor, and hence I will not abuse your patience any longer: supply me with the requisite horses for my sister and myself, and I will leave you immediately."</p> @@ -7508,27 +7467,27 @@ her away with you."</p> <p>Don Melchior turned pale with rage, but he comprehended that any resistance on his part was impossible: he folded his arms on his chest, drew himself up haughtily and waited. The count, the majordomo, and -Dominique were really hurrying up. Cuéllar walked some paces toward +Dominique were really hurrying up. Cuéllar walked some paces toward them—and the young man felt rather anxious, for they did not know the partisan's intentions, and apprehended that he might declare against them.</p> -<p>But Cuéllar hastened to disabuse them: "You arrive opportunely, -señores," he said with a kindly accent: "I hope that you have not done +<p>But Cuéllar hastened to disabuse them: "You arrive opportunely, +señores," he said with a kindly accent: "I hope that you have not done me the insult of supposing that I was in any way connected with the trap to which you so nearly fell victims."</p> -<p>"We did not believe it for a moment, señor," the count politely replied.</p> +<p>"We did not believe it for a moment, señor," the count politely replied.</p> -<p>"I thank you for the good opinion you entertain of me, señores: of +<p>"I thank you for the good opinion you entertain of me, señores: of course you have come to request that this young lady may be delivered to you."</p> -<p>"That is certainly our intention, señor."</p> +<p>"That is certainly our intention, señor."</p> <p>"And if I refuse to let you remove her," don Melchior said fiercely.</p> -<p>"I shall blow out your brains, señor," the partisan coolly interrupted. +<p>"I shall blow out your brains, señor," the partisan coolly interrupted. "Believe me, you had better not try to contend with me, but rather profit by my present good temper to be off: for I might soon repent of this last reproof of my kindness I give you, and abandon you to your @@ -7536,10 +7495,10 @@ enemies."</p> <p>"Be it so," don Melchior remarked bitterly; "I will retire since I am compelled to do so;" and looking at the count disdainfully, he added, -"We shall meet again, señor, and then I hope, if the strength is not +"We shall meet again, señor, and then I hope, if the strength is not entirely on my side, that at least the chances will be equal."</p> -<p>"You have already been mistaken on that point, señor; I have too much +<p>"You have already been mistaken on that point, señor; I have too much confidence in God to believe that it will not always be so."</p> <p>"We shall see," he replied in a hollow voice, falling back a few paces @@ -7559,18 +7518,18 @@ who surrounded him, he cried in a choking voice—"Make way; I accept this new insult; make way for the parricide."</p> <p>Everybody recoiled with horror watching this monster, who departed -across the plain, apparently calm and peaceful. Cuéllar himself watched +across the plain, apparently calm and peaceful. Cuéllar himself watched him retire with a shake of the head.</p> <p>"That man is a demon," he muttered, and crossed himself.</p> -<p>This gesture was piously imitated by the soldiers. Doña Dolores was +<p>This gesture was piously imitated by the soldiers. Doña Dolores was gently raised in Dominique's arms, placed on the count's horse, and the -young men, escorted by Cuéllar, returned to don Andrés. The peons had +young men, escorted by Cuéllar, returned to don Andrés. The peons had bound up their master's wounds to the best of their ability. By the count's orders, they then made a litter of branches, which they covered with their <i>sarapes</i>, and the old gentleman was laid on it by his -daughter's side. Don Andrés was still unconscious. Cuéllar then took +daughter's side. Don Andrés was still unconscious. Cuéllar then took leave of the count.</p> <p>"I regret more than I can express this unfortunate event," he said @@ -7581,7 +7540,7 @@ see him reduced fills me with compassion."</p> <p>The young men thanked the rough partisan for this proof of sympathy, and after collecting their wounded, they finally took leave of him, and sadly recommenced their journey to Puebla, where they arrived two hours -later, accompanied by several relations of don Andrés, who, warned by a +later, accompanied by several relations of don Andrés, who, warned by a peon sent on ahead, had come out to meet them.</p> @@ -7593,11 +7552,11 @@ peon sent on ahead, had come out to meet them.</p> <h4>COMPLICATIONS.</h4> -<p>Loïck ended his narrative. The <i>ranchero's</i> story had been a long +<p>Loïck ended his narrative. The <i>ranchero's</i> story had been a long one. Don Jaime listened, to it from one end to the other without interruption, with a cold and impassive face, but with flashing eyes.</p> -<p>"Is that all?" he asked Loïck, turning to him.</p> +<p>"Is that all?" he asked Loïck, turning to him.</p> <p>"Yes, all, Excellency."</p> @@ -7641,7 +7600,7 @@ silence.</p> <p>"Of course you told him under what name I concealed myself in this house?" don Jaime continued a moment after.</p> -<p>"Hang it!" Loïck said simply, "if I had not done so he would have had +<p>"Hang it!" Loïck said simply, "if I had not done so he would have had a difficulty in finding you, Excellency."</p> <p>"That is true; he is coming then?"</p> @@ -7651,12 +7610,12 @@ a difficulty in finding you, Excellency."</p> <p>"It is well."</p> <p>Don Jaime walked up and down the room reflecting, then approaching -Loïck, who was still motionless at his place, he asked him—</p> +Loïck, who was still motionless at his place, he asked him—</p> <p>"Did you come alone to Mexico?"</p> -<p>"López accompanied me, Excellency; but I have left him at a pulquería -near the Belén gate, where he is waiting for me."</p> +<p>"López accompanied me, Excellency; but I have left him at a pulquerÃa +near the Belén gate, where he is waiting for me."</p> <p>"Good, you will join him there, but say nothing to him; in an hour, not sooner, you will return here with him, perhaps I shall want you both."</p> @@ -7670,7 +7629,7 @@ come."</p> <p>"A note! From whom?"</p> -<p>Loïck felt in his dolman, drew out a carefully sealed letter, and +<p>Loïck felt in his dolman, drew out a carefully sealed letter, and handed it to don Jaime.</p> <p>"Here it is," he said.</p> @@ -7686,11 +7645,11 @@ effect:—</p> <p>"Everything is going on admirably; our man is coming of his own accord to the bait held out to him. Saturday, midnight, Peral."</p> -<p>"Hope!" "Córdoba."</p> +<p>"Hope!" "Córdoba."</p> <p>Don Jaime tore the note up into imperceptible pieces.</p> -<p>"What day is this?" he suddenly asked Loïck.</p> +<p>"What day is this?" he suddenly asked Loïck.</p> <p>"Today?" he repeated, startled by this question, which he did not at all anticipate.</p> @@ -7703,7 +7662,7 @@ all anticipate.</p> <p>Don Jaime again walked up and down the room in deep thought.</p> -<p>"Can I go?" Loïck ventured.</p> +<p>"Can I go?" Loïck ventured.</p> <p>"You ought to have gone ten minutes ago," he answered sharply.</p> @@ -7712,20 +7671,20 @@ bowed, and retired. Don Jaime remained alone, but at the end of a minute the door opened, and the two ladies came in again. Their faces were anxious, and they timidly approached the adventurer.</p> -<p>"You have received bad news, don Jaime?" doña María asked.</p> +<p>"You have received bad news, don Jaime?" doña MarÃa asked.</p> <p>"Alas! Yes, sister," he answered, "very bad indeed." "May we hear it?"</p> <p>"I have no reason for concealing it from you; and, besides, it concerns people whom you love."</p> -<p>"Heavens!" said doña Carmen, clasping her hands, "Can it be Dolores?"</p> +<p>"Heavens!" said doña Carmen, clasping her hands, "Can it be Dolores?"</p> <p>"Dolores—yes, my child," don Jaime answered; "Dolores, your friend; the Hacienda del Arenal has been surprised and burnt by the Juarists."</p> <p>"Oh, Heavens!" the two ladies exclaimed sorrowfully; "Poor Dolores! And -don Andrés?"</p> +don Andrés?"</p> <p>"He is dangerously wounded,"</p> @@ -7741,17 +7700,17 @@ their peons, commanded by Leo Carral."</p> <p>"Oh! He is a devoted servant."</p> <p>"But had he been alone, I doubt whether he would have succeeded in -saving his masters; fortunately don Andrés had at the hacienda two +saving his masters; fortunately don Andrés had at the hacienda two French gentlemen, the Count de la Saulay."</p> -<p>"The gentleman who is going to marry Dolores?" doña Carmen said eagerly.</p> +<p>"The gentleman who is going to marry Dolores?" doña Carmen said eagerly.</p> -<p>"Yes, and the Baron Charles de Meriadec, attaché to the French Embassy; +<p>"Yes, and the Baron Charles de Meriadec, attaché to the French Embassy; it appears that these two young men performed prodigies of valour, and that it was through their bravery that our friends escaped the horrible fate which threatened them."</p> -<p>"May God bless them!" doña María exclaimed; "Though I do not know them, +<p>"May God bless them!" doña MarÃa exclaimed; "Though I do not know them, I already feel an interest in them as if they were old friends."</p> <p>"You will soon know one of them at least."</p> @@ -7768,22 +7727,22 @@ I already feel an interest in them as if they were old friends."</p> <p>"That is my opinion. I intend to go to her."</p> -<p>"Why could she not come to us?" doña Carmen said; "She would be in +<p>"Why could she not come to us?" doña Carmen said; "She would be in safety here, and her father should not want for a nurse."</p> <p>"What you are saying, Carmen, is very judicious; perhaps it would be as well for her to live for some time with you. I will think over it; -before all, I must see don Andrés, that I may convince myself of the +before all, I must see don Andrés, that I may convince myself of the state he is in, and whether he can be removed."</p> -<p>"Brother," doña María observed, "I notice that you have told us +<p>"Brother," doña MarÃa observed, "I notice that you have told us about Dolores and her father, but you have not said a word about don Melchior."</p> <p>Don Jaime's face suddenly grew dark at this remark, and his features were contracted.</p> -<p>"Can any misfortune have happened to him?" doña María exclaimed.</p> +<p>"Can any misfortune have happened to him?" doña MarÃa exclaimed.</p> <p>"Would to Heaven it were so!" he replied with a sadness mingled with anger; "Never speak to me about that man—he is a monster."</p> @@ -7800,7 +7759,7 @@ Melchior de la Cruz."</p> <p>"Oh!" the two ladies exclaimed in horror.</p> -<p>"Afterwards, when don Andrés and his daughter obtained permission to +<p>"Afterwards, when don Andrés and his daughter obtained permission to retire safe and sound to Puebla, a man laid a snare for them a short distance from the town, and treacherously attacked them: this man was once again don Melchior."</p> @@ -7811,19 +7770,19 @@ hands and burst into sobs.</p> <p>"Is it not?" he continued; "The more horrible, as don Melchior had coldly calculated on his father's death, that he wished by a parricide to seize his sister's fortune, a fortune to which he had no claim, and -which the approaching marriage of doña Dolores will entirely strip from +which the approaching marriage of doña Dolores will entirely strip from him, or, at least, he believed so."</p> -<p>"This man is a monster!" said doña María.</p> +<p>"This man is a monster!" said doña MarÃa.</p> <p>The two ladies were terrified by this announcement. Their intimacy with the de la Cruz family was great, the two younger ladies having been almost brought up together; they loved each other like sisters, -although though doña Carmen was a little older than doña Dolores, +although though doña Carmen was a little older than doña Dolores, hence the news of the misfortune which had so suddenly burst on don -Andrés filled them with grief. Doña María warmly urged don Jaime to -have don Andrés and his daughter conveyed to Mexico and lodged in her -house, when doña Dolores would find that care and consolation which she +Andrés filled them with grief. Doña MarÃa warmly urged don Jaime to +have don Andrés and his daughter conveyed to Mexico and lodged in her +house, when doña Dolores would find that care and consolation which she must need so greatly after such a disaster.</p> <p>"I will see, I will strive to satisfy you," don Jaime replied; "still, @@ -7831,11 +7790,11 @@ I dare not promise you anything as yet. I intend to start this very day for Puebla, and if I were not expecting a visit from Baron de Meriadec I should set out at once."</p> -<p>"It would be the first time," doña María said gently, "that I should +<p>"It would be the first time," doña MarÃa said gently, "that I should see you leave us almost without regret."</p> <p>Don Jaime smiled. At this moment they heard the outer gate opened, and -a horse's hoofs re-echo in the zaguán.</p> +a horse's hoofs re-echo in the zaguán.</p> <p>"Here is the baron," said the adventurer, and he went to meet his visitor.</p> @@ -7858,9 +7817,9 @@ to two ladies who desire to know you, and let us not remain any longer here."</p> <p>"Ladies," don Jaime said as he entered, "allow me to introduce to you -Baron Charles de Meriadec, attaché to the French Embassy, one of my +Baron Charles de Meriadec, attaché to the French Embassy, one of my best friends, to whom I have before alluded. My dear baron, I have the -honour to present to you doña María, my sister, and doña Carmen, my +honour to present to you doña MarÃa, my sister, and doña Carmen, my niece."</p> <p>Although the adventurer omitted, no doubt purposely, one-half of the @@ -7880,8 +7839,8 @@ aware of the frightful events at the hacienda."</p> since you take an interest in this unhappy family, I am afraid to add to your grief, and be a messenger of evil tidings."</p> -<p>"We are intimately connected with don Andrés de la Cruz and his -charming daughter," doña María observed.</p> +<p>"We are intimately connected with don Andrés de la Cruz and his +charming daughter," doña MarÃa observed.</p> <p>"In that case, madam, forgive me if I have only bad news to impart to you."</p> @@ -7897,7 +7856,7 @@ town surrendered to the first summons."</p> <p>"Were you ignorant of it?"</p> -<p>"Yes; I believed it to be still held by Miramón."</p> +<p>"Yes; I believed it to be still held by Miramón."</p> <p>"The first business of the Juarists was, according to their invariable custom, to plunder and imprison the foreigners, and more especially @@ -7906,18 +7865,18 @@ pretence of a trial; the prisons are crowded; they have been obliged to employ several convents in which to bestow their prisoners. Terror reigns in Puebla."</p> -<p>"Go on, my friend; and don Andrés?"</p> +<p>"Go on, my friend; and don Andrés?"</p> -<p>"Don Andrés, as, of course, you are aware, is dangerously wounded."</p> +<p>"Don Andrés, as, of course, you are aware, is dangerously wounded."</p> <p>"Yes, I know it."</p> <p>"His state admits of but slight hopes; the governor of the town, in spite of the representations of the notables and the entreaties -of all honest people, had don Andrés arrested as convicted of high +of all honest people, had don Andrés arrested as convicted of high treason—those are the very words of the warrant—in spite of the tears of his daughter and all his friends, he had been removed to the -dungeons of the old Inquisition; the house occupied by don Andrés has +dungeons of the old Inquisition; the house occupied by don Andrés has been plundered and destroyed."</p> <p>"Why, this is frightful! It is barbarity!"</p> @@ -7926,7 +7885,7 @@ been plundered and destroyed."</p> <p>"How, nothing?"</p> -<p>"Don Andrés was tried, and as he protested his innocence, in spite +<p>"Don Andrés was tried, and as he protested his innocence, in spite of all the efforts of the judges to make him condemn himself, he was subjected to torture."</p> @@ -7944,10 +7903,10 @@ the hapless man is dead?"</p> had not even been condemned, for his murderers are in no hurry; time is their own, and they are playing with their victim."</p> -<p>"And Dolores!" doña Carmen exclaimed; "Poor Dolores! How she must +<p>"And Dolores!" doña Carmen exclaimed; "Poor Dolores! How she must suffer!"</p> -<p>"Doña Dolores has disappeared; she has been carried off."</p> +<p>"Doña Dolores has disappeared; she has been carried off."</p> <p>"Disappeared!" don Jaime shouted in a voice of thunder; "And you still live to tell me of it?"</p> @@ -7974,7 +7933,7 @@ name, goes to the town to arrange measures with the majordomo."</p> <p>"Yes, but I first consulted with the count, as I did not like to act without having his advice."</p> -<p>"You were right, sister, prepare a suitable apartment for doña Dolores."</p> +<p>"You were right, sister, prepare a suitable apartment for doña Dolores."</p> <p>"You will bring her back then?" the two ladies exclaimed.</p> @@ -7982,9 +7941,9 @@ without having his advice."</p> <p>"Shall we be off?" the young man cried impatiently.</p> -<p>"In a moment, I expect Loïck and López."</p> +<p>"In a moment, I expect Loïck and López."</p> -<p>"Is Loïck here?"</p> +<p>"Is Loïck here?"</p> <p>"It may be he who brought me the news about the surprise of the hacienda."</p> @@ -7996,7 +7955,7 @@ it will be taken care of, and I will give you another."</p> <p>"Very good."</p> -<p>"Of course you heard the names of don Andrés' principal persecutors?"</p> +<p>"Of course you heard the names of don Andrés' principal persecutors?"</p> <p>"They are three in number, the first is the first secretary, the tool of the new governor, his name is don Antonio de Cacerbar."</p> @@ -8023,7 +7982,7 @@ and then went off again, leaving behind him a long train of blood."</p> <p>"Yes."</p> -<p>"In that case, I know where to find doña Dolores: it was he who carried +<p>"In that case, I know where to find doña Dolores: it was he who carried her off."</p> <p>"It is probable."</p> @@ -8033,7 +7992,7 @@ her off."</p> <p>"The third is a young man with a handsome face, soft voice, and noble manners, more terrible than both the others, it is said, though he has no official title: he seems to hold great power and passes for a secret -agent of Juárez."</p> +agent of Juárez."</p> <p>"His name?"</p> @@ -8050,7 +8009,7 @@ feared; we shall succeed."</p> <p>"May heaven hear you!" the two ladies exclaimed with clasped hands.</p> -<p>Doña María, ever since the arrival of the pretended baron, had been +<p>Doña MarÃa, ever since the arrival of the pretended baron, had been suffering from an extraordinary feeling, while the young man was conversing with don Jaime. She gazed at him with strange intentness, she felt her eyes fill with tears and her bosom oppressed, she could @@ -8065,23 +8024,23 @@ but everything was a chaos in her memory, an insurmountable barrier seemed to be raised between the present and the past, as if to prove to her that she was allowing herself to be overpowered by a wild hope, and that the man who was before her, was really a stranger to her. -Don Jaime attentively followed on doña María's face the different +Don Jaime attentively followed on doña MarÃa's face the different feelings that were in turn reflected on it; but whatever his opinion on the subject might be, he remained cold, impassive, and apparently indifferent to the interludes of this family drama, which, however, -must interest him to the highest degree. Loïck arrived followed by -López: a fresh horse was saddled for Dominique.</p> +must interest him to the highest degree. Loïck arrived followed by +López: a fresh horse was saddled for Dominique.</p> <p>"Let us go," the adventurer said as he rose, "time presses."</p> <p>The young man took leave of the ladies.</p> -<p>"You will return, will you not, sir?" doña María graciously asked him.</p> +<p>"You will return, will you not, sir?" doña MarÃa graciously asked him.</p> <p>"You are a thousand times too kind, madam," he answered, "I shall consider it a happiness to avail myself of your delightful invitation."</p> -<p>They left the room, doña María seized her brother's arm.</p> +<p>They left the room, doña MarÃa seized her brother's arm.</p> <p>"One word, don Jaime," she said to him in a trembling voice.</p> @@ -8120,7 +8079,7 @@ this time he came from behind the <i>rancho</i>, and was leading two horses by the bridle. These horses were saddled. The adventurer and Dominique leapt down, removed their <i>alforjas</i> and pistols, placed them on the fresh horses and remounted. The man returned a second time with two -other horses, which Loïck and López mounted. The man, still silent, +other horses, which Loïck and López mounted. The man, still silent, collected the bridles of the four horses, and went off dragging them after him.</p> @@ -8149,9 +8108,9 @@ dismounting. "We will establish our headquarters here temporarily."</p> <p>His companions leaped down and prepared to unsaddle their horses.</p> -<p>"Wait," he continued. "Loïck, you will go to your <i>rancho</i>, where the +<p>"Wait," he continued. "Loïck, you will go to your <i>rancho</i>, where the Count de la Saulay and his servants are at present, and bring them -here. You, López, will fetch our provisions."</p> +here. You, López, will fetch our provisions."</p> <p>"Are we two going to wait under this enramada, then?" Dominique asked.</p> @@ -8268,7 +8227,7 @@ don Jaime asked him a moment after.</p> <p>"I am, in truth, sad, master," he muttered.</p> -<p>"Have I not told you that we shall find doña Dolores again?" he +<p>"Have I not told you that we shall find doña Dolores again?" he continued.</p> <p>Dominique quivered, and his face became livid; "Master," he said, as he @@ -8299,7 +8258,7 @@ you in return?" he asked.</p> myself."</p> <p>There was a lengthened silence. While putting on his monastic garb, the -adventurer examined the young man aside. "The count does not love doña +adventurer examined the young man aside. "The count does not love doña Dolores?" he at length said.</p> <p>"What! Can it be possible?" he exclaimed, hotly. Don Jaime burst into a @@ -8323,7 +8282,7 @@ that others have not the same eyes as themselves."</p> <p>"Your conclusion is absurd," he said. "Does a man ever know what he will do? Does the morrow belong to him?"</p> -<p>"But since the misfortunes which have crushed doña Dolores' family and +<p>"But since the misfortunes which have crushed doña Dolores' family and herself, the count has been attempting impossibilities to save the young lady."</p> @@ -8333,7 +8292,7 @@ trying to save her, even at the risk of his life and fortune."</p> <p>Dominique shrugged his shoulders several times, "He loves her," he said.</p> -<p>"In that case I will turn the sentence; doña Dolores does not love +<p>"In that case I will turn the sentence; doña Dolores does not love him."</p> <p>"You think so?"</p> @@ -8475,7 +8434,7 @@ house as a malefactor, in disguise, of course, to assassinate me."</p> in disguise it is because circumstances compelled me to take the precaution, that is all: moreover, I only followed your example," and suddenly changing his tone, he added—"by the by, are you satisfied -with Juárez? Has he rewarded your treachery handsomely? I have heard +with Juárez? Has he rewarded your treachery handsomely? I have heard say that he is a very greedy and mean Indian, and so, I suppose, he contented himself with making you promises?"</p> @@ -8489,7 +8448,7 @@ him with a look of indescribable contempt, shouted, in a voice of thunder—</p> <p>"No, scoundrel, I have come to blow out your brains if you refuse to -reveal to me what you have done with your sister, doña Dolores!"</p> +reveal to me what you have done with your sister, doña Dolores!"</p> @@ -8524,7 +8483,7 @@ and perfumed smoke, he said—</p> <p>"Come, I am waiting for you."</p> <p>"Good! This is what I propose to you: you are my prisoner, well, I will -restore you to liberty if you will deliver doña Dolores, I will not say +restore you to liberty if you will deliver doña Dolores, I will not say into my hands, but into those of Count de la Saulay, her cousin, whom she is going to marry immediately."</p> @@ -8535,7 +8494,7 @@ sister's legal guardian."</p> <p>"Yes, since our father is dead."</p> -<p>"Don Andrés de la Cruz dead?" the adventurer exclaimed, leaping up.</p> +<p>"Don Andrés de la Cruz dead?" the adventurer exclaimed, leaping up.</p> <p>"Alas! Yes," the young man replied, hypocritically raising his eyes to heaven; "we had the grief of losing him the night before last, and he @@ -8576,7 +8535,7 @@ considerations must be maintained, the general has decided to send him, under a good escort, to our most illustrious president. Another piece of good news, you are intrusted with the command of this escort."</p> -<p>"¡Demonios!" don Melchior exclaimed, triumphantly, "You are a good +<p>"¡Demonios!" don Melchior exclaimed, triumphantly, "You are a good friend. But now it is my turn: look carefully at that monk, do you recognize him? Well, this man is no other than the adventurer called don Adolfo, don Olivero, don Jaime, or by a hundred names, who has so @@ -8617,7 +8576,7 @@ street.</p> <p>"Now we can start," said don Melchior.</p> -<p>"Come," said don Diego, "señor don Adolfo, or whatever be your name, be +<p>"Come," said don Diego, "señor don Adolfo, or whatever be your name, be kind enough to go first."</p> <p>The adventurer obeyed without a word. Twenty-five or thirty soldiers @@ -8884,7 +8843,7 @@ and drew his knife.</p> <p>They rushed head foremost into the midst of the conspirators, striking right and left, and forcing a passage. Like most desperate actions, this one succeeded through its sheer madness. There was a gigantic -melée, a frightful struggle for some minutes between the members, +melée, a frightful struggle for some minutes between the members, who were taken off their guard, and the two men who were resolved to escape, or perish with arms in their hands. Then the furious gallop of horses became audible, and a mocking voice shouting in the distance,—</p> @@ -8991,12 +8950,12 @@ or would tell him anything; the mother superior of the convent was dumb.</p> already," don Antonio said to him.</p> <p>They set out. What means don Antonio employed to discover the retreat -of doña Dolores, we are unable to say, but so much is certain, that two +of doña Dolores, we are unable to say, but so much is certain, that two days after his arrival in the capital, he was acquainted with the young lady's residence.</p> <p>Let us leave for a short season these two men, whom we shall meet -again but too soon, and describe how doña Dolores had been liberated. +again but too soon, and describe how doña Dolores had been liberated. The young lady was placed, by don Melchior's orders, in a convent of Carmelite nuns. The mother superior—whom don Melchior succeeded in winning to his interests by a large sum of money he paid her, and @@ -9032,20 +8991,20 @@ the Governor. Don Diego, after exchanging a few compliments, drew a sealed letter from his dolman, and handed it to the superior, who opened and hastily read it.</p> -<p>"Very good, señor," she answered, "I am ready to obey you."</p> +<p>"Very good, señor," she answered, "I am ready to obey you."</p> <p>"Please, madam, carefully do bear in mind the tenour of the order I have communicated to you, and which I am compelled to request back. Everybody, you understand, madam," he said, laying a marked stress on -the word, "must be ignorant how doña Dolores has left the convent: this +the word, "must be ignorant how doña Dolores has left the convent: this recommendation is of the highest importance."</p> -<p>"I will not forget it, señor."</p> +<p>"I will not forget it, señor."</p> <p>"You are at liberty to say that she has escaped. Now, madam, be kind -enough to warn doña Dolores."</p> +enough to warn doña Dolores."</p> -<p>The superior left don Diego in her cell, and went herself to fetch doña +<p>The superior left don Diego in her cell, and went herself to fetch doña Dolores. So soon as he was alone, the young man tore into impalpable fragments the order he had shown the superior, and threw them into the <i>brasero</i>, when the fire immediately consumed them.</p> @@ -9057,7 +9016,7 @@ smiled with an air of mockery.</p> <p>The superior was not absent more than a quarter of an hour.</p> -<p>"Here is doña Dolores de la Cruz," said the abbess; "I have the honour +<p>"Here is doña Dolores de la Cruz," said the abbess; "I have the honour of delivering her into your hands."</p> <p>"Very good, madam; I hope soon to prove to you that his Excellency @@ -9066,7 +9025,7 @@ persons who obey him without hesitation."</p> <p>The mother superior bowed humbly, and raised her eyes to Heaven.</p> -<p>"Are you ready, señorita?" don Diego asked the young lady.</p> +<p>"Are you ready, señorita?" don Diego asked the young lady.</p> <p>"Yes," she answered laconically.</p> @@ -9081,23 +9040,23 @@ through, she gave a farewell bow to the secretary, and closed the gate again, as if anxious to be delivered from the alarm that his presence caused her.</p> -<p>"Señorita," don Diego said respectfully, "be kind enough to mount this +<p>"Señorita," don Diego said respectfully, "be kind enough to mount this horse."</p> -<p>"Señor," she said in a sad but firm voice, "I am a poor defenseless +<p>"Señor," she said in a sad but firm voice, "I am a poor defenseless orphan: I obey you, because any resistance on my part would be madness; but—"</p> -<p>"Doña Dolores," said one of the horsemen, "we are sent by don Jaime."</p> +<p>"Doña Dolores," said one of the horsemen, "we are sent by don Jaime."</p> <p>"Oh!" she exclaimed joyfully, "'Tis the voice of don Carlos."</p> -<p>"Yes, señorita; reassure yourself, then, and be good enough to mount +<p>"Yes, señorita; reassure yourself, then, and be good enough to mount without further delay, as we have no time to spare."</p> <p>The young lady leapt lightly on don Diego's horse.</p> -<p>"Now, señores," the young man said, "you no longer need me—good-bye; +<p>"Now, señores," the young man said, "you no longer need me—good-bye; gallop your hardest, and I wish you a pleasant journey."</p> <p>They dashed away like a whirlwind, and soon disappeared in the darkness.</p> @@ -9109,13 +9068,13 @@ will have some difficulty in catching them."</p> the government, where he resided. The two men who accompanied the young lady were Dominique and Leo Carral. They galloped the whole night. At sunrise they reached an abandoned <i>rancho</i>, where several persons were -awaiting them. Doña Dolores joyfully recognized among them don Adolfo +awaiting them. Doña Dolores joyfully recognized among them don Adolfo and the count. Surrounded by these devoted friends, she had nothing more to fear. She was saved. The journey was a continued maze, but her joy was immense when she arrived in Mexico, and under the escort of her brave friends entered the small house, where every preparation had been -made to receive her. She fell weeping into the arms of doña María and -doña Carmen. Don Adolfo and his friends discreetly retired, leaving the +made to receive her. She fell weeping into the arms of doña MarÃa and +doña Carmen. Don Adolfo and his friends discreetly retired, leaving the ladies to their confidences. The count, in order to watch more closely over the young lady, hired a house in the same street, and offered to share it with Dominique, who eagerly accepted it. It was arranged, in @@ -9132,10 +9091,10 @@ him <i>carte blanche</i> in these rare appearances. The adventurer conversed for some time on indifferent topics with the two friends, and then left them, after recommending them to be vigilant.</p> -<p>Matters went on well for some days; doña Dolores, under the beneficial +<p>Matters went on well for some days; doña Dolores, under the beneficial impression of happiness, had resumed all her girlish gaiety and confidence; she and Carmen twittered like hummingbirds from morn till -night in every corner of the house; doña María herself, yielding to the +night in every corner of the house; doña MarÃa herself, yielding to the influence of this frank and simple joy, seemed quite rejuvenated, and at times her earnest features were even illumined by a smile.</p> @@ -9224,7 +9183,7 @@ the most delicious productions of your country." And after hobnobbing, he emptied the glass at one draught. The bottles rapidly succeeded each other, for the glasses were no sooner filled than emptied. They soon began to grow excited. Then they lit cigars, and attacked the -liqueurs—Jamaica rum, Cataluña refino, and French brandy. With their +liqueurs—Jamaica rum, Cataluña refino, and French brandy. With their elbows on the table, and enveloped in a dense cloud of fragrant smoke, they went on talking with less reservation, and insensibly—they did not perceive it themselves—their conversation assumed a more earnest @@ -9307,7 +9266,7 @@ Count. You see that there is nothing essentially interesting in it."</p> <p>"In that case," Dominique said to the adventurer, "you are at liberty to begin your story whenever you please."</p> -<p>Oliver filled a champagne glass with Cataluña refino, emptied it at a +<p>Oliver filled a champagne glass with Cataluña refino, emptied it at a draught, and then struck the table with the handle of his knife.</p> <p>"Attention, gentlemen," he said. "I am about to begin. I must before @@ -9434,7 +9393,7 @@ but one desire, that of repairing the faults of his youth. Welcomed in all families, at first with a slight coldness, but ere long with distinction, he had almost succeeded in causing the errors of his past life to be forgotten, when extraordinary rejoicings took place in -the county on the occasion of some <i>fête</i> or anniversary. The prince +the county on the occasion of some <i>fête</i> or anniversary. The prince naturally assumed the initiative, as was his duty; and by his brother's instigation he even resolved to take a part in them himself, in order to give them greater lustre."</p> @@ -10114,15 +10073,15 @@ that period, more especially when railways were only just beginning, and only existed in few places, journeys were long, fatiguing and expensive. This lasted twenty-seven days. The count's first business on arriving, was to enquire after his Imperial Majesty; the court was at -Schönbrunn. Now Schönbrunn, the Saint Cloud of the Austrian Emperors, +Schönbrunn. Now Schönbrunn, the Saint Cloud of the Austrian Emperors, is only a league and a half from Vienna. Still, not to lose precious time in false steps, he must obtain an audience with the Emperor as speedily as possible. Count Oclau was of too great a family to be kept waiting long; two days after his arrival in Vienna an audience -was granted him. The palace of Schönbrunn stands, as we said, about a +was granted him. The palace of Schönbrunn stands, as we said, about a league and a half from Vienna, beyond the suburb of Mariahilf and a little to the left. This imperial palace, commenced by Joseph I., and -finished By María-Theresa, is a simple, elegant, and graceful building, +finished By MarÃa-Theresa, is a simple, elegant, and graceful building, though not without a certain majesty. It is composed of a large main building with two wings, with a double flight of steps leading to the first floor; low buildings running parallel to the main edifice, serve @@ -10134,15 +10093,15 @@ into the Danube, gives access to the palace, behind which extends in an amphitheatrical form, an immense garden, surmounted by a belvedere, placed on the top of a large grass plot, which is flanked on the right and left by magnificent coppices full of shadow, freshness, -and twittering birds. Schönbrunn, rendered celebrated by Napoleon I. +and twittering birds. Schönbrunn, rendered celebrated by Napoleon I. residing there twice, and by the painful death of his son, bears a stamp of indescribable sadness and languor, everything is gloomy, dull, and desolate; the court with its formal etiquette and brilliant parades only imperfectly succeeds at lengthened intervals, in galvanizing this -corpse. Schönbrunn, like the palace of Versailles, is only a body +corpse. Schönbrunn, like the palace of Versailles, is only a body without a soul, and nothing could restore it to life."</p> -<p>"The count arrived at Schönbrunn ten minutes before his audience, +<p>"The count arrived at Schönbrunn ten minutes before his audience, which was fixed at noon. A chamberlain on duty awaited him, and at once introduced him to his majesty. The Emperor was in a private room, leaning upon a mantelpiece. The reception granted the count was most @@ -10182,7 +10141,7 @@ kingdom, the <i>primus inter pares</i>, and I suppose that it is much the same everywhere now; any attack upon one of the members of the nobility affects the sovereign as seriously as all the other nobles of the empire. When the Regent of France condemned Count de Horn to -be broken alive on the wheel upon the Place de Grève, for robbing +be broken alive on the wheel upon the Place de Grève, for robbing and murdering a Jew in the Rue Quincampoix, he replied to a nobleman of the court, who interceded with him on behalf of the culprit, and represented to him that the Count de Horn, allied to reigning families, @@ -10203,7 +10162,7 @@ justice he claimed; since, the Prince once dead, it would be easy to restore to his sister-in-law or her son, in the event of his being recovered, the titles and fortune which his uncle had so criminally appropriated. This, in my opinion, is what was arranged between the -Emperor and the count at the long audience granted at Schönbrunn."</p> +Emperor and the count at the long audience granted at Schönbrunn."</p> <p>"Matters turned out so in reality, Count, with the exception that the Emperor insisted that hostilities should not commence between the @@ -10289,7 +10248,7 @@ studying his character a little, which I have done with you, and you doubtless have done with me. Now, I believe that I know you intimately enough, my friend, to feel convinced that you did not come suddenly to our house tonight with the mere object of supping, or, forgive the -phrase, indulging in a <i>débauche</i>, which does not agree with your +phrase, indulging in a <i>débauche</i>, which does not agree with your character or morals, as you are the most sincerely sober man I ever met. Moreover, I ask myself, why you, so chary of your words, and especially of your secrets, have told us this story, very interesting, @@ -10371,8 +10330,8 @@ remember it, I think?"</p> <h4>SUNNY HOURS.</h4> -<p>The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a -secure shelter between doña María and doña Carmen, though simple and +<p>The small suburban house in which doña Dolores had found such a +secure shelter between doña MarÃa and doña Carmen, though simple and comparatively unimportant, was a delightful abode, furnished very plainly, but with perfect taste. In the rear, a rarity in Mexico, was a small but well laid-out garden, full of shade and freshness, which @@ -10395,7 +10354,7 @@ garden and were gaily conversing together, a frightful tumult was heard outside. The old servant ran in great alarm to inform his mistress that a band of ruffians, assembled before the house, insisted on having the gate opened to them, threatening to break it down if they were not -obeyed. The count re-assured doña María, told her to fear nothing, and +obeyed. The count re-assured doña MarÃa, told her to fear nothing, and after begging her and the young ladies not to leave the garden, he and Dominique advanced to the outer door. Raimbaut had accidentally come a few minutes previously to bring his master a letter, and his @@ -10404,7 +10363,7 @@ took their double-barrelled guns and revolvers, and after making their arrangements in a few words, the count approached the gate, on which furious blows were being dealt outside, and ordered the old servant to open it. The gate was hardly opened ere there was an awful pushing, and -a dozen individuals rushed into the <i>zaguán</i> with furious shouts and +a dozen individuals rushed into the <i>zaguán</i> with furious shouts and yells. But suddenly they stopped. Before them, at ten paces distance at the most, three men were standing with shouldered guns, ready to pull the trigger. The bandits, who were mostly unarmed, as they were @@ -10424,7 +10383,7 @@ all trembling, in the thickets. This lesson had been sufficient; henceforth the quiet of the inhabitants of the small house was undisturbed.</p> -<p>Still, doña María, grateful for the service the young men had done her, +<p>Still, doña MarÃa, grateful for the service the young men had done her, not only did not think that they paid too long visits, but even when they proposed to retire, she invited them to remain. It is true that the young ladies joined their entreaties to hers, so that the count and @@ -10433,18 +10392,18 @@ passed the greater part of the day with them.</p> <p>It was the day after the night don Adolfo had spent in supping so heartily with his friends; noon had long struck from all the city -churches, and the young men, who generally presented themselves at doña -María's at eleven o'clock, had not yet made their appearance. The two +churches, and the young men, who generally presented themselves at doña +MarÃa's at eleven o'clock, had not yet made their appearance. The two young ladies, who were in the dining room, pretended to be arranging -and dusting the furniture, so as not to go and join doña María, who had +and dusting the furniture, so as not to go and join doña MarÃa, who had been for a long time expecting them in the garden. Though they did not speak, the girls, while arranging, or rather deranging the furniture, had their eyes incessantly fixed on the clock.</p> -<p>"Can you understand, Carmelita," doña Dolores at length said with a +<p>"Can you understand, Carmelita," doña Dolores at length said with a delicious pout, "why my cousin has not yet arrived?"</p> -<p>"It is inconceivable, querida," doña Carmen at once answered. "I +<p>"It is inconceivable, querida," doña Carmen at once answered. "I confess that I feel very anxious, for the city is in a disturbed state at this moment, I hear. I only hope nothing unpleasant has happened to the two poor young gentlemen."</p> @@ -10461,7 +10420,7 @@ absent."</p> moment, and then fell into one another's arms with a burst of tears. They understood each other. It was not for themselves they feared.</p> -<p>"You love him, then?" doña Dolores at length whispered in her friend's +<p>"You love him, then?" doña Dolores at length whispered in her friend's ear.</p> <p>"Oh, yes," she replied softly. "And you?"</p> @@ -10471,7 +10430,7 @@ ear.</p> <p>The confession was made; they now understood one another, and had nothing further to conceal.</p> -<p>"How long have you loved him?" doña Carmen continued.</p> +<p>"How long have you loved him?" doña Carmen continued.</p> <p>"I do not know, but I fancy that I have always loved him."</p> @@ -10506,7 +10465,7 @@ his friend entered.</p> <p>"In the <i>huerta</i>, Excellency," the servant answered, as he closed the door after them.</p> -<p>The ladies were seated in an arbour; doña María was embroidering, the +<p>The ladies were seated in an arbour; doña MarÃa was embroidering, the young ladies were attentively reading—so attentively, indeed, that, though they suddenly blushed, they did not hear the sound of their visitors' footsteps on the gravel walks, and were greatly surprised on @@ -10515,24 +10474,24 @@ perceiving them.</p> <p>The gentlemen took off their hats on entering the arbour, and bowed respectfully to the ladies.</p> -<p>"Here you are at last, gentlemen," doña María remarked with a smile; +<p>"Here you are at last, gentlemen," doña MarÃa remarked with a smile; "do you know that we felt very anxious?"</p> -<p>"Oh!" said doña Carmen with a pout.</p> +<p>"Oh!" said doña Carmen with a pout.</p> -<p>"Not so very," doña Dolores murmured, "these gentlemen have doubtless +<p>"Not so very," doña Dolores murmured, "these gentlemen have doubtless found an opportunity to amuse themselves elsewhere and took advantage of it."</p> <p>The count and Dominique gazed at the young ladies in surprise, for they did not understand.</p> -<p>"Come, come, little mad caps," doña María said gently: "do not torment +<p>"Come, come, little mad caps," doña MarÃa said gently: "do not torment the poor young men so, you render them quite confused: it is probable that they did not come sooner because they were prevented."</p> <p>"Oh! These gentlemen are perfectly at liberty to come when they -please:" doña Dolores said disdainfully.</p> +please:" doña Dolores said disdainfully.</p> <p>"We should be sorry to feel angry with them for such a trifle," Carmen added with the same tone.</p> @@ -10542,17 +10501,17 @@ countenance. The teasing girls looked at them for a second, and then burst into such a frank and sudden laugh, that the count and Dominique turned pale with annoyance.</p> -<p>"¡Viva Dios!" the <i>vaquero</i> exclaimed, stamping his foot angrily, "It +<p>"¡Viva Dios!" the <i>vaquero</i> exclaimed, stamping his foot angrily, "It is too unkind to punish us thus for a fault we have not committed."</p> <p>"Don Adolfo detained us against our will!" the count said.</p> -<p>"You have seen don Jaime?" doña María asked.</p> +<p>"You have seen don Jaime?" doña MarÃa asked.</p> <p>"Yes, madam, he paid us a visit at eleven o'clock last night."</p> <p>The young men then took chairs, and a pleasant conversation was carried -on. Doña Carmen and Dolores continued to tease them: they were happy at +on. Doña Carmen and Dolores continued to tease them: they were happy at having made them so utterly disconcerted, though in their hearts they felt a grudge because their lovers had not comprehended the feeling that dictated their reproaches. As for the count and Dominique, they @@ -10598,7 +10557,7 @@ in Mexico, but what you know only vaguely is the motive that brought me to this country."</p> <p>"I fancy I was told you had come here with the intention of marrying -your cousin, doña Dolores de la Cruz."</p> +your cousin, doña Dolores de la Cruz."</p> <p>"That is true: but what you do not know is the way in which this marriage was arranged, and the motives that prevent me from breaking it @@ -10607,24 +10566,24 @@ off."</p> <p>"Ah!" said Dominique.</p> <p>"I will be brief: know then that while still a child, by the conditions -of a family compact I was betrothed to my cousin doña Dolores, of whose +of a family compact I was betrothed to my cousin doña Dolores, of whose existence even I was ignorant. When I became a man, my parents called on me to fulfil this engagement, which they had made in my name without consulting me. In spite of the very natural repugnance I felt for this strange union with a woman whom I did not know, I was compelled to obey. I quitted with regret the happy careless life I was leading -in Paris among my friends, and embarked for Mexico. Don Andrés de la +in Paris among my friends, and embarked for Mexico. Don Andrés de la Cruz received me on my arrival with the liveliest joy, overwhelmed me with the most delicate attentions, and introduced me to his daughter, -my betrothed. Doña Dolores received me coldly, even more than coldly: +my betrothed. Doña Dolores received me coldly, even more than coldly: evidently she was no more satisfied than myself with the union she was forced to contract with a stranger, and felt hurt at the right her father had thus arrogated of disposing of her hand without consulting -her, or even warning her; for doña Dolores, as I learned afterwards, +her, or even warning her; for doña Dolores, as I learned afterwards, was perfectly ignorant of the compact concluded between the two branches of our family. As for myself, delighted at the cool reception which I received from the woman I was destined to marry, I hoped that -possibly this union might not be completed. Doña, Dolores is very +possibly this union might not be completed. Doña, Dolores is very beautiful, as you are aware."</p> <p>"Ah, yes," Dominique muttered.</p> @@ -10637,7 +10596,7 @@ accomplished woman."</p> true."</p> <p>"Well, I cannot love her, the feeling is stronger than I am; and yet -duty—duty forces me to marry her, for doña Dolores has suddenly become +duty—duty forces me to marry her, for doña Dolores has suddenly become an orphan. She is almost ruined, and surrendered defenselessly to her brother's hatred: betrothed to her against my will, it is true, but very really betrothed, honour orders me to carry out this union, the @@ -10645,14 +10604,14 @@ last wish of her dying father; and yet I love—"</p> <p>"What do you say?" Dominique exclaimed in a panting voice.</p> -<p>"Forgive me, Dominique; I love doña Carmen."</p> +<p>"Forgive me, Dominique; I love doña Carmen."</p> <p>"Oh, thanks, Great Heaven!"</p> <p>"What do you mean?"</p> <p>"I love too," said Dominique; "you render me very happy, for the woman -I love is doña Dolores!"</p> +I love is doña Dolores!"</p> <p>The count offered his hand to Dominique, but the latter threw himself into his arms. They held each other closely embraced for some time, but @@ -10702,10 +10661,10 @@ in a ropy voice the languishingly amorous words of a <i>triste</i>. A fat little man, with grey eyes full of motion, and a mocking countenance, came out of the venta and approached the hammock.</p> -<p>"Señor don Felipe," he said with a respectful bow to the improvised +<p>"Señor don Felipe," he said with a respectful bow to the improvised musician; "will you not dine?"</p> -<p>"Señor ventero," the officer answered roughly "when you speak to me, +<p>"Señor ventero," the officer answered roughly "when you speak to me, you might, I think, be more respectful toward me, and give me the title to which I have a right—that is to say, call me Colonel."</p> @@ -10715,7 +10674,7 @@ first; "I am a ventero, and very little acquainted with military ranks."</p> <p>"That will do—you are excused! I will not dine yet, for I am expecting someone who has not yet arrived, but will be here shortly."</p> -<p>"That is certainly very unfortunate, señor coronel don Felipe," the +<p>"That is certainly very unfortunate, señor coronel don Felipe," the ventero remarked; "a dinner that I have prepared with so much care, will be entirely spoiled."</p> @@ -10734,13 +10693,13 @@ he was certain that the horseman coming toward him was the person he had so long been expecting.</p> <p>"Ouf!" the traveller said, stopping his horse short before the portello -and leaping off; "I could not stand it any longer, válgame Dios; what a +and leaping off; "I could not stand it any longer, válgame Dios; what a horrible heat!"</p> <p>At a sign from the colonel, a soldier took the horse and led it to the corral.</p> -<p>"Ah, señor don Diego, you are welcome," said the colonel, as he +<p>"Ah, señor don Diego, you are welcome," said the colonel, as he offered his hand; "I have almost despaired of seeing you. Dinner is waiting for us: after such a ride, you must be almost dead of hunger."</p> @@ -10751,7 +10710,7 @@ satisfying the claims of an appetite sharpened by a long abstinence, they only interchanged a few words; but ere long their ardour was calmed, they threw themselves back on their <i>butacas</i> with an "ah" of satisfaction, lit their cigarettes and began smoking them, while -sipping some excellent Cataluña refino which the host had brought as +sipping some excellent Cataluña refino which the host had brought as the wind up of the dinner.</p> <p>"There," don Diego said, "now that we have fed well—thanks be to @@ -10784,9 +10743,9 @@ about the matter."</p> <p>"Ah!" the colonel said again.</p> <p>"It annoys me, I confess, but I must make up my mind to it; I will go -and find Cuéllar, perhaps he will not be so difficult to deal with."</p> +and find Cuéllar, perhaps he will not be so difficult to deal with."</p> -<p>"Cuéllar is a scoundrel," don Felipe exclaimed violently.</p> +<p>"Cuéllar is a scoundrel," don Felipe exclaimed violently.</p> <p>"I am well aware of it," don Diego replied gently; "but what do I care for that? By giving him ten thousand piastres beforehand, I am certain @@ -10799,7 +10758,7 @@ of being very honourable."</p> <p>"Well, you understand, my dear sir, that I am not the man to ask any friend of mine to undertake such a job gratuitously."</p> -<p>"But Cuéllar is no friend of yours."</p> +<p>"But Cuéllar is no friend of yours."</p> <p>"It is true, and that is why I feel sorry about applying to him."</p> @@ -10818,9 +10777,9 @@ friend of mine to undertake such a job gratuitously."</p> <p>"Well, in that case, nothing prevents me from speaking. This is simply the matter: I shall tell you nothing new, Colonel, when I mention that numerous spies, seeing both causes at once, sell without scruple -to Miramón the secrets of our military operations, just as they make +to Miramón the secrets of our military operations, just as they make us pay largely for the information they supply us about those of the -enemy. Now, the government of his Excellency, don Benito Juárez, has, +enemy. Now, the government of his Excellency, don Benito Juárez, has, at this moment, his eyes open upon the machinations of two men, who are strongly suspected of playing a double part; but the individuals in question are gifted with such a remarkable talent, their measures are @@ -10892,7 +10851,7 @@ English banking house in Veracruz. Don Diego rose.</p> <p>"Yes; I am sorry to be compelled to leave you."</p> -<p>"We shall meet again soon, señor don Diego."</p> +<p>"We shall meet again soon, señor don Diego."</p> <p>The young man remounted his horse, and went off at a rapid pace.</p> @@ -10913,7 +10872,7 @@ the jarana again, with more power than accuracy.</p> <p>Dolores and Carmen were alone in the garden. Hidden like two timid turtle doves, in an arbour of orange, lemon, and flowering pomegranate -trees, and were eagerly conversing. Doña María kept her room, through +trees, and were eagerly conversing. Doña MarÃa kept her room, through a slight indisposition—such, at least, was the excuse she made to the young ladies for not keeping them company in the garden, but, in reality, she had shut herself up to read an important letter which don @@ -10932,7 +10891,7 @@ their mutual love, by a feeling of delicacy inseparable from every real passion, they hesitated and recoiled with a blush before the thought of urging the young men to declare themselves.</p> -<p>Doña Carmen and doña Dolores were really simple and innocent girls, +<p>Doña Carmen and doña Dolores were really simple and innocent girls, ignorant of all the coquettish tricks of which, among us, the so-called civilized people, women make such cruel, and, at times, implacable sport. By one of those strange accidents, which real life so frequently @@ -10940,11 +10899,11 @@ creates, the conversation of the young ladies was, with but a few slight differences, the same as the one that had previously taken place between the count and his friend on the same subject.</p> -<p>"Dolores," doña Carmen said, in a caressing voice, "you are braver than +<p>"Dolores," doña Carmen said, in a caressing voice, "you are braver than I. You know don Ludovic better than I do; and, besides, he is your relation; why this reserve with him?"</p> -<p>"Alas! My darling," doña Dolores replied, "this reserve which surprises +<p>"Alas! My darling," doña Dolores replied, "this reserve which surprises you is forced upon me by my position. Count Ludovic is now my sole relation, as I am deserted by all the others; for many years past we have been betrothed to each other."</p> @@ -10973,7 +10932,7 @@ not to leave me without a protector, and to conclude this marriage. You see that there are several and very serious reasons why it seems to me impossible to escape from the fate that menaces me."</p> -<p>"But, my darling," doña Carmen exclaimed, warmly, "why do you not have +<p>"But, my darling," doña Carmen exclaimed, warmly, "why do you not have a clear explanation with the count? Perhaps this explanation would smooth all difficulties."</p> @@ -11017,7 +10976,7 @@ you."</p> <p>At this moment footsteps were heard on the gravel walk.</p> -<p>"Here is somebody," said doña Dolores.</p> +<p>"Here is somebody," said doña Dolores.</p> <p>"It is the count," Carmen at once replied.</p> @@ -11037,10 +10996,10 @@ you."</p> <p>The count appeared at the entrance of the arbour. He was really alone. He bowed to the young ladies, and waited for their permission to -join them. Doña Dolores offered him her hand with a smile, while her +join them. Doña Dolores offered him her hand with a smile, while her companion bowed to hide her blushes.</p> -<p>"You are welcome, cousin," said doña Dolores. "You arrive late today."</p> +<p>"You are welcome, cousin," said doña Dolores. "You arrive late today."</p> <p>"I am pleased, cousin," he replied, "that you have noticed this involuntary delay. My friend, don Domingo, who was obliged to go @@ -11055,7 +11014,7 @@ down between us and let us talk."</p> <p>He entered the arbour, and sat down between the two young ladies.</p> -<p>"Permit me, doña Carmen," he continued, as he bent down courteously to +<p>"Permit me, doña Carmen," he continued, as he bent down courteously to the young lady, "to offer you my respectful homage, and inquire after your health."</p> @@ -11063,7 +11022,7 @@ your health."</p> Heaven, my health is very good; but I should wish that my mother's were the same."</p> -<p>"Is doña María ill?" he eagerly asked.</p> +<p>"Is doña MarÃa ill?" he eagerly asked.</p> <p>"I hope not; still she is so indisposed as to keep her room."</p> @@ -11080,24 +11039,24 @@ of cousin, and betrothed of my dear Dolores," she said significantly, rendered us, and which give you a claim to our gratitude."</p> <p>"Hence, whatever may happen, you and your friend don Domingo will -always be welcome to us, caballero," doña Carmen said with a smile.</p> +always be welcome to us, caballero," doña Carmen said with a smile.</p> -<p>"You overwhelm me, señoritas."</p> +<p>"You overwhelm me, señoritas."</p> <p>"Shall we not have the pleasure of seeing your friend today?"</p> -<p>"Within an hour he will be here, señorita. But you are rising: do you -purpose leaving us, doña Carmen?"</p> +<p>"Within an hour he will be here, señorita. But you are rising: do you +purpose leaving us, doña Carmen?"</p> <p>"I ask your permission to leave you for only a few minutes, caballero; -doña Dolores will keep you company, while I go and see whether my +doña Dolores will keep you company, while I go and see whether my mother is better."</p> -<p>"Do so, señorita; and be kind enough to inform her of the lively +<p>"Do so, señorita; and be kind enough to inform her of the lively interest I feel in her, and my grief at finding her indisposed."</p> <p>The young lady bowed and went away, light as a bird. The count and -doña Dolores remained alone. Their situation was singular and most +doña Dolores remained alone. Their situation was singular and most embarrassing, for they thus unexpectedly found themselves in a position to have that explanation, from which they both hung back, while recognising its urgent necessity. If it is difficult for a woman to @@ -11119,7 +11078,7 @@ which assail me every moment, I confess that I should be very happy."</p> <p>"I congratulate you, cousin."</p> -<p>"In truth, what do I want for here? Doña María and her daughter love +<p>"In truth, what do I want for here? Doña MarÃa and her daughter love me. They lavish kindness and attention, and I have a small circle of devoted friends—can I desire anything else in this world, where real happiness cannot exist?"</p> @@ -11244,7 +11203,7 @@ discreet as you; he has confessed everything to me."</p> <p>"Good God!" Dominique cried, turning pale, "What is going on here?"</p> <p>"Nothing that need alarm you, my friend," the count answered, with a -smile, "doña Dolores permits you to offer her your homage."</p> +smile, "doña Dolores permits you to offer her your homage."</p> <p>"Can it be true?" he exclaimed, as he rushed towards her, and fell on his knees.</p> @@ -11273,24 +11232,24 @@ the happiest of men."</p> <p>"Egotist!" the count said gently to him, "You only think of yourself, when my heart is perhaps hopelessly suffering."</p> -<p>Doña Dolores had only fled so fast from the arbour in order to restore +<p>Doña Dolores had only fled so fast from the arbour in order to restore a little order to her thoughts, and to recover from the excessive emotion she was suffering.</p> <p>As she entered the house Carmen was leaving it. Dolores threw herself into her arms, and burst into tears. Carmen, terrified at the state in which she saw her friend, led her gently to her bedroom, and she obeyed -mechanically, without offering the slightest resistance. It took doña +mechanically, without offering the slightest resistance. It took doña Dolores some time ere she was able to inform her friend of what had taken place in the arbour, and how the unexpected arrival of Dominique -had forced from her, as it were, an avowal of love. Doña Carmen, +had forced from her, as it were, an avowal of love. Doña Carmen, who was far from expecting so quick, and so happy a conclusion, was overjoyed.</p> <p>Henceforth no constraint, no misunderstanding; they could indulge in their sweet dreams of the future without any cause of alarm. What had they to fear, now they were sure of the love of the two young men? What -obstacle could prevent their speedy union? Thus doña Carmen reasoned, +obstacle could prevent their speedy union? Thus doña Carmen reasoned, to reassure the modesty of her friend, which had been rather startled by the confession which had involuntarily escaped her and filled her with shame, girls are so: they are willing that the man whom they love @@ -11315,23 +11274,23 @@ traces of emotion, proceeded to the garden. It was deserted.</p> <p>Going back a little distance, we will relate what had occurred from -the day when Miramón so freely disposed of the money of the Convention +the day when Miramón so freely disposed of the money of the Convention bonds deposited in the English consulate, to that which our story has reached; for the political events precipitated the termination of the narrative we have undertaken to write.</p> <p>As don Jaime had predicted to him, the rather brutal manner in which -General Márquez executed his orders, and the most illegal act of +General Márquez executed his orders, and the most illegal act of seizing the money, cast a fatal slur on the character of the young President, which up to this time had been pure from any violence or spoliation.</p> <p>On learning this news, the members of the diplomatic body, among -others the ambassador of Spain, and the Chargé d'Affaires of France, -who were better disposed to Miramón than to Juárez, owing to the +others the ambassador of Spain, and the Chargé d'Affaires of France, +who were better disposed to Miramón than to Juárez, owing to the nobility of his character, and the loftiness of his views, had from this moment considered the cause of the moderate party represented by -Miramón as hopelessly lost, unless one of those miracles, so frequent +Miramón as hopelessly lost, unless one of those miracles, so frequent in revolutions, but of which no possibility could be seen, occurred. Besides, the comparatively large sum of the Convention bonds, joined to that which don Jaime remitted to the President, had not been sufficient @@ -11342,18 +11301,18 @@ diminished it.</p> not having received a farthing for three months, were beginning to raise seditious cries, and threatening to desert in a body.</p> -<p>The army paid, or nearly so, Miramón began recruiting for the purpose +<p>The army paid, or nearly so, Miramón began recruiting for the purpose of increasing it, so that he might, for the last time, try the fortune of war, resolved to defend, inch by inch, the power which had been freely entrusted to him by the representatives of the nation. Still, in spite of the confidence he affected, the young and adventurous general did not deceive himself as to the deplorable state of his position, when opposed to the far more considerable, and really imposing forces -of the <i>Puros</i>, as the partizans of Juárez called themselves. Hence, +of the <i>Puros</i>, as the partizans of Juárez called themselves. Hence, before playing the last stake, he determined to try the last resources in his power, that is to say, a diplomatic mediation.</p> -<p>The Spanish ambassador, on arriving in Mexico, recognized Miramón's +<p>The Spanish ambassador, on arriving in Mexico, recognized Miramón's government; it was therefore to this diplomatist that the President in his desperate circumstances applied, with the object of obtaining a mediation of the resident ministers, to try and effect the @@ -11373,7 +11332,7 @@ determined.</p> <p>This despatch, addressed, on October 3rd, 1860, to the Minister of Spain, terminated with these significant words, which fully displayed -Miramón's lassitude, and his desire for a settlement.</p> +Miramón's lassitude, and his desire for a settlement.</p> <p>"Heaven grant that this convention, confidentially attempted, may obtain a better result than those which have been proposed up to this @@ -11381,13 +11340,13 @@ day."</p> <p>As was generally supposed, this final attempt at reconciliation failed. The motive was simple and easy to be understood, even by persons -the least versed in politics. Juárez, master of the larger portion +the least versed in politics. Juárez, master of the larger portion of the territory of the republic, felt himself in his government of Veracruz too strong, through his adversary's exhaustion, not to prove intractable, he would not share the position by reciprocal conditions, but triumph fully.</p> -<p>Still Miramón, like a brave lion at bay before the hunters, had faith +<p>Still Miramón, like a brave lion at bay before the hunters, had faith in his valiant sword which had so often been victorious, he did not despair yet, or perhaps would not despair. In order to keep together the scattered strength of his last defenders, he addressed to them a @@ -11422,7 +11381,7 @@ opposing ill fortune?"</p> <p>"I do not, far from that, I am resolved to fall if necessary, sooner than yield to the law, which would be imposed on me by that villain -Juárez, a hateful and vindictive Indian, picked up through pity on the +Juárez, a hateful and vindictive Indian, picked up through pity on the side of a road by a Spaniard, and who only employs the learning he has gained, and the education he has received by accident, to distract his country, and plunge it into an abyss of misfortunes."</p> @@ -11476,7 +11435,7 @@ surprise the enemy, attack him—"</p> <p>"It is infallible; consider, General, that your enemies rightly consider you shut up in the city, engaged in fortifying yourself there in the provision of the siege, with which they menace you; that since -the defeat of General Márquez, they know that none of your partizans +the defeat of General Márquez, they know that none of your partizans keep the field, and that consequently they have no attack to fear, and march with the most perfect security."</p> @@ -11488,7 +11447,7 @@ in detail; you have the hope of seizing once more the fortune which is abandoning you, and of delivering yourself from your odious rival. Only gain the victory in three or four encounters with his troops, and your partizans who are deserting you because they believe you ruined, will -return in crowds, and Juárez's formidable army will melt away like snow +return in crowds, and Juárez's formidable army will melt away like snow before the sun."</p> <p>"Yes, yes, I understand the boldness of this plan."</p> @@ -11555,7 +11514,7 @@ bending over his horse's neck, was galloping madly across country.</p> <h4>THE SORTIE.</h4> -<p>As Miramón had stated to the adventurer, at five o'clock, a.m. +<p>As Miramón had stated to the adventurer, at five o'clock, a.m. precisely, he left Mexico at the head of his troops. His forces were not numerous, they only consisted of three thousand five hundred men, infantry and cavalry, without artillery, on account of the execrable @@ -11563,7 +11522,7 @@ roads along which he was obliged to march. Every cavalryman carried an infantry soldier behind him, in order to render the march more rapid. It was really a <i>coup de main</i> that the President was about to attempt, a most hazardous one, but for that very reason it had numerous chances -of success. General Miramón rode at the head of the army, in the midst +of success. General Miramón rode at the head of the army, in the midst of his staff with whom he gaily conversed; on seeing him thus calm and smiling it might have been fancied that no anxiety disturbed his mind; he seemed on leaving Mexico to have resumed that happy carelessness of @@ -11580,7 +11539,7 @@ others were carrying their fruit and vegetables, all were in a hurry and carelessly singing, in order to dispel the weariness and length of the road. On passing the President, whom they knew well, they stopped in amazement, took off their hats and bowed to him with an -affectionate respect. Ere long, by Miramón's orders, the troops entered +affectionate respect. Ere long, by Miramón's orders, the troops entered almost insurmountable paths, on which the horses only advanced with great difficulty. The country became more abrupt and diversified: the march became more rapid, and silence was re-established in the ranks of @@ -11607,7 +11566,7 @@ into their ranks. They were approaching Toluca, the spot where the President resolved to await the enemy. The road, cut up by deep ravines, which could only be crossed with great difficulty, became almost impracticable; still, the soldiers were not discouraged; they -were the <i>élite</i> of Miramón's troops, his most faithful partizans, who +were the <i>élite</i> of Miramón's troops, his most faithful partizans, who had accompanied him since the beginning of the war. They had redoubled their ardour in the presence of obstacles which they surmounted laughingly, encouraged by the example of their young general, who @@ -11617,7 +11576,7 @@ and self-denial.</p> <p>General Cobos had been detached to reconnoitre at the head of twenty resolute men, in order to watch the enemy's march, and warn the general as soon as he caught sight of them, by falling back unseen on the main -body. Suddenly Miramón perceived three horsemen galloping toward him, +body. Suddenly Miramón perceived three horsemen galloping toward him, supposing, correctly, that they were the bearers of important news. He spurred his horse, and hastened to meet them. He soon joined them. Of these three men, two were soldiers; the third, who was well mounted and @@ -11634,12 +11593,12 @@ motionless before him.</p> <p>"I pray your Excellency first to read this letter," he answered, as he drew a sealed note from his dolman, and respectfully handed it to the -general. Miramón opened it and rapidly read it.</p> +general. Miramón opened it and rapidly read it.</p> <p>"Ah! Ah!" he said, examining him attentively; "What is your name, my good fellow?"</p> -<p>"López, General."</p> +<p>"López, General."</p> <p>"Good. So he is near here?"</p> @@ -11649,7 +11608,7 @@ good fellow?"</p> <p>"Yes, General, for as long as you may want me."</p> -<p>"Tell me, López, do you know this country?"</p> +<p>"Tell me, López, do you know this country?"</p> <p>"I was born in it, Excellency."</p> @@ -11659,7 +11618,7 @@ good fellow?"</p> <p>"Do you know the enemy's position?"</p> -<p>"Perfectly, Excellency; the heads of Generals Berriozábal and +<p>"Perfectly, Excellency; the heads of Generals Berriozábal and Degollados' columns are not more than a league from Toluca, where they intend to make a long halt."</p> @@ -11671,7 +11630,7 @@ intend to make a long halt."</p> <p>"There is one that shortens the distance by more than two-thirds."</p> -<p>"¡Caray!" the general exclaimed, "We must take it."</p> +<p>"¡Caray!" the general exclaimed, "We must take it."</p> <p>"Yes, but it is narrow, dangerous, and impracticable for artillery; even cavalry will not pass it without great difficulty."</p> @@ -11701,7 +11660,7 @@ by the bridle."</p> <p>"No; if you keep your promise, I will give you ten ounces."</p> -<p>"Although it is not interest that directs me," López said with a laugh, +<p>"Although it is not interest that directs me," López said with a laugh, "I am so certain of not making any mistake, that I regard the money as gained."</p> @@ -11712,11 +11671,11 @@ him his purse.</p> soldiers to maintain the deepest silence, so that we may come upon the enemy unawares, and attack him before he has time to look about him."</p> -<p>Miramón sent a soldier to General Cobos with orders for him to fall +<p>Miramón sent a soldier to General Cobos with orders for him to fall back as quickly as possible; then he made his soldiers dismount, placed the infantry in front, four abreast, the greatest width possible, and the dismounted cavalry formed the rearguard. General Cobos soon -returned, and Miramón told him in a few words what was going on. The +returned, and Miramón told him in a few words what was going on. The President placed himself at the head of the troops, having his own horse and the guide's led behind him, in spite of the entreaties of his friends.</p> @@ -11726,12 +11685,12 @@ greater part of the danger falls on me. My place is here, and I remain."</p> <p>They were compelled to let him act as he pleased.</p> -<p>"Shall we start?" Miramón asked López.</p> +<p>"Shall we start?" Miramón asked López.</p> <p>"I am ready, General."</p> <p>They set out: all their movements had been performed in the deepest -silence, with admirable rapidity and precision. López had made no +silence, with admirable rapidity and precision. López had made no mistake; the path along which he led the troops was so rocky and difficult, that they advanced much more rapidly on foot.</p> @@ -11760,7 +11719,7 @@ will camp, and much too high for them to dream of crowning them."</p> that I am here, I will not recoil."</p> <p>They continued their advance with redoubled precautions. They had -been for about five and twenty minutes on the path, when López, after +been for about five and twenty minutes on the path, when López, after looking searchingly around, suddenly halted.</p> <p>"What are you doing?" the general asked.</p> @@ -11774,7 +11733,7 @@ passage."</p> <p>The general looked at him attentively. "Go," he at length said; "we will await your return before we push on. I trust to you."</p> -<p>López took off his weapons and hat, which were not only useless to him, +<p>López took off his weapons and hat, which were not only useless to him, but might betray him; and lying down on the ground, he began crawling in the Indian fashion, and soon disappeared among the bushes that bordered the path. At a signal from the President, the word to halt ran @@ -11784,15 +11743,15 @@ the general. The guide did not return, and the anxiety was great.</p> <p>"That man is a traitor," General Cobos said.</p> -<p>"I do not believe it," Miramón at once replied: "I am sure of the +<p>"I do not believe it," Miramón at once replied: "I am sure of the person who sent him to me."</p> <p>At this moment the bushes were parted, and a man appeared. It was -López, the guide. His face was calm, his eye bright, his step +López, the guide. His face was calm, his eye bright, his step confident. He approached the President, stopped at two paces from him, saluted, and waited till he was spoken to.</p> -<p>"Well?" Miramón asked.</p> +<p>"Well?" Miramón asked.</p> <p>"I have advanced to the very crest of the heights, Excellency," he replied. "I have distinctly seen the bivouac of the Puros. They do not @@ -11805,12 +11764,12 @@ suspect your presence, and I believe that you can act."</p> <p>"Good! Lead me to the entrance of the path, for I must examine the ground before I arrange my plan of attack."</p> -<p>López picked up his gun and hat.</p> +<p>López picked up his gun and hat.</p> <p>"I am ready," he said.</p> <p>They advanced. Behind them, at a short distance, came the army. -Everything was deserted, as the guide had announced. Miramón examined +Everything was deserted, as the guide had announced. Miramón examined the ground with the most serious attention.</p> <p>"Good!" he muttered; "I know now what remains for me to do." and, @@ -11842,16 +11801,16 @@ the crown with one blow of your machete. You have understood me?"</p> <p>"In that case, I shall rejoin my master."</p> <p>He took his horse from the asistente who was holding it, and calmly -proceeded toward the tree. Miramón divided his infantry into three +proceeded toward the tree. Miramón divided his infantry into three corps, and placed his cavalry in reserve. All these arrangements made, the troops began to ascend the heights. When they reached the -top—"Forward! Forward!" Miramón shouted, waving his sword, and rushing +top—"Forward! Forward!" Miramón shouted, waving his sword, and rushing down the slope. The whole army rolled after him like an avalanche.</p> -<p>On seeing the President raise his sword, López deftly lopped off the +<p>On seeing the President raise his sword, López deftly lopped off the crown of the tree, on the top of which he was; then, when this exploit was accomplished, he stepped down, leaped on his horse, and galloped -after the army. The sudden appearance of Miramón's troops caused a +after the army. The sudden appearance of Miramón's troops caused a frightful disorder in the bivouac of the Puros, who were far from expecting so sharp and vigorous an attack, as their spies had assured them that no corps kept the field. The soldiers ran to their arms, and @@ -11859,7 +11818,7 @@ the officers tried to organize a resistance: but even before the ranks could be formed, the President's troops were upon them, and charged them furiously to the shouts of—</p> -<p>"Long live Mexico! Miramón! Miramón!"</p> +<p>"Long live Mexico! Miramón! Miramón!"</p> <p>The generals who commanded the Puros, brave and intelligent officers, strove a tremendous resistance. At the head of those troops who had @@ -11871,15 +11830,15 @@ reason to fear that, if the combat was prolonged, they might assume the offensive. At this moment loud shouts were heard in their rear, and a large body of cavalry rushed upon them with couched lances. Taken between two enemies, the Juaristas believed themselves betrayed. They -lost their heads, and began to disband. Miramón's cavalry appeared +lost their heads, and began to disband. Miramón's cavalry appeared at this moment, and vigorously charged the enemy. The combat then degenerated into a massacre: it was no longer a fight, but a butchery. The Juaristas, attacked in front, on the flank, and in the rear, broke and fled. The retreat began, and was soon changed into a rout. -General Berriozábal, General Degollado, his sons, two colonels, all +General Berriozábal, General Degollado, his sons, two colonels, all the officers composing their staff, fourteen guns, a large quantity of ammunition and arms, and nearly two thousand prisoners, fell into -Miramón's hands. The President had seven men killed, and eleven +Miramón's hands. The President had seven men killed, and eleven slightly wounded. The battle had only lasted twenty-five minutes. The victory was complete. Capricious fortune granted a last smile to the man whose ruin she had resolved on.</p> @@ -11893,12 +11852,12 @@ man whose ruin she had resolved on.</p> <h4>TRIUMPH.</h4> -<p>This unforeseen victory, so brilliant and, complete, gained by Miramón +<p>This unforeseen victory, so brilliant and, complete, gained by Miramón over veteran troops commanded by renowned officers, restored courage and hope to the terrified partizans of the President of the Republic. The temper of the troops changed to such an extent, that they no longer doubted the triumph of their cause, and in a few minutes grew -to regard it as definitively gained. Amid the general joy, Miramón +to regard it as definitively gained. Amid the general joy, Miramón alone entertained no illusions as to the value of the victory he had gained. For him this new lustre cast on his armies, which had so long been victorious, was only the last and brilliant flicker of an expiring @@ -11908,7 +11867,7 @@ hopes. Still in his heart he thanked fortune for the last smile she had deigned to grant him, and which would prevent him from falling from power like a common man. When the cavalry sent in pursuit of the fugitives, to prevent them from rallying, at length rejoined the -main body, which had remained on the field of battle, Miramón, after +main body, which had remained on the field of battle, Miramón, after granting his troops two hours' rest, gave orders to return to Mexico.</p> <p>The return of the expeditionary force was not nearly so rapid as its @@ -11916,7 +11875,7 @@ preceding march. The tired horses only advanced with difficulty. The infantry had dismounted to escort the prisoners, and thus the cannons and numerous baggage waggons, which had been captured and now followed the army, could only pass along a wide and beaten road, which compelled -Miramón to follow the high road and occasioned him a delay of several +Miramón to follow the high road and occasioned him a delay of several hours. It was about ten at night when the vanguard of the expeditionary force reached the garitas of Mexico. It was quite dark, and yet the city appeared in the darkness, flashing with an innumerable quantity of @@ -11940,11 +11899,11 @@ monks, so cold on the previous day for the man who had ever supported them, had suddenly felt their slumbering enthusiasm aroused at the news of his victory.</p> -<p>Miramón passed through the crowds, cold and impassive, returning with +<p>Miramón passed through the crowds, cold and impassive, returning with an imperceptible expression of irony the salutations incessantly made to him on both sides of the road. He dismounted at the palace; a little in front of the gate a man was standing motionless and smiling. This -man was the adventurer. On seeing him, Miramón could not restrain a +man was the adventurer. On seeing him, Miramón could not restrain a movement of joy.</p> <p>"Ah, come, come, my friend," he exclaimed walking toward him.</p> @@ -12022,7 +11981,7 @@ pale. "What is that you are saying, my dear General?"</p> will hear the cries of death which the army and the people are raising in concert."</p> -<p>"Ah!" Miramón muttered. "Political assassinations committed in cold +<p>"Ah!" Miramón muttered. "Political assassinations committed in cold blood after the victory: I will never consent to authorize such odious crimes. No, a thousand times no! I at least will never have that said of me. Where are the captured officers?"</p> @@ -12046,21 +12005,21 @@ immense saloon, in which his most devoted partizans were assembled. The President seated himself in a chair raised on two steps, prepared for him at the end of the room, and the officers who remained faithful to his cause, grouped themselves on either side of him. At an affectionate -nod from Miramón the adventurer remained by his side, apparently +nod from Miramón the adventurer remained by his side, apparently indifferent.</p> <p>A noise of footsteps and the rattling of arms were heard outside, and the captured officers, preceded by General Cobos, entered the hall. Although they affected calmness, the prisoners were rather anxious as to the fate reserved for them. They had heard the cries of death raised -against them, and were aware of the ill feeling of Miramón's partizans +against them, and were aware of the ill feeling of Miramón's partizans towards them.</p> -<p>The one who walked first was General Berriozábal, a young man of thirty +<p>The one who walked first was General Berriozábal, a young man of thirty at the most, with an expressive head, firm and delicate features, and a noble and easy demeanour. After him came General Degollado between his two sons; then two colonels and the officers composing General -Berriozábal's staff.</p> +Berriozábal's staff.</p> <p>The prisoners advanced with a firm step toward the President, who on their approach, hastened from his chair and walked a few steps toward @@ -12087,7 +12046,7 @@ attacks of people ill disposed toward you, and rendered savage by the sufferings of a long war: you are, therefore, prisoners on parole, caballeros, and at liberty to act as you please."</p> -<p>"General," Berriozábal answered in the name of all, "we thank you +<p>"General," Berriozábal answered in the name of all, "we thank you sincerely for your courtesy, we could not expect less from your well-known generosity. We give you our word, and will only employ the liberty you grant us within the limits you may think proper, promising @@ -12096,7 +12055,7 @@ from our parole."</p> <p>After a few more compliments had been exchanged between the President and the two generals, the prisoners withdrew to the apartments assigned -to them. At the moment when Miramón was preparing to return to his +to them. At the moment when Miramón was preparing to return to his cabinet, the adventurer quickly checked him, and pointed to a general officer, who was apparently trying to escape notice.</p> @@ -12148,14 +12107,14 @@ yells raised as a consolation, dispersed in their turn, and returned to the more or less ill-famed dens, always open in the low quarters of the city, and where they were sure of finding a shelter.</p> -<p>López alone remained firm at his post. The adventurer had ordered him +<p>López alone remained firm at his post. The adventurer had ordered him to wait for him at the palace gate, and he did so. Still, as the night was dark, and the most profound obscurity had succeeded the radiant illumination of the evening, he waited with his hand on his weapons, with ears and eyes on the watch, lest, in spite of the vicinity of the palace, he might be surprised and robbed by some night prowler, who would not have been sorry of the windfall if the peon had not thus kept -good guard. When López saw the palace gate opened, he understood that +good guard. When López saw the palace gate opened, he understood that it could only be his master who thus came out alone, and he went up to him.</p> @@ -12182,7 +12141,7 @@ my old patient."</p> <p>"On the contrary, for I also saw him in the palace."</p> -<p>"¡Ah demonio! In that case I regret that I did not listen to his +<p>"¡Ah demonio! In that case I regret that I did not listen to his conversation."</p> <p>"What conversation—when, with whom? Speak or choke: come, will you @@ -12222,7 +12181,7 @@ of walking alone at a place of that description."</p> <p>"That we will very soon find out," the adventurer remarked as he mounted; "give me my reins and follow me: the horses are not tired?"</p> -<p>"No, they are quite fresh," López said, as he handed the adventurer a +<p>"No, they are quite fresh," López said, as he handed the adventurer a double-barrelled gun, a brace of revolvers, and a machete; "by your orders I went to the corral, where I left our tired horses, I saddled Mono and Zopilote, now here, and returned to wait for you."</p> @@ -12345,7 +12304,7 @@ road on the left.</p> <p>"He is really going to the Palo Quemado," the adventurer muttered; "we shall find him there."</p> -<p>"That is probable," López said with the utmost coolness.</p> +<p>"That is probable," López said with the utmost coolness.</p> <p>"It is strange that I did not guess that sooner, for it is easy enough."</p> @@ -12356,12 +12315,12 @@ surrounding country.</p> <p>"Here is the Palo Quemado," don Jaime said.</p> -<p>"Yes," was all that López answered.</p> +<p>"Yes," was all that López answered.</p> <p>They advanced a few paces, and then stopped. All at once a dog began barking furiously.</p> -<p>"¡Demonio!" don Jaime exclaimed; "We must pass, or that accursed animal +<p>"¡Demonio!" don Jaime exclaimed; "We must pass, or that accursed animal will betray us."</p> <p>They spurred their horses, and darted past at full speed. At the end of @@ -12370,7 +12329,7 @@ was quite silent. The horsemen stopped, and don Jaime dismounted.</p> <p>"Hide the horses somewhere in the vicinity," he said, "and wait for me."</p> -<p>López made no answer, the worthy man was not given to talking, and +<p>López made no answer, the worthy man was not given to talking, and did not care to lavish his words unnecessarily. The adventurer, after inspecting his weapons with the great care so as to be sure, in the probable event of his being obliged to use them, that they would not @@ -12457,9 +12416,9 @@ he was beginning to stray into abstruse arguments, and seemed to be supporting with indomitable doggedness a condition which he wished to impose on his two hearers, and to which they would not consent.</p> -<p>"No," he repeated, incessantly, "it is useless to press me, señores, +<p>"No," he repeated, incessantly, "it is useless to press me, señores, I will not give you the letter you ask of me. I am an honest man, and -have only one word, <i>¡voto a brios!</i>" and at each sentence he struck +have only one word, <i>¡voto a brios!</i>" and at each sentence he struck the table with his fist.</p> <p>"But," don Melchior remarked, "if you insist on keeping this letter, @@ -12496,8 +12455,8 @@ President intrusted to you for us?"</p> ten thousand piastres. It is really giving it away, but I am an honest man."</p> -<p>"Hum!" the adventurer muttered to himself, "An autograph of señor -Benito Juárez is really precious. I would not bargain if he offered it +<p>"Hum!" the adventurer muttered to himself, "An autograph of señor +Benito Juárez is really precious. I would not bargain if he offered it to me."</p> <p>"But," don Melchior exclaimed, "you will commit a scandalous robbery in @@ -12595,7 +12554,7 @@ my dear don Felipe?"</p> <p>"Several things," the adventurer replied; "but let us proceed regularly, as there is no hurry."</p> -<p>The guerillero poured out a tumbler of Cataluña refino, raised it to +<p>The guerillero poured out a tumbler of Cataluña refino, raised it to his lips, and emptied it at a draught.</p> <p>"Take care," the adventurer observed to him; "Spanish brandy is strong, @@ -12642,7 +12601,7 @@ have its turn, I assure you, but that is not the point for the moment."</p> over slightly to the guerillero.</p> <p>"How much," he said, "did you ask your noble friends for the letter -which señor don Benito Juárez ordered you to deliver to them?"</p> +which señor don Benito Juárez ordered you to deliver to them?"</p> <p>Don Felipe fixed on him a look of terror, and mechanically made the sign of the cross.</p> @@ -12653,10 +12612,10 @@ sign of the cross.</p> things about you more especially, and the numerous businesses you carry on. I know the bargain you made with a certain don Diego: moreover, if you desire it, I will repeat to you word for word the conversation -which you held scarce an hour ago in this very room with the señores +which you held scarce an hour ago in this very room with the señores don Melchior de la Cruz and Don Antonio de Cacerbar. Now, let us come to facts: I wish you to give me—you understand me, I suppose?—Give -me, and not sell me, the letter of señor Juárez which you have in your +me, and not sell me, the letter of señor Juárez which you have in your dolman, which you refused to the honourable caballeros whose names I mentioned to you, and surrender to me at the same time the other papers of which you are the bearer, and which I presume must be very @@ -12853,7 +12812,7 @@ as he could in his cloak, which was cut to pieces, he left the room, reached the passage, went through the hole in the hedge unnoticed by the sentry who was still standing in front of the door, and on arriving at a certain distance from the Palo Quemado, he imitated the hoot of -the owl. Almost immediately López appeared with the two horses.</p> +the owl. Almost immediately López appeared with the two horses.</p> <p>"To Mexico," don Jaime cried, as he bounded into the saddle; "this time, I believe, I hold my vengeance."</p> @@ -12884,7 +12843,7 @@ market, so that it was easy for them to enter the city unnoticed. Don Jaime proceeded straight to the house he inhabited in the calle de San Francisco, near the Plaza Mayor.</p> -<p>On reaching home, he dismissed López, who was literally falling asleep. +<p>On reaching home, he dismissed López, who was literally falling asleep. In spite of the copious draughts which he had taken while his master was at the Palo Quemado, he gave him leave for the whole day, merely appointing a meeting with him the same evening, and then withdrew to @@ -12915,7 +12874,7 @@ honour to be his residuary legatee. It was to fulfil this sacred promise that he went out. About six o'clock he returned home. His word was liberated. He had delivered to don Felipe's mother and sister the fortunes which a knife thrust had made them so promptly inherit. At the -door of his house the adventurer found López, quite refreshed, who was +door of his house the adventurer found López, quite refreshed, who was awaiting him. The peon had prepared a modest dinner for his master.</p> <p>"What news is there?" don Jaime asked him, as he sat down to talk, and @@ -12947,7 +12906,7 @@ reported."</p> <p>"The news is rather probable. The enemy must at this moment be concentrating his forces. What next?"</p> -<p>López burst into a laugh.</p> +<p>López burst into a laugh.</p> <p>"Why are you laughing, animal?" don Jaime asked him.</p> @@ -12956,7 +12915,7 @@ concentrating his forces. What next?"</p> <p>"Is it very funny?"</p> <p>"Well, you shall judge. It is said that one of the most formidable -guerillero chiefs of Benito Juárez was found this morning killed by a +guerillero chiefs of Benito Juárez was found this morning killed by a knife in a room at the rancho of the Palo Quemado."</p> <p>"Oh, oh!" said don Jaime, smiling in his turn, "And do they say how @@ -12980,7 +12939,7 @@ sleeping only a few yards off, heard nothing."</p> his name—was a frightful tyrant, without faith or law, about whom numberless atrocities are reported."</p> -<p>"If that is the case, my dear López, everything is for the best, and we +<p>"If that is the case, my dear López, everything is for the best, and we need not trouble ourselves any further about the scoundrel," don Jaime said as he rose.</p> @@ -13003,7 +12962,7 @@ you."</p> under the portales of the Plaza Mayor, so that he might reach the palace exactly at the appointed hour. At eight o'clock precisely the adventurer presented himself at the palace gates. An usher was waiting -to lead him to the President. General Miramón was walking, sad and +to lead him to the President. General Miramón was walking, sad and pensive, up and down a small saloon adjoining his private apartments; on perceiving don Jaime, his face became more cheerful.</p> @@ -13015,13 +12974,13 @@ side, and let us talk, if you are willing."</p> <p>"I find, you sorrowful, General; has anything annoying happened to you?"</p> <p>"No, my friend, nothing; but you know that for a long time past I have -not had much cause for gaiety, I have just left Madame Miramón, the +not had much cause for gaiety, I have just left Madame Miramón, the poor woman is trembling, not for herself, dear and gentle creature, but for her children. She sees everything in dark colours, and foresees terrible disasters. She has been weeping, and that is why you find me sad."</p> -<p>"But why not, General, send Madame Miramón away from this city, which +<p>"But why not, General, send Madame Miramón away from this city, which may be besieged any day?"</p> <p>"I have proposed it to her several times, I have insisted by trying to @@ -13071,7 +13030,7 @@ fortune may again smile on me."</p> of the Mexican Confederation, with pins stuck into it at a great number of points.</p> -<p>The President continued:—"Don Benito Juárez, from his capital of +<p>The President continued:—"Don Benito Juárez, from his capital of Veracruz, has ordered the concentration of his troops, and their immediate march on Mexico, where we are shut in, the only point of the territory we still hold; alas! Here is General Ortega's corps @@ -13079,7 +13038,7 @@ composed of 11,000 veteran troops, it is coming from the interior, that is to say, from Guadalajara, picking up on its passage all the small detachments scattered over the country. Amondia and Gazza are coming from Jalapa, bringing with them nearly 6000 regulars, and flanked on -the right and left by the guerillas of Cuéllar, Carvajal, and don +the right and left by the guerillas of Cuéllar, Carvajal, and don Felipe Neri Irzabal."</p> <p>"As for the last, General, you need not trouble yourself about him @@ -13145,7 +13104,7 @@ to discuss them."</p> <p>"Thanks, let us quit this subject and return to what we were saying; I do not wish by my fault to entail the destruction of the capital, and expose it to the sanguinary horrors of pillage, which always follow -the capture of a besieged city. I know Juárez's guerillas, the bandits +the capture of a besieged city. I know Juárez's guerillas, the bandits who compose them would cause irreparable misfortunes if the city were handed over to them, they would not leave one stone on the other, be assured my friend."</p> @@ -13180,7 +13139,7 @@ can reckon on you, I suppose?"</p> <p>"Of course, General; am I not yours, body and soul?"</p> <p>"I know it, my friend: but enough of politics at present. Pray -accompany me to the apartments of madame Miramón; she eagerly desires +accompany me to the apartments of madame Miramón; she eagerly desires to see you."</p> <p>"This gracious invitation fills me with joy, General; and yet I should @@ -13198,7 +13157,7 @@ late."</p> blessing left us, as the future no longer belongs to us."</p> <p>And taking don Jaime by the arm, he gently led him to the apartments of -madame Miramón, a charming, timid, and loving woman—the true guardian +madame Miramón, a charming, timid, and loving woman—the true guardian angel of the general; who was terrified by her husband's greatness and was only happy in private life, between her two children.</p> @@ -13208,17 +13167,17 @@ was only happy in private life, between her two children.</p> <h5><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></h5> -<h4>JESÚS DOMÍNGUEZ.</h4> +<h4>JESÚS DOMÃNGUEZ.</h4> -<p>At the end of an hour, don Jaime left the palace followed by López, +<p>At the end of an hour, don Jaime left the palace followed by López, went to the house in the suburbs, where he found the count and his friend, who wholly occupied with their love, and indifferent to the events that were going on around them, spent whole days with those whom they loved, enjoying with the happy carelessness of youth the present, which seemed to them so sweet, without wishing to think of the future.</p> -<p>"Oh, here you are at last, brother!" doña María exclaimed joyfully. +<p>"Oh, here you are at last, brother!" doña MarÃa exclaimed joyfully. "What a stranger you have grown!"</p> <p>"Business!" the adventurer answered with a smile.</p> @@ -13231,7 +13190,7 @@ his arm, was waiting for the party to sit down.</p> not let you sup alone with these caballeros, if you will permit me to bear you company."</p> -<p>"What happiness!" doña Carmen exclaimed.</p> +<p>"What happiness!" doña Carmen exclaimed.</p> <p>The gentlemen offered a hand to the ladies and led them to their seats, after which they sat down by their side. The supper began. It was as it @@ -13244,7 +13203,7 @@ console in the dining room The twelve strokes fell one after the other with a majestic slowness into the midst of the conversation, which they suddenly chilled and stopped.</p> -<p>"Good gracious!" doña Dolores exclaimed, with a slight start of terror, +<p>"Good gracious!" doña Dolores exclaimed, with a slight start of terror, "So late!"</p> <p>"How time passes!" don Jaime said carelessly. "We must now think of @@ -13252,8 +13211,8 @@ going."</p> <p>They left the table; and the three friends, after promising to visit the three recluses as often and soon as possible, at length withdrew, -leaving the ladies at liberty to retire. López was waiting for his -master under the <i>zaguán</i>.</p> +leaving the ladies at liberty to retire. López was waiting for his +master under the <i>zaguán</i>.</p> <p>"What do you want?" the latter asked him.</p> @@ -13284,7 +13243,7 @@ inform you of what has taken place between this man and myself."</p> <p>"Good-bye."</p> <p>They then went out, followed by Leo Carral and the count's two -servants. Doña María's old servant closed the gate with a bang, but was +servants. Doña MarÃa's old servant closed the gate with a bang, but was careful to open it again noiselessly. Don Jaime placed himself at the wicket, whence it was easy to watch all the movements of the supposed spy. At the noise caused by the departure of the young men, the latter @@ -13304,8 +13263,8 @@ him up to a statuette of the Virgin placed in a niche above a shop, in front of which some tapers were burning, and then, with a backhander he knocked off his prisoner's hat and curiously examined his features.</p> -<p>"Ah, señor Jesús Domínguez," he said an instant after, in an ironical -voice, "is it you? ¡Viva Dios! I did not expect to meet you here."</p> +<p>"Ah, señor Jesús DomÃnguez," he said an instant after, in an ironical +voice, "is it you? ¡Viva Dios! I did not expect to meet you here."</p> <p>The poor wretch looked piteously at the man in whose power he was, but made no answer. The adventurer waited a moment, then seeing that his @@ -13338,7 +13297,7 @@ tightly? You are twisting it so cruelly, that it must be broken."</p> <p>"Very good," he said, loosing his hold; "but make no attempt to fly, for you would suffer for it. Now speak."</p> -<p>Jesús Domínguez, on feeling himself delivered from the adventurer's +<p>Jesús DomÃnguez, on feeling himself delivered from the adventurer's rough grasp, gave a sigh of relief, shook his arm several times, in order to re-establish the circulation, and then decided on speaking.</p> @@ -13364,7 +13323,7 @@ accompanies me, and it was by his express orders I came."</p> <p>"Certainly Excellency. He is don Melchior de la Cruz."</p> -<p>"I suspected it. Now I can guess all. You are ordered to spy doña +<p>"I suspected it. Now I can guess all. You are ordered to spy doña Dolores de la Cruz, I suppose?"</p> <p>"Yes, Excellency."</p> @@ -13397,7 +13356,7 @@ it is impossible to resist you. I prefer telling you everything!"</p> <p>"You will act wisely."</p> <p>"Well, this is the matter in a few words. I was not only ordered to -watch doña Dolores, but also the old and young lady with whom she +watch doña Dolores, but also the old and young lady with whom she resides, as well as all the persons who visit them."</p> <p>"Hang it all! That was work enough for one man."</p> @@ -13463,7 +13422,7 @@ Employ me, Excellency, I implore you."</p> <p>"Try me, and you will see, Excellency; that is all I say."</p> -<p>The adventurer pretended to reflect. Jesús Domínguez anxiously waited.</p> +<p>The adventurer pretended to reflect. Jesús DomÃnguez anxiously waited.</p> <p>"No," he said at last; "you are a man who cannot be trusted."</p> @@ -13502,7 +13461,7 @@ advance."</p> impossible!"</p> <p>"It is so possible that here they are," he continued, taking them from -his pocket, and placing them in Jesús' hand.</p> +his pocket, and placing them in Jesús' hand.</p> <p>The bandit clutched them with a movement of feverish joy.</p> @@ -13558,7 +13517,7 @@ anxiety, they were already preparing to go in search of him, when he entered: they received him with warm testimonies of joy, and then asked him about his expedition. Don Jaime saw no reason for keeping them in ignorance of what had taken place, and he repeated to them in detail -his conversation with Jesús Domínguez, and how he had led him to betray +his conversation with Jesús DomÃnguez, and how he had led him to betray his master. This narrative greatly amused the young men. The three remained together till daybreak: shortly before sunrise they separated, don Jaime's last remark on leaving them being the following:</p> @@ -13591,18 +13550,18 @@ smoking his cigar, listening to everything that was said with the simplicity of a believer, accepting as true all the monstrous absurdities invented by the novelists of the street corners, and not saying a word himself. Every day he took a walk on the canal de Las -Vigas, accident made him meet Jesús Domínguez, they conversed for a +Vigas, accident made him meet Jesús DomÃnguez, they conversed for a long time while walking side by side, and then separated apparently mutually satisfied. For the last two or three days, however, don Jaime had not seemed so pleased with his spy, sharp words and covert threats were exchanged between them.</p> -<p>"My friend Jesús Domínguez;" don Jaime said to his spy at the sixth or +<p>"My friend Jesús DomÃnguez;" don Jaime said to his spy at the sixth or seventh interview he had with him: "take care; I fancy I can perceive that you have been trying to play a double game. I have a fine nose as you are aware, and scent treachery."</p> -<p>"Oh, Excellency," Jesús Domínguez exclaimed, "you are mistaken; I am on +<p>"Oh, Excellency," Jesús DomÃnguez exclaimed, "you are mistaken; I am on the contrary most faithful, be assured of that, for men do not betray a generous caballero like yourself."</p> @@ -13612,7 +13571,7 @@ promised me for the last three days."</p> <p>Upon this don Jaime left the spy greatly abashed by this sharp reprimand, and very anxious as to the turn matters might take if he -did not act prudently; for, it must be confessed, Jesús Domínguez' +did not act prudently; for, it must be confessed, Jesús DomÃnguez' conscience was not very tranquil. Don Jaime's suspicions were not totally devoid of foundation; if the spy had not yet betrayed his generous protector, the idea had occurred to him of doing so, and for @@ -13622,7 +13581,7 @@ brilliant stroke in order to regain his confidence; for this purpose he decided on taking the papers which don Jaime asked of him, and handing them to him on the morrow, with a determination of stealing them from him again if he considered it worth the while. On the next day, at the -appointed hour, don Jaime was at the place of meeting: Jesús Domínguez +appointed hour, don Jaime was at the place of meeting: Jesús DomÃnguez speedily arrived, and with a great display of devotedness according to his wont, handed a rather large bundle of papers to the adventurer; the latter took a rapid glance at them, concealed them under his cloak, @@ -13630,7 +13589,7 @@ and after letting a heavy purse of gold drop into the guerillero's hand, he brusquely turned his back on him, without listening to his protestations.</p> -<p>"¡Diablos!" Jesús Domínguez muttered. "He does not seem in a very sweet +<p>"¡Diablos!" Jesús DomÃnguez muttered. "He does not seem in a very sweet temper today, so I must not leave him the time to take his precautions: I have luckily discovered where he lives, and now I must act and go and tell everything to don Melchior. I shall be able to arrange @@ -13640,7 +13599,7 @@ betray him, don Melchior will be enchanted, and congratulate me on my skill. By Heavens! Sense is a fine thing. I am decidedly a man full of intelligence."</p> -<p>While complimenting himself thus in an aside, Jesús Domínguez, who +<p>While complimenting himself thus in an aside, Jesús DomÃnguez, who was walking with his head down as persons who are reflecting do, ran full butt against two individuals who were walking arm in arm and conversing. The two persons were probably quick tempered, for they @@ -13660,7 +13619,7 @@ poor fellow was really dead; after which they quietly went off, though not till they had eased him of his money and everything that could prove his identity.</p> -<p>Thus died señor Jesús Domínguez. The celadores picked up his body two +<p>Thus died señor Jesús DomÃnguez. The celadores picked up his body two hours later, and as no one recognized it, it was unceremoniously cast into a hole dug in the cemetery, without further enquiry. Don Melchior was perhaps astonished at not seeing him again; but as he placed slight @@ -13678,7 +13637,7 @@ him.</p> <p>The few days which had elapsed since his interview with don Jaime, -were not wasted by General don Miguel Miramón. Decided on playing a +were not wasted by General don Miguel Miramón. Decided on playing a last stake, he had not been willing to risk it till he had as far as possible equalized the advantages, even though he might not have all the chances on his side, so as to render the struggle which, whatever @@ -13693,7 +13652,7 @@ to repair the injury which this stroke had done him, and paved the way for a negotiation, by which he pledged himself to refund in London the money he had so unfortunately taken; while alleging as excuse for this audacious act that it was only intended as reprisals -against Mr. Mathew, the Chargé d'Affaires of the British Government, +against Mr. Mathew, the Chargé d'Affaires of the British Government, whose incessant machinations and hostile demonstrations against the recognized government of Mexico had placed the President in the critical position in which he now found himself. As a proof of this @@ -13710,13 +13669,13 @@ journal. This publication had produced all the effect the President anticipated from it, and, by increasing the instinctive hatred of the population for the English nation, regained him the sympathies of a few.</p> -<p>Miramón then redoubled his efforts, and, at length succeeded in arming +<p>Miramón then redoubled his efforts, and, at length succeeded in arming eight thousand men—a very small number against the twenty-four thousand who menaced him—for General Huerta, whose conduct had for some time past been marked with hesitation, at length decided on leaving Morelia at the head of four thousand men, who, joined to the -eleven thousand of González Ortega, the five thousand of Gazza Amondia, -and the four thousand of Aureliano Carvajal and Cuéllar, formed an +eleven thousand of González Ortega, the five thousand of Gazza Amondia, +and the four thousand of Aureliano Carvajal and Cuéllar, formed an effective strength of twenty-four thousand men, who were advanced by forced marches on Mexico, and would speedily appear before the city. The situation became more critical with every moment. The population, @@ -13724,7 +13683,7 @@ ignorant of the President's plans, were agitated by the most lively terror, expecting at any moment to see the heads of the Juarist columns debouch, and to undergo all the horrors of a siege.</p> -<p>In the meanwhile, Miramón, who was anxious before all not to lose the +<p>In the meanwhile, Miramón, who was anxious before all not to lose the esteem of his countrymen, and to calm the exaggerated fears of the population, resolved on convoking the ayuntamiento. He then strove, by a speech full of courage, to make these representatives of the @@ -13735,7 +13694,7 @@ and that, whatever might be the result of the battle he proposed to fight, the city would have no cause to fear a siege. This assurance slightly calmed the fears of the population, and stopped, as if by enchantment, the tentatives at disorder, and the seditious cries which -the hidden partizans of Juárez secretly excited among the groups +the hidden partizans of Juárez secretly excited among the groups assembled in the squares, which were constantly stationed there for the last two or three days, and even bivouacked there at night.</p> @@ -13749,24 +13708,24 @@ proposed, some of which, as always happens under such circumstances, were impracticable—and others which, had they been adopted, might possibly have saved the government.</p> -<p>Unfortunately, on this day, General Miramón, usually so sensible and +<p>Unfortunately, on this day, General Miramón, usually so sensible and prudent, allowed himself to be carried away by his personal resentment, instead of considering the true interests of the nation.</p> -<p>Don Benito Juárez is a lawyer. We will mention, in passing, that, since +<p>Don Benito Juárez is a lawyer. We will mention, in passing, that, since the proclamation of Mexican Independence, he is the sole President of the Republic who has not emerged from the ranks of the army, or -belonged to the magistracy. Now, Juárez, not being a soldier, could +belonged to the magistracy. Now, Juárez, not being a soldier, could not place himself at the head of his army. Hence, he had temporarily established his residence at Veracruz, which he had made his capital, -and appointed don González Ortega Commander-in-Chief, with the most +and appointed don González Ortega Commander-in-Chief, with the most extensive powers as regarded questions of military strategy, trusting entirely to special knowledge and experience for the conduct of the war. But he had completely held back the diplomatic question in his own hands, not wishing that General Ortega, a brave soldier but very bad negotiator, should compromise, by misplaced generosity, the success which he anticipated from his cautious And crafty policy. It -was General Ortega by whom Miramón had been defeated at Silao. The +was General Ortega by whom Miramón had been defeated at Silao. The resentment at this defeat had remained ever present in the President's heart: and he felt the most lively desire to wash out the insult he had received on that occasion. Hence, forgetting his habitual prudence, and @@ -13802,7 +13761,7 @@ finished."</p> <p>"Do so, pray, General," the adventurer said, seating himself in a butaca.</p> -<p>Miramón resumed his momentarily interrupted occupation. Don Jaime gazed +<p>Miramón resumed his momentarily interrupted occupation. Don Jaime gazed at him for a moment with an expression of indescribable melancholy.</p> <p>"So," he said, "your resolution is decidedly formed, General?"</p> @@ -13825,13 +13784,13 @@ don Jaime."</p> <p>"Now, be kind enough to tell what direction you intend to follow, and the corps you have resolved to attack."</p> -<p>"I intend to take the bull by the horns; that is to say, González +<p>"I intend to take the bull by the horns; that is to say, González Ortega himself."</p> <p>The adventurer shook his head, but did not venture the slightest observation. He merely said, "Very good."</p> -<p>Miramón left his writing table and sat down by his side. "There that is +<p>Miramón left his writing table and sat down by his side. "There that is finished," he said; "now I am at your service. I guess that you wish to make up some important communication; so speak, don Jaime, I am ready to hear you."</p> @@ -13844,7 +13803,7 @@ read it without displaying the slightest sign of surprise, and then returned it to the adventurer. "Have you read the signature?" he said.</p> <p>"Yes," he replied coldly; "it is a letter of credit given by don -Benito Juárez to don Antonio Cacerbar, recommending the latter to his +Benito Juárez to don Antonio Cacerbar, recommending the latter to his adherents."</p> <p>"It is really so, General; you have now no doubts left as to that man's @@ -13872,7 +13831,7 @@ my position was most precarious, he did not hesitate to recognize my government. Since then he has offered me the best advice, and given the greatest proof of sympathy; his conduct has been so kind toward me, that he has compromised his diplomatic position, and so soon as -Juárez obtains the power, he will certainly hand him his passports. Don +Juárez obtains the power, he will certainly hand him his passports. Don Pacheco is aware of all this, and yet, at this moment, when I am all but ruined, his conduct remains the same. It is on him alone—I confess it—I reckon to obtain from the enemy, in the probable event of a @@ -14009,7 +13968,7 @@ of you."</p> <p>After affectionately pressing the hand which the general offered him, don Jaime withdrew.</p> -<p>López was waiting for him at the palace gate; he mounted his horse, and +<p>López was waiting for him at the palace gate; he mounted his horse, and at once returned home. After writing some letters, which he ordered his peon to deliver at once, don Jaime changed his dress, took certain papers locked up in a bronze casket, assured himself that the hour was @@ -14017,7 +13976,7 @@ not improper (it was hardly ten at night), then went out, and hurried toward the Spanish Embassy, from which he was at no great distance. The ambassador's door was still open; servants in handsome liveries were moving about the courtyard and vestibule; a porter was standing at the -entrance of the <i>zaguán</i>, halberd in hand.</p> +entrance of the <i>zaguán</i>, halberd in hand.</p> <p>Don Jaime addressed him. The porter called a footman, and made the adventurer a sign to follow this man. On reaching an antechamber, an @@ -14077,7 +14036,7 @@ ambassador said.</p> bearing the arms of Spain and the Embassy stamp, signed it, sealed it, and then handed it open to don Jaime.</p> -<p>"Here," he said, "is a letter for his Excellency, General Miramón; will +<p>"Here," he said, "is a letter for his Excellency, General Miramón; will you take charge of it, or do you prefer it being sent by the Embassy?"</p> <p>"I will take charge of it, with your Excellency's permission," he @@ -14128,9 +14087,9 @@ of the loungers. At about ten a.m. loud shouts were heard rapidly drawing nearer the Paseo. The people were greeting the President of the Republic.</p> -<p>General Miramón came up in the midst of a brilliant staff. The +<p>General Miramón came up in the midst of a brilliant staff. The expression on the President's face was a glad one, he seemed to be -pleased with these shouts of "Long live Miramón!" uttered as he +pleased with these shouts of "Long live Miramón!" uttered as he passed, and which proved to him that the people still loved him and were displaying, after their fashion, their gratitude for the heroic resolution he had formed of risking a final battle on the open field, @@ -14142,7 +14101,7 @@ rapid orders ran along the ranks, the soldiers fell in, the regimental bands began playing, the bugles sounded, the drums beat, the general passed slowly along the front, and the review began. The soldiers seemed full of ardour, the crowd had communicated their enthusiasm to -them, and they shouted, "Long live Miramón!" heartily, as the President +them, and they shouted, "Long live Miramón!" heartily, as the President passed.</p> <p>The inspection held by the general was short and conscientious. It was @@ -14163,7 +14122,7 @@ congratulated the commanding officers, and then the marching pass began; but, after passing in front of the President, the troops resumed their former positions, and established a temporary bivouac.</p> -<p>Miramón, not wishing uselessly to fatigue his troops by compelling +<p>Miramón, not wishing uselessly to fatigue his troops by compelling them to march during the great heat, had resolved not to set out till nightfall. Up to that moment the troops would bivouac on the Paseo. Among the officers who composed the President's staff, and returned @@ -14215,7 +14174,7 @@ present, my friends."</p> <p>They separated. Don Jaime entered the palace and proceeded to the President's cabinet. The usher knew him, and raised no difficulty about -letting him pass. Miramón was listening to the reports several scouts +letting him pass. Miramón was listening to the reports several scouts made him touching the enemy's movements. Don Jaime sat down and waited patiently till the President had finished his examination. At length the last scout completed his report and withdrew.</p> @@ -14295,12 +14254,12 @@ the troops camped, orders were given not to light any bivouac fires. At about three in the morning a scout arrived. He was at once conducted to the President.</p> -<p>"Ah, ah! It is you, López?" the general said, on recognizing him.</p> +<p>"Ah, ah! It is you, López?" the general said, on recognizing him.</p> -<p>"Yes, General," López replied, with a smile to don Jaime, who was +<p>"Yes, General," López replied, with a smile to don Jaime, who was seating by the President's side negligently smoking a cigarette.</p> -<p>"What news? Have you heard anything about the enemy?" Miramón asked.</p> +<p>"What news? Have you heard anything about the enemy?" Miramón asked.</p> <p>"Yes, General, and quite fresh."</p> @@ -14310,7 +14269,7 @@ seating by the President's side negligently smoking a cigarette.</p> <p>"Good, we shall soon be there then. Which corps is it?"</p> -<p>"That of General don González Ortega."</p> +<p>"That of General don González Ortega."</p> <p>"Bravo," the President said joyously, "you are a precious lad: here is something for you."</p> @@ -14331,9 +14290,9 @@ thousand are cavalry, and thirty-five guns."</p> <p>"Good, rest yourself, you have an hour to sleep."</p> -<p>López bowed and withdrew.</p> +<p>López bowed and withdrew.</p> -<p>"At last then," said Miramón, "we are going to meet face to face."</p> +<p>"At last then," said Miramón, "we are going to meet face to face."</p> <p>"How many troops have you, General?" don Jaime asked.</p> @@ -14344,7 +14303,7 @@ double my friend, courage will make up for the deficiency."</p> <p>"May heaven grant it!"</p> -<p>At four o'clock the camp was raised: López acted; as guide. The troops, +<p>At four o'clock the camp was raised: López acted; as guide. The troops, shivering with cold, were in a very unsatisfactory temper. At about seven they; halted, the army was drawn up in battle array in a very advantageous position and the guns placed in battery. Don Jaime drew @@ -14352,12 +14311,12 @@ up his horse behind the regular cavalry. Then, all arrangements being made, they breakfasted. At eight o'clock, what the Spaniards call a <i>tiroteo</i> began to be heard: the outposts were falling back before the heads of Ortega's columns, which were debouching on the battlefield -selected by Miramón, and were exchanging shots with them.</p> +selected by Miramón, and were exchanging shots with them.</p> <p>Nothing would have been easier for the President than to avoid the -battle, but he did not wish it, as he longed for the end. Miramón was -surrounded by his surest lieutenants, Vélez, Cobos, Negrete, Ayestarán -and Márquez. On perceiving the enemy he mounted his horse, rode along +battle, but he did not wish it, as he longed for the end. Miramón was +surrounded by his surest lieutenants, Vélez, Cobos, Negrete, Ayestarán +and Márquez. On perceiving the enemy he mounted his horse, rode along the ranks of his small army, gave his instructions in a loud sharp voice, strove to communicate to all the valiant ardor that inflated him, and raising his sword in the air, shouted—</p> @@ -14365,7 +14324,7 @@ him, and raising his sword in the air, shouted—</p> <p>"Forward!"</p> <p>The battle at once commenced. The Juarist army forced to form under -the enemy's fire, had a marked disadvantage. Miramón's troops, excited +the enemy's fire, had a marked disadvantage. Miramón's troops, excited by the example of their young chief, who was only twenty-six years of age, fought like lions and performed prodigies of valour. In vain did the Juarists try to establish themselves in the position they had @@ -14374,13 +14333,13 @@ the enemy. In spite of their numerical superiority, the soldiers only advanced inch by inch, and were constantly driven back and broken by the President's troops.</p> -<p>Miramón's lieutenants, into whom his soul seemed to have passed, placed +<p>Miramón's lieutenants, into whom his soul seemed to have passed, placed themselves at the head of the troops, drew them after them, and dashed into the thickest of the fight. One more effort, and the battle was -gained, and Ortega forced to retreat. Miramón hurried up. He judged +gained, and Ortega forced to retreat. Miramón hurried up. He judged the position with an infallible glance. The moment had arrived to hurl his cavalry on the centre of the Juarists, and break it by a decisive -charge. The President shouted: "charge!" The cavalry hesitated. Miramón +charge. The President shouted: "charge!" The cavalry hesitated. Miramón repeated the order. The cavalry set out, but, instead charging, one-half went over to the enemy, and charged with couched lances, the other half that still remained faithful. Demoralized by this @@ -14390,12 +14349,12 @@ cowardly deserted, fought without energy.</p> <p>Cries of "treachery, treachery!" ran along the ranks. In vain did the officers try to lead the soldiers again against the enemy. They were -demoralized. Ere long the flight became general. Miramón's army no +demoralized. Ere long the flight became general. Miramón's army no longer existed. Ortega was once again the victor but through a shameful treachery at the very moment when he had lost the battle.</p> <p>We have said that don Jaime took up a position with his cuadrilla in -the rear of Miramón's cavalry. Certainly, if three hundred men could +the rear of Miramón's cavalry. Certainly, if three hundred men could have changed the issue of the battle, these brave horsemen would have accomplished the prodigy. Even when the rout was general, they continued fighting with unparalleled obstinacy against the Juarist @@ -14415,29 +14374,29 @@ loosened. There a gap, and through this gap the cuadrilla passed, carrying off don Melchior in its centre—a prisoner.</p> <p>"To the President! To the President!" don Jaime shouted, as he dashed -with his whole band up to Miramón, who was vainly trying to rally a few +with his whole band up to Miramón, who was vainly trying to rally a few detachments.</p> -<p>Miramón's lieutenants, who were all his friends, had not abandoned +<p>Miramón's lieutenants, who were all his friends, had not abandoned him. They had sworn to die with him. The cuadrilla made a last charge for the purpose of disengaging the general. Then, after taking one -despairing glance at the battlefield, Miramón consented to listen to +despairing glance at the battlefield, Miramón consented to listen to his friends, and retreat. Of his whole army, scarce a thousand men remained to him. The rest were dead, dispersed, or had gone over to the enemy.</p> -<p>The first moments of the retreat were terrible. Miramón was suffering +<p>The first moments of the retreat were terrible. Miramón was suffering from a fearful sorrow, caused not by his defeat, which he had foreseen, but by the cowardly treachery of which he was the victim. When they no longer feared being caught up by the enemy, the President ordered a -halt, to enable the horses to breathe. Miramón, leaning against a tree, +halt, to enable the horses to breathe. Miramón, leaning against a tree, with folded arms and drooping head, maintained a stern silence, which his generals, standing near him, did not venture to break.</p> <p>Don Jaime advanced, and, stopping two paces from the President, said: "General!"</p> -<p>At the sound of this friendly voice, Miramón raised his head, and +<p>At the sound of this friendly voice, Miramón raised his head, and offered his hand to the adventurer.</p> <p>"Is it you?" he said, "My friend? Oh! Why did I so obstinately refuse @@ -14472,7 +14431,7 @@ infernal regions to seize him."</p> <p>"By Heaven!" Cobos exclaimed; "the villain deserves quartering."</p> -<p>"Bring the man here," Miramón said, sadly; for his heart was painfully +<p>"Bring the man here," Miramón said, sadly; for his heart was painfully affected at being forced to act severely; "he shall be tried."</p> <p>"That will not take long," said General Negrete; "he will meet with the @@ -14520,12 +14479,12 @@ insult, looked around him in horror, and made a movement to rise.</p> <p>A detonation was heard; the criminal uttered a fearful cry of agony, and fell with his face on the ground, writhing in awful convulsions.</p> -<p>"Finish him!" Miramón said, pityingly.</p> +<p>"Finish him!" Miramón said, pityingly.</p> <p>"No!" Cobos cried, roughly; "Let him die like a dog. The more he suffers, the more perfect our vengeance will be."</p> -<p>Miramón gave a look of disgust, and ordered the boot and saddle to be +<p>Miramón gave a look of disgust, and ordered the boot and saddle to be sounded. The troops set out. Only two men remained with the wretched man, watching him writhe at their feet in atrocious agony. These two men were General Cobos and don Jaime. Don Jaime bent down to him, @@ -14559,12 +14518,12 @@ of mocking laughter.</p> <h4>FACE TO FACE.</h4> -<p>When General Miramón arrived in Mexico, the news of his defeat was +<p>When General Miramón arrived in Mexico, the news of his defeat was already public. Then a singular fact occurred. The clergy and the -aristocracy, whom President Miramón had always supported and defended, +aristocracy, whom President Miramón had always supported and defended, and yet whose indifference and egotism had caused his ruin and entailed his destruction, now deplored the way in which they had behaved to the -man who was alone able of saving them. If Miramón had wished in this +man who was alone able of saving them. If Miramón had wished in this supreme hour to make an appeal to the people, they would immediately have gathered round him, and it would have been easy for him to organize a vigorous defense. The idea did not even occur to him. He was @@ -14576,8 +14535,8 @@ no longer necessary from the moment when Mexico was prepared to open its gates to the Federal troops without a blow.</p> <p>A deputation, composed of the ministers of France and Spain, General -Berriozábal, the prisoner of Toluca, and General Ayestarán, a -particular friend of Miramón, at once proceeded to General Ortega, in +Berriozábal, the prisoner of Toluca, and General Ayestarán, a +particular friend of Miramón, at once proceeded to General Ortega, in order to obtain an honorable capitulation.</p> <p>Don Antonio de Cacerbar had tried to join the deputation. He had @@ -14596,7 +14555,7 @@ as he was requested to do in the letter he had received, he summoned a dozen distinguished cutthroats, and concealed them behind the tapestry, in order to be ready for any event.</p> -<p>It was the day of Miramón's return to Mexico, and about nine o'clock +<p>It was the day of Miramón's return to Mexico, and about nine o'clock at night. Don Antonio had retired to his bedroom, and was reading, or rather, trying to read; for his troubled conscience did not allow him the necessary calmness of mind to take this innocent amusement, when he @@ -14612,9 +14571,9 @@ till one of the strangers resolved on speaking.</p> <p>This really happened.</p> -<p>"Señor don Antonio," one of them said, advancing a step, "I bring you -doña María, Duchess de Tobar, your sister-in-law, doña Carmen de Tobar, -your niece, and doña Dolores de la Cruz."</p> +<p>"Señor don Antonio," one of them said, advancing a step, "I bring you +doña MarÃa, Duchess de Tobar, your sister-in-law, doña Carmen de Tobar, +your niece, and doña Dolores de la Cruz."</p> <p>At these words, uttered with an accent of cutting irony, don Antonio fell back a step, and his face, was covered with an earthy paleness.</p> @@ -14622,7 +14581,7 @@ fell back a step, and his face, was covered with an earthy paleness.</p> <p>"I do not understand you," he said in a voice which he strove in vain to render firm, but which trembled.</p> -<p>"Do you not recognize me, don Horacio?" doña María then said in a soft +<p>"Do you not recognize me, don Horacio?" doña MarÃa then said in a soft voice; "Has grief so completely altered my features that it is possible for you to deny that I am the unhappy wife of the brother whom you assassinated?"</p> @@ -14635,7 +14594,7 @@ contempt, raising his voice.</p> <p>"You wish for witnesses to what is going to take place here, caballero? I presume you consider there are not enough of us to hear what is going -to be said. Well, I consent; come out of your hiding places, señores; +to be said. Well, I consent; come out of your hiding places, señores; and you, caballeros, come."</p> <p>At the same instant the tapestry was raised, the door opened, and some @@ -14656,12 +14615,12 @@ uncovered faces."</p> <p>With a gesture he removed the mask that covered his face: his companions imitated him. The reader will have recognized them already. They were don Jaime, Domingo, count Ludovic, Leo Carral, don Diego, and -Loïck, the ranchero.</p> +Loïck, the ranchero.</p> -<p>"Now, señor," don Jaime continued, "put off your borrowed name, as we +<p>"Now, señor," don Jaime continued, "put off your borrowed name, as we have thrown away our masks. Do you recognize me? I am don Jaime de Bivar, your sister-in-law's brother. For twenty-two years I have been -following you step by step, señor don Horacio de Tobar, watching all +following you step by step, señor don Horacio de Tobar, watching all your movements, and seeking the vengeance which Heaven at length grants me, great and complete as I dreamed of it."</p> @@ -14693,7 +14652,7 @@ is a Spanish ambassador in Mexico."</p> <p>"Yes," don Jaime answered, "but that ambassador leaves you to all the rigour of the Mexican laws."</p> -<p>"He, my friend, my protector, who introduced me to President Miramón? +<p>"He, my friend, my protector, who introduced me to President Miramón? It is not so, it cannot be. Besides, what have I, a foreigner, to fear from the laws of this country?"</p> @@ -14702,14 +14661,14 @@ order to betray it to the profit of another. That letter, which you demanded so earnestly from Colonel don Felipe, and which he refused to sell you, he gave me for nothing; and the compromising letters which were taken from you at Puebla, thanks to don Estevan, whom you do not -know, but who is your cousin, are at this moment in Juárez' hands. +know, but who is your cousin, are at this moment in Juárez' hands. Hence you are hopelessly lost in that quarter; for, as you are aware, -clemency is not one of señor don Benito Juárez' striking virtues. +clemency is not one of señor don Benito Juárez' striking virtues. Lastly, I also possess your most precious secret—that which you -believed so well guarded. I know of the existence of doña Carmen's twin +believed so well guarded. I know of the existence of doña Carmen's twin brother; I know also where he is, and can, if I like, suddenly bring him before you. See, here is the man to whom you sold your nephew," he -added, pointing to Loïck, who was standing motionless by his side.</p> +added, pointing to Loïck, who was standing motionless by his side.</p> <p>"Oh!" he muttered, falling back into a chair, and folding his arms in despair. "I am lost!"</p> @@ -14717,7 +14676,7 @@ despair. "I am lost!"</p> <p>"Yes, and most utterly lost, don Horacio," he said, contemptuously, "for not even death will be able to save you from dishonour."</p> -<p>"Speak, in Heaven's name!" doña María exclaimed, approaching her +<p>"Speak, in Heaven's name!" doña MarÃa exclaimed, approaching her brother-in-law, "tell me that I am not mistaken, that don Jaime really spoke the truth; that I have a son, in short, and that this son is the twin brother of my beloved Carmen?"</p> @@ -14741,7 +14700,7 @@ Don Jaime approached her.</p> <p>"Courage, poor woman!" he said to her, gently. There was a moment of mournful silence. In the room where so many persons were collected, nothing was to be heard but the sound of oppressed breathing and the -stifled sobs of doña María and the two young ladies. Don Horacio +stifled sobs of doña MarÃa and the two young ladies. Don Horacio advanced a step.</p> <p>"My noble brother-in-law," he said in a firm voice, impressed with @@ -14762,15 +14721,15 @@ to happen here, and fear a snare, I will not go except by the express order of don Jaime—it was he who brought me up; I am his adopted son, and it is my duty to defend him."</p> -<p>"Remain then, señor," don Horacio replied with a sorrowful smile, +<p>"Remain then, señor," don Horacio replied with a sorrowful smile, "since you may belong to our family." Don Jaime stepped forward at this moment. "Brother-in-law," he said to him, "that son, whom you carried off from my sister, the heir of the Dukes de Tobar, whom you believe -lost, I saved! Dominique, embrace your mother. María! This is your son!"</p> +lost, I saved! Dominique, embrace your mother. MarÃa! This is your son!"</p> <p>"Mother!" the young man cried, bounding wildly towards her, "Mother!"</p> -<p>"My son!" doña María murmured, in a dying voice, and fell fainting in +<p>"My son!" doña MarÃa murmured, in a dying voice, and fell fainting in the arms of the child she had at length recovered.</p> <p>Though resolute against grief, like all choice natures, joy had @@ -14787,10 +14746,10 @@ terrible voice, "coward and villain, my curses on you!"</p> <p>Don Horacio bowed his head before this anathema, but drawing himself up again immediately, he said, "God is just! My punishment is beginning. I knew that this man was alive. By great search I had succeeded in -finding again, under the name of Loïck, the wretch to whom I sold him +finding again, under the name of Loïck, the wretch to whom I sold him at the house of his birth."</p> -<p>"Yes," said don Jaime, "and this Loïck, whom want led into crime, +<p>"Yes," said don Jaime, "and this Loïck, whom want led into crime, repenting of his fault, restored him to me."</p> <p>"Yes, all this is true," don Horacio said, in a low voice. "This @@ -14815,7 +14774,7 @@ which I condemned my sister-in-law."</p> <p>"Will you refuse me? Are you pitiless?" he anxiously exclaimed.</p> -<p>At this moment, doña María left the sofa on which her son had laid her: +<p>At this moment, doña MarÃa left the sofa on which her son had laid her: walking with a slow and mechanical step toward don Horacio, she placed herself between him, her brother and her son. Then, stretching out her arm with supreme majesty, she said in a voice marked with ineffable @@ -14865,9 +14824,9 @@ first fratricide: Cain, what hast thou done with thy brother?"</p> <p>At these words, uttered in an awful tone, don Horacio sank senseless on the floor.</p> -<p>Don Jaime and doña María recoiled from him with horror. He remained +<p>Don Jaime and doña MarÃa recoiled from him with horror. He remained lying on the ground for some minutes, and the persons present did not -make a movement to succour him: at length doña María leaned over him.</p> +make a movement to succour him: at length doña MarÃa leaned over him.</p> <p>"Stay mother!" the young man exclaimed, "Do not touch that wretch! The contact would sully you!"</p> @@ -14894,10 +14853,10 @@ don Estevan alone remained in the sitting room with the young ladies, upon receiving a sign from don Jaime. Don Jaime then walked up to his sister and offered her his arm.</p> -<p>"Come," he said to her; "come, María, this scene is killing you. Your +<p>"Come," he said to her; "come, MarÃa, this scene is killing you. Your place is no longer here, now that you have forgiven this man."</p> -<p>Doña María offered but a slight resistance, and followed her brother, +<p>Doña MarÃa offered but a slight resistance, and followed her brother, who led her into the sitting room, the door of which he closed after them. The rolling of a carriage was heard, in which the three ladies returned home under the count's escort. At the same moment a clash of @@ -14916,7 +14875,7 @@ Antonio Cacerbar, you are my prisoner: corchetes, seize this man."</p> himself between his brother-in-law and the police agents.</p> <p>"Thanks," the latter said, "thanks for having saved the honour of my -name. Señores," he said in a loud voice, pointing to Dominique, who +name. Señores," he said in a loud voice, pointing to Dominique, who was standing by his side, "this is the Duke de Tobar. I am a great criminal; pray to Heaven to pardon me."</p> @@ -14929,7 +14888,7 @@ his mouth.</p> the floor without even a sigh. He was dead. Don Horacio had poisoned himself.</p> -<p>"Señores," don Jaime then said to the prefect and the Alcalde mayor, +<p>"Señores," don Jaime then said to the prefect and the Alcalde mayor, "your duty ceases with the death of the culprit; his corpse henceforth belongs to his family. Have the goodness to withdraw."</p> @@ -14967,25 +14926,25 @@ on their lips.</p> <p>In the meanwhile political events advanced with a fatal rapidity. The deputation sent to General Ortega returned to Mexico without obtaining any capitulation. The situation was becoming excessively -critical: under the circumstances, General Miramón displayed extreme +critical: under the circumstances, General Miramón displayed extreme self denial; not wishing to compromise the city of Mexico further, he resolved to abandon it on the same night. He therefore proceeded to the ayuntamiento, to whom he proposed to appoint a temporary President or Alcalde, who, through his previous relations with the triumphant party, would be able to save the city, and maintain order -in it. The ayuntamiento unanimously applied to General Berriozábal, +in it. The ayuntamiento unanimously applied to General Berriozábal, who generously accepted this difficult office. His first care was to request the foreign ministers to arm their countrymen, who would take the place of the disorganized police, and watch over and guard the general safety.</p> -<p>During this time Miramón made all his preparations for departure. Not +<p>During this time Miramón made all his preparations for departure. Not being able to take his wife and children with him on a flight whose incidents might be sanguinary, he resolved to entrust them to the Spanish ambassador, by whom they were received with all the respect to which their unhappy situation gave them a claim. Had he wished it, -Miramón would have gone away without having any violence to apprehend -from Juárez' partizans. Naturally good-hearted, if he was regarded as a +Miramón would have gone away without having any violence to apprehend +from Juárez' partizans. Naturally good-hearted, if he was regarded as a political adversary, no one hated him as a personal enemy. Propositions to escape alone had even been made him on several occasions, but with that chivalrous delicacy which is one of the noblest traits of his @@ -15006,11 +14965,11 @@ strange events of the previous day, at length took their leave, feeling somewhat alarmed about the protracted absence of don Jaime, owing to the confusion that prevailed at the moment in the city; they had just reached home, and were preparing to retire for the night, when -Raimbaut, the count's valet, announced López. The peon was armed as if +Raimbaut, the count's valet, announced López. The peon was armed as if for a dangerous expedition.</p> <p>"Oh! Oh!" the duke said to him, "What an arsenal you have about you, -López."</p> +López."</p> <p>"Have you a communication to make to us?" the count asked.</p> @@ -15030,7 +14989,7 @@ and wait."</p> <p>"Before an hour he will be here. He gave me orders to remain with you."</p> -<p>"Good! Take advantage of that hour to rest yourself, López, while we +<p>"Good! Take advantage of that hour to rest yourself, López, while we get ready."</p> <p>When don Jaime arrived at about eleven o'clock, his friends were @@ -15053,7 +15012,7 @@ me to tell you what I intend doing."</p> <p>"Very good. Go on."</p> -<p>"You are aware that I am very intimate with General Miramón," he +<p>"You are aware that I am very intimate with General Miramón," he continued.</p> <p>The young men nodded an affirmative.</p> @@ -15071,11 +15030,11 @@ said. "It does not concern us."</p> <p>"I do not see in all this," said the duke, "the part we have to play."</p> -<p>"It is this," don Jaime continued, "Miramón believes he can reckon on +<p>"It is this," don Jaime continued, "Miramón believes he can reckon on the fifteen hundred men who compose his escort. But I am persuaded of the contrary. The soldiers are attached to him, it is true, but they detest certain persons who are going with him. I fear lest they may -allow themselves to be seduced, and Miramón in this way made prisoner."</p> +allow themselves to be seduced, and Miramón in this way made prisoner."</p> <p>"That is what will probably happen," the count remarked with a shake of the head.</p> @@ -15112,7 +15071,7 @@ but I suppose, before all, you have provided for my mother's safety?"</p> <p>"Be at your ease, nephew; the Spanish ambassador, at my request, has placed a guard of merchants belonging to our nation, inside the house; neither she, nor Carmen, nor Dolores, has anything to fear; besides, -Estevan is with her, and owing to the credit he enjoys with Juárez, he +Estevan is with her, and owing to the credit he enjoys with Juárez, he alone would suffice to protect them efficaciously."</p> <p>"In that case, off we go!" the young man exclaimed, jumping up merrily.</p> @@ -15126,7 +15085,7 @@ house, and proceeded in the direction of the Plaza Mayor, where the troops were assembled. The Plaza Mayor was extremely animated, the soldiers were fraternizing with the people, talking and laughing as if the affair going on this moment was the most ordinary matter -in the world. General Miramón—surrounded by a rather large group, +in the world. General Miramón—surrounded by a rather large group, composed of officers who had remained faithful to his cause, or who, too deeply compromised to hope to obtain favourable conditions from the conquerors, preferred accompanying him on his flight to remaining in @@ -15157,7 +15116,7 @@ friends," the count remarked, with a bow.</p> not alone yet."</p> <p>The conversation continued in this tone for some time. An hour after, -midnight struck at the <i>sagrario</i>. Miramón drew himself up.</p> +midnight struck at the <i>sagrario</i>. Miramón drew himself up.</p> <p>"Let us go, gentlemen," he said in a firm voice; "the hour has arrived to abandon the city."</p> @@ -15168,7 +15127,7 @@ to abandon the city."</p> driven back under the portales. The soldiers mounted and closed up. Then calmness was re-established, as if by enchantment, and a silence of death brooded over this immense square, which was covered with -people, and literally paved with heads. Miramón sat upright on his +people, and literally paved with heads. Miramón sat upright on his horse in the midst of his troops. Don Jaime and his companions were mixed up with the officers surrounding the general. After a moment's hesitation, the general took a last sad glance at the dark, gloomy @@ -15177,7 +15136,7 @@ palace, in which not a single light was burning.</p> <p>"Forward!" he shouted.</p> <p>The troops started. The march commenced. At the same instant shouts of -"Long live Miramón!" were raised on all sides.</p> +"Long live Miramón!" were raised on all sides.</p> <p>"They regret me already," the general said in a low voice to don Jaime; "and yet I have not left them."</p> @@ -15198,14 +15157,14 @@ addressing his friends.</p> <p>Ere long this agitation increased, a few cries were heard from the vanguard.</p> -<p>"What is going on there?" Miramón asked.</p> +<p>"What is going on there?" Miramón asked.</p> <p>"Your soldiers are revolting," don Jaime said, bluntly.</p> <p>"Oh, it is not possible!" he exclaimed.</p> <p>At the same instant there was a terrible explosion of cries, hootings -and hisses, in which prevailed the shout of—"Long live Juárez! The +and hisses, in which prevailed the shout of—"Long live Juárez! The hatchet! The hatchet!"</p> <p>The hatchet is, in Mexico, the symbol of the federation. Shouting @@ -15213,7 +15172,7 @@ for the hatchet is the same thing as revolting, or, to speak more in accordance with classical phraseology, making a <i>pronunciamiento</i>. This shout for the hatchet at once ran from one rank along the other, became general, and ere long the confusion and the disorder were at their -height. Juárez' partizans mingled with the troops, raised cries of +height. Juárez' partizans mingled with the troops, raised cries of death against the enemies whom they did not wish to let escape, sabres were drawn, lances couched, and a conflict became imminent.</p> @@ -15229,11 +15188,11 @@ flight in all directions.</p> <p>"What is to be done?" the general exclaimed.</p> -<p>"Cut a way through," don Jaime answered, and without giving Miramón +<p>"Cut a way through," don Jaime answered, and without giving Miramón time for reflection, he shouted, in a thundering voice—"Forward!"</p> <p>At the same instant the insurgents dashed with couched lances at the -small group, of which Miramón formed the centre. There was a frightful +small group, of which Miramón formed the centre. There was a frightful medley for some minutes; don Jaime and his friends, who were well mounted, and more especially well armed, succeeded at length in cutting a passage, through which they dragged the general in their midst.</p> @@ -15247,26 +15206,26 @@ for you."</p> <p>An hour later they passed through the gate again, and re-entered the city, mixed up with the disbanded troops, who were raising deafening -cries of "Long live Juárez!" and themselves shouting more loudly than -those who surrounded them. Once inside the city they separated; Miramón +cries of "Long live Juárez!" and themselves shouting more loudly than +those who surrounded them. Once inside the city they separated; Miramón and don Jaime remained alone; prudence demanded that the fugitives should only return to their homes one by one. At about four in the -morning they were all together in safety. Juárez' troops entered the +morning they were all together in safety. Juárez' troops entered the city, preceding by only a few hours General Ortega. Thanks to the -measures taken by General Berriozábal, and the foreign residents +measures taken by General Berriozábal, and the foreign residents acting together, the change of government was effected almost without commotion. On the morrow the city appeared as tranquil as if nothing extraordinary had occurred.</p> -<p>Don Jaime, however, was not tranquil; he was afraid that if Miramón +<p>Don Jaime, however, was not tranquil; he was afraid that if Miramón remained any length of time in the city his presence might eventually become known; hence he sought an opportunity to get him away, and was beginning to despair about finding one, when accident offered one, on which he was certainly far from calculating. Several days had elapsed; the revolution was finished, and matters had resumed their ordinary -course, when Juárez at length arrived from Veracruz, and made his +course, when Juárez at length arrived from Veracruz, and made his entry into the city. The first operation of the new President was, as -Miramón had truly foreseen, to intimate to the ambassador of Spain +Miramón had truly foreseen, to intimate to the ambassador of Spain his expulsion from the territory of the Mexican republic. Similar notifications were made on the same day to the legate of the Holy See, and to the representatives of Guatemala and Ecuador. This brutal @@ -15276,7 +15235,7 @@ Consternation prevailed in the city; what might not be expected from a government which began with such unjustifiable acts?</p> <p>The opportunity which don Jaime had so long sought was at length -offered him. Miramón would depart not with the Spanish ambassador, but +offered him. Miramón would depart not with the Spanish ambassador, but with the representative of Guatemala. This was what really happened. The departure of the expelled ministers took place on the same day. They were the Spanish ambassador, the legate of the Holy See, the @@ -15286,12 +15245,12 @@ episcopate of the republic, had been exiled from the territory of the republic, and took advantage of the escort of the ambassador to leave the capital.</p> -<p>Miramón, whose wife and children had left several days previously, +<p>Miramón, whose wife and children had left several days previously, followed the minister of Guatemala in a disguise which rendered him unrecognisable. Count de la Saulay and the duke de Tobar proceeded, -on their side, to Veracruz, escorting doña María and the two young +on their side, to Veracruz, escorting doña MarÃa and the two young ladies. Don Jaime, who was unwilling to abandon his friend, travelled -with the ambassador, attended by López. Don Estevan alone remained in +with the ambassador, attended by López. Don Estevan alone remained in Mexico. We will not relate the insults and annoyances to which the expelled ministers and the bishops had to submit during the course of their journey from Puebla, where they were kept prisoners, to Veracruz, @@ -15304,7 +15263,7 @@ constrained to claim the assistance of a French brig of war, and a Spanish vessel anchored off Sacrificios, and which at once sent parties of marines ashore.</p> -<p>Miramón had been recognized, but owing to the energy of the French +<p>Miramón had been recognized, but owing to the energy of the French Consul, and of the commander of the brig, he succeeded in making his escape from his enemies.</p> @@ -15315,11 +15274,11 @@ with all our characters on board.</p> <p>On January 15th, 1863, a double marriage was celebrated in Havana.</p> -<p>That of the Count de la Saulay with doña Carmen de Tobar, and that of -the Duke de Tobar with doña Dolores de la Cruz.</p> +<p>That of the Count de la Saulay with doña Carmen de Tobar, and that of +the Duke de Tobar with doña Dolores de la Cruz.</p> <p>The witnesses were, the Ambassador of Her Catholic Majesty to Mexico, -General Miramón, the Commander of the <i>Velasco</i>, and the ex-minister of +General Miramón, the Commander of the <i>Velasco</i>, and the ex-minister of Guatemala.</p> <p>It was the legate of the Holy See who gave the nuptial blessing to the @@ -15328,395 +15287,12 @@ young couples.</p> <p>Count de la Saulay, we understand, lately set out again for Mexico, in order to claim by the aid of the French intervention, the immense estates which his wife possesses in that country, and which the -government of Juárez thought proper to confiscate.</p> +government of Juárez thought proper to confiscate.</p> <p>Don Jaime de Bivar, accompanies his friend. Leo Carral is with them.</p> <h4>THE END.</h4> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rebel Chief, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE REBEL CHIEF *** - -***** This file should be named 44421-h.htm or 44421-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/4/2/44421/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard and Marc D'Hooghe at Free -Literature (back online soon in an extended version, also -linking to free sources for education worldwide ... MOOC's, -educational materials,...) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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