diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | 44672-0.txt | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44672-h/44672-h.htm | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44672.json | 5 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/44672-8.txt | 14930 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/44672-8.zip | bin | 263521 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/44672-h.zip | bin | 267553 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/44672-h/44672-h.htm | 15018 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/44672.txt | 14930 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/44672.zip | bin | 263345 -> 0 bytes |
9 files changed, 3 insertions, 44887 deletions
diff --git a/44672-0.txt b/44672-0.txt index d0491c6..3674b66 100644 --- a/44672-0.txt +++ b/44672-0.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44672 *** +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44672 *** STRONGHAND @@ -14539,5 +14539,4 @@ THE END End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Stronghand, by Gustave Aimard - *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44672 *** diff --git a/44672-h/44672-h.htm b/44672-h/44672-h.htm index cbe27df..bdcabbc 100644 --- a/44672-h/44672-h.htm +++ b/44672-h/44672-h.htm @@ -67,9 +67,9 @@ v:link {color: #800000; text-decoration: none; } </style> </head> <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44672 ***</div> -<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44672 ***</div> <h1>STRONGHAND</h1> @@ -14608,7 +14608,7 @@ deprived the Mexican republic of its finest and richest, provinces.</p> -<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44672 ***</div> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44672 ***</div> </body> </html> diff --git a/44672.json b/44672.json deleted file mode 100644 index 81d5c14..0000000 --- a/44672.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5 +0,0 @@ -{
- "DATA": {
- "CREDIT": "Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford)"
- }
-}
diff --git a/old/44672-8.txt b/old/44672-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 723c4ea..0000000 --- a/old/44672-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14930 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Stronghand, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Stronghand - or, The Noble Revenge - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: January 15, 2014 [EBook #44672] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONGHAND *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford) - - - - - -STRONGHAND - -OR - -THE NOBLE REVENGE - - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," "BUCCANEER CHIEF," ETC. - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, 158, FLEET STREET - -MDCCCLXIV - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - - I. AN EXCHANGE OF SHOTS - II. ON THE PRAIRIE - III. THE BIVOUAC - IV. THE POST OF SAN MIGUEL - V. THE STAY IN THE FOREST - VI. A GLANCE AT THE PAST - VII. THE FAMILY TRIBUNAL - VIII. THE TWO BROTHERS - IX. A NEW CHARACTER - X. DON JOSÉ PAREDES - XI. ON THE ROAD - XII. A CONVERSATION BY NIGHT - XIII. THE REAL DE MINAS - XIV. THE BARGAIN - XV. THE PAPAZOS - XVI. THE ATEPETL - XVII. THE SPY - XVIII. THE COUNCIL OF THE SACHEMS - XIX. THE RANCHO - XX. LOST! - XXI. STRONGHAND - XXII. THE RETURN - XXIII. CHANCE WORK - XXIV. FATHER AND SON - XXV. THE HATCHET - XXVI. THE WHITE-SKINS - XXVII. SERIOUS EVENTS - XXVIII. THE TIGRERO - XXIX. THE EXCURSION - XXX. THE HUNTER'S CAMP - XXXI. THE LEGEND - XXXII. KIDD REAPPEARS - XXXIII. COMPLICATIONS - XXXIV. TWO VILLAINS - XXXV. A FRIENDLY BARGAIN - XXXVI. THE HACIENDA DEL TORO - XXXVII. THE HUERTA - XXXVIII. THE ASSAULT ON QUITOVAR - XXXIX. THE VENGEANCE OF HEAVEN - XL. FUNERAL OF A SACHEM - - - - -STRONGHAND - - -CHAPTER I. - -AN EXCHANGE OF SHOTS. - - -The country extending between the Sierra de San Saba and the Rio -Puerco, or Dirty River, is one of the most mournful and melancholy -regions imaginable. - -This accursed savannah, on which bleach unrecognized skeletons, which -the wind and sun strive to convert into dust, is an immense desert, -broadcast with grey rocks, beneath which snakes and wild beasts have, -from time immemorial, formed their lurking-place, and which only -produces black shrubs and stunted larches that rise from distance to -distance above the desert. - -White or Indian travellers rarely and most unwillingly venture to -cross this frightful solitude, and at the risk of lengthening their -journey they prefer making a detour and following the border, where -they are certain of finding shade and water--those delights of tropical -countries and indispensable necessities for a long trip on the western -prairies. - -Towards the second half of June--which the Navajo Indians call the -"strawberry moon" in their harmonious language--and in the Year of -Grace 1843, a horseman suddenly emerged from a thick clump of oaks, -sumachs, and mahogany trees, entered the savannah at a gallop, and, -instead of following the usual travellers' track, which was distinctly -traced on the edge of the sand, he began without any hesitation -crossing the desert in a straight line. - -This resolution was a mark of great folly, or a proof of extraordinary -daring on the part of a solitary man, however brave he might be; or -else some imperious reasons compelled him to lay aside all prudence in -order to reach his journey's end more speedily. - -However, whatever the motives that might determine the traveller, he -continued his journey rapidly, and buried himself deeper and deeper in -the desert, without seeming to notice the gloomy and desolate aspect -the landscape around him constantly assumed. - -As this person is destined to play an important part in our story, we -will draw his portrait in a few words. He was a man of from twenty-five -to thirty years of age--belonging to the pure Mexican race, of average -height, and possessed of elegant manners; while his every gesture, -graceful though it was, revealed a far from ordinary strength. His -face, with its regular features and bright hue, evidenced frankness, -bravery, and kindliness; his black eyes, haughty and well open, -had a straight and penetrating glance; his well cut mouth, adorned -with dazzling white teeth, was half concealed beneath a long brown -moustache; his chin, of too marked an outline perhaps, denoted a great -firmness of character; in short, his whole appearance aroused interest -and attracted sympathy. - -As for his dress, it was the Mexico costume in all its picturesque -richness. His broad-brimmed Vicuna skin hat, decorated with a double -gold and silver _golilla_, was carelessly set on his right ear, and -allowed curls of luxurious black hair to fall in disorder on his -shoulders. He wore a jacket of green velvet, magnificently embroidered -with gold, under which could be seen a worked linen shirt. An Indian -handkerchief was fastened round his neck by a diamond ring. His -_calzoneras_, also of green velvet, held round his hips by a red silk -gold-fringed _faja_ were embroidered and slashed like a jacket, while -two rows of pearl-set gold buttons ran along the opening that extends -from the boot to the knee. His vaquero boots, embroidered with pretty -designs in red thread, were fastened to his legs by silk and gold -garters, from one of which emerged the admirably carved hilt of a long -knife. His zarapé, of Indian fabric and showy colours, was folded on -the back of his horse, an animal full of fire, with fine legs, small -head, and flashing eye. It was a true prairie mustang; and its master -had decorated it with the coquettish elegance peculiar to Mexican -horsemen. - -In addition to the knife we referred to, and which the horseman wore -in his right boot, he had also a long American rifle laid across his -saddle-bow, two six-shot revolvers in his girdle, a machete, or species -of straight sabre, which was passed, unsheathed, through an iron ring -on his left side; and, lastly, a reata of plaited leather, rolled up -and fastened to the saddle. - -Thus armed, the man we have just described was able--on the admission -that his determined appearance was not deceitful--to make head against -several adversaries at once, without any serious disadvantage. This -was a consideration not at all to be despised in a country where a -traveller ever runs the risk of encountering an enemy, whether man or -beast, and, at times both together. - -While galloping, the horseman carelessly smoked a husk cigarette, only -taking an absent and disdainful glance at the coveys of birds that rose -on his approach, or the herds of deer and packs of foxes which fled in -terror on hearing the horse's gallop. - -The savannah, however, was already beginning to assume a more gloomy -tinge; the sun, now level with the ground, only appeared on the horizon -as a red unheated ball, and night was soon about to cover the earth -with its dense gloom. The horseman drew up the bridle of his steed -to check its speed, though not entirely stopping it, and, casting an -investigating glance around him, seemed to be seeking a suitable spot -for his night halt. - -After a few seconds of this search, the traveller's determination was -formed. He turned slightly to the left, and proceeded to a half dried -up stream that ran along a short distance off, and on whose banks grew -a few prickly shrubs and a clump of some dozen larches, forming a -precarious shelter against the curiosity of those mysterious denizens -of the desert that prowl about in search of prey during the darkness. - -On drawing nearer, the traveller perceived to his delight that this -spot, perfectly hidden from prying glances, by the conformation of the -ground and a few blocks of stone scattered here and there among the -trees and shrubs, offered him an almost certain shelter. - -The journey had been tiring; and both man and horse felt themselves -worn with fatigue. Both, before proceeding further, imperiously -required a few hours' rest. - -The horseman, as an experienced traveller, first attended to his steed, -which he unsaddled and led to drink at the stream; then, after hobbling -the animal for fear it might stray and become the prey of wild beasts, -he stretched his zarapé on the ground, threw a few handfuls of Indian -corn upon it, and when he was assured that his horse, in spite of its -fatigue, was eating its provender willingly, he thought about himself. - -Mexicans, when travelling, carry behind their saddle two canvas bags, -called _alforjas_, intended to convey food, which it is impossible to -procure in the desert; and these, with two jars filled with drinking -water, form the sole baggage with which they cover enormous distances, -and endure privations and fatigue, the mere enumeration of which would -terrify Europeans, who are accustomed to enjoy all the conveniences -supplied by an advanced stage of civilization. - -The horseman opened his alforjas, sat down on the ground with his back -against a rock, and, while careful that his weapons were within reach, -for fear of being attacked unawares, he began supping philosophically -on a piece of tasajo, some maize tortillas, and goat's cheese as hard -as a flint, the whole being washed down with the pure water of the -stream. - -This repast, which was more than frugal, was soon terminated. The -horseman, after cleaning his teeth with an elegant gold toothpick, -rolled a pajilla, smoked it with that conscientious beatitude peculiar -to the Hispano-Americans, and then wrapped himself in his zarapé, shut -his eyes, and fell asleep. - -Several hours passed; and it is probable that the traveller's sleep -would have been prolonged for some time, had not two shots, fired a -short distance from him, suddenly aroused him from his lethargy. The -general rule on the prairie is, that when you hear a shot, it is rare -for it not to have been preceded by the whistle of a bullet past your -ear--in other words, there are ninety-nine reasons in a hundred that -the lonely man has been unconsciously converted into the target of an -assassin. - -The traveller, thus unpleasantly aroused, seized his weapons, concealed -himself behind a rock, and waited. Then, as after the expiration of -a moment, the attack was not renewed, he rose softly, and carefully -looked around him. - -Not a sound disturbed the majestic solitude of the desert. But this -sudden tranquillity after the two shots, instead of re-assuring the -traveller, only augmented his anxiety, by revealing to him the approach -of a certain danger, though it was impossible for him to divine the -cause or the magnitude. - -The night was clear, and, so to speak, transparent; the sky, of a deep -blue, was studded with a profusion of sparkling stars, and the moon -shed a white and melancholy light, that allowed the country to be -surveyed for a long distance. - -At all hazards he saddled his horse; then, after concealing it in a -rocky cavity, he lay down, placed his ear to the ground, and listened. -Then he fancied he could hear a long distance off a sound, at first -almost imperceptible, but which rapidly approached; and he soon -recognized in it the wild galloping of several horses. - -It was a hunt, or a pursuit. But who would dream of hunting in the -middle of the night? The Indians would not venture it, while white and -half-bred trappers only rarely visited these deserted regions, which -they abandoned to the savages and border ruffians; utter villains, who, -expelled from the towns and pueblos, have no other shelter than the -desert. - -Were the galloping horsemen pirates of the prairie, then? - -The situation was becoming painful to the traveller when, all at once, -the noise ceased, and all became silent. - -The traveller rose from the ground. - -Suddenly, the shrieks of a woman or girl burst forth on the night, with -an expression of terror and agony impossible to depict. - -The stranger, leaving his horse in the shelter he had selected for it, -dashed forward in the direction whence the cry came, leaping from rock -to rock and clearing shrubs, at the risk of hurting himself, with the -feverish speed of the brave man who believes himself suddenly called -by Providence to save a fellow being in danger. - -Still, prudence did not desert him in his hazardous enterprise; and, -before risking himself on the plain, he stopped behind a fringe of -larch trees, in order to try and find out what was going on, and act in -accordance. - -This is what he saw:--two men, who from their appearance he at once -recognized as belonging to the worst species of prairie runners, were -madly pursuing a young girl. But, thanks to her juvenile agility--an -agility doubtless doubled by the profound terror the bandits inspired -her with--this maiden bounded like a startled fawn across the prairie, -leaping ravines, clearing every obstacle, and gaining at each moment -a greater advance on her pursuers, who were impeded by their vaquero -boots and heavy rifles. - -A few minutes later, and the maiden reached the belt of trees behind -which the traveller had concealed himself. The latter was about to rush -to her assistance, when suddenly one of the bandits raised his rifle -and pulled the trigger. - -The girl fell, and the horseman seemed to change his mind--for instead -of advancing, he drew himself back and stood motionless, with his -finger on the trigger, ready to fire. - -The pirates rapidly approached, talking together in that medley of -English, French, Spanish and Indian which is employed throughout the -Far West. - -"Hum!" said a hoarse and panting voice; "What a gazelle! At one moment -I really thought she would escape us." - -"Yes, yes," the other answered, shaking his head and tapping the -barrel of his rifle with his right hand; "but I always felt certain of -bringing her down when I thought proper." - -"Yes, and you did not miss her, _caray!_ Although it was a long shot, -and your hand must have trembled after such a chase." - -"Habit, compadre! Habit!" the bandit answered, with a modest smile. - -While talking thus, the two bandits had reached the spot where the body -of the girl lay. One of them knelt down, doubtless to assure himself -of the death of their victim; while the other, the one who had fired, -looked on carelessly, leaning on his rifle. - -The traveller then drew himself up, raised his piece, and fired. The -bandit, struck in the centre of the breast, sank down like a sack, and -did not stir. He was dead. - -His companion had started and laid his hand on his _machete_; but not -leaving him time to employ it, the traveller rushed on him, and with a -powerful blow of the butt end on his head, sent him to join his comrade -on the ground, where he rolled, half killed. - -The traveller, taking the bandit's reata, then firmly bound his hands -and feet; and, easy in mind on this point, he eagerly approached the -maiden. The poor girl gave no sign of life, but, for all that, was not -dead; her wound, indeed, was slight, as the pirate's bullet had merely -grazed her arm. Terror alone had produced her fainting fit. - -The stranger carefully bandaged the wound, slightly moistened her -lips and temples, and, after a comparatively short period, had the -satisfaction of seeing her open her eyes again. - -"Oh!" she murmured, in a voice soft and melodious as a bird's song, -"Those men--those demons! Oh! Heaven! Protect me!" - -"Reassure yourself, Señorita," the traveller answered; "you have -nothing further to fear from those villains." - -The maiden started at the sound of this strange voice; she fixed -her eyes on the stranger without giving him any answer, and made an -instinctive movement to rise. She doubtless took the man who had spoken -for one of her pursuers. The latter smiled mournfully, and pointed to -the two bandits lying on the ground. - -"Look, Señorita," he said to her; "you have only a friend here." - -At this sight an expression of unbounded gratitude illumined the -wounded girl's face, and a sickly smile appeared on her lips; but -almost immediately her features grew saddened again. She sprang up, -and raising herself on the tips of her small feet, she stretched out -her right arm toward a point on the horizon, and exclaimed in a voice -broken by terror-- - -"There, there! Look!" - -The stranger turned to the indicated direction. A party of horsemen -were coming up at full speed, preceded about a rifle shot distance by -another horseman, evidently better mounted than they, and whom they -appeared to be pursuing. The stranger then remembered the furious -galloping he had heard a few moments previously. - -"Oh!" the girl exclaimed, clasping her hands in entreaty, "Save him, -Señor! Save him!" - -"I will try, Señorita," he replied, gently; "all that a man can do, I -swear to do." - -"Thank you," she said, offering him her pretty little hand; "you are a -noble-hearted man, and Heaven will aid you." - -"You must not remain here exposed to the insults of these men, who are -evidently the comrades of those from whom you have just escaped." - -"That is true," she said; "but what can I do? Where shall I seek -shelter?" - -"Follow me behind these trees; we have not a moment to lose." - -"Come," she said, resolutely. "But you will save him! Will you not?" - -"At least I will try. I have only my life to offer the person in whom -you take an interest; and believe me, Señorita, I shall not hesitate to -make the sacrifice." - -The maiden looked down with a blush, and silently followed her guide. -They soon reached the thicket in which the stranger had established his -quarters for the night. - -"Whatever happens," he said, while reloading his rifle, "remain here, -Señorita. You are in safety in this hollow rock, where no one will -dream of seeking you. For my part, I am going to help your friend." - -"Go," she said, as she knelt down on the ground; "while you are -fighting I will pray for you--and Heaven will grant my prayer." - -"Yes," the stranger answered, mournfully, "God listens gladly to the -voice of angels, so let us hope for the best." - -He leaped on his horse; and after giving a parting glance at the -maiden, who was praying fervently, he dashed at full speed in the -direction of the newcomers. There were seven in number--bandits with -stern faces and dangerous aspect, who dashed up brandishing their -weapons and uttering horrible yells. - -The pursued horseman, on seeing a man emerge so unexpectedly from the -thicket, and come towards him at full speed, rifle in hand, naturally -supposed that assistance was arriving for his foes, and dashed on one -side to avoid a man whom he assumed, with some show of reason, to be an -adversary the more. But the bandits were not mistaken when they saw the -stranger not only let their prey escape, but stop in front of them and -cock his rifle. - -Two shots were fired at the same moment, one by a bandit the other -by the stranger, with the difference, however, that the bandit's -shot, being fired haphazard was harmless; while the stranger's, being -deliberately aimed, struck exactly in the mass of his serried foes. - -A few seconds later, one of them let go his bridle, beat the air with -his arms, fell back on his horse, and at length on the ground, tearing -with his huge spurs the sides of his steed, which reared, kicked, and -started off like an arrow. - -A war so frankly declared could not have a sudden termination: four -shots succeeding each other with extreme rapidity on either side were -a sufficient proof of this. But the stranger's position was growing -critical: his rifle was discharged, and he had only his revolvers left. - -The revolver, by the way, is a weapon more convenient than useful in -a fight, for if you wish to hit your man, you must fire at him almost -point blank, otherwise the bullets have a tendency to stray. This is a -sufficient explanation why, in spite of the immoderate use the North -Americans make of this weapon, the number of murders among them is -proportionately limited. - -The stranger was, therefore, somewhat embarrassed, and was preparing in -his emergency for a hand-to-hand fight, when help he had been far from -calculating on suddenly reached him. - -The pursued horseman, on hearing the firing, and yet finding no bullets -whizzed past him, understood that something unusual was taking place, -and that some strange incident must have occurred in his favour. -Hence he turned back, and saw one of his enemies fall. Recognising -his mistake, he made up his mind at once: though only armed with a -_machete_, he wheeled his horse round and bravely drew up alongside -his defender. - -Then the two men, without exchanging a word, resolutely dashed at the -bandits. The contest was short--the success unhoped for. Moreover, the -sides were nearly equal, for of the seven pirates only four were now -alive. - -The attack was so sudden, that the pirates had not time to reload. Two -were killed with revolver shots. The third fell with his head severed -by a _machete_ blow from the horseman, who was burning to take an -exemplary vengeance; while the fourth, finding himself alone leaped his -horse over the corpses of his comrades, and fled at full speed without -attempting to continue longer a combat which could not but be fatal to -him. - -The two men consequently remained masters of the battlefield. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -ON THE PRAIRIE. - - -When the last bandit had disappeared in the darkness, the horseman -turned to his generous defender, in order to thank him; but the latter -was no longer by his side, and he saw him galloping some distance off -on the plain. - -The horseman knew not to what he should attribute this sudden -departure--(for the stranger was following a direction diametrically -opposite to that on which the pirate had fled)--till he saw him return, -leading another horse by the bridle. - -The stranger had thought of the young lady he had so miraculously -saved; and on seeing the horses of the killed bandits galloping about, -he resolved at once to capture the best of them, in order to enable -her to continue her journey more comfortably; and when the animal was -lassoed, he returned slowly towards the man to whom he had rendered so -great a service. - -"Señor," the horseman said, as soon as they met again, "all is not over -yet; I have a further service to ask of you." - -"Speak, Caballero," the stranger replied, starting at the sound of the -voice, which he fancied he recognised. "Speak, I am listening to you." - -"A woman, an unhappy girl--my sister, in a word, is lost in this -horrible desert. Some of the scoundrels started in pursuit of her, and -I know not what may have happened to her. I am in mortal agony, and -must rejoin her at all risks; hence do not leave the good action you -have so well begun unfinished; help me to find my sister's track,--join -with me in seeking her." - -"It is useless," the stranger answered, coldly. - -"What, useless!" the horseman exclaimed with horror; "Has any -misfortune happened to her? Ah! I remember now; I fancied, while I was -flying, that I heard several shots. Oh, Heaven, Heaven!" he added, -writhing his hands in despair, "My poor sister, my poor Marianita!" - -"Reassure yourself, Caballero," the stranger continued in the same cold -deliberate accent; "your sister is in safety, temporarily at least, and -has nothing to fear. Heaven permitted that I should cross her path." - -"Are you stating truth?" he exclaimed, joyfully. "Oh, bless you, Señor, -for the happy news! Where is she? Let me see her! Let me press her to -my heart. Alas! How shall I ever acquit my debt to you?" - -"You owe me nothing," the stranger answered in a rough voice; "it was -chance, or God, if you prefer it, that did everything, and I was only -the instrument. My conduct would have been the same to any other -person; so keep your gratitude--which I do not ask of you. Who knows," -he added ironically, "whether you may not some day repent of having -contracted any obligations toward me?" - -The horseman felt internally pained at the way in which his advances -were received by a man who scarce five minutes previously had saved his -life. Not knowing to what he should attribute this sudden change of -temper, he pretended not to notice anything offensive the words might -contain, and said, with exquisite politeness-- - -"The spot is badly chosen for a lengthened conversation, Caballero. We -are still, if not strangers, at least unknown to each other. I trust -that ere long all coldness and misunderstanding will cease between us, -and make room for perfect confidence." - -The other smiled bitterly. - -"Come," he said, "your sister is near here, and must be impatient to -see you." - -The horseman followed him without replying; but asking himself mentally -who this singular man could be, who risked his life to defend him, and -yet appeared anxious to treat him as an enemy. - -All the sounds of the combat had reached the maiden's ear: she had -heard them while kneeling on the ground, half dead with terror, and -searching her troubled memory in vain for a prayer to address to Heaven. - -Then the firing had ceased: a mournful silence again spread over the -desert--a silence more terrifying a thousandfold than the terrible -sounds of the fight, and she remained crouching in a corner and -suffering from nameless agony, alone, far from all human help, not -daring to retain a single hope, and fearing at each moment to see a -frightful death awaiting her. The poor girl could not have said how -long she remained thus crushed beneath the weight of her terror. A -person must really have suffered, to know of how many centuries a -minute is composed when life or death is awaited. - -Suddenly she started: her strong nerves relaxed, a fugitive flush -tinged her cheek, she fancied she had heard a few words uttered in a -low voice not far from her. Were her enemies again pursuing her? Or was -her saviour returning to her side? - -She remained anxious and motionless, not daring to make a movement or -utter a cry to ask for help; for a movement might reveal her presence, -a cry hopelessly ruin her. - -But, ere long, the bushes were parted by a powerful hand; and two -horsemen appeared at the base of the rock. The maiden stretched out her -hands to them with an exclamation of delight; and, too weak to support -this last emotion, she fainted. - -She had recognised in the men, who arrived side by side, her brother -and the stranger to whom she owed her life. - -When she regained her senses, she was lying on furs in front of a large -fire. The two men were sitting on her right and left; while in the rock -cave, three horses were eating their provender of alfalfa. - -Somewhat in the shadow a few paces from her, the maiden perceived a -mass, whose form it was impossible for her to distinguish at the first -glance, but which a more attentive examination enabled her to recognise -as a bound man lying on the ground. - -The maiden was anxious to speak and thank her liberator; but the shock -she had received was so rude, the emotion so powerful, that it was -impossible for her to utter a word--so weak did she feel. She could -only give him a glance full of all the gratitude she felt, and then -fell back into a state of feverish exhaustion and morbid apathy, which -almost completely deprived her of the power of thinking and feeling, -and which rendered her involuntarily ignorant of all that was going on -around her. - -"It is well," said the stranger, as he carefully closed a gold mounted -flask and concealed it in his bosom. "Now, Caballero, there is nothing -more to fear for the Señorita; the draught I have administered to her, -by procuring her a calm and healthy sleep, will restore her strength -sufficiently for her to be able to continue her journey at sunrise, -should it be necessary." - -"Caballero," the stranger answered, "you are really performing the part -of Providence towards me and my sister, I know not, in truth, how to -express to you the lively gratitude I feel for a procedure which is the -more generous as I am a perfect stranger to you." - -"Do you think so?" he answered sarcastically. - -"The more I examine your face, the more convinced I am that I have met -you tonight for the first time." - -"You would not venture to affirm it?" - -"Yes, I would. Your features are too remarkable for me not to remember -them if I had seen you before; but I repeat, if you fancy you know me, -you are mistaken, and an accidental resemblance to some other person is -the cause of your error." - -There was a momentary silence, and then the stranger spoke again, with -a politeness too affected for the irony it concealed not to be seen-- - -"Be it so, Caballero," he answered, with a bow; "perhaps I am mistaken. -Be good enough, therefore, if you have no objection, to tell me who -you are, and by what fortuitous concourse of circumstances I have -been enabled to render you what you are kind enough to call a great -service?" - -"And it is an immense one, in truth, Caballero," the stranger -interrupted with warmth. - -"I will not discuss that subject any longer with you, Caballero; I am -awaiting your pleasure." - -"Señor, I will not abuse your patience for long. My name is Don Ruiz -de Moguer, and I reside with my father at a hacienda in the vicinity -of Arispe. For reasons too lengthy to explain to you, and which would -but slightly interest you, the presence of my sister (who has been at -school for some years at the Convent of the Conception at El Rosario) -became indispensable at the hacienda. By my father's orders I set out -for El Rosario a few months ago, in order to bring my sister back to -her family. I was anxious to rejoin my father; and hence, in spite of -the observations made to me by persons acquainted with the dangers -attending so long a journey through a desert country, I resolved to -take no escort, but start for home merely accompanied by two peons, on -whose courage and fidelity I could rely." - -"My sister who had been separated from her family for several years, -was as eager as myself to quit the convent; and hence we soon set -out. For the first few days all went well; our journey was performed -under the most favourable auspices, and my sister and I laughed at the -anxiety and apprehensions of our friends, for we had begun to believe -ourselves safe from any dangerous encounter." - -"But yesterday at sunset, just as we were preparing our camp for the -night, we were suddenly attacked by a party of bandits, who seemed -to emerge from the ground in front of us, so unforeseen was their -apparition. Our poor brave peons were killed while defending us; and -my sister's horse, struck by a bullet in the head, threw her. But the -brave girl, far from surrendering to the bandits, who rushed forward -to seize her, began flying across the savannah. Then I tried to lead -the aggressors off the scent, and induce them to pursue me. You -know the rest, Caballero; and had it not been for your providential -interference, it would have been all over with us." - -There was a silence, which Don Ruiz was the first to break. - -"Caballero," he said, "now that you know who I am, tell me the name of -my saviour?" - -"What good is that?" the stranger answered, sadly. "We have come -together for a moment by chance, and shall separate tomorrow never to -meet again. Gratitude is a heavy burden. Not knowing who I am, you will -soon have forgotten me. Believe me, Señor Don Ruiz, it is better that -it should be so. Who knows if you may not regret some day knowing me?" - -"It is the second time you have said that, Caballero. Your words -breathe a bitterness that pains me. You must have suffered very -grievously for your thoughts to be so sad and your heart so -disenchanted at an age when the future ordinarily appears so full of -promise." - -The stranger raised his head, and bent on his questioner a glance that -seemed trying to read to the bottom of his soul: the latter continued, -however, with some degree of vivacity-- - -"Oh! Do not mistake the meaning I attach to my words, Caballero. I -have no intention to take your confidence by surprise, or encroach on -your secrets. Every man's life belongs to himself--his actions concern -himself alone; and I recognise no claim to a confidence which I neither -expect nor desire. The only thing I ask of you is to tell me your name, -that my sister and myself may retain it in our hearts." - -"Why insist on so frivolous a matter?" - -"I will answer--What reason have you to be so obstinate in remaining -unknown?" - -"Then you insist on my telling you my name?" - -"Oh, Caballero, I have no right to insist; I only ask it." - -"Very good," said the stranger, "you shall know my name; but I warn you -that it will teach you nothing." - -"Pardon me, Caballero," Don Ruiz remarked, with a touch of exquisite -delicacy, "this name, repeated by me to my father, will tell him every -hour in the day that it is to the man who bears it that he owes the -life of his children, and a whole family will bless you." - -In spite of himself, the stranger felt affected. By an instinctive -movement he offered his hand to the young man, which the latter pressed -affectionately. But, as if suddenly reproaching himself for yielding -to his feelings, this strange man sharply drew back his hand, and -reassuming the expression of sternness, which had for a moment departed -from him, said, with a roughness in his voice that astonished and -saddened the young Mexican, "You shall be satisfied." - -We have said that Doña Marianita, in looking round her, fancied she saw -the body of a man stretched on the ground a few paces from the fire. -The maiden was not mistaken; it was really a man she saw, carefully -gagged and bound. It was in a word, one of the two bandits who had -pursued her so long, and the one whom the stranger had almost killed -with a blow of his rifle butt. - -After recommending Don Ruiz to be patient by a wave of his hand, the -stranger rose, walked straight up to the bandit, threw him on his -shoulders, and laid him at the feet of the young Mexican, perhaps -rather roughly--for the pirate, in spite of the thorough Indian -stoicism he affected, could not suppress a stifled yell of pain. - -"Who is this man, and what do you purpose doing with him?" Don Ruiz -asked, with some anxiety. - -"This scoundrel," the stranger answered, harshly, "was one of the band -that attacked you; we are going to try him." - -"Try him?" the young gentleman objected; "We?" - -"Of course," the stranger said, as he removed the bandit's gag, and -unfastened the rope that bound his limbs. "Do you fancy that we are -going to trouble ourselves with the scoundrel till we find a prison -in which to place him, without counting the fact that, if we were so -simple as to do so, the odds are about fifty to one that he would -escape from us during the journey, and slip through our fingers like an -opossum, to attack us a few hours later at the head of a fresh band of -pirates of his own breed. No, no; that would be madness. When the snake -is dead, the venom is dead, too; it is better to try him." - -"But by what right can we constitute ourselves the judges of this man?" - -"By what right?" the stranger exclaimed, in amazement. "The Border law, -which says, 'Eye for eye; tooth for tooth.' Lynch law authorizes us to -try this bandit, and when the sentence is pronounced, to execute it -ourselves." - -Don Ruiz reflected for a moment, during which the stranger looked at -him aside with the most serious attention. - -"That is possible," the young man at length answered; "perhaps you are -right in speaking thus. This man is guilty--he is evidently a miserable -assassin covered with blood; and, had my sister and myself fallen into -his hands, he would not have hesitated to stab us, or blow out our -brains." - -"Well?" the stranger remarked. - -"Well," the young man continued, with generous animation in his voice; -"this certainly does not authorize us in taking justice into our own -hands; besides, my sister is saved." - -"Then it is your opinion--" - -"That as we cannot hand this man over to the police, we are bound to -set him at liberty, after taking all proper precautions that he cannot -injure us." - -"You have, doubtless, carefully reflected on the consequences of the -deed you advise?" - -"My conscience orders me to act as I am doing." - -"Your will be done!" and, addressing the bandit, who throughout the -conversation had remained gloomy and silent, though his eyes constantly -wandered from one to the other of the speakers, he said to him, "Get -up!" - -The pirate rose. - -"Look at me," the stranger continued; "do you recognise me?" - -"No," the bandit said. - -The stranger seized a lighted brand, and held it up near his face. - -"Look at me more carefully, Kidd," he said, in a sharp, imperious voice. - -The scoundrel, who had bent forward, drew himself back with a start of -fear. - -"Stronghand!" he exclaimed, in a voice choked by dread. - -"Ah!" the horseman said, with a sardonic smile; "I see that you -recognise me now." - -"Yes," the bandit muttered. "What are your orders?" - -"I have none. You heard all we have been saying, I suppose?" - -"All." - -"What do you think of it?" - -The pirate did not answer. - -"Speak, and be frank! I insist." - -"Hum!" he said, with a side-glance. - -"Will you speak? I tell you I insist." - -"Well!" he answered, in a rather humbling voice, but yet with a tinge -of irony easy to notice; "I think that when you hold your enemy, you -ought to kill him." - -"That is really your opinion?" - -"Yes." - -"What do you say to that?" the stranger asked, turning to Don Ruiz. - -"I say," he replied, simply, "that as this man is not my enemy, I -cannot and ought not to take any vengeance on him." - -"Hence?" - -"Hence, justice alone has the right to make him account for his -conduct. As for me, I decline." - -"And that is truly the expression of your thoughts?" - -"On my honour, Caballero. During the fight I should not have felt the -slightest hesitation in killing him--for in that case I was defending -the life he tried to take; but now that he is a prisoner, and unarmed, -I have no longer aught to do with him." - -In spite of the mask of indifference the stranger wore on his face, he -could not completely hide the joy he experienced at hearing these noble -sentiments so simply expressed. - -There was a moment's silence, during which the three men seemed -questioning each other's faces. At length Stronghand spoke again, -and addressed the bandit, who remained motionless, and apparently -indifferent to what was being said-- - -"Go! You are free!" he said, as he cut the last bonds that held him. -"But remember, Kidd, that if it has pleased this Caballero to forget -your offences, I have not pardoned them. You know me, so do your best -to keep out of my way, or you will not escape, so easily as this day, -the just punishment you have deserved. Begone!" - -"All right, Stronghand, I will remember," the bandit said, with a -covert threat. - -And at once gliding into the bushes, he disappeared, without taking -further leave of the persons who had given him his life. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE BIVOUAC. - - -For some moments the bandit's hurried footsteps were audible, and then -all became silent once again. - -"You wished it," Stronghand then said, looking at Don Ruiz from under -his bent brows. "Now, be certain that you have at least one implacable -enemy on the prairie; for you are not so simple, I assume, as to -believe in the gratitude of such a man?" - -"I pity him, if he hates me for the good I have done him in return for -the harm he wished to do me, but honour ordered me to let him escape." - -"Yours will be a short life, Señor, if you are obstinate in carrying -out such philanthropic precepts in our unhappy country." - -"My ancestors had a motto to which they never proved false." - -"And pray what may that motto be, Caballero?" - -"Everything for honour, no matter what may happen," the young man said, -simply. - -"Yes," Stronghand answered, with a harsh laugh; "the maxim is noble, -and Heaven grant it prove of service to you; but," he continued, after -looking round him, "the darkness is beginning to grow less thick, the -night is on the wane, and within an hour the sun will be up. You know -my name, which, as I told you beforehand, has not helped you much." - -"You are mistaken, Caballero," Don Ruiz interrupted him, eagerly; "for -I have frequently heard the name mentioned, of which you fancied me -ignorant." - -Stronghand bent a piercing glance on the young man. - -"Ah!" he said, with a slight tremor in his voice; "And doubtless, -each time you heard that name uttered, it was accompanied by far from -flattering epithets, which gave you but a poor opinion of the man who -bears it." - -"Here again you are mistaken, Señor; it has been uttered in my presence -as the name of a brave man, with a powerful heart and vast intellect, -whom unknown and secret sorrow has urged to lead a strange life, to -fly the society of his fellow men, and to wander constantly about the -deserts; but who, under all circumstances, even spite of the examples -that daily surrounded him, managed to keep his honour intact and retain -a spotless reputation, which even the bandits, with whom the incidents -of an adventurous life too often bring him into contact, are forced -to admire. That, Señor, is what this name, which you supposed I was -ignorant of, recalls to my mind, and the way in which I have ever heard -the man who bears it spoken of." - -Stronghand smiled bitterly. - -"Can the world really be less wicked and unjust than I supposed it?" he -muttered, in self-colloquy. - -"Do not doubt it," the young man said, eagerly. "God, who has allowed -the good and the bad to dwell side by side on this earth, has yet -willed that the amount of good should exceed that of bad, so that, -sooner or later, each should be requited according to his works and -merits." - -"Such words," he answered, ironically, "would be more appropriate in -the mouth of a priest or missionary, whose hair has been blanched, and -back bowed by the weight of the incessant struggles of his apostolic -mission, than in that of a young man who has scarce reached the dawn -of life, whom no tempest has yet assailed, and who has only tasted the -honey of life. But no matter; your intention is good, and I thank you. -But we have far more serious matters to attend to than losing our time -in philosophical discussions which would not convince either of us." - -"I was wrong, Caballero, I allow," Don Ruiz answered; "it does not -become me, who am as yet but a child, to make such remarks to you; so, -pray pardon me." - -"I have nothing to pardon you, Señor," Stronghand replied with a smile; -"on the contrary, I thank you. Now let us attend to the most pressing -affair--that is to say, what you purpose doing to get out of your -present situation." - -"I confess to you that I am greatly alarmed," Don Ruiz replied, -with a slight tinge of sadness, as he looked at the girl, who was -still sleeping. "What has happened to me, the terrible danger I have -incurred, and from which I only escaped, thanks to your generous help--" - -"Not a word more on that subject," Stronghand interrupted him quickly. -"You will disoblige me by pressing it further." - -The young man bowed. - -"Were I alone," he said, "I should not hesitate to continue my journey. -A brave man, and I believe myself one, nearly always succeeds in -escaping the perils that threaten him, if he confront them: but I have -my sister with me--my sister, whose energy the terrible scene of this -night has broken, and who, in the event of a second attack from the -pirates of the prairies, would become an easy prey to the villains--the -more so because, too weak to save her, I could only die with her." - -Stronghand turned away, murmuring to himself compassionately. - -"That is true, poor child;" then he said to Don Ruiz, "Still, you must -make up your mind." - -"Unfortunately I have no choice; there is only one thing to be done: -whatever may happen, I shall continue my journey at sunrise, if my -sister be in a condition to follow me." - -"That need not trouble you. When she awakes, her strength will be -sufficiently recovered for her to keep on horseback without excessive -fatigue; but from here to Arispe the road is very long." - -"I know it: and it is that which frightens me for my poor sister." - -"Listen to me. Perhaps there is a way for you to get out of the scrape, -and avoid up to a certain point the dangers that threaten you. Two -days' journey from here there is a military post, placed like an -advanced sentry to watch the frontier, and prevent the incursions of -the Indios bravos, and other bandits of every description and colour, -who infest these regions. The main point for you is to reach this post, -when it will be easy for you to obtain from the Commandant an escort to -protect you from any insult for the rest of your journey." - -"Yes; but, as you remark, I must reach the post." - -"Well?" - -"I do not know this country: one of the two peons who accompanied me -acted as guide; and now he is dead, it is utterly impossible for me to -find my way. I am in the position of a sailor, lost without a compass -on an unknown sea." - -Stronghand looked at him with surprise mingled with compassion. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, "How improvident is youth! What! Imprudent boy! -You dared to risk yourself in the desert, and entrust to a peon your -sister's precious life?" But, recollecting himself immediately, he -continued, "Pardon me; reproaches are ill suited at this moment; the -great thing is to get you out of the danger in which you are." - -He let his head fall on his hands, and plunged into serious -reflections, while Don Ruiz looked at him with mingled apprehension and -hope. The young man did not deceive himself as to his position: the -reproaches which Stronghand spared him, he had already made himself, -cursing his improvident temerity; for things had reached such a point, -that if the man to whom he owed his life, refused to afford him his -omnipotent protection, he and his sister were irremediably lost. - -Stronghand, after a few minutes, which seemed to last an age, rose, -seized his rifle, went up to his horse, saddled it, mounted, and said -to Don Ruiz, who followed all his movements with anxious curiosity-- - -"Wait for me, however long my absence may be; do not stir from here -till I return." - -Then, without waiting for the young man's answer, he bent lightly over -his horse's neck, and started at a gallop. Don Ruiz watched the black -outline, as it disappeared in the gloom; he listened to the horse's -footfalls so long as he could hear them, and then turned back and -seated himself pensively at the fire, and looked with tearful eyes at -his sleeping sister. - -"Poor Marianita!" he murmured, with a heart-rending outburst of pity. - -He bowed his head on his chest, and with pale and gloomy face awaited -the return of Stronghand--a return which, in his heart, he doubted, -although, with the obstinacy of desperate men, who try to deceive -themselves by making excuses whose falsehood they know, he sought to -prove its certainty. - -We will take advantage of this delay in our narrative to trace rapidly -the portraits of Don Ruiz de Moguer and his sister Marianita. We will -begin with the young lady, through politeness. - -Doña Mariana--or rather Marianita, as she was generally called at -the convent, and by her family--was a charming girl scarce sixteen, -graceful in her movements, and with black lustrous eyes. Her hair had -the bluish tinge of the raven's wing; her skin, the warm and gilded -hues of the sun of her country; her glance, half veiled by her long -brown eyelashes, was ardent; her straight nose, with its pink flexible -nostrils, was delicious; her laughing mouth, with its bright red lips, -gave her face an expression of simple, ignorant candour. Her movements, -soft and indolent, had that indescribable languor and serpentine -undulation alone possessed in so eminent a degree by the women of Lima -and Mexico, those daughters of the sun in whose veins flows the molten -lava of the volcanoes, instead of blood. In a word, she was a Spanish -girl from head to foot--but Andalusian before all. Hers was an ardent, -wild, jealous, passionate, and excessively superstitious nature. But -this lovely, splendid statue still wanted the divine spark. Doña -Mariana did not know herself; her heart had not yet spoken; she was as -yet but a delicious child, whom the fiery breath of love would convert -into an adorable woman. - -Physically, Don Ruiz was, as a man, the same his sister was a woman. -He was a thorough gentleman, and scarce four years older than Doña -Mariana. He was tall and well built; but his elegant and aristocratic -form denoted great personal strength. His regular features--too regular -perhaps, for a man--bore an unmistakable stamp of distinction; his -black eye had a frank and confident look; his mouth, which was rather -large, but adorned with splendid teeth, and fringed by a fine brown -moustache, coquettishly turned up, still retained the joyous, careless -smile of youth; his face displayed loyalty, gentleness, and bravery -carried to temerity;--in a word, all his features offered the most -perfect type of a true-blooded gentleman. - -Brother and sister, who, with the exception of a few almost -imperceptible variations, had the most perfect physical likeness, also -resembled each other morally. Both were equally ignorant of things of -the world. With their pure and innocent hearts they loved each other -with the holiest of all loves, fraternal affection, and only lived -through and for each other. - -Hence, Doña Mariana had felt a great delight and great impatience to -quit the convent, when Don Ruiz, in obedience to his father's commands, -came to fetch her from the Rosario. This impatience obliged Don Ruiz -not to consent to wait for an escort on his homeward journey, for fear -of vexing his sister. It was an imprudence that caused the misfortunes -we have already described, and for which, now they had arrived, Don -Ruiz reproached himself bitterly. He cursed the weakness that had made -him yield to the whims of a girl, and accused himself of being, through -his weakness, the sole cause of the frightful dangers from which she -had only escaped by a miracle, and of those no less terrible, which, -doubtless, still threatened her on the hundred and odd leagues they -had still to go before reaching the hacienda del Toro, where dwelt her -father, Don Hernando de Moguer. - -Still the hours, which never stop, continued to follow each other -slowly. The sun had risen; and, through its presence on the horizon, -immediately dissipated the darkness and heated the ground, which was -chilled by the abundant and icy dew of morning. - -Doña Marianita, aroused by the singing of the thousands of birds -concealed beneath the foliage, opened her eyes with a smile. The calm -sleep she had enjoyed for several hours restored not only her strength, -which was exhausted by the struggles of the previous evening, but also -her courage and gaiety. The girl's first glance was for her brother, -who, anxious and uneasy, was attentively watching her slumbers, and -impatiently awaiting the moment for her to awake. - -"Oh, Ruiz," she said, in her melodious voice, and offering her hand and -cheek simultaneously to the young man, "what a glorious sleep I have -had." - -"Really, sister," he exclaimed, kissing her, gladly, "you have slept -well." - -"That is to say," she continued, with a smile, "that at the convent I -never passed so delicious a night, accompanied by such charming dreams; -but it is true there were two of you to watch over my slumbers--two -kind and devoted hearts, in whom I could trust with perfect confidence." - -"Yes, sister; there were two of us." - -"What?" she asked in surprise mingled with anxiety. "You were--What do -you mean, Ruiz?" - -"What I say; nothing else, dear sister." - -"But I do not see the caballero to whom we have incurred so great an -obligation. Where is he?" - -"I cannot tell you, little sister. About two hours ago he mounted his -horse and left me, telling me not to stir from here till his return." - -"Oh, in that case I am quite easy. His absence alarmed me; but now that -I know he will return--" - -"Do you believe so?" he interrupted. - -"Why should I doubt it?" she continued with some animation in her -voice; "Did he not promise to return?" - -"Certainly." - -"Well! A caballero never breaks his pledged word. He said he would -come, and he will come." - -"Heaven grant it!" Don Ruiz muttered. - -And he shook his head sadly, and gave a profound sigh. The maiden felt -herself involuntarily assailed by anxiety. This persistency undoubtedly -terrified her. - -"Come, Ruiz," she said, turning very pale, "explain yourself. What has -happened between this caballero and yourself?" - -"Nothing beyond what you know, sister. Still, in spite of the man's -promise, I know not why, but I fear. He is a strange, incomprehensible -being--at one moment kind, at another cruel--changing his character, -and almost his face, momentarily. He frightens and repels, and yet -attracts and interests me. I am afraid he will abandon us, and fear -that he will return. A secret foreboding seems to warn me that this man -will have a great influence over your future and mine. Perhaps it is -our misfortune that we have met him." - -"I do not understand you, Ruiz. What means this confusion in your -ideas? Why this stern and strange judgment of a man whom you do not -know, and who has only done you kindness?" - -At the moment when Don Ruiz was preparing to answer, the gallop of a -horse became audible in the distance. - -"Silence, brother!" she exclaimed, with an emotion she could not -repress; "Silence, here he comes!" - -The young man looked at his sister in amazement. - -"How do you know it?" he asked her. - -"I have recognised him," she stammered, with a deep blush. "Stay--Look!" - -In fact, at this moment the shrubs parted, and Stronghand appeared in -the open space. Don Ruiz, though surprised at the singular remark which -had escaped his sister, had not time to ask her for an explanation. -Without dismounting, Stronghand, after bowing courteously to the young -lady, said, hurriedly-- - -"To horse!--To horse! Make haste! Time presses!" - -Don Ruiz at once saddled his own horse and his sister's, and a few -minutes later the two young people were riding by the hunter's side. - -"Let us start!" the latter continued. "_Cuerpo de Cristo_, Caballero, I -warned you that you were doing an imprudent action in liberating that -villain. If we do not take care, we shall have him at our heels within -an hour." - -These words sufficed to give the fugitives wings, and they started at -full gallop after the bold wood ranger. An hour elapsed ere a word -was exchanged between the three persons; bent over the necks of their -steeds they devoured the space--looking back anxiously from time to -time, and only thinking how to escape the unknown dangers by which -they felt themselves surrounded. About eight o'clock in the morning, -Stronghand checked his horse, and made his companions a sign to follow -his example. - -"Now," he said, "we have nothing more to fear. When we have crossed -that wood, which stretches out in front of us like a curtain of -verdure, we shall see the Port of San Miguel, whose walls will offer us -a certain shelter against the attacks of all the bandits of the desert, -were there ten thousand of them." - -"Last night I fancy that you spoke to me of a more distant post," Don -Ruiz said. - -"Yes; for I fancied San Miguel abandoned, if not in ruins. Before I -gave you what might prove a fallacious hope, I wished to assure myself -of the truth of the case." - -"Do you believe that the Commandant will consent to receive us?" the -young lady asked. - -"Certainly, Señorita, for a thousand reasons. In the first place, the -frontier posts are only established for the purpose of watching over -the safety of travellers; and then, again, San Miguel is commanded by -one of your relations--or, at any rate, an intimate friend of your -family." - -The young people looked at each other in surprise. - -"Do you know this Commandant's name?" Don Ruiz asked. - -"I was told it: he is Don Marcos de Niza." - -"Oh!" Doña Mariana exclaimed, joyfully; "I should think we do know him: -Don Marcos is a cousin of ours." - -"In that case, all is for the best," the hunter answered, coldly. "Let -us continue our journey; for there is a cloud of dust behind us that -forebodes us no good, if it reaches us before we have entered the post." - -The young people, without answering, resumed their gallop, crossed the -wood, and entered the little fort. - -"Look!" Stronghand said to Don Ruiz and his sister, the moment the gate -closed upon them. They turned back. A numerous band of horsemen issued -from the wood at this moment, and galloped up at full speed, uttering -ferocious yells. - -"This is the second time you have saved our lives, Caballero," Doña -Mariana said to the partizan, with a look of gratitude. - -"Why count them, Señorita?" he replied, with a sadness mingled with -bitterness. "Do I do so?" - -The maiden gave him a look of undefinable meaning, turned her head away -with a blush, and silently followed her brother. - -The Spaniards, whatever may be the opinion the Utopians of the old -world express about their mode of civilization, and the way in which -they treated the Indians of America, understood very well how to -enhance the prosperity of the countries they had been endowed with by -the strong arms of those heroic adventurers who were called Cortez, -Pizarro, Bilboa, Alvadaro, &c., and whose descendants, if any by -chance exist, are now in the most frightful wretchedness, although -their ancestors gave a whole world and incalculable riches to their -ungrateful country. - -When the Spanish rule was established in America, the first care of -the conquerors--after driving back the Indians who refused to accept -their iron yoke into frightful deserts, where they hoped want would -put an end to them--was to secure their frontiers, and prevent those -indomitable hordes, impelled by hunger and despair, from entering the -newly conquered country and plundering the towns and the haciendas. -For this purpose they established along the desert line a cordon of -presidios and military posts, which were all connected together, and -could, in case of need, assist each other, not so much through their -proximity--for they were a great distance apart, and scattered over -a great space--but by means of numerous patrols of lanceros, who -constantly proceeded from one post to the other. - -At present, since the declaration of independence, owing to the neglect -of the governments which have succeeded each other in this unhappy -country, most of the presidios and forts no longer exist. Some have -been burned by the Indians, who became invaders in their turn, and are -gradually regaining the territory the Europeans took from them; while -others have been abandoned, or so badly kept up, that they are for -the most part in ruins. Still, here and there you find a few, which -exceptionable circumstances have compelled the inhabitants to repair -and defend. - -As these forts were built in all the colonies on the same plan, in -describing the post of San Miguel, which still exists, and which we -have visited, the reader will easily form an idea of the simple and yet -effective defence adopted by the Europeans to protect them from the -surprises of their implacable and crafty foes. - -The post of San Miguel is composed of four square pavilions, connected -together by covered ways, the inner walls of which surround a courtyard -planted with lemon trees, peach trees, and algarrobas. On this court -opens the room intended for travellers, the barracks, &c. The outer -walls have only one issue, and are provided with loopholes, which can -only be reached by mounting a platform eight feet high and three wide. -All the masonry is constructed of _adobes_, or large blocks of earth -stamped and baked in the sun. - -Twenty feet beyond this wall is another, formed of cactuses, planted -very closely together, and having their branches intertwined. This -vegetable wall, if we may be allowed the use of the expression, is -naturally very thick, and protected by formidable prickles, which -render it impenetrable for the half-clad and generally badly-armed -Indians. The only entrance to it is a heavy gate, supported by posts -securely bedded in the ground. The soldiers, standing at the loopholes -of the second wall, fire in perfect shelter, and command the space -above the cactuses. - -On the approach of the Indians, when the Mexican Moon is at hand--that -is to say, the invariable season of their invasions--the sparse -dwellers on the border seek refuge inside San Miguel, and there in -complete safety wait till their enemies are weary of a siege which can -have no result for them, or till they are put to flight by soldiers -sent from a town frequently fifty leagues off. - -Don Marcos de Niza was a man of about forty, short and plump, but -withal active and quick. His regular features displayed a simplicity -of character, marked with intelligence and decision. He was one of -those educated honest professional officers, of whom the Mexican army -unfortunately counts too few in its ranks. Hence, as he thoroughly -attended to his duties, and had never tried to secure promotion by -intrigue and party manoeuvres, he had remained a captain for ten years -past, without hope of promotion, in spite of his qualifications (which -were recognised and appreciated by all) and his irreproachable conduct. -The post he occupied at this moment as Commandant of the Blockhouse -of San Miguel proved the value the Governor of the province set upon -him; for the frontier posts, constantly exposed to the attacks of the -Redskins, can only be given to sure men, who have long been accustomed -to Indian warfare. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE POST OF SAN MIGUEL. - - -As the dangerous honour of commanding one of the border forts like -San Miguel is not at all coveted by the brilliant officers accustomed -to clatter their sabres on the stones of the Palace in Mexico, it -is generally only given to brave soldiers who have no prospect of -promotion left to them. - -Informed by a cabo, or corporal, of the names of the guests who thus -suddenly arrived, the Captain rose to meet them with open arms and a -smile on his lips. - -"Oh, oh," he exclaimed, gleefully; "this is a charming surprise! -Children, I am delighted to see you." - -"Do not thank us, Don Marcos," Doña Mariana answered, smilingly. "We -are not paying you a visit, but have come to ask shelter and protection -of you." - -"You have them already. ¡Rayo de Dios! Are we not relations, and very -close ones, too?" - -"Without doubt, cousin," Don Ruiz said; "hence, in our misfortune, it -is a great happiness for us to come across you." - -"Hilloh! You have something serious to tell me," the Captain continued, -his face growing gloomy. - -"So serious," the young man said, with a bow to the partizan, who stood -motionless by his side, "that had it not been for the help of this -caballero, in all probability we should be lying dead in the desert." - -"Oh, oh; my poor children! Come, dismount and follow me; you must need -rest and refreshment after such an alarm. Cabo Hernandez, take charge -of the horses." - -The corporal took the horses, which he led to the corral; and the young -people followed the Captain, after having been kissed and hugged by him -several times. Don Marcos pressed the hunter's hand, and made him a -sign to follow them. - -"There," he said, after introducing his guests into a room modestly -furnished with a few butacas; "sit down, children; and when you have -rested, we will talk." - -Refreshments had been prepared on the table. While the young people -enjoyed them, the Captain quitted them, and went with the hunter into -another room. So soon as they were alone, the two men became serious, -and the joy that illumined the Captain's face was suddenly extinguished. - -"Well," he asked Stronghand, after making him a sign to sit down, "what -news?" - -"Bad," he answered, distinctly. - -"I expected it," the officer muttered, with a sad toss of the head; "we -must put on our harness again, and push out into the savannah, in order -to prove to these bandits that we are able to punish them." - -The hunter shook his head several times, but said nothing. The Captain -looked at him attentively for some minutes. - -"What is the matter, my friend?" he at length asked him, with growing -anxiety; "I never saw you so sad and gloomy before." - -"The reason is," he answered, "because circumstances have never been so -serious." - -"Explain yourself, my friend; I confess to you that you are really -beginning to alarm me. With the exception of a few insignificant -marauders, the borders have never appeared to me more quiet." - -"It is a deceitful calm, Don Marcos, which contains the tempest in its -bosom--and a terrible tempest, I, assure you." - -"And yet our spies are all agreed in assuring us that the Indians are -not at all thinking of an expedition." - -"It proves that your spies betray you, that's all." - -"Possibly so; but still, I should like some proof or sign." - -"I ask for nothing better; I am enabled to give you the most positive -information." - -"Very good; that is the way to speak. I am listening to you." - -"Before all, is your garrison strong?" - -"I consider it large enough." - -"Perhaps so: how many men have you?" - -"Sixty or seventy, about." - -"That is not enough." - -"What! Not enough? The garrisons of blockhouses are never more -numerous." - -"In a time of peace, it may be so; but under present circumstances, I -repeat to you, that they are not enough, and you will soon agree with -me on that score. You must send off a courier, without the loss of a -moment, to ask for a reinforcement of from one hundred and fifty to two -hundred men. Do not deceive yourself, Captain; you will be the first -attacked, and the attack will be a rude one. I warn you." - -"Thanks for the hint. Still, my good friend, you will permit me not to -follow it till you have proved to me that there are urgent reasons for -doing so." - -"As you please, Captain; you are the commandant of the post, and your -responsibility must urge you to prudence. I will therefore abstain from -making any farther observations on the subject which only concerns me -very indirectly." - -"You are annoyed, and wrongly so, my friend; the responsibility to -which you refer demands that I should not let myself be led by vague -rumours to take measures I might have cause to regret. Give me the -explanation I expect of you; and, probably, when I know the imminence -of the danger that threatens me, I shall follow your advice." - -"I wish for nothing more than to satisfy you; so listen to me. What I -have to tell you will not take long." - -At this moment the room door opened and Corporal Hernandez appeared. -The Captain, annoyed at being thus inopportunely disturbed, turned -sharply round and angrily addressed the man-- - -"Well Corporal," he said, "what the fiend do you want now?" - -"Excuse me, Captain," the poor fellow said, astounded at this rough -greeting, "but the Lieutenant sent me." - -"Well, what does the Lieutenant want? Speak! But be brief, if that is -possible." - -"Captain, the sentry has seen a large party of horsemen coming at full -gallop towards the fort, and the Lieutenant ordered me to warn you." - -"Eh," said the Captain, looking uneasily at the hunter, "were you in -the right? and is this troop the vanguard of the enemy you threaten us -with?" - -"This troop," the hunter answered, with an equivocal smile, "has been -following Don Ruiz and myself since the morning. I do not believe that -these horsemen are Indians." - -"What's the Lieutenant's opinion about these scamps?" the Captain asked -the corporal. - -"They are too far off yet, and too hidden by the dust they raise, -Captain, for it to be possible to recognise them," the non-commissioned -officer replied with a bow. - -"That is true. We had better, I believe, go and look for ourselves. -Will you come?" - -"I should think so," the hunter said, as he seized his rifle, which he -had deposited in a corner of the room; and they went out. - -Don Ruiz and his sister were talking together, while doing ample -justice to the refreshment placed at their disposal. On seeing the -Captain, the young man rose and walked up to him. - -"Cousin," he said to him, with a bow, "I hear that you are on the point -of being attacked; and as it is to some extent my cause you are going -to defend, for the bandits who threaten you at this moment are allies -of those with whom I had a fight last night, pray allow me to fire a -shot by your side." - -"¡Viva Dios! Most heartily, my dear cousin," the Captain answered, -gaily: "although these scoundrels are not worth the trouble. Come -along!" - -"That's a fine fellow!" the Captain whispered in the hunter's ear. - -The latter made no answer. He contented himself with shrugging his -shoulders, and turned away. - -"Oh," Doña Mariana exclaimed, "Ruiz, what are you going to do? Stay -with me, I implore you, brother!" - -"Impossible, sister," the young man answered, as he kissed her; "what -would our cousin think of me were I to skulk here when fighting was -going on?" - -"Fear nothing, Niña; I am answerable for your brother," the Captain -said with a smile. - -The girl sat down again sadly on the butaca from which she had risen, -and the four men then left the room, and proceeded to the patio, or -court. Here everybody was busy. The Lieutenant, an old experienced -soldier, with a grey moustache and face furrowed by sabre cuts, and -whose whole life had been spent on the borders, had not lost his time. -While, by his order, Corporal Hernandez warned the Captain, he had -ordered the "fall-in" to be beaten, had placed the best shots at the -loopholes, and made all arrangements to avoid a surprise and give a -warm reception to the enemy who advanced so daringly against the fort. - -When the Captain set foot in the court, he stopped, embraced at a -glance the wise and intelligent arrangements made by his Lieutenant, -and a smile of satisfaction spread over his features. - -"And now," he said to the hunter, "let us go and see who the enemy is -with whom we have to deal." - -"It is unnecessary; for I can tell you, Captain," the other replied; -"they are the pirates." - -"Pirates!" Don Marcos exclaimed in amazement. "What! Those villains -would dare--" - -"Alone, certainly not," Stronghand quickly interrupted him; "but with -the certainty of being supported by the Indians, of whom they are -only the vanguard, they will not hesitate to do so. However, unless -I am greatly mistaken, their attack will not be serious; and their -object is probably to discover in what state of defence the post is. -Receive them, then, in such a way as to leave them no doubt on this -head, and prove to them that you are perfectly on your guard; and this -demonstration will without doubt be sufficient to send them flying." - -"You are right," said the Captain. "Viva Dios! They shall have their -answer, I promise you." - -He then gave the Corporal an order in a low voice; the latter bowed, -and went off hurriedly. For some minutes a deep silence prevailed in -the fort. The moments that precede a contest bring with them something -solemn, which causes the bravest men to reflect, and prepare for the -struggle, either by a powerful effort of the will, or by mentally -addressing a last and fervent prayer to Heaven. - -All at once, horrible yells were heard, mingled with the furious -galloping of many horses; and then the enemy appeared, leaning over -the necks of their steeds, and brandishing their weapons with an air -of defiance. When they came within pistol shot, the word to fire was -given from the walls, and a general discharge burst forth like a clap -of thunder. - -The horsemen fell into confusion, and turned back precipitately and in -the greatest disorder, followed by the Mexican bullets, which, directed -by strong arms and sure eyes, made great ravages in their ranks at -every step. Still, they had not fled so fast but that they could be -recognised for what they really were--that is, pirates of the prairies. -Half naked for the most part, and without saddles, they brandished -their rifles and long lances, and excited their horses by terrific -yells. - -Two or three individuals, probably chiefs, with their heads covered by -a species of turban, were noticeable through their ragged uniforms, -doubtless torn off murdered soldiers; their repulsive dirt and -ferocious appearance inspired the deepest disgust. No doubt was -possible: these wretches were certainly whites and half-breeds. What a -difference between these sinister bandits and the Apaches, Comanches, -and Arapahoes--those magnificent children of nature, so careful in the -choice of their weapons--so noble in their demeanour. - -After a rather long race, they stopped to hold counsel, out of range of -the firearms. They were at this moment joined by a second band, whose -leader began speaking and gesticulating with the utmost excitement, -pointing to the fort each moment with his rifle. The two bands, united, -might possibly amount to one hundred and fifty horsemen. - -After a rather long discussion, the pirates started again, and stopped -at the very foot of the walls. Captain Niza, wishing to inflict a -severe chastisement on them, had given orders not to fire, but to let -them do as they pleased. Hidden by the thick cactus hedge, the bandits -had suddenly become invisible; but the Mexicans, confiding in the -strength of their position and the solidity of the posts and gates, -felt no fear. - -Reassured by the silence of the garrison, some thirty pirates, among -whom were several of their chiefs, escaladed the great gate in turn, -and rushed toward the second wall. Unluckily for the success of their -plan, the wall was too lofty to be cleared in the same way; hence they -scattered. Some sought stones and posts to beat in the second gate; -while others tried, though in vain, to open the one they had so easily -scaled. - -The Mexicans could distinctly hear the pirates in the second -_enceinte_ explaining to their comrades the difficulty they experienced -in penetrating into the fort, and they must force the gate, in order -to allow a passage for those who remained outside. The latter then -threw their _reatas_, which, caught upon the posts, were tightened by -the combined efforts of the men and horses, and seemed on the point of -pulling the gate off its hinges; but the posts held firmly, and were -not even shaken by this supreme effort. - -"What are you waiting for, Captain?" Don Ruiz whispered in the -Commandant's ear. "Why do you not kill these vermin?" - -"There are not enough yet in the trap," he answered, with a cunning -look; "let them come." - -In fact, as if the bandits had wished to obey the old soldier, some -twenty more clambered over the gale, so that there were fifty of the -pirates between the cactus and the stone wall. Encouraged by their -numbers, which momentarily increased, they made a general assault. But, -all at once, every loophole was lit up by a sinister flash, and the -bullets began showering uninterruptedly on the wretches, who, through -their own position, found it impossible to answer the plunging fire of -the Mexicans. Recognising the fault they had committed, and the trap -they had so stupidly entered, the pirates became demoralized, fear -seized upon them, and they only thought of flight. - -Then they dashed at the outer gate, to clamber over it and reach the -plain; there the bullets dashed them down again--suffering from a -desperation which was the greater because they had no help to hope for -from their friends outside, whom, at the first check, they had heard -start off at full speed; and consequently they felt they were lost. - -The Mexicans, pitiless in their vengeance, fired incessantly on -the wretches, some of whom, by crawling on their hands and knees, -succeeded in reaching the foot of the wall below the loopholes--a -position in which they could not be attacked, unless the Mexicans -exposed themselves, and ran the risk of being killed or wounded. Of -fifty bandits who had scaled the gate, fourteen still lived; the others -were dead, and not one had succeeded in making his escape. - -"Ha! Ha!" said the Captain, rubbing his hands gleefully. "I fancy that -the lesson will be useful, though it may have been a trifle rough." - -But, on the reiterated entreaties of Don Ruiz, the worthy Commandant, -who in his heart was not cruel, consented to ask the survivors if they -were willing to surrender, a proposition which the pirates greeted with -yells of rage and defiance. These fourteen men, though their rifles -were discharged, were not enemies to despise, armed as they were with -long and heavy _machetes_, and resolved to die. The Mexicans were -acquainted with them, and knew that in a hand-to-hand fight they would -prove tough customers. - -Still there must be an end to it. At an order from the Captain the -gate of the second wall was suddenly opened, and some twenty horsemen -charged at full gallop the bandits, who, far from recoiling, awaited -them with a firm foot. The _mêlée_ was terrible, but short. Three -Mexicans were killed, and five others seriously wounded; but the -pirates, after an obstinate resistance, fell never to rise again. - -Only one of them--profiting by the disorder and the attention which the -soldiers remaining at the loopholes paid to the fight--succeeded by a -miracle of resolution and strength in scaling the wall and flying. This -pirate, the only one who escaped the massacre, was Kidd. On reaching -the plain he stopped for a second, turned to the fort with a gesture of -menace and defiance, and, leaping on a riderless horse, went off amid -a shower of bullets, not one of which struck him. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE STAY IN THE FOREST. - - -When the fight was over, and order restored at the post, the Captain -bade his Lieutenant have the bodies lying on the battlefield picked -up and hung by the feet to the trees on the plain, so that they -might become the prey of wild beasts, though not until they had been -decapitated. The heads were to remain exposed on the walls of the -forts, and act as an object of terror to the bandits, who, after this -act of summary justice, would not venture to approach the neighbourhood -of the post. - -Then, when all these orders had been given, the Commandant returned -to his residence, where Don Ruiz had already preceded him in order to -re-assure his sister as to the result of the fight. Don Marcos was -radiant: he had gained a great advantage--at least he thought so--over -the border ruffians; he had inflicted on them an exemplary punishment -at the expense of an insignificant loss, and supposed that for a long -time no one would venture to attack the post entrusted to him. - -Unfortunately, the wood ranger was not of the same opinion: each time -the Captain smiled and rubbed his hands at the recollection of some -episode in the fight, Stronghand shook his head sadly, and frowned -anxiously. This was done so frequently, that at last the worthy -Commandant was compelled to take notice of it. - -"What's the matter with you now?" he asked him, with an air half -vexed, half pleased. "You are, on my soul, the most extraordinary man -I know. Nothing satisfies you; you are always in a bad temper. Hang -it! I do not know how to treat you. Did we not give those scoundrels a -remarkable thrashing, eh? Come, answer!" - -"I allow it," the hunter replied laconically. - -"Hum! It is lucky you allow so much. And yet they fought bravely, I -fancy." - -"Yes; and it is that which frightens me." - -"I do not understand you." - -"Was I not giving you important information when we were interrupted by -the Cabo Hernandez?" - -"That is to say, you were going to give it me." - -"Yes; and with your permission, now that we have no fear of being -interrupted for a while, I will impart the news to you." - -"I ask nothing better; although I suppose that the defeat the pirates -have experienced must deprive the news of much of its importance." - -"The pirates play but a very small part in what I have to tell you." - -"Speak, then! I know that you are too earnest a man to try and amuse -yourself at my expense by inspiring me with ridiculous alarm." - -"You shall judge for yourself the perils of the situation in which you -may find yourself at any moment, if you do not employ the greatest -precaution and the most excessive prudence." - -The two men seated themselves on butacas, and the Commandant, who was -more excited than he wished to show by this startling preamble, made -the hunter a sign to commence his revelations. - -"About two months ago," the latter began, "I was at the Presidio of -San Estevan, whither certain personal matters had called me. This -Presidio, which, as you know, is about two days' journey from here, is -very important, and serves to some extent in connecting all the posts -scattered along the Indian border." - -The Captain gave a nod of assent. - -"I am," the hunter continued, "on rather intimate terms with Don -Gregorio Ochova, the Colonel commanding the Presidio, and during my -last stay at San Estevan I had opportunities for seeing him rather -frequently. You know the savageness of my character, and the species of -instinctive repulsion with which anything resembling a town inspires -me; hence, I need hardly say, that no sooner was my business ended than -I made preparations to depart, and, according to my custom, intended -to leave the Presidio at a very early hour. I did not like to go away -without saying good-bye to the Colonel and shaking hands with him; -so I went to his house for the purpose of taking leave. I found him -in a state of extreme agitation, walking up and down, and apparently -affected by a violent passion or great anxiety. On seeing me, he -uttered an exclamation of delight, and ran up to me, exclaiming--" - -"'Oh, Stronghand! Where on earth have you been hiding? I have been -seeking you everywhere for the last two hours, and have put a dozen -soldiers on your heels, who could not possibly find you.'" - -"I looked at the Colonel in surprise." - -"'You were seeking for me, Don Gregorio? I assure you that I was close -to you, and very easy to find.'" - -"'It seems not. But here you are--that is the main point; and I care -little where you were, or what you were doing. Do you think about -making any lengthened stay at San Estevan?'" - -"'No, Colonel,' I answered at once, 'my affairs are settled; I intend -to start at an early hour tomorrow, and I have just come to say -good-bye, and thank you for the hospitality you have shown me during my -stay at the Presidio.'" - -"'Good!' he said eagerly, 'that is all for the best but,' he added, -recollecting himself, and taking my hand in a kindly way, 'do not -suppose that it is my desire to see you depart that makes me speak -thus.'" - -"'I am convinced of the contrary,' I remarked with a bow." - -"He continued,--'You can, Stronghand, do me a great service, if you -will.'" - -"'I am at your command.'" - -"'This is the matter,' he said, at once entering on the business. 'For -some days past, the most alarming reports have been spreading through -the Presidio, though it is impossible to find out their origin.'" - -"'And what may they be?' I asked." - -"'It is said--(notice, I say it is said, and affirm nothing, as I know -nothing positive)--it is said, then, that a general uprising against us -is preparing--that the Indians, laying aside for a moment their private -hatreds, and forgetting their clannish quarrels to think only of the -hereditary hatred they entertain for us, are combining to attempt a -general attack on the posts, which they purpose to destroy, in order -to devastate our borders more freely. Their object is said to be, not -only the destruction of the posts, but also the invasion of several -States, such as Sonora and Sinaloa, in which they intend to establish -themselves permanently after expelling us.'" - -"'The reports are serious,' I remarked, 'but nothing has as yet -happened to confirm their truth.'" - -"'That is true; but you know that there is always a certain amount of -truth in every vague rumour, and it is that truth I should like to -know.'" - -"'Is no nation mentioned by name among those which are to take up -arms?'" - -"'Yes; more particularly the Papayos--that is to say, the grand league -of the Apaches, Axuas, Gilenos, Comanches, Mayos, and Opatas. But the -more serious thing is, always according to the report, that the white -and half-bred marauders on the border are leagued with them, and mean -to help them in their expedition against us.'" - -"'That is really serious,' I answered; 'but, pardon me for questioning -you, Colonel; what do you purpose doing to make head against the -imminent danger that threatens you?'" - -"'That is exactly why I want you, my friend; and you would do me a real -service by assisting me in this affair.'" - -"'I am ready to do anything that depends on myself to oblige you.'" - -"'I was certain of that answer, my friend. This is the matter, then. -You understand that I cannot remain thus surrounded by vague rumours -and terrors that have no apparent cause, but still carry trouble into -families and cause perturbation in trade. During the last few weeks, -especially, various serious events have given a certain consistency -to these rumours--travellers have been murdered, and several valuable -waggon trains plundered, almost at the gates of the Presidio. It is -time for this state of things to cease, and for us to know definitively -the truth or falsehood of the rumours; for this purpose I require a -brave, devoted man, thoroughly acquainted with Indian manners and -customs, who would consent--'" - -"I interrupted him quickly." - -"'I understand what you want, Colonel; seek no further, for I am the -man you stand in need of. Tomorrow at sunrise I will start: and within -two months I pledge myself to give you the most explicit information, -and tell you what you may have to fear, and what truth there is in all -that is being said around you.'" - -"The Colonel thanked me warmly, and the next morning I set out on my -tour of investigation, as we had arranged." - -"Well," the Captain exclaimed, who had followed this long story with -ever increasing interest; "and what information have you picked up?" - -"This information," the hunter answered, "is of a nature far more -serious than even public report had said. The situation is most -critical, and not a moment must be lost in preparing for defence. I was -going to San Estevan, where Colonel Don Gregorio must be awaiting my -return with the utmost impatience, when I thought of seeing whether the -Post of San Miguel, which had been so long unoccupied, had received a -garrison. That is how chance, my dear Captain, made us meet here when I -thought I should see you at the Presidio." - -The Captain shook his head thoughtfully. "A month ago," he said, "Don -Gregorio ordered me to come here and hold my ground, though he did not -inform me of the motives that compelled him so suddenly to place San -Miguel in a state of defence." - -"Well; now you know the reasons." - -"Yes; and I thank you for having told me. But, between ourselves, are -matters so serious as you lead me to suppose?" - -"A hundred times more so. I have traversed the desert in all -directions; I have been present at the meetings of the chiefs--in -a word, I know the most private details of the expedition that is -preparing." - -"_¡Viva Dios!_ I will not let myself be surprised--be at your ease -about that; but you were right in advising me to ask for help, as my -garrison is too weak to resist a well-arranged assault. This morning's -attack has made me reflect; so I will immediately--" - -"Do not take the trouble," the hunter interrupted him; "I will act as -your express." - -"What! Are you going to leave us at once?" - -"I must, my dear Captain; for I have to give Don Gregorio an account of -the mission he confided to me. Reflect what mortal anxiety he must feel -at not seeing me return." - -"That is true. In spite of the lively pleasure I should feel in keeping -you by me, I am compelled to let you go. When do you start?" - -"This moment." - -"Already?" - -"My horse has rested; there are still five or six hours of daylight -left, and I will take advantage of them?" He made a movement to leave -the room. - -"You have not said good-bye to Don Ruiz and his sister," the Captain -observed. - -The hunter stopped, his brows contracted, and he seemed to be -reflecting. - -"No," he said, ere long, "it would make me lose precious time. You will -make my apologies to them, Captain. Moreover," he added with a bitter -smile, "our acquaintance is not sufficiently long, I fancy, for Don -Ruiz and his sister to attach any great importance to my movements, so -for the last time, good-bye." - -"I will not press you," the Captain answered; "do as you please. Still, -it would have perhaps been more polite to take leave." - -"Nonsense," he said, ironically; "am I not a savage? Why should I -employ that refinement of politeness which is only customary among -civilized people?" - -The Captain contented himself with shrugging his shoulders as an -answer, and they went out. Five minutes later the hunter was mounted. - -"Do not fail to report to the Colonel," Don Marcos said, "what happened -here today; and, above all, ask him for assistance." - -"All right, Captain; and do not you go to sleep." - -"_Caray_--I shall feel no inclination. So now, good-bye, and good luck!" - -"Good-bye, and many thanks." - -They exchanged a last shake of the hand, the hunter galloped out into -the plain, and the Captain returned to his house, muttering to himself. - -"What a strange man! Is he good or bad? Who can say?" - -When the supper hour arrived, the two young people, astonished at the -hunter's absence, asked after him of the captain. When the latter told -them of his departure, they felt grieved and hurt at his having gone -without bidding them farewell; and Doña Mariana especially was offended -at such unaccountable behaviour on the part of a caballero; for which, -in her desire to excuse him, she in vain sought a reason. Still they -did not show their feelings, and the evening passed very pleasantly. - -At the hour for retiring, Don Ruiz, more than ever eager to rejoin -his father, reminded the Captain of the offer of service he had made -him, and asked for an escort, in order to continue his journey on -the morrow; but Don Marcos answered with a peremptory refusal, that -not only would he give no escort, but he insisted on his relations -remaining temporarily under his guard. - -Don Ruiz naturally asked an explanation of his cousin; which he did not -hesitate to give, by telling them of the conversation between himself -and the hunter. Don Ruiz and his sister had been too near death to -expose themselves again to the hazards of a long journey in the desert -alone, and unable to offer any effectual defence against such persons -as thought proper to attack them; still the young man, annoyed at this -new delay, asked the Captain at what period they might hope to regain -their liberty. - -"Oh! Your seclusion will not be long," the latter replied with a -smile; "so soon as I have received the reinforcements I expect from San -Estevan--that is to say, in seven or eight days at the most--I will -pick you out an escort, and you can be off." - -Don Ruiz, forced to satisfy himself with this promise, thanked him -warmly; and the young people made their arrangements to pass the -week in the least wearisome way possible. But life is very dull at a -frontier post, especially when you are expecting a probable attack from -the Indians, and when, consequently, all the gates are kept shut, when -sentries are stationed all around, and the only amusement is to look -out on the plain through the loopholes. - -The Captain, justly alarmed by the news the hunter had given him, had -made the best arrangements his limited resources allowed to resist any -attack from the Indians, if they appeared before the succour arrived -from San Estevan. By his orders all the rancheros and small landowners -established within a radius of fifteen leagues had been warned of an -approaching invasion, and received an invitation to take shelter within -the post. - -The majority, recognising the gravity of this communication, hastened -to pack up their furniture and most valuable articles; and driving -before them their horses and cattle, hurried from all sides at once to -the fort, with a precipitation which proved the profound terror the -Indians inspired them with. In this way, the interior of San Miguel -was soon encumbered with young men and old men, women, and children, -and cattle--most of whom, unable to find lodgings in the houses, were -forced to bivouac in the yards; which, however, was but a trifling -inconvenience to them in a country where it hardly ever rains, and -where the nights are not cold enough to render sleeping in the open air -unpleasant. - -The Captain organized this heterogeneous colony to the best of his -ability. The women, children, and old men were sheltered under tents or -_jacales_ made of branches, to protect them from the copious morning -dew, while all the men capable of bearing arms were exercised, so as in -case of attack to assist in the common defence. - -But this enormous increase of population required an enormous stock -of provisions; and hence the Captain sent out numerous patrols for -the purpose of procuring the required corn and cattle. Don Ruiz took -advantage of this to make excursions in the vicinity; while his sister, -in the company of young girls of her own age, of whom several had -entered the fort with their families, tried to forget, or rather cheat, -the weariness of their seclusion. - -The appearance of the post had completely changed; and, thanks to the -Captain's intelligence, ten days after the hunter's departure San -Miguel had become a really formidable fortress. Large trenches had been -dug, and barricades erected; but, unfortunately, the garrison, though -numerous enough to resist a sudden attack, was too weak to sustain a -long siege. - -One morning, at sunrise, the sentries signalized a thick cloud of dust -advancing towards the post with the headlong speed of a whirlwind. The -alarm was immediately given; the walls were lined with soldiers; and -preparations were made to resist these men, who, though invisible, were -supposed to be enemies. - -Suddenly, on coming within gunshot, the horsemen halted, the dust -dispersed, and the garrison perceived with delight that all these men -wore the Mexican uniform. A quarter of an hour later, eighty lanceros, -each carrying an infantry man behind him, entered the fort, amid the -deafening shouts of the garrison and the farmers who had sought refuge -behind the walls. It was the succour requested by the Captain, and -sent off from San Estevan by Colonel Don Gregorio. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -A GLANCE AT THE PAST. - - -In Spanish America, and especially in Peru and Mexico, all the Creoles -of the pure white breed pretend to be descended in a straight line -from the first Conquistadors. We have no need to discuss this claim, -whose falsehood is visible to any man at all conversant with the -sanguinary history of the numberless civil wars--a species of organized -massacre--which followed the establishment of the Spaniards in these -rich countries. - -Still there are in America some families, very few in number it is -true, which can justly boast of this glorious origin. Most of these -families live on the estates conceded to their ancestors--they only -marry among themselves, and only interfere against the grain in the -political events of the day. With their eyes turned to the past, -which is so full of great memories for them, they have kept up the -old traditions of the chivalrous loyalty of the time of Charles V., -which are forgotten everywhere else. They maintain the national honour -unsullied, and those patriarchal virtues of the old time which they -alone still practise with a proud and simple majesty. - -The Creoles, half-breeds, and Indians, in spite of the hatred they -affect for their old masters, and the principles of so-called -republican equality which they profess with such absurd emphasis in -the presence of strangers, feel for these families a respect bordering -on veneration; for they seem to understand inwardly the superiority of -these powerful natures, which no political convulsion has been able to -level or even bind, over their own vicious decrepit natures, which have -grown old without ever having been young. - -A few leagues from Arispe, the old capital of the Intendancy of Sonora, -but now greatly fallen, and only a second-class city, there stands like -an eagle's nest, on the summit of an abrupt rock, a magnificent showy -mansion, whose strong and haughty walls are crowned with _Almenas_, -which at the time of the Spanish conquest were only permitted to -families of the old and pure nobility, and they alone had the right to -have battlements on their houses. - -This fortress-palace--which dates from the first days of the conquest, -and whose antiquity is written on its walls, which have seen so many -bullets flatten, so many arrows break against them, but which time, -that grand destroyer of the most solid things, is gradually crumbling -away by a continuous effort, under the triple influences of the air, -the sun, and rain--has never changed masters since the day of its -construction, and the chiefs of the same family, on dying, have ever -left it to their descendants. - -This family is one of those to which we just now referred, whose -origin dates back to the first conquerors, and whose name is Tobar de -Moguer--(Moguer was added at a later date, doubtless in memory of the -Spanish town whence the chief of the family came.) - -In 1541, Don Antonio de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain, organized -the expedition to Cibola, a mysterious country, visited a few years -previously by Alvaro Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, and about which the most -marvellous and extraordinary reports were spread, all the better suited -to inflame the avarice and unextinguishable thirst for gold by which -the Spanish adventurers were devoured. - -The expedition, consisting of 300 Spaniards and 800 Indian allies, -started from Compostela, the capital of New Galicia, on April 17, 1541, -under the orders of Don Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. The officers -nominated by the Viceroy were all gentlemen of distinction; among them -as standard bearer was Don Pedro de Tobar, whose father, Don Fernando -de Tobar, had been Majordomo-Major in the reign of Jane the Mad, mother -of the Emperor Charles V. - -We will only say a few words about this expedition, the preparations -for which were immense; and which would have doubtless furnished better -results, and proved to the advantage of all, had the chief thought less -of the immense fortune he left behind in New Spain, and more of the -immense responsibility weighing upon him. - -After innumerable fatigues, the expedition reached Cibola, which, -instead of being the rich and magnificent city they expected to see, -was only a wretched insignificant village, built on a rock, and which -the Spaniards seized after an hour's fighting. Still, the Indians -defended themselves bravely, and several Spaniards were wounded. The -General himself, hurled down by a stone, would have been infallibly -killed, had it not been for the devotion of Don Pedro de Tobar and -another officer, who threw themselves before him, and gave their chief -time to rise and withdraw from the fight. - -The Spaniards, half discouraged by the extraordinary fatigue they were -forced to endure, and the continual deceptions that awaited them at -every step, but still urged on by that spirit of adventure which never -deserted them, resolved after the capture of Cibola to push further -on and try their fortunes once again. Thus they reached, with extreme -difficulty, the last country visited by Cabeza de Vaca, to which he had -given the name of the Land of Hearts (Tierra de los Corazones)--not, -as might be supposed, because the inhabitants had seemed so gentle and -amiable, but solely because, at the period of his passing, the only -food they offered him had been stags' hearts. - -On reaching this place the Spaniards halted. Don Tristán de Arellano, -who had taken the command of the army in place of Don Francisco -Coronado, who was ailing from the wound received at Cibola, seeing the -rich and fertile appearance of this country, resolved to found a town, -which he called San Hieronima de los Corazones. This town was, however, -almost immediately abandoned by the Spaniards, who carried the various -elements further, and started a new town, to which they gave the name -of Señora, afterwards corrupted into Sonora, which eventually became -the name of the province. - -During this long expedition Don Pedro de Tobar distinguished himself -on several occasions. At the head of seventeen horsemen, four foot -soldiers, and a Franciscan monk of the name of Fray Juan de Padella -who in his youth had been a soldier, Don Pedro de Tobar discovered the -province of Tutaliaco, which contained several towns, the houses being -of several storeys. All these towns, or rather villages, were carried -by storm by Don Pedro, and the province was subjugated in a few days. - -When, twenty years after, the Viceroy wishing to recompense Don -Pedro's services, offered him estates, the latter, who held Señora -in pleasant recollection, asked that land should be granted him in -this province, which reminded him of the prowess of his youth, and -to which he was attached by the very fatigues he had undergone and -the dangers he had incurred. During the twenty years that had elapsed -since Coronado's expedition, Don Pedro had married the daughter of Don -Rodrigo Maldonado, brother-in-law of the Duke of Infantado, and one -of his old comrades in arms. As Don Rodrigo had settled in Sonora, -Don Pedro, in order to be near him, took up his abode on the site of -Cibola, which had long been destroyed and abandoned, and built on the -crest of the rock the magnificent Hacienda del Toro, which, as we have -said, remained for centuries in the family, with the immense estates -dependent on it. - -Like all first-class haciendas in Mexico, El Toro was rather a town -than a simple habitation, according to the idea formed in Europe of -private estates. It comprised all the old territory of Cibola. On all -sides its lofty walls, built on the extremity of the rock, hung over -the abyss. It contained princely apartments for the owners, a chapel, -workshops of every description, storehouses, barracks, quarters for the -pious, and corrals for the horses and cattle, with an immense _huerta_, -planted with the finest trees and the most fragrant flowers. In a word, -it was, and probably still is, one of those gigantic abodes which -appear built for Titans, and of which the finest feudal châteaux in the -Old World offer but an imperfect idea. - -The fact is, that at the time when the conquerors built these vast -residences, inhabitants were sparse in these countries, as is indeed -the case now. The owners having their elbows at liberty, could take -what land they liked, and hence each ultimately became, without -creating any surprise, possessors of a territory equal in size to one -of our counties. - -It was in 1811, twenty-nine years before the period when our story -begins, at the dawn of that glorious Mexican revolution the first -cry of which had been raised on the night of September 16, 1810, by -Hidalgo--at that time a simple parish priest in the wretched town of -Dolores, and whose success, sixteen months later, was so compromised -by the disastrous battle of Calderón, in which countless bands of -fantastic Indians were broken by the discipline of the old Spanish -troops--that the most sensible men regarded it as an unimportant -insurrection--a fatal error which caused the ruin of the Spanish -domination. - -But on November 25, 1811, the day on which we begin this narrative, the -insurgents had not yet been conquered at Calderón; on the contrary, -their first steps had been marked by successes; from all sides Indians -came to range themselves beneath their banner, and their army, badly -disciplined, it is true, but full of enthusiasm, amounted to 80,000 -men. Already master of several important towns, Hidalgo assembled -all his forces with the evident design of dealing a great blow, and -generalizing the insurrection, which had hitherto been confined to two -provinces. - -About two in the afternoon, that is to say, the time when in these -climes the heat is most oppressive, a horseman, mounted on a -magnificent mustang, was following at a gallop the banks of a small -stream, half dried up by the torrid heat of the southern sun, and by -whose side a few sickly cottonwood trees were withering. - -The dust, reduced to impalpable atoms, formed a dense cloud round the -horseman, who, plunged into sad and gloomy thought, with pale forehead -and brows contracted till they touched, continued his journey without -noticing the desolate aspect of the country he was traversing, and the -depressing calm that prevailed around him. In fact, an utter silence -brooded over this desert: the birds had hidden themselves gasping -under the foliage, and no other sound could be heard save the shrill, -harsh cry of the grasshoppers, which occupied in countless myriads -the calcine grass that bordered the road, or rather the track, the -traveller was following. - -This rider appeared to be about twenty-five years of age; his features -were handsome, his glance proud, and the expression of his face -haughty, although marked with kindness and courtesy. He was tall and -well built; his gestures, which were pleasing, though not stiff, -indicated a man who, through his position in the world, was accustomed -to a certain deference, and to win the respect of those who surrounded -him. His dress had nothing remarkable about it: it was that usually -worn by wealthy Spaniards when travelling; still, a short sword in a -silver sheath and with a curiously carved hilt, the only weapon he -openly carried, showed him to be a gentleman; besides, his complexion, -clearer than that of the Creoles, left no doubt as to his Spanish -origin. - -This horseman, who had left Arispe at sunrise, had been travelling, up -to the moment we join him, without stopping or appearing to notice the -stifling heat that made the perspiration run down his cheek--so deep -was he in thought. On reaching a spot where the track he was following -turned sharply to the left, his horse suddenly stopped. The rider, thus -aroused from his reverie, raised his head and looked before him, with -grief, almost despair, in his glance. - -He was at the foot of the rock on the summit of which stands the -Hacienda del Toro in all its gloomy majesty. For some minutes he gazed -with an expression of regret and sorrow at these frowning buildings, -which doubtless recalled happy memories. He shook his head several -times, a sigh escaped from his overburdened chest, and, seemed to form -a supreme resolution, he said, in a choking voice, "I will go;" and -letting his horse feel the spur, he began slowly scaling the narrow -path that led to the summit of the rock and the hacienda gate. A -violent contest seemed to be going on in his mind: his flexible face -changed each moment, and reflected the various feelings that agitated -him; several times his clenched hand drew up the bridle, as if he -wished to check his horse and turn back. But each time his will was -the more powerful; he constantly overcame the instinctive repugnance -that seemed to govern him, and he continued his ascent, with his eyes -constantly looking ahead, as if he expected to see someone whose -presence he feared come round an angle of the track. But he did not see -a soul the whole way. - -When he reached the hacienda gate, it was open, and the drawbridge -lowered; but though he was evidently expected, there was no one to bid -him welcome. - -"It must be so," he murmured sadly. "I return to my paternal roof, not -as a master, but as a stranger, a fugitive--an accursed man, perhaps." - -He crossed the drawbridge, the planks of which re-echoed his horse's -footfall, and entered the first courtyard. Here, too, there was no one -to greet him. He dismounted; but instead of throwing the bridle on -his horse's neck, he held it in his hand and fastened it to a ring in -the wall, saying, in a low, concentrated voice--"Wait for me, my poor -Bravo; you, too, are regarded as an accursed one: be patient; we shall -doubtless soon set out again." - -The noble animal as if understanding its master's words and sharing in -his grief, turned its delicate, intelligent head toward him, and gave a -soft and plaintive whine. The young man after giving a parting glance -at his steed, crossed the first yard with a firm and resolute step, and -entered a second one considerably larger. At the end of this court two -men were standing motionless on the first step of a magnificent marble -staircase, apparently leading to the apartments of the master of the -hacienda. - -On seeing these two men, the young horseman drew himself up; his face -assumed a gloomy and ironical expression, and he walked rapidly toward -them. They still remained motionless and stiff, with their eyes fixed -on him. When he was but a few paces from them, they uncovered by an -automatic movement, and bowed ceremoniously. - -"The Marquis is waiting for you, Señor Conde," one of them said. - -"Very good," the strange visitor answered; "one of you can announce my -arrival to his lordship my father, while the other will guide me to the -apartment where I am expected." - -The two men bowed a second time, and with heads still uncovered, -preceded the young man, who followed with a firm and measured tread. -On reaching the top of the steps, one of the servants hurried forward, -while the second, slightly checking his speed, continued to guide the -horseman. When the footsteps of the first man died out in the immense -corridors, the face of the second one suddenly lost its indifferent -expression, and he turned round, his eyes full of tears. - -"Oh, my young master!" he said, in a voice broken by emotion, "What a -misfortune! Oh, Heavens! What a misfortune!" - -"What?" the young man asked anxiously; "Has anything happened to the -marquis? Or is my lady mother ill?" - -The old servant shook his head sadly. "No," he answered; "Heaven be -blessed! Both are in good health: but why did you leave the paternal -mansion, your lordship? Alas! Now the misfortune is irremediable." - -A cloud of dissatisfaction flitted across the young man's forehead. - -"What has happened so terrible during my absence, Perote?" - -"Does not your Excellency know?" the servant asked in amazement. - -"How should I know, my friend?" he answered, mildly. "Have you -forgotten that I have been absent from the hacienda for two years?" - -"That is true, Excellency;--forgive me, I had forgotten it. Alas! Since -the misfortune has burst upon us, my poor head has been so bad." - -"Recover yourself, my good fellow," the young man said, kindly. "I know -how much you love me. You have not forgotten," he added, with a bitter -sorrow, "that your wife, poor Juana, nourished me with her milk. I know -nothing; am even ignorant why my father ordered me so suddenly to come -hither. The servant who handed me the letter was doubtless unable to -tell anything, and, indeed, I should not have liked to question him." - -"Alas! Excellency," the old servant continued, "I am myself ignorant -why you have been summoned to the hacienda; but Hernando, he may know." - -"Ah!" said the young man, with a nervous start, "My brother is here, -then?" - -"Did you not know it?" - -"Have I not already told you that I am utterly ignorant of everything -connected with this house?" - -"Yes, yes, Excellency. Don Hernando is here, and has been here a long -time. Heaven guard me from saying anything against my master's son; -but perhaps it would have been better had he remained at Guadalajara, -for all has greatly changed since his arrival. Take care, Sir, for Don -Hernando does not love you." - -"What do I care for my brother's hatred?" the young man answered -haughtily. "Am I not the elder son?" - -"Yes, yes," the old servant repeated, sadly, "you are the elder son; -and yet your brother commands here as master. Since his arrival, it -seems as if everything belonged to him already." - -The young man let his head sink on his chest, and remained for some -minutes crushed; but he soon drew himself up, with flashing eye, and -gently laid his hand on the old servant's shoulder. - -"Perote," he said to him affectionately, "what is the motto of my -family?" - -"What do you mean, Excellency?" the manservant asked, startled at the -singular question his master asked him. - -"You do not remember it," the young man continued, with a smile, as he -pointed to an escutcheon over a door. "Well; look, what do you read -there?" - -"What does your Excellency want?" - -"Read--read, I tell you." - -"You know that motto better than I do, as it was given to one of your -ancestors by King Don Ferdinand of Castile himself." - -"Yes, Perote, I know it," he replied, in a firm voice; "and since you -will not read it, I will repeat it to you. The motto is: 'Everything -for honour, no matter what may happen.' That motto dictates my conduct -to me; and be assured, Perote, that I will not fail in what it orders -me." - -"Oh, your Excellency, once again take care. I am only a poor servant of -your family, but I saw you born, and I tremble as to what may happen in -the coming interview." - -"Do not be anxious, my old friend," he answered, with an expression of -haughty pride, full of nobleness. "Whatever may happen, I will remember -not only what I owe to the memory of my ancestors, but also what I owe -to myself; and, without going beyond the limits of that obedience and -respect those who gave me birth have a right to, I shall be able to -defend myself against the accusations which will doubtless be brought -against me." - -"Heaven grant, Sir, that you may succeed in dissipating the unjust -suspicions so long gathering in the minds of your noble parents, and -carefully kept up by the man who, during your lifetime, dares to look -with an eye of covetousness on your rich inheritance." - -"What do I care for this inheritance?" the young man exclaimed, -passionately. "I would gladly abandon it entirely to my brother, if he -would cease to rob me of a more precious property, which I esteem a -hundred times higher--the love of my father and my mother." - -Old Perote only answered with a sigh. - -"But," the young man continued, "let us not delay any longer. His -lordship must be informed of my arrival; and the slight eagerness -I seem to display in proceeding to him and obeying his orders will -probably be interpreted to my injury by the man who has for so many -years conspired my ruin." - -"Yes, you are right: we have delayed too long as it is; come, follow -me." - -"Where are you taking me?" the young man remarked. "My father's -apartments are not situated in this part of the hacienda." - -"I am not leading your Excellency to them," he answered, sorrowfully. - -"Where to, then?" he asked, stopping in surprise. - -"To the Red Room," the old servant remarked in a low voice. - -"Oh!" the young man muttered; "Then my condemnation is about to be -pronounced." - -Perote only answered by a sigh; and his young master, after a moment's -hesitation, made him a sign to go on; and he silently followed him, -with a slow step that had something almost solemn in it. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE FAMILY TRIBUNAL. - - -The Hacienda del Toro, like many feudal mansions, contained one room -which remained constantly closed, and was only opened on solemn -occasions. The head of the family was conveyed there to die, and -remained on a bed of state till the day of his funeral: and the wife -was confined there. There, too, marriage contracts were signed. In a -word, all the great acts of life were performed in this room, which -inspired the inhabitants of the hacienda with a respect greatly -resembling terror; for on the few occasions on which the Marquises de -Tobar found themselves compelled to punish any member of their family, -it served as the tribunal where the culprit was tried and sentence -pronounced. - -This room, situated at the end of the hacienda, was a large hall of -oblong shape, paved with alternate large black and white slabs, and -lighted by four lofty windows, which only allowed a gloomy and doubtful -light to penetrate. - -Tapestry, dating from the fourteenth century, and representing with all -the simplicity of the age the different episodes of the mournful battle -of Xeres--which delivered Spain to the Moors, and in which Don Rodrigo, -the last Gothic king, was killed--covered the walls, and imprinted an -indescribable character of sepulchral majesty on this cold and mournful -hall, which was probably called the "Red Room" from the prevalence of -that colour in the tapestry work. - -The young Count de Tobar had never entered this room since the day of -his birth; and, however far back his thoughts reverted in childhood, -he never remembered to have seen it open. Hence, in spite of all his -courage, and the firmness with which he had thought it wise to arm -himself for this decisive interview with his father, he could not -restrain a slight start of fear on learning that his parents were -prepared to receive him there. - -The folding doors were open, and on reaching the threshold the young -man took in the room at a single glance. At one end, on a dais covered -with a petate, the Marquis and Marchioness of Tobar were seated, -gloomy and silent, beneath a canopy of black velvet with gold fringe -and tassels. Candles, lit in tall, many-branched candelabra, in order -to overcome the habitual gloom of the room, threw their flickering -light on the aged couple, and imparted to their faces an expression of -sternness and harshness that probably did not belong to them. - -At the foot of the dais, and almost touching it, stood a young man of -three or four-and-twenty, with handsome and distinguished features, -whose elegant attire contrasted with the simple dress of the aged -couple: this gentleman was Don Hernando de Tobar, younger son of the -Marquis. A footman, the same who had preceded the Count in order to -announce his arrival to his master, took a step forward on perceiving -the young man. - -"El Señor Conde, Don Rodolfo de Tobar y Moguer," he said, in a loud and -marked voice. - -"Show in the Count," the Marquis said, in a voice which, though broken, -was still powerful. - -The manservant discreetly retired, and the door closed upon him. The -Count walked up to the foot of the dais: on reaching it, he bowed a -second time, then drew himself up, and respectfully awaited till it -pleased his father to address him. - -So profound a silence prevailed for some minutes in the room, that -the hearts of the four persons might have been heard beating in their -bosoms. Don Hernando took cunning side-glances at his brother, whom -the aged couple examined with a mixture of sadness and severity. - -The young Count, as we said, was standing motionless in front of the -dais. His posture was full of nobility, without being in any way -provocative: with his right foot in front, his hand on his sword guard, -and the other holding his hat, whose long feather swept the ground, and -his head slightly thrown back, he looked straight before him, without -any display of arrogance or disdain. He waited, with a brow rather -pale, it is true, owing to the internal emotions he felt; but the -expression of his features, far from being that of a culprit, was, on -the contrary, that of a man convinced of his innocence, and who expects -to see his conduct approved rather than blamed. - -"You have arrived, then, Señor Conde," the Marquis at length said, -sharply. - -The young man bowed, but did not answer. - -"You did not display any great eagerness in obeying my invitation." - -"My lord, I only received very late last night the letter you did me -the honour to send me," the Count answered, gently. "This morning -before sunrise I mounted my horse, and rode twenty leagues without -stopping, so anxious was I to obey you." - -"Yes," the Marquis said, ironically, "I know that; for you are a most -obedient son--in words, if not otherwise." - -"Excuse me, my lord," he replied, respectfully, "but I do not -understand to what you deign to allude at this moment." - -The old gentleman bit his lips angrily. "It is because we probably no -longer speak the same language, Señor Conde," he said, drily; "but I -will try to make myself better understood." - -There was a silence, during which the Marquis seemed to be reflecting. - -"You are the elder son of the family, sir," he presently continued, -"and, as such, responsible for its honour, which your ancestors handed -down to you unsullied. You are aware of this, I presume?" - -"I am, my lord." - -"Since your birth your sainted mother and myself have striven to place -before you only examples of loyalty; during your childhood we took -pleasure in training you in all the chivalrous virtues which for a long -succession of centuries have been the dearest appanage of the race of -worthies from whom you are descended. We continuously kept before your -eyes the noble motto of our family, of which it is so justly proud. -How is it, then, sir, that, suddenly forgetting what you owe to our -care and the lessons you received from us, you suddenly, without your -mother's permission or mine, abandoned without any plausible motive -the paternal roof, and that, deaf to the remonstrances and tearful -entreaties of your mother, and rebellious against my orders, you have -so completely separated your life from ours, that, with the exception -of the name you continue to bear, you have become a perfect stranger?" - -"My lord!" the young man stammered. - -"It is not an accusation I bring against you, Don Rodolfo," the Marquis -continued, quickly; "but I expect a frank and honourable explanation -of your conduct. But, take care; the explanation must be clear and -unreserved." - -"My lord," the Count answered, throwing up his head proudly, "my heart -reproaches me with nothing: my conduct has been ever worthy of the -name I have the honour to bear. My object, in obeying your orders so -eagerly, has not been to justify myself, as I am not guilty of any -fault, but to assure you of my respect and obedience." - -An incredulous smile played round Don Hernando's month, and the Marquis -continued with the same tone of frigid sternness-- - -"I expected another answer from you, sir. I hoped to find you eagerly -seize the opportunity my kindness offered you to justify yourself in my -sight." - -"My lord," the young man replied, respectfully but firmly, "in order -that the justification you demand may be possible, I must know the -charges brought against me." - -"I will not press this subject for the present, sir; but since, as you -say, you profess such great respect for my orders, I wish to give you -an immediate opportunity to prove your obedience to me." - -"Oh, speak, father!" the Count exclaimed, warmly; "Whatever you may ask -of me--" - -"Do not be overhasty in pledging yourself, sir," the Marquis coldly -interrupted him, "before you know what I am about to ask of you." - -"I shall be so happy to prove to you how far from my heart are the -intentions attributed to me." - -"Be it so, sir. I thank you for those excellent feelings; hence I will -not delay in telling you what you must do to reinstate yourself in my -good graces." - -"Speak,--speak, my lord!" - -The old man, cold and impassive, still regarded his son with the same -stern look. The Marchioness, restrained by her husband's presence, -fixed on the young man's eyes filled with tears, without daring, poor -mother, to interfere on his behalf. Don Hernando smiled cunningly -aside. As for Don Rodolfo, his father's last words had filled him with -fear; and in spite of the pleasure he affected, he trembled inwardly, -for he instinctively suspected a snare beneath this pretended kindness. - -"My son," the Marquis continued, with a slight tinge of sadness in his -voice, "your mother and I are growing old. Years count double at our -age, and each step brings us nearer the tomb, which will soon open for -us." - -"Oh, father!" Don Rodolfo exclaimed. - -"Do not interrupt me, my son," the Marquis continued, with a commanding -gesture. "You are our firstborn, the hope of our name and race; you -are four-and-twenty years of age; you are handsome, well built, -instructed by us in all the duties of a gentleman; in short, you are an -accomplished cavalier, of whom we have just reason to be proud." - -The Marquis paused for a little while. Don Rodolfo felt himself -growing more and more pale. His eyes turned wildly to his mother, who -sorrowfully bowed her head, in order that his anxious glance might not -meet hers. He was beginning to understand what sacrifice his father was -about to demand of his filial obedience, and he trembled with terror -and despair. The old man continued, in a firm and more marked voice-- - -"Your mother and I, my son, may be called away soon to appear before -the Lord; but as I do not wish to repose in the tomb without having -the satisfaction of knowing that our name will not die with us, but be -continued in our grandchildren--this desire, which I have several times -made known to you, my son, the moment has now arrived to realise; and -by marrying, you can secure the tranquillity of the few days still left -us to spend on this earth." - -"Father--" - -"Oh, re-assure yourself, Count," the old gentleman continued, -pretending to misunderstand his son's meaning. "I do not intend to -force on you one of those marriages in which a couple, united against -their wish, only too soon hate one another through the instinctive -aversion they feel. No; the wife I intend for you has been chosen by -your mother and myself with the greatest care. She is young, lovely, -rich, and of a nobility almost equal to ours;--in a word, she combines -all the qualities necessary not only to render you happy, but also to -revive the brilliancy of our house and impart a fresh lustre to it." - -"Father!" Don Rodolfo stammered again. - -"My son!" the Marquis continued, with a proud intonation in his voice, -as if the name he was about to utter must remove all scruples; "my son, -be happy, for you are about to marry Doña Aurelia de la Torre Azul, -cousin in the fifth degree to the Marquis del Valle." - -"Oh, my son!" the Marchioness added entreatingly "this alliance, which -your father so dearly desires, will soothe my last days." - -The young man was of livid pallor. He tottered, his eyes wandered -hesitatingly around, and his hand, powerfully pressed to his heart, -seemed trying to stifle its beating. - -"You know my will, sir," the Marquis continued, not appearing to -perceive his unhappy son's condition. "I hope that you will soon -conform to it: and now, as you must be fatigued after a long ride in -the great heat of the day, withdraw to your apartments. Tomorrow, when -you have rested, we will consult as to the means of introducing you to -your future wife as soon as possible." - -After uttering these words, in the same cold and peremptory tone he -employed during the whole interview, the Marquis prepared to rise. - -By an effort over himself the young count succeeded in repressing the -storm that was raging in his heart. Affecting a tranquillity he was far -from feeling, he took a step forward, and bowed respectfully to the -Marquis. - -"Pardon me, my lord," he said, in a voice which emotion involuntarily -caused to tremble, "but may I say a few words now?" - -The old gentleman frowned. - -"Did I not say tomorrow, sir?" he answered drily. - -"Yes, my lord," the young man answered, sadly; "but, alas! If you do -not consent to listen to me today, tomorrow may be too late." - -"Ah!" said the Marquis, biting his lips with a passion that was -beginning to break out, "And for what reason, sir?" - -"Because, father," the young man said, firmly, "tomorrow I shall have -left this house never to reenter it." - -The Marquis gave him a thundering look from under his grey eyelashes. - -"Ah, ah!" he exclaimed, "Then I was not deceived; what I have been told -is really true." - -"What have you been told?" - -"Do you wish to know?" the old gentleman exclaimed, furiously. "After -all, you are right; it is time that this pitiable farce should end." - -"Sir,--sir!" the Marchioness said, with deep grief, "remember that he -is your son--your firstborn!" - -"Silence, madam!" the old man said, harshly; "This rebellious son has -played with us long enough; the hour of punishment has pealed, and, by -Heaven! It shall be terrible and exemplary." - -"In God's name, sir," the Marchioness continued, "do not be inexorable -to your child. Let me speak to him; perhaps you are too harsh with -him, although you love him. I am his mother; I will convince him, and -induce him to carry out your wishes: a mother can find words in her -heart to soften her son, and make him understand that he ought not to -reject his father's orders." - -The old man seemed to hesitate for a moment, but immediately recovered. - -"Why should I consent to what you ask, madam?" he replied, with a -roughness mingled with pity; "Do you not know that the sole quality, -or rather the sole vice, of his race which this rebellious son has -retained is obstinacy? You will get nothing from him." - -"Oh, permit me to say, sir," the old lady continued, in a suppliant -voice, "he is my son as well as yours. In the name of that love and -that unswerving obedience you have ever found in me, I beseech you -to let me make a final attempt to break his resistance, and lead him -penitent to your feet." - -"And then, my lord," Don Hernando, who had hitherto remained an -apparent stranger to all that was taking place, remarked in a mocking -voice, "perhaps we are mistaken; do not condemn my brother without -hearing him; he is too good a gentleman, and of too old a family, to -have committed the faults of which he is accused." - -"That is well, Hernando; I am delighted thus to hear you undertake your -brother's defence," said the old lady, smiling through her tears, and -deceived by his words. - -"Certainly, mother; I love my brother too dearly," the young man said -ironically, "to let him be accused without proof. That Rodolfo has -seduced the daughter of the principal Cacique of the Opatas and made -her his mistress is evident, and known to all the world as true, but -it is of very little consequence. But what I will never believe until -it is proved to me is, that he has married this creature, any more -than I will put faith in the calumnies that represent him not only -as one of the intimate friends of the Curate Hidalgo, but also as one -of his most active and influential partisans in this province. No; a -thousand times No! A gentleman of the name and blood of Tobar knows -too well what honour demands to commit such infamy! Acting so would -be utter apostasy, and complete forgetfulness of all that a noble -Castilian owes to himself, his ancestors, and that honour of which he -is only the holder. Come, Rodolfo; come, my brother, raise your head: -confound the calumniators: give a solemn denial to those who have dared -to sully your reputation! One word from you, but one that proves your -perfect innocence, and the storm unjustly aroused against you will -be dispersed; my father will open his arms to you, and all will be -forgotten." - -During this speech, whose deep perfidy the Count recognised, he -was suffering from extreme emotion. At the first words his brother -uttered, he started as if he felt the sting of a viper; but gradually -his anger had made way for contempt in his heart; and it was with a -smile of crushing disdain that he listened to the emphatic and mocking -conclusion. - -"Well, my son," the marquis said, "you see everybody defends you here, -while I alone accuse you! What will you answer to prove your innocence -to me?" - -"Nothing, father!" the young man said, coolly. - -"Nothing?" the old gentleman repeated, angrily. - -"No, father!" he continued; "because, if I attempted to justify myself, -you would not listen to me; and that, supposing you consented to listen -to me, you would not comprehend me. Oh! Do not mistake my meaning," he -said, on seeing the Marquis about to speak; "you would not understand -me, father, not through want of intellect, but through pride. Proud of -your name and the privileges it gives, you are accustomed to judge men -and things from a peculiar point of view, and understand honour in your -own fashion." - -"Are there two sorts of honour, then?" the Marquis exclaimed, -involuntarily. - -"No, father," Don Rodolfo answered, calmly, "there is only one; but -there are two ways of comprehending it: and my brother, who a moment -back told you without incurring your disapproval that a gentleman had -the right to abuse the love of a maiden and make her his mistress, -but that the honour of his name would forbid him marrying her, seems -to me to have studied the point thoroughly, and is better able than I -to discuss it. As you said yourself, father, we must come to an end. -Well, be it so. I will not attempt to continue an impossible struggle -with you. When I received orders to come to you, I knew I was condemned -beforehand, and yet I obediently attended your summons; it was because -my resolution was irrevocably formed. What am I reproached with? Having -married the daughter of an Indian Cacique? It is true; I avow openly -that I have done so: her birth is perhaps as good as mine, but most -certainly her heart is greater. What is the next charge--that I am a -friend of the Curate Hidalgo, and one of his firmest adherents? That -is also true; and I am happy and proud of this friendship: I glory in -these aspirations for liberty with which you reproach me as a crime. -Descendants of the first conquerors of Mexico, this land, discovered -and subjugated by our fathers, has become our country; for the last -three centuries we have not been Spaniards, but Mexicans. The hour has -at length arrived for us to shake off the yoke of this self-called -country, which has so long been battening on our blood and tears, and -enriching itself with our gold. In speaking thus to you, my venerated -father, my heart is broken, for Heaven is my witness that I have a -profound respect and love for you. I know that I am invoking on my head -all the weight of your anger, and that anger will be terrible! But, in -my sorrow, one sublime hope is left to me. Faithful to the motto of our -ancestors, I have done everything for honour; my conscience is calm; -and some day--soon, perhaps--you will forgive me, for you will see that -I have not failed in fealty." - -"Never!" the Marquis shouted in a voice the more terrible because the -constraint he had been forced to place on himself, in order to hear his -son's speech to the end, had been so great. "Begone! I no longer know -you! You are no longer my son! Begone!--villain! I give you my--" - -"Oh!" the Marchioness shrieked, as she threw herself into his arms, -"Do not curse him, sir! Do not add that punishment to the one you have -inflicted on him. The unhappy boy is already sufficiently punished. No -one has the right to curse him; a father less than any other--for in -that case it is God who avenges." - -The Marquis stood for a moment silent and gloomy, then stretched out -his arms to his son, and shook his head sadly. - -"Begone!" he said in a hollow voice. "May God watch over you--for -henceforth you have no family. Farewell!" - -The young man pale and trembling, bent beneath the weight of this -sentence; then rose and tottered out of the room without saying a word. - -"My son!--My son!" the Marchioness exclaimed in a heart-rending voice. - -The implacable old man quickly stopped her at the moment when, -half-mad with grief, she was rushing from the dais, and pointed to Don -Hernando, who was bowing hypocritically to her. - -"You have only one son, madam," he said, in a harsh voice, "and that -son is here." - -The Marchioness uttered a cry of despair, and, crushed with grief, fell -senseless at her husband's feet; who, also overcome in this fearful -struggle of pride of race against paternal love, sank into a chair and -buried his face in his hands, while a mighty sob escaped from his bosom. - -Don Hernando had rushed after his brother, not for the purpose of -consoling or bringing him back, but solely not to let the joy be -seen which covered his face at this mournful scene, all the fearful -incidents in which he had been so long preparing with feline patience. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE TWO BROTHERS. - - -After quitting the Red Room, Don Rodolfo, under the weight of the -condemnation pronounced against him, with broken heart and burning head -had rushed onwards, flying the paternal anger, and resolved to leave -the hacienda as quickly as possible, never to return to it. His horse -was still in the first yard, where he had tied it up. The young man -went up to it, seized the bridle, and placed his foot in the stirrup. -At the same moment a hand was laid on his shoulder--Don Rodolfo turned -as if seared with a hot iron. His brother was standing before him. - -A feverish redness suffused his face; his hands closed, and his eyes -flashed lightning; but at once extinguishing the fire of his glance and -affecting a forced calmness, he said, in a firm voice-- - -"What do you want brother?" - -"To press your hand before your departure, Rodolfo," the young man -said, with a whining voice. - -Rodolfo looked at him for a moment with an expression of profound -disdain, then unhooking the sword that hung at his side, he handed it -to his brother. - -"There, Hernando," he said, ironically, "it is only right that, since -you will henceforth bear the name and honour of our family, this sword -should revert to you. You desired my inheritance, and success has -crowned your efforts." - -"Brother," the young man stammered. - -"I am not reproaching you," Don Rodolfo continued, haughtily. "Enjoy -in peace those estates you have torn from me. May Heaven grant that -the burden may not appear to you some day too heavy, and that the -recollection of the deed you have done may not poison your last years. -Henceforth we shall never meet again on this earth. Farewell!" And -letting the sword he had offered his brother fall on the ground, he -leaped on his horse and went off at full speed, without even giving a -parting glance at those walls which had seen his birth, and from which -he was now eternally banished. Don Hernando stood for a moment with -hanging head and pale face, crushed by the shame and consciousness -of the bad action he had not feared to commit. Already remorse was -beginning to prey on him. At length, when the galloping of the horse -had died away in the distance, he raised his eyes, wiped away the -perspiration that inundated his face, and picked up the sword lying at -his feet. - -"Poor Rodolfo!" he muttered, stifling a sigh; "I am very guilty." - -And he slowly returned to the hacienda. Count Don Rodolfo de Moguer -kept the word he had given his brother: he never reappeared. Nothing -was ever heard of him, and his intimate friends never saw him again -after his journey to the hacienda, nor knew what had become of him. The -next year, a few Indians who escaped from the massacre at the bridge -of Calderón, when Hidalgo was defeated by the Spanish General Calleja, -spread the report that Don Rodolfo, who during the whole action kept by -Hidalgo's side, was killed in a desperate charge he made into the heart -of the Spanish lines, in the hope of restoring the fortunes of the day; -but this rumour was not confirmed. In spite of all the measures taken -by the Marquis, the young man's body was not found among the dead, and -his fate remained a mystery for the family. - -In the meanwhile, Don Hernando, by his father's orders, had succeeded -to his brother's title, and almost immediately married Doña Aurelia de -la Torre Azul, originally destined for Don Rodolfo. The Marquis and -Marchioness lived some few years longer. They died a few days after -one another, bearing with them a poisoned sting of remorse for having -banished their firstborn son from their presence. - -But, inflexible up to his dying hour, the Marquis never once made a -complaint, and died without mentioning his son's name. However, the -Marquis's hopes were realized ere he descended to the grave, for he -had the supreme consolation of seeing his family continued in his -grandchildren. - -At the funeral, a man was noticed in the crowd wrapped up in a wide -cloak, and his features concealed by the broad brim of his hat being -pulled over them. No one was able to say who this man was, although one -old servant declared he had recognised Don Rodolfo. Was it really the -banished son who had come for the last time to pay homage to his father -and weep on his tomb? The arrival of the stranger was so unexpected, -and his departure so sudden, that it was impossible to get at the truth -of the statement. - -Then, time passed away, important events succeeded each other, and Don -Rodolfo, of whom nothing was heard, was considered dead by his family -and friends, and then forgotten; and Don Hernando inherited without -dispute the title and estates. - -The Marquis de Moguer, in spite of the light under which we have shown -him to our readers, was not a wicked man, as might be supposed; but -as a younger son, with no other hope than the tonsure, devoured by -ambition, and freely enjoying life, he internally rebelled against the -harsh and unjust law which exiled him from the pleasures of the world, -and condemned him to the solitude of the cloister. Assuredly, had his -brother frankly accepted his position as firstborn, and consented to -undertake its duties, Don Hernando would never have thought for a -moment of defrauding him of his rights. But when he saw Don Rodolfo -despise the old tradition of his race--forget what he owed to his -honour as a gentleman, so far as to marry an Indian girl and make -common cause with the partisans of the Revolution, he eagerly seized -the opportunity chance so providentially offered him to seize the power -lost by his brother, and quietly put himself in his place. He thought -that, in acting thus he was not committing a bad action, but almost -asserting a right by substituting himself for a man who seemed to care -very little for titles and fortune. - -Don Hernando, while whitewashing himself in this way, only obeyed that -law of justice and injustice which God has placed in the heart of man, -and which impels him, when he does any dishonourable deed, to seek -excuses in order to prove to himself that he was bound to act as he -had done. Still, the Marquis did not dare to confess to himself that -the chance by which he profited he had helped by all his power, by -envenoming by his speeches and continual insinuations his brother's -actions, ruining him gradually in his father's mind, and preparing, -long beforehand, the condemnation eventually uttered in the Red Room -against the unfortunate Rodolfo. - -And yet strange contradiction of the human heart, Don Hernando dearly -loved his brother; he pitied him--he would like to hold him back on -the verge of the precipice down which he thrust him, as it were. Once -master of the estates and head of the family, he would have liked to -find his brother again, in order to share with him this badly-acquired -fortune, and gain pardon for his usurpation. - -Unfortunately these reflections came too late--Don Rodolfo had -disappeared without leaving a trace, and hence the Marquis was -compelled to restrict himself to sterile regrets. At times, tortured -with the ever-present memory of the last scene at the hacienda, he -asked himself whether it would not have been better for him to have -had a frank explanation with his brother, after which Don Rodolfo, -whose simple tastes agreed but badly with the exigencies of a great -name, would have amicably renounced in his favour the rights which his -position as elder brother gave him. - -But now to continue our narrative, which we have too long interrupted. - -At the beginning of 1822, on a day of madness which was to be expiated -by years of disaster, the definitive separation took place between -Spain and Mexico, and the era of _pronunciamientos_ set in. After the -ephemeral reign of the Emperor Iturbide, Mexico reverted to a republic, -or, more correctly, to a military government. Under the pressure of -an army of 20,000 soldiers, which had 24,000 officers, the Presidents -succeeded each other with headlong speed, burying the nation deeper -and deeper in the mire, in which it is now struggling, and which will -eventually swallow it up. - -By _pronunciamiento_ on _pronunciamiento_ Mexico had reached the period -when this story begins; but her wealth had been swallowed up in the -tornado--her commerce was annihilated, her cities were falling in -ruins, and New Spain had only retained of her old splendours fugitive -recollections and piles of ruins. The Spaniards had suffered greatly -during the War of Independence, as had their partisans, whose property -had been burned and plundered by the revolutionists. The fatal decree -of 1827, pronouncing the expulsion of the Spaniards, dealt the final -and most terrible blow to their fortunes. - -The Marquis de Moguer was one of the persons most affected by this -measure, although, during the entire War of Independence and the -different governments that succeeded each other, he had taken the -greatest care not to mix himself up at all in politics, and remained -neutral between all parties. This position, which it was difficult and -almost impossible to maintain for any length of time, had compelled him -to make concessions painful to his pride: unfortunately, his fortune -consisted of land and mines, and if he left Mexico he would be a ruined -man. - -His friends advised him frankly to join the Mexican government, and -give up his Spanish nationality. The Marquis, forced by circumstances, -followed their advice; and, thanks to the credit some persons enjoyed -with the President of the Republic, Don Hernando was not only not -disturbed, but authorized to remain in the country, where he was -naturalized as a Mexican. - -But things had greatly changed with the Marquis. His immense fortune -had vanished with the Spanish government. During the ten years of the -War of Independence, his estates had lain fallow, and his mines, -deserted by the workmen he formerly employed, had gradually become -filled with water. They could not be put in working order again except -by enormous and most expensive works. The situation was critical, -especially for a man reared in luxury and accustomed to sow his money -broadcast. He was now compelled to calculate every outlay with the -utmost care, if he did not wish to see the hideous spectre of want rise -implacable before him. - -The pride of the Marquis was broken in this struggle against poverty; -his love for his children restored his failing courage, and he bravely -resolved to make head against the storm. Like the ruined gentleman who -tilled the soil, with their sword by their side, as a proof of their -nobility, he openly became hacendero and miner,--that is to say, he -cultivated his estates on a large scale, and bred cattle and horses, -while trying to pump out the water which had taken possession of his -mines. Unfortunately, he was deficient in two important things for the -proper execution of his plans: the necessary knowledge to assist the -different operations he meditated: and, above all, money, without which -nothing was possible. The Marquis was therefore compelled to engage a -majordomo, and borrow on mortgage. For the first few years all went -well, or appeared to do so. The majordomo, Don José Paredes, to whom -we shall have occasion to refer more fully hereafter, was one of those -men so valuable in haciendas, whose life is spent on horseback, whose -attention nothing escapes, who thoroughly understand the cultivation of -the soil, and know what it ought to produce, almost to an arroba. - -But if the estates of the Marquis were beginning to regain their -value under the skilful direction of the bailiff, it was not the same -with the mines. Taking advantage of the convulsions in which Mexico -was writhing, the independent Indians, no longer held in subjection -by the fear of the powerful military organization of the Spaniards, -had crossed the frontiers and regained a certain portion of their -territory. They had permanently settled upon it, and would not allow -white men to encroach on it. Most of the Marquis's mines being situated -in the very country now occupied by the Indians, were consequently -lost to him. The others, almost entirely inundated, in spite of the -incessant labour bestowed on them, did not yet hold out any hopes of -becoming productive again. - -What Don Hernando gained on one side he lost on the other; and his -position, in spite of his efforts, became worse and worse, and the -abyss of debt gradually enlarged. The Marquis saw with terror the -moment before him when it would be impossible for him to continue the -struggle. Sad and aged by sorrow rather than years, the Marquis no -longer dared to regard the future, which daily became more gloomy for -him. He watched in mournful resignation the downfall of his house--the -decay of his race; seeking in vain, like the man without a compass on -the mighty ocean, from what point of the horizon the vessel that would -save him from shipwreck would arrive. - -But, alas! Days succeeded days without bringing any other change in -the position of the Marquis, save greater poverty, and more nearly -impending ruin. In proportion as the misfortune came nearer, the -Marquis had seen his relations and friends keep aloof from him; all -abandoned him, with that selfish indifference which seems a fundamental -law of every organized society, when the precept, "Each man for -himself," is put in practice, with all the brutal force of the _vae -victis_. - -Hence Don Hernando resided alone, with his son, at the Hacienda del -Toro; for he had lost his wife several years before, and his daughter -was being educated in a convent at the town of Rosario; with that -noble pride which so admirably becomes men of well-tempered minds, the -Marquis had accepted without a murmur the ostracism passed upon him. -Far from indulging in useless recriminations with men, the majority of -whom had, in other days, received obligations from him, he had made his -son a partner in his labours, and, aided by him, redoubled his efforts -and his courage. - -Some months before the period when our story begins, ill fortune had -seemed, not to grow weary of persecuting the Marquis, but desirous -of granting him a truce--this is how a gleam of sunshine penetrated -the gloomy atmosphere of the hacienda. One morning, a stranger, who -appeared to have come a great distance, stopped at the gate, leading a -mule loaded with two bales. This man, on reaching the first courtyard, -threw the mule's bridle to a peon, with the simple remark,--"For Signor -Don Hernando de Moguer--" and, without awaiting an answer, he started -down the rocky road at a gallop and was lost in the windings of the -path ere the peon had recovered from the surprise caused by the strange -visit. The Marquis, at once warned, had the mule unloaded, and the -bales conveyed to his study. They each contained twenty-five thousand -piastres in gold, or nearly eleven thousand pounds of our money: on a -folded paper was written one word--Restitution. - -It was in vain that the Marquis ordered the most minute researches; -the strange messenger could not be found. Don Hernando was therefore -compelled to keep this large sum, which arrived so opportunely to -extricate him from a difficult position, for he had a considerable -payment to make on the morrow. Still, it was only on the repeated -assurances of Don Ruiz and the majordomo, that the money was really -his, that he consented to use it. - -Cheered by this change of fortune, Don Hernando at length consented -that Don Ruiz should go and fetch his sister, and bring her back to the -hacienda, where her presence had been long desired; though there had -been an obstacle, in the dangers of such a journey. - -We will now resume our narrative, begging the reader to forgive this -long digression, which was indispensable for the due comprehension of -what is about to follow, and lead him to the Hacienda del Toro, a few -hours before the arrival of Don Ruiz and his sister; that is to say, -about three weeks since we left them at the post of San Miguel. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -A NEW CHARACTER. - - -Although, owing to its position on the shores of the Pacific, Sonora -enjoys the blessings of the sea breeze, whose moisture at intervals -refreshes the heated atmosphere; still, for three hours in the -afternoon, the earth incessantly heated by the torrid sunbeams produces -a crushing heat. At such times the country assumes a really desolate -aspect beneath the cloudless sky, which seems an immense plate of -red-hot iron. The birds suddenly cease their songs, and languidly hide -themselves beneath the thick foliage of the trees, which bow their -proud crests towards the ground. Men and domestic animals hasten to -seek shelter in the houses, raising in their hurried progress a white, -impalpable, and calcined dust, which enters mouth and nostrils. For -some hours Sonora is converted into a vast desert from which every -appearance of life and movement has disappeared. - -Everybody is asleep, or at least reclining in the most shady rooms, -with closed eyes, and with the body abandoned to that species of -somnolency which is neither sleeping nor waking, and which from that -very fact is filled with such sweet and voluptuous reveries--inhaling -at deep draughts the artificial breeze produced by artfully contrived -currents of air, and in a word indulging in what is generally called in -the torrid zones a siesta. - -These are hours full of enjoyment, of those sweet and beneficent -influence on body and mind we busy, active Englishmen are ignorant, -but which people nearer the sun revel in. The Italians call this state -the _dolce far niente_, and the Turks, that essentially sensual race, -_keff_. - -Like that city in the "Arabian Nights," the inhabitants of which the -wicked enchanter suddenly changed into statues by waving his wand, life -seemed suddenly arrested at the Hacienda del Toro, for the silence was -so profound: peons, vaqueros, craidos, everybody in fact, were enjoying -their siesta. It was about three in the afternoon; but that indistinct -though significant buzz which announces the awakening of the hour that -precedes the resumption of labour was audible. Two gentlemen alone had -not yielded to sleep, in spite of the crushing midday heat; but seated -in an elegantly furnished _cuarto_, they had spent the hours usually -devoted to slumber in conversation. The cause for this deviation from -the ordinary custom must have been most serious. The Hispano-American, -and especially the Mexican, does not lightly sacrifice those hours of -repose during which, according to a Spanish proverb, only dogs and -Frenchmen are to be seen in the sun. - -Of these two gentlemen, one, Don Hernando de Moguer, is already known -to us. Years, while stooping his back, had furrowed some wrinkles on -his forehead, and mingled many silver threads with his hair; but the -expression of his face, with the exception of a tinge of melancholy -spread over his features by lengthened misfortunes, had remained nearly -the same, that is to say, gentle and timid, although clever; slightly -sarcastic and eminently crafty. - -As for the person with whom Don Hernando was conversing at this moment, -he deserves a detailed description, physically at least, for the -reader will soon be enabled to appreciate his moral character. He was -a short, plump man, with a rubicund face and apoplectic look, though -hardly forty years of age. Still his hair, which was almost white, -his deeply wrinkled forehead, and his grey eyes buried beneath bushy -whiskers, gave him a senile appearance, harmonizing but little with the -sharp gesticulation and youthful manner he affected. His long, thin, -violet nose was bent like a parrot's beak over a wide mouth filled with -dazzling white teeth; and his prominent cheekbones, covered with blue -veins, completed a strange countenance, the expression of which bore a -striking likeness to that of an owl. - -This species of nutcracker, with his prominent stomach and short -ill-hung limbs, whose whole appearance was most disagreeable, had such -a mobility of face as rendered it impossible to read his thoughts -on his features, in the event of this fat man's carcase containing -a thought. His cold blue eyes were ever pertinaciously fixed on the -person addressing him, and did not reveal the slightest emotion; in -short, this man produced at the first contact that invariable antipathy -which is felt on the approach of reptiles, and which, after nearer -acquaintance, is converted into disgust and contempt. - -He was a certain Don Rufino Contreras, one of the richest landowners in -Sonora, and a year previously had been elected senator to the Mexican -Congress for the province. - -At the moment when we enter the _cuarto_, Don Hernando, with arms -folded at his back and frowning brow, is walking up and down, while Don -Rufino, seated on a butaca, with his body thrown back, is following his -movements with a crafty smile on his lips while striving to scratch -off an invisible spot on his knee. For some minutes, the hacendero -continued his walk, and then stopped before Don Rufino, who bent on him -a mocking, inquiring glance. - -"Then," he said, in a voice whose anxious expression he sought in vain -to conceal, "you must positively have the entire sum within a week?" - -"Yes," the fat man replied, still smiling. - -"Why, if that is the case, did you not warn me sooner?" - -"It was through delicacy, my dear sir." - -"What--through delicacy?" Don Hernando repeated, with a start of -surprise. - -"You shall judge for yourself." - -"I shall be glad to do so." - -"I believe you do me the justice of allowing that I am your friend?" - -"You have said you are, at least." - -"I fancy I have proved it to you." - -"No matter; but let us pass over that." - -"Very well. Knowing that you were in a critical position at the moment, -I tried to procure the sum by all possible means, as I did not wish to -have recourse to you, except in the last extremity. You see, my dear -Don Hernando, how delicate and truly friendly my calculations were. -Unfortunately, at the present time it is very difficult to get money -in, owing to the stagnation of trade produced by the new conflict -which threatens to break out between the President of the Republic and -the Southern States. It was therefore literally impossible for me to -obtain the smallest sum. In such a perplexing position, I leave you to -judge what I was obliged to do. The money I must have; you have owed it -for a long time, and I applied to you--what else could I do?" - -"I do not know. Still, I think you might have sent a peon to warn me, -before you left Sonora." - -"No, my dear sir, that is exactly what I should not do. I have not come -direct to you: in pursuance of the line of conduct I laid down I hoped -to collect the required sum on my road, and not be obliged to come all -the way to your hacienda." - -Don Hernando made no reply. He began his walk again after giving the -speaker a glance which would have given him cause for thought, had he -noticed it; but the latter gentleman had begun rubbing the invisible -spot again with more obstinacy than before. In the meanwhile the -sunbeams had become more and more oblique; the hacienda had woke up -to its ordinary life; outside the shouts of the vaqueros pricking the -oxen or urging on the horses could be heard mingled with the lowing and -neighing of the draught cattle. Don Hernando walked up to a window, the -shutters of which he threw open, and a refreshing breeze entered the -_cuarto_. Don Rufino gave a sigh of relief and sat up in his _butaca_. - -"Ouf," he said, with an expression of comfort, "I was very tired; not -through the long ride I was compelled to make this morning, so much as -through the stifling heat." - -Don Hernando started at this insinuation, as if he had been stung by -a serpent; he had neglected all the laws of Mexican hospitality; for -Don Rufino's visit had so disagreeably surprised him, and made him -forget all else before the sudden obligation of satisfying the claims -of a merciless creditor. But at Don Rufino's remarks he understood how -unusual his conduct must have seemed to a weary traveller, hence he -rang a bell, and a peon at once came in. - -"Refreshment," he said. - -The peon bowed, and left the room. - -"You will excuse me, Caballero," the hacendero continued, frankly, -"but your visit so surprised me, that at the moment I did not think -of offering the refreshment which a tired traveller requires so much. -Your room is prepared, rest yourself tonight, and tomorrow we will -resume our conversation, and arrive at a solution I trust mutually -satisfactory." - -"I hope so, my dear sir. Heaven is my witness that it is my greatest -desire," Don Rufino answered, as he raised to his lips the glass of -orangeade brought by the peon. "Unhappily I fear that, with the best -will in the world, we cannot come to a settlement unless--" - -"Unless!" Don Hernando sharply interrupted. Don Rufino quietly sipped -his orangeade, placed the glass on the table, and said, as he threw -himself back on the _butaca_, and rolled a cigarette-- - -"Unless you pay me in full what you owe me, which, from what you have -said, appears to me to be difficult, I confess." - -"Ah!" Don Hernando remarked with an air of constraint, "What makes you -suppose that?" - -"I beg your pardon, my dear sir, I suppose nothing: you told me just -now that you were hardly pressed." - -"Well, and what conclusion do you derive from that?" the hacendero -asked impatiently. - -"A very simple thing--that seventy thousand piastres form a rather -round sum, and that however rich a man may be, he does not always have -it in his hands, especially when he is pressed." - -"I can make sacrifices." - -"Believe me, I shall be sincerely sorry." - -"But can you not wait a few days longer?" - -"Impossible, I repeat: let us understand our respective positions, in -order to avoid any business misunderstanding, which should always be -prevented between honourable gentlemen holding a certain position. I -lent you that sum, and only stipulated for small interest, I believe." - -"I allow it, Señor, and thank you for it." - -"It is not really worth the trouble; I was anxious to oblige you. I -did so, and let us say no more about it; but remember that I made one -condition which you accepted." - -"Yes," Don Hernando said, with an impatient start, "and I was wrong." - -"Perhaps so; but that is not the question. This condition which you -accepted was to the effect that you should repay me the sum I advanced -upon demand." - -"Have I said the contrary?" - -"Far from it; but now that I want the money, I ask you for it, and -that is natural: I have in no way infringed the conditions. You ought -to have expected what is happening today, and taken your precautions -accordingly." - -"Hence, if I ask a month to collect the money you claim?" - -"I should be heartbroken, but should refuse; for I want the money, not -in a month, but in a week. I can quite put myself in your position, and -comprehend how disagreeable the matter must be; but unluckily so it is." - -What most hurt Don Hernando was not the recall of the loan, painful as -it was to him, so much as the way in which the demand was made; the -show of false good nature employed by his creditor, and the insulting -pity he displayed. Carried away involuntarily by the rage that filled -his heart, he was about to give Don Rufino an answer which would have -broken off all friendly relations between them for ever, when a great -noise was heard in the hacienda, mingled with shouts of joy and the -stamping of horses. Don Hernando eagerly leant out of the window, and -at the expiration of a moment turned round to Don Rufino, who was -sucking his cigarette with an air of beatitude. - -"Here are my children, Caballero," he said; "not a word of this affair -before them, I entreat." - -"I know too well what I owe you, my dear Señor," the other replied, as -he prepared to rise. "With your permission, however, I will withdraw, -in order to allow you entire liberty for your family joy." - -"No, no!" Don Hernando added, "I had better introduce you at once to my -son and daughter." - -"As you please, my dear sir. I shall be flattered to form the -acquaintance of your charming family." - -The door opened, and Don José Parades appeared. The majordomo was a -half-breed of about forty years of age, tall and powerfully built, with -bow legs and round shoulders that denoted his capacity as a horseman; -in fact, the worthy man's life was spent in the saddle, galloping about -the country. He took a side-glance at Don Rufino, bowed to his master, -and lowering his usual rough tone, said-- - -"Señor amo, the niño and niña have arrived in good health, thanks to -Our Lady of Carnerno." - -"Thanks, Don José," Don Hernando replied; "let them come in. I shall be -delighted to see them." - -The majordomo gave a signal outside, and the two young people rushed -into the room. With one bound they were in their father's arms, who -for a moment pressed them to his heart; but then he pushed them -away, remarking that a stranger was present. The young couple bowed -respectfully. - -"Señor Don Rufino," the Marquis said, "I present to you my son, Don -Ruiz de Moguer, and my daughter, Doña Marianita: my children, this is -Señor Don Rufino Contreras, one of my best friends." - -"A title of which I am proud," Don Rufino replied, with a bow, while -giving the young lady a cold searching glance, which made her look down -involuntarily and blush. - -"Are the apartments ready, Don José?" Don Hernando continued. - -"Yes, Excellency," the majordomo said, who was contemplating the young -people with a radiant face. - -"If Señor Don Rufino will permit it, you can go and lie down, my -children," the hacendero said. "You must be tired." - -"You will also allow me to rest, Don Hernando?" the Senator then said. -The hacendero bowed. - -"We will resume our conversation at a more favourable moment," he -continued, as he took a side-glance at Donna Marianita, who was just -leaving the room with her brother. "However, my dear Señor, do not feel -too anxious about my visit; for I believe I have discovered a way of -arranging matters without inconveniencing you too much." - -And, bowing to his knees to the Marquis, who was astounded at this -conduct, which he was so far from expecting, Don Rufino left the room, -smiling with an air of protection. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -DON JOSÉ PAREDES. - - -Several days had elapsed since the return of Don Ruiz and his sister -to the hacienda, and Don Rufino had not said a word about the money -which occasioned his visit. The hacendero, while employing all the -means in his power to procure the necessary sum to pay his debt, had -been careful not to allude to the conversation he had held with his -creditor on the first day; the more so because Don Rufino seemed to -have forgotten the pressing want of money he had at first given as his -excuse for not granting any delay. - -At the hacienda everything had returned to its old condition. Don Ruiz -went out on horseback in the morning with José Paredes, in order to -watch the peons and vaqueros, leaving to his father and sister the -care of doing the honours to Don Rufino. For the first two or three -days Doña Marianita had been considerably embarrassed by their guest's -obsequious smiles and passionate glances; but she soon made up her -mind, and only laughed at the craving look and absurd postures of the -stout gentleman. The latter, while perceiving the effect he produced -on the young lady, appeared to take no heed of it, and conscientiously -continued his manoeuvres with the tenacity that formed the basis of his -character. Probably in acting thus, and by openly paying his court to -Doña Marianita, in the presence of her father and brother, Don Rufino -was carrying out a pre-arranged plan, in order to gain an end which may -be easily guessed. - -It was evident to everybody that Don Rufino was seeking to obtain the -hand of Doña Marianita. Don Hernando, in spite of the secret annoyance -this pursuit caused him, for this man was the last he would have -desired as his son-in-law, did not dare, however, let his vexation be -seen, owing to his delicate position, and the sword of Damocles which -Don Rufino held in suspense over his head. He contented himself with -watching him closely, while leaving him free to act, hoping everything -from him, and striving to collect all his resources in order to pay -him off as speedily as possible; and once liberty was regained, to -dismiss him. Unfortunately, money was difficult to obtain. Most of Don -Hernando's debtors failed in meeting their engagements; and it was with -great difficulty he obtained at the end of a fortnight one quarter the -sum he owed Don Rufino, and this sum even could not be employed in -liquidating the debt, for it was indispensable for the continuation of -the works at the hacienda. - -Since his arrival at the hacienda, Don Rufino had sent off messengers -in several directions, and received letters. One morning he entered Don -Hernando's study with an easy air, where the latter passed nearly the -day, engaged in the most abstruse calculations. The hacendero raised -his head with amazement on seeing the Senator; it was the first time -the latter had come to seek him in this room. He suffered a heart pang; -but he succeeded in hiding his emotion, and good-humouredly invited his -visitor to take a seat. - -"My dear Señor," Don Rufino began, as he comfortably stretched -himself out upon a butaca, "excuse me for pursuing you into your last -entrenchments, but I want to talk seriously with you, and so I frankly -knocked at this door." - -"You have done well," Don Hernando answered, with ill-dissembled agony: -"you know that I am entirely at your disposal. How can I be of any -service to you?" - -"I will not trouble you long: I am not fond of lengthy conversations, -and have merely come to terminate the affair which we began on the day -when I arrived at the hacienda." - -The hacendero felt a cold perspiration stand on his temples at this -brutally frank avowal. - -"I had not forgotten you," he replied: "at this very moment I was -making arrangements which, I trust, will enable me to discharge the -debt in a few days." - -"That is not the point," Don Rufino remarked, airily: "I do not want -the money, and request you to hold it for me as long as you possibly -can." - -Don Hernando looked at him in amazement. "That surprises you," the -Senator continued, "and yet the affair is very simple. I was anxious to -prove to you that you had in me not a pressing creditor, but a truly -devoted friend. When I saw that it would greatly embarrass you to repay -me this trifle, and as you are a gentleman I am anxious to oblige, I -turned to another quarter." - -"Still," Don Hernando, who feared a snare, objected: "you said to me--" - -"I believed it," Don Rufino interrupted him. "Fortunately it was not -so, as I have recently acquired the proof: not only have I been able to -meet my payment, but I have a considerable sum left in my hands which -I do not know what to do with, and which I should feel much obliged -by your taking; for I do not know a more honourable gentleman than -yourself, and I wish to get rid of the money, which is useless to me at -the moment." - -Don Hernando, confounded by this overture, which he had been so far -from expecting from a man who had at first been so harsh with him, was -silent, for he knew not what to answer, or to what he should attribute -this so sudden and extraordinary change. - -"Good gracious!" continued Don Rufino, with a smile; "During the -few days I have been with you, my dear Señor, I have been enabled -to appreciate the intelligent way in which you manage your immense -estate; and it is evident to me that you must realize enormous profits. -Unfortunately for you, you are in the position of all men who -undertake great things with limited resources. You are short of capital -just at the moment when it is most necessary; but as this is a common -case, you cannot complain. You have made sacrifices, and will have to -make more before obtaining real results. The money you want I have, -and I offer it to you. I trust you will not insult me by doubting my -friendship, or my desire to be of service to you." - -"Certainly, Caballero. Still," Don Hernando stammered, "I am already -your debtor to a heavy amount." - -"Well, what matter? You will be my debtor for a larger amount, that is -all." - -"I understand all the delicacy and kindness of your conduct, but I -fear--" - -"What?--That I may demand repayment at an inconvenient moment?" - -"I will not conceal from you--" - -"You are wrong, Don Hernando. I wish to deal with you as a friend, and -do you a real service. You owe me seventy thousand piastres, I believe?" - -"Alas, yes!" - -"Why that 'alas?'" the senator asked, with a smile. "Seventy thousand -piastres, and fifty thousand more I am going to hand you directly, -in six bills payable at sight, drawn on Wilson and Co., Bankers, at -Hermosillo, will form a round sum, for which you will give me your -acceptance payable--come, what date will suit you best?" - -Don Hernando hesitated. Evidently Don Rufino, in making him so strange -a proposal, had an object; but that object he could not see. The -Senator's love for his daughter could not impel him to do such a -generous act: this unexpected kindness evidently concealed a snare; -but what was the snare? Don Rufino carefully followed the different -feelings that were reflected on Don Hernando's face. - -"You hesitate," he said to him, "and you are wrong. Let us talk -candidly. You cannot possibly hope to realize any profit within eight -months, so it will be impossible for you to pay me so large a sum -before that period." Then, opening his pocketbook and taking out -the six bills, which he laid on the table, he continued: "Here are -the fifty thousand piastres; give me an acceptance for one hundred -and twenty thousand, payable at twelve months' date. You see that -I give you all necessary latitude to turn yourself round. Well, -supposing--which is not probable--that you are unable to pay me when -the bill falls due; we will renew it, that is all. _¡Cuerpo de Cristo!_ -I am not a harsh creditor. Come, is the matter settled, or must I take -the bills back?" - -Money, under whatever shape it presents itself, has an irresistible -attraction in the eyes of the speculator and embarrassed man. Don -Hernando, in spite of all his efforts--in spite of all the numerous -sacrifices he had made, felt himself rapidly going down the incline of -ruin, on which it is impossible for a man to stop; but time might save -him. Don Rufino, whatever his wishes might be, rendered him an immense -service by giving him, not only time, but also the money he required, -and which he despaired of obtaining elsewhere. Any longer hesitation -on his part would therefore have been unjustifiable; hence he took the -bills, and gave his acceptance. - -"That's settled," Don Rufino said, as he folded the document and -carefully placed it in his pocketbook. "My dear Señor, you are really a -singular man. There is more difficulty in getting you to accept money -than there would be in getting another to pay it." - -"I really do not know how to thank you, Don Rufino, for the service -you have rendered me, and which I am now free to confess has arrived -very opportunely." - -"Money is always opportune," the Senator replied, with a laugh; "but -let us say no more about that. If you happen to have a safe man, send -him off at once to cash these bills at Hermosillo, for money is too -scarce to be allowed to lie idle." - -"This very day my majordomo, Don José Paredes, shall set out for the -_ciudad_." - -"Very good. Now I have one request to make of you." - -"Speak, speak! I shall be delighted to prove to you how grateful I am." - -"This is the matter: now that I am, temporarily at least, no longer -your creditor, I have no decent pretext for remaining at the hacienda." - -"Well, what does that matter?" - -"It matters a great deal to me. I should like to remain here a few days -longer, in order to enjoy your agreeable society." - -"Are you jesting, Don Rufino? The longer you remain at the hacienda, -the greater honour you will do us; we shall be delighted to keep you, -not for a few days, but for all the time you may be pleased to grant -us." - -"Very good; that is what I desired. Now, I shall go away and leave you -to your business." - -When the majordomo returned to the hacienda at about eleven o'clock in -the morning, Don Hernando sent for him. Without taking the time to pull -off his vaquero boots or unbuckle his heavy spurs, José Parades hurried -to his master. - -"Have you a good horse?" the hacendero asked, so soon as the majordomo -entered the study. - -"I have several, Excellency," he answered. - -"I mean by a good horse, one capable of going a long distance." - -"Certainly, mi amo; I have a mustang on which I could ride to -Hermosillo and back without giving it any further rest than that of the -camping hours." - -"I want to send you to Hermosillo." - -"Very good, Excellency; when must I start?" - -"Why, as soon as possible after you have rested." - -"Rested from what?" - -"The ride you have taken this morning." - -The majordomo shrugged his shoulders with a smile. "I am never tired, -Excellency; in half an hour I shall have lassoed my horse, saddled it, -and mounted, unless you wish me to defer my journey." - -"The hours for the siesta will soon be here, and the heat will be -insufferable." - -"You are aware, Excellency, that we half-Indians are children of the -sun; its heat does not affect us." - -"You have an answer for everything, Don José." - -"For you, Excellency, I feel myself capable of performing -impossibilities." - -"I know that you are devoted to my house." - -"Is it not just, Excellency? For two centuries my family has eaten the -bread of yours; and, if I acted otherwise than I am doing, I should be -unworthy of those from whom I am descended." - -"I thank you, my friend; you know the esteem and affection I have for -you. I am about to intrust an important commission to you." - -"Be assured that I shall perform it, Excellency." - -"Very good. You will start at once for Hermosillo, where you will cash -these bills for fifty thousand piastres, at the bank of Wilson and Co." - -"Fifty thousand piastres!" the majordomo repeated, with surprise. - -"It surprises you, my friend, to whom I have confided my most secret -affairs, that I have so large a sum to receive. You ask yourself, -doubtless, in what way I managed to obtain it." - -"I ask nothing, Excellency; it does not concern me. I am here to carry -out your orders, and not permit myself improper observations." - -"This money has been lent me by a friend whose kindness is -inexhaustible." - -"Heaven grant that you are not mistaken, Excellency; and that the man -from whom you have this money is really a friend." - -"What do you mean, Don José? To what are you alluding?" - -"I make no allusion, mi amo; I merely think that friends who lend -fifty thousand piastres from hand to hand--pardon my frankness, -Excellency--to a man whose affairs are in such a condition as yours, -are very rare at present; and that, before forming a definite judgment -about them, it would be wiser to wait and learn the cause of such -singular generosity." - -Don Hernando sighed. He shared his majordomo's opinions, though he -would not allow it. Following the tactics of all men who have not good -reasons to allege, he suddenly turned the conversation. - -"You can take three or four persons with you," he said. - -"What to do, Excellency?" - -"Why, to act as escort on your return." - -The majordomo began laughing. - -"What use is an escort, Excellency? You want your money here? I will -buy a mule at Hermosillo, and load the money on it, and it will take a -very clever fellow to rob me, I assure you." - -"Still, it would be, perhaps, better to have an escort." - -"Permit me to remark, Excellency, that it would be the best way of -setting robbers on my track." - -"_¡Viva Dios!_ I should be curious to know how you arrive at that -conclusion." - -"You will easily understand me, mi amo. A single man is certain to pass -unnoticed, especially when, as at this moment, the roads are infested -with bandits of every description and every colour." - -"Hum! what you are saying is not re-assuring, Don José, do you know -that?" Don Hernando remarked, with a smile, for his majordomo's -reasoning amused him. - -"On the contrary, the bandits to whom I am referring, Excellency, are -clever, too clever, and it is that which ruins them; they will never -imagine that a poor devil of a half-breed, leading a sorry mule, can be -carrying fifty thousand piastres. Deceived by my appearance, they will -let me pass, without even pretending to see; while if I take persons -with me, it will arouse their suspicions, they will want to know why I -am guarded, and I shall be plundered." - -"You may really be right, Don José." - -"I am certain I am, Excellency." - -"Well, I will not argue any longer; do what you think proper." - -"All right, Excellency; I will deliver the money to you, without the -loss of a real, I promise you." - -"May Heaven grant it: here are the bills, and now--you can start -whenever you please." - -"I shall be gone within an hour, Excellency," the majordomo answered. - -He took up the bills, hid them in his bosom, and, after bowing to his -master, left the study. José Paredes went straight to the corral, where -in a few minutes he had lassoed a mustang with small head and flashing -eye, which he began saddling, after he had carefully rubbed it down. -Then he inspected his weapons, laid in a stock of powder and ball, -placed some provisions in his alforjas, and mounted. But, instead of -leaving the hacienda, he proceeded to a separate building, and twice -gently tapped a window before which he pulled up. The window opened, -and Don Ruiz appeared. - -"Ah! Is that you, Paredes; going back to the plantations already?" he -said; "Well, wait a minute, and I will be with you." - -The majordomo shook his head. - -"Do not disturb yourself, Niño," he said. "I am not going to the -plantations, but on a journey." - -"A journey?" the young man asked, in surprise. - -"Yes; but only for a few days. The Marquis has sent me, and I shall -soon be back." - -"Can you tell me the reason why you are going, and whither?" - -"The master will tell you himself, Niño." - -"Good! But I suppose you have some other motive for coming to wish me -good-bye?" - -"Yes, Niño; I wished to give you a piece of advice before leaving the -hacienda." - -"Advice?" - -"Yes; and of a serious nature. Niño, during my absence, watch carefully -the man who is here!" - -"Whom do you mean, Paredes?" - -"The Senator, Don Rufino Contreras." - -"For what reason?" - -"Watch him, Niño, watch him! And now, good-bye for the present." - -And without awaiting the question the young man was about to ask him, -the majordomo dug his spurs into his horse's flanks, and left the -hacienda at a gallop. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -ON THE ROAD. - - -Mexico, considering its size, is one of the least populated countries -in the world. With but few exceptions, the old Spanish colonies, -since they have proclaimed their independence and become free -republics, having been constantly engaged in war with each other, or -in overthrowing the government they themselves elected, have seen all -the ties attaching families to the soil broken in turn. Foreigners, no -longer finding the necessary safety for their speculations in countries -incessantly troubled by revolutions, have gone away. Trade has been -annihilated; commerce has fallen into a state of atrophy; and the -population has frightfully decreased, with such rapidity, that sensible -men, who sought a remedy for this incurable evil, called emigration to -the help of these states, which nothing can galvanise, and which only -possess a factitious existence. - -Unfortunately, the Hispano-American race is essentially haughty and -jealous. Poor fellows, who let themselves be seduced by the brilliant -promises made them, and who consented to cross the sea to settle in -this country, found, on their arrival, and especially in Mexico, an -ill-disguised hatred and contempt, which was displayed in all classes -of society by ill will and aversion. Hence, being disgusted by their -reception, and recognising the slight trust they could place in the -promises of the men who had summoned them, they hastened to leave a -country in which they had only found unjust prejudices and deplorable -ill faith, and went to ask of the United States the protection refused -them by those who had so pressingly summoned them. - -Mexico, in spite of a certain varnish of civilization, the last -reminiscence of the Spanish occupation, which may still be found in -the large cities and their environs, is, therefore, in reality plunged -into a state of barbarism relatively greater than it was fifty years -ago. The Pacific States, especially, being less frequently visited -by strangers, and left, as it were, to themselves, have retained a -peculiar physiognomy, whose picturesque savageness and rough manners -would cause the tourist's heart to beat with joy, if ever a tourist -ventured into these countries; but which inspire an involuntary fear, -justified, however, by everything the traveller, forced to visit this -land on business, witnesses. - -In Europe and all civilized countries, the means of transport are -numerous and convenient, but in Mexico only one is known--the horse. In -the Central States, and those which run along the Atlantic seaboard, -some towns possess diligences, which change horses at the _tambos_, -a species of inn, where the travellers stop to pass the night. But -these _tambos_ and _mesones_, which possess a great resemblance to -the Sicilian hostelries and Spanish ventas, supply absolutely nothing -to the guests they shelter, excepting a roof, reduced to its simplest -expression; that is to say, the traveller is compelled to take his -bed with him, in addition to provisions, if he does not wish to sleep -wrapped up in his cloak. - -In spite of the numberless disagreements which the uncomfortable -mode of progressing from one place to another entails, the traveller -derives one advantage from it--that of not being exposed, in a fickle -atmosphere like that of Mexico, where after burning days the nights -are chilly, to the attacks of the climate. In the Pacific States, -matters are no longer thus; the traveller who proceeds from one town to -another is forced to do so on horseback, without any hope of finding -for a distance of sixty or eighty leagues the smallest inn, or even -most wretched rancho, where he can shelter himself from wind and rain -at nightfall. At sunset he camps where he is in the open air, and -begins his journey again on the morrow Still, as Providence has been -in its wisdom careful to give an equal amount of good and evil, the -robbers, salteadores, and brigands of every description, who infest all -the roads in the interior, on which they reign as masters, plundering -travellers in open day and assassinating them with the most perfect -impunity, are rarely found in Sonora. In this country the roads in this -respect enjoy a relatively complete security, except when the Indians -have risen, or a fresh _pronunciamiento_ has let bands of revolted -soldiers loose on the country. These fellows have no scruple about -imitating professional robbers, and killing and plundering people, -whose unlucky stars have exposed them to their tender mercies. - -José Paredes, though he had in reality only fifty leagues to go, a -distance which in most European countries is comfortably performed -in a railway carriage in a few hours, was obliged, on account of the -bad state of the roads, and the indispensable precautions he had -to take, to remain at least four days on the road before reaching -Hermosillo. This journey, which would have been very painful to any -man accustomed to the ease and luxuries of life, was only a pleasure -trip for the worthy majordomo, a real Centaur, whose life was spent -on horseback--who slept more frequently in the open air than under a -roof, and whose powerful constitution rendered him insensible to the -annoyances inseparable from a journey made under such conditions. The -Mexicans have two expressions which admirably depict the class of men -to whom the majordomo belonged; they call them _Jinetes_ and _Hombres -de a Caballo_. - -José Paredes, then, rode along jauntily on his horse, at one moment -carelessly smoking a husk cigarette, at another humming a _jarabe_ -or a _seguedilla_, while keeping his eye and ear on the watch, and -his finger prudently laid on the trigger of his gun, which was placed -across his saddle-bow. His second day's ride was drawing to a close; -he had left Arispe far behind him, which town he had passed through -without stopping longer than he required to lay in fresh provisions and -forage for his horse. - -The sun was rapidly declining on the horizon; a rather powerful wind -blew in gusts, raising clouds of dust, which blinded the horseman and -formed a thick fog round him, in the midst of which he almost entirely -disappeared. Although, as we have said, the day was drawing to a close, -the heat was stifling, the sky had assumed a livid appearance; yellow -clouds gradually collected in the horizon and were rapidly brought -up by the wind. The birds whirled in the air, uttering shrill and -discordant cries; sharp noises and shrill whistlings rose from among -the rocks that on both sides flanked the narrow ravine the majordomo -was now following, and large drops of rain fell on the calcined soil, -which easily imbibed them. The horse pricked its ears, shook its head, -and snorted in terror. All presaged one of those storms which it is -only possible to witness in these regions--veritable cataclysms which -rend and uproot the largest trees, force streams from their beds, and -overthrow the soil, as if the earth were struggling wildly beneath the -grasp of those horrible convulsions of Nature, which completely change -within a few hours the aspect of the country over which they have swept -with the fury of the African simoom. - -"Hum!" José Paredes muttered to himself, as he took an anxious glance -along the road; "If I am not greatly mistaken, within an hour we shall -have one of the most tremendous _cordonazos_ that has been seen for -some time. That will be most agreeable for me, and my position will -not fail to be most amusing. Confound the temporal! Why could it not -have waited for another eight-and-forty hours?" - -The majordomo lost no time in vain lamentation. The situation in which -he found himself was really critical: he knew that if the temporal -surprised him on this ravine, he would have enormous difficulties -to overcome in escaping its violence. He therefore resolved at all -hazards to attempt the greatest efforts in getting out of the scrape. -Minutes were precious; hesitation was impossible, and he must form a -decision at once. José Paredes was a resolute man, long accustomed -only to reckon on his courage, strength, and energy, to get him out -of difficult situations; he therefore carefully wrapped himself in -his zarapé, pulled his hat down over his forehead, and, bending over -his horse's neck, dug his spurs, while crying, sharply, one word: -"Santiago!" a cry employed in this country to excite horses. The noble -animal, astonished that its master should deem it necessary to employ -spurs to give it ardour, gave a snort of passion, and started at a -headlong pace. - -In the meanwhile the clouds had completely covered the blue sky; the -atmosphere was gradually growing darker; the sunbeams had lost their -heat; the horse still dashed on, rendered furious by the incessant -prick of the spurs, which the majordomo dug into his panting flanks. -At length Paredes uttered a cry of joy, for he had reached the end of -the ravine, and before him extended a vast plain, bordered by tall -mountains in the horizon. These mountains the majordomo wanted to -reach, for there alone had he chance of safety. Although his position -had greatly improved after leaving the ravine, it was still extremely -difficult, if the storm were to burst before he had succeeded in -crossing the plains, which afforded him no shelter to brave the -tornado. Hence, the traveller, after exploring the neighbourhood with a -rapid glance, and assuring himself that he had no hope of escaping the -tempest, and the barren sandy plain which was only traversed by a few -streams, repeated his cry of "Santiago," and set out on his mad ride -once more. - -As always happens, and as anyone who has studied the admirable instinct -of the horse can certify, the noble animal the majordomo rode seemed -to have identified itself with its master. Through the effort of -that magnetic current, whose power is no longer doubted, it appeared -to understand that their common safety depended on its efforts; and -it literally devoured the space, darting across the plain with the -fantastic rapidity of the spectre steed of the German ballad. - -All at once a vivid flash broke through the clouds, followed by a -tremendous thunderclap. The horse gave a start of terror, but quickly -checked by its rider, started again through the torrents of rain which -were beginning to fall. Night bad suddenly set in; the sun, veiled by -the clouds, had become invisible, and it was in condemned obscurity -that the majordomo was compelled to attempt the supreme efforts on -which life or death depended. Still, Paredes was not discouraged, -and his will seemed to grow fearless in the struggle; while sitting -firmly in the saddle, like a granite statue, with contracted brows -and eyes looking ahead, as if constantly trying to pierce the gloom, -and exciting his horse with spur and voice, his features were as calm -and impassive as if he were merely in one of the thousand ordinary -accidents of his adventurous life in the desert. In the meanwhile the -tempest had changed into a fearful hurricane, and raged with extreme -fury. The unchained winds whistled violently, dashing the rain, and -upraising masses of mud, which flew along the ground. - -An ill-omened swashing made the unhappy traveller, who was surprised by -the tornado, understand that the streams were beginning to overflow and -inundate the plain. By the vivid flashes which uninterruptedly followed -each other, the majordomo could see all around large grey pools of -water, which constantly widened and enclosed him in an incessantly -contracting circle; distant sounds borne by the breeze heightened his -apprehensions. An hour more, he felt, and the plains would only form -one vast lake, in the midst of which he would infallibly perish. Warned -by that instinct which never deceives them, the wild beasts had left -their lairs, and were flying madly, while uttering hoarse roars of -terror. When a flash lit up the horizon, Paredes could see indistinct -forms pass by his side, which were no other than the dangerous denizens -of the prairie. All was overthrown and confounded. The swash of the -water was mingled with the artillery of the thunder and the howling of -the wind. But the horse still galloped on straight ahead, sustained by -the very terror which maddened it and spurred it on better than the -sharpest knife could have done. - -Suddenly the majordomo uttered a cry of terror and anger, drew himself -up, and pulled bridle with such strength that the horse stopped short -on his trembling legs. He fancied he had heard the distant sound of a -bell. When an inundation comes, the hacenderos have all their bells -rung, in order to warn straggling travellers and tell them of a place -of refuge. The majordomo listened; in a few seconds a sound, faint as -a sigh, reached the ear. The practised hunter was not mistaken; it -was really the expiring sound of a bell that reached him, and the -sound, came from a direction diametrically opposite to the one he was -following. In the darkness he had left his track; he was lost in the -midst of an entirely submerged country without chance of help. In spite -of his indomitable bravery the majordomo felt an internal horror; an -icy perspiration stood on his forehead, and he shook all over. At this -supreme moment the man had but one terrible thought that he would bear -with him to the tomb the fortune entrusted to him by his master, and on -which the future of his children perhaps depended. Paredes felt burning -tears start from his eyes, and a choking sob from his bosom. He cared -little for life; he would gladly have sacrificed it for his master; but -the thought of dying thus, and completing his master's ruin, caused -him indescribable grief. For some minutes this lion-hearted man, this -bold wood ranger, who had faced without blenching the most terrible -dangers, felt weaker than a child. But this prostration only lasted a -short time, and a reaction quickly took place; ashamed of the passing -despondency to which he had yielded, the majordomo became the firmer -when all seemed to abandon him, and resolved to sustain the insensate -struggle till he drew his last breath. - -Rendered stronger by his energetic resolution, the majordomo, whose -arteries were beating as if about to burst, passed the back of his band -over his eyes, addressed to Heaven that mental prayer which the most -intrepid men find in their hearts at the supreme moment when life or -death only hangs by a thread; and, instead of going on, he waited for -a flash, by which he could examine his position, and decide the new -course he had to take. He had not to wait long; almost immediately a -flash shot athwart the sky. Paredes uttered a cry of joy and surprise: -he had seen, a few paces from him on his right, a rather tall hill, -on the top of which he fancied he noticed a horseman, motionless and -upright as an equestrian statue. - -With that coolness which powerful men alone possess in critical -circumstances, the majordomo, although he felt that the water was -rapidly encircling him, and was almost up to his horse's girths, would -not leave anything to chance. Fearing he had been deceived by one of -those optical illusions, so frequent when the senses are overexcited, -he resolved to wait for a second flash, and kept his eyes fixed on the -spot where the hill must be, which he fancied he must have seen as in -a dream. All at once, at the moment when the desired flash lit up the -darkness, a voice, that overpowered the roar of the tempest, reached -his ear: - -"Courage! Keep straight on," he heard. - -The majordomo uttered a cry of delight, which resembled a yell; and, -lifting his horse with his bridle and knees, he dashed toward the hill, -pursued by the seething waters which were powerless to arrest him; and, -after an ascent that lasted scarce ten minutes, he fell fainting into -the arms of the man whose summons had saved him. From this moment he -had nothing to fear: an inundation could not reach the top of the hill -where he had found such a providential refuge. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -A CONVERSATION BY NIGHT. - - -The majordomo's fainting fit, caused rather by the moral struggle he -had sustained than by the physical fatigue he had endured, was not of -any duration: when he re-opened his eyes, he was alone on the top of -the hill. He threw off the furs and blankets laid over him, to protect -him, doubtless from the icy cold of the night, and looked curiously -round him. The tempest was still raging, but it had lost a great deal -of its violence. The rain had ceased: the deep blue sky was gradually -becoming studded with twinkling stars, which shed an uncertain light, -and gave the landscape an aspect of strange and desolate wildness. -The wind blew furiously, and formed waves on the seething top of the -waters, which had now almost risen to the spot where the majordomo lay. -A few yards from its master, his horse was quietly grazing; it was -eating the young tree shoots, and the tall close grass that covered the -ground like a thick carpet of verdure. Another horse was browsing close -by. - -"Good!" Paredes muttered to himself, "My saviour has not gone away; I -hope he is not far off, and that I shall see him soon. Where can he be? -At his own business, of course, though I cannot guess the nature of his -occupation at such a moment. Well, the best plan will be to wait for -him." - -The Mexican had scarce ended his soliloquy, ere a shadow stood out in -the gloom, and the man of whom he was speaking appeared. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, gaily, "You are all right again, I see: all the -better; I would sooner have you in that position than the one you were -in just now." - -"Thanks," the majordomo cordially answered. "I fancy I must have looked -very pitiable, stretched out like a half-throttled _novillo_. Is it not -disgraceful for a strong man to faint like a child or a feeble woman?" - -"Not the least in the world, _compañero_," the other said, frankly. -"Accident decreed that I should be for a long time the involuntary -witness of the contest you waged, though it was impossible to help -you, and _¡Viva Dios!_ I declare that you are a tough combatant; you -sustained the shock bravely, and many others in your place--I the -first, perhaps--would not have got out of the scrape so well." - -This answer completely broke the ice, and made the two men -comparatively friends at once. - -"I confess," Paredes remarked, as he offered his hand to his new -friend, "that for a moment I believed myself lost, and had it not been -for you I should have been so." - -"Nonsense," the other replied, as he pressed the hand offered him. -"You owe me nothing, for, by Jove! You saved yourself all alone. But -let us not dwell on this point any longer. Although we are in relative -safety, as the water cannot reach us here, our position is not the most -agreeable; and I fancy it would be the best for us to try and get out -of it as quickly as possible." - -"That is my opinion, too; but, unluckily, the means at our disposal are -very limited." - -"Perhaps so; at any rate, with your consent, we will hold an Indian -council." - -"That is the best thing we can do at this moment. However," he added, -as he looked up to the sky, "day will not break for three hours." - -"We have time before us, in that case." - -Daring this short conversation the storm had entirely ceased, and the -wind only blew in gusts. - -"Before all," the majordomo said, "let us light a fire; now that the -tempest has ceased, the wild beasts, whose instinct is infallible, will -seek the shelter of this hill, swarm round us, and, if we do not take -care, carry our position by assault." - -"Excellently argued; I see that you are a hunter." - -"I was one for some time," Paredes replied, with a sigh of regret, "but -now it is all over; my adventures in the desert are ended." - -"I pity you sincerely," the stranger said, with an accent of sincerity; -"for no existence is comparable with it." - -"The finest years of my life were those I spent in the desert." - -While conversing thus, the two men had dug a hole with their machetes -at the foot of an enormous larch tree, to act as a hearth. In this -hole they piled up all the resinous wood they were able to procure, -lit it with some gunpowder rolled up in leaves, and in a few minutes -a long jet of flame sprung up and joyously ascended to the sky, while -the wood crackled and emitted millions of sparks. Fire has an immense -influence upon the human mind; among other benefits, it has the faculty -of restoring joy and hope; and while warming a man with its reviving -heat, it often makes him forget perils incurred and fatigues endured. -The two men, who were as wet as if they had been in a river, dried -themselves for a considerable time, enjoying the pleasant sensations -which the heat made them experience, in proportion as it penetrated -into the pores, causing the blood to circulate with greater vivacity, -and restoring elasticity to their benumbed limbs. It was the majordomo -who was the first to resume the conversation. - -"¡Viva Dios!" he said, shaking himself joyously; "I am now quite a -different man. What a fine thing a fire is when you are cold. Suppose -we make use of it, comrade?" - -"Do so, pray," the stranger replied, with a laugh; "but in what way?" - -"Oh, that is very easy; you shall see. Are you not hungry?" - -"_Caray_, it is fourteen hours since I have eaten; but unluckily I have -no provisions." - -"Well, I have, and we will share them." - -"Very good. I see that you are a first-rate fellow." - -The majordomo rose, fetched the alforjas which were fastened to his -saddle, and then seated himself again by the fire. - -"There!" he said, displaying his provisions with some degree of -complacency. - -"_¡Caramba!_" the other remarked, with a laugh; "Food was never more -welcome." - -The provisions which caused such delight to the two men would have -made our European good wives smile with pity. They consisted of some -slices of _tasajo_, _cicuia_, a lump of goat's cheese, and a few -maize tortillas; but the majordomo produced a leather bottle, full -of excellent mezcal, which had the privilege of restoring to the two -adventurers all their merry carelessness. - -The _tasajo_ was laid on the coals, where it was soon done to a turn, -and the two friends heartily attacked the supper. The frugal meal -ended, they washed it down with a few sips of mezcal, fraternally -passing the bottle to each other; then they lit their cigarettes, the -_obligado_ supplement of every Mexican repast, and began to smoke, -while attentively surveying the heavy sky, which was already striped -with dark bands under the influence of the early morning hours. - -"Now, let us hold a council, if you are agreeable," the stranger said, -as he inhaled an enormous mouthful of smoke, which he sent forth -through his mouth and nostrils. - -"As you are my senior on this territory," the majordomo remarked, with -a laugh, "and are better acquainted with its resources than I am, you -have the right to speak first." - -"Very good: we are surrounded by water, and though the temporal has -ceased, the streams will not return to their bed for several hours: -moreover, the whole day will pass before the water is entirely absorbed -by the sand." - -"That is true," the majordomo said, with a significant shake of the -head: "and yet we must get away from here." - -"That is the question. To do so, we can only employ two means." - -"Yes, we must either wait till the ground is dry, and that -unfortunately will take a long time, which I cannot afford, as I am in -a hurry: or at sunrise we can mount our horses, and bravely swim off, -and reach the mountains, which cannot be very far distant." - -"You forgot another way which is still at our service." - -"I do not think so." - -"We can get into a canoe, and tow our horses after us, which will tire -them less than carrying us; and enable us to reach the mountains to -which you refer with greater ease; and they are only two leagues at the -most, from this point." - -"Your opinion is certainly good, and I approve of it with all my heart; -unluckily we want one very important thing to carry it out." - -"What is that?" - -"Why, hang it all--the canoe." - -"You are mistaken, _compadre_, we have one." - -"Nonsense; how can that be possible?" - -"While you were in a faint," the stranger continued, with a smile, -"I explored our domain. You know that, in this country, when the -rainy season arrives, the inhabitants are accustomed to hide canoes -in bushes, and even in trees, in order to give travellers who are -surprised by the inundation the means of saving themselves." - -"That is true; have you found a canoe?" - -"Yes; and hidden behind the very tree against which you are leaning." - -"Heaven be praised! In that case we run no risk; but is the canoe in -good condition?" - -"I have assured myself of that fact, and even found two pairs of new -paddles." - -"Heaven is very certainly on your side. In that case we will start at -sunrise, if that suits you." - -"Excellently; though I am not in such a hurry as you appear to be, and -for certain reasons I must remain in these parts for some days longer." - -"Shall we employ the few hours left us in having a sleep?" - -"You can sleep if you like, but as I am not at all fatigued, I shall -watch over our common safety." - -"I accept your proposal as frankly as you make it. Yet, with your -permission, I will not close my eyes till I have become better -acquainted with you." - -"How so? Are we not friends already?" - -"Certainly, I am your friend, at least; but we do not know one another." - -"That is to say--" - -"We do not know one another--I mean who we are." - -"Oh, when travelling, what value can such formalities possess?" - -"A greater value than you suppose; in a few hours we shall part, it is -true, perhaps never to meet again; but perhaps, at some distant period, -we may require each other's assistance; now, how could I summon you, if -I did not know your name?" - -"You're right, comrade; as for me, I am only a poor devil of a hunter, -wood ranger, or trapper--whichever you please, and my companions call -me Stronghand, because, as they say, when I hold out my hand to a -friend he can trust to it in perfect confidence." - -"_¡Viva Dios_, caballero! you are well named, as I can declare; your -reputation has already reached me, and I am delighted at the chance -that has brought us together, as I had already desired to form your -personal acquaintance." - -"I thank you," the hunter replied, with a bow. - -"As for me," the Mexican continued, "my name is José Paredes, and I am -majordomo to the Marquis de Moguer." - -"What!" Stronghand said, with a surprise he did not try to conceal; -"you are majordomo at the Hacienda del Toro?" - -"Yes, what do you find surprising in that?" - -"The man whom his master sent two days ago to Hermosillo, to receive -cash for heavy bills drawn on an English banker?" - -"How do you know that?" Paredes exclaimed, in his turn overwhelmed with -surprise. - -"What matter, so long as I know it?" the hunter replied. "Believe me," -he added, with an accent that caused the majordomo deep reflection, -"our meeting is truly providential, and Heaven led us toward each -other." - -"That is strange," Paredes muttered; "how is it possible that a secret -which my master confided to me alone should be in your possession?" - -The hunter smiled. "A secret known to three persons," he said, "does -not long remain a secret." - -"But that third person, to whom you refer, has no right to divulge it." - -"How do you know that? I will say to you in my turn, Master Paredes. -Sufficient for you, for the present, to learn that I am aware of the -cause of your journey. I think you said you had heard speak of me -before we met?" - -"That is true, Señor." - -"What terms did the persons who spoke of me employ?" - -"The best, I must allow. They represented you to me as a man of -unspotted loyalty and dauntless courage." - -"Good! Does that report satisfy you--have you confidence in me?" - -"Yes; for I am convinced that you are an honest man." - -"I hope that your opinion of me will not alter. I will soon prove to -you that it is fortunate for you and the Marquis that we have met at -the moment when you least expected it; for I was looking for you." - -"Looking for me? I do not understand you." - -"You do not require to understand me at the present moment; but set -your mind at rest, everything will be explained ere long." - -"I hope so." - -"And I am certain of it. Are you devoted to your master?" - -"My family have lived on the estate for two hundred years." - -"That is not a reason; answer distinctly." - -"I am devoted to him body and soul, and would willingly lay down my -life for him." - -"That is the way to answer; however, I knew it already, and only -desired that your lips should confirm what I have been told." - -"My master has no secrets from me." - -"I know that also. Well, now, listen to me attentively, Señor Paredes, -for what I have to reveal to you is of the utmost gravity." - -"I am listening to you, Señor." - -"Your master is at this moment in danger of being utterly ruined. He -is the plaything of villains who have sworn to destroy him. The sum -you are going to fetch they intend to take from you, and everything -is prepared to make you fall into an infamous trap, in which you will -infallibly perish." - -"Are you certain of what you assert?" the majordomo exclaimed, in -horror. - -"I know all, I repeat to you: the men from whom I obtained your secret, -who little expected that I was listening to them, at the same time -revealed to me the means they intended to employ in assassinating you." - -"Why, that is infamous!" - -"I am completely of your opinion, and that is why, instead of setting -my traps in the desert, as I ought to be doing, I am now here. I wish -to foil the plots of these villains, and confound them." - -"But what interest induces you to act thus?" the majordomo asked, with -a shadow of distrust. - -"That question I cannot answer. You must for the present lay aside all -curiosity; you must place entire confidence in me, and give me, in what -I propose doing, as much help as I shall offer you. Does this suit you? -I fancy that the bargain I offer is entirely to your advantage, and -that you will run no risk beyond what I do myself." - -There was a lengthened silence. The majordomo was reflecting on what -he had just heard, while the hunter, with his eyes fixed on him, was -patiently waiting till he thought proper to renew the conversation. At -length Paredes raised his head, and held out his hand to the hunter, -who pressed it. - -"Listen, Stronghand," he said to him; "all that you have told me -appears extraordinary, and I confess that at once: but there is such -frankness in your voice, and your reputation is so well established -among your brethren, the wood rangers, who all proclaim your loyalty, -that I do not hesitate to confide in you without any reservation, for -I am convinced that you can have no idea of betraying me, up to the -moment when you think proper to reveal to me the names of the villains -into whose hands I should have infallibly fallen, had it not been for -you, and who have sworn the ruin of my beloved master. I will do what -you ask of me--resign my will entirely; you may regard me as a thing -belonging entirely to you. Come, go, act as you think proper, and I -will obey you in everything, without asking any explanation of your -conduct. Now, in your turn, say if it suits you." - -"Yes, my worthy friend, that pleases me. You have guessed my thought. -I require this liberty to give me the means of succeeding in what I -wish to do. Believe the word of an honest man. If anything can add -to the confidence you have placed in me, and of which I am proud, I -swear to you, by all that is most sacred in the world, that no one is -more interested than I am in the Marquis de Moguer, or more sincerely -desires to see him happy." - -"We shall still start at sunrise, eh?" - -"Yes; but not to proceed to Hermosillo. Before going to that town, we -must take certain indispensable precautions. We have to deal with the -most crafty bandits on the border, and must beat them by cunning. They -are on our track, and we must cheat the cheaters." - -"Good, good! I will call to mind my old hunter's profession." - -"Remember, above all, the prairie proverb, 'The trees have eyes and the -leaves ears.' Fortunately for us, the villains who are watching for you -do not disturb me in any way. I reckon principally on that ignorance to -foil their plots." - -"But if we do not go to Hermosillo, where are we going?" - -"Tomorrow, when it is daylight," the hunter answered, sententiously, -"when the bright sunbeams permit me to convince myself that no one can -hear us, I will tell you. For the present, sleep, rest yourself, so -that you may be able to support the fatigue that awaits you." - -And, as if to avoid fresh questioning, the hunter wrapped himself in -his zarapé, leant his back against the larch tree, stretched out his -legs to the fire, and closed his eyes. The majordomo, in spite of his -lively desire to continue the conversation, imitated him; and a few -minutes later, overcome by the fatigue of every description he had -endured for some days, he was fast asleep. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE REAL DE MINAS. - - -For some years past--that is to say, since the day when Captain Sutter, -while digging a well at his plantation in San Francisco, accidentally -found a lump of virgin gold--the discovery of the rich mines of the New -World has so aroused interest and excited admiration, by giving a fresh -impulse to avarice and covetousness, that we consider it necessary to -say a few words here about the mines. Of course we shall allude to -those situated in the country where our scene is laid--that is, in -Sonora. - -Sonora is the richest mining country in the world. We assured ourself -by official data that six hundred bars of silver and sixty bars of -gold, worth together a million of piastres, were brought to the Mint -of Hermosillo in 1839. To this large amount a nearly equal sum must -be added, which is not brought to be assayed, in order to avoid the -payment of the duty, which is five per cent, on silver and four per -cent, on gold. This country also possesses most valuable copper mines, -but the population generally abandons the other metals to seek virgin -gold. - -No country in the world possesses auriferous strata so rich and so -extensive (_criaderos or placeres de oro_). The metal is found in -alluvial soil in ravines after rain, and always on the surface or at -a depth of a few feet. In the north of the province of Arispe, the -placers of Quitoval and Sonoitac, which were found again in 1836, -and to which we shall soon have to allude more specially, produced -for three years two hundred ounces of gold per day,--that is to say, -reducing it to our money, the large sum of two hundred and fifty -thousand pounds. - -The gold seekers restrict themselves to turning up the soil with a -pointed stick, and only collect the nuggets that are visible; but -if the streams were diverted from their course, and large washings -undertaken, the profits would be far more considerable. It is not rare -to find nuggets weighing several pounds; we saw at Arispe, in the -hands of a miner, one that was worth nine thousand piastres, or about -eighteen hundred pounds; and the Royal Cabinet at Madrid contains -several magnificent specimens. We will soon describe how and why the -working of these strata was interrupted. - -Most of the buildings of the _pueblos_, or Missions of Sonora, serve -as the gathering place of the nomadic workmen and traders who collect -round any important mine so soon as its working is begun. The place -where the workmen assemble takes the name of _Real de Minas_ or -_Mineral;_ and if the mine promises to be productive for any length -of time, the population definitively settles round it. Many important -towns of Mexico had no other origin. The facility with which the miners -earn large sums explains the enormous consumption of European goods -which takes place in the provinces. Simple rancheros may frequently -be seen spending in a few days seven or eight pounds of gold, which -only cost them a week's toil. Unhappily, the ruinous passion for -gambling--that shameful leprosy of Mexico, whose inhabitants it -degrades--prevents the great mine owners from keeping a large capital -on their hands, and thus checks works on a great scale. - -Before resuming our narrative, we must also give the reader certain -information about the Indian nations that inhabit the territory of -Sonora. There are in this province five distinct tribes; the Yaquis, -the Opatas, the Mayos, the Gilenos, and the Apaches. The Yaquis and -Mayos occupy the country to the south of Guaymas, as far as the Rio -del Huerto; they let themselves out to the creoles as farm labourers, -masons, servants, miners, and divers. Their number is about forty -thousand. The Opatas reside along the bank of the San Miguel de -Horcasitos, the Arispe, the Los Ures, and the Oposina; they are very -good workmen and excellent soldiers. They have always served the -government faithfully, both Spanish and Mexican, and their number is -estimated at thirty thousand. - -The Gilenos spread along the banks of the Gila and Colorado rivers. -The Axuas and Apaches, who belong to the Sierra Madre, are confounded -under the name of Papazos. These Indians are nomadic, and only live -by hunting and plunder; they were formerly encamped to the north of -Chihuahua and Sonora; but being driven back by the progress of the -Americans and Texans, they threw themselves upon the Mexican territory, -where they cause immense damage, for they are well supplied with -firearms, which they obtained in exchange for peltry and cattle at the -American establishments at the Arkansas, the Missouri, and the Rio -Bravo del Norte. In order to complete this brief enumeration of the -Indian nations of Sonora, we will mention a mission established at the -gates of Hermosillo, and in which five hundred Seris Indians lived; a -thousand members of the same tribe, formerly one of the most powerful -in this country, but now almost extinct, dwelt on the coast to the -north of Guaymas, and in Tiburón or Sharkesland. - -We will now temporarily leave Stronghand and José Paredes at the top of -the hill, where they found a shelter from the inundation, and lead the -reader to the Real de Minas of Quitoval, where certain important events -are about to take place. - -It was the evening: the streets and plazas of the pueblo were crowded -with individuals of every description: Yaquis Indians, hunters, miners, -gambusinos, monks, and adventurers, who composed the motley population -of the Mineral, mounted and foot, incessantly jostled each other, and -bowed, spoke, laughed, or quarrelled. Some were returning from the -placer, where they had been at work all day; others were leaving their -houses to enjoy the evening breeze; others, and they were the larger -number, were entering the drinking shops, through whose doors could be -heard the songs of the topers, and the shrill, inharmonious tinkling -jarabes and vihuelas. - -One of these _tendajos_, of a more comfortable and less dirty -appearance than the rest, seemed to have the privilege of attracting a -greater number of customers than all the rival establishments. After -passing through a low door and descending two steps of unequal height, -the visitor found himself in a species of hideous den, resembling at -once a cellar and a shed, whose earthen flooring, rendered uneven by -the mud constantly brought in by customers, caused persons to stumble -at each step who visited the place for the first time! A hot heavy -vapour, impregnated with alcoholic fumes and mephitic exhalations, -escaped through the door of this den, as from the mouth of Hades, and -painfully affected mouth and eyes, before the latter became accustomed -to the close, obscure aspect of the place, and were enabled to pierce -the thick curtain of vapour, which was constantly drawn from one side -to the other by the movements of the customers. They perceived, by the -dubious light of a few _candils_ scattered here and there, a large and -lofty room, whose once whitewashed walls had become black at the lower -part by the constant friction of heads, backs, and shoulders, to which -they served as a support. - -Facing the door was a dais, raised about a foot above the ground; this -dais occupied the entire width of the room, and was divided into two -parts; that on the right contained a table forming a bar, behind which -stood a tall, active fellow, with false look and ill-tempered face, the -master of the tendajo. Above the head of this respectable personage, -who answered to the harmonious name of Cospeto, a niche had been made -in the wall, in which was a statue of the Virgin, holding the Holy -Infant in her arms; in front of the statue a dozen small wax tapers, -fixed on a row of iron points, were burning. The left hand portion of -the dais was occupied by the musicians, or performers on jarabes and -vihuelas. - -On each side of the room, the centre of which remained free for the -dancers, ran rickety, badly made, and dirty tables, occupied at -this moment by a crowd of customers, some seated on benches, others -standing, laughing, talking, shouting, quarrelling; drinking mezcal, -refino, pulque, or infusion of tamarinds, or else staking at monte the -gold earned during the day at the mine, and which their dirty hands -fetched from the pockets of the shapeless rags that served them as -garments. A few women, creatures without a name, whose features were -sodden with debauchery, and eyes deep sunk with drinking, were mingled -with the crowd; and all, both men and women, were smoking either cigars -or husk cigarettes. - -Nothing can describe the hideous aspect of this infamous Pandemonium, -the refuge of all the vices of the province, overlooked by the gentle, -smiling face of the statue of the Virgin, whose features, in the light -of the tapers, assumed an expression of wondrous pity and sorrow. - -At the moment when we invite the reader to enter this drinking shop -with us the fun was at its height, the room was full of drinkers and -dancers, and the whole mob laughed, yelled, and made a row which would -have rendered the saint herself deaf. On the left, near the door, a -man, wrapped up in a thick cloak, one end of which was raised to his -face, and completely concealed his features, was sitting motionless at -a separate table, looking absently and carelessly at the dancers who -whirled round him. When a newcomer entered the tendajo, this man looked -toward the door, and then turned his head away with an air of ill -humour when he perceived that the newcomer was not the person that he -had been so long expecting, for he had been sitting alone at this table -for upwards of two hours. Still no one paid, or seemed to pay, any -attention to him--all were too much absorbed in their own occupations -to think about a man who obstinately remained gloomy and silent amid -this revelry. The stranger, so often deceived in his expectations, at -length gave up looking toward the door; he let his head fall on his -chest and went to sleep, or pretended to do so, either for the sake of -not attracting attention, or else to indulge with greater freedom in -his reflections. - -All at once a formidable disturbance broke out at one end of the -room; a table was upset by a vigorous blow; oaths crossed each other -in the air, and knives were drawn from boots; musicians and dancers -stopped short, and a circle was formed round two men who, with frowning -brows, eyes sparkling with intoxication and passion, a zarapé rolled -as a buckler round the left arm, and a navaja in their right hand, -were preparing, according to all appearance, to attack each other -vigorously. The tendajero, or master of the house, then proved himself -equal to the position he occupied--he leaped like a jaguar over the -counter behind which he had hitherto stood coldly and indifferently, -merely engaged in watching his waiters and serving customers; he closed -the front door, against which he leant his powerful shoulders, in order -to prevent any customer bolting without payment of his score, and -prepared with evident interest to witness the fight. - -The two men, with outstretched legs, left arm advanced, bodies bent -forward, and knife held by the middle of the blade, were standing -looking in each other's eyes, ready for attack, defence, or parry. All -at once the mysterious sleeper appeared to wake with a start, as if -surprised by the voice of one of the adversaries, took a hasty glance -at the combatants, and then darted between them. - -"What is the matter?" he asked, in a firm voice, the sound of which -affected the duellists, who were astounded at an interference they had -been far from expecting. - -"This man," one of them answered, "has lost three ounces to me at -monte, through the unexpected turn up of the ace of spades." - -"Well?" the stranger interjected. - -"He refuses to pay me," the gambler continued; "because he declares -that the cards were packed, and that consequently I cheated him, which -is not true, for--_viva Dios;_ I am known to be a caballero." - -At this affirmation, which was slightly erroneous, a smile of singular -meaning, but which no one saw, curled the stranger's lip; he continued, -in a more serious voice--"It is true that you are a caballero, and I -would affirm it were it necessary; but the most honest man is subject -to deceive himself, and I am convinced that this has happened to you. -Hence instead of fighting with this caballero, whose honour and -loyalty cannot either be doubted, prove to him that you recognise -your error by paying him the three ounces, which you claimed of him -through an oversight; this gentleman will apologize for having used -certain ugly expressions, and all will then be settled to the general -satisfaction." - -"Certainly, I am convinced that this caballero is a man of honour; I -am ready to proclaim it anywhere, and I regret with all my soul the -misunderstanding which momentarily divided us," said the individual who -had not yet spoken, though he remained on the defensive, a position -that slightly contradicted the apparent good humour of his remark. - -The stranger then turned to the man whose friend he had so unexpectedly -made himself, and gave him a sign which the other appeared to -understand. - -"Well, caballero," he said, with an irony whose expression was hardly -noticeable, "what do you think of this apology? For my part, I consider -it complete and most honourable." - -The man thus addressed hesitated for a moment; a combat was evidently -going on in his mind; his furious glances seemed to challenge the -company; and had he perceived on the face of one of the spectators an -expression of contempt, however fugitive it might have been, he would -doubtless have immediately picked another quarrel. But all the persons -who surrounded him were cold and indifferent; curiosity alone was -legible on their features. He unrolled his cloak, returned the knife to -his boot, and held out his hand to his adversary at the same time that -he gave him three ounces. - -"Pardon me an involuntary error at which I am trully confused," he -said, with a courteous bow, but with a sigh he could not restrain. - -The other took the ounces without pressing, thrust them away in -his capacious pockets with far from ordinary dexterity, returned -the salute, and mingled with the crowd, who, through a lengthened -acquaintance with the two men, did not at all comprehend this peaceful -result. - -"Now, Master Kidd," the stranger continued, as he laid his hand on the -shoulder of the adventurer, who stood motionless in the middle of the -room, "I suppose that all your business here is settled; so, with your -permission, we will withdraw." - -"As you please," Kidd answered, carelessly, for this man was no other -than the bandit we came across in the opening of our story. - -The groups had broken up, the crowd had dispersed, musicians -and dancers had returned to their places, and the two men could -consequently leave without attracting attention. The stranger, when -he reached the purer atmosphere of the street, took several deep -inspirations, as if trying to expel from his lungs the vitiated air -he had been constrained to swallow for so long. Then he turned to his -companion, who was walking silently by his side. - -"_¡Cuerpo de Cristo!_ Master Kidd," he said, in a tone of ill humour, -"you are, it must be confessed, a singular fellow; you compel me, the -commandant of this pueblo, to come and hunt you up at this filthy -den, where, on your entreaty, I consented to meet you, and instead of -watching for my arrival, you leave me among the most perfect collection -of bandits I ever saw in my life." - -"Excess of zeal, captain; so you must not be angry with me for that," -the bandit answered, with a cunning look. "In order to be punctual at -the rendezvouz I gave you, I had been for nearly four hours at worthy -Señor Cospeto's. Not knowing how to spend my time, I played at cards. -You know what month is; once I have the cards in my hand, and the gold -on the table, I forget everything." - -"Good, good," the stranger answered. "I am willing to believe you. -Still, I pledge you my word, that if you dupe me in the affair you have -proposed, and the information you offer to sell me is false, you will -repent it. You know me, I think, Master Kidd?" - -"Yes, Captain Don Marcos de Niza, and I suppose that you know me too; -but of what use is this discussion? Let us settle our business first, -and then you can act as you think proper." - -The Captain gave him a suspicious glance. "It is well," he said, as he -rapped at the door; "come in, this is my house; I prefer treating with -you here to the tendajo." - -"As you please," the bandit said, and followed the Captain into his -house, the doors of which were closed behind them. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE BARGAIN. - - -Captain Don Marcos de Niza, whom we left commanding the post of San -Miguel, and defending it against the Indians, had been a few days -previously summoned to the political and military government of the -Mineral of Quitoval, by an order that arrived from Mexico, and emanated -from the President of the Republic himself. The fact was, that during -the last few days certain events had occurred which demanded energetic -action on the part of the President. All at once, at a moment when no -discontent was supposed to exist among the Indians, the latter, after -long councils they had held together, revolted, and had, without any -declaration of war, invaded the Mexican territory at several points -simultaneously. This revolt suddenly assumed serious proportions; -and had become the more formidable within a short time, because the -revolters were the Gilenos, that is to say, the Comanches, Apaches, and -Axuas, whose dangerous country is known by the name of the Papazos. - -The General commanding Sonora and Sinaloa, the two states most exposed -to the depredations of the Indians, saw that he must oppose to the -Indians a man who, through a lengthened residence on the borders, had -acquired great experience as to their way of fighting and the tricks -they employ. Only one officer fulfilled these conditions, and that -officer was Captain de Niza; he, therefore, received orders to quit the -post of San Miguel after dismantling it, and proceed immediately to the -Mineral of Quitoval. The Captain obeyed with that promptitude which old -soldiers alone can display in the execution of the orders they receive. -His first care, on reaching the Mineral, was to protect the pueblo, -as far as was possible, from a surprise, by digging a large trench, -throwing up entrenchments, and barricading the principal streets. - -Unfortunately, the general commanding the provinces had but a very -limited military force at his disposal; scarce amounting to six hundred -infantry and two hundred cavalry, without field artillery. Hence, in -spite of his lively desire to give the Captain a respectable force, as -he was obliged to scatter his troops along the whole seaboard of the -two states, he found it impossible to send to Quitoval more than one -hundred infantry and fifty cavalry. In spite of the numerical weakness -of his troops the Captain did not despair. He was one of those men to -whom the performance of duty was everything; and who carry out without -a murmur the most extraordinary order. - -Still, as he expected to be attacked at any moment by an army of ten -or fifteen thousand veteran Indians, amply supplied with firearms, and -who, through being accustomed to fight with Spaniards, could not be -easily terrified, he had to augment the number of his soldiers, so as -to have men enough to line the entrenchments he had thrown up round the -town. He had two means by which to obtain this result, and he employed -them. The first consisted in making the great mine owners understand -that they must participate in the defences of the pueblo, either -personally or by arming and placing under his orders a certain number -of the peons they employed; for if the Indians succeeded in seizing the -Mineral, the source of their wealth would be at once dried up. - -The great owners understood the Captain's reasons the more easily -because their interests were at stake. They therefore enthusiastically -followed his advice, and raised at their common charge a corps of one -hundred and fifty Opatas--brave soldiers, thoroughly devoted to the -Whites. They placed this corps under the Captain's orders, pledging -themselves to pay and support it so long as the danger lasted. Don -Marcos thus doubled his army at one stroke. This success, which he had -been far from expecting, owing to his profound knowledge of the apathy -and selfishness of his countrymen, induced him to try the second plan. - -This was very simple. It consisted in enlisting, for a certain bounty, -as many as he could of the adventurers who always swarm on the borders, -and whose neutrality is at times more formidable than declared enmity. -The sum offered by the Captain was two ounces per man, one payable on -enlistment, the other at the termination of the campaign. This offer, -seductive though it was, did not produce all the effect the Captain -expected from it. The adventurers responded but feebly to the appeal -made to them. These men, in whose hearts patriotic love does not -exist, and who only care for pillage, saw in the insurrection of the -Indians a source of disorder, and, consequently, of rapine. They cared -very little about defending a state of things which their predacious -instincts led them, on the contrary, to attack. - -Thirty or forty adventurers, however, responded to the call; and these -immoral men, who were impatient at the yoke of discipline, were rather -an embarrassment than an assistance to the Captain; still as, take -them altogether, they were sturdy fellows, and thoroughly acquainted -with Indian warfare, he attached them to his cavalry, which was thus -raised to a strength of one hundred men. Don Marcos thus found himself -at the head of two hundred and fifty infantry and one hundred horse--a -force which appeared to him, if well directed, more than sufficient to -withstand, behind good entrenchments, the effort of the whole Indian -army. - -We are aware that this number of men defending a town will produce a -smile of pity among European readers, who are accustomed to see on -battlefields masses of three hundred thousand men come into collision. -But all is relative in this world. In America, where the population -is comparatively small, great things have often been decided at the -bayonet's point by armies whose relative strength did not exceed that -of one of our line regiments. In the last battle fought between the -Texans and Mexicans--a battle which decided the independence of Texas, -the two armies together did not amount to two thousand men, and yet -the collision was terrible, and victory obstinately disputed. In the -actions between white men and Indians, the latter, in spite of their -indomitable valour, were almost always defeated in a pitched battle, -in spite of their crushing superiority of numbers. Not through the -courage of their enemies, but by their discipline and military skill. -The latter is certainly very limited, but sufficient for adversaries -such as they have to combat. - -One night, when the Captain returned home after his usual visit to -the pueblo to assure himself that all was in order, a ragged lepero, -more than half intoxicated with mezcal and pulque, handed him with an -infinitude of bows a dirty slip of paper folded up in the shape of a -letter. Don Marcos de Niza was not accustomed to neglect anything. He -attached as much importance to apparently frivolous events as to those -which seemed to possess a certain gravity. He stopped, took the letter, -gave a real to the lepero, who went away quite satisfied, and entered -his house, which was situated on the Plaza Mayor, in the centre of the -pueblo. - -After throwing his cap and sword on a table, the Captain opened the -letter. He read it at first rather carelessly; but ere long he began -frowning, and read the letter a second time, attentively weighing each -word. Then at the end of a moment he folded up the letter, and said in -a low voice--"I will go." - -This letter came from Kidd. The Captain had been long acquainted with -the bandit, and knew certain peculiar facts about him which would -have been most disagreeable to the bandit, had the latter suspected -that the Captain was so thoroughly initiated in the secrets of his -vagabond life. Hence Don Marcos fancied he had no right to neglect -the overtures the other was pleased to make; while keeping on his -guard and determined to punish him severely if he deceived him. The -Captain, therefore, proceeded without hesitation to the place where the -adventurer appointed to meet him. He had waited for him for several -hours with exemplary patience, and would probably have waited longer -still, had not chance suddenly brought them face to face in the way we -have described. - -When the two men had entered the house, and the door closed after them, -Don Marcos de Niza, still closely followed by the bandit, who, in spite -of his impudence, looked around him timidly, like a wolf caught in a -sheepfold, led him into a room the door of which he carefully closed. -The Captain pointed to a chair, sat down at a table, laid a brace of -pistols ostentatiously within his reach, and said-- - -"Now I am ready to hear you." - -"_¡Caray!_" the bandit said, impudently; "that is possible; but the -point is whether I am disposed to speak." - -"And why not, pray, my excellent friend?" - -"Hang it, Captain," he said, as he pointed to the pistols, "there are -two playthings not at all adapted to set my tongue wagging." - -Don Marcos looked at him in a way that made the adventurer -involuntarily let his eyes fall, and then leant his elbows on the table. - -"Master Kidd," he then said, in a stern voice, though a certain tone of -sarcasm was perceptible in it, "I like a distinct understanding; let us -therefore, before anything establish our relative positions. You have -led a very agitated life, Master Kidd; your vagabond humour, your mad -desire to appropriate certain things to which you have a very dubious -claim have led you into a few mistakes, whose results might prove -remarkably disagreeable to you." - -The bandit shook his head in denial. - -"I will not dwell," the Captain continued, mockingly, "on a subject -which must make your modesty greatly suffer, and will come at once -to the motives of your presence here, and the positions we must hold -towards each other. I am commandant of this pueblo, and in that -capacity compelled to watch over its external safety as well as its -internal tranquillity, I think you will agree with me." - -"Yes, Captain," the bandit answered, somewhat reassured at finding the -conversation turned away from such delicate topics. - -"Very good; you wrote me this letter, appointing a meeting and offering -to sell--that is your own word--certain most important information, as -you say, for the continuance of the safety and tranquillity which I am -bound to maintain. Another man might have treated you in the Indian -fashion. After having you arrested, he would have ordered a cord to be -fastened round your temples; or your suspension by your thumbs--as you -have done yourself, if report be true, on various occasions with less -valid reasons; and have so thoroughly loosened your tongue that you -would not have kept a single secret back. I have preferred dealing with -you as an honest man." - -The bandit breathed again. - -"Still, as you are one of those persons with whom it is advisable to -take precautions, and in whom a confidence cannot be placed, as they -would not scruple to abuse it on the first opportunity, I retain not -only the right, but also the means of blowing out your brains if you -have the slightest intention of deceiving me." - -"Oh, Captain, what an idea! Blow out my brains!" the bandit stammered. - -"Do you fancy, my dear Señor," the Captain continued, still -sarcastically, "that your friends will pity you greatly, if such a -misfortune happened to you?" - -"Hum! to tell you the truth, I do not exactly know," the adventurer -answered, with at attempt to jest; "people are so unkind. But, since -you accept the bargain offered to you--for you do accept it, I think, -Captain?" - -"I do." - -"What then, will you give me in exchange for what I shall tell you?" - -"You sell; I buy; it is your place to make your conditions; and, if -they are not exorbitant--if, in a word, they seem to me fair, I will -accept them; so, speak, what do you ask?" - -"_¡Caray!_ Captain; it is a delicate question, for I am an honest man." - -"That is allowed," Don Marcos interrupted him with a laugh. "Name your -price." - -"Fifty ounces; would that be too much?" the bandit ventured. - -"Certainly not, if the thing be worth it." - -"Then," Kidd exclaimed, joyfully, "that is understood, fifty ounces." - -"I repeat, if it be worth it." - -"Oh, you shall judge for yourself," he remarked, rubbing his hands. - -"I ask nothing better but to buy, and to prove to you that I have no -intention of cheating you," he added, as he opened a drawer and took -out a rather heavy purse, "here is the amount." - -And the Captain made two piles each of twenty-five ounces, exactly -between the pistols. At the sight of the gold the bandit's eyes -sparkled like those of a wild beast. - -"_¡Rayo de Dios!_ Captain," he exclaimed; "There is a pleasure in -treating with you. I will remember it another time." - -"I ask nothing better, Master Kidd. Now speak, I am listening." - -"Oh, I have not much to say; but you will judge whether it is -important." - -"Go on; I am all ears." - -"In two words, this is the matter; the Papazos have not elected a -chief, but an emperor!" - -"An emperor?" - -"Yes." - -"What do they assert, then?" - -"They mean to be free, and wish to constitute their Independence upon a -solid basis." - -"Do you know this emperor?" - -"I have seen him, at least." - -"Who is he?" - -"A man who is the more formidable because he appears to belong to the -white rather than the red race; and is thoroughly conversant with all -the means hitherto employed by the Indians." - -"Is he young?" - -"He is sixty; but as active as if he were only twenty." - -"Very good; proceed." - -"Is that important?" - -"Very important. But not worth fifty ounces, for all that." - -"The Yaquis, Mayos, and Seris have allowed themselves to be seduced, -and have entered the Confederation. They have taken up again their old -plans of 1827--you remember, at the time of their great revolution?" - -"Yes; go on." - -"The first expedition the Chief of the Confederation means to undertake -is the capture of the Real de Minas." - -"I am aware of it." - -"Yes; but do you know, Captain, that the Indians have spies even among -the garrison; that all is ready for the attack, and that the Papazos -intend to surprise you within the next two days?" - -"Who gave you this information?" - -The bandit smiled craftily. - -"What use my telling you, Captain," he answered, "if the information is -correct?" - -"Do you know the men who have entered into negotiations with the enemy?" - -"I do." - -"In that case tell me their names." - -"It would be imprudent, Captain." - -"Why so?" - -"Judge for yourself. Suppose I were to tell you their names, what would -happen?" - -"_¡Viva Dios!_" the Captain sharply interrupted him. "I should shoot -them like the miserable dogs they are, and to serve as a warning to -others." - -"Well, that is the mistake, Captain." - -"How a mistake?" - -"Why, yes; suppose you shoot ten men?" - -"Twenty, if necessary!" - -"Say twenty, it is of no consequence to me; but those who remain, whom -neither you nor I know, will sell you to the Indians, so that the only -result will be precipitating the evil instead of preventing it." - -"Ah, ah!" the Commandant said, with an expressive glance at the bandit. -"And what would you do in my place?" - -"Oh, a very simple thing." - -"Well, what is it?" - -"I would leave the scamps at liberty to prepare their treachery, while -carefully watching them; and when the moment for attack arrived, -I would have them quietly arrested; so that the Indians would be -surprised, instead of surprising us, and we should cheat the cunning -cheats." - -The Captain appeared to reflect for a moment, and then said--"The -plan you recommend seems to me good, and for the present I see no -inconvenience in carrying it out. Give me the names of the traitors." - -Kidd mentioned a dozen names, which the Captain wrote down after him. - -"Now," Don Marcos continued, "there are your fifty ounces, and I shall -give as many each time you bring me information as valuable as that of -today. I pay you dearly, so it is your interest to serve me faithfully; -but remember, that if you deceive me, nothing can save you from the -punishment I will inflict on you, and that punishment, I warn you, will -be terrible." - -The adventurer bounded on the money like a wild beast on a prey it -has long coveted, concealed it with marvellous dexterity in his wide -pockets, and said to the Captain with a bow--"Señor Don Marcos, I have -always thought that in this world gold was the sovereign master, and -that it alone had the right to command." - -After accompanying these singular words with a smiling and almost -mocking expression, Kidd bowed for the last time and disappeared, -leaving the Captain to his reflections. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE PAPAZOS. - - -We will not return to Stronghand and José Paredes, whom we have left -too long at the top of the hill. The night passed without any incident, -the majordomo sleeping like a man overcome by fatigue; as for the -hunter, he did not close his eyes once. The sun had risen for a long -time; it was nearly nine o'clock, but the hunter, forgetting apparently -what he had said to his comrade, did not dream of departure. José -Paredes slept on. It was a magnificent day; the sky, swept by the -night hurricane, was cloudless; the sun darted down its glowing beams; -and yet the atmosphere, tempered by the storm, retained an agreeable -freshness. The water was disappearing with a rapidity almost equalling -that it bad displayed in rising, being drunk by the thirsty sand or by -the hot sunbeams; the plain had lost its lacustrine appearance; and all -led to the supposition that by midday the ground would be firm enough -to be ventured on in safety. - -As the canoe was unnecessary, the hunter did not try to get it down -from the tree; with his back leant against the larch tree, his hands -folded, and his head bowed on his chest, he was thinking, and at -times taking an anxious glance at his sleeping comrade. At length the -majordomo turned, stretched out his arms and legs, opened his eyes, and -gave a formidable yawn. - -"_¡Caramba!_" he said, as he measured the height of the sun; "I fancy I -have forgotten myself; it must be very late." - -"Ten o'clock," the hunter answered with a smile. - -"Ten o'clock!" José exclaimed, as he leaped up; "And you have let me -idle thus instead of waking me." - -"You slept so soundly, my friend, that I had not the courage to do so." - -"Hum!" Paredes replied, half laughing, half vexed; "I know not whether -I ought to complain or thank you for this weakness, for we have lost -precious time." - -"Not at all; see, the water has disappeared; the ground is growing firm -again, and when the great heat of the day is spent we will mount our -horses and catch up in a few hours the time you are regretting." - -"That is true, and you are right, comrade," said the majordomo, as -he looked around with the practised glance of a man accustomed to a -desert life. "Well, as it is so," he added, with a laugh, "suppose we -breakfast, for that will enable us to kill some time." - -"Very good," the hunter replied, good humouredly. They breakfasted as -they had supped on the previous night. When the hour for starting at -length arrived, they saddled their horses and led them down the hill; -for the ascent which they had escaladed so actively by night, under -the impulse of the pressing danger that threatened them, now proved -extremely steep, abrupt, and difficult. When they mounted, Stronghand -said--"My friend, I am going to take you to an _atepetl_ of the -Redskins. Do you consider that disagreeable?" - -"Not personally, but I will ask what advantage my master can derive -from it?" - -"That question I am unable to answer at the moment. You must know, -though, that we are taking this step on your master's behalf, and that -his affairs, instead of suffering by it, will be greatly benefited." - -"Let us go, then. One word, however, first. Are the Redskins, to whom -we are proceeding, a long distance off?" - -"It would be almost a journey for any persons but us." - -"Hum!" said Paredes. - -"But you and I," the hunter continued, "who are true guides, and who -have also the advantage of being well mounted, will reach the village -at three or four o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the latest." - -"In that case it is not very distant." - -"I told you so." - -"And in what direction is the village?" - -"You must have often heard it spoken of, if chance has never led your -footsteps thither." - -"Why so?" - -"Because it is only a dozen leagues at the most from the Hacienda del -Toro." - -"Wait a minute," the majordomo said, frowning like a man who is -collecting his thoughts; "you are right, I have never been to that -village, it is true, but I have often heard it spoken of. Is not one -of the chiefs a white man?" - -The hunter blushed slightly. - -"So people say," he answered. - -"Is it not strange," the majordomo continued, "that a white man should -consent to abandon entirely the society of his fellows to live with -savages?" - -"Why so?" - -"Hang it! Because the Indians are devoid of reason, as everybody knows." - -The hunter gave his companion a glance of indefinable meaning, slightly -shrugged his shoulders, but made no reply; probably from the reason -that he had too much to say, and considered the majordomo's rather -heavy mind incapable of appreciating it. The day passed without any -occurrences to interrupt the monotony of their ride, which they -continued with great speed till night, only stopping from time to time -to shoot a few birds for supper. Galloping, talking, and smoking, they -at length reached the spot where they intended to bivouac. The road -they had followed in no way resembled the one the majordomo had taken -on leaving the hacienda, although they were returning in the direction -of Arispe. This resulted from the fact that Paredes had kept in the -regular road, while this time the two men rode Indian fashion, that is -to say, straight ahead without troubling themselves about roads. They -galloped on as the bird flies, crossing mountains and swimming rivers -whenever they came to them, without losing time in seeking a ford. - -This mode of travelling, generally adopted by the wood rangers of the -savannah, where the only roads are tracks made by the wild beasts, -would not be possible in civilized countries, where there are so many -towns and villages; but in Mexico, especially on the Indian border, -towns are excessively rare: by riding in this way distances are -marvellously shortened and a considerable tract is covered between two -sunrises. This is what happened to the two adventurers; for in one day -they went a greater distance than Paredes had done in eight-and-forty -hours, though he was well mounted. At night they camped in a wood -beyond the Hacienda del Toro, which building they saw rising gloomy and -tranquil like an eagle's nest on the top of its rock, and they passed -close to it during the afternoon. - -The country assumed a wilder and more abrupt aspect; the grass was -thicker, the trees were larger, older, and closer together; it was -evident that the travellers were at the extreme limit of civilization, -and would soon find themselves in the Red territory, although -nominally, at least on the maps, this territory figured among the -possessions of the Mexican Confederation. This feature, by the way, is -found everywhere throughout the New World. Even in the United States, -which pretend, erroneously, we believe, to be more civilized than their -neighbours, towns with high-flown names may be seen on the maps of -their large possessions, which only exist in reality as a name painted -on a solitary post, planted in the centre of a plain or on the bank of -a river, without even a keeper to watch over the preservation of this -post, which, worn by wind and sun, eventually disappears, though the -town never sprung up in its place. During our travels we were too often -the victim of this humorous Yankee mystification not to feel angry with -this eccentric nation, which repeats to every newcomer that it marches -at the head of civilization, and has a mission to regenerate the New -World. - -The two men, after lighting their watch fire, supped with good -appetite, rolled themselves in their zarapés, and fell asleep, -trusting to the instinct of their horses to warn them of the approach -of any enemy, whether man or wild beast, that attempted to surprise -them during their slumbers. But nothing disturbed them; the night was -quiet; at sunrise they awoke, mounted, and continued their journey, -which would only take a few hours longer. - -"I am mistaken," the hunter said suddenly, turning to his companion. - -"How so?" the latter asked. - -"Because," Stronghand replied, "I told you yesterday we should not -reach the _atepetl_ till the afternoon." - -"Well?" - -"We shall be there by eleven o'clock." - -"_¡Caramba!_ That is famous news." - -"When we have crossed that hill we shall see the village a short -distance ahead of us, picturesquely grouped on the side of another -hill, and running into the plain, where the last houses are built on -the banks of a pretty little stream, whose white and limpid waters -serve as a natural rampart." - -"Tell me, comrade, what do you think of the reception that will be -offered us?" - -"The Papazos are hospitable." - -"I do not doubt it; unluckily, I have no claims to the kindness of the -Redskins. Moreover, I know that they are very suspicious, and never -like to see white men enter their villages." - -"That depends on the way in which white men try to enter them." - -"There is another reason which, I confess, supplies me with reason for -grave thought." - -"What is it?" - -"It is said--mark me, I do not assert it--" - -"All right; go on." - -"It is said that the Papazos are excited, and on the point of -revolting, if they have not done so already." - -"They rose in insurrection some days ago," Stronghand coolly answered. - -"What?" the majordomo exclaimed, greatly startled, "and you are leading -me to them?" - -"Why not?" - -"Because we shall be massacred, that's all." - -The hunter shrugged his shoulders. - -"You are mad." - -"I am mad--I am mad!" Paredes repeated, shaking his head very -dubiously; "it pleases you to say that, but I am not at all desirous, -if I can avoid it, of thus placing myself in the power of men who must -be my enemies." - -"I repeat that nothing will happen to you. _¡Viva Dios!_ do you fancy -me capable of leading you into a snare?" - -"No; on my honour that is not my thought; but you may be mistaken, and -credit these savages with feelings they do not possess." - -"I am certain of what I assert. Not only have you nothing to fear, but -you will have an honourable reception." - -"Honourable?" the majordomo remarked, with an air of incredulity; "I am -not very certain of that." - -"You shall see. Woe to the man who dared to hurt a hair of your head -while you are in my company." - -"Who are you, to speak thus?" - -"A hunter, nothing else; but I am a friend of the Papazos, and adopted -son of one of their tribes; and every man, though he were the mortal -enemy of the nation, must for my sake, be received as a brother by the -sachems and warriors." - -"Well, be it so," the majordomo muttered, in the tone of a man forced -in his last entrenchments, and who resolves to make up his mind. - -"Besides," the hunter added, "any hesitation would now be useless and -perhaps dangerous." - -"Why so?" - -"Because the Indians have their scouts scattered through the woods and -over the plain already; they saw and signalled our approach long ago, -and if we attempted to turn back, it would justly appear suspicious; -and then we should suddenly see Indians rise all round us, and be -immediately made prisoners, before we even thought of defending -ourselves." - -"_¡Demonio!_ that makes the matter singular, comrade; then you believe -we have been seen already?" - -"Would you like to have a proof on the spot?" the hunter asked, -laughingly. - -"Well, I should not mind, for I should then know what I have to expect." - -"Well, I will give you the proof." - -The travellers had reached the foot of the hill, and were at this -moment concealed by the tall grass that surrounded them. Stronghand -stopped his horse, and imitated the cry of the mawkawis twice. Almost -immediately the grass parted, an Indian bounded from a thick clump of -trees with the lightness of an antelope, and stopped two yards from the -hunter, on whom he fixed his black, intelligent eyes, without saying -a word. The apparition of the Redskin was so sudden, his arrival so -unexpected, that, in spite of himself, the majordomo could not restrain -a start of surprise. - -This Indian was a man of three-and-twenty years of age at the most, -whose exquisite proportions made him resemble a statue of Florentine -bronze; the whole upper part of his body was naked: his unloosened hair -hung in disorder over his shoulders; his clothing merely consisted of -trousers sewn with horsehair, fastened round the loins by a belt of -untanned leather, and tied at the ankles. A tomahawk and a scalping -knife--weapons which the Indians never lay aside--hung from his -belt, and he leant with careless grace upon a long rifle of American -manufacture. The hunter bowed, and after stretching out his arm, -with the palm turned down and the fingers straight, said in a gentle -voice--"Wah! The Waconda protects me, since the first person I see, on -returning to my people, is Sparrowhawk." - -The young Indian bowed in his turn with the native courtesy -characteristic of the Redskin, and replied in a guttural voice, which, -however, was very gentle--"For a long time the sachems have been -informed of the coming of the Great Bear of their Nation; they thought -that only one chief was worthy saluting Stronghand on his return. -Sparrowhawk is happy that he was chosen by them." - -"I thank the sachems of my nation," the hunter said, with a meaning -glance at the majordomo, "for having designed to do me so signal an -honour. Will my son return to the village with us, or will he precede -us?" - -"Sparrowhawk will go ahead, in order that the guest of Stronghand, my -father, may be received with the honours due to a man who comes in the -company of the Great Bear." - -"Good! My brother will act as becomes a chief. Stronghand will not -detain him longer." - -The young Indian bowed his head in assent, leapt backwards, and -disappeared in the thicket whence he had emerged, with such rapidity, -that if the grass had not continued to undulate after his departure, -his apparition would have seemed like a dream. - -"We can now start again," the hunter said to the majordomo, who was -utterly confounded. - -"Let us go!" the latter answered, mechanically. - -"Well," answered Stronghand, "do you now believe that you have anything -to fear among the Papazos?" - -"Excuse me; as you said, I was a madman to fear it." - -They crossed the plain, following a wild beast track which, after -numberless windings, reached a ford, and in about an hour they arrived -at the bank of the river. Twelve Papazo Indians, dressed in their war -paint and mounted on magnificent horses, were standing motionless and -in single file in front of the ford. - -So soon as they perceived the two travellers, they uttered loud shouts -and dashed forward to meet them, firing their guns, brandishing -their weapons, and waving their white female buffalo robes, which, -by-the-bye, only the most renowned sachems of the nation have the -right to wear. The two white men, on their side, spurred their horses, -responding to the shouts of the Indians, and firing their guns. -All at once, at a signal from one of the chiefs, all the horsemen -stopped, and arranged themselves round the travellers, to act as an -escort. The whole party crossed the ford and entered the village, -amid the deafening shouts of the women and children, with which were -inharmoniously blended the bark of dogs, the hoarse notes of the -shells, and the shrill sounds of the _chichikoues_. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE ATEPETL. - - -Many persons imagine that all Indians are alike, and that the men -acquainted with the manners of one tribe knows them all. This is a -serious error, which it is important to dissipate. Among the Indians, -properly so called--that is to say, the aborigines of America--will -be found as many differences in language, dialect, &c., as among the -nations of the Old Continent, if not more. The number of dialects -spoken by the Indians is infinite; the manners of one nation form a -complete contrast with those of another living only a few leagues -away; and any person who, after travelling for some time in the Far -West, asserted that he was thoroughly acquainted with the character of -the Indians and their mode of life, would be quite deceived; and more -serious still, would deceive those whom he pretended to instruct. - -The Indians are divided into two great families: the cultivating -Indians--that is to say, those who are sedentary and attached to -the soil they till; and hunter or nomadic Indians, who have a great -resemblance to the Touaricks of Africa and the Tartars of Asia. The -hunting Indians, known as _Indios Bravos_, inhabit leathern huts, easy -of transport from one place to another, and only remain stationary so -long as the country supplies them with the necessary forage for their -horses, and the game indispensable for the men. The tame Indians, or -_Indios Mansos_, on the other hand, are permanently established at a -carefully selected spot; they have built actual houses, in which they -shelter themselves and keep their winter provisions. These Indians, -though they follow the customs of their fathers, recognise the Mexican -laws, obey them ostensibly, are apparent Christians, though they -secretly practise all the rites of their old faith; and their chief -assumes the title of Alcalde. In a word, they are nearly as much -civilized as the majority of the creoles. - -The confederation of the Papazos was composed of several nations, -combining both Indios Mansos and Indios Bravos. The latter, though -harmless, and consequently nomadic, had, in the heart of unexplored -forests or the gorges of the Sierra Madre, their winter villages--a -collection of huts made of branches, and covered with mud, where, in -the event of war, their squaws found refuge, and which served them, -after an expedition, to hide the plunder they had made. - -The Gilenos, whose powerful nation was composed of one hundred and -eighteen distinct tribes, each of which had its private totem or -standard, formed the principal branch of the Confederation of the -Papazos. The Gilenos are essentially agricultural. At a period which -it would be impossible to state with certainty, because the Indians -do not write anything down, but trust to tradition, the Comanche -nation, which proudly calls itself the "Queen of the Prairies," and -asserts, perhaps justly, that it is descended in a straight line from -the Chichimeques, the first conquerors of Mexico, was divided into two -parts after a council held by the chiefs, for the sake of terminating -a dispute that threatened to degenerate into a civil war. One half the -nation continued to wander in the immense prairies of the Far West, -and retained the name of Comanche. The other tribes settled on the -banks of the Rio Gila, gave up hunting for agriculture, while retaining -their independence, and only nominally obeying the Spaniards and -Mexicans. Eventually they received the name of Gilenos, from the river -on whose banks they originally settled. But, although separated, the -two divisions of the Comanche nations continued to maintain friendly -relations, recognised each other as springing from the same stem, and -helping one another whenever circumstances demanded it. - -The Gilenos piously preserved the faith of their fathers, maintained -their customs; among others that of never drinking spirituous liquors: -and never permitted the Mexican Government to establish among them that -system of annoyance and rapine under which it mercilessly bows the -other Indian Mansos. The Gileno villages are distinguished from all -the others by their singular construction, which admirably displays the -character of this people. We will attempt to convey an idea of them to -the reader. - -Stronghand had pointed out to the majordomo clusters of storied houses, -suspended as it were from the flank of the hill. But these houses were -only built temporarily, and in case of an attack on the village would -be immediately destroyed. The hill, doubtless in consequence of one of -those natural convulsions so common in these regions, was separated -into two parts by a quebrada of enormous depth, which served as the bed -of an impetuous torrent. On either side of this quebrada the Indians -had built an enormous construction, of pyramidal shape, upwards of -two hundred and fifty feet in height. These two towers contained the -lodgings of the inhabitants, their granaries and storehouses. More -than eight hundred beings, men, women, and children, resided in these -singular buildings, which were connected together at the top by a -bridge of lianas, boldly thrown across the abyss. These towers could -only be entered by a ladder, which was drawn up each night; for as -a last and essential precaution, the doors were sixty feet from the -ground, in order to guard against surprise. - -Nothing could be more curious or picturesque than the appearance -offered at a distance by this strange village, with its two massive -towers, having ladders for stairs, up and down which people were -constantly moving. A few days previously, for greater safety, and to -guard the village from a surprise, the chiefs had a trench dug, and -a palisade erected, composed of stakes fastened together by lianas. -The Indians had taken this precaution, to prevent their horses, on -which they especially calculated for the success of the meditated -expedition, being carried off by surprise, as so frequently happens on -the border. - -The travellers were conducted with great ceremony by the chiefs, -who had come to receive them at the entrance of the village, to the -square, on one side of which stood the "Ark of the First Man;" on the -other, "The Great Medicine Lodge, or Council Hut." During the ride the -majordomo fancied he saw among the crowd several individuals belonging -to the white race, and mentioned it to his comrade. - -"You are not mistaken," the latter replied; "several Mexicans reside in -the village and trade with the Indians; but that must not surprise you, -for you are aware that the Gilenos are mansos. Stay, here is a monk." - -In fact, at this moment a stout, rubicund monk crossed the square, -distributing blessings right and left, of which the Indians seemed to -take but little notice. - -"These worthy Frayles," the hunter continued, "lead here a rather -monastic life, but in spite of the trouble they take, they cannot -succeed in making proselytes. The Comanches are too attached to their -religion to accept another; still, as they are too savage to be -intolerant," he added, ironically, "they allow these poor monks entire -liberty, on the express condition that they do not interfere with them. -They have even permitted them to build a chapel, a very poor and simple -edifice, in which a few passing adventurers offer up their prayers; for -the inhabitants of the village never set foot in it." - -"I will go to it," said Paredes. - -"And you will act rightly. However, I will do this justice to the four -monks who, through a love of proselytism, have confined themselves -to this forgotten nook, of stating that they bear an excellent -reputation, do all the good they can, and are generally beloved and -respected by the population. This praise is the more valuable, because -the Mexican clergy do not enjoy a great reputation for sanctity." - -"But now that war is declared, what will become of these monks?" - -"What do you think? They will remain peacefully, without fearing insult -or annoyance. However savage the Indians may be, they are not so -savage, be assured, as to make the innocent suffer for the crimes of -the guilty." - -"Forgive me, Stronghand, if I remark that I notice, with sorrow, in -your mode of expressing yourself, a certain bitterness which seems to -me unjust. The secret sympathies of an honest man ought not, in any -case, to render him partial." - -"I allow that I am wrong, my friend. When you know me better, you -will be indulgent, I doubt not, to this bitterness which I frequently -unconsciously display in my language. But here we are at the square, -and other more urgent matters claim all our attention." - -The plaza, which the travellers now reached, formed a parallelogram, -and rose with a gentle ascent to the foot of the tower on the left of -the village. Several streets opened into it, and the houses built on -either side of it had an appearance of cleanliness and comfort which -is but rarely found in Indian villages; and if this pueblo had been -inhabited by white creoles, it would certainly have obtained the title -of _ciudad_. In front of the council lodge stood three men, whom it -was easy to recognise as the principal chiefs of the village by their -hats of raccoon skin, surrounded by a gold golilla, and the silver -mounted cane, like that of our beadles, which they held in their right -hand. The Mexicans, among other customs they took from the Spaniards, -have retained that of investing the Indian chiefs with authority. -This investiture, generally performed by a delegate of the governor of -the province, consists in giving them the hat and stick to which we -have referred. These three chiefs, therefore, ostensibly held their -power from the Mexican government, but in reality the latter had only -obeyed the feudal claims of the tribes assembled at this village, by -conferring the authority on these men whom their countrymen had long -previously recognised as chiefs. - -The procession halted before the alcaldes, or, to use the Indian term, -the sachems. The latter were men of a ripe age, with a haughty and -imposing mien. The eldest of them, who stood in the centre, had in -his look and the expression of his features something indescribably -majestic. He appeared about sixty years of age; a long white beard -fell in snowy flakes on his chest; his tall form, his broad forehead, -his black eyes, and his slightly aquiline nose, rendered him a very -remarkable man. He did not wear the Indian costume, but that adopted -by the hunters and wood rangers; a blue cotton shirt, fastened round -his hips by a leather girdle, which held his arms and ammunition, wide -_calzoneras_ of deer hide buckled below the knee, and heavy boots, -whose heels were armed with formidable spurs, the wheel of which was as -large as a saucer. - -In conclusion, the personage we have attempted to describe did not -belong to the Indian race, as could be seen at the first glance; but -in addition, the fine, elegant, nervous type of the pure Spanish -race could be noticed in him. The majordomo could not check a start -of surprise at the sight of this man, whose presence seemed to him -incomprehensible at such a place and among such people. He leant over -to Stronghand, and asked him, in a low voice, choked by involuntary -emotion,--"Who is that man?" - -"You can see," the hunter replied, drily, "he is the Alcalde Mayor of -the pueblo. But silence! The persons surrounding us are surprised to -see us conversing in whispers." - -Paredes held his tongue, though his eyes were obstinately fixed on the -man to whom the hunter had ironically given the title of Alcalde Mayor. -A little to the rear of the chiefs, a warrior was holding a totem of -the tribe, representing a condor, the sacred bird of the Incas. A -crowd of Indians of both sexes, nearly all armed, filled the square, -and pressed forward to witness a scene which was not without a certain -grandeur. So soon as the procession halted, Sparrowhawk dismounted and -walked up to the sachems. - -"Fathers of my nation," he said, "the Great Bear of our tribe has -returned, bringing with him a paleface, his friend." - -"He is welcome," the three chiefs answered, unanimously, "as well as -his friend, whoever he may be; so long as he pleases to remain among us -he will be regarded as a brother." - -The hunter then advanced, and bowed respectfully to the sachems. - -"Thanks for myself and friend," he said; "the journey we have made was -long, and we are worn with fatigue. May we be permitted to take a few -hours' rest?" - -The Indians were astonished to hear the hunter, a man of iron power, -whose reputation for vigour was well established among them, speak of -the fatigue he felt. But understanding that he had secret reasons for -asking this, no one made a remark. - -"Stronghand and his friend are at liberty to proceed to the calli -prepared for them," one of the chiefs answered: "Sparrowhawk will guide -them." - -The two adventurers bowed respectfully, and, preceded by Sparrowhawk, -passed through the crowd, which opened before them, and proceeded to -the calli appointed for them. Let us state at once that this calli -was the property of Stronghand, who inhabited it whenever business -or accident brought him to the village. By the order of the chiefs, -however, it had been prepared for the reception of two persons. So -soon as the travellers reached the calli, Sparrowhawk retired, after -whispering a few words in the ear of the hunter. The latter replied by -a sign of assent, and then turned to the majordomo, who was already -engaged in unsaddling his horse. - -"You are at home, comrade," he said to him; "use this house as you -think proper. I have to see a person to whom I will introduce you -presently. I will, therefore, leave you for the present, but I shall -not be absent long." - -And without awaiting an answer, the hunter turned his horse, and -started at a gallop. - -"Hum!" the Mexican muttered, so soon as he was alone, "all this is not -clear; did I do wrong in trusting to this man? I will be on my guard." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE SPY. - - -After installing the majordomo in the calli, Stronghand proceeded -through the village, taking an apparently careless glance around, -but in reality not letting anything unusual escape his notice. The -Indians whom the hunter met addressed him as an old acquaintance; -the very women and children tried to attract his attention by their -hearty bursts of laughter and their greetings of welcome. For all and -for each the hunter had a pleasant remark, and thus satisfied the -frequently indiscreet claims of those who pressed around him. Thus -occupied, he went right through the village, and, on reaching the foot -of the left-hand pyramid, dismounted, threw his horse's bridle to a -boy, bidding him lead the horse to his calli, and forced his way with -some difficulty through the crowd, whose curiosity seemed to increase -instead of diminishing. He walked up to the ladder, and after waving -his hand to the Indians, hurried up it, and disappeared inside the -pyramid. - -This strange building, which was almost shapeless outside, was -internally arranged with the utmost care and most perfect intelligence. -The hunter, who was doubtless anxious to reach his destination, -only took a hurried glance at the rooms he passed through; he went -up an internal staircase, and soon reached the top of the pyramid. -Sparrowhawk was standing motionless before a cougar's skin hung up in -lieu of a door, and on seeing the hunter he bowed courteously. - -"My father has not delayed," he said, with a good-tempered smile. - -"Has the council begun yet?" Stronghand asked. - -"For four suns the elders of the nation have remained without taking -rest round the council fire; the arrival of my father was alone able to -make them suspend their labours for an hour." - -The hunter frowned. - -"Cannot I speak to the great sachem for a moment?" - -"I cannot give my father any information on that point." - -"Good!" the hunter continued, apparently forming a determination. "Has -Sparrowhawk no instructions for me?" - -"None, but to await Stronghand, and announce his arrival." - -"Wah! here I am; my brother's instructions are fulfilled." - -Without replying, Sparrowhawk raised the curtain, and allowed the -hunter to pass into the council hall. - -In a large room, which was entirely destitute of furniture--unless -that name can be given to dried buffalo skulls employed as seats--some -twenty persons were gravely seated in a circle, smoking a calumet -silently, whose mouthpiece constantly passed from hand to hand. In -the centre of the circle was a golden brasier, in which burned the -sacred fire of Motecuhzoma, a fire which must never go out. According -to tradition, the last Emperor of Mexico shared it among his dearest -partisans on the eve of his death; and this fire, it is also said, -derives its origin from the sun itself. - -The presence of this fire in the room, which was generally kept in a -subterraneous vault, inaccessible to the sight of the common herd, -and which is only shown to the people on grand occasions, proved the -gravity of the matters the council had to discuss. Moreover, the -appearance of the chiefs assembled in the room had about it something -stern and imposing that inspired respect. Contrary to Indian habits, -they were all unarmed. This precaution, which was owing to the advice -of the principal sachem of the nation, was justified not only by the -considerable number of chiefs present, but also by their belonging to -various nations. Each tribe of the grand confederation of the Papazos -had its representative in this assembly, where were also the sachems of -nations ordinarily at war with it, but who, in the hope of a general -revolt against the whites, the implacable enemies of the red race, had -forgotten their hatred for a season. Here could be seen Yaquis, Mayos, -Seris, and even free hunters and trappers, white and half-bred, in -their grand war paint, with their heels adorned with wolves' tails, an -honorary distinction to which only the great braves have a right. - -Thunderbolt, the old man whose portrait we have just drawn, presided -over the assembly. On the entrance of Stronghand, all the warriors -rose, turned to him, and after bowing gracefully, invited him to take a -seat among them. The hunter, flattered in his heart by the honour done -him, bowed gravely to the members of the council, and seated himself on -the right of Thunderbolt, after handing his weapons to Sparrowhawk, who -carried them into an adjoining room. There was a rather long silence, -during which the hunter smoked the calumet which had been eagerly -offered him. At length Thunderbolt began speaking. - -"My son could not arrive at a better moment," he said, addressing -Stronghand; "his return was eagerly desired by his brothers. He has -come from the country inhabited by our enemies; without doubt he will -give us news." - -The hunter rose, looked round the meeting, and replied--"I have been -among the Gachupinos, I have entered their towns, I have seen their -pueblos, presidios, and posts; like ourselves, they are preparing for -war; they understand the extent of the danger that threatens them, and -are trying to neutralize it by all means." - -"The news is not very explicit; we hoped that Stronghand would give us -more serious information about the movements of the enemy," Thunderbolt -remarked, with a reproachful accent. - -"Perhaps I could do so," the hunter remarked, calmly. - -"Then why are you silent?" - -The young man hesitated for a moment beneath the glances fixed on him. - -"The white men have a proverb," he said, at length, "whose justice I -specially recognise at this moment." - -"What is it?" - -"Words are silver, but silence is gold." - -"Which means?" Thunderbolt continued, eagerly. - -"The most formidable weapon of the white man is treachery," the hunter -continued, not appearing to heed the interruption; "they have even -conquered by treachery the Redskins, whom they did not dare meet face -to face. Questions so interesting as those we have to settle, such -serious interests as we have to discuss, must not be treated in so -large an assembly ere it is quite certain that a traitor has not glided -in among us. So long as merely general questions are discussed this -is of slight consequence; but so soon as we discuss the means to be -employed in carrying on the war, it is urgent that the enemy should not -be warned of the result of our deliberations." - -"We cannot act otherwise than we are doing. Yes, and that is why the -whites are cleverer than we: so soon as war is declared, they appoint -a commission, composed of three members, or five at the most, who have -to draw up the plan of the campaign. Why do we not do the same? Nothing -is more simple, it seems to me: choose, among the chiefs assembled -here, a certain number of wise men accustomed to command; these men -will assemble in secret, and decide on the means to be employed in -conquering our enemy: in this way, if the Spaniards are informed -of our movements, the traitor cannot escape us for long. The other -chiefs, and the deputies of the friendly natives and other confederated -tribes, will settle in the Grand Council the common interests of the -Indian natives, and the terms to be established among them, in order -to stifle for ever those germs of discord which frequently spring up -from a misunderstanding, and almost always degenerate into sanguinary -and interminable quarrels. I have spoken: my brothers will determine -whether my words deserve being taken into consideration." - -After bowing to the audience, the hunter sat down again, and seemed to -be plunged into deep thought. One of the instinctive qualities of the -Indian race is good sense. The chiefs, in spite of the circumlocution -in which the hunter had thought it necessary to envelop his remarks, -had perfectly understood him: they had caught the justice of his -reasoning, and the advantage of a speedy decision on a subject so -interesting to the entire confederation: they guessed, under the -hunter's reticence, a name which, for secret reasons of his own, he -did not wish to utter, and hence his speech was greeted with a buzz of -satisfaction, which is always flattering to the ears of an orator, no -matter the nature of his hearers. Thunderbolt questioned the members of -the council by a glance; all replied with an affirmative shake of their -heads. - -"Your plan is adopted," the chief said; "we recognise the necessity of -carrying it out. But this time again we must apply to you to choose the -members of the council whom we have to elect." - -"Chance alone must decide the solution. All the sachems collected in -this hall are great braves of their tribes, and the picked warriors of -their nations. No matter on whom the lot falls, the members will behave -honourably in the new council." - -"Stronghand has spoken well, as he always does, when he is called upon -to give his opinion in the council of the chiefs; now let him finish -what he has so well begun, by instructing us of the way in which we are -to consult chance." - -"Be it so: I will obey my father." - -The hunter rose and left the hall, but his absence lasted only a few -minutes. During this interval the chiefs remained motionless and -silent. Stronghand soon returned, followed by Sparrowhawk, who, as he -had been ordered by the sachems to keep the door, had not taken part in -the deliberations, though he had a right to do so. This chief carried a -blanket tied up so as to form a bag. - -"In this blanket," the hunter then said, "I have placed a number of -bullets equal to that of the chiefs assembled in council: I have taken -these bullets from the ammunition bag of every one of the chiefs. I -have noticed that our guns are of different bores, and hence some of -the bullets are larger, others smaller. Each of us will draw a bullet -haphazard; when all have one, they will be examined; and the three -chiefs, if you fix on that number, or the five, if you prefer that -number, to whom chance has given the largest bullets, will compose the -new council." - -"That is a simple way, and will prevent any annoyance," Thunderbolt -said; "I believe that we shall do well by adopting it." - -The chiefs bowed their assent. - -"But," the sachem continued, "before we begin drawing, let us first -settle of how many members the council shall consist; shall there be -three or five?" - -A white trapper rose and asked leave to speak. It was a man of about -forty years of age, with frank and energetic features and muscular -limbs, well known all over the western prairies by the singular name of -the Whistler. - -"If I may be allowed," he said, "to offer my opinion on such a matter -before wise men and renowned warriors--for I am only a poor rogue of a -hunter--I would call your attention to the fact that, with a committee -whose duties are so serious, three men are not sufficient to discuss a -question advantageously, because it is so easy to obtain a majority. On -the other hand, five men mutually enlighten each other, by exchanging -their ideas and starting objections: hence, I am of opinion that the -council ought to be composed of five members. I will add one word: Will -the white and half-breed hunters and trappers here present take part in -the election?" - -"Do they not fight with us?" Thunderbolt asked. - -"This is true," the Whistler continued; "still it would be, perhaps, -better for you to settle the matter among yourselves; we are, in -reality, only your allies." - -"You are our brothers and friends; in the name of the chiefs of the -confederation. I thank you, Whistler, for the delicate proposal you -have made; but we do not accept your offer, for all must be in common -between you and us." - -"You will do as you please. I spoke for your good; and it does not suit -you, say no more about it." - -While these remarks were exchanged between the trapper and Thunderbolt, -the chiefs had decided that the military commission should be composed -of five members. The drawing at once began; each warrior went, in his -turn, to draw a bullet from the bag held by Sparrowhawk; then the -verification was begun with that good faith and impartiality which the -Indians display in all their actions when dealing with one another. -On this occasion chance was intelligent, as happens more frequently -than is supposed, when it is left free to act: the chiefs chosen to -form the committee were exactly those who, if another mode of election -had been employed, would have gained all the votes through their -talent, experience, and wisdom. Hence, the sachems frankly applauded -the decision of fate, and in their superstition, derived from this -caprice of accident a favourable augury for the result of the war. The -committee was composed as follows Thunderbolt, Sparrowhawk, Stronghand, -the Whistler, and a renowned Apache chief, whose name was the Peccary. - -When the election was over, just as the chiefs were returning to their -seats, Stronghand approached a trapper, who, ever since his entrance, -had seemed to shun his eye, and conceal himself, as far as possible, -behind the other chiefs. Tapping him on the shoulder, he said in a low -but imperative voice--"Master Kidd, two words, if you please." - -The adventurer, for it was really he, started at the touch, but -immediately recovering himself, he turned his smiling face to the -hunter's, and said, with a respectful bow--"I am quite at your service, -caballero; can I be so happy as to be able to help you in anything?" - -"Yes," the hunter answered, drily. - -"Speak, caballero, speak; and as far as lies in my power--" - -"A truce to these hypocritical protestations," Stronghand rudely -interrupted him, "and let us come to facts." - -"I am listening to you," the other said, trying to hide his anxiety. - -"This is the point--rightly or wrongly, your presence here offends me." - -"What can I do to prevent that, my dear Señor?" - -"A very simple thing." - -"What is it, if you please?" - -"Leave the tower at once, mount your horse, and be off." - -"Oh!" the bandit said, with a forced laugh, "Allow me to remark, my -dear señor, that the idea seems to me a singular one." - -"Do you think so?" the hunter remarked, coldly; "Well, opinions differ. -For my part, I consider it quite natural." - -"Of course you are jesting." - -"Do you fancy me capable of jesting--before all, with a man like you? -I think not. Well, I repeat, be off; be off as quickly as possible. I -advise you for your own good." - -"I must have an excuse for such a flight. What will the Indian chiefs -who did me the honour of summoning me to their grand council, and my -friends the hunters suppose, on seeing me thus abandon them without any -apparent motive, at the very moment when the war is about to begin?" - -"That does not concern me; I want you to be off at once; if not--" - -"Well?" - -"I shall blow out your brains in the presence of all as a traitor and a -spy. You understand me now, my master, I think?" - -The bandit started violently; his face became livid, and for some -minutes he fixed his viper eye on the hunter, who examined him -ironically; then bending down to his ear, he said, in a voice choked -with rage and shame, "Stronghand, you are the stronger, and any -resistance on my part would be mad; I shall go, therefore; but remember -this, I shall be avenged." - -Stronghand shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. "Do so," he said, -"if you can; but, in the meanwhile, be off if you do not wish me to -carry out my threat!" and he turned his back on the bandit. Kidd gave -him a parting look of fury, and without adding a word, left the hall. -Ten minutes later he was galloping on the road to the Real de Minas, -revolving the most sinister schemes. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE COUNCIL OF THE SACHEMS. - - -Although the chiefs had guessed from Stronghand's gestures what was -going on between him and the American bandit, not one of them made the -slightest allusion to Kidd's departure, or even seemed to notice it. -The Canadian trapper, named Whistler, alone went up to the hunter, and -pressing his hand, said, with a coarse laugh-- - -"By heavens! Comrade, you did not miss your game, but brought it down -at the first shot. Receive my sincere congratulations for having freed -us of that skunk, who is neither fish nor flesh, and whose roguish face -did not at all please me." - -"It would please you much less, my good fellow, if you knew him," the -hunter replied, with a smile. - -"I beg you to believe that I have no desire to form a closer -acquaintance with that pícaro; only too many like him may be met on the -prairies." - -The chiefs had resumed their seats, and the council which had been -momentarily interrupted, was re-opened by Thunderbolt. The Indians, -though people think proper to regard them as savages, could give -lessons in urbanity and good breeding to the members of parliamentary -assemblies in old Europe. Among them a speaker is never interrupted -by those coarse and inopportune noises for which some M.P.'s seem to -possess a privilege. Each speaks in his turn. The speakers, who are -listened to with a religious silence, have the liberty of expressing -their ideas without fearing personalities, which are frequently -offensive. When the debate is closed, the speaker--that is to say, the -oldest chief, or the one of the highest position either through bravery -or wisdom--sums up the discussion in a few words, takes the opinion of -the other chiefs, who vote by nodding their heads, and the minority -always accepts, without complaint or recrimination of any sort, the -resolution of the majority. - -Before going further, we will explain, in a few words, the cause of -the dissatisfaction which had induced the Indians to revolt once -again against the whites. At the period of the Spanish conquests, -the Indians, in spite of the obstinate assertions to the contrary, -were happy, or at any rate were, through the intelligent care of -the Government, placed in a situation which insured their existence -under very satisfactory conditions. It is indubitable that if Spain -had retained her colonies for fifty or sixty years longer, she would -have gradually succeeded in converting the aborigines of her vast -territories, attaching them to the cultivation of the soil, and making -them give up a nomadic existence, and adopt the far preferable life in -villages. - -All Spanish America, both North and South, was covered with missions; -that is to say, agricultural colonies, established on a large scale; -where monks, in every way respectable, through their complete -abnegation of the enjoyments of the world, and their inexhaustible -charity, taught the Indians not only the paternal precepts of the -Gospel, and their duty to their neighbour, but preaching by example, -they became weavers, labourers, cobblers, and blacksmiths, in order to -make their docile apprentices more easily understand the way to set to -work. These missions contained, at the time of the War of Independence, -several hundred thousand Indians, who had given up their nomadic life -of hunting, and patiently assumed the yoke of civilization. This -magnificent result, obtained by courage and perseverance, and which -would have speedily resulted in the solution of a problem declared -to be insoluble--the emancipation of the red race, and its aptitude -to assume the sedentary condition of a town life, was unhappily not -carried further. - -When the Mexicans had proclaimed their independence, their first care -was to destroy all that the Spaniards had raised, and utterly overthrow -the internal governmental system established by them. Naturally, the -missions were not exempted from this general overthrow; they were -perhaps more kindly treated than the institutions created by the old -oppressors. The philosophic spirit of the eighteenth century, when -it forced its way into Mexico, was naturally misunderstood and ill -appreciated by men who were plunged into the grossest ignorance, and -who believed that they displayed the independence and nobility of -their character by deadly hatred of the clergy, and abolishing their -prerogatives at one stroke. It is true that, by an inevitable reaction, -the Mexicans, whose revolution was almost entirely effected by priests, -and who, at the outset, displayed themselves as such daring skeptics, -ere long fell again, through their superstition, beneath the power of -the same clergy, and became more devoted slaves to them than ever. - -Unfortunately, the death blow had been dealt to the missions or -agricultural colonies, although the Government recognized its mistake, -and sought by all means to palliate it. They never recovered, only -languished, and eventually the majority of them fell into ruin, and -were utterly abandoned by the Indians, who returned to that desert life -from which they had been drawn with such difficulty. Nothing is so -heart-rending as the sight now offered by these missions, which were -once so rich, so full of life, and so flourishing; only a few Indians -can be seen, wandering about like ghosts in the deserted cloisters, led -by an old, white-haired monk, whom they would not leave, and who had -vowed to die among his children. - -The Mexican Government did not stop here. Returning to the old errors -of the conquistadors, it grew accustomed to regard the Indians as -slaves; imposing on them exorbitant tariffs for articles of primary -necessity, which it sold to them through special agents, bowing them -to any Draconian law, and carrying their injustice so far as to deny -them intellect, and brand them with the name of _Gente sin razón_, or -people without reason. The consequences of such a system can be easily -comprehended. The Indians, who, at the outset, contented themselves -with passively withdrawing, and seeking in the desert the liberty that -was refused them, on finding themselves so unjustly treated, and urged -to desperation by such insults, thought about avenging themselves, and -requiting evil for evil. - -Then recommenced those periodical invasions of the Indian borders which -the Spaniards had repressed with such difficulty and such bloodshed. -Murder and pillage were organized on a grand scale, and with such -success, that the Comanches and Apaches, to vex the whites, gave the -ironical name of the "Mexican moon" to the month they selected to -commit their periodical depredations. The subjected Indians--that is to -say, those who, in spite of the constant vexations to which they were -victims, remained attached to their villages--revolted several times, -and on each occasion the Mexican government succeeded in making them -return to their duty by promises and concessions, which were violated -and forgotten so soon as the Redskins had laid down their arms. The -war, consequently, became generalized and permanent in the Border -states of the confederation. - -But with the exception of a few invasions more serious than others, -the Indians had almost entirely confined themselves to keeping the -whites on the alert, when the great insurrection of 1827 broke out, -which all but succeeded in depriving Mexico of her richest provinces. -This insurrection was the more terrible, because on this occasion -the Indians, guided by experienced chiefs, possessing firearms, and -carrying out tactics entirely different from those they had hitherto -employed, waged a serious war, and insisted on retaining the provinces -they had seized. The Redskins elected an emperor and established -a government; they displayed a settled intention of definitively -regaining their independence and reconstituting their nationality. - -The Mexicans, justly terrified by these manifestations, made the -greatest sacrifices in order to quell this formidable revolt, and -succeeded, though rather owing to the treachery and disunion they -managed to sow among the chiefs than by the power of their arms. But -this uprising had caused them to reflect, and they saw that it was high -time to come to an arrangement with these men, whom they had hitherto -been accustomed to regard as irrational beings. Peace was concluded on -conditions very advantageous to the Indians and their forces; and the -Mexicans, owing to the fright they had endured, were compelled to keep -their promises, or, to speak more correctly, pretended to do so. - -For several years the Indians, satisfied with this apparent -amelioration in the relations between them and the whites, remained -peacefully in their villages, and the Mexicans had only to defend -their borders against the attacks of the wild or unsubjected Indians. -This was a task, we are bound to confess, in which they were not very -successful; for the Indians eventually passed the limits the Spaniards -had imposed on them, permanently established themselves on the ruins -of the old Creole villages, and by degrees, and gaining ground each -year, they reduced the territory of the Mexican Government in an -extraordinary way. - -Still, when the remembrance of the great Indian insurrection seemed -to have died out, and the Indios Mansos had apparently accepted the -sovereignty of Mexico, the annoyances recommenced. Though at first -slight, they gradually became more and more frequent, owing to the -apathetic resignation of the Indians, and the patience with which they -uncomplainingly endured the unjust aggressions of which they were made -the systematic victims. The concessions granted under the pressure of -fear were brutally withdrawn, and matters returned to the same state as -before the insurrection. The Indians continued to suffer, apparently -resigned to endure all the insults it might please their oppressors to -make them undergo: but this calm concealed a terrific storm, and the -Mexicans would shortly be aroused by a thunderclap. - -The Redskins behaved, under the circumstances, with rare prudence -and circumspection, in order not to alarm the persons they wished to -surprise. They would certainly have succeeded in deceiving the Mexicans -as to their plans, had it not been for the treachery of the agents of -the Mexican Government, continually kept in their villages to watch -them, among whom was Kidd, whom Stronghand had so suddenly unmasked and -contemptuously turned out. Still these agents, in spite of their lively -desire to make themselves of importance by magnifying facts, had only -been able to give very vague details about the conspiracy the Indians -were secretly forming. They knew that an emperor had been elected, and -that he was a white man, but they did not know who he was or his name. -They also knew that the Confederation of the Papazos had placed itself -at the head of the movement, and intended to deal the first blow, but -no one was aware when or how hostilities would commence. - -This information, however, incomplete though it was, appeared to the -Mexicans, on whose minds at once rushed the sanguinary memories of the -last revolution, sufficiently serious for them to place themselves in -a position to resist the first attack of the Redskins, which is always -so terrible, and to place their frontiers in such a state as would -prevent a surprise--a thing they had never yet succeeded in effecting. -The Mexican Government, warned of what was going on by the commandants -of the States of Sonora and Sinaloa, the two most menaced of the -Confederation, and recognising the gravity of the case, resolved to -send troops from the capital to reinforce the border garrisons. This -plan, unfortunately, could not be carried out, and was the cause of -fresh and very dangerous complications. - -It is only in the old Spanish colonies, which are in the deepest state -of neglect and disorganization, that such acts are possible. The troops -told off to proceed to Sonora, so soon as they learned that they were -intended to oppose the Indians, peremptorily refused to march, alleging -as the reason, that they were not at all desirous of fighting savages -who did not respect the law of nations, and had no scruples about -scalping their prisoners. The President of the republic, strong in his -right and the danger the country ran, tried to insist and force them to -set out. Then a thing that might be easily foreseen occurred: not only -did the troops obstinately remain in revolt, but set the seal on it by -making a pronunciamiento in favour of the general chosen to command the -expedition, and who, we may do him the justice of saying, had been the -first to declare against the departure of the troops from the capital. - -This pronunciamiento was the spark that fired the powder train. In a -few days the whole of Mexico was a prey to the horrors of civil war; -so that the governors of the two States, being reduced to their own -forces, and not knowing whether they would retain their posts under -the new president, were more embarrassed than ever, did not dare -take any initiative, and contented themselves with throwing up such -intrenchments as they could, though they had quite enough to do in -keeping their troops to their duty, and keeping them from deserting. -Such was the state of things at the moment we have now reached. This -information, upon which we have purposely laid a stress, in order -to make the reader understand certain facts which, without this -precaution, would seem to belong rather to the regions of fancy than to -that of history, as they are so strange and incredible, was reported -by Stronghand to the council of the sachems, and listened to in a -religious silence. - -"Now," he added, in conclusion, "I believe that the moment has arrived -to strike the grand blow for which we have so long been preparing. Our -enemies hesitate; they are demoralized; their soldiers tremble; and I -am convinced they will not withstand the attack of our and the great -Beaver's warriors. This is what I wished to say to the council. Still -it was not advisable that such important news should reach the ears of -our enemies. The sachems will judge whether I have acted well, or if my -zeal carried me too far in dismissing from the council a paleface who, -I am convinced, is a traitor sold to the Mexicans. I have spoken." - -A flattering murmur greeted the concluding remarks of the young man, -who sat down, blushing. - -"It appears to me," Whistler then said, "that the debate need not be -a long one. As war is decided on, the council of the Confederation -has only to seek allies among the other Indian nations, in order to -augment the number of our warriors, if that be possible. As regards the -operations, and the period when the Mexican territory is to be invaded, -that will devolve on the military committee, who pledge themselves to -the profoundest secrecy about their discussions, until the hour for -action arrives. I have spoken." - -Thunderbolt rose. - -"Chiefs and sachems of the Confederation of the Papazos," he said in -his sympathetic and sonorous voice, "and you, warriors, our allies, the -moment for dissolving your council has at length arrived. Henceforth -the committee of the five chiefs will alone sit. Each of you will -return to his tribe, arm his warriors, and order the scalp dance to -be performed round the war post; but the eighth sun must see you here -again at the head of your warriors, in order that all may be ready to -act when the invasion is decided on. I have spoken. Have I said well, -powerful men?" - -The chiefs rose in silence, resumed their weapons, and immediately left -the village, starting in different directions at a gallop. Thunderbolt -and Stronghand were left alone. - -"My son," the old man then said, "have you nothing to tell me?" - -"Yes, father," the young man respectfully answered; "I have very -serious news for you." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE RANCHO. - - -Before describing the conversation between Thunderbolt and Stronghand, -we are obliged to go back, and tell the reader certain facts which had -occurred at the Hacienda del Toro, a few days before the majordomo set -out for Hermosillo. Mexican girls, born and bred on the Indian border, -enjoy a liberty which the want of society renders indispensable. Always -on horseback upon these immense estates, which extend for twenty or -five-and-twenty leagues, their life is spent in riding over hill and -dale, visiting the wretched huts of the vaqueros and peons, relieving -their wants, and rendering themselves beloved by their simple graces -and affecting goodness of heart. - -Doña Mariana, who had been exiled for several years at a convent, so -soon as she returned home, eagerly renewed her long rides through -forests and prairies, to see again the persons in her father's employ, -with whom she had sported as a child, and of whom she had such a -pleasant recollection. At times followed by a servant, specially -attached to her, but more usually alone, the maiden had therefore -recommenced her rides, going to visit one and the other, enjoying her -gallop, careless as a bird, pleased with everything--the flowers she -culled as she passed, the reviving breeze she inhaled, and smiling -gaily at the sun which bronzed her complexion; in a word, she revealed -the voluptuous and egotistic apathy of a child in whom the woman is not -yet revealed, and who is ignorant that she possesses a heart. - -Most usually Doña Marianna guided her horse to a rancho situated about -three leagues from the hacienda, in the midst of a majestic forest of -evergreen oaks and larches. This rancho, which was built of adobes, -and whitewashed, stood on the bank of a stream, in the centre of a -field sufficiently cleared to grow the grain required for the support -of the poor inhabitants of the hovel. In the rear of the rancho was -an enclosure, serving as a corral, and containing two cows and four -or five horses, the sole fortune of the master of this rancho, which, -however, internally was not so poverty stricken as the exterior seemed -to forebode. It was divided into three parts, two of which served -as bedrooms, and the third as sitting room, saloon, kitchen, &c. In -the latter, the fowls impudently came to pick up grain and pieces of -tortillas which bad been allowed to fall. - -On the right was a sort of low fireplace, evidently for culinary -purposes; the middle of the room was occupied by a large oak table with -twisted legs; at the end, two doors opened into the bedrooms, and the -walls were covered with those hideous coloured plates which Parisian -trade inundates the New World with, and under which intelligent hawkers -print the names of saints, to render the sale more easy. Among these -engravings was one representing Napoleon crossing the St. Bernard, -accompanied by a guide, holding his horse. It bore the rather too -fanciful title, "The great St. Martin dividing his cloak with a -beggar." A fact which imparts incomparable meaning to this humorous -motto is, that the general, far from wishing to give his cloak to the -guide, who does not want it, seems to be shivering with cold, and -wrapping himself up with extreme care. Lastly, a few _butacas_ and -_equipales_ completed the furniture, which, for many reasons, might -be considered elegant in a country where the science of comfort is -completely ignored, and the wants of material life are reduced to their -simplest expression. - -This rancho had been for many years inhabited by the same family, who -were the last relics of the Indians dwelling here when the country -was discovered by the Spaniards. These Indians, who were mansos, and -long converted to Christianity, had been old and faithful servants of -the Marquises de Moguer, who were always attached to them, and made -it a point of honour to heighten their comforts, and give them their -protection under all circumstances. Hence the devotion of these -worthy people to the Moguer family was affecting, through its simple -self-denial. They had forgotten their Indian name, and were only known -by that of Sanchez. - -At the moment when we introduce this family to the reader, it consisted -of three persons: the father, a blind old man, but upright and hale, -who, in spite of his infirmity, still traversed all the forest tracks -without hesitation or risk of losing himself, merely accompanied by -his dog Bouchaley; the mother, a woman about forty years of age, tall, -robust, and possessing marked features, which, when she was younger, -must have been very handsome; and the son, a young man of about twenty, -well built, and a daring hunter, who held the post of tigrero at the -hacienda. - -Luisa Sanchez had been nurse to Doña Marianna, and the young lady, -deprived at an early age of her mistress, had retained for her not -merely that friendship which children generally have for their nurse, -and which at times renders the mother jealous, but that craving for -affection, so natural in young hearts, and which Doña Marianna, -restrained by her father's apparent sternness, could not indulge. The -maiden's return to the hacienda caused great joy at the rancho; father, -mother, and son at once mounted and proceeded to the Toro to embrace -their child, as they simply called her. Halfway they met Doña Marianna, -who, in her impatience to see them again, was galloping like a mad -girl, followed by her brother, who was teasing her about this love for -her nurse. - -Since then, not a day passed on which the young lady did not carry -the sunshine of her presence to the rancho, and shared the breakfast -of the family--a frugal meal, composed of light cakes, roasted on -an iron plate, boiled beef seasoned with chile Colorado, milk, and -_quesadillas_, or cheesecakes, hard and green and leathery, which the -young lady, however, declared to be excellent, and heartily enjoyed. -Bouchaley, like everybody else at the rancho, entertained a feeling -of adoration for Doña Marianna. He was a long-haired black and white -mastiff, about ten years old, and spiteful and noisy as all his -congeners. In reality, the dog possessed but one good quality--its -well-tried fidelity to its master, whom it never took its eyes off, -and constantly crouched at his feet. Since the young lady's return, -the heart of the worthy quadruped had opened to a new affection; each -morning it took its post on the road by which Doña Marianna came, and -as soon as it saw her, saluted her by leaps and deafening barks. - -Mariano Sanchez, the tigrero, had for his foster sister an affection -heightened by the similarity of name--a similarity which in Spanish -America gives a right to a sort of spiritual relationship. This -touching custom, whose origin is entirely Indian, is intended to draw -closer the relations between _tocayo_ and _tocaya_, and they are almost -brother and sister. Hence the tigrero, in order to be present each -morning at his tocaya's breakfast, often rode eight or ten leagues in -the morning, and found his reward in a smile from the young lady. As -for Father Sanchez, since the return of his child, as he called her, he -only felt one regret. It was that he could not see her and admire her -beauty; but he consoled himself by embracing her. - -It was about eleven o'clock in the morning; the sun illumined the hut; -the birds were singing merrily in the forest. Father Sanchez had taken -up the hand mill, and was grinding the wheat, while his wife, after -sifting the wheat, pounded it, and formed it into light cakes, called -tortillas, which, after being griddled, would form the solid portion of -the breakfast. - -Bouchaley was at his post on the road, watching for the arrival of the -young lady. - -"How is it," the old man asked, "that Mariano is not here yet? I -generally hear the sound of his horse earlier than this." - -"Poor lad! Who knows where he is at this moment?" the mother answered. -"He has for some days been watching a band of jaguars that have bitten -several horses at the hacienda. He is certainly ambushed in some -thicket. I only trust he will not be devoured some day by the terrible -animals." - -"Nonsense, wife," the old man continued, with a shrug of the shoulders. -"Maternal love renders you foolish. Mariano devoured by the tigers!" - -"Well, I see nothing impossible in that." - -"You might just as well say that Bouchaley is capable of chasing a -peccary; one thing is as possible as the other. Besides, you forget -that our son never goes out without his dog Bigote, a cross between a -wolf and a Newfoundland dog, as big as a six months' old colt, and who -is capable of breaking the loins of a coyote at one snap." - -"I do not say no, father; I do not say no," she continued, with a shake -of her head; "that does not prevent his being a dangerous trade, which -may one day or another, cost him his life." - -"Stuff! Mariano is too clever a hunter for that; besides, the trade -is lucrative; each jaguar skin brings him in fourteen piastres--a sum -we cannot afford to despise, since my infirmity has prevented me from -working. It would be better for my old carcass to return to the earth, -as I am no longer good for anything." - -"Do not speak so, father; especially before our daughter, for she would -not forgive you: for what you are saying is unjust; you have worked -enough in your time to rest now, and your son take your place." - -"Well, tell me, wife," the old man said, laughingly, "was I devoured by -the jaguar? And yet I was a tigrero for more than forty years, and the -jaguars were not nearly so polite in my time as they are now." - -"That is all very well; it is true that you have not been devoured, but -your father and your grandfather were. What answer have you to that?" - -"Hem!" the old man went on, in some embarrassment; "I will answer--I -will answer--" - -"Nothing, and that will be the best," she continued; "for you could not -say anything satisfactory." - -"Nonsense! What do you take me for, mother? If my father and -grandfather were devoured, and that is true, it was--" - -"Well, what? I am anxious to hear." - -"Because they were treacherously attacked by the jaguars," he at length -said, with a triumphant air; "the wretches knew whom they had to deal -with, and so played cunning. Otherwise they would never have got the -best of two such clever hunters as my father and grandfather." - -The ranchera shrugged her shoulders with a smile, but she considered it -unnecessary to answer, as she was well aware she would not succeed in -making her husband change his opinion as to her son's dangerous trade. -The old man, satisfied with having reduced his wife to silence, as he -fancied, did not abuse his victory; with a crafty smile he rolled and -lit a cigarette, while Na Luisa laid the table, arranged and dusted -everything in the rancho, and listened anxiously to assure herself that -the footfall of her son's horse was not mingled with the sounds that -incessantly rose from the forest. - -All at once Bouchaley was heard barking furiously. The old man drew -himself up in his butaca, while Na Sanchez rushed to the doorway, in -which Doña Marianna appeared, fresh and smiling. - -"Good morning, father! Good morning, mother!" she exclaimed in her -silvery voice, and kissed the forehead of the old man, who tenderly -pressed her to his heart. "Come, Bouchaley, come, be quiet!" she added, -patting the dog, which still gamboled round her. "Mother, ask my tocayo -to put Negro in the corral, for the good animal has earned its alfalfa." - -"I will go, Querida," the old man said; "for today I take Mariano's -place." And he left the rancho without awaiting an answer. - -"Mother," the young lady continued, with a shade of anxiety, "where is -my foster brother? I do not see him." - -"Has not arrived yet, niña." - -"What! Not arrived?" - -"Oh, I trust he will soon be here," she said, while stifling a sigh. - -The maiden looked at her for a moment sympathetically. - -"What is the matter, mother?" she at length said, as she seized the -poor woman's hand; "Can any accident have happened?" - -"The Lord guard us from it, Querida," Luisa said, clasping her hands. - -"Still, you are anxious, mother. You are hiding something from me. Tell -me at once what it is." - -"Nothing, my child; forgive me. Nothing extraordinary has occurred, and -I am hiding nothing from you; but--" - -"But what?" Doña Marianna interrupted her. - -"Well, since you insist, Querida, I confess to you that I am alarmed. -You know that Mariano is tigrero to the hacienda?" - -"Yes; what then?" - -"I am always frightened lest he should meet with an accident, for that -happens so easily." - -"Come, come, mother; do not have such thoughts as these. Mariano is an -intrepid hunter, and possesses far from common skill and tact." - -"Ah, hija, you are of the same opinion as my old man. Alas! If I lost -my son, what would become of you?" - -"Oh, mother, why talk in that way? Mariano, I hope, runs no danger. The -delay that alarms you means nothing; you will soon see him again." - -"May you be saying the truth, dear child!" - -"I am so convinced of it, mamita, that I will not sit down to table -till he arrives." - -"Well, you will not have to wait long, hijita," the old man said, as he -re-entered the rancho. - -"Is he coming?" the mother joyously exclaimed, as she furtively wiped -away a tear. - -"I knew it," the maiden remarked. - -"There, do you hear his horse?" the old man said. In fact, the furious -gallop of a horse echoed in the forest, and approached with the -rapidity of a hurricane. The two females darted to the door. At this -moment a horseman appeared on the skirt of the clearing, riding at full -speed, with his hair floating in the breeze, and his face animated by -the speed at which he rode. This horseman, who was powerfully and yet -gracefully built, and had a manly, energetic face, was Mariano, the -tigrero. His dog, a black and white Newfoundland, with powerful chest -and enormous head, was running by the side of the horse, and looking up -intelligently every moment. - -"¡Viva Dios! ¡Querida tocaya!" the young man exclaimed, as he leaped -from his horse. "I am glad to see you, for I was afraid that I should -arrive too late. Bigote," he added, addressing his dog and throwing -the bridle to it, which the animal seized with its mouth, "lead Moreno -to the corral." - -The dog immediately proceeded thither, followed by the horse, while -Mariano and the two females returned to the rancho. The young man -kissed his father's forehead, and took his hand, saying, "Good morning, -papa!" and then returned to his mother, whom he embraced several times. - -"Cruel child," she said to him, "why did you delay so long?" - -"Pay no attention to what your mother says, muchacho," the old man -remarked; "she is foolish." - -"Fie! You must not say that!" the young lady exclaimed; "You would do -better in scolding Mariano, for I, too, felt alarmed." - -"Do not be angry with me," the young man replied; "I have been for some -days on the track of a family of jaguars, which is prowling about the -neighbourhood, and I could not possibly come sooner." - -"Are they about here?" - -"No; they are prowlers brought here by the drought; and are the more -dangerous because, as they do not belong to these parts, they rest -where they please--sometimes at one place, sometimes at another, and it -becomes very difficult to follow their trail." - -"I only hope they will not think of coming here," the mother said, -anxiously. - -"I do not believe they will, for wild beasts shun the vicinity of man. -Still, Doña Marianna had better, for some days to come, restrict her -rides, and not venture too far into the forest." - -"What can I have to fear?" - -"Nothing, I hope; still it is better to act prudently. Wild beasts are -animals whose habits it is very difficult to discover, especially when -they are in unknown parts, as these are." - -"Nonsense!" the young lady said, with a laugh; "You are trying to -frighten me, tocayo." - -"Do not believe that; I will accompany you with Bigote to the hacienda." - -The dog, which had returned to its master's side after performing its -duties, wagged its tail, and looked up in her face. - -"I will not allow that, tocayo," the young lady replied, as she passed -her hand through the dog's silky coat, and pulled its ears; "let Bigote -have a rest. I came alone, and will return alone; and mounted on Negro, -I defy the tigers to catch me up, unless they are ambuscaded on my -road." - -"Still, niña--" Mariano objected. - -"Not a word more on the subject, tocayo, I beg; let us breakfast, -for I am literally dying of hunger; and were the tigers here," she -added, with a laugh, "they might frighten me, but not deprive me of my -appetite." - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -LOST! - - -They sat down to table; but the meal, in spite of Doña Marianna's -efforts to enliven it, suffered from the anxiety which two of the party -felt, and tried in vain to conceal. The tigrero was vexed with his -foster sister for not letting him accompany her, for he had not liked -to express his fears, lest the young lady on her return to the hacienda -might meet the ferocious animals he had been pursuing for some days -past, without being able to shoot them. - -The jaguar, which, is very little known in Europe, is one of the -scourges of Mexico, and would figure advantageously in zoological -gardens. There is only one in the Parisian Jardin des Plantes, and -that is a very small specimen. Let us describe this animal, which is -more feared by the Indians and white men of North America, than is the -lion by the Arabs. The jaguar _(Felis onca, or onza)_ is, next to the -tiger and lion, the largest of the animals of its genus; it is the -great wild cat of Cuvier, and is called indiscriminately "the American -tiger," and the "panther of the furriers." It is a quadruped of the -feline race; its total length is about nine feet, and its height about -twenty-seven inches. Its skin is handsome, and in great request; while -of a bright tawny hue on the back, it is marked on the head, neck, and -along the flanks with black spots: the lower part of the body is white, -with irregular black spots. - -But few animals escape the pursuit of the jaguar: it obstinately hunts -horses, bulls, and buffaloes; it does not hesitate to leap into rivers -to catch certain fish it is fond of, fights the alligator, devours -otters and picas, and wages a cruel warfare with the monkeys, owing to -its agility, which enables it to mount to the top of trees, even when -they are devoid of branches, and upwards of eighty feet high. Although, -like all the carnivora of the New World, it shuns the proximity of man, -it does not hesitate to attack him when urged by hunger or tracked by -hunters; in such cases it fights with the utmost bravery, and does not -dream of flight. - -Such were the animals the tigrero had been pursuing for the last few -days, and had not been able to catch up. According to the sign he had -found, the jaguars were four in number--the male, female, and two cubs. -We can now understand what the young man's terror must be on thinking -of the terrible dangers to which his foster sister ran a risk of being -exposed on her return to the hacienda: but he knew Doña Marianna too -well to hope he could make her recall her decision. Hence, he did not -try to bring the conversation back to the subject, but resolved to -follow her at a distance, in order to come to her aid if circumstances -required it. - -As always happens under such circumstances, Doña Marianna, seeing that -no one referred again to the jaguars, was the first to talk about -them, asking her foster brother the details of their appearance in -the country, and the mischief they had done, in what way he meant to -surprise them, and a multitude of other questions; to which the young -man replied most politely, but limiting himself to brief answers, and -without launching into details, which are generally so agreeable to -a hunter. The tigrero displayed such laconism in the information he -gave the young lady, that the latter, vexed in spite of herself at -seeing him so cold upon a subject to which he had seemed to attach -such importance a few moments before, began jeering him, and ended by -saying, with a mocking look, that she was convinced he had only said -what he did to frighten her, and that the jaguars had only existed in -his imagination. Mariano gaily endured the raillery, confessed that he -had perhaps displayed more anxiety than the affair deserved, and taking -down a jarabe that hung on the wall, he began strumming a fandango with -the back of his hand, in order to turn the conversation. - -Several hours passed in laughing, talking, and singing. When the moment -for departure at length arrived, Mariano went to the corral to fetch -the young lady's horse, saddled it with the utmost care, and led it to -the door of the rancho, after saddling his own horse, so that he might -start so soon as Doña Marianna was out of sight of the rancho. - -"You remained a long time in the corral, tocayo," she said with a -laugh; "pray, have you discovered any suspicious sign?" - -"No, Niña; but as I am also going to leave the rancho, after saddling -your horse, I saddled mine." - -"Of course you are going to hunt your strange jaguars again?" - -"Oh, of course," he answered. - -"Well," she said, with feigned terror, "if you do meet them, pray do -not miss them." - -"I will do all in my power to avoid that, because I desire to make you -a present of their skins, in order to prove to you that they really -existed." - -"I thank you for your gallantry, Tocayo," she replied with a laugh; -"but you know the proverb--'A hunter must not sell the skin of -a--jaguar, before--'" - -"Well, well, we shall soon know who is right, and who wrong," he -interrupted her. - -The maiden, still laughing, embraced the ranchero and his wife, lightly -bounded into the saddle, and bending down gracefully offered her hand -to Mariano. - -"We part friends, tocayo," she said to him. "Are you coming my way?" - -"I ought to do so." - -"Then why not accompany me?" - -"Because you would suppose, Niña, that I wished to escort you." - -"Ha! Ha! Ha!" the young lady said, merrily; "I had forgotten your -proposal of this morning. Well, I hope you will be successful in your -bunt; and so, good-bye till tomorrow. Come, Negro." - -After uttering these words, she gave a parting wave of the hand to her -nurse, and started at a gallop. The young man, after watching her for -a while, to be certain of the road she followed, then re-entered the -rancho, took his gun, and loaded it with all the care which hunters -display in this operation, when they believe that life depends on the -accuracy of their aim. - -"Are you really about to start at once?" his mother asked him, -anxiously. - -"At once, mother." - -"Where are you going?" - -"To follow my foster sister to the hacienda, without her seeing me." - -"That is a good idea. Do you fear any danger for her?" - -"Not the slightest. But it is a long distance from here to the -hacienda; the Indians are moving, it is said. We are no great distance -from the border, and, as no one can foresee the future, I do not wish -my sister to be exposed to any chance encounter." - -"Excellently reasoned, muchacho. The niña is wrong in thus crossing the -forest alone." - -"Poor child!" the ranchero said; "An accident happens so easily; lose -no time, muchacho, but be off. On reflection, I think you ought to have -insisted on accompanying her." - -"You know, father, she would not have consented." - -"That is true; it is better that it should be as it is, for she will -be protected without knowing it. The first time I see Don Ruiz, I will -recommend him not to let his sister go out thus alone, for times are -not good." - -But the young man was no longer listening to his father: so soon as his -gun was loaded, he left the rancho, followed by his dog. Two minutes -later he was in the saddle, and riding at full speed in the direction -taken by Doña Marianna. - -So soon as the young lady found herself at a sufficient distance from -the rancho, she had checked her horse's pace, which was now proceeding -at an amble. It was about five in the afternoon; the evening breeze -was rising, and gently waving the tufted crests of the trees; the -sun, now almost level with the ground, only appeared on the horizon in -the shape of a reddish globe; the atmosphere, refreshed by the breeze, -was perfumed by the gentle emanations from the flowers and herbs; the -birds, aroused from the heavy lethargy produced by the heat, were -singing beneath all the branches, and filling the air with their joyous -songs. - -Doña Marianna, whose mind was impressionable, and open to all -sensations, gently yielded to the impressions of this scene, which was -so full of ineffable harmony, and gradually forgetting where she was -and surrounding objects, had fallen into a voluptuous reverie. What was -she meditating? She certainly could not have said; she was yielding -unconsciously to the influence of this lovely evening, and travelling -into that glorious country of fancy of which life is but too often the -nightmare. Doña Marianna was too young, too simple, and too pure yet -to possess any memory either sad or sweet; her life had hitherto been -an uninterrupted succession of sunshiny days; but she was a woman, and -listened for the beatings of her heart, which she was surprised at not -hearing. With that curiosity which is innate in her sex, the maiden -tried with a timid hand to raise a corner of the veil that covered the -future, and to divine mysteries which are incomprehensible, so long as -love has not revealed them by sufferings, joy, or grief. - -Doña Marianna had rather a long ride through the forest before reaching -the plain; but she had so often ridden the road at all hours of the -day, she was so thoroughly persuaded that no danger menaced her, that -she let the bridle hang on her horse's neck, while she plunged deeper -and deeper into the delicious reverie which had seized on her. In the -meanwhile, the shades grew deeper; the birds had concealed themselves -in the foliage, and ceased their songs; the sun had disappeared, and -the hot red beams it had left on the horizon were beginning to die -out; the wind blew with greater force through the branches, which -uttered long murmurs; the sky was assuming deeper tints, and night -was rapidly approaching. Already the shrill cries of the coyotes rose -in the quebradas and in the unexplored depths of the forest; hoarse -yells disturbed the silence, and announced the awakening of the savage -denizens of the forest. - -All at once a long, startling, strident howl, bearing some resemblance -to the miauling of a cat, burst through the air, and fell on the -maiden's ear with an ill-omened echo. Suddenly startled from her -reverie, Doña Marianna looked up, and took an anxious glance around -her. A slight shudder of fear passed over her body, for her horse, so -long left to its own devices, had left the beaten track, and the maiden -found herself in a part of the forest unknown to her--she had lost her -way. A person lost in an American forest is dead! - -These forests are generally entirely composed of trees of the same -family, which render it impossible to guide oneself, unless gifted with -that miraculous intuition which the Indians and hunters possess, and -which enables them to march with certainty in the most inextricable -labyrinths. Wherever the eye may turn, it only perceives immense -arcades of verdure, infinitely prolonged, wearying the eye by their -desperate monotony, and only crossed at intervals by the tracks of -wild beasts, which are mixed strangely together, and eventually lead -to unknown watering places, nameless streams, that run silently and -gloomily beneath the covert, and whose windings cannot possibly be -followed. - -The spot where the maiden was, was one of the most deserted in the -forest; the trees, of prodigious height and size, grew closely -together, and were connected by a network of lianas, which, growing -in every direction, formed an impassable wall; from the end of the -branches hung, in long festoons to the ground, that greyish moss known -as Spanish beard, while the tall straight grass that everywhere covered -the ground, showed that human foot had not trodden the soil here for -a lengthened period. The maiden felt an invincible terror seize upon -her. Night had almost completely set in; then the stories her foster -brother had told her in the morning about the jaguars returned to her -mind in a flood, and were rendered more terrible by the darkness that -surrounded her, and the mournful howling that burst forth on all sides. -She shuddered, and turned pale as death at the thought of the fearful -danger to which she had so imprudently exposed herself. - -Then, collecting all her strength for a last appeal, she uttered a cry; -but her voice died out without raising an echo. She was alone--lost in -the desert by night. What could she do? What would become of her? - -The maiden tried to find the route by which she had come, but the road -followed haphazard through the herbage no longer existed; the grass -trodden by her horse's hoof had sprung up again behind it. Moreover, -the night was so dark that Doña Marianna could not see four paces ahead -of her; and she soon found that her efforts to find the road would -only result in leading her further astray. Under such circumstances, -a man would have been in a comparatively far less dangerous position. -He could have lit a fire to combat the night chill, and keep the wild -beasts at bay; in the event of an attack, his weapons would have -allowed him to defend himself: but Doña Marianna had not the means -to light a fire; she had no weapons, and had she possessed them, -she would not have known how to use them. She was forced to remain -motionless at the spot where she was for the whole night, at the hazard -of dying of cold or terror. - -This position was frightful. How she now regretted her imprudent -confidence, which was the cause of what was now occurring! But it was -too late; neither complaints nor recrimination aught availed. She must -yield to her fate. With energetic natures, however little accustomed -they may be to peril, when that peril proves inevitable, and they -recognise that nothing can protect them from it, a reaction takes -place; their thoughts become clearer, their courage grows with their -will, and they accept, with a proud and resolute resignation, all the -consequences of the danger they are compelled to confront, however -terrible they may be. This was what happened to the maiden when she -perceived that she was really lost. A profound despair seized upon -her--for a moment the weakness natural to her sex gained the upper -hand, and she fell sobbing on the ground; but gradually the reaction -set in, and, pious as all Spanish women are, she clasped her bands, and -addressed a fervent and touching prayer to God, who was her last hope. - -It has been justly said that prayer not only consoles, but strengthens -and restores hope. Prayer, with those who sincerely believe, is the -expression of the real feelings of the soul; only those who have looked -death in the face, either on the battlefield or during a storm at sea, -will understand the sublimity of prayer--the last appeal of the weak -victim to the omnipotent Intelligence which can alone save him. Doña -Marianna prayed, and then rose calmer, and, above all, stronger. She -had placed herself in the hands of Deity, and, in her simple faith, was -convinced that He would not abandon her. - -Her horse, whose bridle she had not let loose, was standing motionless -by her side. The maiden gently patted the noble animal, the only friend -left to her; then, by a sudden inspiration, she began unfastening the -girths, tearing her little hands without knowing it, and lacerating her -fingers with the iron tongues of the buckles. - -"Poor Negro," she said, in a soft voice, as she removed the trappings, -"you must not be the victim of my imprudence; resume your liberty; for -the noble instinct with which your Creator has endowed you will perhaps -enable you to find your road. Go, my poor Negro; you are now free." - -The animal gave a whinnying of delight, made a prodigious leap, and -disappeared in the darkness. Doña Marianna was alone--really alone, now. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -STRONGHAND. - - -It is impossible to imagine what terrors night brings with it under -its thick mantle of mist, when the earth is no longer warmed by the -sparkling sunbeams, and darkness reigns as supreme lord. At that time -everything changes its aspects, and assumes in the flickering rays -of the moon a fantastic appearance; the mountains seem loftier, the -rivers wider and deeper; the trees resemble spectres--gloomy denizens -of the tomb, watching for you to pass, and ready to clutch you in their -fleshless arms. The imagination becomes heated, ideas grow confused, -you tremble at the fall of a leaf, at the moaning of the night breeze, -at the breakage of a branch; and, suffering from a horrible nightmare, -you fancy at every moment that your last hour is at hand. - -In the American forests, night has mysteries still more terrible. -Beneath these immense domes of verdure, which the sun is powerless -to pierce even at midday, and which remain constantly buried in an -undecided clear obscure, the darkness may, so to speak, be felt; -nothing could produce a flash in this chaos, excepting, perhaps, -the luminous eyeballs of the wild beasts, that dart electric sparks -from the thickets. Here Night is truly the mistress; the darkness is -peopled by the sinister denizens of the forest, whom the obscurity -drives from their unknown hiding places, and who begin their mournful -prowling in search of prey. From each clump, from each ravine, issue -confused sounds that have no name in human language; some clear and -sharp, others hoarse and low, and others, again resembling miauling, -or sardonic laughter, are blended in horrible concert. Then come the -heavy footfalls on the ground, and the sullen flapping of birds' wings, -as well as that incessant indistinct murmur, which is nought else but -the continual buzz of the infinitely little, mingled with the hollow -moan always heard in the desert, and which is only the breath of Nature -travailing with her incomprehensible secrets. A night passed in the -forest, without fire or weapons, is a terrible thing for a man; but the -situation becomes far more frightful for a woman--a girl--a frail and -delicate creature, accustomed to all the comforts of life, and unable -to find within herself those thousand resources which a strong man, -habituated to struggle, manages to procure, even in the most desperate -situations. - -Without dwelling further on the subject, the reader can imagine without -difficulty the painful situation in which Doña Marianna found herself. -So long as she could hear the sound of her horse's hoofs, as it fled -at full speed, she stood with her body bent forward and outstretched -ears, attaching herself to life, and, perchance, to hope, through the -sound which was so familiar to her; but when it had died out in the -distance, when a leaden silence once again weighed on her, the maiden -shuddered, and, folding her hands on her chest, sank in a half-fainting -condition at the foot of a tree--no longer thinking or hoping, but -awaiting death. For what succour could she expect in the tomb of -verdure, which, though so spacious, was not the less secure? - -How long did she remain plunged in this state of prostration, which -was only an anticipated death--one hour or five minutes? She could not -have said. For wretched people, whom everything, even hope, abandons, -time seems to stand still--minutes become ages, and an hour seems as -if it would never end. All at once a feeble, almost indistinguishable -sound smote her ear, and she instinctively listened. This sound grew -louder with every second, and ere long she could not be mistaken; it -was a rapid mad gallop through the forest. This sound Doña Marianna -recognised with terror; for it was produced by the return of her -horse. For the noble animal to come back with such velocity, it must -be pursued, and that closely, by ferocious animals, such was Doña -Marianna's idea, and, unfortunately, she only too soon recognised its -correctness. The horse gave a snort of terror, which was immediately -answered by two loud, sharp growls. Then, as if dreaming, Doña Marianna -heard prodigious leaps; she saw ill-omened shadows pass before her with -the rapidity of a lightning flash, and then a fearful struggle, in -which groans of agony were mingled with yells of delight. - -However terrible the maiden's position might be she felt tears slowly -course down her cheeks--her horse, her last comrade, had succumbed--the -liberty she had granted it had only precipitated its destruction. -Strange to say, though, at this supreme moment Doña Marianna did -not think for an instant that the death of her horse probably only -preceded her own by a brief space, and that it was a sinister warning -to her to prepare for being devoured. - -When terror has attained a certain degree, a strange effect is produced -upon the individual; animal life still exists in the sense that the -arteries pulsate, the heart palpitates; but intellectual life is -completely suspended; the brain, struck by a temporary paralysis, no -longer receives the thought; the eyes look without seeing; the voice -itself cannot force its way through the contracted throat; in a word, -terror produces a partial catalepsy, by destroying for a period, longer -or shorter, all the noblest faculties of man. Doña Marianna had reached -such a point that, even had she possessed the means of flight, she -would have been incapable of employing them, so thoroughly was every -feeling extinct in her--even the instinct of self-preservation, which -usually remains when all the others are destroyed. - -Fortunately for the girl, the jaguars--for there were several of -them--were to leeward; moreover, they had tasted blood, and this was a -double reason which temporarily saved her, by depriving their scent of -nearly all its delicacy. No other sound was audible, save that produced -by the crushing of the horse's bones, which the wild beasts were -devouring, mingled with growls of anger, when one of the banqueters -tried to encroach on its neighbour's share of the booty. There could be -no doubt about the fact; the animals enjoying this horrible repast were -the jaguars, so long hunted by the tigrero, and which her evil star had -brought across the maiden's track. - -By degrees, Doña Marianna became--not familiarized with the danger -hanging over her head, for that would have been impossible; but as, -according to the law of nature, anything that reaches its culminating -point must begin to descend, her first terror, though it did not -abandon her, produced a strange phenomenon. She felt involuntarily -attracted towards these horrible animals, whose black outlines she -could distinguish moving in the darkness; suffering from a species of -vertigo with her body bent forward, and her eyes immoderately dilated, -without, even accounting for the strange feeling that urged her to -act thus, she kept her eyes eagerly fixed upon them, following with a -febrile interest their slightest movements, and experiencing at the -sight a feeling of inexplicable pleasure, which produced a mingled -shudder of joy and pain. Let who will try to explain this singular -anomaly of human nature; but the fact is certain, and among our readers -many will, doubtless, bear witness to its truth. - -All at once the jaguars, which had hitherto been greedily engaged with -the corpse of the horse, without thinking of anything beyond making -a hearty meal, raised their heads and began sniffing savagely. Doña -Marianna saw their eyes, sparkling like live coals, fixed upon her; -she understood that she was lost; instinctively she closed her eyes -to escape the fascination of those metallic eyeballs, which seemed in -the darkness to emit electric sparks, and prepared to die. Still the -jaguars did not stir; they were crouching on the remains of the horse, -and, while continuing to gaze at the maiden, gracefully passed their -paws over their ears with a purr of pleasure--in a word, they were -coquettishly performing their toilet, appearing not only most pleased -with the meal they had just ended, but with that which was awaiting -them. - -Still, in spite of the calmness affected by the two animals--for the -cubs were sleeping, rolled up like kittens--it was evident that for -some unknown motive they were restless; they lashed the ground with -their weighty tails, or laid back their ears with a roar of anger, -and, turning their heads in all directions, sniffed the air. They -scented a danger; but of what nature was it? As for Doña Marianna, they -appeared so sure of seizing her whenever they thought proper, and saw -how harmless she was, that they contented themselves with crouching -before her, and did not deign to advance a step. All at once the male, -without stirring, uttered a sharp, quick yell. The female rose, bounded -forward, seized one of her cubs in her mouth, and with one backward -leap disappeared in a thicket; almost immediately she reappeared, -and removed the second in the same way; then she returned calmly and -boldly to place herself by the side of the male, whose anxiety had now -attained formidable proportions. - -At the same instant a flash traversed the air--a shot echoed far and -wide--and the male jaguar writhed on the ground with a roar of agony. -Almost immediately a man dashed from the tree at the foot of which Doña -Mariana was crouching, stood in front of her, and received the shock -of the female, which, at the shot, had instinctively bounded forward. -The man tottered, but for all that kept his feet: there was a frightful -struggle for a few minutes, and then the jaguar fell back with a last -and fearful yell. - -"Come," the hunter said, as he wiped on the grass the long machete with -which he had stabbed the beast, "my arrangements were well made, but I -fancy that I arrived only just in time. Now for the cubs; for I must -not show mercy to any member of this horrible family." - -Then this man, who seemed to possess the faculty of seeing in the -darkness, walked without hesitation towards the spot where the female -had hidden her cubs. He resolutely entered the thicket, and came out -again almost immediately, holding a cub in either hand. He smashed -their heads against the trunk of a tree, and threw the bodies on those -of their father and mother. - -"That is a very tidy butchery," he said; "but what on earth is Don -Hernando's tigrero about, that I am obliged to do his work?" - -While saying this, the hunter had collected all the dry wood within -reach, struck a light, and within a few minutes a bright flame -rose skywards. This duly accomplished, the stranger hurried to the -assistance of Doña Marianna, who had fainted. - -"Poor girl!" he muttered, with an accent of gentle pity, as he lifted -her in his arms, and carried her to the fire; "How is it that the -fright has not killed her?" - -He gently laid her on some firs he had arranged for her bed, and gazed -at her for a moment with a look of delight impossible to describe. But -then he felt considerably embarrassed. Accustomed to the hardships of -a desert life, and a skilful hunter as he had proved himself, this man -was naturally a very poor sick nurse. He knew how, at a pinch, to dress -a wound or extract a bullet, but he was quite ignorant how to bring a -fainting woman round. - -"Still, I cannot leave her in this state, poor girl," gazing on her -sorrowfully; "but what am I to do?--how can I relieve her?" - -At length he knelt down by the young lady's side, gently raised her -lovely head, which he laid on his knee, and, opening with his dagger -point her closed lips, poured in a few drops of Catalonian refino -contained in a gourd. The effect of this remedy was instantaneous. A -nervous tremour passed over the maiden's body; she heaved a sigh, and -opened her lips. At the first moment she looked around her wildly, but -ideas seemed gradually to return to her brain; her contracted features -grew brighter, and fixing her eyes on the hunter, who was still bending -over her, she muttered, with an expression of gratitude which made the -young man's heart beat, "Stronghand!" - -"Have you recognised me, señorita?" he exclaimed, with joyous surprise. - -"Are you not my Providence?" she answered. "Do you not always arrive -when I have to be saved from some fearful danger?" - -"Oh, señorita!" he murmured, in great embarrassment. - -"Thanks! Thanks, my saviour!" she continued, seizing his hand, -and pressing it to her heart; "Thanks for having come to my help, -Stronghand, for this time again. I should have been lost without you." - -"I really believe," he said, with a smile, "that I arrived just in -time." - -"But how is it that you came so opportunely?" she asked, curiously, as -she sat up and wrapped herself in the furs, for the feminine instinct -had regained its power over her. - -At this question, simple though it was, the hunter turned red. - -"Oh," he said, "it is very simple. I have been hunting in these parts -for some days past. I had tracked this family of jaguars, which I -obstinately determined to kill, I know not why; but now I understand -that it was a presentiment. After pursuing them all day, I had lost -them out of sight, and was seeking their trail, when your horse enabled -me to recover it." - -"What!--my horse?" she exclaimed, in amazement. - -"Do you not remember that it was I who gave you this poor Negro on our -first meeting?" - -"That is true," she murmured, as she let her eyes fall beneath the -hunter's ardent glance. - -"I saw you for a moment this morning when you were going to Sanchez' -rancho." - -"Ah!" she remarked. - -"Sanchez is a friend, of mine," he continued, as if to explain his -remark. - -"Go on." - -"On seeing the horse, which I at once recognised, I feared that some -accident had happened to you, and set out after it. But the jaguars had -scented it at the same time, and in spite of my thorough acquaintance -with this forest, it was impossible for me to run as fast as they did. -Luckily, they were hungry, and amused themselves by devouring poor -Negro; otherwise I should not have arrived in time." - -"But how was it that you came by this strange road?" - -"In the first place, I was bound to save your life, as I knew that if -I killed one jaguar, the other would leap upon you, in order to avenge -it." - -"But you ran the risk of being torn in pieces by the horrible animals," -she said, with a shudder of retrospective terror, as she thought of the -frightful dangers from which she had been so miraculously preserved. - -"That is possible," he said, with an unmistakable expression of joy; -"but I should have died to save you, and I desired nothing else." - -The maiden made no reply. Pensive and blushing, she bowed her head -on her chest. The hunter thought that he had offended her, and also -remained silent and constrained. This silence lasted several minutes. -At length Doña Marianna raised her head and offered her hand to the -young man. - -"Thank you again!" she said, with a gentle smile. - -"Your heart is good. You did not hesitate to sacrifice your life for -me, whom you scarce know, and I shall feel eternally grateful to you." - -"I am too amply repaid for my services by these words, señorita," he -replied, with marked hesitation; "still I have a favour to ask you, and -I should be pleased if you would deign to grant it." - -"Oh, speak, speak! Tell me what I can do!" - -"I know not how to explain it; my request will appear to you so -strange, so singular--perhaps so indiscreet." - -"Speak; for I feel convinced that the favour you pretend to ask of me -is merely another service you wish to render me." - -Stronghand bent a searching glance on the maiden, and then seemed to -make up his mind. - -"Well, señorita," he said, "it is this:--should you ever, for any -reason neither you nor I can foresee, need advice, or the help of a -friend, either for yourself or any member of your family, do nothing -till you have seen me, and explained to me unreservedly the motives -that impelled you to come to me." - -Doña Marianna reflected, while the hunter gazed at her attentively. - -"Be it so," she at length said; "I promise to act as you wish. But how -am I to find you?" - -"Your foster brother is my friend, señorita; you will request him to -lead you to me, and he will do so; or, if you prefer it, you can warn -me through him to proceed to any place you may point out." - -"Agreed." - -"I can count on your promise?" - -"Have I not passed my word?" - -All at once a loud noise, resembling the passage of a wild beast, was -heard in the forest glade; the maiden started, and instinctively clung -to the hunter. - -"Fear nothing, señorita," the latter said; "do you not recognise a -friend?" - -At the same moment the tigrero's dog leaped up to fondle her, followed -almost instantaneously by Mariano. - -"Heaven be blessed!" he said, joyfully, "She is saved!" and pressing -the hunter's hand cordially, he added, "Thanks; it is a service I owe -you, brother." - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE RETURN. - - -How was it that the tigrero, whom we saw leave the rancho almost as -soon as Doña Marianna, and follow in her track, arrived so late? We -will explain this in a few sentences. The young man, feeling certain -that his foster sister thoroughly knew the road she had to follow, -which was, moreover, properly traced, had not dreamed of the chance of -her missing her way, and not troubling himself to follow the horse's -footmarks, he pushed straight on, fancying Doña Marianna ahead of him, -crossed the forest, and then entered the plain, without perceiving the -person he fancied he was following. - -Still, on reaching the cultivated land, he looked carefully ahead of -him, for he was surprised at the advance the young lady had gained on -him in so short a time. But, though he examined the horizon all around, -he saw nothing of her. Mariano was beginning to grow anxious; still, -as there was a chaparral some distance ahead, whose tufted trees might -conceal her whom he sought, he became reassured, and pushed onward, -increasing the already rapid pace of his steed. It took him some time -to pass through the chaparral; when he reached its skirt, and again -entered the plain, the sun had set about half an hour previously, and -darkness was invading the earth; the darkness was, indeed, so thick, -that in spite of all his exertions, he could distinguish nothing a few -paces ahead of him. - -The tigrero halted, dismounted, placed his ear on the ground, and -listened. A moment later he heard, or fancied he heard, a distant -sound resembling a horse's gallop; his alarm was at once dissipated. -Convinced that the young lady was in front of him, he mounted again and -pushed on. As he was only two leagues from the Hacienda del Toro, he -soon reached the foot of the rock. Here he stopped, and asked himself -whether he had better go up, or regard his mission as fulfilled, and -turn back. While unable to form any decision, he saw a black outline -gliding along the path, and soon distinguished a horseman coming toward -him. - -"_Buena noche, Caballero_," he said, when the latter crossed him. - -"_Dios le de a usted buena_," the other politely replied, and he passed -on, but suddenly turned round again. The tigrero rode to meet him. - -"Ah!" the horseman said, when they met, "I felt sure that I was not -mistaken. How is No Mariano?" - -"Very well, and at your service," the tigrero answered, recognising the -majordomo; "and you, No Paredes?" - -"The same, thank you; are you going up to the toro, or returning to the -rancho?" - -"Why that question?" - -"Because in the former case I would bid you good night, while in the -latter we would ride together." - -"Are you going to the rancho?" - -"Yes; the Señor Marquis has sent me." - -"Tell me, No Paredes, would there be any indiscretion on my part in -asking you what you are going to do at the rancho at so late an hour?" - -"Not the slightest, compadre. I am simply going to fetch Doña Marianna, -who has remained today later than usual with her nurse. Her father is -anxious about her long absence, and asked me to go and meet her if she -were on her road home, or if not, push on to the rancho." - -This revelation was a thunderclap for the young man, who fancied that -he had misunderstood. - -"What!" he exclaimed, anxiously, "Is not Doña Marianna at the hacienda?" - -"It seems not," the majordomo answered, "since I am going to fetch her." - -"Why, that is impossible!" the other continued, in extreme agitation. - -"Why so?" said Paredes, beginning to grow anxious in his turn. "What do -you mean?" - -"I mean that Doña Marianna left the rancho full three hours ago; that I -followed her without her knowledge to watch over her safety, and that -she must have been at the hacienda for more than half an hour." - -"Are you quite sure of what you assert?" - -"¡Caray! I have asserted it." - -"In that case, Heaven have pity on the poor girl! For I apprehend a -frightful misfortune." - -"But she may have entered the hacienda without your seeing her." - -"Nonsense, compadre; that is impossible. But come, we'll convince -ourselves." - -Without losing time in longer argument the two men dashed up the -rock at a gallop, and in a few minutes reached the first gate of the -hacienda. No one had seen Doña Marianna. The alarm was instantly -given; Don Hernando wished to ride off at the head of his people, and -beat up the country in search of his daughter; and it was with great -difficulty that he was induced to abandon the project. Don Ruiz and -the majordomo, followed by some twenty peons, provided with ocote wood -torches, started in two different directions. - -Mariano had an idea of his own. When he was quite certain that his -foster sister had not returned, he presumed the truth--that she was -lost in the forest. He did not consider for a moment that she had been -carried off by Indian marauders, for he had not noticed any trace of a -party of horsemen; and Bigote, whose nose was infallible, had evinced -no anxiety during the ride. Hence Doña Marianna must be lost in the -forest. The tigrero let Don Ruiz, the majordomo, and the peons pass -him, and then bent his steps towards the rancho, closely followed -by his dog, in spite of the exhortations of his young master and No -Paredes, who wanted him to accompany them. When he was in the forest -he stopped for a moment, as if to look round him; then, after most -carefully examining the spot where he was, he dismounted, fastened his -horse's bridle to the pommel, tied the stirrups together to keep them -from clanking, and gave his horse a friendly smack on the crupper. - -"Go along, Moreno," he said to it; "return to the rancho. I shall not -want you again tonight." - -The horse turned its fine intelligent head to its master, gave a -neigh of pleasure, and started at a gallop in the direction of the -rancho. The tigrero carefully examined his gun, the priming of which -he renewed, and began inspecting the ground by the light of a torch. -Bigote, gravely seated on its hind legs, followed its master's every -movement, and was evidently much perplexed. After a very lengthened -search, the tigrero probably found what he was looking for, for he rose -with an air of satisfaction, and whistled his dog, which at once ran up. - -"Bigote," he said, "smell these marks; they were made by the horse of -your mistress, Marianna; do you recognise them?" - -The noble animal did as its master ordered, then fixed its sparkling -eyes upon him with an almost human expression, and wagged its tail with -delight. - -"Good, Bigote! Good, my famous dog!" the tigrero continued, as he -patted it; "And now let us follow the trail; forward, Bigote, pick it -up clean." - -The dog hesitated for a moment, then it set out with its nose to the -ground, closely followed by its master, who had extinguished his torch, -which would henceforth be useless. But all we have narrated occupied -considerable time; and the tigrero would have arrived too late to save -the maiden, had not Heaven sent the hunter across her path. The dog did -not once check its speed through the numberless windings of the course -Negro had followed; and master and dog together reached the spot where -the horrible drama we recently described occurred. - -"When I heard Stronghand's shot," the tigrero added, as he concluded -his narrative, "I experienced a sound of deadly agony, for I understood -that a frightful struggle was going on at the moment, and that the -beast might conquer the man. Well, tocaya, will you now believe in the -jaguars?" - -"Oh, silence, Mariano!" the young lady said, with a shudder; "I almost -went mad with terror when I saw the eyes of the horrible animals fixed -upon me. Oh! Had it not been for this brave and honest hunter, I should -have been lost." - -"Brave and honest, indeed!" the tigrero, said, with frank affection; -"You are right, señorita, for Stronghand might just as fairly be called -Goodheart, for he is ever so ready to assist strangers, and relieve the -unfortunate." - -Doña Marianna listened with lively pleasure to this praise of the man -who had saved her life; but Stronghand felt terribly embarrassed, and -suffered in his heart at a deed which he thought so simple, and which -he was so delighted to have done, being rated so highly. - -"Come, come, Mariano," he said, in order to cut short the young man's -compliments, "we cannot remain here any longer; remember that while -we are quietly resting by the fireside and talking nonsense, this -young lady's father and brother are suffering from deadly anxiety, and -scouring the plain without any hope of finding her. We must arrange how -to get away from here as soon as possible, and return to the hacienda." - -"Caray, master, you are right, as usual; but what is to be done? Both -you and I are on foot, and we cannot dream for a moment that the -señorita could walk such a distance." - -"Oh, I am strong," she said with a smile; "under your escort, my -friends, I fear nothing, and can walk." - -"No, señorita," the hunter said, with an accent of gentle authority, -"your strength would betray your courage; on so dark a night, and -in a forest like this, a man accustomed to desert life could hardly -expect to walk without falling at every step. Put yourself in our -hands, for we know better than you do what is best to be done under the -circumstances." - -"Very good," she answered; "act as you think proper. I have suffered -enough already today, by refusing to listen to the advice of my tocayo, -to prevent me being obstinate now." - -"That is the way to talk," the tigrero said gaily. "What are we going -to do, Stronghand?" - -"While you skin the jaguars--for I suppose you do not wish to leave -them as they are--" - -"What!" the tigrero interrupted him, "Those skins belong to you, and I -have no claim to them, as you killed the beasts." - -"Pooh!" the hunter said with a laugh, "I am not a tigrero, except by -accident; the skins are yours, and fairly so; so you had better take -them." - -"Since that is the case I will not decline; but as for my part, I -promised to give my foster sister the skins to make a rug, I will beg -her to accept them." - -"Very good," she answered, giving the hunter a look which filled him -with joy; "they will remind me of the fearful danger I incurred, and -the way in which I escaped it." - -"That is settled, then," the hunter said; "and I will; cut down with my -machete some branches to form a litter." - -"Caray, that is an idea which would not have occurred to me," Mariano -remarked, with a laugh; "but it is very simple. To work." - -Hunters and trappers are skilful and most expeditious men; in a -few minutes Mariano had skinned the jaguars, and Stronghand formed -the litter; the skins, after being carefully folded, were securely -fastened on the back of Bigote, who did not at all like the burden -imposed on him; but after a while he made up his mind to put up with -it. Stronghand covered the litter with leaves and grass, over which -he laid the saddlecloth of the horse the jaguars had devoured; then -he requested the young lady to seat herself on this soft divan, which -was so suddenly improvised, and the two men, taking it on their strong -shoulders, started in the direction of the hacienda, joined by Bigote, -who trotted in front with glad barks. - -Although the hunters had, from excess of precaution, formed torches -of ocote wood to help them, the darkness was so complete--the trees -were so close together--that it was with extreme difficulty that -they succeeded in advancing in this inextricable labyrinth. Forced -to take continual _detours_--obliged at times to walk in water up to -their waists--deafened by the discordant cries of the birds, which the -flash of the torches aroused--they saw all around them the wild beasts -flying, with hoarse roars and eyes glaring through the darkness. It -was then that Doña Marianna fully comprehended what frightful peril -she had escaped, and how certain her death would have been, had not -the hunter come to her assistance with such noble self-devotion; and -at the remembrance of all that had occurred, and which was now but a -dream, a convulsive tremor passed over her limbs, and she felt as if -she were about to faint. Stronghand, who seemed to guess what was going -on in the maiden's mind, frequently spoke to her, in order to change -the current of her ideas by compelling her to answer him. They had been -marching for a long distance, and the forest seemed as savage as when -they started. - -"Do you believe," Doña Marianna asked, "that we are on the right road?" - -"Even admitting, señora, what might be possible," the hunter answered, -"that Mariano and myself were capable of falling into an error, we have -with us an infallible guide in Bigote, who, you may be quite certain, -will not lead us astray." - -"Within ten minutes, señorita," the tigrero said, "we shall enter the -road that runs from the rancho to the hacienda." - -All at once the two men stopped. At the same moment Doña Marianna heard -shouts that seemed to answer each other in various directions. - -"Forward! Forward!" said Stronghand; "Let us not leave your relatives -and friends in anxiety longer than we can help." - -"Thanks," she answered. - -They continued their march; and, as the tigrero had announced, in -scarce ten minutes they reached the road to the hacienda. - -"What shall we do now?" Marianna asked. - -"I think," Stronghand answered, "that we ought to announce our presence -by a cry for help, and then proceed in the direction of those who -answer us. What is your opinion, señora?" - -"Yes," she said, "I think we ought to do so; for otherwise we run a -risk of reaching the hacienda without meeting any of the persons sent -to seek me, and who might continue their search till morning, which -would be ingratitude on my part." - -"You are right, niña; for all these worthy people are attached to you, -and besides, your brother and Don Paredes are also seeking you." - -"That is a further reason why we should hasten to announce our return," -the young lady answered. - -The two hunters, after consulting for a moment, uttered together that -long shrill yell, which, in the desert as in the mountains, serves as -the rallying cry, and may be heard for an enormous distance. Almost -immediately the whole forest seemed to be aroused; similar cries broke -out in all directions, and the hunters noticed red dots running with -extreme rapidity between the trees, and all converging on the spot -where they stood, as if they radiated from a common centre. Certain -of having been heard, the hunters once again uttered their shout for -help. The reply was not delayed; the galloping of horses soon became -distinct, and then riders, holding torches, appeared from all parts of -the forest coming at full speed, waving their hands, and resembling -the fantastic huntsmen of the old German legends. In a few minutes -all the persons were assembled round the litter on which the young -lady reclined; and Don Ruiz and the majordomo were not long ere they -arrived. We will not describe the joy of brother and sister on seeing -each other again. - -"Brother," Doña Marianna said to Don Ruiz, "if you find me still alive, -you owe it to the man who before saved us both from the pirates of the -prairies; had it not been for him, I should have been lost." - -"You may safely say that, and no mistake," Marianna said, in -confirmation. - -"Where is he?" Don Ruiz asked--"Where is he? that I may express all my -gratitude to him." - -But he was sought for in vain. During the first moment of confusion, -Stronghand had summoned a peon to take his place--had glided unnoticed -into the forest and disappeared--no one being able to say in what -direction he had gone. - -"Why this flight?" Doña Marianna murmured, with a stifled sigh; "Does -this strange man fear lest our gratitude should prove too warm?" - -And she thoughtfully bowed her head on her bosom. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -CHANCE WORK. - - -Although he allowed nothing to be visible, Don Ruiz was vexed at heart -with the affectation the hunter seemed to display in avoiding him, and -escaping from his thanks. This savageness in a man to whom he owed -such serious obligations appeared to him to conceal either a disguised -enmity, or dark schemes whose accomplishment he feared, though he could -not assign any plausible motive for them, especially after the manner -in which the hunter had not hesitated on two occasions to imperil -his life in assisting himself and his sister. These thoughts, which -incessantly thronged to the mind of Don Ruiz, plunged him into deep -trouble for some moments; still, when the peons he had sent off to -seek the hunter all returned one after the other, declaring that they -could not possibly find his trail, the young man shook his head several -times, frowned, and then gave orders for the start. - -Doña Marianna's return to the hacienda was a real triumphal procession. -The peons, delighted at having found their mistress again safe and -sound, gaily bore her on their shoulders, laughing, singing, and -dancing along the road, not knowing how otherwise to express their joy, -and yet desirous to make her comprehend the pleasure they felt. In -spite of the fatigue that crushed her, and the state of exhaustion into -which she had fallen through the terrific emotions she had undergone, -Doña Marianna, sensible of these manifestations of gratitude, made -energetic efforts in order to appear to share their joy, and prove to -them how greatly she was affected by it. But, although she gave them -her sweetest smiles and gentlest words, she could not have endured much -longer the constraint, and she was really exhausted when the little -party at length reached the hacienda. - -The Marquis, who was suffering the most frightful agitation, had gone -to the last gate to meet them, and would possibly have gone further -still, had not Don Ruiz taken the precaution, so soon as his sister was -found, to send off a peon to tranquillize his mind and announce the -successful result. At the first moment the Marquis completely forgot -his aristocratic pride, only to think of the happiness of pressing -to his heart the child he feared he had lost for ever. Don Rufino -Contreras, carried away by the example, shared in the general joy, -and pretended to pump up a tear of sympathy while fixing on the young -lady his huge grey eyes, to which he tried in vain to give a tender -expression. - -The maiden threw herself with an outburst of tears into her father's -arms, and at length, yielding to her feelings, fainted--an accident -which, by arousing the anxiety of the spectators, cut short all the -demonstrations. Doña Marianna was conveyed to her apartments, and the -peons were dismissed after the majordomo had, by the order of the -Marquis, distributed among them _pesetas_ and tragos of refino, which -set the crown of the delight of these worthy fellows. - -In spite of the offer of No Paredes, who invited him to spend the -night at the hacienda, the tigrero would not consent; and after -freeing Bigote from the jaguars' skins, which seemed to cause the dog -considerable pleasure, they both started gaily for the rancho. It was -about two o'clock, a.m., and a splendid night, and the tigrero, with -his gun under his arm and his dog at his heels, was walking at a steady -pace while whistling a merry jarana, when, just as he was entering the -shadow of the forest, Stronghand suddenly emerged from a thicket two -paces ahead of him. - -"Hilloh!" the tigrero said, on recognising him; "Where the deuce did -you get to just now, that it was impossible to find you? What bee was -buzzing in your bonnet?" - -The hunter shrugged his shoulders. - -"Do you fancy," he replied, "that it is so very pleasant to be stared -at by those semi-idiotic peons for performing so simple a deed as mine -was?" - -"Well, opinions are free, compadre, and I will not argue with you on -that score; still, I should not have run off in that way." - -"¿Quién sabe? You are more modest than you like to show, brother; and I -feel certain that, under similar circumstances, you would have acted as -I did." - -"That is possible, though I do not believe it; still, I thank you," he -added, with a laugh, "for having discovered in me a quality which I was -not aware I possessed. But where on earth are you going at such an -hour?" - -"I was looking for you." - -"In that case all is for the best, since you have found me; what do you -want of me?" - -"To ask hospitality of you for a few days." - -"Our house is not large, but sufficiently so to contain a guest, -especially when you are he; you can remain with us so long as you -please." - -"I thank you, gossip, but I shall not abuse your complaisance; I am -obliged to remain for a few days in these parts, and, as the nights are -fresh, I will confess that I prefer passing them under a roof instead -of the star spangled arch of heaven." - -"As you please, Stronghand; the door of my humble rancho is ever -open to let you in or out. I do not want to know the reason for your -stay here; but the longer you remain with us, the greater honour and -pleasure you will afford us." - -"Thanks, comrade." - -All was settled in a few words. The two men continued their walk, and -soon reached the rancho. The tigrero led the hunter to his bedroom, -where they lay down side by side, and soon fell asleep. A few days -elapsed, during which the hunter saw Doña Marianna several times, -while careful not to let her notice him, although it was evident to -Stronghand that the young lady would have liked nothing better than -meeting him; perhaps she really desired it, without daring to confess -it to herself. - -One day, about a week after the scene with the jaguars, the hunter was -lying half asleep in a copse whose leafy branches completely hid him -from sight, and quietly enjoying his siesta during the great midday -heat, when he fancied he heard the sound of footsteps not far from the -spot where he was. He instinctively opened his eyes, raised himself -on his elbow, and looked carefully around him; he checked a cry of -surprise on recognising the man, who had stopped close to the thicket -and dismounted, like a man who has reached the spot he desired. This -man was Kidd, the bandit, with whom the reader has already formed -acquaintance. - -"What does that scoundrel want here?" the hunter asked himself. "He is -doubtless plotting some infamy, and I bless the chance that brings him -within earshot, for this demon is one of the men who cannot be watched -too closely." - -In the meanwhile Kidd had removed his horse's bit, in order to let it -graze freely; he himself sat down on a rock, lit a husk cigarette, and -began smoking with all the _nonchalance_ of a man whose conscience -is perfectly at its ease. Stronghand racked his brains in vain to try -and discover the motive for the presence of the bandit in these parts, -so remote from the ordinary scene of his villainy, when chance, which -had already favoured him, gave him the clue to the enigma, which he had -almost despaired of obtaining. A sound made him turn his head, and he -saw a stout horseman, with rubicund face and handsomely dressed, coming -up at an amble. When he reached the adventurer, the latter rose, bowed -respectfully, and assisted him to dismount. - -"Ouf!" the stout man said, with a sigh of relief, "What a confounded -ride!" - -"Well," the bandit replied with a grin, "you must blame yourself, Don -Rufino, for you arranged it. May the fiend twist my neck if I would -damage myself, no matter for what purpose, and ride across the plain at -this hour of the day." - -"Everybody is the best judge of his own business, Master Kidd," Don -Rufino remarked, drily, as he wiped his steaming face, with a fine -cambric handkerchief. - -"That is possible; but if I had the honour to be Don Rufino Contreras, -enormously rich, and senator to boot, hang me if I would put myself -out of my way to run after an adventurer like Master Kidd, whatever -pleasure I might take at other times in the conversation of that worthy -caballero." - -The senator began laughing. - -"Ha! Ha! Scoundrel; you have scented something." - -"Hang it!" the bandit replied, impudently, "I do not deceive myself, -and am well aware that whatever attractions my conversation may offer, -you would not have come this distance expressly to hear it." - -"That is possible, scamp. However, listen to me." - -"I can see from your familiarity that the job will be an expensive one; -well, I do not dislike that way of entering upon the subject, for it -forebodes a good business." - -The senator shrugged his shoulders with ill-disguised contempt. "Enough -of this," he said, "let us come to facts." - -"I ask nothing better." - -"Are you fond of money?" - -"I certainly have a weakness for gold." - -"Good. Would you hesitate about killing a man to earn it?" - -"What do you mean?" - -"I ask you, scoundrel, whether in a case of necessity you would kill a -man for money?" - -"I perfectly understood you." - -"Then why make me repeat it?" - -"Because your doubt is offensive to my feelings." - -"How so?" - -"Hang it, I fancy I speak clearly. Killing a man is nothing when you -are well paid for it." - -"I will pay well." - -"Beforehand?" - -"Yes, if you like." - -"How much?" - -"I warn you that the man I refer to is but a poor fellow." - -"Yes, a poor fellow who is troublesome to you. Well, go on." - -"One thousand piastres. Is that enough?" - -"It is not too much." - -"Confound it, you are expensive." - -"That is possible; but I do my work conscientiously. Well, tell me who -the man is that is in your way." - -"José Paredes." - -"The majordomo at the Toro?" - -"Yes." - -"Do you know that he is not an easy man to kill? You must owe him a -sore grudge, I suppose?" - -"I do not know him." - -The bandit looked in amazement at the speaker. - -"You do not know him, and yet offer one thousand piastres for his -death? Nonsense!" - -"It is so." - -"But you must have a reason. Caray, a man is not killed as one twists a -fowl's neck. I know that, bandit though I am." - -"You said it just now. He is in my way." - -"That is different," the adventurer replied, convinced by this -peremptory reason. - -"Listen to me attentively, and engrave my words on your mind." - -"Go on, señor. I will not lose a word." - -"In two or three days the majordomo will leave for Hermosillo, carrying -bills to a considerable amount." - -"Good," the bandit said, rubbing his hands gleefully; "I will kill him -as he passes, and take possession of the bills." - -"No, you will let him go on in peace, and you will kill him on his -return, when he has cashed the bills." - -"That is true. Where the deuce was my head? That will be much better." - -Don Rufino looked at him ironically. - -"You will deliver to me the sum this man is the bearer of," he said. - -The bandit gave a start of alarm, - -"I suppose the sum is large?" - -"Fifty thousand piastres." - -"¡Viva Dios! Surrender such a fortune? I would sooner be burned alive." - -"You must, though," - -"Never, señor." - -"Nonsense," the senator remarked, contemptuously. "You know you are in -my hands. All the worse for you if you hesitate, for you will then lose -two thousand piastres." - -"You said one thousand." - -"I made a mistake." - -"And when will you give them to me?" - -"At once." - -"Have you the amount about you?" - -"Yes." - -Suddenly the bandit's eye gleamed with a sinister flash; he drew -himself up, and leaped, knife in hand, upon the senator. But the -adventurer had a powerful adversary. Don Rufino had long known the man -he was treating with, and, while conversing, had not once taken his eye -off, and attentively watched all his movements. Hence, though Kidd's -action was so rapid, Don Rufino was before him; he seized his arm with -his left hand, while with the right he placed a pistol to his chest. - -"Hilloh, my master," he said, coldly, and with the most perfect -tranquillity, "are you mad, or has a wasp stung you?" - -Abashed by his failure, the bandit gave him a savage look. - -"Let me loose!" - -"Not before you have thrown your knife away, scoundrel!" - -Kidd opened his hand, the knife fell on the ground, and Don Rufino put -his foot upon it. - -"You are not half clever enough," he said, sarcastically; "you deserve -to have your brains blown out, in order to teach you to take your -measures better another time." - -"I do not always miss my mark," he replied, with a menacing accent. - -There was a moment of silence between the two men. Stronghand still -watched them, not losing one of their words or gestures, which -interested him to the highest degree. At length Don Rufino spoke. - -"Have you reflected?" he asked the bandit. - -"Of what?" the latter remarked, roughly; "Of this proposal?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, I accept." - -"But you understand," the senator continued, laying a stress upon every -word, "you must deal frankly this time. No trickery, eh?" - -"No, no," Kidd answered, with a shake of the head; "you may be sure of -that." - -"I reckon on your honesty. Moreover, profit by what has occurred today. -I am not always so good tempered; and if a misunderstanding, like that -just now, again arose between us, the consequences might be very -serious to you." - -These few words were uttered with an intonation of voice, and -accompanied by a look, that produced a profound impression on the -bandit. - -"All right," he said, shrugging his shoulders savagely; "there is no -need to threaten, as all is settled." - -"Very good." - -"Where shall I come to you after the business?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about that. I shall manage to find you." - -"Ah!" he said, with a side-glance; "then that is your affair?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. Give me the money." - -"Here it is. But remember, if you deceive me--" - -"Nonsense," the bandit interrupted him. "Did I not tell you that it was -all settled?" - -The senator drew from his pocket a long purse, through whose meshes -gold coins could be seen. He weighed it for an instant in his hand, and -then threw it twenty paces from him. - -"Go and fetch it," he said. - -The bandit dashed at the gold, which as it fell produced a ringing -sound. Don Rufino took advantage of this movement to get into his -saddle. - -"Good-bye," he said to the bandit. "Remember!" and he started at a -gallop. Kidd made no reply, for he was too busy counting the ounces -contained in the purse. - -"All right," he at last said, with a smile upon his features, as he hid -the purse in his bosom. "No matter," he added, as he looked savagely -after the senator, "I allow that I am in your power, demon; but if I -ever had you in my hands as you had me today, and I manage to discover -one of your secrets, I should not be so mad as to show you any mercy." - -After this soliloquy the bandit went up to his horse, tightened the -girths, and set out in his turn, but in a direction opposite to that -which the senator had taken. So soon as he was alone, the hunter rose. - -"Oh, oh!" he muttered, "That is a dark plot. That man cannot want to -kill Paredes merely to rob him; it is plain that the blow is meant for -the Marquis. I will be on my guard." - -We have already seen that the hunter religiously kept his promise. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -FATHER AND SON. - - -Now that we have given the reader all necessary information about -the events accomplished at the Hacienda del Toro, we will resume our -narrative at the point where we were compelled to leave it--that is to -say, we will return to the village of the Papazos, and be present at -the conversation between Thunderbolt and Stronghand in the Pyramid. -The two men, walking side by side, went up to the top of the Pyramid. -They traversed the bridge of lianas thrown over the Quebrada at a great -height, and entered the Pyramid on the right. They descended to the -first floor--the Indians they met bowing respectfully to them--and -stopped before a securely fastened door. On reaching it, Thunderbolt -gave it two slight taps; an inner bolt was drawn, the door opened, -and they went in. They had scarce crossed the threshold ere the young -Indian who had opened the door closed it again after them. A strange -change had taken place in the two men; the Indian stoicism they had -hitherto affected made way for manners that revealed men used to -frequent the highest society of cities. - -"Maria," Thunderbolt said to the girl, "inform your mistress that -her son has returned to the village." In giving this order the old -gentleman employed Spanish, and not the Comanche idiom which he had -used up to the present. - -"The señora was already aware of her son's return, _mi amo_," Maria -answered, with a smile. - -"Ah!" said the old man, "then she has seen somebody." - -"The venerable Padre Fray Serapio came an hour ago to pay the señora a -visit, and he is still with her." - -"Very good; announce us, my child." - -The girl bowed and disappeared, returning a moment after to tell the -two gentlemen that they could enter. They were then introduced into a -rather spacious room, lighted by four glazed windows--an extraordinary -luxury in such a place--in front of which hung heavy red damask -curtains. This room, entirely lined with stamped Cordovan leather, was -furnished in the Spanish style, with that good taste which only the -Castilians of the old race have kept, and was, through its arrangement, -half drawing room, half oratory. In one corner an ebony _prie-dieu_, -surmounted by an ivory crucifix, which time had turned yellow, and -several pictures of saints, signed by Murillo and Zurbaran, would have -caused the apartment to be taken for an oratory, had not comfortable -sofas, tables loaded with books, and butacas, proved it to be a drawing -room. Near a silver brasero two persons were sitting in butacas. - -Of these, one was a lady, the other a Franciscan monk; both had passed -midlife, or, to speak more correctly, were close on fifty years of age. - -The lady wore the Spanish garb fashionable in her youth--that is to -say, some thirty years before. Although her hair was beginning to grow -white, and a few deep wrinkles altered the purity of her features, -still it was easy to see that she must have been very lovely once on a -time. Her skin, of a slightly olive hue, was extremely fine, and in the -firm marked lines of her face, the distinctive character of the purest -Aztec race could be recognised. Her black eyes, shaded by long lashes, -and whose corners rose slightly, like those of the Mongolians, had an -expression of strange gentleness, and her whole face revealed mildness -and intelligence. Although she was below the ordinary height of women, -she still retained the elegance of youth; and her exquisitely modelled -hands and feet were almost of a microscopic smallness. Fray Serapio was -the true type of the Spanish monk--handsome, majestic, and dreamy--and -seemed as if he had stepped out of a picture by Zurbaran. When the two -gentlemen entered, the lady and the Padre rose. - -"You are welcome, my darling child," the old lady said, opening her -arms to her son. - -The latter rushed into them, and for some minutes there was an -uninterrupted series of caresses between mother and son. - -"Forgive me, Padre Serapio," Stronghand at length said, as he freed -himself from the gentle bondage; "but it is so long since I had the -pleasure of embracing my mother, that I cannot leave off." - -"Embrace your mother, my child," the monk answered, with a smile; "a -mother's caresses are the only ones that do not entail regret." - -"What are you about, Padre?" Thunderbolt asked; "Are you going to leave -us already?" - -"Yes; and pray excuse me for going away so soon; but after a lengthened -separation, you must have much to say to one another, and a third -person, however friendly he may be, is always in the way at such a -time. Moreover, my brothers and I have a good deal to do at present, -owing to so many white hunters and trappers being in the village." - -"Are you satisfied with your neophytes?" - -The monk shook his head mournfully. - -"No," he at length answered; "the Indians love and respect us, owing to -the protection you have deigned to afford us, Señor Don--" - -"Silence!" the chief interrupted him, with a smile; "no other name but -that of Thunderbolt." - -"That is true; I always forget that you have surrendered the one -received at your baptism; still it is one of the most noble in the -martyrology. Well," he continued with a sigh, "the will of Heaven be -done! The glorious days of conversion have passed since we have become -Mexicans; the Indians no longer believe in the Spanish good faith, and -sooner than accept our God, persist in their old errors. This makes me -remember that I have a favour to ask of you." - -"Of me? Oh, it is granted beforehand, if it be in my power to satisfy -you." - -"Doña Esperanza, with whom I have spoken about it, leads me to hope -that you will not refuse it." - -"Did you not say to me one day that the señora's name brought you good -luck? It will probably be the same today." - -The monk took a furtive glance at the old lady. - -"This is the matter, my dear," she said, mingling in the conversation; -"the good father wishes your authority to follow, with another monk, -the warriors during the coming expedition." - -"That is a singular idea, father; and what may your object be? For I -presume you do not intend to fight in our ranks." - -"No," the monk answered with a smile, "my tastes are not warlike enough -for that; but if I may judge from the preparations I see you making, -this will be a serious expedition." - -"It will," the old man answered, pensively. - -"I have noticed that generally, during these expeditions, the wounded -are left without assistance. I should like to accompany the Indians, in -order to attend to their wounds, and console those whose hurts are so -serious that they cannot recover; still, if the request appear to you -exorbitant, I will recall it, though I shall do so reluctantly." - -The old gentleman gazed at the monk for a moment with an expression of -admiration and tenderness impossible to describe. - -"I grant your request, Padre," he at length said, affectionately -pressing his hand. "Still, I am bound to make one remark." - -"What is it?" - -"You run a risk of falling into the hands of the Mexicans." - -"Well, what matter? Can they regard it as a crime if I perform on the -battlefield the duties which my religion imposes on me?" - -"Who knows? Perhaps they will regard you as a rebel." - -"And in that case--" - -"Treat you as such." - -"That is to say--" - -"You will run a risk, father, of being shot; and that is worth thinking -about, I suppose." - -"You are mistaken, my friend; between duty and cowardice no hesitation -is possible. I will die, if it be necessary--but with the conviction -that I have fulfilled to the close the sacred mission I have -undertaken. Then you grant my request?" - -"I do so, father, and thank you for having made it." - -"Blessings on your kindness, my son; and now the Lord be with you. I -shall retire." - -In spite of much pressing, the worthy father insisted on going away, -and was conducted to the door of the apartment by the two gentlemen, in -spite of his efforts to escape a mark of honour of which he considered -himself unworthy. When the door closed after him, and the three persons -were really alone, Doña Esperanza, after a long look at her son, gently -drew him towards her, and obliging him to sit down on an equipal, she -lovingly parted off his forehead his clustering locks, and said in -a sweet, harmonious voice, in which all the jealous tenderness of a -mother was revealed-- - -"I find you sad, Diego; your face is pale, your features are worn, and -your eyes sparkle with a gloomy fire. What has happened to you during -your absence?" - -"Nothing extraordinary, mother," he answered, with an embarrassment -he tried in vain to conceal. "As usual, I have hunted a great deal, -travelled a long distance, and consequently, endured great fatigue; -hence, doubtless, comes the pallor you notice upon my face." - -The old lady shook her head with an incredulous air. - -"A mother cannot be deceived, my boy," she said, gently. "Since you -have been a man I have seen you return only too often, alas, from long -and perilous expeditions. You were fatigued--at times ill, but that was -all; while today you are gloomy, restless--" - -"Mother!" - -"Do not argue, for my mind is made up, and nothing will alter it. If -you refuse me your confidence, Heaven grant that you may select a -confidant who understands you so thoroughly." - -"Oh, mother! This is the first time a reproach has passed your lips." - -"Because, Diego, this is the first time you have refused to let me read -your heart." - -The young man sighed and hung his head, without replying. Thunderbolt, -who had hitherto been a silent spectator of the scene, gave Doña -Esperanza a meaning glance, and walked up to her son. - -"Diego," he said to him, as he laid his hand on his shoulder, "you -forget that you have to give me a report of the mission I entrusted to -you." - -Stronghand started, and eagerly sprang up. - -"That is true, father," he replied; "forgive me. I am ready to furnish -you with all the details you desire of what I have been doing during my -absence from the village." - -"Sit down, my son; your mother and I give you permission." - -The young man took a chair, and after reflecting for a few seconds, at -a further remark from his father, he commenced the recital of all he -had been doing while away. The narrative was long, and lasted nearly -two hours; but we will not relate it, because the reader is acquainted -with most of the facts the young man stated. Thunderbolt and Doña -Esperanza listened without interruption, and gave unequivocal signs of -the liveliest interest. When he had concluded his story, his mother -fondly embraced him, while congratulating him on his noble and generous -conduct. But Thunderbolt regarded the matter from another point of view. - -"Then," he asked his son, "the man who arrived with you is the -majordomo of this Don Hernando de Moguer?" - -"Yes, father." - -"Though I am an Indian by adoption, I will not forget that Spanish -blood flows in my veins. You will pay this Paredes, as you call him, -the amount of the bills, and I will send them to Hermosillo to be -cashed hereafter. You did well in bringing him with you, for an honest -man must not fall a victim to a villain. Although this affair does not -in any way concern us, I am not sorry to do a service to an old fellow -countryman. Let the majordomo leave the village this very night; in -order to prevent any accident on the road, you will have him escorted -to the hacienda by Whistler and Peccary, and three or four warriors. -They will be more than sufficient to frighten any scoundrels that may -attempt to stop him; and as, moreover, we are in a direction entirely -opposed to that in which the Hermosillo road runs, no one will think of -stopping him." - -"I can accompany him myself, with your permission, father." - -The old gentleman gave him a piercing glance, which compelled him to -look down. - -"No," he replied; "I want you here." - -"As you please, father," he said, with feigned indifference. - -And he rose. - -"Where are you going?" - -"To carry out your orders, father." - -"There is no hurry; the day is not very advanced yet, and I want to -talk with you; so return to your chair." - -The young man obeyed. Thunderbolt reflected for a moment, and then -said-- - -"How do you call this hacienda?" - -"El Toro." - -"Let me see," the old man continued, as if striving to remember; "it is -not built on the exact site of the ancient Cosala?" - -"So people say, father." - -Doña Esperanza listened to this conversation with considerable anxiety. -In vain did she try to discover her husband's meaning, and ask herself -why he thus obstinately brought the conversation back to so hazardous a -subject. - -"Is it not a strong place?" the sachem continued. - -"Yes, father; substantially built, and crowned with almenas." - -"In truth, I now remember having seen it formerly! It is an excellent -strategical position." - -Doña Esperanza looked at her husband with amazement blended with alarm; -she could neither account for his coldness nor his persistence. He -continued-- - -"Have you ever entered this hacienda." - -"Never, father." - -"That is vexatious; still, I presume you are acquainted with some of -its inhabitants. A man cannot save," he added, ironically, "the life of -such a man as this Don Hernando de Moguer must be, without his trying -to testify his gratitude to the man who did him the service." - -"I know not whether that is Don Hernando's idea, for I never had the -honour of seeing him." - -"That is strange, Don Diego; and I cannot understand why you did not -try to form his acquaintance; however, that is of little consequence, -as far as my plans are concerned." - -"Your plans, father?" the young man asked, in amazement. - -"I will explain to you that we intend to commence the expedition with -a thunder stroke; our first attempt will be to seize the Real de -Minas of Quitovar, where the main body of the Mexican forces is now -collected. The Hacienda del Toro, situated scarce ten leagues from -Arispe, commanding the three roads to Hermosillo, Ures, and Sonora, -and built at a very strong position, is of immense importance to us for -the success of the war. I had thought of appointing you to carry it -by surprise, but as you have no friends in the place, and seem not to -care greatly about it, let us say no more on the subject. I will give -the command of the expedition to Whistler and Peccary; they are two -experienced chiefs, endowed with far from common tact, and will carry -the hacienda by a surprise, because the Spaniards, not anticipating -such an attack, will not be on their guard. As for you, my son, you -will follow me to the Real de Minas. And now, my dear Diego, I have -nothing more to say to you, and you can withdraw." - -The young man had listened in secret horror to this revelation of his -father's plans. He was so full of terror that he did not notice that -Thunderbolt, though he pretended at the beginning not to know the -hacienda even by name, had described its position with a precision that -showed that, on the contrary, he must be perfectly acquainted with it. -He stood for a moment crushed by the thought of the terrible danger -Doña Marianna would incur if the Apaches took the hacienda. His father -took a side-glance at him, and attentively watched the various feelings -reflected in his face. - -"Forgive me, father," the young man at length said, with an effort; -"but I should like to offer an objection." - -"What is it, my son? Speak, I am listening." - -"I do not think it would be prudent to try and surprise, with a band of -savages, a house so far advanced in the interior of the country." - -"That is why I selected you. You would have taken a band of white and -half-breed trappers and hunters, and would have passed unnoticed, -owing to the colour of your skins. Your refusal greatly annoys me, I -confess; but, as I do not wish to force your inclinations--" - -"But I did not refuse, father," the young man exclaimed. - -"What! You did not refuse?" - -"No, father; on the contrary, I ardently wish to be entrusted with this -confidential mission." - -"In that case, I misinterpreted your silence and ambiguous remarks. -Then you accept?" - -"Gladly, father." - -"Very good; that is settled. Now go and send off that Paredes, for it -is time for him to return to his master. As for you, my son, breathe -not a syllable of what we have discussed; you understand the importance -of discretion under such circumstances. Embrace your mother, and leave -us." - -The young man threw himself into his mother's arms, who tenderly -embraced him, and whispered in his ear, "Hope!" - -Then he withdrew, after bowing respectfully to his father. - -"Well, Esperanza," the old gentleman said, rubbing his hands, so soon -as his son had left the room, "do you now begin to guess my plans?" - -"No," she answered with a gentle smile; "but I believe that I -understand them." - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE HATCHET. - - -Stronghand quitted the Pyramid in a state of indescribable agitation. -The word his mother had whispered in his ear at parting incessantly -recurred to his mind, and led him to suppose that Doña Esperanza, with -that miraculous intuition Heaven has given to mothers, that they may -discover the most hidden feelings of their children, had divined the -secret he fancied he had buried in the remotest corner of his heart, -and which he did not dare avow to himself. On the other hand, the -strange conversation he had held with his father, and the proposal -which concluded it, plunged him into extraordinary perplexity. His -father's conduct appeared to him extraordinary, in the sense that he -did not understand how the old gentleman, who justly enjoyed among -the Indians a reputation for stainless honour, could be preparing -treacherously to attack the man to whose succour he came at the same -moment with such noble disinterestedness. All this seemed to him -illogical, incomprehensible, and in direct opposition with the word -"hope," which he fancied he could still hear buzzing in his ear. Still, -as he was obliged to cross the torrent, and go some distance before -reaching his calli, he had time to restore some degree of order in his -ideas, and resume his coolness and self-mastery before he reached his -own door. Two men were standing there--Whistler and Peccary. - -"Come along, Stronghand," the trapper shouted, so soon as he saw him; -"we have been waiting for you a long while." - -"Waiting for me?" he asked, in surprise. - -"Yes. Sparrowhawk warned us, on the part of Thunderbolt, that the chief -and myself were to hold ourselves in readiness to escort the man who -entered the village with you wherever he thinks proper to go." - -"Ah! Whistler has spoken well," Peccary remarked, laconically. - -"What else has happened?" - -"Nothing, except that Thunderbolt has made this man a present of a -mule, laden with rich wares, as Sparrowhawk says. But go on, and he -will tell you about it himself." - -Stronghand entered, and found the majordomo busily engaged in making -his preparations for a start. So soon as he saw the hunter, Paredes -eagerly walked up to him, and shook his hand several times. - -"You are welcome, comrade," he said. "¡Caray! you are a man of your -word, so forgive me." - -"Forgive you for what?" the young man asked, with a smile. - -"For having doubted you, caramba." - -"Doubted me?" - -"Yes, on my word. When I saw you leave me this morning in this hole, -like a useless or noxious animal, I doubted your sincerity. In a word, -as you know, anger is an evil counsellor; still, all sorts of stupid -thoughts occurred to me, and I was on the point of running away." - -"You would have done wrong." - -"Caray! I see it now; hence I feel quite confused at my folly, and beg -you once again to forgive me." - -"Nonsense," the hunter said, with a laugh, "it is not worth while to -torment yourself about such a trifle. An escort of resolute men will -accompany you to the hacienda, and as in all probability your master, -on seeing that you have brought the money he sent you to fetch, will -not ask about what may have happened to you on your journey, I think it -unnecessary for you to give him details which would interest him but -very slightly, and give rise to unpleasant comments." - -"That's enough," the majordomo said, with a knowing smile; "I will not -breathe a syllable." - -"That will be the best." - -"Be easy. Ah! that reminds me that, as I have received the money from -you, you must have the bills. Here they are, and once again I thank -you." - -The hunter took the bills and concealed them in his bosom. There was -a moment of silence. The majordomo walked about the calli with an air -of embarrassment, though his purpose was now finished, and the hunter -comprehended that he had something to say, but did not know how to -begin it. - -"Come," he asked him, "what else is there that troubles you, my friend? -Let me hear." - -"On my faith," the Mexican replied, at length forming a resolution. "I -confess that I should be delighted to prove my gratitude to you for the -service you have done me, and I should not like to leave without doing -so; but, unluckily, it embarrasses me more than I can express." - -"What, is that all?" the hunter said, gaily. "Why that is a very easy -matter." - -"Is it?" he remarked, with surprise. "Well, you will not believe that -I have been racking my brains over it for more than half an hour, and -brought nothing out." - -"Because you seek badly, my friend; that is all." - -"Then you have found it?" - -"You shall see." - -"¡Caray! You cannot imagine what pleasure you will cause me." - -"You know that I frequently hunt in your parts?" - -"Yes; I am aware of that." - -"Well, the first time I find myself near the hacienda, I will come and -ask hospitality of you." - -"Ah! That is what I call a good idea; and even if you brought ten -comrades with you, you would see how I should receive you. I only say -this much,--I am in a position to treat you well." - -"I take you at your word; so that is settled." - -"You pledge me your word?" - -"I do." - -"Very good. Now I shall start happy. Come by day or night, as you may -think proper, and you will always be welcome." - -"I fancy it would be rather difficult to get into the hacienda by -night." - -"Not at all. You will only have to mention my name." - -"Well, that is settled; and now be off. Only four hours of daylight -remain, so do not delay any longer." - -"You are right; so good-bye. Do not be long ere you remind me of my -promise." - -"I will bear you in mind." - -They left the calli. Seven or eight hunters and Indians were mounted, -and awaiting at the door their guest's good pleasure to start. The -majordomo shook the hunter's hand for the last time, mounted his -horse, gave the signal for departure, and the little band started at -a gallop through a crowd of women and children that had collected -through curiosity. Stronghand looked after them as long as he could -see them, and then thoughtfully returned to the calli. For a very long -time he remained plunged in earnest thought, then he stamped his foot -passionately, and exclaimed, in Spanish--"No; a thousand times no. I -will not take advantage of the man's kindness to abuse his confidence -like a coward. It would be a disgraceful deed." - -These words doubtless contained the result of the hunter's reflections, -and were the expression of the resolutions he had just formed. - -Several days elapsed, and nothing of an interesting nature occurred -in the village. The military committee sat several hours during the -interval. The plan of the coming campaign was definitively arranged and -the collection of the Indian forces was the only thing that delayed the -outbreak of hostilities. Whistler returned to the village four days -after his departure, and reported to the hunter that Paredes reached -the hacienda without any accident, and nothing had disturbed the -tranquillity of the journey. - -In the meanwhile, the different Indian tribes forming the great -confederation of the Papazos began flocking into the village. Ere long -there were no quarters left for them, and they were compelled to camp -on the plain, which, however, was no hardship to men accustomed to -brave all weather. On the twelfth day after Paredes' departure, the -hachesto convened all the chiefs to a general meeting at sunset, in -order to perform the mystic rites of the great medicine before opening -the campaign. At the moment when the sun disappeared below the horizon -in clouds of purple vapour, the amantzin, or first sorcerer of the -nation, mounted the roof of the medicine hut, and by a sign commanded -silence. - -"The sun has withdrawn its vivifying heat from us," he said in a -powerful voice, "the earth is covered with darkness, and this is the -mystic hour when man must prepare for the struggle with the genius of -evil--begin the great medicine." - -At the same instant, animals of every description appeared from all the -lodges, from the corners of the streets, gliding down the ladders of -the pyramids, or coming from the plain; quadrupeds, birds, and reptiles -collected in the village square, with horrible cries, overflowed the -streets on all sides, and spread out over the country for a league -round. These animals were Indian chiefs, clothed in the skins of the -beasts they wished to represent. Not only do the Indians imitate with -rare perfection the different cries of animals, but they have also -made a special study of their manners, habits, mode of progression, -and even of the way in which they eat and sleep. Nothing can furnish -an idea of the horrible concert composed of these cries--hisses, -snapping, and roars, mingled with the furious barking of the dogs. -There was something savage and primitive that powerfully affected the -imagination. At intervals silence was suddenly re-established, and the -sorcerer's voice rose alone in the night. - -"Is the evil principle conquered?" he asked; "Have my brothers trampled -it under foot?" - -The animals responded by horrible yells, and the noise began again -worse than before. This lasted the whole night through. A few minutes -before sunrise the sorcerer repeated the question for the last time, -which had received no other answer but furious yells. This time the -pure and melodious voice of a young girl rose in the silence, and -pronounced these words:--"The Master of Life has pity on his red -children; he sends the sun to their help. The evil principle is -conquered." - -At the same instant the sun appeared in its radiance. The Indians -saluted it with a cry of joy, and throwing off their disguises, they -fell on their knees, with faces turned up to heaven. The sorcerer, -holding in his right hand a calabash full of water, in which was a -sprig of wormwood, sprinkled a few drops to each of the cardinal -points, crying with an inspired air--"Hail, O sun! Visible minister of -the invisible Master of Life! Listen to the prayers of thy red sons. -Their cause is just; give them the scalps of their enemies, that they -may attach them to their waist belts. Hail, O sun! All hail!" - -All the Indians repeated in chorus-- - -"Hail, O Sun! All hail!" - -Then they rose to their feet. The first part of the mysteries of -the great medicine was accomplished, and the sorcerer retired. The -hachesto, or public crier took his place, and invited the principal -chiefs of the confederation to dig up the war hatchet. This -characteristic ceremony consists in going in procession into the -medicine lodge, where the oldest chief digs up the ground with his -scalping knife at a spot the sorcerer indicates, and draws out the -great war hatchet, the emblem of the strife about to commence. When the -hatchet is unburied, the chiefs quit the hut in the same way as they -entered it. At their head marches, with the chief entrusted with the -sacred token of the nation, and the brave of the great calumet, the -chief who has dug up the hatchet, which he holds with both hands to his -breast, with the edge turned outwards. On leaving the lodge, chiefs -silently draw up in front of the ark of the first man, opposite the war -post, and chance decides which chief shall have the honour of dealing -the first blow on the emblematic post with the sacred hatchet. - -The Indians, like all primitive peoples, are extremely superstitious; -hence they attach an immense importance to this ceremony, because they -fancy they can draw a good omen from the way in which the blow has been -dealt, and the depth of the notch made by the edge of the blade. Lots -were drawn, and chance selected Stronghand. A flattering murmur greeted -this name, which was loved by the Indians, and belonged to a man whom -they regarded as one of their greatest heroes. Stronghand quitted the -ranks, walked into the open space in front of the ark of the first man, -and seizing the hatchet which the chief presented to him, he raised -it above his head, whirled it round with extreme dexterity, and then -dealt a terrible stroke at the war post. The blow was dealt with such -violence, the hatchet penetrated the wood so deeply, that when the -sorcerer attempted to withdraw it, according to the usual custom, in -spite of all his efforts he could not succeed, and was obliged to give -up the attempt. - -The warriors uttered a shout of joy, which, spreading along the crowd -assembled to witness the ceremony, was soon converted into a hideous -clamour. The war would be lucky. The omens were excellent. Never, even -by the confession of the oldest sachems, had such a blow been dealt the -post. Stronghand was congratulated by the chiefs and warriors, who were -delighted at the result he had obtained. When the hatchet was at length -removed from the post, the warriors retired to make way for the squaws, -and the scalp dance began. - -This dance is exclusively performed by women, and in this affair -alone the men make way for them. This dance, which is regarded as -sacred by the untamed Indian nations, only takes place under grand -circumstances--at the beginning of an expedition, or at its close, when -it has been successful--that is to say, when the warriors bring back -many scalps and horses, and have suffered no loss themselves. The women -display an excitement in this dance which speedily degenerates into a -frenzy, which fills the minds of the warriors with martial ardour. When -this dance was ended, and the squaws had ceased their insensate cries -and gestures, the final ceremony was proceeded with. This ceremony, of -which we only find vestiges among a few tribes of the Upper Missouri, -and the Aucas, or Pampas Indians, seems peculiar to the Papazos. It -consists in sacrificing a brood mare, which has not yet foaled, and -reading the future in its entrails. - -We can easily understand that the sorcerer who undertakes the -explanation says what He pleases, and must be believed through the -impossibility of contradicting his statements. On this occasion, either -because he wished to share in the general joy, or that, through -deceiving others, he had succeeded in deceiving himself, and putting -faith in his own falsehoods, he announced to the attentive warriors the -most splendid and successful results for the coming expedition. These -prophecies were greeted as they deserved to be--that is to say, with -the greatest favour--and, according to custom, the body of the mare was -given to the sorcerer; and this was, doubtless, the greatest profit he -derived from the whole affair. - -Then, when all the rites were performed, the order was given for each -warrior to prepare his horses, his weapons, and his provisions, for -the expedition might set out at any moment. The Papazos chiefs had -succeeded in collecting beneath their totems 30,000 warriors, all -mounted on excellent horses, and about 4000 armed with guns. It is true -that the Indians, though so skilful in the use of the axe, the lance, -and the bow, are deplorable marksmen, and have an instinctive dread of -firearms, which prevents their taking a proper aim. Still, some of them -succeed in attaining a relative skill, and are dangerous in a fight. -But the greatest strength of the Indian army consisted of the sixty -or eighty white and half-breed hunters, whom the hope of plunder had -induced to join them. - -Thunderbolt, while retaining the supreme command of the army, appointed -three chiefs as generals of division; they were Sparrowhawk, Whistler, -and Peccary. Stronghand took the command of twenty-five white hunters, -whom he selected among the bravest and most honourable, and was -entrusted with a special mission by his father. All being then in -readiness to begin the war, the Indians, according to their invariable -custom, only awaited a moonless night to invade the territory of their -enemies under cover of the darkness. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE WHITE-SKINS. - - -The return of José Paredes to the hacienda caused Don Hernando a lively -pleasure. Still, the sum he brought, though considerable, was far from -sufficing for the constant outlay in working the mine, and would hardly -coyer the demands of the moment. Don Rufino did not in any way show the -amazement the sight of the majordomo occasioned him, after the measures -he had taken to get rid of him. Still this surprise was converted into -anxiety, and ere long into terror, when he reflected on the time that -had elapsed since his departure. - -In fact, it would take three weeks to proceed from the hacienda to -Hermosillo and back, even at a good pace, and yet the majordomo had -only been absent for nine days. It was evident to the senator that -Paredes had not been to Hermosillo, and yet he brought back the money -for the bills! What did all this mean? There was something obscure in -the whole affair, which Don Rufino burned to clear up; but, unhappily, -that was very difficult, if not impossible. - -He was supposed to be ignorant of the motive of the majordomo's -journey, and consequently could not interrogate him; and then, again, -even had he ventured to do so, Paredes would probably not have answered -him, or, if he had done so, it would only have been in mockery; for the -worthy majordomo, with the infallible scent which upright and faithful -men possess, had detected the wolf in sheep's clothing, and although -he had no apparent motive, as he was unaware that the senator was the -concoctor of the plot to which he had all but fallen a victim, he -felt an instinctive aversion for that person, and displayed a marked -affectation in trying to avoid any meeting with him. - -In Sonora, as in other countries, it is not easy to meet at a moment's -notice persons who will discount large bills to render you a service. -The man who had given the money for these must be very rich, and most -desirous to assist the Marquis. However much the senator thought of -the subject, he could not call to mind any landowner for fifty leagues -round capable of acting in such a way. Moreover, the discounter -must have been aware of the plot formed against the majordomo, for -otherwise he would not have proposed to take the bills. Could Kidd be -the traitor? In a moment the senator recognised the absurdity of such -a suspicion. It was not probable that the bandit had declined to kill -the majordomo; but that he should have allowed him to escape without -robbing him was an utterly unlikely circumstance. Moreover, Kidd had -everything to fear from the senator, and would not have risked playing -him such a malicious trick. - -As always happens when a man indulges in probabilities without any -settled starting point, and proceeds from one deduction to another, -Don Rufino attained such a monstrous conclusion, that he was really -terrified by it. Still, throughout all his wanderings, a very logical -remark escaped him, which proved that, if he had not discovered the -truth, he was not very far from it. - -"The Redskins are right," he muttered, "and their proverb is true. In -the desert, trees have ears, and leaves have eyes. I remember that -my conversation with that pícaro of a Kidd took place near a very -close growing thicket; perhaps it contained a traitor. Henceforward I -will only discuss business at the top of an entirely unwooded hill; -and yet," he added with a sigh, "who knows whether a spy may not be -concealed in a prairie-dog hole?" - -All these reflections the senator made while walking in extreme -agitation up and down the room, when the door opened, and Don Ruiz made -his appearance. - -"Señor Don Rufino," he said to him, after a mutual exchange of -compliments, "will you kindly come to the drawing room? Our majordomo, -who, as you may have noticed, has been absent for some days, has -brought most important news, which my father would like you to hear." - -The senator started imperceptibly, and gave the young man a suspicious -glance; but nothing in Don Ruiz's open face caused him to suppose any -hidden meaning in his words. - -"Is anything extraordinary happening, my dear Don Ruiz?" he asked, in a -mellifluous voice. - -"I have as yet received but very imperfect information about the grave -events that threaten us; but if you will kindly follow me, you will -soon learn all." - -"Be it so, my dear sir--I am at your service;" and he followed Don Ruiz -to the saloon, where Doña Marianna, the Marquis, and José Paredes were -already assembled. - -"Why, what can be the matter, my dear señor?" the senator asked, as he -entered; "I confess that Don Ruiz has startled me." - -"You will be more startled when you know the events. But sit down, -pray," the Marquis answered, and then said to the majordomo, "you have -your information from a good source?" - -"I can assert that all I have told you is true, _mi amo_. The Papazos -have allied themselves with I know not how many other tribes of -ferocious pagans, and we may expect to see them burst upon us at any -moment." - -"¡Caspita! that is serious," the senator said. - -"Much more than you suppose; for the Indians are this time resolved to -expel the white men for ever from Sonora, and establish themselves in -their place," answered Paredes. - -"Oh, oh," Don Rufino said, "they are undertaking a rude task." - -"Laugh if you like, but it is so." - -"I do not laugh, my worthy friend; still, I do not believe the Indians -capable of attempting so mad an enterprise." - -"In the first place, I am not your friend, señor," the majordomo said, -roughly; "and next, it is probable that when you have seen the Indians -at work, your opinions about them will be considerably modified." - -The senator pretended not to notice the bitterness contained in -this remark, and replied, lightly--"I never saw any wild Redskins, -and Heaven preserve me from doing so. Still, I strongly suspect the -inhabitants of this country of making them more formidable than they -really are." - -"You are wrong to have such an opinion, my friend; and if you remain -any time with us, will soon have proof of it," the Marquis said. - -"Are you going to remain here, exposed to the attacks of the pagans, -papa?" Doña Marianna asked with terror. - -"We have nothing to fear from the Indians," the Marquis replied. "The -rock on which my hacienda is built is too hard for them. They will -break their nails before they can pull out a single stone." - -"Still, father, we cannot be too prudent," Don Ruiz observed. - -"You are right, my son; and as I do not wish your sister to retain even -a shadow of anxiety, we will immediately place ourselves in a position -of defence, though it is unnecessary. During the grand insurrection -of 1827, the Indians did not once attempt to approach El Toro, and I -greatly doubt whether they will attack it this time." - -"_Mi amo_," Paredes replied, "believe me, do not neglect any -precaution; this insurrection will be terrible." - -"Come, come," Don Rufino asked, "tell me, Señor Majordomo, who the -person is that informed you so well?" - -Paredes gave him a side-glance, and replied, with a shrug of his -shoulders--"It is enough that I know it; no matter the name of the man -to whom I owe the information. If you fancy that it is a friend who -warned me, you will be near the truth." - -"Permit me, señor," the senator answered, with a frown, "this is more -important than you fancy. You must not thus create an alarm in a -family, and then refuse to give proofs in support of your assertions." - -"My master knows me, señor; he knows that I am devoted to him, and also -that I am incapable of uttering a falsehood." - -"I do not doubt, señor, either your honesty or your truthfulness; -still, a thing so serious as you announce requires, before being -taken into consideration, to be based on evidence with proofs, or a -respectable name, in default of anything else." - -"Stuff! Stuff! The main point is to be on your guard." - -"Yes, when we know whether we really ought to do so. Consequently, -in my quality as a magistrate--and I ask the Señor Marquis a million -pardons for acting thus in his presence--I command you to reveal to me -at once the name of the man who gave you these alarming news." - -"Nonsense!" The majordomo said, with a shrug of his shoulders; "What -good would it do if I were to tell you the name of an individual you do -not know, and whom you never heard mentioned?" - -"That is not the question. Be good enough to answer me, if you please." - -"It is possible that you may be a magistrate, señor, and I do not care -if you are. I recognise no other masters but the Señor Marquis and his -children here present; they alone have the right to question me, and -them alone I will answer." - -The senator bit his lips, and turned to the Marquis. - -"Come, Paredes, answer," the latter said. "I really do not at all -understand your obstinacy." - -"Since you order me to speak, _mi amo_," the majordomo continued, "you -must know that the person who told me of the insurrection of the pagans -is a white hunter, called Stronghand." - -"Stronghand?" brother and sister exclaimed simultaneously. - -"Is not that," the Marquis asked, "the hunter to whom we already are so -greatly indebted?" - -"Yes, _mi amo_," the majordomo replied, musingly; "and it is probable -that he has not yet finished." - -Although it was the first time the senator heard the hunter's name -mentioned, by a kind of intuition he felt a species of emotion for -which he could not account. - -"Oh," Doña Marianna cried, eagerly, "we must place entire confidence in -Stronghand's statements." - -"Certainly we must," Don Ruiz added. "It is plain that he wished to -warn us, and put us on our guard." - -"But who is this man who inspires you with such profound sympathy?" the -senator asked. - -"A friend," Doña Marianna replied, warmly, "for whom I shall feel an -eternal gratitude." - -"And whom we all love," the Marquis added, with emotion. - -"Then you accept his bail for Paredes?" - -"Yes; and believe me, my friend, that I shall not neglect the advice he -gives me." - -"Very good, señor; you will therefore permit me to remark that Señor -Paredes' obstinacy in not revealing his name must fairly appear to me -extraordinary." - -"Señor Rufino, Paredes is an old servant who enjoys a very pardonable -freedom, and believes that he has acquired the right of being believed -on his word. Now," he added, "let us discuss the means to prevent a -surprise. Paredes, you will at once mount your horse, and order all the -peons and vaqueros to bring the ganado and horses into the hacienda. -You, Don Ruiz, will prepare the necessary corrals and cuartos to lodge -the men and animals; collect as much forage and provisions as you can, -for, in the event of a siege, we must not run the risk of being reduced -by famine. How many peons have you under your orders, Paredes?" - -"Excellency, we have about eighty able to bear arms, and do active -duty, without counting the women, children, and old men, whom we can -always turn to some account." - -"Oh, oh," the Marquis said, "there are many more than we require; I see -that it will be unnecessary to summon our miners from Quitovar." - -"The more so," Paredes objected, "because Captain de Niza, whose -position is far more exposed than ours will already have enlisted them -in his service." - -"That is probable," the Marquis answered, as he rose. "Go and carry out -my orders without delay." - -The majordomo bowed to his master, and went out. - -"Will it please you, señor, to grant me a moment's interview?" the -senator then said. - -"I am at your orders, señor." - -"Oh, do not disturb yourselves," the senator said, addressing Don Ruiz -and his sister, who had risen to leave the room: "I have nothing secret -to say to the Marquis." - -The young people sat down again. - -"I confess to you that what this man has just said," Don Rufino -continued, "has greatly startled me. I never saw any Indian bravos, and -have a horrible fear of them. I should therefore wish, Don Hernando, -however strange so sudden a request may appear to you, to obtain your -permission to leave you so soon as possible." - -"Leave me!" the Marquis replied, with amazement, "At this moment?" - -"Yes; it seems as if coming events will be very serious. I am not a -man of war, nor anything like it, for I am frightened at anything -that bears a likeness to a quarrel; but Congress claims my immediate -presence at Mexico, were it only to inform the Government of the -situation in which this state is, and urge it to assume energetic -measures." - -"Señor Don Rufino, you are at liberty to act as you please. Still, -I fear that the roads are not quite safe, and that you will expose -yourself to serious dangers by obstinately insisting on departing." - -"I have thought of that; but I fancy that when I have once reached -Arispe, which is no great distance from here, I shall have nothing more -to fear. Will you allow Don Señor Ruiz to escort me to that town?" - -"I can refuse you nothing, señor. My son will accompany you, since you -do him the honour of desiring his escort." - -"Yes," the senator continued, taking a side-glance at Doña Marianna, -who had let her head drop on her chest; "I wish to entrust Don Ruiz -with an important letter for you." - -"Why write? It would be far more simple to tell me what you wish in a -couple of words." - -"No! No! That is impossible," Don Rufino answered, with a smile that -resembled a grimace; "that would demand too much time: moreover, dear -sir, you know better than I do that there are certain things which can -only be settled by ambassadors." - -"As you please, señor. When do you propose to start?" - -"I frankly confess that, in spite of the regret I feel at leaving you, -I fancy that the sooner I set out the better." - -"It is only ten o'clock," said Don Ruiz, as he rose; "by hurrying a -little, we can reach Arispe tonight." - -"Famous! That is better. Allow me, Don Hernando, to take leave of you, -as well as of your charming daughter, and pray accept my thanks for the -noble hospitality I have received in your mansion." - -"What! Are you not afraid of travelling in the great heat of the day?" - -"I only fear the sight of the Indians, and that fear is enough to -make me forget all others. Excuse me, therefore, for leaving you so -suddenly, but I feel convinced that I should die of terror if I heard -the war cry of those frightful savages echo in my ears." - -Don Ruiz had left the room to give the requisite orders, and his sister -followed him, after making a silent curtsey to the senator, whose -intention she was far from suspecting. The apprehension expressed by -Don Rufino was greatly exaggerated, if it was not entirely fictitious; -but he instinctively felt that the ground was beginning to burn beneath -his feet at the hacienda, and he wanted to get away, not only to guard -himself against the perils he foresaw from the ill success of his -plot, but also to try and refasten the broken threads of his intrigue, -and carry out his plans with the shortest possible delay. - -The revolt of the Indians, by interrupting the work, paralyzing -commercial transactions, and consequently creating enormous -difficulties for the Marquis, admirably assisted the senator in the -realization of the plans he had long been forming in the dark. Moreover -he desired, during the short ride he was going to take with Don Ruiz, -to obtain in the young man a precious ally, who would serve him the -better because he would do so without any afterthought, and without -seeing Don Rufino's object. He also thought it better to write and -detail his intentions to the Marquis in a letter, rather than discuss -them with him, for the grand diplomatic reason that the man who writes -is the only speaker, must be heard, and consequently does not fear a -refutation till he has completely explained his ideas. - -After a few moments, Don Ruiz returned to state that the escort had -mounted, and that all was ready for a start. Don Rufino repeated his -farewells to the Marquis, but the latter would not let him depart -before he had drunk, according to the hospitable fashion of the -country, the stirrup cup--that is to say, a glass of iced orangeade. -Then all three left the room, for in spite of the entreaties and -objections of the senator, his host insisted on accompanying him to -the patio, and witnessing his departure. Two minutes later, Don Rufino -Contreras, accompanied by Don Ruiz, and followed by six confidential -peons, well armed and mounted, left the hacienda, and took the -direction of Arispe, which they reached at nightfall; after a rather -fatiguing journey, it is true, but which, however, was not troubled -by any accident of an alarming nature. The only thing the travellers -noticed, and which proved to them how thoroughly the news of an -approaching invasion of the Indians had spread along the border, was -the complete solitude of the country, which resembled a desert. - -All the ranchos they passed were deserted; the doors, windows, and -furniture had been removed by the inhabitants, and carried off by them -in their flight; they had burned or destroyed all they were compelled -to leave behind them; their horses and cattle had also disappeared, -which gave a look of indescribable melancholy to the numerous plains -the little party crossed. The crops had been cut in the green, or -burned, in order that the Indians might not profit by them; and thus, -ere the wretched country was ravaged by the Redskins, it had already -been completely ruined by its inhabitants. - -Don Rufino contemplated with stupor the desolate aspect of the -country, for he could not at all understand the strange tactics of the -inhabitants. When they reached the gates of Arispe, they found them -closed, and guarded by powerful detachments of soldiers and cívicos--a -species of national militia, paid by the rich inhabitants to repress -the devastation of the marauders who swarm on the Indian border. It -was only after interminable debates and infinite precautions that the -barrier guards at length consented to let the travellers pass. All -the streets in Arispe were defended by strong barricades. The town -resembled one large camp. The soldiers were bivouacked on all the -squares, and sleeping round the bivouac fires, which were lighted as -much to keep off the sharp night cold, as to cook their scanty rations. - -Don Rufino possessed, on the Plaza Mayor of Arispe, a large and -handsome mansion, at which he resided when business summoned him to -Arispe. It took him more than an hour to reach it, owing to the -numberless turnings he was compelled to take, and the barricades he was -forced to scale. The door of the house was open, and a dozen soldiers -were quietly bivouacked in the zaguán and patio; but Don Rufino did not -at all protest against this arbitrary violation of his domicile; on the -contrary, he boasted of his senatorial title, and seemed very pleased -with the liberty the soldiers had taken. Don Rufino would not allow Don -Ruiz and his peons to seek a shelter anywhere but in his own house; -he forced them to accept his hospitality, and they did so without any -excessive pressure, for both men and horses were beginning to feel the -want of a few hours' rest, after an entire day's journey, made in the -stifling heat of the sun. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -SERIOUS EVENTS. - - -Nothing equals the rapidity with which a new fortune is established, -except, perhaps, that with which an old family falls, through the -eternal balancing of accident, which elevates some and lowers others, -thus producing incessant contrasts, which are one of the claims of -existing society, and of the equilibrium that presides over the things -of this world. With a few exceptions, the first and last of a race -are always two powerful men, created by the struggle, endowed with -great and noble qualities, and who are always equal to circumstances. -Unfortunately, of these two men, one, sustained by capricious chance -and the benign influence of his star, sees all obstacles fall before -him, and his rashest combinations succeed. In a word, success -frequently crowns his efforts, contrary to his expectations. The other, -on the contrary, unconsciously yielding through the law of contrast to -the malign influence attaching to his race--having fallen by the fault -of his predecessors from an elevated position--compelled to struggle -on unequal terms with enemies prejudiced against him, and who render -him responsible for the long series of errors of which his ancestors -have been solely culpable--sees himself, so to speak, placed without -the pale of the common law; his most skilful combinations only succeed, -in delaying for a few years an inevitable fall, and frequently render -that fall the more startling and certain. - -What we say here is applicable to all the degrees of the social stage; -not only to royal families, but to the miserable beggar's brood. Each -revolution that changes the face of an empire, by bringing up to the -surface unknown geniuses, at the same time plunges into an abyss of -wretchedness and opprobrium those who for centuries have oppressed -entire generations, and have in their time placed themselves on a level -with the Deity, by believing everything allowed them. - -Time, that impassive leveller, bringing progress in its train, -incessantly passes its inexorable square over all that raises its head -too high--thus pleasing itself by raising some and humiliating others. -It has constituted itself the sole arbiter of human ambitions, and the -real representative of that moral equality which would be an Utopia, -if the great organic law of the harmony of the universe had not thus -proclaimed its astonishing principles. - -On the very day when Don Ruiz, after escorting Don Rufino Contreras -to Arispe, returned to the hacienda, a courier arrived simultaneously -with him. This man, who was mounted on an utterly exhausted steed, had -apparently ridden a great distance, and was in an excessive hurry. -No sooner had he reached the Toro than he was introduced into the -Marquis's study with whom he remained shut up for a long time. Then the -courier, on leaving the study, remounted his horse, and set off again -without speaking to a soul. The almost fantastic apparition of this -man caused the occupiers of the hacienda that instinctive fear which -people generally experience from things they cannot account for. - -The Marquis, whose face was usually imprinted with an expression of -sad and resigned melancholy, had, after this interview, become of -a cadaverous pallor; deep wrinkles furrowed his forehead, and his -eyes stared wildly. He walked up and down the huerta for a long time -in extreme agitation, with his arms crossed on his back, and his -head bowed over his chest. At times he stopped, beat his forehead -furiously, uttered incoherent words, and then resumed his walk -mechanically--obeying an imperious want of locomotion rather than any -other motive. - -Doña Marianna, seated at a window of her boudoir, behind a muslin -curtain, followed her father's movements, for she felt frightened at -his state, and had a foreboding that she would have to share some of -the sorrow which had fallen on him. The Marquis at length stopped, -looked round him like a man who is waking up, and, after a moment of -reflection, returned to his apartments. A few minutes after, a servant -came to inform Doña Marianna that her father was awaiting her in the -red chamber. In spite of herself, the maiden felt her apprehensions -redoubled, but hastened to obey. - -This red chamber, into which we have already had opportunity to -introduce the reader, and which Don Hernando had not entered since the -day when his brother was so inexorably disinherited by their father, -was as cold and gloomy as when we saw it. The sole difference was, -that time, by tarnishing the lustre of the hangings and tapestry, and -blackening the furniture, had imparted to it a tinge of sadness, which -made the visitor shudder as soon as he entered. When Doña Marianna -reached the red chamber, she found her father already there; he gave -her a silent sign to take a seat, and she sank into an armchair in -a state of undisguised alarm. A few minutes after Don Ruiz entered, -followed by José Paredes. The Marquis then seated himself in the -spacious armchair that occupied the centre of the dais; he ordered the -majordomo to close the door, and began in a feeble, trembling voice-- - -"My children, I have summoned you hither because we have to discuss -matters of the deepest gravity. I have called to our council Paredes, -as an old servant of the family, whose devotions we have known so long, -and I trust you will not think that I have exceeded my rights in doing -so." - -The young people bowed their assent, Paredes placed himself by their -side, and the Marquis continued--"My children, our family has for -many years been tried by adversity. Hitherto, respecting the happy -carelessness of childhood, I have sought to keep within my own breast -the annoyances and grief with which I was incessantly crushed; for, -after all, of what good would it have proved to lay a portion of the -burden on your shoulders? Misfortune advances with gigantic strides; it -catches us up one after the other, and it was better to let you enjoy -the too short days of your happy youth. I have therefore struggled -for all of us, concealing the grief which at times overwhelmed me, -restraining my tears, and always offering to you the calm brow and -the tranquil appearance of a man, who, if he were not entirely happy, -was satisfied with his share of good and evil Heaven had allotted to -him. Believe me, my children I should have continued this conduct, and -kept to myself all the cares and annoyances of such a life as I lead, -had not a sudden, terrible, and irremediably misfortune, which has -fallen on me today, forced me, against my will, to impart to you the -melancholy, frightful condition we are now in, and acquaint you with -the posture of my affairs, which are yours, for I am only entrusted -with the fortune which will be yours some day if we succeed in saving -it." - -The Marquis stopped for a moment, overcome by the emotion which -contracted his throat. - -"Father," Don Ruiz replied, "you have ever been the best of parents to -my sister and myself. Be assured that we have anxiously awaited this -confidence, which has been so long delayed in the fear of causing us a -temporary sorrow; for we hoped we might be able to assume a portion of -the burden, and thus restore you the courage necessary to support the -gigantic struggle in which you have engaged with adverse fortune." - -"My son," the Marquis said, "I know your heart and your sister's. -I am aware of the respectful affection you feel for me; and in the -misfortune that is now bursting on me, it is a great satisfaction to -have the intimate conviction that my children will heartily combine in -supporting and consoling me." - -"Be kind enough then, father, to tell us what the matter is, without -further delay. The courier with whom you were shut up so long this -morning cannot be a stranger to the determination you have formed. -Doubtless he was the bearer of evil tidings?" - -"Alas! My son," the Marquis answered, "for some years past fortune has -been treating our house with incomprehensible severity; everything -is leagued against us, and our fortune, which was immense under the -Spanish rule, has constantly diminished since the proclamation of -Mexican independence. In vain have I tried to contend against the -torrent which carried us away; in vain have I forgotten all I owe -to my name and rank, and attempted to regain what I had lost by -honourable enterprise. All has been of no avail, and my efforts have -only served to prove the inutility of my attempts. Still, I had hoped a -few days back that I should be able to render fortune more favourable -to me. I foresaw a chance of saving some fragments of our old fortunes; -but today I have attained the melancholy conviction that I am entirely -ruined unless a miracle intervene." - -"Oh, things cannot be so bad as that, father!" Doña Marianna exclaimed. - -"Yes, my children, we are ruined--reduced to utter misery," the -Marquis continued sadly. "We have lost everything; even this hacienda, -built by one of our ancestors, which will be speedily sold--perhaps -tomorrow--for the benefit of our creditors." - -"But how has such a great misfortune occurred?" - -"Alas! in the same way as misfortunes always happen when fate has -resolved on ruining a man. For a long time past business has been -in a state of collapse, owing to the disastrous negligence of the -Government; and the news of the fresh revolt of the Indian mansos and -bravos has raised the alarm of the merchants to the highest pitch. The -panic is general among the bankers and persons whose capital is engaged -in mines; several houses at Hermosillo, Ures, Arispe, Sonora, and even -Mexico, have already suspended payment, and thus everything has been -paralyzed at a single blow. Then, to complicate matters even more, a -pronunciamiento has taken place in Mexico, and at this moment we have -not only an Indian border war, but the interior of the country is -suffering from all the horrors of a civil war." - -"Do you know this officially, father?" - -"Unfortunately, I cannot entertain the slightest doubt on the subject. -For this reason; under such circumstances as the present, one thing -inevitably happens. Creditors insist on the immediate repayment of -their advances, while persons indebted to you, if they do not fail, -defer payment so long that it is practically of no service. Now, the -letters I received this morning, and they are numerous, may be divided -into two classes; my debtors refuse to pay me, while my creditors, -fearing a loss, have taken out writs against me, so that if I have -not paid them within eight days the round sum of 380,000 piastres, I -shall be declared bankrupt, imprisoned, expelled from my estate, and -this hacienda, the last thing left us, will be put up to auction, and -probably purchased for a trifle by one of the ex-vassals of our family, -who has grown rich at our expense, and does not blush to take our -place." - -"Three hundred and eighty thousand piastres!" Don Ruiz muttered with -stupor. - -"That is the amount." - -"How can we possibly get it together?" - -"It is useless to dream of it for the present, my son. This hacienda -alone is worth double. At other times I could have offered a mortgage, -and as I have nearly 300,000 piastres owing to me, you see that I could -have easily confronted this fresh stroke of fortune. But now it cannot -be thought of; it will be better to give way, and allow our creditors -to divide the spoil. I hope you do hot suppose, Ruiz, that I have the -intention of defrauding my creditors of the little that is left me?" - -"Oh no, father; but what do you propose doing?" - -"¡Caray!" Paredes then said, "that is easily settled. I possess, -through the liberality of the Moguer family a rancho, which owes -nothing to anybody. It is yours, _mi amo_. My mother and I can easily -find another shelter. Well, if this wretched lodging is not so fine or -handsome as this, it will, at any rate, afford you a shelter, and save -you from applying for it to strangers. Is it so, Excellency? Will you -honour the old house of your servant by your presence?" - -The Marquis seemed to reflect for a moment, and then held out his hand -to Paredes, who kissed it. - -"Be it so, my friend. I accept your offer," he said. "Not that I intend -to inconvenience you for any length of time, but merely during the -few days I shall require to save, if possible, some fragments of my -children's fortune from the general shipwreck." - -"Do not think of us, father," Doña Marianna said, with emotion. "We are -young, and will work." - -Paredes was delighted at the acceptance of his offer. - -"Oh, do not be frightened, _mi amo_," he said; "the old rancho is not -so dilapidated and miserable as might be supposed. I trust, with the -help of Heaven, that you will not be very uncomfortable there, and, at -any rate, you will have no cause to fear the visits of certain parties." - -"You are unjust, Paredes," the Marquis replied. "Don Rufino Contreras, -to whom you allude, is one of my best friends, and I must speak of his -behaviour in the highest terms of praise." - -"That is possible, _mi amo_, that is possible," the majordomo said, -shaking his head with an air of conviction; "but if I may be permitted -to express an opinion about that gentleman, I fancy we had better wait -a while before fully making up our minds about him." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Nothing, _mi amo_, really nothing. I have an idea, that is all." - -"That reminds me, father, that on leaving me, Don Rufino gave me a -letter, which he begged me to deliver to you so soon as I reached the -hacienda." - -"Yes; he informed me of his intention of writing." - -"Hum!" the majordomo said, between his teeth, but loudly enough for -the Marquis to hear him; "I always had a bad idea of men who prefer -blackening paper to explain themselves frankly in words." - -During this aside, the Marquis had opened and read the letter. - -"This time, at any rate," he said, "Don Rufino cannot be accused of -want of frankness, or of not explaining himself clearly. He warns me -of the measures taken against me, and after showing me, in a most -gentlemanly manner, the precarious nature of my position, he ends by -offering me the means of escaping from it in the most honourable way; -in one word, he asks for my daughter's hand, and offers her a dowry of -one and a half million piastres, besides liquidating my debts." - -Doña Marianna was crushed by the blow so suddenly dealt her. -The Marquis continued, with the bitter accent he had hitherto -employed--"Such is the state we have reached, my children; we, the -descendants of a race of worthies noble as the king, and whose -escutcheon is unstained, have so fallen from our lofty social -position, that we are too greatly honoured by the offer of a man whose -grandfather was our vassal. But such is the way of the world, and why -blame it when we live in an age in which everything is possible?" - -"What answer will you give to this strange letter, father?" Don Ruiz -asked, anxiously. - -Don Hernando drew himself up proudly. - -"My son," he replied, "however poor I may be, I do not the less remain -the Marquis de Moguer, the only thing, perhaps, which cannot be taken -from me. I know the obligations I owe to the honour of my name. Your -sister is free to accept or reject the offer made her. I do not wish, -under any pretext, to influence her determination in so serious a -matter. She is young, and has still many years to live; I have no right -to enchain her existence with that of a man she does not love. She -will reflect, and follow the impulse of her own heart. Whatever her -resolution may be, I approve of it beforehand." - -"Thanks, father," the maiden answered, gently. "And now grant me a last -favour." - -"What is it, my child?" - -"I wish for a week before answering this request, for I am so surprised -and confused, that it would be impossible for me to form any resolution -at present." - -"Very good, my child; in eight days you will give me your answer. And -now withdraw: but do you remain, Paredes; before leaving the hacienda -for ever, I wish to make some arrangements in which your help will be -necessary." - -Brother and sister, after bowing respectfully to their father, slowly -quitted this fatal chamber, which persons never entered save through a -misfortune. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE TIGRERO. - - -Don Ruiz and his sister left the red chamber together, gloomy, sad, -and despairing, and not daring to communicate their impressions, -because they knew that they had nothing to hope from an exchange of -conventional consolation. When they reached the hall whence ran the -stairs leading to their different suites of rooms, Don Ruiz let loose -his sister's arm, and kissed her on the forehead. - -"Courage, Marianna," he said, gently. - -"Are you leaving me, brother?" she remarked, with a slight tinge of -reproach in her voice. - -"Are you not going to your own rooms?" he asked her. - -"And what do you intend doing?" - -"To tell you the honest truth, sister," he replied, "after what has -occurred in the red chamber, I feel in such a state of excitement, that -I want to breathe the fresh air; did I not, I fancy I should be ill." - -"Do you propose going out, then?" - -"In leaving you, my dear sister, it is my firm intention to saddle -Santiago, and ride about the country for two or three hours." - -"If that be the case, Ruiz, I will ask you to do me a service." - -"What is it?" - -"Saddle Madrina at the same time." - -"Your mare?" - -"Yes." - -"Are you going out too?" - -"I want to pay a visit to my nurse, whom I have not seen for a long -time. I am anxious to speak a few words with her." - -"Will you go alone to the rancho?" - -"Unless you give me the pleasure of your company." - -"Do you doubt it, sister?" - -"Yes and no, Ruiz." - -"Why this reticence?" - -"I will explain it to you, brother. To be frank with you, I want to -see my nurse, and I may spend the night at the rancho; in the event of -that happening, I do not wish you to make an attempt to dissuade me by -entreaty or otherwise." - -"Reflect, sister, that the country is not tranquil, and that you may -incur danger in a wretched rancho, where any resistance would be -impossible." - -"I have thought of that, and calculated all the chances. But I repeat -to you, I must go to the rancho, and may be obliged to pass there not -only a night, but a day or two." - -Don Ruiz reflected for a moment. - -"Sister," he then said, "you are no ordinary woman, and everything you -do is carefully calculated. Although you do not tell me the motives -for this visit, I guess that they are serious, and hence will make no -attempt to thwart your wishes. Act as you please, and I will do all you -wish." - -"Thank you, Ruiz," she answered, warmly; "I anticipated you would say -that, for you understand me: my visit has a serious motive, as you have -divined." - -"Then I will go and saddle the horses," he remarked, with a smile. - -"Do so, brother," she replied, as she gently pressed his hand. "I will -wait for you here." - -"I only require five minutes." - -The young man went out. Doña Marianna leant on the balustrade, and -fell into deep thought. Don Ruiz returned, leading the horses by the -bridle: brother and sister mounted, and at once left the hacienda. It -was about four in the afternoon; the great heat of the day was spent, -the birds were singing gaily beneath the foliage; the sun, now level -with the lowest branches, had lost much of its heat; and the coming -breeze, which was beginning to rise, refreshed the atmosphere, and bore -far away the clouds of mosquitoes which had for several hours darkened -the air. The young people galloped silently side by side, absorbed in -their thoughts, and only taking absent glances at the splendid scenery -unfolded around them as they advanced further into the country. They -thus reached the rancho without exchanging a word. - -Bouchaley, faithful to his friendship for Doña Marianna, had long -before announced her arrival to the inhabitants of the rancho, who had -hurried out to welcome her. With a hurried glance, Marianna assured -herself of the presence of her foster brother, which seemed to cause -her great satisfaction. - -"Goodness! You here so late, niña?" the ranchero said, in his delight; -"What blessed wind has blown you?" - -"The desire of seeing you, madresita," the young lady answered, with a -smile; "it is so long since I embraced you, that I could not wait any -longer." - -"It is a good idea, niña," the ranchero said; "unfortunately it is -late, and we shall only be able to converse with you for a few moments." - -"How do you know, old father?" she replied, as she leaped off her -horse, and threw her arms round his neck; "Who told you I should not -spend the night at the rancho?" - -"Oh, oh, you would not do us that honour, niña," the old man answered. - -"You are mistaken, father, and the proof is that I ask my brother to -leave me here, and return alone to the hacienda." - -"Then I am discharged," Don Ruiz said, laughingly. - -"Yes, brother; but you have no cause of complaint, for I warned you." - -"That is true; hence I do not complain, little sister; still, before we -part, tell me at what hour I am to come and fetch you tomorrow?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about that, Ruiz; Mariano will bring me home." - -"And this time I shall not behave as the last, niña: may the Lord -confound me if I lose sight of you even for a moment," the tigrero -said, as he took the horse's bridle to lead it to the corral. - -"Will you be so cruel, Marianna," Ruiz observed, "as to force me thus -to return at once?" - -"No; I grant you an hour to rest and refresh yourself, but when that -time has elapsed you will start." - -"Agreed, little sister." - -They entered the rancho: No Sanchez, with that hospitable speed all -Mexican rancheros display, had already covered the table with pulque, -mezcal, Catalonian refino, orangeade, and infusion of tamarinds. The -young people, thirsty from their long ride, and not wishing to grieve -the worthy persons who received them so kindly, did honour to the -refreshments thus profusely offered them. Don Ruiz, while teasing his -sister about her strange fancy for spending the night at the rancho, -though he felt convinced that she must have a very serious reason for -it, conversed gaily according to his fashion, and displayed a dazzling -wit which is easier in Mexico than elsewhere; for, owing to the natural -intelligence of the people, no matter their rank, they are certain to -understand. When day began to fall, the young gentleman took leave of -the rancheros, mounted his horse, and started for the hacienda. - -In Mexico, as in all intertropical countries, evening is the -pleasantest part of the day: at that time the inhabitants are all -in the open air. At night they sit in front of the rancho doors, -conversing, singing, or dancing; two or three in the morning arrives -before they dream of going to bed. But on this day, contrary to her -habit when she paid her nurse a visit, Doña Marianna seemed fatigued: -at times she had difficulty in checking a yawn, and her desire for rest -was so evident that the nurse was the first to invite her to retire. -The young lady required no pressing, and after bidding the old folks -good night, entered the rancho, and the room prepared for her. So soon -as Marianna had left them, the old couple also retired to rest. As for -Mariano, after making his usual tour of inspection round the rancho, -he hung up a hammock under the portico, as he preferred sleeping in -the open air to being shut up within walls which the sun's heat had -rendered stifling. An hour later all the inhabitants of the rancho were -plunged into the deepest sleep. - -Suddenly the tigrero felt a hand gently laid on his shoulder; he opened -his eyes, and by the light of the stars, which was as brilliant as day, -recognised Doña Marianna. The young man who had thrown himself fully -dressed upon the hammock, started up, and looked at his foster sister -anxiously. - -"What is the matter with you, niña?" he asked, in evident alarm. - -"Silence, Mariano!" she answered in a low voice, and laying her finger -on her lips; "All is quiet, at least I suppose so, but I wish to speak -with you." - -"Go on, tocaya," he replied, as he leaped from the hammock and folded -it up. - -"Yes, but I am sorry at having woken you; you were sleeping so soundly, -that I looked at you for nearly a quarter of an hour ere I dared to -disturb your rest; for sleep is such a blessed thing." - -"Nonsense," he answered with a laugh; "you were wrong, niña; we wood -rangers sleep so quickly that an hour is sufficient to rest us, and -if I am not mistaken, I have been lying down for more than two. Hence -speak, niña; I am attentive, and shall not miss a word of what you say -to me." - -The young lady reflected for a moment. - -"You love me, I think, Mariano?" she at length said, with a certain -hesitation in her voice. - -"Like a sister, niña," he said, warmly; "in truth, are we not tocayo -and tocaya? Why ask such a question?" - -"Because I want you to do me an important service." - -"Me, niña? ¡Caray! Do not be alarmed; I am devoted to you body and -soul, and whatever you may ask--" - -"Do not pledge yourself too hastily, tocayo," she interrupted him, with -a meaning laugh. - -"A man cannot do that when he firmly intends to keep his promise." - -"That is true; still there are things from which a man at times -recoils." - -"There may be such, niña, but I do not know them; however, explain your -wishes to me, frankly." - -"I think, Mariano, that you are on friendly terms with the hunter, -called Stronghand?" - -"Very intimate, niña; but why do you ask the question?" - -"Is he an honest man?" - -The tigrero looked at her. - -"What do you mean by that?" he asked her. - -"Why," she said, with considerable embarrassment, "I mean a man of -heart--a man, in short, whose word may be taken." - -Mariano became serious. - -"Señorita," he said, "Stronghand saved my life under circumstances -when my only hope was in Heaven. I have seen this man perform deeds of -incredible courage and audacity, for the sole object of serving people -who frequently did not feel the slightest gratitude to him. To me he is -more than a friend--more than a brother; whatever he bade me I would -do, even if I had to lay down the life he saved, and which belongs to -him. Such, niña, is my opinion about the hunter called Stronghand." - -The young lady gave a glance of pleasure. - -"You are deeply attached to him?" she murmured. - -"As I told you, he is more to me than a brother." - -"And you often see him?" - -"When I want him, or he wants me." - -"Does he live in the neighbourhood, then?" - -"A short time back he stayed several days at the rancho." - -"And will he return?" - -"Who knows?" - -"What did he during his stay here?" - -"I am not aware; I believe that he hunted, though I did not see a -single head of game he had killed whilst he was here." - -"Ah!" she said, pensively. - -There was a silence. Mariano looked at her, somewhat surprised that -she should have woke him for the sake of asking him such unimportant -questions. - -"Well," she continued, presently; "if you wanted to see Stronghand, do -you know where to find him?" - -"I think so." - -"You are not certain?" - -"Forgive me, niña, I am certain; we have a spot where we are safe to -meet." - -"But he might not be there." - -"That might happen." - -"What would you do in that case?" - -"Go and seek him at another place, where I should be sure of finding -him." - -"Ah! And where is that?" - -"At the village he inhabits." - -"What village is that? I know of none in the vicinity." - -"Pardon me, niña; there is one." - -"A long way from here, I presume?" - -"Only a few leagues." - -"And what is this pueblo?" - -"A village of the Papazos." - -"What?" - -"Yes, I have forgotten to tell you that. Although he is a white man, -Stronghand has, for reasons I am ignorant of, joined the Indians, and -been adopted by one of their most powerful tribes." - -"That is singular," the young lady murmured. - -"Is it not?" the tigrero replied; understanding less than ever the -object of the conversation. - -The maiden shook her head coquettishly, and seemed to form a sudden -resolution. - -"Mariano," she said, "I asked you to do me a service." - -"Yes, niña, and I answered that I was ready to do it." - -"That is true; are you still of the same mind?" - -"Why should I have altered it?" - -"This is what I want of you." - -"Speak." - -"I wish to see Stronghand." - -"Very good; when?" - -"At once." - -"What?" he asked, in amazement. - -"Do you refuse?" - -"I do not say that, but--" - -"There is a but, then?" - -"There always is one." - -"Let me hear yours." - -"It is long past midnight." - -"What matter is that?" - -"Not much, I allow." - -"Well, what next?" - -"It is a long journey." - -"Our horses are good." - -"We risk not finding the hunter at our usual meeting place." - -"We will push on to his village." - -The tigrero looked at her attentively. - -"You have a great need to see Stronghand in that case?" he asked. - -"Most extreme." - -"It is more serious than you suppose, señorita." - -"Why so?" - -"Hang it! It is not so easy to enter an Indian village." - -"But you do so." - -"That is true; but I am alone and well known." - -"Well, I will go on after you; that is all." - -"Are you aware that the Indians have revolted?" - -"That does not concern you, as you are a friend of theirs." - -Mariano shook his head. - -"You ask a very difficult thing again, tocaya," he said, "in which you -run a great risk." - -"Yes, if I fail; but I shall succeed." - -"It would be better to give up this excursion." - -"Confess at once," she said, impatiently, "that you do not wish to keep -the promise you made me." - -"You are unjust to me; I am only trying to dissuade you from an -enterprise which you will repent when it is too late." - -"That is my business, I repeat, Mariano," she continued, with a marked -stress in her words; "it is not to gratify a caprice that I wish to -see the hunter. I have reasons of the utmost importance for wishing to -speak with him; and, to tell you all, he urged me to summon him under -certain circumstances, and told me I need only apply to you in order to -find him. Are you satisfied now? will you adhere to your doubts, and -still refuse to accompany me?" - -The young man had listened to Doña Marianna with earnest attention. -When she had ended, he replied--"I no longer hesitate, niña; as -things are so, I am bound to obey you. Still, I beg you not to make me -responsible for any events that may happen." - -"Whatever may occur, my kind Mariano, be assured that I shall be -grateful to you for the immense service you have rendered me." - -"And you wish to start at once?" - -"How far have we to ride?" - -"Some ten or twelve leagues." - -"Oh, that is nothing." - -"Not on a regular road; but I warn you that we shall be compelled to -follow hardly visible wild beast tracks." - -"The night is clear; we shall have sufficient light to guide us, so let -us start." - -"If you wish it," the young man answered. - -A few minutes later they left the rancho at a gallop. It was about -two in the morning; and the moon, which was at its full, lit up the -landscape as in bright day. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE EXCURSION. - - -As we have already said, Doña Marianna, although still so young, was -gifted with an ardent soul and an energetic character, which the -unusual dangers of a border life had, so to speak, unconsciously -ripened. In life these select organizations do not know themselves; -events alone, by exciting their living strength, reveal to them what -they are capable of at a given moment, by urging them bravely to endure -the attack of malignant fortune, and to contend resolutely with their -adversary. When the Marquis, forced by the necessities of his unhappy -condition, had a frank explanation with his children, and confessed to -them into what difficulties he was suddenly thrown, Doña Marianna had -listened to him with the most sustained attention. Then, by degrees, a -species of revolution took place in her. Stronghand's words reverted to -her mind, and she had a vague idea that he could avert the danger that -was suspended over her father's head. - -On recapitulating all that had occurred to her since her departure from -Rosario--the help the hunter had rendered her on various occasions with -unexampled devotion--the conversation she had held with him a few days -previously, and the promise she had made him--it appeared evident to -her that Stronghand, better informed than perhaps the Marquis himself -was about the machinations of his enemies, held in his hands the means -of saving the Moguer family, and parrying the blows which were about to -be dealt them in the dark. - -Then, full of hope, and confiding in the promises of this man, who had -never made his appearance except to prove his devotion to her, her -resolution was spontaneously formed, and without informing anyone of -the project she had conceived, for fear lest an effort might be made -to dissuade her, she went to her nurse's rancho, in order to obtain -an interview with the hunter by the agency of her foster mother. -Under existing circumstances, the step taken by Doña Marianna was -not at all easy, or without dangers. The daughter of the Marquis de -Moguer galloping at night along the Indian border, only accompanied by -one man--devoted, it is true, but who, in spite of all his courage, -would be powerless to defend her against an attack--displayed more -than temerity in this action; and however great her bravery was, and -the confidence she had in the honesty of the enterprise she was thus -blindly undertaking, still she could not refrain from an internal -shudder on thinking of her isolated position, and the ease with which -she might be surprised, carried off, or even massacred by the revolted -Indians. Too proud, however, to allow any of the secret fears that -agitated her to be seen, Doña Marianna affected a tranquillity and -freedom of mind she was far from feeling. She conversed in a low voice -with her foster brother, teasing and scolding him about the difficulty -he had made in granting her request, and describing her delight at a -ride through such exquisite scenery on so magnificent a night. - -Mariano did not think, and consequently did not understand what he -supposed was a girl's fancy. Accustomed since childhood to yield to -all the wishes of his foster sister, and obey her as a slave, he had -on this occasion done what she desired without trying to account for -such an unusual excursion, so happy did he feel at obliging her. At -the same time, he felt a lively pleasure at accompanying her, and thus -passing a few hours in her company. We must not mistake the feelings -that animated the tigrero for Doña Marianna. He loved his foster sister -with his whole soul, and would have gladly died for her; but this -feeling, lively as it was, had nothing personal or interested about -it; it was merely friendship, but a friendship elevated to the most -complete self-denial and the most entire devotion--in a word, to the -most sublime degree which this feeling can attain in the human heart. -Hence the tigrero, comprehending the responsibility weighing on him, -rode on, as is commonly said, with his beard on his shoulder, carefully -examining the bushes, listening to the desert sounds, and ready, on -the slightest alarm, bravely to defend the girl who had placed herself -under his guard. The country they were traversing, though rather -varied, was not, however, completely wooded: owing to the transparent -brightness of the night, the view extended for a great distance, which -removed all fears of a surprise, and gave a certain security to the -travellers; still, they at times, fancied they saw great shadows moving -on the riverbank, and flying at their approach. The young lady looked -round her curiously, and then asked the tigrero whether they would -soon reach the spot where Stronghand was. Mariano pointed out to her a -gentle eminence forming a bend of the river, on the top of which the -fugitive gleams of an expiring fire could be seen at intervals. - -"That is where we are going," he said. - -"Then we have only a few minutes' ride, and it is useless to hurry our -horses." - -"You are mistaken, niña. Not only is the track we are following very -winding, and will detain us, but, through an optical illusion easy to -be understood, this hill which you fancy so near to us is at least two -leagues distant as the crow flies; so that, taking into account the -windings, the distance is nearly doubled." - -"Can we not cut across country, and thus shorten the distance?" - -"Heaven forbid, niña! We should get into trembling prairies, in which -we should be swallowed up in a few minutes." - -"I trust to you in that case, Mariano; besides, now that, thanks to -that fire, I am certain of meeting the hunter, my anxiety is less -lively, and I will await patiently." - -"Permit me to remark, my dear tocaya, that I did not say certainly that -we should find Stronghand at this bivouac." - -"What did you tell me, then?" - -"Simply that we might hope to meet him here, because it is the spot -where he generally encamps when hunting in these parts." - -"Still, as we can perceive the flame of that watch fire--for that is -really a flame, is it not?" - -"Certainly; still, we have yet to learn whether this fire has been -kindled by Stronghand or some other hunter. This mound is one of the -most suitable places of encampment, owing to the height of the hill, -which allows the country to be surveyed, and thus avoid a surprise." - -"Then probably we shall not find the hunter at the encampment?" - -"I do not say that either, niña," Mariano answered, with a laugh. - -"But what do you mean?" the young lady said, impatiently patting the -pommel of her saddle with her little hand; "you are really unendurable." - -"Do not be angry, tocaya; I may be mistaken. If Stronghand is not here, -perhaps we may find a hunter who will tell us where he is." - -"Why not an Indian?" - -"Because there are no Indians at that campfire." - -"Tocayo, I must really ask this time how you can possibly know that?" - -"Very easily, niña; I do not require to be a sorcerer to guess so -simple a thing." - -"Do you consider it so simple?" - -"Certainly; nothing can be more so." - -"In that case I will ask you to explain, for it is always worth while -learning." - -"You fancy you are joking, niña; and yet there is always something to -be learned in the desert." - -"Good, good, tocayo; I know that; but I am waiting for your -explanation." - -"Listen then. This fire, as I told you, is not an Indian fire." - -"That is not exactly what you said to me. Go on, however." - -"The Indians, when they camp on the white man's border, never light a -fire, for fear of revealing their presence; or if compelled to light -one in order to cook their food, they are most careful to diminish the -flame, in the first place by digging a deep hole in the ground, and -next by only using extremely dry wood, which burns without crackling, -flaming, or producing smoke, and which they carry with them for long -distances, in case they might not find it on their road." - -"But, my friend, that fire is scarce visible." - -"That is true; but still it is sufficiently so for us to have perceived -it a long distance off, and thus discovered the existence of a bivouac -at this spot which, under present circumstances, would entail the -surprise and consequent death of the imprudent men who lit it, if they -were Indians instead of hunters." - -"Excellently reasoned, compañero, and like a man accustomed to a desert -life!" A rough, though good-humoured voice suddenly said, a few yards -from them. - -The travellers started and pulled up sharply, while anxiously -investigating the surrounding thickets. Mariano, however, did not lose -his head under these critical circumstances; but with a movement swift -as thought raised his rifle, and covered a man who was standing by the -side of a thicket, with his hands crossed on the muzzle of a long gun. - -"Hold, compadre!" the stranger continued, not at all disturbed by the -tigrero's hostile demonstration; "Pay attention to what you are about. -A thousand fiends! Do you know that you run a risk of killing a friend?" - -Mariano hesitated for a moment; and then, without raising his rifle, -remarked-- - -"I fancy I recognise that voice." - -"By Jove!" the other said, "It would be a fine joke if you did not." - -"Wait a minute; are you not Whistler?" - -"All right, you remember now," the Canadian said with a laugh; for the -person was really the hunter whom the reader saw for a moment at the -village of the Papazos. - -The tigrero uncocked his rifle, which he threw over his shoulder, and -said to Marianna--"It is a friend." - -"Are you quite sure of this man?" she asked in a low, quick voice. - -"As of myself." - -"Who is he?" - -"A Canadian hunter or trapper. He has all the defects of the race, but -at the same time all its qualities." - -"I will believe you, for his countrymen are generally regarded as -honest men. Ask him what he was doing on the skirt of the track." - -Mariano obeyed. - -"I was attending to my business," Whistler replied with a grin; "and -pray what may you be doing, so poorly accompanied at this hour of the -night, when the Indians have taken the field?" - -"I am travelling, as you see." - -"Yes, but every journey has an object, I suppose." - -"It has." - -"Well, I do not see what end yours can achieve by continuing in that -direction." - -"Still, we are going to do so till we have found the man we are in -search of." - -"I will not ask you any questions, although I may perhaps have a right -to do so; still, I fancy you would act more wisely in turning back than -in obstinately going on." - -"I am not able to do so." - -"Why not?" - -"Because I have not the command of the expedition, and I cannot -undertake such a responsibility." - -"Ah, who is the chief, then? I only see two persons." - -"You seem to forget, señor," Doña Marianna said, joining in the -conversation for the first time, "that one of these two persons is a -female." - -"Of course she must command," the trapper answered with a courteous -bow; "pray excuse me, madam." - -"I the more willingly do so, because I hope to obtain from you -important information about the object of the journey we have -undertaken, perhaps somewhat too carelessly, in these desolate -regions." - -"I shall be too happy to be agreeable to you, my lady, if it be in my -power." - -"Permit me, in that case, to ask you a few questions." - -"Pray do so." - -"I wish to know what the camp is whose watch fires I perceive a short -distance off." - -"A hunter's bivouac." - -"Only hunters?" - -"Yes, they are all white hunters or trappers." - -"I thank you, señor. Do you know these men?" - -"Very well, considering I am a member of the band." Doña Marianna -hesitated for a moment. - -"Forgive me, sir," she continued, "I am in search of a hunter with whom -grave reasons force me to desire an immediate interview; perhaps he is -among your comrades." - -"Do you know him personally, madam?" - -"Yes, and am under great obligations to him. He is called Stronghand." - -The trapper eagerly walked up to the young lady, and attentively -examined her. - -"You wish to have an immediate interview with Stronghand?" - -"Yes, I repeat, señor, for reasons of the highest importance." - -"In case you are Doña Marianna de Moguer." - -"What!" she exclaimed, in surprise, "You know my name?" - -"That needs not astonish you, madam," he said, with the most exquisite -politeness; "I am the intimate friend of Stronghand. Without entering -into any details that might justly offend you, my friend told me that -you might perchance come and ask for him at our campfire." - -"He knew it, then," she murmured, in a trembling voice; "but how did he -learn it?" - -Though these words were uttered in a whisper, Whistler heard them. - -"He doubtless hoped it would be so, without daring to credit it, -madam," he answered. - -"Good heavens!" she continued, "What does this mean?" - -"That my friend, in his eager desire to be agreeable to you, and -foreseeing the chance of your coming during his absence, warned me, -in order to spare you a very difficult search, and thus induce you to -grant me a little of that confidence you deign to honour him with." - -"I thank you, sir. Now that you know me, would it be taxing your -courtesy too greatly to ask you to guide my companion and myself to -your bivouac?" - -"I am at your orders, madam, and believe me that you will receive a -proper reception, even though my friend does not happen to be there at -the moment." - -"What!" she said, suddenly checking her horse, "Can he be absent?" - -"Yes, but do not let that cause you any anxiety; he will soon return. - -"Good heavens!" she murmured, clasping her hands in grief. - -"Madam," Whistler again continued, "I understand that the reasons -which urged you to undertake such a journey must be of the utmost -importance; let me, therefore, go on ahead to the camp, and make all -the preparations for your reception." - -"But Stronghand, señor?" - -"Warned through me, madam, he will be back by daybreak." - -"You promise me that, señor." - -"On my honour." - -"Go, then, and may Heaven requite you for the goodwill and courtesy you -show me." - -Whistler bowed respectfully to the young lady, took his rifle under his -arm, and soon disappeared in the forest. - -"We can now go on without fear," said Mariano; "I know Whistler to be -an honest, worthy fellow, and he will do what he has promised." - -"Heaven grant I may see the man whom I have come so far to meet." - -"You will see him, be assured; moreover, all precautions were taken in -the event of your visit." - -"Yes," she murmured, pausing; "and it is this which renders me alarmed. -Well, I put my trust in the Virgin." - -And flogging her horse, she went on her way, followed by the tigrero, -who, according to his habit, could not at all comprehend this remark, -after the desire the young lady had evinced to see the hunter. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE HUNTER'S CAMP. - - -It was no great distance to the bivouac, and the travellers reached it -about half an hour after Whistler. Still, though this period was so -short, the worthy Canadian had profited by it to erect for the young -lady, who thanked him by a smile, a jacal of branches, under which she -found a shelter as comfortable as desert life permits. The hunters' -camp had a military look, which greatly perplexed Doña Marianna. Strong -wooden palisades defended all the approaches; the horses, which were -ready saddled, were fastened to pickets; several watch fires, lighted -at regular distances, sufficiently illumined the plain to prevent -the approach of an enemy, whether man or beast; and four sentinels, -standing rifle in hand on the entrenchments, followed with a vigilant -eye the slightest undulations of the lofty pass. Some thirty men, -with harsh and irregular features, clothed after the fashion of wood -rangers, in fur caps, cotton shirts, and leather calzoneras, were lying -in front of the fires, rifle in hand, in order to be ready for the -first alarm. - -Orders had probably been given beforehand by Whistler, for the -sentinels allowed the two travellers to pass unquestioned through a -breach in the entrenchments, which was immediately closed after them -again. The Canadian was awaiting them in front of the jacal; he helped -Doña Marianna to dismount, and the horses were led to join the others, -and supplied with a copious meal of alfalfa. - -"You are welcome among us, señora," he said with a respectful bow; -"in this jacal, which no one will enter save yourself, there is a -bed of skins, on which you can take a few hours' rest while awaiting -Stronghand's arrival." - -"I thank you, señor, for this graceful attention, by which I cannot -profit, however, till you have reiterated your promise." - -"Señorita, two horsemen have already set out to fetch Stronghand, but I -repeat, that he cannot be here for some hours; now, if you will accept -the humble refreshment prepared for you--" - -"I only require rest, señor; still I am not the less obliged to you for -your offer. With your permission, I will retire." - -"You are the mistress here, madam." - -The young lady smiled, pressed her foster brother's hand, and entered -the jacal. So soon as Doña Marianna had let fall after her the blanket -which formed the doorway, the tigrero quietly removed his zarapé from -his shoulders, and laid it on the ground. - -"What is that for, comrade?" Whistler asked, astonished at the -performance. - -"You see, compadre, I am making my bed." - -"Do you mean to sleep there?" - -"Why not?" - -"As you please; still, you will be cold, that is all." - -"Nonsense! A night is soon spent, especially when so far advanced as -this one is." - -"I trust that you do not doubt us." - -"No, Whistler, no; but Doña Marianna is my foster sister, and I am -bound to watch over her." - -"That care concerns me at the moment; so do not be at all alarmed." - -"Two sentries are better than one; besides, you know me, do you not? -Although I place the utmost confidence in you, I will not surrender -the guardianship of my tocaya to another man; that is my idea, whether -right or wrong, and I shall not give it up." - -"As you please," the trapper said, with a laugh. - -And he left him at liberty to make his arrangements as he pleased. The -tigrero, though he knew most of the hunters, or, perhaps, because he -knew them, did not wish to leave his foster sister unprotected among -these reckless men, who, accustomed to the utter license of a desert -life, might, under the influence of strong liquors, forget the sacred -duties of hospitality, and insult Doña Marianna. In this the young man, -in spite of his desert experience, was completely mistaken. - -We have no intention to attempt the rehabilitation of these men, who, -generally endowed with evil instincts, and who do not wish to yield to -the demands of civilization, retire into the desert in order to live as -they like, and seek liberty in license; still, we will mention in their -honour, that a nomadic life, after a certain lapse of time, completely -modifies their character, curbs their passions, and so subjects them -that they gradually become purified by constant danger and privations, -by getting rid of all that was bad in them, and retaining beneath their -rough bark and coarse manners principles of honesty and devotion of -which they would have been considered incapable at an earlier period. -What we say here is scrupulously true of about two-thirds at least of -the bold pioneers who traverse in all directions the vast savannahs of -the New World; the others are incorrigible, and within a given time -end by becoming real bandits, and carry their contingent of crime to -those formidable bands of pirates of the prairies, who ambush like -hideous birds of prey to await the passage of caravans, and plunder and -massacre the travellers. - -But, whether good or bad, the dwellers on the prairie--no matter if -whites, half-breeds, or Redskins, trappers, pirates, or Indians--have -one virtue in common, and whose duties they carry out with remarkable -punctuality and generosity, and that is hospitality. A traveller -surprised by night, and wearied by a long journey, may, if he see a -campfire in the huts of an Indian village, present himself without -fear, and claim hospitality. From that moment he is sacred to the men -he applies to, no matter if they be Indians, bravos, hunters, or even -pirates. These individuals, who would not have scrupled to assassinate -him by the side of a ditch, treat him like a brother, show him the most -delicate attentions, and will never make any insulting allusions to -the length of his stay among them; on the contrary, he is at liberty -to remain as long as he pleases, and when he takes leave his hosts say -good-bye regretfully. At the same time it is true that, if they meet -him a week after in the forest, they will kill him without mercy to -raise his hair and take his weapons; but this need only be apprehended -with the pirates and some Indian tribes of the far west. As for the -hunters, when a stranger has once slept by their side and shared their -food, he is for ever sacred to them. - -The tigrero, therefore, was completely mistaken when he feared lest -Doña Marianna might be insulted by these men, who, although coarse, -were honest and loyal in the main; and who, flattered by the confidence -this lovely, innocent girl placed in them, would, on the contrary, have -gladly defended her had it been necessary. - -Whistler went off with a laugh, and lay down by the side of his -comrades. As we have already said, the night was far advanced when Doña -Marianna and her travelling companion reached the camp of the hunters; -a few hours at the most separated them from sunrise: and the young -lady, who at first resolved to spend these hours awake, overcome by -fatigue, had yielded to sleep, and enjoyed a calm and refreshing rest. -So soon as day began to appear, Doña Marianna repaired as well as she -could the disorder produced in her dress by her lengthened journey, -rose and went to the door of the jacal. The camp was still plunged in -the deepest silence: with the exceptions of the sentries still on the -watch, the hunters were fast asleep. - -The dawn was just breaking, and striping the horizon with wide -vermillion bands; the sharp and rather cold morning breeze rustled -softly through the branches; the flowers that enamelled the prairie -raised themselves, and expanded the corollas to receive the first -sunbeams; the numberless streams, whose silvery waters made their way -through the tall grass, murmured over the white and grey pebbles as -they bore their tribute to the Rio Bravo del Norte, whose capricious -windings could be guessed in the distance, owing to the thick cloud -of vapour that constantly rose from it and brooded over its bed. -The birds, still hidden beneath the foliage, were timidly preluding -their harmonious concert; the glad earth, the bright sky, the serene -atmosphere, the pure light--all, in a word, revealed that the day -which had now entirely appeared was about to be tranquil and lovely. - -The maiden, refreshed by the rest she had enjoyed, felt herself newborn -as she breathed the first exhalations of the flowers and the sharp -odour which is found in the desert alone. Without venturing to quit -the jacal, in front of which the tigrero was lying, she surveyed the -surrounding landscape, which, thanks to the elevation she stood at, -lay expanded at her feet for a long distance. The profound calmness -of reawakening nature, the powerful harmonies of the desert, filled -the maiden's heart with a gentle melancholy; she pensively indulged -in those thoughts which the great spectacles of nature ever arouse in -minds unaffected by human passions. In the meanwhile the sun ascended -the horizon, and the last shadows melted away in the dazzling beams -propelled by the daystar. Suddenly the girl uttered an exclamation of -delight, for she noticed a band of horsemen fording the stream, and -apparently coming in the direction of the hill. At the cry his foster -sister uttered, the tigrero bounded to his feet and stood by her side, -rifle in hand, ready to defend her if necessary. - -"Good morning, tocayo," she said to him. - -"Heaven keep you, niña!" he replied, with a shade of anxiety. "Have you -slept well?" - -"I could not have done so better, Mariano." - -"All right then; but why did you utter that cry?" - -"I cried out, my friend, and scarce know why." - -"Ah, yes--stay; look at those horsemen coming up at full speed." - -"Caray! How they gallop! They will be here within half an hour." - -"Do you think that Stronghand is among them?" - -"I suppose so, niña." - -"And I am sure of it," said Whistler, with a respectful bow to the -young lady; "I have recognised him, señorita; so will you allow that I -have kept my promise?" - -"Most fully, señor; and I know not how to express my thanks for the -hearty hospitality you have given me." - -"I have no claim to any thanks from you, señorita, as I have only -carried out my friend's intention; niña, it is to him alone you should -offer thanks, if you consider that you ought to make them." - -In the meanwhile the camp was aroused; the hunters were yawning, and -turned to their daily avocations; some led their horses to the watering -place, others kindled the fires; some cut the wood requisite to keep -them up, while two or three of the older men acted as cooks, and got -breakfast ready for the party. The camp changed its appearance in a -minute; it lived the nervous, agitated life of the desert, in which -each man performs his task with the feverish speed of persons who are -aware of the value of time, and do not wish to lose it. The young lady, -at first surprised by the cries, laughter, and unaccustomed movement -that prevailed around her, began to grow used to it, and eagerly -watched the occupations of the men she had beneath her eyes. A sharp -challenge of "Who goes there?" suddenly made her raise her head. - -"A friend!" a voice she at once recognised answered from without. - -Suddenly a band of horsemen entered the camp, at their head being -Stronghand. The young man dismounted, and after exchanging a few words -with Whistler, he went straight up to the maiden, who was standing -motionless in the doorway of the jacal, and watching his approach -with amazement. In fact, as we have said, Stronghand was not alone; -several persons accompanied him, among them being Thunderbolt and Doña -Esperanza; the rest were confidential Indian servants. When Stronghand -came in front of the young lady, he bowed to her respectfully, and then -turned to the persons who accompanied him. - -"Permit me, señorita," he said to her, "to present to you my mother, -Doña Esperanza, and my father; both love you, though they do not know -you, and insisted on accompanying me." - -The maiden, blushing with joy at this delicate attention on the part -of the hunter, who thus placed their interview beneath the safeguard -of his father and mother, replied with emotion--"I am delighted, -señor, with this kind inspiration of your heart; it augments, were it -possible, the confidence I have placed in you, and the gratitude I felt -for the eminent services you have rendered me." - -Doña Esperanza and the sachem embraced the girl, who, at once ashamed -and joyous at the friendship of these persons, whose exterior was at -once so imposing and so venerable, knew not how to respond to their -caresses and the kindness they evinced to her. In the meanwhile the -hunters had raised, with great skill and speed, a tent, under which -the four persons were at once protected from the curious glances of -the persons who surrounded them. Through that innate feeling of women, -which makes them love or detest each other at the first glance, Doña -Esperanza and the young lady at once felt attracted to each other by -a natural movement of sympathy, and leaving the gentlemen to their -occupations, they withdrew on one side, and began an animated and -friendly conversation. Doña Marianna, subjugated by Doña Esperanza's -seductive manner, and drawn toward her by a feeling of attraction for -which she did not attempt to account, as she felt so happy with her, -spoke to her open-heartedly; but then she was greatly surprised to see -that this lady, whom she was bound to suppose an entire stranger, was -perfectly acquainted with all that related to her family, and knew her -father's affairs better than she did herself; her amazement increased -when Doña Esperanza explained in the fullest details the reasons that -occasioned her presence in the hunter's camp, and the precarious -position to which the Marquis de Moguer was reduced. - -"I could add many more surprising things, my dear girl," Doña Esperanza -continued with a smile, "but I do not wish to fatigue you at present; -sufficient for you to know that we really take an interest in your -family, and that it will not be our fault if your father is not soon -freed from all his cares." - -"Oh, how good you are, madam!" the young lady exclaimed, warmly; "How -can I have merited such lively interest on your part?" - -"That must not trouble you at all, my dear girl; the step you have -taken today to come to your father's assistance, and the confidence -you have placed in my son, are for us proofs of the loftiness of your -feelings and the purity of your heart. Although we are almost Indians," -she added with a smile, "we have white blood enough in our veins to -remember what we owe to persons of that race." - -The conversation went on thus between the two ladies on a footing of -frank friendliness, until the moment when Stronghand came to interrupt -it, by stating that breakfast was ready, and that they were only -waiting for them to sit down. The tigrero and the Canadian had both -been invited to share the meal, but they declined the invitation under -the pretext that they did not like to eat with persons so high above -them in rank, but in reality, because the worthy wood rangers preferred -breakfasting without ceremony. Stronghand did not press them, and -allowed them to do as they pleased. Doña Marianna bit her lips in order -to suppress a smile when the hunter informed her that they were about -to sit down to table; for, owing to her recent journey and her life on -the Indian border, the young lady was well aware that such meals were -extremely simple, and eaten on the grass. Hence her surprise was at its -height when, after passing into a separate compartment of the tent, -she perceived a table laid with a luxury which would have been justly -admired even in Mexico: nothing was wanting, even to massive plate -and valuable crystal. The dishes, it is true, were simple, and merely -consisted of venison and fruit; but all had a stamp of true grandeur, -which it was impossible not to appreciate at the first glance. The -contrast offered by this table, so elegantly and comfortably laid, was -the greater, because, behind the canvas of the tent, desert life could -be seen in all its simplicity. - -The young lady seated herself between Thunderbolt and Doña Esperanza, -Stronghand sat down opposite to her, and two menservants waited. In -spite of the agreeable surprise which the impromptu comfort of this -repast, prepared for her alone, caused her, the young lady did not at -all display her surprise, but she ate heartily and gaily, thus thanking -her hosts for the delicate attentions they showed her. When the -dainties were placed on the table, and the meal was drawing to a close, -Stronghand bowed to Doña Marianna. - -"Señorita," he said, with a smile, "before we begin a serious -conversation, which might, at this moment, appear to you untimely, be -kind enough to permit my mother to tell us one of the charming Indian -legends with which she generally enlivens the close of our meals." - -Doña Marianna was at first surprised by this proposition, made, -without any apparent motive, at the close of a lively conversation; -but imagining that the hunter's remarks concealed a serious purpose, -and that the legend, under its frivolous aspect, would entail valuable -results for her, she answered with her sweetest smile--"I shall listen -with the greatest pleasure to the narrative the señora is about to tell -us, because my nurse, who is of Indian origin, was wont to lull me to -sleep with these legends, which have left a deep and most agreeable -impression on my mind." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -THE LEGEND. - - -Doña Esperanza exchanged a look with the sachem, and after reflecting -a moment, as if recalling her ideas, she said to Doña Marianna, in -her gentle, sympathising voice--"My dear girl, before beginning my -narrative, I must inform you that I belong to the Aztec race, and am -descended in a direct line from the kings of that people. Hence, the -story you are about to hear, though simple in its form, is completely -exact, and has dwelt among us intact for generations. I trust," she -added, with a stress, "that it will interest you." - -Then turning to one of the criados who stood motionless behind the -guests, she said--"The quipos." - -The criado went out, and almost immediately returned with a bag of -perfumed tapir skin, which he handed his mistress with a bow. The -latter opened it, and drew out several cords plaited of different -coloured threads, divided at regular distances by knots mingled with -shells and beads. These cords are called quipos, and are employed by -the Indians to keep up the memory of events that have occurred during -a long course of years, and thus represent books. Still, it requires -a special study to understand these quipos, and few people are capable -of deciphering them, the more so as the Indians, who are very jealous -about keeping their historical secrets, only permit a small number -of adepts to learn the explanation, which renders any knowledge of -Indian history almost impossible for white men. Doña Esperanza, after -attentively examining the quipos, selected one, replaced the others in -the bag, and letting the knots of the rope glide through her fingers, -much as a monk does with his beads when telling his rosary, she began -her narrative. - -For fear of injuring this story, whose truth cannot be doubted, -and which we ourselves heard told in an atepetl of the Papazos, we -will leave it in all its native rudeness, without attempting to -adorn it with flowers of European metaphors, which, in our opinion, -would deprive it of its peculiar character. Doña Esperanza spoke as -follows:--"At a certain period of the year," she said, while beginning -to feel the quipos, which served her, as it were, as a book, "long -before the appearance of white men on the red territory, a numerous -band of Chichimeques and Toltequez, who originally dwelt at the lakes, -becoming dissatisfied, resolved to emigrate to the south-west in -pursuit of the buffaloes, and carried out their resolve." - -"At Salt Lake they divided, and those who remained continued to -bear their primitive name; while the others, for an unknown motive, -assumed that of Comanches. These Comanches, more enterprising than -their brothers, continued their journey till they reached the banks -of the Rio Gila, where they encamped and divided again. One band, -which resolved not to go farther, was christened by the others, who -determined to press on, the 'Great Ears;' but the whites who first -discovered them called them 'Opatas.' The remainder of the band -continued to march in the same direction, and found the Rio Bravo -del Norte at the mouth of the Rio Puerco. They had only two principal -chiefs left, and gave themselves the name of Neu-ta-che, which means, -'those who reach the river's mouth.' One of the chiefs had an only son, -and the other a lovely daughter, and the young people loved each other. -But this raised the anger of the father of the unhappy girl to such a -height, that he made his band arm and prepare to fight. But the father -and the young man crossed the Rio Gila, and buried themselves with -their band in the territory afterwards called by the white man Señora -or Sonora, where they settled, and continued to reside peacefully -until the period when the whites, ever in search of new lands, arrived -there in their turn, and after many cruel wars, succeeded in gaining -possession of the country." - -"The Comanches had founded several towns in Sonora, and, in accordance -with their constant habit, in the neighbourhood of the gold and -silver mines they discovered, and begun to work. One of their towns, -perhaps the richest and most populous, had for its chief a warrior -justly renowned for his wisdom in council, and valour in the combat. -This chief was called Quetzalmalin--that is to say, the 'Twisted -Feather.' His nobility was great, and very ancient; he justly declared -that he was descended in a direct line from Acamapichtzin, first -king of Mexico, whose hieroglyphic he retained on the totem of his -tribe, through that veneration which our fathers displayed for their -ancestors. This hieroglyphic, which his descendants have preciously -retained, is composed of a hand grasping a number of reeds, which is -the literal translation of the name of the noble chief of the race. -Twisted Feather had a daughter, eighteen summers old, lovely and -graceful: her name was Ova, and she ran over the prairie grass without -bending it; gentle, pensive, and timid as the virgin of the first -loves, her black eyes had not yet been fixed on one of the warriors of -the tribe, who all sought to please her." - -"Ova wore a tunic of water-green colour, fastened round her waist by -a wampum belt, with a large golden buckle. When she danced before her -father, the old man's forehead became unwrinkled, and a sunbeam passed -into his eyes. Her father had often told her that it was time for her -to marry, but Ova shook her head with a smile; she was happy, and the -little bird that speaks to the heart of maidens had not yet sung to her -the gentle strains of love." - -"Still a moment arrived when Ova lost all her careless gaiety. The -young girl, so laughing and so wild, became suddenly pensive and -dreamy--she loved." - -"Ova went to find her father. The chief at this moment was presiding -over the great council of the nation in the great medicine calli. The -maiden advanced, and knelt respectfully before her father." - -"'What is it, my daughter?' the chief said, as he passed his hand -gently through her long hair, which was fine as aloe threads." - -"'My father,' she replied, looking down modestly, 'I love, and am -beloved.'" - -"'My daughter, what is the name of the chief who is so happy that your -choice should have fallen on him?'" - -"'He is not a chief, my father; he is, perchance, one of the most -obscure warriors of the tribe, although he is one of the bravest. He -works in the gold mine that belongs to you.'" - -"The chief frowned, and a flash of anger sparkled in his glance." - -"'My father,' the maiden continued, as she embraced his legs, 'if I did -not marry him, I should die.'" - -"The chief gazed at his daughter for a moment, and saw her so sad and -resigned, that pity entered his heart. He, too, loved his daughter--his -only child; for the Master of Life had called away the others to the -happy hunting grounds. The aged man did not wish his daughter to die." - -"'You shall marry the man you love,' he said to her." - -"'Do you promise it to me on the sacred totem of the nation, father?'" - -"'On the sacred totem of the nation I promise it; speak, therefore, -without fear. What is the name of the man you love?'" - -"'He is called the Clouded Snake, father.'" - -"The old man sighed." - -"'He is very poor,' he muttered." - -"'I am rich enough for both.'" - -"'Be it so. You shall marry him, my daughter.'" - -"Ova rose, sparkling with joy and happiness, bowed to the assembly, and -left the medicine lodge." - -"Clouded Snake was poor, it is true--even very poor, since he was -constrained to work in the gold mine; but he was young, he was brave, -and was considered the handsomest of all the warriors of his age." - -"Tall, robust, and muscular, Clouded Snake formed as complete a -contrast with Ova, who was pale and frail, as a noble buffalo does with -a graceful antelope. Perhaps their love emanated from this contrast." - -"The young man, though he was so poor, found means to give his -betrothed perfumes of grizzly bears' grease, necklaces of alligators' -teeth, and wampum girdles." - -"The young people Were happy. On the eve of the marriage, Clouded Snake -laid at Ova's feet buckles of gold and two bracelets of shells, mingled -with beads of pure gold." - -"Ova accepted these presents with a smile, and said to her betrothed, -as she left him,--" - -"'Farewell; we part today to see each other tomorrow, and tomorrow we -shall be united for ever.'" - -"On the next day Clouded Snake did not come. Ova waited for several -months; Clouded Snake did not reappear." - -"In vain, by the chief's orders, was the young man sought for -throughout the country; no one had seen him, no one had heard speak of -him." - -"Clouded Snake no longer existed, except in the heart of Ova." - -"She wept for him, and people tried to make her believe that he had -gone to fight the white men; but Ova shook her head, and wiped away her -tears." - -"Forty times did the snow cover the summit of the mountains, and yet -it had been impossible to clear up the mystery of Clouded Snake's -disappearance." - -"One day some labourers at work in the gold mine, which had belonged -to Ova's father, and was now her property, while going far down an old -gallery which had been abandoned for a long time, exhumed a corpse as -miraculously preserved as the mummies of the _teocallis_ are in their -bandages." - -"The warriors flocked up to see this strange corpse, clothed in a dress -belonging to another age, and no one recognised it." - -"Ova, who was then old, and who, to please her father had married -the great chief of his nation when her last hope expired, went with -her husband to the spot where the corpse was exposed to the sight of -visitors." - -"Suddenly she started, and tears darted from her eyes; she had -recognised Clouded Snake, as handsome as on the day when she left him -with the hope of a speedy reunion. She, on the other hand, aged and -bowed down more by grief than years, was weak and tottering." - -"Ova wished that the corpse of the man whom she had been on the point -of marrying, and whom the evil spirit had torn from her, should be -restored to the mine from which it had been removed after forty years. -The mine, by the orders of the chief's wife, although extremely rich, -was abandoned and shut up." - -"Ova ordered a hieroglyphic to be carved on the stone that covers the -body of her betrothed, which may be thus translated:--'This sepulchre -is without a body; this body is without a sepulchre; but by itself it -is a sepulchre and a body.'" - -"Such," Doña Esperanza added, as she finished the legend, and laid -down the quipos, "is the story of the lovely Ova, daughter of the -great chief Twisted Feather, and of Clouded Snake the miner, just as -it occurred, and just as Ova herself ordered it to be preserved by a -special quipos for future ages." - -Doña Esperanza stopped, and there was a moment's silence. - -"Well, señorita," the sachem asked, "has the legend interested you?" - -"Through its simplicity it is most touching, señor," the young lady -answered; "still, there is something vague and unsettled about the -whole story, which impairs its effect." - -Thunderbolt smiled gently. - -"You find, do you not, that we are not told the precise spot where -the events of the narrative occurred, that Sonora is very large, and -that the town in which Twisted Feather commanded is not sufficiently -indicated?" - -"Pardon me, señor," the young lady remarked, with a blush, "such -geographical notions, though doubtless very useful in settling the spot -where events have occurred, interest me personally very slightly. What -I find incomplete is the story itself; the rest does not concern me." - -"More so than you suppose, perhaps, señorita," the sachem remarked; -"but pray be good enough to state your objections more fully." - -"Excuse me, señor, but I have not yet recovered from the surprise which -the events that have occurred during the last few hours have occasioned -me, and I explain myself badly, in spite of my efforts." - -"What do you mean, señorita, and to what events are you referring?" - -"To those which are taking place at this very moment. Having started -from home to ask an interview of a wood ranger, whom I naturally -supposed encamped in the open air, and shared the life of privations -of his fellows, I meet, on the contrary, persons who overwhelm me -with attentions, and, under an Indian appearance, conceal all the -refinements of the most advanced civilization. You can understand how -this strange contrast with what surrounds me must surprise, almost -frighten me, who am a young girl, ignorant of the world, and have -undertaken a step which many persons would disapprove if they knew it." - -"You are going too far, my dear child," Doña Esperanza replied, as -she tenderly embraced her; "what you have seen here ought not to -surprise you. My husband is one of the principal chiefs of the great -Confederation of the Papazos; but he and I, in other times, lived the -life of white men. When we withdrew to the desert, we took with us our -civilized habits, and that is the entire mystery. As for the step you -have taken, it has nothing that is not most honourable to you." - -"I thank you for these kind remarks, and the interpretation you are -pleased to give to a step conceived, perhaps, a little too giddily, -and executed more giddily still." - -"Do not regret it, señorita," said Thunderbolt; "perhaps it has helped -your father's affairs more than you suppose." - -"As for the story of Ova," Doña Esperanza continued, with a gentle -smile, "this is how it ended:--the poor woman died of despair a few -days after the discovery of the man she ought to have married, and whom -she had held in such tender memory for so long a time. At her last hour -she expressed a desire to be united in death to the man from whom she -had been separated in life. This last wish was carried out. The two -betrothed repose side by side in the mine, which was at once closed -again, and no one has dreamed of opening it up to the present day." - -"I thank you, señora, for completing your narrative. Still," Marianna -said, with a sigh, "this gold mine must, in my opinion, be very poor, -since the Spaniards, when they seized the country, did not attempt to -work it." - -"Not at all, my dear child; on the contrary, it is excessively rich. -But Ova's secret has been so well kept that the Spaniards remained in -ignorance of its existence." - -The two ladies were by this time alone, as the sachem and his son had -left the tent. - -"It is strange," the maiden murmured, answering her own thoughts rather -than Doña Esperanza's remark. - -The earnestness with which the lady insisted on referring to the legend -astounded and interested her. A secret foreboding warned her that the -story had a hidden object, whose importance still escaped her, though -she was burning to discover it. Doña Esperanza attentively followed in -her face the various feelings that agitated her, and were reflected -in her expressive face as in a mirror. She continued--"This is why -the mine was not discovered when the Spaniards seized the town where -it was situated. It had been stopped up for a very long time. The old -inhabitants were killed or expelled by the conquerors; and those who -escaped were careful not to reveal this secret to their oppressors. -The latter destroyed the town, and built an immense hacienda over its -mines." - -"But--pardon me for questioning you thus, señora--how have all these -facts come to your knowledge?" - -"For a very simple reason, my dear child. Ova was my ancestress, and -the knowledge of this mine is consequently a family secret for us. I -am, perhaps, the only person in the world who at the present day knows -its exact position." - -"Yes, I understand you," the young lady said, becoming very pensive. - -"Still you are trying to discover, are you not, my dear child?" the old -lady continued, kindly interrogating her, "Why, instead of letting you -speak of the important matters that brought you here, my son urged you -to ask this story of me; and why, without pity for your filial sorrow, -I consented to do so; and why, now that it is ended, I am anxious for -you to learn the minutest details." - -The girl hid her face in the old lady's bosom, and burst into tears. - -"Yes," she said, "you have understood me, madam, and pray pardon me." - -"Pardon you for what, my dear child? For loving your father? On the -contrary, you are quite right. But yours is no common nature, my -child; though we have only been acquainted for a few hours, you have -sufficiently appreciated my character, I think, to recognise the -interest I take in you." - -"Yes, yes, I believe you, madam; I must believe you." - -"Well, console yourself, my dear girl; do not weep thus, or I shall be -forced to follow your example; and I have still some details to add to -this interminable story." - -The maiden smiled through her tears. "Oh, you are so kind, madam," she -answered. - -"No, I love you, that is all, and," she added, with a sigh, "I have -done so for a long time." - -Doña Marianna gazed at her with amazement. - -"Yes, that surprises you," she continued, "and I can well understand -it. But enough of this subject for the present, my darling, and let us -return to what I wanted to say to you." - -"Oh, I am listening to you, madam." - -"I will now tell you where Ova's town stood, and its name. It was -called Cibola." - -"Cibola!" the girl exclaimed. - -"Yes, dear child, the very spot where the Hacienda del Toro was -afterwards built by your ancestor, the Marquis de Moguer. Now do you -understand me?" - -Without replying, Doña Marianna threw herself into the old lady's arms, -who pressed her tenderly to her bosom. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -KIDD REAPPEARS. - - -Kidd had left the atepetl of the Papazos with rage in his heart, and -revolved in his mind the most terrible schemes of vengeance. Not -that the bandit had in his gangrened heart any sensitive chord which -noble sentiment could cause to vibrate; to him it was a matter of the -slightest importance that he had been publicly branded and expelled -like the lowest scoundrel; humiliation glided over him without -affecting him, and what most enraged him was to see the fortune dried -up which Don Marcos de Niza had momentarily flashed before his greedy -eyes, and which he hoped, by dissimulation and treachery, to invest -in his capacious pocket in the shape of gold ounces. Now he could no -longer dream of it; the slightest information he could henceforth -accidentally pick up would not be sufficiently important to be paid for -at the price given for the first. - -There was something desperate in such an alternative for a man like -the bandit; but what should he do? With all his other qualities, the -adventurer combined the rather strange one, for him, of only being -brave like the Coyotes, which only attack in pairs, and when they are -certain of conquering; that is to say, he was an utter coward when -compelled to meet an enemy face to face, although he would not hesitate -to kill him from behind a bush. The adventurer did not deceive himself -about this peculiarity of his character, and the mere idea of picking -a quarrel with Stronghand caused him an instinctive terror, externally -revealed by a general trembling. - -He therefore very sadly and despairingly proceeded, along the road to -the Real de Minas, not knowing yet whether he should enter the pueblo, -or push further on and seek fortune elsewhere, when his attention was -attracted to the left hand of the road he was following by an unusual -and continuous undulation of the tall grass. The bandit's first impulse -was to stop, dismount, and conceal himself and his horse behind an -aloe tree, which afforded a temporary shelter. It is extraordinary to -see how villains, who care nothing for the life of others, display -remarkable instinct of self-preservation, and what tricks they employ -to escape an often imaginary danger. When the bandit believed himself -in safety, at least for the moment, he began watching most carefully -the undulation of the grass, which incessantly drew nearer to him. - -A quarter of an hour passed thus; then the grass parted, and the bandit -perceived three horsemen coming towards him, entirely dressed in black. -With that peculiar scent scoundrels have for detecting policemen, -Kidd did not deceive himself; he at once recognised the three persons -as belonging to the noble corporation of Alguaciles. A fourth, also -dressed in black, in whose ugly features an expression of bestial craft -and wickedness seemed to be reflected, was evidently the leader of the -party,--an Alguacil mayor, a race of rapacious vultures, without heart -or entrails; a manso Indian, dressed in torn trousers, and with bare -head, arms, and legs, was running in front of the others, and evidently -acting as guide. - -"Hold, José!" the most important of the men shouted to the Indian, -employing the general nickname of these poor fellows. "Hold, José! -Mind you do not lead us astray, scoundrel, if you do not want to have -your ribs broken; we must arrive this night at the Real de Minas of -Quitovar, whither important business summons us." - -"You would arrive there before two o'clock, Excellency," the Indian -answered, with a crafty laugh, "if instead of riding at a foot pace -you would consent to give your mule the spurs; if not we shall not get -there till after sunset." - -"_¡Válgame dios!_" the first speaker said, angrily; "What will my -honourable client, El Señor Senator Don Rufino Contreras say, who -must have been awaiting my arrival for several days with the utmost -impatience?" - -"Nonsense, Excellency! You will arrive soon enough to torture honest -people." - -"What do you dare to say, scoundrel?" the bailiff exclaimed, raising -the chicote he held in his hand. - -The Indian parried with a stick the blow which would have otherwise -fallen on his loins, and answered drily, as he seized the mule by the -bridle, and made it rear, to the great alarm of the rider,-- - -"Take care, señor; though you call me José, and treat me no better nor -worse than a brute, we are no longer in one of your civilized towns, -but on the prairie; here I have my foot on my native heath, and will -not put up with the slightest insult from you. Treat me as an idiot, -if you like, and I shall not care for it, as it comes from one whom I -utterly despise; but bear this in mind,--on the slightest threatening -gesture you make, I will immediately thrust my knife into your heart." - -And while saying this, the man flashed in the bailiffs terrified face a -long knife, whose blue blade had a sinister lustre. - -"You are mad, José--quite mad," the other answered, affecting a -tranquillity he was far from feeling at the announcement; "I never -intended to insult you, and I shall never do so; so let go my mule's -bridle, pray, and we will continue our journey in peace." - -"That will do," the Indian said, with his eternal grin; "that is the -way you must speak for us to remain good friends during the period we -shall have to pass together." - -And after letting go the mule, he began trotting in front with that -swinging pace of which Indians alone possess the secret, and which -enables them to follow a trotting horse for several days, without -becoming tired. - -The conversation had taken place sufficiently near to Kidd's lurking -place for him to overhear every syllable. Suddenly he started. An idea -doubtless crossed his mind, for after allowing the horsemen to go on, -but not too far for him to catch them up, he left his thicket, and -went after them, growling between his teeth,--"What the deuce relations -can these birds of night have with Don Rufino Contreras? Well, we shall -soon see." - -On turning into the track he saw the party a short distance ahead of -him. The latter, whom the sound of his horse's hoofs stamping on the -dry ground, had already warned, looked back rather anxiously, the more -so because the bandit, in spite of the ease he tried to effect, had -nothing very prepossessing about his appearance or face. Policemen -could form no mistake about him. Hence they did not do so, and at the -first glance recognised him as what he really was--that is to say, -a bandit. But in Mexico, as in many other countries which pretend, -rightly or wrongly, to be civilized, policemen and ruffians have the -best possible reasons for living on friendly terms; and had it not -been for the solitary spot where he was, Don Parfindo Purro (such was -the Alguacil's name) saw nothing very disagreeable in meeting the -adventurer. The latter continued to advance, talking to his horse, -tickling its flanks with his spur, galloping, with his fist proudly -placed on his hip, and his hat pulled impudently over his right ear. - -"_Santas tardes, caballeros_," he said, as he joined the party of men -in black, and slightly checked his horse, so that it should keep pace -with the others, "by what fortunate accident do I meet you so late on -this desolate road?" - -"Fortune is with us, caballero," Don Parfindo answered, politely; -"this accursed Indian has led us a roundabout road; I really believe, -whatever he may say, that we have lost our way, or shall soon do so." - -"That is possible," Kidd observed; "and without being too curious, will -you allow me to ask whither you are going? Moreover, to set you at your -ease by displaying confidence, I will inform you that I am going to -Quitovar." - -"Ah!" said the bailiff, "That is very lucky." - -"Why so?" - -"Because I am going there too, in the first instance. Are we still a -great distance from the pueblo?" - -"Only a few leagues; we shall arrive before two o'clock, and if you -will allow me to take your guide's place, I shall be delighted to show -you the way, which, I confess, is not very easy to find." - -"Your proposal delights me, caballero, and I most heartily accept it." - -"That is agreed; if you do not know the pueblo, I will take you to a -capital house, where you will be excellently treated." - -"I thank you, caballero; it is the first time I have been to Real de -Minas. I am a bailiff at Hermosillo." - -"A bailiff!" the bandit said; "¡Caray! That is a famous profession." - -"At your service, were I competent for it," Don Parfindo said, puffing -himself out. - -"I do not say no," Kidd continued, giving himself an air of importance. -"When a man carries on a large business, as I do, the acquaintance -of a caballero so distinguished as you appear to be can only be most -advantageous." - -"You confound me, señor." - -"Oh, do not thank me, for what I say I really think; I was speaking -about it only a few days back to Don Rufino Contreras, who is also very -rich, and consequently has numerous trials." - -"Do you know Don Rufino?" the bailiff asked, with rising respect. - -"Which one?--The illustrious senator?" - -"Himself." - -"He is one of my most intimate friends. Are you acquainted with him -too?" - -"He has instructed me to proceed in his name against certain debtors of -his." - -"_¡Viva Dios!_ This is a strange meeting," the adventurer exclaimed, -with a radiant face. - -"What a worthy señor!" the bailiff remarked, "And so honourable!" - -The two scoundrels understood each other. The acquaintance was formed, -and confidence sprang up quite naturally. The conversation was -continued on the best possible terms; Kidd adroitly led the other to -make a general confession, and the latter, believing that he had to do -with an intimate of Don Rufino, told him the secret of the negotiations -he was intrusted with, without any visible pressure. Altogether this is -what the adventurer learned:--Don Rufino Contreras, impelled by some -motive unknown, had secretly bought up the claims of all the persons to -whom the Marquis de Moguer was indebted. So soon as he held them, he -had taken out writs, through a third party, against the Marquis, so as -to dispossess him of the small property left him--among other things, -the Hacienda del Toro, which he evinced a great desire to possess. His -proposal to marry Doña Marianna was only a bait offered to the good -faith of Don Hernando, in order to lull his prudence and remove his -suspicions. What he wanted was to become, at any price, proprietor of -the hacienda. But still, wishing to retain the mask of friendship, by -the aid of which he had hitherto deceived the Marquis, he had put the -matter in the hands of a man of his own, who had orders to push matters -to extremities, and accept no arrangement. Don Parfindo Purro was the -bailiff selected: he was the bearer of the most perverse instructions -and strictest orders, and was resolved to accomplish to the letter -what he emphatically called his duty. - -In Mexico, we are compelled to allow that justice is the most derisive -buffoon and horrible thing imaginable. The judges, most of whom are -utterly ignorant, and who act _gratis_, as their salaries are never -paid, requite themselves for this annoyance on the contending parties, -whom they plunder without pity or shame; and this is carried to such -an extent, that, so soon as the trial is begun, it is known who will -win and who lose. It is little consequence whether the trial be -criminal or civil. Money decides everything. To give only one instance: -A man commits a murder, the fact is confirmed--known by all; the -assassination has been performed in bright day, in the open street, and -in the presence of a hundred persons. The relations of the victim go -before the _juez de lettras_--that is to say, the criminal judge; he -lets them explain the affair in its fullest details, and gives no signs -of approval or disapproval; but when they have finished, he asks them -the simple question-- - -"Have you any witnesses?" - -"Yes," the relatives answer. - -"Very good; and these witnesses are doubtless men of good position and -of a certain value?" - -"Certainly. Each of them is worth a thousand piastres." - -"Well," says the judge, "and how many may there be?" - -"Ten." - -"What a pity!" he then continues, in his mildest accents; "Your -adversary, who between ourselves, appears to me a highly distinguished -caballero, has exactly the same number of witnesses as you; but his are -far more important people, for each is worth two thousand piastres." - -The matter is settled. If the relatives of the murdered man are not -rich enough to make a higher bid, the assassin is not only acquitted, -but discharged without a stain on his character, and is at perfect -liberty, if he think proper, to kill another of his enemies on the -same day and the same terms. Such is the way in which the Mexicans -understand justice. We can therefore understand how an enormously rich -man like Don Rufino Contreras could defeat the Marquis, the state of -whose fortune did not allow him to buy the judges. - -The adventurer listened with the most earnest attention to the -revelations the bailiff made with a certain degree of complacency. -Kidd, who was accustomed to fish in troubled waters, had found an -opportunity for a famous haul in these revelations. His plan was -at once formed, and so soon as he came in sight of the pueblos his -arrangements were made. It was late when the travellers reached the -barriers of the Real de Minas; the sun had set long before, and the -sentries, although they recognised the adventurer as one of their side, -made some difficulty about letting him and his companions into the -town. They were engaged for nearly an hour in parleying outside, and -it was only by the express orders of the commandant that they obtained -permission at last to enter the pueblo, which had been converted into a -regular fortress. - -Kidd, still continuing to act as guide to his comrades, led them -straight to a mesón, where he left them at liberty to rest themselves, -after warmly recommending them to the landlord. Then the bandit, after -placing his horse in the corral, and carefully wrapping himself up in -his zarapé, and pulling the brim of his hat over his eyes to escape -recognition, glided through the darkness to the house of Don Marcos de -Niza, which he entered. The captain, as we said, was accessible at all -hours of the day or night, to any person who had news to communicate. -At this moment he was in the same study where he had already held a -conversation with Master Kidd. On noticing the adventurer, the captain -raised his eyes, and without leaving his chair, he said--"Ah, is that -you, Master Kidd? Your absence has been long; but for all that, you are -welcome, if you bring good news." - -The bandit gave a meaning smile. - -"My news is excellent, captain," he said, laying a marked stress on the -words, "especially for you." - -"_¡Cuerpo de Cristo!_ I hope so, for am I not commandant of the town?" - -"Yes; but I am not going to talk with you about politics at present, -Excellency." - -"In that case, go to the deuce, scoundrel," the captain said, shrugging -his shoulders angrily; "do you think I have nothing more important to -do than listen to the rubbish you may please to invent and tire my ears -with?" - -"I invent nothing, Excellency. Fortune has this very day granted me -the opportunity of catching a secret it is most important for you to -know--that is all." - -"Well, tell me what this mighty secret is." - -"It relates to your private affairs, Excellency." - -"My affairs!" the captain repeated, bursting into a laugh; "Hang it -all! Have I any?" - -"If the secret does not relate directly to you, it interests in a most -eminent degree one of your nearest relatives?" - -"Ah! who is he?" - -"The Marquis de Moguer." - -The captain became serious; he frowned with a menacing expression, -which made Kidd tremble in spite of his well-bred effrontery. - -"Speak, and be brief," he said to him. - -"Nothing will suit me better." - -The captain took several ounces from the table drawer, which he threw -to the bandit, who caught them in their flight, and stowed them away -with a grin of satisfaction in his huge pockets. - -"You will not regret your money, Excellency," he said. - -"I hope not; and now go on, scoundrel, as you are paid." - -Kidd, without further pressing, related in its fullest details all that -had occurred between himself and the bailiff on the road. The captain -listened with the most earnest attention. - -"Is that all?" he asked, when the other stopped. - -"Yes, Excellency." - -"Good; now be off. You will continue to watch this man, and report to -me all he does." - -And he dismissed him with a wave of the hand. The adventurer bowed, and -went away. When alone, the captain reflected for a few minutes, and -then wrote a letter, sealed it, and summoned his orderly, who at once -made his appearance. - -"Isidro," the captain said to him, "at all risks this letter must be in -the hands of the Marquis de Moguer within six hours at the most. You -understand me? --at all risks?" - -"It shall be done, captain." - -"Take this for yourself,"--and he handed him some gold coins,--"and -this pass, which will enable you to go in and out. You must be off at -once." - -Without replying, the soldier withdrew, after concealing the letter in -the breast of his uniform. - -"And now," the captain muttered to himself; "let them come on." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -COMPLICATIONS. - - -After leaving the captain's study, Kidd halted in the anteroom, not -because he had any plan formed, but through that instinct which urges -villains of his species not to leave a good place till compelled. He -had heard the captain summon his asistente. The latter, after a few -moments' absence, returned to the anteroom with a look of importance -which at once caused the adventurer to reflect, and suggested to him -the idea of knowing what the conversation was the soldier had held -with his chief. Isidro, the captain's asistente, was an Opatas Indian, -of tried bravery and fidelity. Unluckily, though he did his duty in -the battlefield, his intellect was rather restricted, and, like all -Indians, he had a propensity for strong liquors, which had several -times brought him to great grief. Kidd was familiar with the soldier, -and knew his weakness; hence his plan was formed in a moment. - -"Since you remain here," he said to him, "I shall be off: when I came -to speak to the captain, I left a nearly full bottle of mezcal at the -tocanda of Master Cospeto, and on my word I feel inclined to go and -finish it. I will not invite you to accompany me, for your duty keeps -you here; otherwise you may be assured that I should be delighted to -empty it with you." - -"My duty does not keep me here," the Indian answered; "on the contrary, -I have a long ride to make this very night." - -"A long ride!" the adventurer exclaimed; "¡Caray! It is the same case -with me, and as I know no better preservative against the night cold -than mezcal, that is why I meant to empty the bottle before mounting. -If your inclinations lie the same way, it is at your service." - -We will allow that the asistente hesitated. - -"Have you also a ride to take?" he asked. - -"Yes, and I suspect that yours is as long as mine: well, I am going a -long distance; what direction do you follow?" - -"The captain sends me to Arispe," the bandit answered, boldly. - -"Why, how singular that is! We shall follow the same road." - -"That is indeed strange. Well, is it settled?--Will you drink the -stirrup-cup with me?" - -"Upon due reflection, I see no harm in it." - -"Let us make haste, then," the brigand continued, for he feared lest -the captain might catch him with his asistente; "we have no time to -lose." - -For reasons best known to himself, the adventurer left the Indian at -the house door, bidding him bring his horse to Cospeto's rancho, where -he would join him in a few minutes, and they would set out on their -journey together. Kidd merely wanted to warn the mesonero, with whom he -had lodged the bailiff, not to let him go away on any excuse--"Watch -him closely, and at the slightest suspicious movement go and inform -Captain Don Marcos Niza"--who, for reasons connected with the public -safety, did not wish to let these strangers out of sight. The mesonero -promised to carry out his instructions faithfully; and, re-assured on -this point, the adventurer fetched his horse from the corral, and went -to join the Opatas at Señor Cospeto's rancho, as had been agreed on. -On reaching the inn by one street, to his great satisfaction he saw -the orderly arriving by another, mounted, and ready to start. The two -friends entered the rookery to which we have already conducted the -reader. - -The adventurer honourably kept his word: not only did he order a bottle -of mezcal, but at the same time one of excellent Catalonian refino. -The Indian's prudence was entirely routed by such generosity; the -more so because he had no reason to distrust the bandit, with whom he -had already made several excursions, and regarded him as an excellent -comrade. Kidd, in order to avoid any doubts on the part of his comrade, -was careful not to ask him any questions; he merely poured him out -glass after glass, and when the bottles were empty, the Indian had -drunk the greater part of their contents, as Kidd desired to retain his -coolness. When they had finished, the bandit rose, paid the score, and -called for another bottle of refino. - -"This is for the road," he said. - -"An excellent idea," remarked the asistente, whose eyes flashed like -carbuncles, and who was beginning to have a very vague notion of the -state of affairs. They left the rancho, and mounted their horses. -Kidd was rather anxious as to how he should get out of the rancho, as -he had no pass of any sort; for if it were difficult to get into the -Real de Minas, it was quite as much to get out of it. Luckily, for the -adventurer, Isidro's pass was in perfect order, and when he showed it -at the gate, where he was perfectly well known to all the soldiers on -duty, he said, pointing to Kidd, "This caballero goes with me." The -soldiers, aware that Isidro was the confidential man of the captain, -did not offer the slightest difficulty, but allowed them to pass, and -wished them a lucky journey. When the adventurer found himself in -the open country he drew a deep breath of relief, as he gave his too -confiding comrade a sarcastic glance. - -"Now," he said, "we must take the shortest road, in order to arrive -sooner." - -"What, are there two roads?" Isidro asked. - -"There are ten," Kidd replied coolly; "but the shortest runs almost in -a right line, and passes close to the Hacienda del Toro." - -"Let us take that, then." - -"Why that more than another?" - -"Because I am going to the hacienda." - -"Ah," the adventurer said, pleasantly, "let us take a drink, and -start." Uncorking the bottle, he took a pull, and then handed it to his -companion, who imitated him, with an evident expression of pleasure. - -"You say, then," Kidd resumed, as he smacked his lips, "That you are -going to the Hacienda del Toro?" - -"Yes, I am." - -"It is a good house, and most hospitable." - -"Do you know it?" - -"¡Caray! I should think so. The majordomo is my intimate friend. What -happy days I have spent with that excellent Señor Paredes!" - -"Since it is your road, why not call there with me as you are certain -of a kind reception?" - -"I do not say I will not; I suppose you are going to ask the Marquis -for some men, as soldiers are scarce at the pueblo?" - -"I do not think that is the case. Don Hernando has already authorized -the captain to enlist his miners, and the peons left him he will need -to defend the hacienda in the event of an attack." - -"That is true; besides, it is no business of mine. Let every man have -his own secrets." - -"Oh, I do not think there is any great secret in the matter: the -captain is a near relation of the Marquis; they often write to each -other, and the letter I am ordered to deliver will only refer, I -expect, to family matters and private interests." - -"That is probable; the more so, because it is said that the Marquis's -affairs are in a very bad state at present." - -"So it is said; but I have heard that they are about to be settled." - -"¡Caray! I wish it with all my heart, for it is a pity to see one of -the oldest families of the province reduced. Suppose we drink the -health of the Marquis?" - -"With pleasure." - -The bottle was hugged for the second time by the two companions. A -man may be an Opatas Indian, that is to say, of herculean stature, -with a breast arched like a tortoiseshell; but he cannot swallow with -impunity such a prodigious quantity of alcohol as Isidro had absorbed -without beginning to feel intoxicated. The asistente, strong though he -was, tottered on his horse: his eyes began to close, and his tongue to -grow thick. But, excited as he was by liquor, the more difficulty he -experienced in speaking the more he wanted to do so. The adventurer -eagerly followed the progress of his comrade's intoxication, while -careful not to let him see that he was aware of his condition. - -"Yes, yes," the Indian continued, "the affairs of the Marquis might -easily be arranged sooner than is supposed, comrade." - -"With his name it cannot be difficult for him to procure money." - -"Nonsense! That is not the point, and I know what I know." - -"Exactly, Señor Isidro; and as what you know may be a secret, I will -not urge you to tell it me." - -"Did I say that it was a secret?" the Indian objected. - -"No, but I suppose so." - -"You are wrong to suppose so; and, besides, you are my friend, are you -not?" - -"I believe so," the adventurer answered, modestly. - -"Well, if you are my friend, I have nothing to conceal from you." - -"That is true; still, if you consider it your duty to hold your -tongue--" - -"Hold my tongue! Why so? Have you any pretence to silence me?" - -"I? Heaven forbid, and the proof is, here's your health." - -The Indian began laughing. - -"That is what is called an unanswerable argument," he said, as -he placed the bottle to his lips and threw back his head, as if -contemplating the stars. - -He remained in this position till all the remaining liquor had passed -down his throat. - -"Ah!" he said, with an accent of regret, "It was good." - -"What do you mean?" Kidd exclaimed, with pretended surprise; "Is there -none left?" - -"I do not think so," the Indian remarked, with a drunkard's gravity; -"it is a pity that these bottles are so small." - -And with that he threw it into the road. - -"I agree with you that the rancheros are robbers." - -"Yes," said the asistente, with a hiccough, "robbers; but soon--we -shall drink as much as we like." - -"Eh, eh, that will not be unpleasant; but where will it be?" - -"Where? Why, at the Hacienda del Toro." - -"Yes, they never refuse a draught of mezcal to an honest man in that -house." - -"Nonsense, a draught! You are jesting, comrade; whole bottles would -be nearer the truth. Besides, do you fancy the Marquis will look into -matters so closely at his daughter's marriage." - -"What?" - -"Where on earth do you come from, that you are ignorant of that? -Nothing else is spoken of in the country." - -"It is the first I have heard of it." - -"Well, all the better; I will tell you. Doña Marianna, a pretty girl, -caray, is going to marry a senator, no one less." - -The adventurer suddenly pricked up his ears. - -"A senator?" he repeated. - -"This seems to surprise you. Why should not a pretty girl marry a -senator? I consider you a curious comrade to doubt my word." - -"I do not doubt it." - -"Yes, you do; ugly brute that you are." - -The intoxication of the Opatas was at its height. Excited even more by -the horse's gallop and the adventurer's artfully managed contradiction, -Isidro felt passion mount to his head. The intoxication of Indians is -horrible: they become raving madmen; their heated brain gives birth -to the strangest hallucinations, and under the influence of spirits -they are capable of the greatest crimes. The bandit was aware of all -these peculiarities, by which he hoped to profit; he had drawn from -the Indian all that he wanted to learn from him; he had squeezed him -like a lemon, and now only wanted to throw away the peel. We need -hardly say that at this hour of the night the road the two travellers -were following was completely deserted, and that Kidd did not fear -any overlookers of what he intended doing. They were riding at this -moment along the course of a small stream, a confluent of the Rio Bravo -del Norte, whose wooded banks afforded sufficient concealment. The -adventurer made his horse bound on one side, and drawing his machete, -exclaimed-- - -"Brute yourself, you drunken Opatas!" At the same moment he dealt the -poor follow such a sudden blow that he fell off his horse like a log. -But he rose to his feet tottering, and though stunned by the attack, -and seriously wounded, he drew his sabre, and rushed on the bandit with -a yell of fury. But the latter was on his guard; he attentively watched -his enemy's movements, and urged his horse forwards. The Indian, thrown -down by the animal's chest, rolled on the ground where he lay without -stirring. Was he dead? Kidd supposed so; but the bandit was a very -prudent man, Indians are crafty, and this death might be a feint. Kidd -therefore watched quietly a few paces from his victim, for he was in no -hurry. - -A quarter of an hour elapsed, and the Indian had not made a movement. -Reassured by this complete immobility, the bandit resolved to dismount -and go up to him. All at once the Opatas rose; with a tiger leap he -bounded on the adventurer, twined his arms round him, and the two -men rolled on the ground, uttering savage yells, and trying to take -each other's life. It was a short but horrible struggle. The Opatas, -in spite of his wounds, derived a factitious strength from the fury -that animated him and the excitement produced by intoxication, which -was heightened by his ardent desire to take revenge for the cowardly -treachery of which he was the victim. - -Unhappily, the efforts he was compelled to make opened his wounds, -and his blood flowed in streams; and with his blood he felt his -life departing. He made a supreme effort to strangle the miserable -adventurer in his clenched fingers; but the latter, by a sudden and -cleverly calculated movement, succeeded in liberating himself from -the Indian's iron grasp. He rose quickly, and at the moment when the -asistente recovered from his surprise, and prepared to renew the fight, -Kidd; raised his machete, and cleft the poor fellow's head. - -"Dog! Accursed dog!" he yelled. - -The Indian remained on his feet for a moment, tottering from right to -left; he took a step forward with outstretched arms, and then fell with -his face to the ground and the death rattle in his throat. This time he -was really dead. - -"Well," Kidd muttered, as he thrust his machete several times into -the ground, in order to remove the blood, "that was tough work; these -demons of Indians must be killed twice to make sure they do not -recover. What is to be done now?" - -He reflected for a few moments; then walked up to the corpse, turned -it over, and opened the breast of the uniform to obtain the letter. -He had no difficulty in finding it; he placed it in his own pocket, -and then stripped his victim, on the chance that he might want to use -his uniform. But two things troubled him: the first was the soldier's -horse; the second, his bag. The horse he made no attempt to seize; so -soon as its master was wounded, the animal started off at a gallop into -the wood; and as it would have been madness to try and find it on so -dark a night, the adventurer did not attempt it. Still the flight of -the horse alarmed him. Any person who found it would take it back to -the pueblo, and then suspicions would be aroused which might soon be -fixed on him, although he felt almost certain that the soldiers who saw -him leave the town with the asistente had not recognized him; but his -absence from the pueblo would appear suspicious to the captain, who was -acute, and as he knew Kidd so well, would not hesitate to accuse him. - -The affair was embarrassing; but luckily for him, the adventurer was a -man of resources. Any other person would have fastened a stone to the -body, and thrown it into the stream, but the bandit carefully avoided -that. Such an expeditious method, while getting rid of the victim, -would only have increased the suspicions; besides water is not a good -keeper of secrets; one day or another the body would rise perhaps to -the surface, and then the nature of the wounds would reveal the hand -that dealt them. Kidd hit upon a more simple or sure plan, or at least -he thought so. With horrible coolness he scalped the corpse, and threw -the scalp into the stream, after rolling it round a large stone; this -first profanation accomplished, he made a cross cut on the victim's -chest, plucked out his heart, which he also threw into the river, and -then plaiting together a few flexible lianas, he formed a cord, which -he fastened to the feet of the corpse, and hung it from the main branch -of a tree. - -"There!" he said, with satisfaction, when the horrible task was -completed, "That is all right, caray! I am ready to wager my share of -paradise with the first comer that the cleverest people will be taken -in. The Indians are in the field at this very moment, and hang me if -everyone will not be convinced that this drunken scoundrel was scalped -by the Apaches." - -In fact, all the hideous mutilating which this villain has made his -victim undergo is employed by the Indian bravos upon their enemies. -Frightful though the deed was, Kidd consequently, in the impossibility -he found of disposing of the body, had employed the best mode in which -to divert suspicion. - -Before leaving the scene of the murder, the bandit carefully washed the -soldier's clothes, and removed any blood stains from his own; then, -after assuring himself by a searching glance that there was nothing -to denounce the crime of which he had been guilty, he whistled up his -horse, and mounted, after carefully fastening the soldier's uniform -behind him. He rolled a cigarette, lit it, and set out again, with -the satisfaction of a man who had just succeeded in a most important -affair, which had caused him great anxiety. - -It was somewhat by chance that Kidd originally told the asistente that -he was proceeding to Arispe; but the discovery of the letter, and -the soldier's confidential remarks, had converted this chance into -certainty. The bandit had discovered, amid all poor Isidro's drunken -maundering, one leading idea, and scented a profitable stroke of -business. He comprehended of what importance it would be to Don Rufino -to be informed of all that was going on at the pueblo at the Hacienda -del Toro, that he might be able to arrange his plans with certainty. -Consequently, the adventurer resolved to ride at full speed to Arispe, -determined to make the senator pay dearly for the news he brought, -while making a mental reservation, with that adventurous logic he was -so skilful in, to betray Don Rufino on the first opportunity, if his -own interests demanded that painful sacrifice of him. All this being -thoroughly settled in his mind, the bandit started at full speed in the -direction of Arispe, which city he reached by sunrise. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -TWO VILLAINS. - - -As Kidd was well known, he easily obtained admission to the town; -but when he had passed the gates, he reflected that it was too early -for him to call on the senator, who would still be asleep. Hence he -proceeded straight to a rancho he knew, a suspicious den, the usual -gathering place of fellows of his sort, where he was certain of a -hearty welcome by payment. In fact, the ranchero, who on first seeing -him assumed an ill-omened grimace, greeted him with the most agreeable -smile when he flashed before his eyes some piastres and gold coins. - -The adventurer entered the rancho, left his horse in the corral, and -immediately began to arrange his toilette, which was as a general rule -neglected, but which his struggle with the asistente and his hurried -ride had rendered more disorderly than usual; and then waited, smoking -and drinking, for the hour to arrive when he should pay his respects to -Don Rufino. - -The ranchero, who was thoroughly acquainted with his man and his -habits, prowled round him in vain to try and sound him and learn the -causes of his appearance in Arispe, where, for certain reasons the -police did not care to see him. This rendered his journeys to that town -rather few and far between; for the police there, as elsewhere, are -very troublesome to a certain class of citizens. But vainly did the -ranchero try all his cleverest ruses, his most delicate insinuations; -Kidd only answered his questions by insignificant phrases, crafty -smiles and winks; but in the end he remained perfectly impenetrable, a -want of confidence by which the ranchero was greatly insulted, and he -swore to himself to be avenged on the bandit for it some day. - -When the Cabildo clock struck nine, Kidd thought it was time to be off; -he rose, majestically threw a piastre on the table in payment of his -score, wrapped his zarapé round him, and left the house. - -"Whom can he have assassinated to be so rich?" the ranchero asked -himself, as he cunningly watched him depart. - -A reflection which proved that the worthy ranchero was well acquainted -with his man. - -Kidd felt he was watched, and hence carefully avoided going straight to -the senator's house; on the contrary, affecting the careless demeanour -of a lounger, he set out in the diametrically opposite direction. The -adventurer then walked about the town for half an hour, while carefully -avoiding the more frequented streets, for fear of attracting attention -on himself; thus he gradually approached the senator's mansion, and -hurriedly slipped under the zaguán, after assuring himself by a glance -all around that no one had seen him enter. - -"Halloa, you fellow!" a voice suddenly shouted to him, making him start -and stop; "Where the deuce are you going like that? And what do you -want here?" The adventurer raised his eyes, and saw an individual of a -certain age, easily to be recognized as a domestic by his clothing, who -was standing in the hall door, and resolutely barring his way. - -"What do I want?" the bandit repeated, to give himself time to seek an -answer. - -"Yes, what do you want? That is clear enough, I suppose?" - -"¡Caray! It is clear; what can I want except to see his Excellency, -Senator Don Rufino Contreras?" - -"Excellent," the other said, derisively; "and do you suppose his -Excellency will receive you without knowing who you are?" - -"And why not, if you please, señor?" - -"Because you do not look like drawing room company." - -"Do you think so?" the bandit said, haughtily. - -"Why, that is plain enough; you much more resemble a lepero than a -caballero." - -"You are not polite, my good fellow; what you say may be correct, -but the remark is uncalled for; patched clothes often conceal very -honourable caballeros, and if I have been ill treated by fortune, that -is no reason why you should throw it in my teeth so sharply." - -"Enough of this, and be off." - -"I shall not stir till I have seen the senator." - -The manservant gave him a side look, which the other endured with -imperturbable coolness. - -"Do you mean that?" he asked him. - -"I really do." - -"For the last time, I order you to be gone," the valet went on, -menacingly. - -"Take care of what you are doing, comrade; I have to talk with the -señor, and he is expecting me." - -"Expecting you?" - -"Yes, me!" the scoundrel answered, majestically. The servant shrugged -his shoulders contemptuously: still he reflected, and asked with a more -conciliatory tone than he had yet employed--"Your name?" - -"You do not want to know it; merely tell your master that I have just -come from the Hacienda del Toro." - -"If that is the case, why did you not tell me so before?" - -"Probably because you did not ask me. Go and announce me to your -master; you have kept me waiting too long already." - -The domestic went off without replying, and Kidd took advantage of his -departure to instal himself in the vestibule. For a hundred reasons -he did not like the vicinity of the street, and he was glad to be no -longer exposed to the curious glances of passers-by. The absence of the -servant was not long, and when he returned, his manner was entirely -changed. - -"Caballero," he said, with a bow, "if you will do me the honour of -following me, his Excellency is waiting for you." - -"Fellow! Too insolent before, too humble now," the adventurer said, -crushing him with a contemptuous glance; "show the way." - -And, laughing in his beard, he followed the footman, who was red with -anger and shame at this haughty reprimand. - -Mexican houses, except in the great cities, are ordinarily built but -one story high; they are generally very slightly constructed, owing -to the earthquakes, which are extremely frequent in intertropical -countries, and destroy in a few seconds towns, and entirely ruin them. -The result of this mode of building is that nearly all the apartments -are on the ground floor; and then there are no staircases to ascend -or descend, which, in our opinion, is very agreeable. The adventurer -remarked with some degree of pleasure that the valet led him through -several rooms before reaching the one in which the senator was sitting; -at length he turned the handle of the door, threw it open, and stepped -aside to let the bandit pass. The latter walked in boldly, like a man -certain of a hearty reception. - -"Ah!" said the senator, starting slightly at seeing him, "It is you." - -"Yes," he replied, with a graceful bow. - -"Retire," Don Rufino said to the valet; "I am not at home to anyone, -and do not come in till I call you." The valet bowed, went out, and -closed the door behind him. As if by common accord, the two stood -silently listening till the valet's footsteps died away in the -distance; then, without saying a word, Kidd threw open the folding -doors. - -"Why do you do that?" Don Rufino asked him. - -"Because we have to talk about serious matters; the _tapetes_ spread -over the floors of your rooms deaden footsteps, and your servant has an -excellent spy's face." - -The senator made no remark; he doubtless recognised the correctness of -his singular visitor's argument. - -"It is you then, bandit," he said at last. - -"I fancy I can notice that you did not expect me?" - -"I confess it; I will even add that I did not in the slightest desire -your visit." - -"You are very forgetful of your friends, Don Rufino, and it makes me -feel sorry for you," the bandit answered, with a contrite air. - -"What do you mean, scoundrel, by daring to use such language to me?" - -Kidd shrugged his shoulders, drew up a butaca, and fell into it with a -sigh of relief. - -"I must observe," he said, with the most imperturbable coolness, "that -you forgot to offer me a chair." - -Then, crossing one leg over the other, he began rolling a cigarette, -a task to which he gave the most serious attention. The senator -frowningly examined the adventurer; for this bandit to dare assume such -a tone with him, he must have very powerful weapons in his hands, or be -the bearer of news of the highest importance. In either case he must be -humoured. Don Rufino immediately softened the expression of his face, -and handed the adventurer a beautifully chased gold mechero. - -"Pray, light your cigarette, my dear Kidd," he said, with a pleasant -smile. - -The bandit took the mechero, and examined it with admiration. - -"Ah!" he exclaimed, with a splendidly feigned regret, "I have dreamed -for years that I possessed such a toy, but, unluckily, fortune has ever -thwarted me." - -"If it please you so much," Don Rufino answered, with a mighty effort, -"I shall be delighted to make you a present of it." - -"You are really most generous. Believe me, señor, that any present -coming from you will always be most precious in my eyes." - -And, after lighting his cigarette, he unceremoniously placed the -mechero in his pocket. - -"Of course your visit Has an object?" the senator said, after a -moment's interval. - -"They always have, señor," the other answered, as he enveloped himself -in a cloud of blue smoke, which issued from his nose and mouth; "the -first was to see you." - -"I thank you for the politeness; but I do not think that is sufficient -reason for forcing your way in here." - -"Forcing is rather a harsh word, señor," the bandit said, sorrowfully; -but he suddenly changed his tone, and assumed his usual sharp, quick -way. "Come, Don Rufino, let us deal fairly, and not waste our time in -compliments which neither of us believes." - -"I wish nothing better; speak, then, and the plague take you." - -"Thank you. I prefer that mode of speech, for at least I recognise you. -I am about to give you an example of frankness; I have come, not to -propose a bargain, but to sell you certain information, and a letter of -the utmost importance to you, which I obtained--no matter how--solely -on your account." - -"Good; let us see whether I can accept the bargain." - -"In the first place, allow me to say two words, so as to thoroughly -establish our reciprocal position. Our situation has greatly changed -during the last few days; I no longer fear you, but you, on the -contrary, are afraid of me." - -"I afraid of you?" - -"Yes, señor, because I hold your secret, and you can no longer threaten -to kill me, as you did at our last interview." - -"Oh! Oh! And why not, if you please?" the senator asked. - -"Because we are alone, you are unarmed, I am stronger than you, and -at your slightest movement would blow out your brains like those of -a wild beast. Do you now comprehend me, my dear sir?" he added, as he -drew a brace of pistols from under his zarapé; "what do you think of -these playthings?" - -"They are tolerably good, I should fancy," the senator replied, coldly; -"and what do you say to these?" he added, as he uncovered a brace of -magnificent pistols hidden under the papers scattered over the table at -which he was seated. - -"They are detestable." - -"Why so?" - -"Because you would not dare use them." - -The senator smiled ironically. - -"Laugh, if you like, my master; I like best to see you treat the -matter in that way; but I repeat that you are in my power this time, -instead of my being in yours. I have delivered to Captain Don Marcos -Niza certain papers, which, were they opened by him, might, I fear, -gravely compromise you: there is one among them, the tenor of which -is as follows:--'I, the undersigned, declare that my valet, Lupino -Contrarias, has treacherously assassinated and deserted me in a -frightful desert, and there plundered me of everything I possessed, -consisting of two mules laden with gold dust, and two thousand three -hundred gold ounces in current money. On the point of appearing before -my God, and not hoping to survive my wounds, I denounce this wretch, -etc. etc. Signed--.' Shall I tell the name of the signer? But what is -the matter with you, my dear sir? Do you feel ill? You are as pale as a -corpse." - -In truth, on hearing the narrative, which the bandit told with a -species of complacency, the senator was seized with such a violent fit -of terror, that for a moment he was on the point of fainting. - -"It is extraordinary," the bandit continued, "how nothing can be -trusted to in this world. Just take the case of this excellent Lupino, -who had arranged a most delicious trap in the adroitest manner: for -more surety, he waited till they were on the other side of the Indian -border, at a spot where not a soul passes once in two years; he fires -his pistols point blank into his master's back, and goes off, of course -taking with him the fortune so honourably acquired. Well, fatality -decrees that the master whom he had every reason for believing dead is -not quite so; he has time to take out his tablets, and write in pencil -a perfectly regular denunciation, and then this demon of a fatality, -which never does things by halves, brings to these parts a hunter, -who picks up the tablets. It is enough to make a man turn honest, -deuce take me if it is not, had he not quite made up his mind to the -contrary." - -During this long harangue the senator had time to recover from the -shock, and regain his coolness. By a supreme effort of the will he had -restored calmness to his face, and forced his lips to smile. - -"¡Caray!" he said, with a laugh that resembled gnashing of teeth, "that -is a wonderful story, and admirably arranged. Permit me, dear señor, to -congratulate you on your inventive faculty; it is charming, on my word. -But who on earth do you expect to believe such a story?" - -"You, first of all, señor, for you know the truth of the story better -than anybody." - -"Nonsense! You are mad, upon my honour." - -"Not quite so mad as you fancy, for the proofs are in my hands." - -"I do not say they are not; but admitting the reality of the facts you -allege, they took place a long time ago; this Lupino Contrarias has -disappeared; he is dead, perhaps: as for his master, the pistols were -too well loaded to give him a chance of escape. Who takes any interest -in a dead man--especially in our country?" - -"How do you know that the weapons were so carefully loaded?" - -"I suppose so." - -"Suppositions are always the plague in business matters. Between -ourselves, do you think it would be so difficult to find this Lupino -Contrarias in Rufino Contreras? I think not." - -The senator felt his face flush involuntarily. - -"Señor," he said, "such an insinuation--" - -"Has nothing that needs offend you," Kidd interrupted him, calmly; "it -is a supposition, nothing more; now, continuing our suppositions, let -us admit for a moment that this master, whom his valet is persuaded he -killed, should be, on the contrary, alive and--" - -"Oh, that is quite impossible." - -"Do not interrupt me so, señor. And, I say, were to lay his hand on -his valet's shoulder, as I lay mine on yours, and assert, 'This is my -assassin!' what answer would you give to that?" - -"I--I!" the senator exclaimed, wildly; "What answer should I give?" - -"You would give none," the bandit continued, as he took and thrust into -his belt the pistols which the senator, in his trouble, had let fall; -"overcome by the evidence, and crushed by the very presence of your -victim, you would be irretrievably lost." - -There was a second of horrible silence between these two men, who -looked at each other as if about to have a frightful contest. At length -the senator's emotion was calmed by its very violence; he passed his -hand over his damp forehead, and, drawing himself up to his full -height, said, sharply-- - -"After this, what would you of me?" - -"I am waiting to hear your resolution before I offer any conditions." - -Don Rufino Contreras remained for some minutes plunged in deep thought. -Kidd watched him attentively, ready to make use of his weapons if -he saw the senator attempt any suspicious movement; but the latter -did not even dream of it. Annihilated by the adventurer's staggering -revelation, he looked round him wildly, racking his mind in vain to -discover some way of escape from the terrible dilemma in which he was -placed. At length he raised his head, and looked the bandit fiercely in -the face. - -"Well, yes," he said to him resolutely, "all that you have narrated -is true. I cowardly assassinated, to rob him of his fortune, the man -who offered me a helping hand in my misery, and treated me as a friend -rather than a servant. But this fortune, however badly it may have -been acquired, I possess; by its means I have acquired a position in -the world; by roguery and falsehood I have succeeded in imposing on -everybody; I have rank and a name; and death alone could make me resign -this position, so hardly attained. Now that I have spoken frankly -with you, it is your turn to do the same. Tell me the conditions you -intend to impose on me, and if they are fair, I will accept them; if -not, whatever the consequences may be, I shall refuse them. Take care, -for I am not the man to remain at the mercy of a villain like you; -sooner than accept so horrible a situation I would denounce myself, and -drag you down in my fall. Reflect carefully, then, before answering -me, comrade, for my proposition is in earnest. Once the bargain is -concluded between us, we will say no more about it. I give you ten -minutes to answer me." - -This clear and categorical proposal affected the bandit more than he -liked to show. He understood that he had to do with one of those -indomitable men who, once they have made their mind up, never alter -it. The adventurer had nothing to gain by ruining Don Rufino, on the -contrary; moreover, that never entered into his plan: he hoped to -terrify him, and had succeeded; and now the only thing to be done by -these two men, so well suited to understand each other, since they had -frankly settled facts, was to attack the pecuniary question, and treat -it as skilfully as they could; Kidd, therefore prepared to begin the -assault. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -A FRIENDLY BARGAIN. - - -Don Rufino, with his head resting on his right hand, was carelessly -playing with a paper knife, and patiently waiting till his visitor -thought proper to speak. This affected indifference perplexed the -adventurer: men of Kidd's species instinctively distrust all that does -not appear to them natural, and he felt embarrassed by this coolness, -for which he could not account, and which he feared might contain a -snare. At length he suddenly broke the silence. - -"Before all, Don Rufino," he said, "I must tell you the motives of my -visit." - -"I do not at all care about them," the senator answered, negligently; -"still, if you think my knowledge of them may be useful, pray let me -hear them." - -"I think that when you have heard me, you will change your opinion, -señor, and recognise the importance of the service I propose to do you." - -"That is possible, and I do not deny it," the senator said, ironically; -"but you will allow, my dear Señor Kidd, that you interfere so -thoroughly in my affairs, that it is difficult for me to decide, among -all the combinations your mind takes pleasure in forming, whether your -intentions are good or bad." - -"You shall judge." - -"Pray speak, then." - -"I will tell you, in the first place, that a certain Alguacil, Don -Parfindo Purro by name, arrived yesterday at the pueblo of Quitovar." - -"Very good," the senator answered, looking fixedly at the bandit. - -"Now, I do not know how it is, but the bailiff had scarce reached the -pueblo ere by some strange fatality, Captain de Niza was informed of -his arrival." - -"Only think of that," the senator remarked, ironically; "ever that -fatality of which you now spoke to me; it is really being the plaything -of misfortune." - -In spite of the strong dose of effrontery with which nature had endowed -him, the adventurer felt involuntarily troubled. - -Don Rufino continued, with a light laugh-- - -"And still, through this implacable fatality, the captain was not only -informed of the arrival of this worthy Don Parfindo, but also of the -reasons that brought him." - -"How do you know that?" Kidd exclaimed, with pretended surprise. - -"Oh, I guess it, that is all," the senator replied, with a slight shrug -of his shoulders; "but go on, pray; what you tell me is beginning to -become most interesting." - -The bandit went on with imperturbable coolness. - -"As you are aware, the captain is a relation of the Marquis de Moguer." - -"Yes, and a very near relation." - -"Hence he did not hesitate, but at once sent off a messenger to the -Hacienda del Toro, carrying a letter in which he probably gave the -most circumstantial details about the bailiff, and the mission he is -charged with." - -At this revelation, Don Rufino suddenly doffed the mask of indifference -he had assumed, and smote the table fiercely with his fist. - -"Ah, that letter!" he exclaimed, "That letter! I would give its weight -in gold for it." - -"Very well, señor," the bandit remarked, with a smile; "as I am anxious -to prove to you the honesty of my intentions, I give it you for -nothing." - -He took the letter from his pocket, and handed it to the senator; the -latter bounded on it like a tiger on its prey, and tore it from Kidd's -hands. - -"Gently, gently; be good enough to remark that the seal is not broken, -and that, as the letter has not yet been opened, I am naturally -ignorant of its contents." - -"That is true," the senator muttered, as he turned it over and over; "I -thank you for your discretion, señor." - -"You are most kind," Kidd replied, with a bow. - -"But," the senator continued, "how did this letter, addressed to Don -Hernando de Moguer, fall into your hands?" - -"Oh, very simply," the other replied, lightly; "just fancy that the man -the captain selected to carry his missive was a friend of mine. As I -intended to pay you a visit at Arispe, and as I felt grieved at seeing -this man traverse such a dangerous road alone by night, I offered to -accompany him, and he consented. I do not know how it occurred, but on -the road we began quarrelling. In short, without any evil intentions -on my part, I declare to you, in the heat of the argument I gave him a -blow on the head with my machete, so well dealt that he was compelled -to die. It grieved me deeply, but there was no remedy; and as I was -afraid lest the letter might get into bad hands, I carried it off. That -is the whole story." - -"It is really most simple," Don Rufino remarked, with a smile, and -broke the seal. - -Kidd discreetly sat down again in his butaca, in order to leave the -senator at liberty to peruse this despatch, which seemed to interest -him greatly. He read it through with the utmost attention, and then let -his head hang on his chest, and fell into deep thought. - -"Well," the adventurer at length asked, "is the news that letter -conveys so very bad, that it must entirely absorb you?" - -"The news is of the utmost importance to me, señor; still, I ask myself -for what purpose you seized it?" - -"Why, to do you a service, it strikes me." - -"That is all very well; but, between ourselves, you had another object." - -The bandit burst into a laugh. - -"Did I not tell you that I wish to make a bargain?" - -"That is true; but I am awaiting a full explanation from you." - -"That is very difficult, señor." - -"I admit that it is; well, I will put you at your ease." - -"I wish for nothing better." - -"I will offer you the bargain you do not like to propose." - -"I see that you are beginning to understand me, and that, between the -pair of us, we shall come to something." - -"You are not rich," the senator remarked, frankly approaching the point. - -"I am forced to confess that I am not actually rolling in wealth," he -answered, with an ironical glance at his more than ragged attire. - -"Well, if you like I will make you a rich man at one stroke." - -"What do you mean by rich, señor?" the bandit asked, distrustfully. - -"I mean to put you in possession of a sum which will not only protect -you from want, but also allow you to indulge your fancy, while living -honestly." - -"Honesty is a virtue only within reach of those who can spend money -without wanting it," the adventurer remarked sententiously. - -"Be it so; I will render you rich, to use your language." - -"It will cost a good deal," Kidd answered, impudently, "for I have very -peculiar tastes." - -"I dare say; but no matter. I have in Upper California a hacienda, of -which I will hand you the title deeds this very day." - -"Hum!" said Kidd, thrusting out his upper lip contemptuously; "Is the -hacienda a fine one?" - -"Immense; covered with ganado and manadas of wild horses; it is -situated near the sea." - -"That is something, I allow; but that is not wealth." - -"Wait a minute." - -"I am waiting." - -"I will add to this hacienda a round sum of one hundred thousand -piastres in gold." - -The bandit's eyes were dazzled. - -"What," he said, rising as if moved by a spring, and turning pale with -joy, "did you say--one hundred thousand?" - -"Yes, I repeat," the senator continued, internally satisfied with the -effect he had produced; "do you think that with such a sum as that it -is possible to be honest?" - -"_¡Viva Cristo!_ I should think so!" he exclaimed, gleefully. - -"It only depends on yourself to possess it within a week." - -"Oh, yes, I understand; there is a condition. ¡Caray! It must be very -hard for me to refuse it." - -"This is the condition; listen to me, and, above all, understand me -thoroughly." - -"¡Caray! I should think I would listen; a hacienda and one hundred -thousand piastres--I should be a fool to refuse them." - -"You must not impede my prospects in any way; allow me to espouse Doña -Marianna, and on the day of the marriage hand me the tablets which you -took from the gentleman so unhappily assassinated by his valet." - -"Very well. Is that all?" - -"Not yet." - -"Very good; go on." - -"I insist that when you deliver me the tablets, you will supply proof -that the writer is really dead." - -"¡Caray! That will be difficult." - -"That does not concern me; it is your business." - -"That is true; and how long will you give me for that?" - -"Eight days." - -"_¡Cuerpo de Cristo!_ It is not enough; the man is not so easily to be -taken unawares." - -"Yes; but once that he is dead, you will be rich." - -"I know that, and it is a consideration. No matter; caray! It will be a -tough job, and I shall risk my hide." - -"You can take it or leave it." - -"I take it, _viva Cristo!_ I take it. Never shall I find again such a -chance to become an honest man." - -"Then that matter is quite settled between us?" - -"Most thoroughly; you can set your mind at rest." - -"Very good; but as you may change your mind someday, and feel an -inclination to betray me--" - -"Oh, señor, what an idea!" - -"No one knows what may happen. You will at once sign a paper on which -these conditions will be fully detailed." - -"¡Caray! What you ask is most compromising." - -"For both of us, as my proposals will be equally recorded." - -"But, in that case, what is the good of writing such a paper, as it -will compromise you as much as me?" - -"For the simple reason that if some day you feel inclined to betray -me, you cannot ruin me without ruining yourself, which will render you -prudent, and oblige you to reflect whenever a bad thought crosses your -brain." - -"Do you distrust me, señor?" - -"Have you any excessive confidence in me?" - -"That is different; I am only a poor scamp." - -"In one word, you will either accept the conditions I offer, or any -bargain between us will be impossible." - -"Still, supposing, señor, I were to use the paper I hold, as you employ -such language to me?" - -"You would not dare." - -"Not dare!" he exclaimed; "And pray why not?" - -"I do not know the motive; but I feel sure that if you could have used -that document, you would have done so long ago. I know you too well to -doubt it, Señor Kidd; it would be an insult to your intellect, whose -acuteness, on the contrary, it affords me pleasure to bear witness to. -Hence, believe me, señor, do not try to terrify me further with this -paper, or hold it to my chest like a loaded pistol, for you will do no -good. Your simplest plan will be to accept the magnificent offer I make -you." - -"Well, be it so, since you are so pressing," he replied; "I will do -what you ask, but you will agree with me that it is very hard." - -"Not at all; that is just where you make the mistake; I simply take a -guarantee against yourself, that is all." - -The adventurer was not convinced; still, the bait conquered him, and, -with a sigh of regret, he offered no further resistance. Don Rufino -immediately wrote down the conditions agreed on between the two men ---a sword of Damocles, which the senator wished to hold constantly in -suspense over the head of his accomplice, and which, if produced in -a court of justice, would irretrievably destroy them both. While the -senator was writing, the bandit sought for the means to escape this -formidable compromise, and destroy the man who forced it on him when he -had received the money. We should not like to assert that Don Rufino -had not the same idea. When the senator had concluded this strange deed -of partnership, which rendered them mutually responsible, and riveted -them more closely together than a chain would have done, he read in a -loud voice what he had written. - -"Now," he said, after reading, "have you any remark to offer?" - -"Deuce take the remarks!" the bandit exclaimed, roughly; "Whatever I -might say, you would make no alteration, so it is better to leave it as -it is." - -"That is my opinion, too--so sign; and to soften any painful effect it -may produce on you, I will give you one hundred ounces." - -"Very good," he replied, with a smile; and taking the pen from Don -Rufino's hand, he boldly placed his signature at the foot of this -document, which might cost him his life. But the promise of the -hundred ounces made him forget everything; and besides, Kidd was a -bit of a fatalist, and reckoned on chance to liberate him from his -accomplice ere long. - -When Kidd had signed with the greatest assurance, the senator sprinkled -gold dust over the paper, folded it, and placed it in his bosom. - -"And here," he said, as he thrust his hand into a coffer, "is the -promised sum." - -He piled the ounces on the table, and Kidd pocketed them with a smile -of pleasure. - -"You know that I am at your orders, and ready to obey you," he said; -"and, as a beginning, I restore you the pistols, which I no longer -require." - -"Thanks. Have you anything to detain you at Arispe?" - -"Not the slightest." - -"Then you would offer no objection to leaving the town?" - -"On the contrary, I intend to do so as soon as possible." - -"That is most fortunate; I will give you a letter for Señor Parfindo, -to whom I will ask you to deliver it immediately on your arrival." - -"Then you want to send me to the pueblo?" - -"Have you any repugnance to return there?" - -"Not the slightest; still, I shall not remain there on account of that -night's business." - -"Ah, yes, that is true, the soldier's death--take care." - -"Oh, I shall only remain at the pueblo just long enough to perform the -duty you entrust to me, and then leave it immediately." - -"That will be most prudent. But no, stay; upon reflection, I think it -will be better for you not to return to the Real de Minas. I will send -my letter by another person." - -"I prefer that. Have you any other order to give me?" - -"None; so you can do what you think proper: but remember that I expect -you in a week, and so act accordingly." - -"I shall not forget it, caray!" - -"In that case, I will not detain you. Good-bye." - -"Till we meet again, señor." - -The senator struck a gong, and the manservant appeared almost -immediately. Don Rufino and Kidd exchanged a side-glance. It was -evident that the criado, curious, like all servants, had listened at -the door, and tried to learn for what reason his master remained so -long shut up with a man of the adventurer's appearance; but, thanks to -the precautions Kidd had taken, even the sound of the voices, which -were purposely suppressed, did not reach him. - -"Show this caballero out," the senator said. - -The two men bowed for the last time, as if they were the best friends -in the world, and then separated. - -"Villain!" Don Rufino exclaimed, so soon as he was alone; "if ever I -can make you pay me for all the suffering you have forced on me today, -I will not spare you." - -And he passionately dashed down a splendid vase, which was unluckily -within his reach. - -For his part, the adventurer, while following the servant through -the apartment, indulged in reflections which were anything but rosy -coloured. - -"Hang it all!" he said to himself; "The affair has been hot. I believe -that I shall act wisely in distrusting my friend: the dear señor is far -from being tender-hearted, and if he has a chance of playing me an ill -turn he will not let it slip. I did act wrong to sign that accursed -paper; but, after all, what have I to fear? He is too much in danger to -try and set a trap for me; but for all, I will be prudent, for that can -do me no harm." - -When he had ended this soliloquy he found himself under the zaguán, -where the manservant took leave of him with a respectful bow. The -adventurer pulled his wide hat brim over his eyes, and departed. In -returning to the rancho he employed the same precautions he had used -in going to the senator's house, for he was not at all anxious to be -recognised and arrested by the Alguaciles; for, as we know, the streets -of the town, for certain reasons, were not at all healthy for him. -Kidd found the ranchero standing in his doorway, with straddled legs, -attentively surveying the approaches to his house. - -"Eh!" the host said, with a bow, "Back already?" - -"As you see, compadre; but let me have my breakfast at once, for I have -a deal to do." - -"Are you going to leave us already?" - -"I do not know; come, pray make haste." - -The ranchero served him without further questioning. The adventurer -made a hearty meal, paid liberally to appease his host's ill temper, -saddled his horse, and set out, without saying whether he should return -or not. A quarter of an hour later he was in the open country, and -inhaling with infinite pleasure the fresh, fragrant breeze that reached -him from the desert. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -THE HACIENDA DEL TORO. - - -We will now leap over an interval of a fortnight, and return to the -Hacienda del Toro; but before resuming our story we will cursorily -describe the events that occurred during this fortnight, in order to -make the reader thoroughly understand by what a strange concourse of -events accident brought all our characters face to face, and produced a -collision among them, from which an unforeseen _dénouement_ issued. - -Doña Marianna, persuaded by Doña Esperanza, or, perhaps, unconsciously -attracted by the secret longings of her heart, had consented to remain -a couple of days with her. These days were occupied with pleasant -conversation, in which the maiden at length disclosed the secret which -she imagined to be buried in the remotest nook of her heart. Doña -Esperanza smiled with delight at this simple revelation of a love which -she already suspected, and which everything led her to encourage. - -Stronghand, for his part, had yielded to the magical fascination the -maiden exercised over him. Feeling himself beloved, his restraint and -coldness melted away to make room for an honest admiration. Carried -away by the feelings that agitated him, he displayed all the true -prudence and goodness contained in his character, which was, perhaps, -rather savage, but it was that loyal and powerful savageness which -pleases women, by creating in them a secret desire to conquer these -rebellious natures, and dominate them by their delicious seductions. -Women, as a general rule, owing to their very weakness, have always -liked to subdue energetic men, and those who are reputed indomitable; -for a woman is proud to be protected, and blushes when she is compelled -to defend the man whose name she bears. Contempt kills love. A woman -will never love a man except when she has the right to be proud of him, -and can say to him, "Spare foes too weak for you, and unworthy of your -anger." - -During the two days the young couple did not once utter the word love, -and yet they clearly explained it and no longer entertained a doubt as -to their mutual attachment. - -Still it was time to think about returning to the hacienda. It was -settled that Doña Marianna should inform her father about what she had -learned from Doña Esperanza, that she should not positively refuse Don -Rufino's hand, and quietly await events. - -"Take care," the maiden said, as she held out her hand to the hunter; -"my only hope is in you: if you fail in your plans I shall be left -alone defenceless, and death alone will remain to me, for I shall not -survive the loss of all my hopes." - -"Trust to me, Doña Marianna; I have staked my happiness and my life on -the terrible game I am preparing to play, and I feel convinced that I -shall win it." - -"I will pray to Heaven for both you and myself with such fervour, that -I feel confident my prayers will be granted." - -These words, with which the young people parted, were equivalent to a -mutual engagement. Doña Esperanza tenderly embraced the maiden. - -"Remember the legend," she said to her, and Doña Marianna replied with -a smile. - -The tigrero held the horses by the bridle. Stronghand and ten hunters -prepared to follow the travellers at a distance, in order to help them, -should it be necessary. The journey was performed in silence. Doña -Marianna was too much engaged in restoring some degree of order to her -thoughts, which were upset by what had happened during the two days she -spent among the hunters, to dream of saying a word to her companion; -while he, for his part, confounded by the way in which he had been -treated in camp, tried to explain the luxury and comfort which he had -never before witnessed in the desert, and which plunged him into a -state of amazement from which he could not recover. - -As Doña Marianna had expressed a wish to reach their journey's end as -quickly as possible, Mariano took a different road from that which he -had previously followed, and which ran to El Toro without passing by -the rancho. - -At about 3 p.m. they came in sight of the rock, and began scaling the -path, and then noticed the hunters, commanded by Stronghand, drawn up -in good order on the skirt of the forest. When the young lady reached -the first gate of the hacienda, the sound of a shot reached her ear, -and a white puff of smoke floating over the horsemen made her guess who -it was that had fired it. Doña Marianna waved her handkerchief in the -air. A second shot was fired, as if to show her that the signal was -seen, and then the hunters turned round and disappeared in the forest. -Doña Marianna entered the hacienda, and the first person she met was -Paredes. - -"_¡Válgame dios!_ niña," the worthy majordomo exclaimed; "Where have -you come from? The Marquis has been excessively anxious about you." - -"Does not my father know that I have been to pay a visit to my nurse?" - -"Your brother told him so, niña; but as your absence was so prolonged, -the Marquis was afraid that some accident had happened to you." - -"You see that it was not so, my good Paredes; so set your mind at rest, -and go and re-assure my father, to whom I shall be delighted to pay my -respects." - -"Don Hernando will be pleased at your return, niña; he is at this -moment engaged with Don Ruiz in inspecting the walls on the side of the -huerta, in order to make certain that they are in a sound condition for -we fear more and more an attack from the Indians." - -"In that case do not disturb my father, and I will go and rest in the -drawing room, for I am exhausted with fatigue; and when my father has -completed his inspection, you will inform him of my return. It is -unnecessary to importune him now." - -"Importune him!" exclaimed the honest majordomo, "Excuse me, señorita, -if I am not of your opinion on that head. _¡Viva dios!_ the Marquis -would not forgive me if I did not immediately inform him of your -return." - -"In that case, act as you think proper, my worthy Paredes." - -The majordomo, who had probably only been waiting for this permission, -ran off. - -"My dear Mariano," the young lady then said, addressing her foster -brother, "it is not necessary to tell what we have been doing during -our absence. Everybody must suppose that I have not quitted my nurse's -rancho; you understand, and I count on your discretion. When the time -arrives, I intend myself to inform my father of all that has occurred." - -"Enough, niña; you know that your wishes are orders for me. I will not -say a word--besides, it is no business of mine." - -"Very well, Mariano; now receive my sincere thanks for the services you -have rendered me." - -"You know that I am devoted to you, niña; I have merely done my duty, -and you have no occasion to thank me for that." - -The young lady offered him her hand with a smile, and entered her -apartments. The tigrero, when left alone, took the bridles of the two -horses, and led them to the corral, through the crowd of rancheros, -who, by the Marquis's orders, had sought refuge in the hacienda, and -had erected their jacales in all the courtyards. Doña Marianna was not -sorry to be alone for a few minutes, in order to have time to prepare -the conversation she intended to have with her father and brother, -whose difficulties she did not at all conceal from herself. - -The hacienda was very large, and hence, in spite of all his diligence, -it was not till he had spent half an hour in sterile search, that the -majordomo succeeded in finding his master. Don Hernando heard, with -a lively feeling of joy, of his daughter's return, and immediately -gave up his inspection in order to hurry to her. The more heavily -misfortune pressed upon the Marquis, the greater became the affection -he entertained for his children; he felt a necessity for resting on -them, and drawing more closely the family ties. When he entered, with -Don Ruiz, the room in which Doña Marianna was awaiting him, he opened -his arms and embraced her tenderly. - -"Naughty girl!" he exclaimed; "What mortal anxiety you have caused me! -Why did you remain so long absent in these troublous times?" - -"Forgive me, my dear father," the girl answered, as she returned his -caresses; "I incurred no danger." - -"Heaven be praised! But why did you stay away from us for three days." - -The young lady blushed. - -"Father," she answered, as she lavished on her parent those tender -blandishments of which girls so thoroughly possess the secret, "during -my entire absence I was only thinking of you." - -"Alas!" the Marquis murmured, with a choking sigh, "I know your heart, -my poor child; unhappily my position is so desperate that nothing can -save me." - -"Perhaps you may be saved, father," she said, with a toss of her head. - -"Do not attempt to lead me astray by false hopes, which, in the end, -would render our frightful situation even more cruel than it is." - -"I do not wish to do so, father," she said, earnestly, "but I bring you -a certainty." - -"A certainty, child! That is a very serious word in the mouth of a -girl. Where do you suppose it possible to find the means to conjure ill -fortune?" - -"Not very far off, father; at this very place, if you like." - -Don Hernando made no reply, but let his head drop on his chest -mournfully. - -"Listen to Marianna, father," Don Ruiz then said; "she is the angel of -our home. I believe in her, for I am certain that she would not make a -jest of our misfortunes." - -"Thanks, Ruiz. Oh, you are right; I would sooner die than dream of -increasing my father's grief." - -"I know it, child," the Marquis answered, with sad impatience; "but you -are young, inexperienced, and doubtless accept the wishes of your heart -as certainties." - -"Why not listen to what my sister has to say, father?" Don Ruiz said. -"If she is deceiving herself--if what she wishes to tell us does not -produce on you the effect she expects from it, at any rate she will -have given an undeniable proof of the lively interest she takes in -your affairs; and were it only for that reason, both you and I owe her -thanks." - -"Of what good is it, children?" - -"Good heavens, father! In our fearful situation we should neglect -nothing. Who knows? Very frequently the weakest persons bring the -greatest help. Listen to my sister first, and then you will judge -whether her remarks deserve to be taken into consideration." - -"As you press it, Ruiz, I will hear her." - -"I do not press, father--I entreat. Come, speak, little sister; speak -without fear, for we shall listen--at least I shall--with the liveliest -interest." - -Doña Marianna smiled sweetly, threw her arms round her father's neck, -and laid her head on his shoulder with a charming gesture. - -"How I love you, my dear father!" she said; "How I should like to see -you happy! I have nothing to tell you, for you will not believe me; and -what I might have to say is so strange and improbable, that you would -not put faith in it." - -"You see, child, that I was right." - -"Wait a moment, father," she continued; "if I have nothing to tell you, -I have a favour to ask." - -"A favour!--yes, my dear." - -"Yes, father, a favour; but what I desire is so singular--coming from -a girl--that I really do not know how to make my request, although the -thought is perfectly clear in my mind." - -"Oh, oh, little maid," the Marquis said, with a smile, though he -was much affected, "what is this thing which requires such mighty -preparations? It must be very terrible for you to hesitate so in -revealing it to me." - -"No, father, it is not terrible; but, I repeat, it will appear to you -wild." - -"Oh, my child," he continued, as he shrugged his shoulders with an -air of resignation, "I have seen so many wild things for some time -past, that I shall not attach any importance to one now; hence you can -explain yourself fully, without fearing any blame from me." - -"Listen to me, father; the favour I have to ask of you is this--and, in -the first place, you must promise to grant it to me." - -"¡Caramba!" he said, good-humouredly, "you are taking your -precautions, señorita. And suppose that I refuse?" - -"In that case, father, all would be at an end," she replied, -sorrowfully. - -"Come, my child, re-assure yourself: I pledge you my word, which you -ask for so peremptorily. Are you satisfied now?" - -"Oh, father, how kind you are! You really mean it now. You pledge your -word to grant me what I ask of you?" - -"Yes, yes, little obstinate, I do pledge my word." - -The girl danced with delight, as she clapped her pretty little hands, -and warmly embraced her father. - -"On my word, this little girl is mad!" the Marquis said, with a smile. - -"Yes, father, mad with delight; for I hope soon to prove to you that -your fortune has never been more flourishing than it now is." - -"Why, her mind is wandering now." - -"No, father," said Don Ruiz, who, with his eyes fixed on his sister, -was listening with sustained interest, and was attentively following -the play of her flexible face, on which the varied emotions that -agitated her were reflected; "I believe, on the contrary, that Marianna -is at this moment revolving in her mind some strange scheme, for -carrying out which she requires full and entire liberty." - -"You have read the truth, Ruiz. Yes, I have a great project in my head; -but in order that it may be thoroughly successful, I must be mistress -of my actions, without control or remarks, from eight o'clock this -evening till midnight. Do you grant me this power, father?" - -"I have promised it," Don Hernando replied, with a smile. "A gentleman -has only his word; as you desire, from eight o'clock till midnight you -will be sole mistress of the hacienda: no one, not even myself, will -have the right to make a remark about your conduct. Must I announce -this officially to our people?" he added, sportively. - -"It is unnecessary, father: only two persons need be told." - -"And who are these two privileged persons, if you please?" - -"My foster brother Mariano, the tigrero, and José Paredes." - -"Come, I see you know where to place your confidence. Those two men are -entirely devoted to us, and this gives me trust in the future. Go on, -my child; what must be done further?" - -"These men must be provided with picks, spades, crowbars, and lanterns." - -"I see you are thinking about digging." - -"Possibly," she said, with a smile. - -"Stories about buried treasure are thoroughly worn out in this country, -my child," he said, with a dubious shake of his head; "all those that -have been buried were dug up long ago." - -"I can offer you no explanation, father. You are ignorant of my plan, -and hence cannot argue upon a matter you do not know: moreover, you -must make no remarks, and be the first to obey me," she said, with an -exquisite smile. "You ought not to give an example of rebellion to my -new subjects." - -"That is perfectly true, my dear child; I am in the wrong, and offer -you an ample apology. Be good enough to go on with your instructions." - -"I have only a word to add, father. You and Ruiz must also provide -yourselves with tools, for I expect you all four to work." - -"Oh, oh, that is rather hard--not on me who am young," Don Ruiz -exclaimed, laughingly, "but on our father. Come, little sister, do not -expect such toil from him." - -"I may have to lend a hand myself," Doña Marianna replied. "Believe -me, Don Ruiz, you should not treat this affair lightly; it is far more -serious than you suppose, and the consequence will be of incalculable -importance for my father and the honour of our name. In my turn I will -take an oath, since you refuse to believe my word." - -"Not I, sister." - -"Yes, Ruiz, you doubt it, although you do not like to allow it. Well, I -swear to you and my father, by all I hold dearest in the world--that is -to say, you two--that I am perfectly well aware of what I am doing, and -am certain of success." - -Such enthusiasm sparkled in the girl's brilliant eyes, there was such -an expression of sincerity in her accent, that the two gentlemen at -length confessed themselves vanquished; her conviction had entered -their minds, and they were persuaded. - -"What you desire shall be done, daughter," Don Hernando said; "and, -whatever the result may be, I shall feel grateful to you for the -efforts you are making." - -Don Ruiz, by his father's orders, warned the majordomo and the tigrero, -who was already preparing to return to the rancho. But so soon as -the young man knew that his presence was necessary at the hacienda, -he remained without the slightest remark, and delighted at having an -opportunity to prove to his masters how greatly he was devoted to them. -Then what always happens under similar circumstances occurred: while -Doña Marianna was calmly awaiting the hour she had herself fixed for -action, the Marquis and his son, on the other hand, suffered from a -feverish curiosity, which did not allow them a moment's rest, and made -them regard the delay as interminable. At length eight o'clock struck. - -"It is time!" said Doña Marianna. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -THE HUERTA. - - -All southern nations are fond of shade, flowers, and birds; and as the -heat of the climate compels them, so to speak, to live in the open air, -they have arranged their gardens with a degree of comfort unknown among -us. The Italians and Spaniards, whose houses, during the greater part -of the year, are only inhabitable for a few hours a day, have striven -to make their gardens veritable oases, where they can breathe the fresh -evening air without being annoyed by those myriads of mosquitoes and -gnats unknown in temperate climates, but which in tropical latitudes -are a real plague. At midday they may be seen wheeling in countless -myriads in every sunbeam. The Hispano-Americans especially have raised -the gardening art to a science, being always engaged in trying to solve -the problem of procuring fresh air during the hottest hours of the -day--that is to say, between midday and three p.m., during which time -the earth, which has been heated since dawn by the burning heat of a -torrid sun, exhales deadly effluvia, and so decomposes the air that it -is impossible to breathe it. - -The Spanish language, which is so rich in expressions of every -description, has two words to signify a garden. There is the word -_jardín_, by which is meant the parterre properly so called--the garden -in which flowers are cultivated that in those countries grow in the -open air, but with us only in hothouses, where they are stunted and -decrepit; and, secondly, the _huerta_, which means the kitchen-garden, -the vineyard, and their clumps of trees, wide avenues, cascades, -streams, and lakes--in a word, all that we, very improperly in my -opinion, have agreed to call a park. The Hacienda del Toro possessed a -huerta, which the Marquises de Moguer had in turn sought to embellish. -This huerta, which in Europe would have seemed very large--for life -among us has been reduced to the conditions of a mean and shabby -comfort--was considered small in that country. It contained in all -only thirty acres--that is to say, a surface of about twelve square -miles; but this relative smallness was made up for by an admirable -disposition of the ground, and an extent of shade, which had made a -great reputation for the Huerta del Toro throughout Sonora. - -At eight o'clock precisely the curfew was rung, as was the custom -at the hacienda. At the sound of the chapel bell all the peons and -vaqueros retired to their jacales in order to sleep. Paredes had placed -sentinels at night on the walls ever since an attack from the Indians -had been apprehended, and the precaution was the more necessary at -this time, as there was no moon, and it is that period of the month -which the Redskins always select to begin their invasions. When the -majordomo had assured himself that the sentries were at their posts, -he made a general inspection of the whole hacienda to have the lights -extinguished, and then proceeded, accompanied by the tigrero, to the -Blue Room, where Don Hernando and his son and daughter were assembled. - -"All is in order, _mi amo_," he said; "everybody has retired to his -jacal, the hacienda gates are closed, and the sentries placed on the -walls." - -"You are quite certain, Paredes, that no one is walking about the -corals or huerta?" - -"No one; I made my rounds with the greatest strictness." - -"Very good; now, daughter, you can give your orders, and we are ready -to obey you." - -Doña Marianna bowed to her father with a smile. - -"Paredes," she said, "have you procured the tools my brother ordered -you to provide?" - -"Niña," he answered, "I have placed six picks, six crowbars, and six -spades in a clump of carob trees at the entrance of the large flower -garden." - -"Why such a number of tools?" she asked, laughingly. - -"Because, señorita, some may break; the work we have to do must be -performed quickly, and had I not taken this precaution, we might have -met with delay." - -"You are right. Follow me, señora." - -"And the lanterns?" Don Ruiz observed. - -"We will take them with us, but not light them till we reach the -spot whither I am taking you. Although the night is dark, with your -knowledge of localities we shall be able to guide ourselves without -difficulty through the darkness. Our lights might be seen and arouse -suspicions, and that is what we must avoid most of all." - -"Excellently reasoned, daughter." - -Doña Marianna rose, and the four men followed her in silence. They -crossed the apartments instead of passing through the _patios_, which -were thronged with sleepers, and entered the huerta by large double -doors, from which the garden was reached by a flight of steps. On -leaving the Blue Room Doña Marianna took the precaution to blow out the -candles, so that the hacienda was plunged into complete darkness, and -all appeared asleep. The night was very dark; the sky, in which not -a single star twinkled, seemed an immense pall; the breeze whistled -hoarsely through the trees, whose branches rustled with an ill-omened -murmur. In the distance could be heard the snapping bark of the -coyotes, and at times the melancholy hoot of the owl arose in the dark, -and broke the mournful silence which brooded over nature. This night -was excellently chosen for a mysterious expedition of such a nature as -Doña Marianna was about to attempt. - -After an instant--not of hesitation, for the maiden, although her heart -was beating loudly, was firm and resolute--but of reflection, Doña -Marianna rapidly descended the steps and entered the garden, closely -followed by the four men, who also experienced an internal emotion for -which they could not account. They had gone but a few yards when they -halted; they had reached the thicket in which the tools were concealed. -The majordomo and the tigrero took them on their shoulders, while the -Marquis and his son carried the lanterns. In spite of the darkness, -which was rendered even more intense by the dense shadow cast by the -old trees in the huerta, the young lady rapidly advanced, scarce making -the sand creak beneath her little feet, and following the winding walks -with as much ease as if she were traversing them in the bright sunshine. - -The Marquis and his son felt their curiosity increase from moment to -moment. They saw the girl so gay, and so sure of herself, that they -involuntarily began to hope, although they found it impossible to -explain the nature of their hopes to themselves. Paredes and Mariano -were also greatly puzzled about the purpose of the expedition in which -they were taking part; but their thoughts did not travel beyond this: -they supposed that there was some work for them to do, and that was all. - -The young lady still walked on, stopping at times and muttering a -few words in a low voice, as if trying to remember the instructions -she had previously received, but never hesitating, or taking one walk -for another; in a word, she did not once retrace her steps when she -had selected her course. Night, especially when it is dark, imparts -to scenery a peculiar hue, which completely changes the appearance of -the most familiar spots; it gives the smallest object a formidable -aspect; all is confounded in one mass, without graduated tints, -from which nothing stands out: a spot which is very cheerful in the -sunshine becomes gloomy and mournful when enveloped in darkness. The -huerta, which was so pretty and bright by day, assumed on this night -the gloomy and majestic proportions of a forest; the fall of a leaf, -the accidental breaking of a branch, the dull murmur of invisible -waters--things so unimportant in themselves--made these men start -involuntarily, although they were endowed with great energy, and any -real danger would not have made them blench. - -But darkness possesses the fatal influence over the human organization -of lessening its faculties, and rendering it small and paltry. A man -who, in the midst of a battle, electrified by the sound of the cannon, -intoxicated by the smell of powder, and excited by the example of his -comrades, performs prodigies of valour, will tremble like a child on -finding himself alone in the shadow of night, and in the presence of an -unknown object, which causes him to apprehend a danger which frequently -only exists in his sickly imagination. Hence our friends involuntarily -underwent the formidable influence of darkness, and felt a certain -uneasiness, which they tried in vain to combat, and which they could -not succeed in entirely dispelling, in spite of all their efforts. They -walked on silent and gloomy, pressing against each other, looking -around them timidly, and in their hearts wishing to reach as speedily -as possible the end of this long walk. At length Doña Marianna halted. - -"Light the lanterns," she said. - -This was the first remark made since they left the Blue Room. The -lanterns were instantly lighted. Doña Marianna took one, and handed -another to her brother. - -"Show me a light, Ruiz," she said to him. - -The spot where they found themselves was situated at nearly the centre -of the huerta; it was a species of grass plot, on which only stubbly, -stunted grass grew. In the centre rose a sort of tumulus, formed of -several rocks piled on one another without any apparent symmetry, and -which the owners of the hacienda had always respected in consequence -of its barbarous singularity. An old tradition asserted that one of -the old kings of Cibola, on the ruins of which town the hacienda was -built, had been buried at the spot, which was called "The Tomb of the -Cacique" after the tradition, whether it were true or false. The first -Marquis de Moguer, who was a very pious man, like all the Spanish -conquistadors, had to some extent authorized this belief, by having the -mound blessed by a priest, under the pretext--a very plausible one at -that time--that the tomb of a pagan attracted demons, who would at once -retire when it was consecrated. - -With the exception of the name it bore, this mound had never been held -in bad repute, and no suspicious legend was attached to it. It was -remote from the buildings of the hacienda, and surrounded on all sides -by dense and almost impenetrable clumps of trees. Persons very rarely -visited it, because, as it stood in the centre of an open patch of -grass, it offered no shelter against the sun; hence the place was only -known to the family and their oldest servants. - -"Ah! Ah!" said the Marquis, "So you have brought us to the cacique's -tomb, my girl?" - -"Yes, father; we can now begin operations without fear of being seen." - -"I greatly fear that your hopes have led you astray." - -"You promised, father, to make no remarks." - -"That is true, and so I will hold my tongue." - -"Very good, father," she said, with a smile; "be assured that this -exemplary docility will soon be duly rewarded." - -And the young lady continued her investigations. She looked attentively -at every stone, seeming to study its position carefully, while -comparing it with a point of the compass. - -"In which direction does the clump of old aloes lie?" she at length -asked. - -"That I cannot tell you," said Don Ruiz. - -"With your permission, I will do so," Paredes observed. - -"Yes, yes," she said, eagerly. - -The majordomo looked about for a moment, and then, placing himself in -a certain direction, said,--"The aloes of Cibola, as we call them, are -just facing me." - -"Are you certain of it, Paredes?" - -"Yes, niña, I am." - -The young lady immediately placed herself by the majordomo's side, -and bending down over the stones, examined them with extreme care and -attention. At length she drew herself up with a start of joy. - -"My father," she said, with emotion, "the honour of dealing the first -stroke belongs to you." - -"Very good, my child; where am I to strike?" - -"There!" she said, pointing to a rather large gap between two stones. - -Don Hernando drove in the pick, and, pressing on it forcibly, detached -a stone, which rolled on the grass. - -"Very good," said the girl. "Now stop, father, and let these young men -work; you can join them presently, should it prove necessary. Come, -Ruiz--come tocayo--come, Paredes--to work, my friends! Enlarge this -hole, and make it large enough for us to pass through." - -The three men set to work ardently, excited by Doña Marianna's -words, and soon the stones, leaping from their bed of earth, began -to strew the ground around in large numbers. Not one of the three -men suspected the nature of the task he was performing, and yet -such is the attraction of a secret, that they drove in their picks -with extraordinary ardour. Ruiz alone possibly foresaw an important -discovery behind the task, but could not have explained what its nature -was. The work, in the meanwhile, progressed; the hole became with every -moment larger. The stones, which had been apparently thrown upon each -other, were not bound by any mortal, and hence, so soon as the first -was removed, the others came out with extreme facility. Now and then -the labourers stopped to draw breath; but this interruption lasted -only a short time, so anxious were they to obtain the solution of the -problem. All at once they stopped in discouragement, for an enormous -mass of rock resisted their efforts. This rock, which was about six -feet square, was exactly under the stones they had previously removed, -and as no solution of continuity could be perceived, everything led to -the supposition that this rock was really very much larger, and that -only a portion of it was laid bare. - -"Why are you stopping, brother?" Doña Marianna asked. - -"Because we have reached the rock, and should break our picks, without -getting any further." - -"What! Reached the rock? Impossible!" - -The Marquis leant over the excavation. - -"It would be madness to try and get any further," he said; "it is plain -that we have reached the rock." Doña Marianna gave an angry start. - -"I tell you again that it is impossible," she continued. - -"Look for yourself, sister." - -The young lady took a lantern and looked; then, without answering her -brother, she turned to Paredes and the tigrero. - -"You," she said, "are old servants of the family, and I can order you -without any fear of being contradicted; so obey me. Remove, as rapidly -as possible, all the stones round that supposed rock, and when that is -done, I fancy I shall convince the most incredulous." - -The two men resumed work; and Don Ruiz, piqued by his sister's remark, -imitated them. The Marquis with folded arms and head bowed on his -chest, was overcome by such persistency, and began to hope again. Ere -long the stones were removed, and the mass of rock stood solitary. - -The young lady turned to the Marquis. - -"Father," she said to him, "you dealt the first blow, and must deal the -last; help these three men in removing this block." - -Without replying, the Marquis seized a pick, and placed himself -by the side of the workers. The four men dug their tools into the -friable earth which adhered to the rock; then, with a common and -gradual effort, they began raising the stone until it suddenly lost -its balance, toppled over, and fell on the ground, revealing a deep -excavation. At the sight of this, all uttered a cry of surprise. - -"Burn some wood to purify the air," the young lady said. - -They obeyed with that feverish activity which, in great circumstances, -seizes on apparently the slowest natures. - -"Now come, father," Doña Marianna said, as she seized a lantern and -boldly entered the excavation. - -The Marquis went in, and the rest followed him. After proceeding for -about one hundred yards along a species of gallery, they perceived the -body of a man, lying on a sort of clumsy dais, in a perfect state of -preservation, and rather resembling a sleeping person than a corpse. -Near the body the fleshless bones of another person were scattered on -the ground. - -"Look!" said the maiden. - -"Yes," the Marquis answered, "it is the body interred under the -tumulus." - -"You are mistaken, father; it is the body of a miner, and the fancied -tumulus is nothing but a very rich gold mine, which has remained for -ages under the guard of this insensate body, and which it has pleased -Heaven to make known to you, in order that you may recover the fortune -which you were on the point of losing. Look around you," she said, -raising the lantern. - -The Marquis uttered a cry of delight and admiration, doubt was no -longer possible. All around he saw enormous veins of gold, easy of -extraction almost without labour. The Marquis was dazzled; weaker in -joy than in suffering, he fell unconscious on the floor of this mine, -whose produce was about to restore him all that he had lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -THE ASSAULT ON QUITOVAR. - - -While these events were taking place at the Hacienda del Toro, others -of an even more important nature were being carried out at the Real -de Minas. Kidd the adventurer, had scarce left Don Rufino Contreras, -after the interesting conversations we have recorded, ere the senator -made his preparations for departure, and at once set out for the Real -de Minas, though careful to be accompanied by a respectable escort, -which protected him from the insults of marauders. At eight a.m. of the -following day the senator entered the pueblo, and his first business -was to present himself to the town commandant, Don Marcos de Niza. The -captain not only received him coldly, but with a certain amount of -constraint. This did not escape the senator's quick eye, but he was not -at all affected by it. - -"My dear captain," he said, after the usual compliments, "I am -pleased at having been selected by the Presidential Government as its -delegate to the military authorities of the State of Sonora for two -reasons, apart from the honour I shall acquire by accomplishing this -confidential duty." - -The captain bowed, but said nothing. - -"The first of these reasons," the senator continued with his eternal -smile, "is that I make the acquaintance of an excellent caballero in -yourself; the second, that before being joined in the command with -you, and desiring to make myself as agreeable to you as I could, I -asked for the rank of lieutenant-colonel for you, a step which, between -ourselves, you have long deserved, and I was so fortunate as to obtain -it for you. Permit me to hand you the commission with my own hands." - -And drawing from his pocketbook a large folded paper, he laid it in the -hand which the captain mechanically held out. The senator had justly -counted on the skilfully managed surprise. The captain, confounded -by the tardy justice done him, could not find a word to answer, but -from this moment Don Rufino's cause was gained in his mind; and unless -some unforeseen event occurred, the senator was convinced that he had -nothing now to fear from this man, whom he had cleverly managed to lay -under an obligation, without it costing him anything. The truth was, -that a few days previously the captain's nomination had reached the -Governor of Arispe from Mexico; the senator accidentally heard of it, -and offered to deliver it to the captain. As the governor had no reason -to refuse, he entrusted the nomination to the senator, and he turned it -to the good purpose we have seen. - -"And now," he continued, cutting short the thanks which the new -colonel thought himself bound to offer him, "permit me to change the -conversation, my dear colonel, and speak to you about things which -interest me privately." - -"I am listening to you caballero," Don Marcos answered; "and if I can -be of any service to you--" - -"Oh, merely to give me some information," the senator interrupted him; -"I will explain the matter in two words. I am, as you are probably -aware, very intimate with a relative of yours, the Marquis de Moguer, -and an alliance between us is being arranged at this moment." - -Don Marcos gave a deep bow. - -"Now," the senator continued, "the Marquis, as you of course know, -has been seriously tried of late; in a word, between ourselves, he -is almost ruined. Several times already I have been so fortunate as -to render him important services; but, as you know, where misfortune -is pressing a family, the best intentions often can only succeed in -retarding an inevitable downfall. Being most desirous to save a man -with whom I shall be probably closely connected within a few days, -not merely by the ties of friendship, but also by the closer links -of relationship, I have bought up all his debts; in a word, I have -become his sole creditor, and that is as much as telling you that the -Marquis does not owe a farthing now. The man whom I entrusted with this -difficult negotiation will arrive immediately in this town, where I -gave him the meeting." - -"He arrived some days ago," the colonel remarked. - -"Indeed!" Don Rufino exclaimed, affecting surprise, "It seems in that -case that he has worked quicker than I expected. But that is a thousand -times better, as I will claim a service at your hands." - -"A service!" Don Marcos exclaimed, with instinctive distrust. - -"Yes," the senator continued, tranquilly; "I hardly know how to explain -it to you, for it is so difficult, however friendly you may be with -a man whose daughter you are about to marry, to say to him 'You owed -enormous sums; I have bought up your debts, here are the receipts; burn -them, for you owe nothing now;' it would be looking so much like trying -to impose conditions to act thus--in a word, to make a bargain--that -I feel a repugnance from it; and if a common friend does not consent -to come to my assistance in the matter, I confess to you that I am -completely ignorant how I shall get out of the difficulty." - -"What!" the colonel exclaimed, in admiration, "Would you do that?" - -"I never had any other thought," the senator replied simply. - -"Oh, it is a great and generous action, caballero." - -"Not at all; on the contrary, it is quite natural. Don Hernando is my -intimate friend; I am going to marry his daughter, and my line of duty -is plain. I only did what anyone else in my place would have done." - -"No, no," Don Marcos said, shaking his head with an air of conviction; -"no, señor, no one would have acted as you have done, I feel certain. -Alas! Hearts like yours are rare." - -"All the worse, all the worse, and I feel sorry for humanity," Don -Rufino said, as he raised his eyes piously to the ceiling. - -"What is the service you expect from me, señor?" - -"A very simple thing. I will give you in a few moments those unlucky -receipts, which I will ask you to be kind enough to hand to the -Marquis. You can make him understand better than I can the purity of my -intentions in this affair; and, above all, pray assure him that I have -not done it for the purpose of forcing him to give me his daughter's -hand." - -The senator went away, leaving the colonel completely under the charm. -He proceeded hastily to the mesón where Don Parfindo was lodged; he -took the receipts from him, rewarded him handsomely, and did not leave -him till he saw him and his bailiff out of the pueblo; then he walked -slowly back to the colonel's house, rubbing his hands, and muttering, -with an ironical smile-- - -"I fancy that I shall soon have no cause to fear that worthy Señor -Kidd's denunciations. By the bye, where can he be? His absence from -Quitovar is not natural, and I must free myself from him at our next -interview." - -The senator's conversation with his agent had occupied some time, and -when Don Rufino returned to the colonel's house, he found the latter -busy in making known his new rank to his officers. The colonel eagerly -took advantage of the opportunity to introduce the senator to them, and -to tell them that Don Rufino was delegated by the Government to watch -the operations of the army, and that hence they must obey him like -himself. The officers bowed respectfully to the senator, made their -bows, and retired. When the two gentlemen were alone again, the ice -was completely broken between them, and they were the best friends in -the world. - -"Well," the colonel asked. - -"All is settled," the senator replied, as he produced the vouchers. - -"¡Caramba! You have lost no time." - -"The best things are those done quickly. Take all these documents, and -make what use of them you think proper. I am delighted at having got -rid of them." While saying this, Don Rufino threw the papers on the -table with an excellent affectation of delight. - -"With your leave, caballero," the colonel said, with a laugh, "I will -take these papers, since you insist on it, but I will give you a -receipt." - -"Oh, no," the senator exclaimed, "that would spoil the whole business." - -"Still--" - -"Not a word," he interrupted him, quickly; "I do not wish to have in my -possession the shadow of a claim upon Don Hernando." - -The colonel would have probably pressed the point, had not a great -noise been heard in the anteroom, and a man rushed into the colonel's -sanctum, shouting at the top of his lungs, "The Indians! The Indians!" - -The colonel and the senator rose. The man was Kidd; his clothes were -torn and disordered; his face and hands were covered with blood and -dust, and all apparently proved that he had just escaped from a sharp -pursuit. A strange uproar outside the house, which soon assumed -formidable proportions, corroborated his statement. - -"Is that you, Kidd?" the colonel exclaimed. - -"Yes," he replied; "but lose no time, captain; here are the pagans! -They are at my heels, and I am scarce half an hour ahead of them." - -Without waiting to hear anything more, the colonel dashed out of the -room. - -"Where have you come from?" Don Rufino asked the bandit, so soon as he -was alone with him. - -The latter gave a start of disappointment on recognising the senator, -whom he had not noticed at the first moment. This start did not escape -Don Rufino. - -"How does that concern you?" the adventurer answered, roughly. - -"I want to know." - -Kidd made a meaning grimace. - -"Every man has his own business," he said. - -"Some treachery you have been preparing, of course." - -"That is possible," he replied, with a knowing grin. - -"Against me, perhaps." - -"Who knows?" - -"Will you speak?" - -"What is the use of speaking, since you have guessed it?" - -"Then you are still trying to deceive me?" - -"I mean to take my precautions, that is all." - -"Scoundrel!" the senator exclaimed, with a menacing gesture. - -"Nonsense!" the other said, with a shrug of his shoulders; "I am not -afraid of you, for you would not dare kill me." - -"Why not?" - -"In the first place, because it would cause a row, and because I do not -think you such a friend of the captain that you would venture to take -such a liberty in his house." - -"You are mistaken, villain, and you shall have a proof of it." - -"Holloa!" the adventurer exclaimed, as he retired precipitately to the -door. - -But, with a gesture rapid as thought, Don Rufino seized one of Don -Marcos's pistols, cocked it, and ere Kidd could effect the retreat he -was meditating, he fired, and the adventurer lay on the ground with a -bullet in his chest. - -"Die, brigand!" the senator shouted, as he threw down the weapon he had -used. - -"Yes," the bandit muttered, "but not unavenged. It was well played, -master; but your turn will soon arrive--" - -And stiffening with a final convulsion, the ruffian expired, retaining -on his features even after death an expression of mocking defiance, -which caused the senator an involuntary tremor. - -"What is the matter here?" the colonel asked, suddenly entering. - -"Nothing very important," Don Rufino said, carelessly. "I was carried -away by my passion, and settled this scoundrel." - -"_¡Viva Dios!_ You were right, señor; I only regret that you have -anticipated me, for I have proofs of his treachery.--Ho, there! Remove -this carrion, and throw it out," he shouted to some soldiers who -accompanied him, and had remained in the anteroom. - -The soldiers obeyed, and the adventurer's body was thrown -unceremoniously into the street. - -"Are the Indians really coming up?" - -"The dust raised by their horses' hoofs can already be perceived. We -have not a moment to lose in preparing for defence. I suppose I can -reckon on you?" - -"_¡Rayo de Dios!_! I should hope so." - -"Come, then, for time presses." - -Kidd had in reality prepared, with his usual Machiavelism, a new -treachery, of which, unluckily for him, he was destined to be the first -victim. The whole pueblo was in an uproar: the streets were crowded -with soldiers proceeding to their posts; with women, children, and -aged persons flying in terror; with rancheros, who arrived at a gallop -to find shelter in the town, and heightened the general alarm by the -terror depicted on their faces; cattle were dashing madly about the -streets, deserted by their herds, who were compelled to proceed to the -intrenchments; and on the distant plain the body of Indians could be -seen through the dust clouds, coming up at headlong speed. - -"They are numerous," the senator whispered to the colonel. - -"Too many," the latter answered; "but silence! Let us look cheerful." - -There were twenty minutes of indescribable anxiety, during which the -defenders of the pueblo were enabled to examine their enemies, and form -an idea of the terrible danger that menaced them. - -Unhappily, the sun was on the point of setting, and it was evident that -the Redskins had calculated their march so as to arrive exactly at -that moment, and continue the attack through the night. The colonel, -foreseeing that he might possibly be compelled to have recourse to -flight, collected a band of fifty resolute horsemen, whom he gave -orders not to leave the Plaza Major, and be ready for any eventuality. -After their first charge the Indians retired out of musket range, and -did not renew their attack. A few horsemen, better mounted than the -rest, were scattered over the plain, picking up the dead and wounded, -and capturing the straggling horses; but the colonel gave orders that -they should not be fired at--not through humanity, but in order to -spare his ammunition, of which he possessed a very small stock. - -Night set in, and a deep gloom covered the earth; but the redskins -lit no fires. This circumstance alarmed the colonel; but several -hours passed, and nothing led to the possibility of an attack -being suspected. Profound silence brooded over the pueblo and the -surrounding plains, and the Indians seemed to have disappeared as if by -enchantment. The Mexicans tried in vain to distinguish any suspicious -forms in the darkness; they saw and heard nothing. This expectation of -a danger, which all felt to be imminent and terrible, had something -frightful for the besieged. - -Suddenly an immense light lit up the plain; the black outlines of the -Indians rose like diabolical apparitions, galloping in all directions; -a horrible, discordant, and shrill yell echoed in the ears of the -Mexicans, and clouds of blazing arrows fell upon them from all sides -at once, while the hideous heads of the Redskins appeared on the crest -of the entrenchments. Then, in the light of a forest, kindled by the -Indians to serve them as a beacon, an obstinate hand-to-hand fight -began between the white men and redskins. - -The pueblo was captured; any further resistance became not only -impossible, but insensate. Several houses were already ablaze, and in -a few minutes the Real de Minas would only be one immense furnace. The -senator and the colonel had fought bravely so long as a gleam of hope -was left them and the struggle appeared possible. At this moment they -thought of saving the few wretches who still existed, and had escaped -the frightful massacre by a miracle. Collecting around them all the men -they possessed, they dashed to the Plaza Major, where, in spite of the -fight raging round them, the squadron picked by Don Marcos had remained -motionless, and leaping on their horses, they gave the order to start. -Then the little band rushed forward like a hurricane, overthrowing and -crushing all the obstacles that stood in their way; and after losing -one-third their number, the rest succeeded in leaving the pueblo, -traversing the enemy's lines, and taking the road to the Hacienda del -Toro, without any close pursuit. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE VENGEANCE OF HEAVEN. - - -The Marquis's faint lasted but a short time, thanks to the attentions -his son and daughter paid him. He had scarce regained his senses ere he -drew Doña Marianna gently to him. - -"My dear child," he muttered, as he pressed her to his heart, "you are -our saviour." - -The girl, delighted with this praise, freed herself, with a blush, from -her father's embrace. - -"Then," she said, with a pretty toss of her head, "you now allow, I -think, father, that I have really kept my word." - -"Oh, my child," he said, with much emotion, as he looked around him in -delight, "there are here fifty fortunes equal to the one I have lost." - -The girl clapped her hands in delight. - -"Ah, how happy I am! I felt certain that she would not deceive me." - -This remark, which escaped from the fullness of Doña Marianna's heart, -struck Don Hernando. - -"To whom are you alluding, daughter? And who is this person who -inspires you with such confidence?" - -"The one who revealed the existence of this treasure to me, father," -she answered. - -The Marquis did not press her. - -"Mariano," he said to the tigrero, "you will pass the night here; allow -no one to approach this excavation, for it would be imprudent to let -strangers know of the existence of such a treasure before we have time -to take certain precautions indispensable for its safety." - -"You can go without fear, _mi amo_," the brave lad answered; "no one -shall approach the mine while I am alive." - -"Besides," Don Hernando continued, "your watch will cease at sunrise." - -"As long as you please, _mi amo_." - -And the tigrero, collecting the tools and lanterns, installed himself -in the excavation itself, a few yards from the body still lying on the -dais. - -The other four slowly returned to the hacienda, conversing about this -marvellous discovery, which, at the moment when all seemed desperate, -saved the family. In fact, the gold veins were so rich, that it would -be possible to detach in a single day enough nearly to cover all the -debts contracted by the Marquis. They re-entered the blue room; and -though it was very late, not one of them felt the slightest inclination -to sleep; on the contrary, they wanted still to converse about the mine. - -"Well," the Marquis said, "you did not dream that so rich a mine -existed on the estate; you allowed as much just now." - -"In truth, father, someone was kind enough to give me the information -by which I found it." - -"But who can this person be, who is better acquainted than myself -with a property which has been in the hands of the family more than -three hundred years, and yet nobody suspected that it contained this -treasure?" - -"The probability is that the secret was well kept, father." - -"Of course; but by whom?" - -"By the old owners of the soil, of course." - -"Nonsense! You are jesting, daughter. Those poor Indians disappeared -long ago from the face of the earth." - -"I am not of that opinion, father," Don Ruiz observed. - -"The more so," Paredes struck in, "because I know for a fact that the -tribe to which you allude still exists; it is one of the most powerful -in the great confederation of the Papazos." - -"And you know, father, with what religious exactitude the Indians -preserve secrets confided to their conscience." - -"That is true; but in that case some man must have spoken." - -"Or some woman," Doña Marianna said, smilingly. - -"Well, be it so--a woman," the Marquis continued; "that is already a -valuable piece of news. I know that you have obtained your information -about the mine from a woman, my child." - -"Unhappily, father, I am prohibited from saying any more." - -"Humph! Prohibited!" - -"Yes, father. However, re-assure yourself: this mine is really -yours--your lawful property. Its owner has freely surrendered it in -your favour." - -Don Hernando frowned with an air of dissatisfaction. - -"Charity!" he muttered. - -"Oh, no, but a gift you can accept, father, I swear to you. Besides, -the person to whom you are indebted for it promised me to make herself -known to you ere long." - -On the next morning, by the orders of the Marquis, the majordomo -selected ten confidential rancheros and peons from those who had sought -shelter at the hacienda, and the work commenced at once. The mine had -been abandoned exactly in the state in which it was when the body of -the miner was found by the Indians; hence the mere sweepings formed a -considerable amount, and at the expiration of four or five days the -sum collected was sufficient, not only to pay off all the debts, but -also to leave at the disposal of the Marquis a sum thrice as large as -he owed. With the exception of the legitimate anxiety caused by the -apprehension of an Indian attack, joy had returned to the hacienda; -the Marquis had begun to smile again, and seemed younger--so great is -the privilege of wealth to alter men. The first thought that occurred -to the Marquis was to settle with his creditors, and determine his -position. - -"My dear child," he said one evening to Doña Marianna, at the moment -when she was about to retire for the night, "you have not yet given -me an answer on the subject of Don Rufino Contrera's request for -your hand; but the week has long since passed. Tomorrow, Paredes is -going to start to place in his hands certain letters of importance -for the settlement of my affairs, and I wish to take advantage of the -opportunity. What answer shall I give Don Rufino?" - -The young lady blushed; but at length, subduing the trouble that -agitated her, she said, with a slight tremour in her voice,-- - -"Father, I am doubtless highly honoured by this Caballero's demand; but -do you not think as I do, that the moment is badly chosen for such a -thing, menaced as we incessantly are by terrible dangers?" - -"Very good, daughter; I do not at all wish to force your inclinations. -I will answer the senator in that sense; but if he come himself to seek -his answer, what shall we do?" - -"It will be time enough to think of it then," she replied, with a laugh. - -"Well, well, that is true, and I was wrong to dwell on the matter so. -Good night, my child, and sleep soundly. As for me, I shall probably -spend the whole night in my study with your brother, engaged with my -accounts." - -The young lady withdrew. - -"Señor Marquis," said Paredes, suddenly opening the door, "excuse my -disturbing you so late; but Mariano, the tigrero, has just arrived at -the hacienda with his whole family; he is the bearer of such strange -and terrible news, that you will perhaps sooner hear it from his lips -than from mine." - -"What does he say?" Don Ruiz asked, who entered the room at this moment. - -"He says that the Indians have risen, that they have surprised -the Mineral of Quitovar, fired the pueblo, and massacred all the -inhabitants." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" the Marquis exclaimed. - -"Our poor cousin!" the young man added. - -"That is true; our unhappy cousin commanded at the pueblo. What a -horrible disaster! Send the tigrero in to me, Paredes; go and fetch him -at once." - -Mariano was shown in, and related in their fullest details, though with -some exaggeration, the events recorded in our last chapter, which threw -his hearers into a profound stupor. Among all the incomprehensible -things which daily occur, there is one which will never be explained; -it is the rapidity with which all news spreads even for considerable -distances. Thus, the capture of Quitovar was unhappily only too true, -and the details furnished by Mariano were substantially correct; but -how could the tigrero have become acquainted with a fact that had -happened scarce three hours previously, and at more than ten leagues -from the hacienda? He could not have explained this himself; he had -heard it from somebody, but could not remember whom. - -This terrible news caused the Marquis to reflect deeply. Now that -the roads were probably infested with marauders, and communication -intercepted by the Indians, he could not think of sending Paredes -to Hermosillo, and the journey had become literally impossible. He -must busy himself without delay in organizing the defence of the -hacienda, in order vigorously to repulse the attack which would, in -all probability, not be long delayed. In spite of the advanced hour, -all were at work in an instant at the Toro; the walls were lined with -defenders, and reserves established in all parts of the hacienda. - -The whole night was spent in preparations. About two hours after -sunrise, at the moment when the Marquis, wearied by a long watch, was -preparing to take a little repose, the sentries signalled the approach -of a body of horsemen, coming at full gallop towards the hacienda. -The Marquis went up on the walls, took a telescope, and had a look at -them. After a short examination, he perceived that these horsemen were -Mexicans, although, owing to the distance, he could not distinguish -whether they were soldiers or rancheros. Still, he had all preparations -made to give them a hearty reception, if they evinced a desire to -halt at the hacienda, as the direction they were following seemed to -indicate. - -Some time elapsed ere these horsemen, who were climbing the hill, -reached the hacienda gates. Then all doubts were removed: they were -soldiers, and a few paces ahead of the troop rode Don Rufino Contreras -and Colonel Don Marcos de Niza. But both leaders and soldiers were in -such disorder, so blackened with gunpowder, so covered with dust and -blood, that it was plain they had come from a recent fight, from which -they had escaped as fugitives. Men and horses were utterly exhausted, -not alone by the extraordinary fatigue they had undergone, but also by -the gigantic struggle they had sustained ere they dreamed of flight. -It was unnecessary to ask them any questions. The Marquis ordered -refreshments to be served them, and beds got ready. - -Don Marcos de Niza and the senator had hardly the strength to say a few -words explanatory of the wretched condition in which they presented -themselves, and yielding to fatigue and want of sleep, they fell down -in a state of complete insensibility, from which no attempt was made -to rouse them, but they were both carried to bed. The Marquis then -withdrew to his room, leaving his son to watch over the safety of the -hacienda in his stead, for in all probability it would be speedily -invested by the Redskins. - -At three in the afternoon a fresh band of horsemen was signalled in -the plain. This considerable party was composed entirely of hunters -and wood rangers. Don Ruiz gave orders to let them advance, for the -arrival of these hunters, nearly one hundred in number, was a piece -of good fortune for the hacienda, as the number of its defenders was -augmented by so many. Still, when Don Ruiz saw them enter the track, -he noticed such a regularity in their movements, that a doubt crossed -his mind like a flash of lightning, and a thought of treachery rose to -his brain. Hence he rushed to the outer gate of the hacienda to give -Paredes orders not to open; but the majordomo checked him at the first -word. - -"You cannot have looked, niño," he said, "when you order such a thing." - -"On the contrary, I do so because I have looked," he replied. - -"Then you must have seen badly," the majordomo said; "otherwise you -would have perceived that the horseman at their head is one of your -most devoted friends." - -"Whom do you mean?" - -"Who else than Stronghand?" - -"Is Stronghand coming with those horsemen?" - -"He is at the head of the column, niño." - -"Oh, in that case let them enter." - -"Ah, I felt certain of it." - -The hunters had no necessity even of parleying; they found the hacienda -gates wide open, and rode straight in without drawing rein. Don Ruiz -recognised Stronghand, who, on his side, rode up to him and held out -his hand. - -"Grant me one favour, Don Ruiz," he said. - -"Speak," the young man answered. - -"Two words of conversation in your sister's presence; but wait a -moment, another person must accompany me, for reasons you will soon -appreciate; this person desires temporarily to maintain the most -inviolable incognito. Do you consent?" - -Don Ruiz hesitated. - -"What do you fear?" the hunter continued; "Do you not put faith in me? -Do you believe me capable of abusing your confidence?" - -"No; I do not wish even to suppose it, I pledge you my word." - -"And I mine, Don Ruiz." - -"Act as you think proper." - -The hunter gave a signal, and a horseman dismounted and came up to -them. A long cloak entirely covered him, and the broad brim of his hat -was pulled down over his eyes. He bowed silently to the young man, who, -though greatly perplexed by this mystery, made no remark; and after -requesting the majordomo to take care of the newcomers, he led his -guests to the room in which Doña Marianna was seated, engaged with her -tambour-work. The young lady, on hearing the door open, mechanically -raised her eyes. - -"Oh!" she exclaimed, joyfully, "Stronghand!" - -"Myself, señorita," the young man replied, with a respectful bow; "I -have come to ask the fulfilment of your promise." - -"I shall keep it, no matter what may happen." - -"Thanks, señorita." - -"Ruiz," she said to her brother, eagerly; "until further orders, my -father must not know of the presence of these caballeros here." - -"What you ask of me is very difficult, sister; think of the immense -responsibility I assume in acting thus." - -"I know it, Ruiz; but it must be, my dear brother, for my happiness is -at stake," she continued, clasping her hands imploringly; "and besides, -what have you to fear? Do you not know this hunter?" - -"Yes, I know him; I am even under great obligations to him; but his -companion?" - -"I answer for him, Ruiz." - -"You know, then, who he is?" - -"No matter what I know, brother; I only beg you to grant what I ask." - -"Well, for your sake I will be silent." - -"Oh! Thanks, thanks, brother!" - -At this moment a sound of footsteps was heard in the adjoining room. - -"What is to be done?" the maiden murmured. - -Stronghand laid his finger on his lips, and, leading away his -companion--who, through the thick cloak he wore, resembled a phantom -rather than a man--disappeared behind a curtain. At the same instant -a door opened, and two persons entered. They were Don Marcos and the -senator. They had scarce exchanged the first compliments with Don Ruiz -and Doña Marianna, when the Marquis entered the room. - -"You are up at last, I am happy to see," he said, cheerfully. "_¡Viva -Dios!_ You were in a most deplorable state on your arrival; I am glad -to see you so fully recovered." - -"A thousand thanks, cousin, for your hospitality, of which we stood in -great need." - -"No more about that; I am the more pleased at the chance which has -brought us together, Don Rufino, because I intended to write to you -immediately." - -"My dear sir," the senator said, with a bow. - -"Are you not expecting an answer from me?" - -"It is so, but I did not dare to hope." - -The Marquis cut him short. - -"Let us come to the most important point first," he continued, with -a smile. "Don Rufino, you have behaved to me like a real friend. By -a miracle--for I can only attribute to a miracle the good fortune -that has befallen me--I am in a position to arrange my affairs, -and discharge my debt to you, although, be assured, I shall never -forget the services you have rendered me, and the obligations I have -contracted toward you." - -The senator was so surprised, that he turned pale, and took a -side-glance at the colonel. - -"Obligations far greater than you suppose," the latter said, warmly. - -"What do you mean, cousin?" the Marquis asked, in surprise. - -"I mean that Don Rufino, unaware of the happy change in your fortunes, -and wishing to save you from the frightful position in which you were, -had bought up all your liabilities, and so soon as he had all the -vouchers in his possession, he hurried with them to me, and implored me -to destroy them. Here they are, cousin," he added, as he drew a bundle -of papers from his pocket. - -The various actors in this singular scene were affected by strange -feelings. Don Ruiz and his sister exchanged a look of despair, for -they understood that the Marquis would now be unable to refuse his -consent to his daughter's marriage. - -"Oh!" the Marquis exclaimed, "I cannot accept such an act of -generosity." - -"From a stranger, certainly not," Don Rufino remarked, in an -insinuating voice; "but I flattered myself that I was not such to you, -my dear sir." - -There was a silence. - -"What is going on at this moment is so strange; I feel taken so -unawares," the Marquis presently continued; "my thoughts are so -confused, that I must beg you, Don Rufino, to defer till tomorrow the -remainder of this conversation. By that time I shall have been able to -regain my coolness, and then, believe me, I will answer you in the way -that I ought to do." - -"My dear sir, I understand the delicacy of your remarks, and will wait -as long as you think proper," the senator replied, with a bow, and an -impassioned glance at Doña Marianna, who was pale and trembling. - -"Yes," said the colonel, "let us put off serious matters till tomorrow; -the shock we have suffered has been too rough for us to be fit for any -discussion just at present." - -"What has happened to you? The pagans have not seized the Mineral de -Quitovar? Or at least I hope not." - -"Yes, they have, cousin; the pueblo has been captured by the Redskins, -sacked, and burnt. We had great difficulty in making our escape, and -passed through extraordinary dangers ere we were so lucky as to reach -your hacienda." - -"That is disastrous news, cousin; I had been told of it, but was -unwilling to believe it." - -"It is unhappily but too true." - -"Well, thank Heaven, cousin, you are in safety here. As for you, Don -Rufino, I am happy that you escaped from the horrible massacre; you are -not a soldier, you are--" - -"An assassin!" a sepulchral voice suddenly exclaimed, and a hand was -laid heavily on the senator's shoulder. - -The company turned with horror. Stronghand's companion had let fall the -hat and cloak that disguised him, and was standing, stern and menacing, -behind the senator. - -"Oh!" the latter exclaimed, as he recoiled with terror, "Rodolfo! Don -Rodolfo!" - -"Brother, do I see you again after so many years?" the Marquis said, -joyfully, as he advanced towards the stranger. - -"The great sachem," Doña Marianna murmured. - -The sachem thrust back with a gesture of sovereign contempt the -startled senator, and walked into the centre of the group. - -"Yes, it is I, brother; I, the proscript, the disinherited, who enter -the house of my father after an absence of twenty years, in order to -save the last representative of my family." - -"Oh, brother! Brother!" the Marquis exclaimed, sorrowfully. - -"Recover yourself, Hernando! I entertain no feelings of hatred or -rancour for you; on the contrary, I have always loved you, and though -I was far away from you I have never lost you out of sight. Come to -my arms, brother; let us forget the past, only to think of the joy of -being reunited." - -The Marquis threw himself into his brother's arms; Don Ruiz and Doña -Marianna imitated him, and for some minutes there was an uninterrupted -interchange of embraces among the members of this family, who had so -long been separated. - -"It was through me that you received the sum which Paredes was to -receive at Hermosillo", Don Rodolfo continued; "to me you also owe -the discovery of the gold mine which has saved you. But I have not -come here solely to embrace you and yours, brother; I have come to -punish a villain! This man," he said, pointing to the senator, who was -trembling with rage and terror--"this man was my valet; in order to -rob me, he attempted to assassinate me cowardly, treacherously, and -behind my back. Such is the man whose dark machinations had succeeded -in deceiving you, and to whom you were on the point of giving your -daughter: let him contradict me if he dare!" - -"Oh!" the senator muttered, with a furious gesture. - -"Villain!" the Marquis exclaimed; "Help! Help! seize the monster!" - -Several servants rushed into the room, but before they could reach -Don Rufino the latter had bounded with a tiger leap upon Don Rodolfo, -and buried a dagger in his chest. The sachem fell back with a cry of -pain into the arms of his brother and his son. After the crime was -committed, the assassin threw down his weapon, and said to the startled -spectators, with an air of defiance and satisfied hatred,-- - -"Now you can do whatever you like to me, for I am avenged." - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -FUNERAL OF A SACHEM. - - -Two days had elapsed since the atrocious attack made by Don Rufino on -Don Rodolfo de Moguer. The Papazos had captured the hacienda without a -blow, as the gates were opened to them; for the stupor and terror of -the Mexicans at this horrible crime were so great, that they forgot all -precautions. But we must do the Redskins the justice of stating that, -contrary to their habits, they committed no excesses in the hacienda, -either by virtue of superior orders, or in consequence of the sorrow -which the wound of their great sachem caused them. Doña Esperanza had -arrived with Padre Serapio at the same time as the Indian warriors, and -she and Doña Marianna did not leave the wounded man's bed. - -Don Hernando was inconsolable, and the colonel could not forgive -himself for having supposed for a moment that the senator was an honest -man. The whole hacienda was plunged into sorrow, and Don Rodolfo -alone watched death approach with a calm brow. Fray Serapio dressed -his wound: his night was tolerably quiet, and in the morning the monk -entered the wounded man's room. At a sign from Don Rodolfo his wife and -niece, who had watched the whole night through by his bedside, withdrew. - -"Now, padre," he said, when they left the room, "it is our turn." - -And he helped him to remove the bandages. The monk frowned. - -"I am condemned, am I not?" said Don Rodolfo, who attentively followed -in the monk's face the feelings that agitated him. - -"God can perform a miracle," the Franciscan stammered, in a faint voice. - -The sachem smiled softly. - -"I understand you," he replied; "answer me, therefore, frankly and -sincerely. How many hours have I still to live?" - -"What good is that, my dear, good master?" the monk murmured. - -"Padre Serapio," the chief interrupted him, in a firm voice, "I want to -know, in order that I may settle my affairs on earth, before I appear -in the presence of God." - -"Do you insist on my telling you the truth?" - -"Pray do so--the entire truth." - -The poor man stifled a sigh, and answered, in a voice broken by -emotion--"Unless a miracle occur, you will give back your soul to your -Creator at sunset." - -"I thank you, my friend," the sachem said, his austere face not -displaying the slightest trace of emotion. "Ask my brother to come -here, for I have to talk with him. Keep back my wife and niece until I -ask for them. Go, father; I will see you again before I die." - -The worthy monk withdrew, choked with sobs. The interview of the two -brothers was long, for Don Hernando had many faults to ask pardon for -at the hands of him whose place he had taken. But Don Rodolfo, far from -reproaching him, tried on the contrary to console him, by talking to -him in a cheerful voice, and reminding him of the happy days of their -childhood. He also thanked his brother warmly for having freed him from -the heavy burden of supporting the family honour, and allowing him to -live in accordance with his tastes and humour. Many other things were -talked of, after which the Marquis retired, with pale brow and eyes -swollen with tears, which he tried in vain to repress, that he might -not sadden the last moments of the man whose great soul was revealed -to him at this supreme moment--of the brother whom he had so cruelly -misunderstood, and who had even sacrificed his life to insure his -brother's happiness. - -Doña Marianna and Doña Esperanza then returned to the dying man's room, -followed by Padre Serapio, and a few moments after the Marquis came -back, accompanied by Stronghand. The young man, in spite of his Indian -education and affected stoicism, knelt down sobbing by his father's -side. For some moments father and son talked together in a low voice; -no one save God knew what words were uttered by these two men during -the solemn interview. - -"Come here, niece," Don Rodolfo at length said, addressing Doña -Marianna. - -The maiden knelt down sobbing by the hunter's side. The aged man looked -for a moment tenderly at their two young faces, pale with sorrow, which -were piously leaning over him; then making an effort to sit up, and -supported on one side by his brother, on the other by Doña Esperanza, -he said, in a voice that trembled with emotion--"Niece, answer me as -you would answer God; for the dying, you know, no longer belong to this -world. Do you love my son?" - -"Yes, uncle," the maiden answered through her tears--"yes, I love him." - -"And you, Diego, my son, do you love your cousin?" - -"Father, I love her," the young man answered, in a voice crushed by -emotion. - -Don Rodolfo turned to his brother, who understood his glance. - -"Bless our children, brother," he said, "according to the wish you -expressed to me; Padre Serapio will unite them in your presence." - -The wounded man stretched out his trembling hands over the two young -people. - -"Children," he said, in a powerful voice, though with an accent of -ineffable tenderness, "I bless you; be happy." - -And, crushed by the efforts he had been forced to make, he fell back -in a half-fainting state on his bed. When he regained consciousness, -through the attention of Don Esperanza and his niece, he perceived -an altar by the side of his bed. On his expressing a desire that the -ceremony should take place at once, Padre Serapio, assisted by José -Paredes, who was weeping bitterly, read the marriage mass. After the -nuptial benediction, Don Rodolfo received the last sacraments, amid the -tears and sobs of all present. - -"And, now, my friends," he said, "that I have accomplished my duties -as a Christian and Spanish gentleman, it is time for me to perform my -duties as an Indian chief; so allow the Papazo warriors to enter." - -The doors opened, and the warriors entered: they were sad, gloomy, -and thoughtful. The sachem had sat up to receive them, supported by -his son Stronghand. The warriors silently surrounded the bed on which -their venerated chief lay, among them being Sparrowhawk and Peccary. -The sachem looked calmly round the circle, and then spoke in a calm and -deeply accentuated voice:-- - -"The Master of Life has suddenly recalled me to Him. I did not fall -in action, but beneath the dagger of a cowardly assassin. I regret -leaving my nation before I had completed the task which I undertook -for their happiness. What I had not time to do, another will doubtless -terminate. My brothers must continue the war they have so happily -and gloriously commenced; and though I am leaving them, my mind will -remain among them. The warriors of my nation must never forget that -the Master of Life created them free, and that they must live and die -free. The Papazos are brave men, invincible warriors, and slavery is -not made for them. On the point of appearing before the Master of Life, -I implore the chiefs not to forget that the white persons who surround -me form part of my family. If my brothers retain after my death any -recollection of the good which I have continually sought to do them, -they will be kind to the palefaces whom I love. I have only one more -word to add: I desire to give back my soul to the Master of Life -beneath the buffalo hide cabin of the warriors of my nation, and in -the midst of my nation. I desire also that all the rites customary at -the death of the chiefs should be performed for me." - -A tremor of joy ran along the ranks of the redskin warriors on hearing -the last words; for they had feared in their hearts that the sachem -would wish to be interred after the fashion of the white men. The -Peccary then replied, in the name of all-- - -"My father's wishes are orders for his children; never, so long as -the powerful confederation of the Papazos exists, shall an insult be -offered to the palefaces whom he loves. Our father can die in peace; -all his wishes will be religiously carried out by his children." - -A flash of joy sparkled in the sachem's eye at this promise, which he -knew would be strictly kept. The Peccary continued-- - -"The Papazos chiefs are sad; their hearts are swollen by the thought of -losing their father: they fear lest his death may be the cause of great -disorder in their confederation, and injure the success of the war -which had scarce begun." - -"I belong to my sons till the last moment of my existence; what can I -do for them?" - -"My father can do a great deal," the chief answered. - -"My ears are open; I am waiting for my son to explain himself." - -"The chiefs," continued Peccary, "and the great braves of the -confederation, assembled at sunrise round the council fire: they -desire, in order that no discord may spring up among them, that our -father, the great sachem, should himself appoint his successor; for -they feel persuaded that our father's choice will fall on a brave and -wise chief, worthy to command men." - -The sachem reflected for a moment. - -"Be it so," he said at length; "the determination of the sachems is -wise, and I approve of it. Sparrowhawk will command in my place when -I am called away by the Great Spirit; no one is more worthy to be the -first sachem of the nation." - -Sparrowhawk quitted the ranks, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully -to the dying man. - -"I thank my father," he said, "for the signal honour he has done me; -but I am very young to command chiefs and renowned warriors, and I fear -that I shall break down in the heavy task imposed on me. My father -leaves a son; Stronghand is one of the great braves of our nation, and -his wisdom is renowned." - -"My son is a paleface; he does not know the wants of the Papazos so -well as Sparrowhawk. Sparrowhawk will command." - -"I obey my father since he insists; but Stronghand will ever be one of -the great chiefs of my nation." - -A flattering murmur greeted these clever remarks. - -"I thank my son Sparrowhawk in the name of Stronghand. Modesty becomes -a chief so celebrated as is my son," the sachem continued; "the Great -Spirit will inspire him, and he will do great things. I have spoken. Do -the chiefs approve my choice?" - -"We could not have chosen better," Peccary answered. "We sincerely -thank our father for having anticipated our dearest wishes by choosing -Sparrowhawk." - -This scene so simple in its grandeur, and so truly patriarchal, -affected all the spectators, who felt their hearts swollen by sorrow. -The sachem continued-- - -"I feel my strength rapidly leaving me, and life is abandoning me; the -Great Spirit will soon call me to Him. My sons will carry me beneath a -tent of my nation, in order that I may breathe my last sigh in their -midst." - -Stronghand, the Marquis, Peccary, and Sparrowhawk gently lifted the -wounded man on their shoulders, and carried him to the front yard -of the hacienda, followed by all the rest, who walked silently and -thoughtfully in the rear. A lodge, formed of stakes covered with -buffalo hides, had been prepared to receive the great chief; the bed -on which he was lying was softly put down, and the chief's eyes were -turned toward the setting sun. Then all the warriors and their squaws, -whom messengers had informed of the sachem's wound, and who had hurried -to the hacienda, surrounded the tent. The Mexicans themselves mingled -with the crowd, and a deadly silence brooded over the hacienda, in -which, however, more than six thousand persons were assembled at this -moment. - -All eyes were turned toward the dying sachem, by whose side were -standing the members of his family, Padre Serapio, and the principal -chiefs of the Papazos. Now and then the aged man uttered a few words, -which he addressed at times to the monk, at others to his brother, -or to the Indian chiefs. When the sun was beginning to sink on the -horizon, the wounded man's breathing began to grow panting, his eyes -gradually became covered by a mist, and he did not speak; but he -tightly grasped his son's and wife's hands in his right hand, and -Sparrowhawk's in his left. - -All at once a nervous tremor passed over the dying man's body; his -cheeks were tinged; his half closed eyes opened again; he sat up -without any extraneous help, and shouted, in a strong, clear voice, -which was heard by all--"I come, Lord! Papazos, farewell! Esperanza! -Esperanza! We shall meet again!" - -His eyes closed; a livid pallor spread over his face; his limbs -stiffened, and he fell back heavily as he exhaled his last sigh. He was -dead. His last thought was for his wife, whom he had so dearly loved. -The sobs, hitherto restrained, burst forth suddenly and violently -among the crowd. - -"Our father is dead!" Sparrowhawk shouted, in a thundering voice. - -"Vengeance!" the Redskins yelled. - -In fact the murderer of the chief was still alive. The white men who -did not wish to witness the horrible scene that was about to take -place, withdrew. Stronghand, the colonel, Paredes, and Mariano alone -remained. The body of the defunct sachem was at once surrounded by the -squaws: they painted it with several bright colours, dressed it in a -buffalo robe, formed his hair into a tuft as a sign of his rank, and -stretched him out on a dais. The assassin, who was pale but resolute, -was then brought up. - -Sparrowhawk placed himself at the head of the corpse, and began a long -funeral oration, which was frequently interrupted by the sobs of his -audience; then, pointing with an expressive gesture to the murderer, -who was still standing motionless in the midst of the Indians who -guarded him, he said-- - -"Commence the punishment." - -We will not describe the frightful punishment which was inflicted on -the senator; such horrible details are repulsive to our pen. We will -restrict ourselves to stating that he was flayed alive, and that all -his joints were cut in succession. He suffered indescribable agony for -three long hours ere he died. Night had set in during this interval. -When the wretched assassin was dead, chosen warriors took their chief's -body on their shoulders, and proceeded by the light of torches to the -huerta, at the spot where the hacienda hung over the precipice. On -reaching this spot the chief's magnificent steed was brought up. On -his back his master's corpse was securely tied with deerskin thongs, -holding his totem in one hand and his gun in the other; the scalps of -his foes were fastened to his saddle-bow, and on his neck and arms were -his bead necklaces and copper ornaments. Then, amid the sobs of the -squaws, the horse was led to the plateau, where the Papago warriors, -mounted and dressed in their war paint, formed a semicircle, whose ends -reached the precipice. - -Then took place a scene whose savage grandeur could only be compared to -the funeral rites performed at the death of the barbarous chiefs during -those great national migrations which produced the overthrow of the -Roman Empire. By the glare of the torches--whose flames, agitated by -the wind, imparted a fantastic aspect to the gloomy and stern landscape -in this part of the huerta--the horse was placed in the midst of the -semicircle, and the horsemen, brandishing their weapons, struck up -their war song with a savage energy. The startled horse bounded on to -the plateau, bearing the corpse, to which each of its bounds imparted -such an oscillating movement that the rider appeared to be restored to -life. On reaching the brink of the precipice the horse recoiled with -terror, with flaming nostrils; then, suddenly turning round, it tried -to burst the living rampart, which was constantly contracted behind -it. Several times the animal renewed the same exertions; but at last, -attacked by a paroxysm of terror, pursued by the yells of the Indians, -and wounded by their long lances, it rose on its hind legs, uttered a -terrible snort, and leaped into the gulf with its burden. At the same -moment all the torches were extinguished, the tumult was followed by a -mournful silence, and the warriors retired. - -On the morrow, at sunrise, the Redskins left the hacienda, to which -they did not once return during the whole of the war, which lasted -three years. We may possibly some day tell what was the termination of -this grand uprising of the Indians, who on several occasions all but -deprived the Mexican republic of its finest and richest, provinces. - - -THE END - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Stronghand, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONGHAND *** - -***** This file should be named 44672-8.txt or 44672-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/6/7/44672/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/44672-8.zip b/old/44672-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7d3e23e..0000000 --- a/old/44672-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/44672-h.zip b/old/44672-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cea731a..0000000 --- a/old/44672-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/44672-h/44672-h.htm b/old/44672-h/44672-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 252199b..0000000 --- a/old/44672-h/44672-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,15018 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Stronghand, by Gustave Aimard. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} -.p6 {margin-top: 6em;} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%} -hr.full {width: 95%;} - -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} -hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdr {text-align: right;} - .tdc {text-align: center;} - - -a:link {color: #800000; text-decoration: none; } - -v:link {color: #800000; text-decoration: none; } - - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Stronghand, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Stronghand - or, The Noble Revenge - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: January 15, 2014 [EBook #44672] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONGHAND *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<h1>STRONGHAND</h1> - -<h3>OR</h3> - -<h3>THE NOBLE REVENGE</h3> - - -<h3>BY</h3> - -<h2>GUSTAVE AIMARD</h2> - -<h4>AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," "BUCCANEER CHIEF," ETC.</h4> - -<h5>LONDON</h5> - -<h5>WARD AND LOCK, 158, FLEET STREET</h5> - -<h5>MDCCCLXIV</h5> - - - -<hr class="full" /> -<h5>CONTENTS.</h5> - -<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.7em;"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">AN EXCHANGE OF SHOTS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">ON THE PRAIRIE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">THE BIVOUAC</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">THE POST OF SAN MIGUEL</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">THE STAY IN THE FOREST</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">A GLANCE AT THE PAST</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">THE FAMILY TRIBUNAL</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">THE TWO BROTHERS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">A NEW CHARACTER</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">DON JOSÉ PAREDES</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">ON THE ROAD</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">A CONVERSATION BY NIGHT</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">THE REAL DE MINAS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">THE BARGAIN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">THE PAPAZOS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">THE ATEPETL</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">THE SPY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">THE COUNCIL OF THE SACHEMS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">THE RANCHO</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">LOST!</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">STRONGHAND</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">THE RETURN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHANCE WORK</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">FATHER AND SON</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">THE HATCHET</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">THE WHITE-SKINS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">SERIOUS EVENTS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">THE TIGRERO</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">THE EXCURSION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">THE HUNTER'S CAMP</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">THE LEGEND</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">KIDD REAPPEARS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">COMPLICATIONS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">TWO VILLAINS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">A FRIENDLY BARGAIN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">THE HACIENDA DEL TORO</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">THE HUERTA</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"> XXXVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">THE ASSAULT ON QUITOVAR</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">THE VENGEANCE OF HEAVEN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XL.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">FUNERAL OF A SACHEM</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h4> - -<h3>AN EXCHANGE OF SHOTS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>The country extending between the Sierra de San Saba and the Rio -Puerco, or Dirty River, is one of the most mournful and melancholy -regions imaginable.</p> - -<p>This accursed savannah, on which bleach unrecognized skeletons, which -the wind and sun strive to convert into dust, is an immense desert, -broadcast with grey rocks, beneath which snakes and wild beasts have, -from time immemorial, formed their lurking-place, and which only -produces black shrubs and stunted larches that rise from distance to -distance above the desert.</p> - -<p>White or Indian travellers rarely and most unwillingly venture to -cross this frightful solitude, and at the risk of lengthening their -journey they prefer making a detour and following the border, where -they are certain of finding shade and water—those delights of tropical -countries and indispensable necessities for a long trip on the western -prairies.</p> - -<p>Towards the second half of June—which the Navajo Indians call the -"strawberry moon" in their harmonious language—and in the Year of -Grace 1843, a horseman suddenly emerged from a thick clump of oaks, -sumachs, and mahogany trees, entered the savannah at a gallop, and, -instead of following the usual travellers' track, which was distinctly -traced on the edge of the sand, he began without any hesitation -crossing the desert in a straight line.</p> - -<p>This resolution was a mark of great folly, or a proof of extraordinary -daring on the part of a solitary man, however brave he might be; or -else some imperious reasons compelled him to lay aside all prudence in -order to reach his journey's end more speedily.</p> - -<p>However, whatever the motives that might determine the traveller, he -continued his journey rapidly, and buried himself deeper and deeper in -the desert, without seeming to notice the gloomy and desolate aspect -the landscape around him constantly assumed.</p> - -<p>As this person is destined to play an important part in our story, we -will draw his portrait in a few words. He was a man of from twenty-five -to thirty years of age—belonging to the pure Mexican race, of average -height, and possessed of elegant manners; while his every gesture, -graceful though it was, revealed a far from ordinary strength. His -face, with its regular features and bright hue, evidenced frankness, -bravery, and kindliness; his black eyes, haughty and well open, -had a straight and penetrating glance; his well cut mouth, adorned -with dazzling white teeth, was half concealed beneath a long brown -moustache; his chin, of too marked an outline perhaps, denoted a great -firmness of character; in short, his whole appearance aroused interest -and attracted sympathy.</p> - -<p>As for his dress, it was the Mexico costume in all its picturesque -richness. His broad-brimmed Vicuna skin hat, decorated with a double -gold and silver <i>golilla</i>, was carelessly set on his right ear, and -allowed curls of luxurious black hair to fall in disorder on his -shoulders. He wore a jacket of green velvet, magnificently embroidered -with gold, under which could be seen a worked linen shirt. An Indian -handkerchief was fastened round his neck by a diamond ring. His -<i>calzoneras</i>, also of green velvet, held round his hips by a red silk -gold-fringed <i>faja</i> were embroidered and slashed like a jacket, while -two rows of pearl-set gold buttons ran along the opening that extends -from the boot to the knee. His vaquero boots, embroidered with pretty -designs in red thread, were fastened to his legs by silk and gold -garters, from one of which emerged the admirably carved hilt of a long -knife. His zarapé, of Indian fabric and showy colours, was folded on -the back of his horse, an animal full of fire, with fine legs, small -head, and flashing eye. It was a true prairie mustang; and its master -had decorated it with the coquettish elegance peculiar to Mexican -horsemen.</p> - -<p>In addition to the knife we referred to, and which the horseman wore -in his right boot, he had also a long American rifle laid across his -saddle-bow, two six-shot revolvers in his girdle, a machete, or species -of straight sabre, which was passed, unsheathed, through an iron ring -on his left side; and, lastly, a reata of plaited leather, rolled up -and fastened to the saddle.</p> - -<p>Thus armed, the man we have just described was able—on the admission -that his determined appearance was not deceitful—to make head against -several adversaries at once, without any serious disadvantage. This -was a consideration not at all to be despised in a country where a -traveller ever runs the risk of encountering an enemy, whether man or -beast, and, at times both together.</p> - -<p>While galloping, the horseman carelessly smoked a husk cigarette, only -taking an absent and disdainful glance at the coveys of birds that rose -on his approach, or the herds of deer and packs of foxes which fled in -terror on hearing the horse's gallop.</p> - -<p>The savannah, however, was already beginning to assume a more gloomy -tinge; the sun, now level with the ground, only appeared on the horizon -as a red unheated ball, and night was soon about to cover the earth -with its dense gloom. The horseman drew up the bridle of his steed -to check its speed, though not entirely stopping it, and, casting an -investigating glance around him, seemed to be seeking a suitable spot -for his night halt.</p> - -<p>After a few seconds of this search, the traveller's determination was -formed. He turned slightly to the left, and proceeded to a half dried -up stream that ran along a short distance off, and on whose banks grew -a few prickly shrubs and a clump of some dozen larches, forming a -precarious shelter against the curiosity of those mysterious denizens -of the desert that prowl about in search of prey during the darkness.</p> - -<p>On drawing nearer, the traveller perceived to his delight that this -spot, perfectly hidden from prying glances, by the conformation of the -ground and a few blocks of stone scattered here and there among the -trees and shrubs, offered him an almost certain shelter.</p> - -<p>The journey had been tiring; and both man and horse felt themselves -worn with fatigue. Both, before proceeding further, imperiously -required a few hours' rest.</p> - -<p>The horseman, as an experienced traveller, first attended to his steed, -which he unsaddled and led to drink at the stream; then, after hobbling -the animal for fear it might stray and become the prey of wild beasts, -he stretched his zarapé on the ground, threw a few handfuls of Indian -corn upon it, and when he was assured that his horse, in spite of its -fatigue, was eating its provender willingly, he thought about himself.</p> - -<p>Mexicans, when travelling, carry behind their saddle two canvas bags, -called <i>alforjas</i>, intended to convey food, which it is impossible to -procure in the desert; and these, with two jars filled with drinking -water, form the sole baggage with which they cover enormous distances, -and endure privations and fatigue, the mere enumeration of which would -terrify Europeans, who are accustomed to enjoy all the conveniences -supplied by an advanced stage of civilization.</p> - -<p>The horseman opened his alforjas, sat down on the ground with his back -against a rock, and, while careful that his weapons were within reach, -for fear of being attacked unawares, he began supping philosophically -on a piece of tasajo, some maize tortillas, and goat's cheese as hard -as a flint, the whole being washed down with the pure water of the -stream.</p> - -<p>This repast, which was more than frugal, was soon terminated. The -horseman, after cleaning his teeth with an elegant gold toothpick, -rolled a pajilla, smoked it with that conscientious beatitude peculiar -to the Hispano-Americans, and then wrapped himself in his zarapé, shut -his eyes, and fell asleep.</p> - -<p>Several hours passed; and it is probable that the traveller's sleep -would have been prolonged for some time, had not two shots, fired a -short distance from him, suddenly aroused him from his lethargy. The -general rule on the prairie is, that when you hear a shot, it is rare -for it not to have been preceded by the whistle of a bullet past your -ear—in other words, there are ninety-nine reasons in a hundred that -the lonely man has been unconsciously converted into the target of an -assassin.</p> - -<p>The traveller, thus unpleasantly aroused, seized his weapons, concealed -himself behind a rock, and waited. Then, as after the expiration of -a moment, the attack was not renewed, he rose softly, and carefully -looked around him.</p> - -<p>Not a sound disturbed the majestic solitude of the desert. But this -sudden tranquillity after the two shots, instead of re-assuring the -traveller, only augmented his anxiety, by revealing to him the approach -of a certain danger, though it was impossible for him to divine the -cause or the magnitude.</p> - -<p>The night was clear, and, so to speak, transparent; the sky, of a deep -blue, was studded with a profusion of sparkling stars, and the moon -shed a white and melancholy light, that allowed the country to be -surveyed for a long distance.</p> - -<p>At all hazards he saddled his horse; then, after concealing it in a -rocky cavity, he lay down, placed his ear to the ground, and listened. -Then he fancied he could hear a long distance off a sound, at first -almost imperceptible, but which rapidly approached; and he soon -recognized in it the wild galloping of several horses.</p> - -<p>It was a hunt, or a pursuit. But who would dream of hunting in the -middle of the night? The Indians would not venture it, while white and -half-bred trappers only rarely visited these deserted regions, which -they abandoned to the savages and border ruffians; utter villains, who, -expelled from the towns and pueblos, have no other shelter than the -desert.</p> - -<p>Were the galloping horsemen pirates of the prairie, then?</p> - -<p>The situation was becoming painful to the traveller when, all at once, -the noise ceased, and all became silent.</p> - -<p>The traveller rose from the ground.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, the shrieks of a woman or girl burst forth on the night, with -an expression of terror and agony impossible to depict.</p> - -<p>The stranger, leaving his horse in the shelter he had selected for it, -dashed forward in the direction whence the cry came, leaping from rock -to rock and clearing shrubs, at the risk of hurting himself, with the -feverish speed of the brave man who believes himself suddenly called -by Providence to save a fellow being in danger.</p> - -<p>Still, prudence did not desert him in his hazardous enterprise; and, -before risking himself on the plain, he stopped behind a fringe of -larch trees, in order to try and find out what was going on, and act in -accordance.</p> - -<p>This is what he saw:—two men, who from their appearance he at once -recognized as belonging to the worst species of prairie runners, were -madly pursuing a young girl. But, thanks to her juvenile agility—an -agility doubtless doubled by the profound terror the bandits inspired -her with—this maiden bounded like a startled fawn across the prairie, -leaping ravines, clearing every obstacle, and gaining at each moment -a greater advance on her pursuers, who were impeded by their vaquero -boots and heavy rifles.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later, and the maiden reached the belt of trees behind -which the traveller had concealed himself. The latter was about to rush -to her assistance, when suddenly one of the bandits raised his rifle -and pulled the trigger.</p> - -<p>The girl fell, and the horseman seemed to change his mind—for instead -of advancing, he drew himself back and stood motionless, with his -finger on the trigger, ready to fire.</p> - -<p>The pirates rapidly approached, talking together in that medley of -English, French, Spanish and Indian which is employed throughout the -Far West.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" said a hoarse and panting voice; "What a gazelle! At one moment -I really thought she would escape us."</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," the other answered, shaking his head and tapping the -barrel of his rifle with his right hand; "but I always felt certain of -bringing her down when I thought proper."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and you did not miss her, <i>caray!</i> Although it was a long shot, -and your hand must have trembled after such a chase."</p> - -<p>"Habit, compadre! Habit!" the bandit answered, with a modest smile.</p> - -<p>While talking thus, the two bandits had reached the spot where the body -of the girl lay. One of them knelt down, doubtless to assure himself -of the death of their victim; while the other, the one who had fired, -looked on carelessly, leaning on his rifle.</p> - -<p>The traveller then drew himself up, raised his piece, and fired. The -bandit, struck in the centre of the breast, sank down like a sack, and -did not stir. He was dead.</p> - -<p>His companion had started and laid his hand on his <i>machete</i>; but not -leaving him time to employ it, the traveller rushed on him, and with a -powerful blow of the butt end on his head, sent him to join his comrade -on the ground, where he rolled, half killed.</p> - -<p>The traveller, taking the bandit's reata, then firmly bound his hands -and feet; and, easy in mind on this point, he eagerly approached the -maiden. The poor girl gave no sign of life, but, for all that, was not -dead; her wound, indeed, was slight, as the pirate's bullet had merely -grazed her arm. Terror alone had produced her fainting fit.</p> - -<p>The stranger carefully bandaged the wound, slightly moistened her -lips and temples, and, after a comparatively short period, had the -satisfaction of seeing her open her eyes again.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she murmured, in a voice soft and melodious as a bird's song, -"Those men—those demons! Oh! Heaven! Protect me!"</p> - -<p>"Reassure yourself, Señorita," the traveller answered; "you have -nothing further to fear from those villains."</p> - -<p>The maiden started at the sound of this strange voice; she fixed -her eyes on the stranger without giving him any answer, and made an -instinctive movement to rise. She doubtless took the man who had spoken -for one of her pursuers. The latter smiled mournfully, and pointed to -the two bandits lying on the ground.</p> - -<p>"Look, Señorita," he said to her; "you have only a friend here."</p> - -<p>At this sight an expression of unbounded gratitude illumined the -wounded girl's face, and a sickly smile appeared on her lips; but -almost immediately her features grew saddened again. She sprang up, -and raising herself on the tips of her small feet, she stretched out -her right arm toward a point on the horizon, and exclaimed in a voice -broken by terror—</p> - -<p>"There, there! Look!"</p> - -<p>The stranger turned to the indicated direction. A party of horsemen -were coming up at full speed, preceded about a rifle shot distance by -another horseman, evidently better mounted than they, and whom they -appeared to be pursuing. The stranger then remembered the furious -galloping he had heard a few moments previously.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the girl exclaimed, clasping her hands in entreaty, "Save him, -Señor! Save him!"</p> - -<p>"I will try, Señorita," he replied, gently; "all that a man can do, I -swear to do."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," she said, offering him her pretty little hand; "you are a -noble-hearted man, and Heaven will aid you."</p> - -<p>"You must not remain here exposed to the insults of these men, who are -evidently the comrades of those from whom you have just escaped."</p> - -<p>"That is true," she said; "but what can I do? Where shall I seek -shelter?"</p> - -<p>"Follow me behind these trees; we have not a moment to lose."</p> - -<p>"Come," she said, resolutely. "But you will save him! Will you not?"</p> - -<p>"At least I will try. I have only my life to offer the person in whom -you take an interest; and believe me, Señorita, I shall not hesitate to -make the sacrifice."</p> - -<p>The maiden looked down with a blush, and silently followed her guide. -They soon reached the thicket in which the stranger had established his -quarters for the night.</p> - -<p>"Whatever happens," he said, while reloading his rifle, "remain here, -Señorita. You are in safety in this hollow rock, where no one will -dream of seeking you. For my part, I am going to help your friend."</p> - -<p>"Go," she said, as she knelt down on the ground; "while you are -fighting I will pray for you—and Heaven will grant my prayer."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the stranger answered, mournfully, "God listens gladly to the -voice of angels, so let us hope for the best."</p> - -<p>He leaped on his horse; and after giving a parting glance at the -maiden, who was praying fervently, he dashed at full speed in the -direction of the newcomers. There were seven in number—bandits with -stern faces and dangerous aspect, who dashed up brandishing their -weapons and uttering horrible yells.</p> - -<p>The pursued horseman, on seeing a man emerge so unexpectedly from the -thicket, and come towards him at full speed, rifle in hand, naturally -supposed that assistance was arriving for his foes, and dashed on one -side to avoid a man whom he assumed, with some show of reason, to be an -adversary the more. But the bandits were not mistaken when they saw the -stranger not only let their prey escape, but stop in front of them and -cock his rifle.</p> - -<p>Two shots were fired at the same moment, one by a bandit the other -by the stranger, with the difference, however, that the bandit's -shot, being fired haphazard was harmless; while the stranger's, being -deliberately aimed, struck exactly in the mass of his serried foes.</p> - -<p>A few seconds later, one of them let go his bridle, beat the air with -his arms, fell back on his horse, and at length on the ground, tearing -with his huge spurs the sides of his steed, which reared, kicked, and -started off like an arrow.</p> - -<p>A war so frankly declared could not have a sudden termination: four -shots succeeding each other with extreme rapidity on either side were -a sufficient proof of this. But the stranger's position was growing -critical: his rifle was discharged, and he had only his revolvers left.</p> - -<p>The revolver, by the way, is a weapon more convenient than useful in -a fight, for if you wish to hit your man, you must fire at him almost -point blank, otherwise the bullets have a tendency to stray. This is a -sufficient explanation why, in spite of the immoderate use the North -Americans make of this weapon, the number of murders among them is -proportionately limited.</p> - -<p>The stranger was, therefore, somewhat embarrassed, and was preparing in -his emergency for a hand-to-hand fight, when help he had been far from -calculating on suddenly reached him.</p> - -<p>The pursued horseman, on hearing the firing, and yet finding no bullets -whizzed past him, understood that something unusual was taking place, -and that some strange incident must have occurred in his favour. -Hence he turned back, and saw one of his enemies fall. Recognising -his mistake, he made up his mind at once: though only armed with a -<i>machete</i>, he wheeled his horse round and bravely drew up alongside -his defender.</p> - -<p>Then the two men, without exchanging a word, resolutely dashed at the -bandits. The contest was short—the success unhoped for. Moreover, the -sides were nearly equal, for of the seven pirates only four were now -alive.</p> - -<p>The attack was so sudden, that the pirates had not time to reload. Two -were killed with revolver shots. The third fell with his head severed -by a <i>machete</i> blow from the horseman, who was burning to take an -exemplary vengeance; while the fourth, finding himself alone leaped his -horse over the corpses of his comrades, and fled at full speed without -attempting to continue longer a combat which could not but be fatal to -him.</p> - -<p>The two men consequently remained masters of the battlefield.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> - -<h3>ON THE PRAIRIE.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>When the last bandit had disappeared in the darkness, the horseman -turned to his generous defender, in order to thank him; but the latter -was no longer by his side, and he saw him galloping some distance off -on the plain.</p> - -<p>The horseman knew not to what he should attribute this sudden -departure—(for the stranger was following a direction diametrically -opposite to that on which the pirate had fled)—till he saw him return, -leading another horse by the bridle.</p> - -<p>The stranger had thought of the young lady he had so miraculously -saved; and on seeing the horses of the killed bandits galloping about, -he resolved at once to capture the best of them, in order to enable -her to continue her journey more comfortably; and when the animal was -lassoed, he returned slowly towards the man to whom he had rendered so -great a service.</p> - -<p>"Señor," the horseman said, as soon as they met again, "all is not over -yet; I have a further service to ask of you."</p> - -<p>"Speak, Caballero," the stranger replied, starting at the sound of the -voice, which he fancied he recognised. "Speak, I am listening to you."</p> - -<p>"A woman, an unhappy girl—my sister, in a word, is lost in this -horrible desert. Some of the scoundrels started in pursuit of her, and -I know not what may have happened to her. I am in mortal agony, and -must rejoin her at all risks; hence do not leave the good action you -have so well begun unfinished; help me to find my sister's track,—join -with me in seeking her."</p> - -<p>"It is useless," the stranger answered, coldly.</p> - -<p>"What, useless!" the horseman exclaimed with horror; "Has any -misfortune happened to her? Ah! I remember now; I fancied, while I was -flying, that I heard several shots. Oh, Heaven, Heaven!" he added, -writhing his hands in despair, "My poor sister, my poor Marianita!"</p> - -<p>"Reassure yourself, Caballero," the stranger continued in the same cold -deliberate accent; "your sister is in safety, temporarily at least, and -has nothing to fear. Heaven permitted that I should cross her path."</p> - -<p>"Are you stating truth?" he exclaimed, joyfully. "Oh, bless you, Señor, -for the happy news! Where is she? Let me see her! Let me press her to -my heart. Alas! How shall I ever acquit my debt to you?"</p> - -<p>"You owe me nothing," the stranger answered in a rough voice; "it was -chance, or God, if you prefer it, that did everything, and I was only -the instrument. My conduct would have been the same to any other -person; so keep your gratitude—which I do not ask of you. Who knows," -he added ironically, "whether you may not some day repent of having -contracted any obligations toward me?"</p> - -<p>The horseman felt internally pained at the way in which his advances -were received by a man who scarce five minutes previously had saved his -life. Not knowing to what he should attribute this sudden change of -temper, he pretended not to notice anything offensive the words might -contain, and said, with exquisite politeness—</p> - -<p>"The spot is badly chosen for a lengthened conversation, Caballero. We -are still, if not strangers, at least unknown to each other. I trust -that ere long all coldness and misunderstanding will cease between us, -and make room for perfect confidence."</p> - -<p>The other smiled bitterly.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said, "your sister is near here, and must be impatient to -see you."</p> - -<p>The horseman followed him without replying; but asking himself mentally -who this singular man could be, who risked his life to defend him, and -yet appeared anxious to treat him as an enemy.</p> - -<p>All the sounds of the combat had reached the maiden's ear: she had -heard them while kneeling on the ground, half dead with terror, and -searching her troubled memory in vain for a prayer to address to Heaven.</p> - -<p>Then the firing had ceased: a mournful silence again spread over the -desert—a silence more terrifying a thousandfold than the terrible -sounds of the fight, and she remained crouching in a corner and -suffering from nameless agony, alone, far from all human help, not -daring to retain a single hope, and fearing at each moment to see a -frightful death awaiting her. The poor girl could not have said how -long she remained thus crushed beneath the weight of her terror. A -person must really have suffered, to know of how many centuries a -minute is composed when life or death is awaited.</p> - -<p>Suddenly she started: her strong nerves relaxed, a fugitive flush -tinged her cheek, she fancied she had heard a few words uttered in a -low voice not far from her. Were her enemies again pursuing her? Or was -her saviour returning to her side?</p> - -<p>She remained anxious and motionless, not daring to make a movement or -utter a cry to ask for help; for a movement might reveal her presence, -a cry hopelessly ruin her.</p> - -<p>But, ere long, the bushes were parted by a powerful hand; and two -horsemen appeared at the base of the rock. The maiden stretched out her -hands to them with an exclamation of delight; and, too weak to support -this last emotion, she fainted.</p> - -<p>She had recognised in the men, who arrived side by side, her brother -and the stranger to whom she owed her life.</p> - -<p>When she regained her senses, she was lying on furs in front of a large -fire. The two men were sitting on her right and left; while in the rock -cave, three horses were eating their provender of alfalfa.</p> - -<p>Somewhat in the shadow a few paces from her, the maiden perceived a -mass, whose form it was impossible for her to distinguish at the first -glance, but which a more attentive examination enabled her to recognise -as a bound man lying on the ground.</p> - -<p>The maiden was anxious to speak and thank her liberator; but the shock -she had received was so rude, the emotion so powerful, that it was -impossible for her to utter a word—so weak did she feel. She could -only give him a glance full of all the gratitude she felt, and then -fell back into a state of feverish exhaustion and morbid apathy, which -almost completely deprived her of the power of thinking and feeling, -and which rendered her involuntarily ignorant of all that was going on -around her.</p> - -<p>"It is well," said the stranger, as he carefully closed a gold mounted -flask and concealed it in his bosom. "Now, Caballero, there is nothing -more to fear for the Señorita; the draught I have administered to her, -by procuring her a calm and healthy sleep, will restore her strength -sufficiently for her to be able to continue her journey at sunrise, -should it be necessary."</p> - -<p>"Caballero," the stranger answered, "you are really performing the part -of Providence towards me and my sister, I know not, in truth, how to -express to you the lively gratitude I feel for a procedure which is the -more generous as I am a perfect stranger to you."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?" he answered sarcastically.</p> - -<p>"The more I examine your face, the more convinced I am that I have met -you tonight for the first time."</p> - -<p>"You would not venture to affirm it?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I would. Your features are too remarkable for me not to remember -them if I had seen you before; but I repeat, if you fancy you know me, -you are mistaken, and an accidental resemblance to some other person is -the cause of your error."</p> - -<p>There was a momentary silence, and then the stranger spoke again, with -a politeness too affected for the irony it concealed not to be seen—</p> - -<p>"Be it so, Caballero," he answered, with a bow; "perhaps I am mistaken. -Be good enough, therefore, if you have no objection, to tell me who -you are, and by what fortuitous concourse of circumstances I have -been enabled to render you what you are kind enough to call a great -service?"</p> - -<p>"And it is an immense one, in truth, Caballero," the stranger -interrupted with warmth.</p> - -<p>"I will not discuss that subject any longer with you, Caballero; I am -awaiting your pleasure."</p> - -<p>"Señor, I will not abuse your patience for long. My name is Don Ruiz -de Moguer, and I reside with my father at a hacienda in the vicinity -of Arispe. For reasons too lengthy to explain to you, and which would -but slightly interest you, the presence of my sister (who has been at -school for some years at the Convent of the Conception at El Rosario) -became indispensable at the hacienda. By my father's orders I set out -for El Rosario a few months ago, in order to bring my sister back to -her family. I was anxious to rejoin my father; and hence, in spite of -the observations made to me by persons acquainted with the dangers -attending so long a journey through a desert country, I resolved to -take no escort, but start for home merely accompanied by two peons, on -whose courage and fidelity I could rely."</p> - -<p>"My sister who had been separated from her family for several years, -was as eager as myself to quit the convent; and hence we soon set -out. For the first few days all went well; our journey was performed -under the most favourable auspices, and my sister and I laughed at the -anxiety and apprehensions of our friends, for we had begun to believe -ourselves safe from any dangerous encounter."</p> - -<p>"But yesterday at sunset, just as we were preparing our camp for the -night, we were suddenly attacked by a party of bandits, who seemed -to emerge from the ground in front of us, so unforeseen was their -apparition. Our poor brave peons were killed while defending us; and -my sister's horse, struck by a bullet in the head, threw her. But the -brave girl, far from surrendering to the bandits, who rushed forward -to seize her, began flying across the savannah. Then I tried to lead -the aggressors off the scent, and induce them to pursue me. You -know the rest, Caballero; and had it not been for your providential -interference, it would have been all over with us."</p> - -<p>There was a silence, which Don Ruiz was the first to break.</p> - -<p>"Caballero," he said, "now that you know who I am, tell me the name of -my saviour?"</p> - -<p>"What good is that?" the stranger answered, sadly. "We have come -together for a moment by chance, and shall separate tomorrow never to -meet again. Gratitude is a heavy burden. Not knowing who I am, you will -soon have forgotten me. Believe me, Señor Don Ruiz, it is better that -it should be so. Who knows if you may not regret some day knowing me?"</p> - -<p>"It is the second time you have said that, Caballero. Your words -breathe a bitterness that pains me. You must have suffered very -grievously for your thoughts to be so sad and your heart so -disenchanted at an age when the future ordinarily appears so full of -promise."</p> - -<p>The stranger raised his head, and bent on his questioner a glance that -seemed trying to read to the bottom of his soul: the latter continued, -however, with some degree of vivacity—</p> - -<p>"Oh! Do not mistake the meaning I attach to my words, Caballero. I -have no intention to take your confidence by surprise, or encroach on -your secrets. Every man's life belongs to himself—his actions concern -himself alone; and I recognise no claim to a confidence which I neither -expect nor desire. The only thing I ask of you is to tell me your name, -that my sister and myself may retain it in our hearts."</p> - -<p>"Why insist on so frivolous a matter?"</p> - -<p>"I will answer—What reason have you to be so obstinate in remaining -unknown?"</p> - -<p>"Then you insist on my telling you my name?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, Caballero, I have no right to insist; I only ask it."</p> - -<p>"Very good," said the stranger, "you shall know my name; but I warn you -that it will teach you nothing."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, Caballero," Don Ruiz remarked, with a touch of exquisite -delicacy, "this name, repeated by me to my father, will tell him every -hour in the day that it is to the man who bears it that he owes the -life of his children, and a whole family will bless you."</p> - -<p>In spite of himself, the stranger felt affected. By an instinctive -movement he offered his hand to the young man, which the latter pressed -affectionately. But, as if suddenly reproaching himself for yielding -to his feelings, this strange man sharply drew back his hand, and -reassuming the expression of sternness, which had for a moment departed -from him, said, with a roughness in his voice that astonished and -saddened the young Mexican, "You shall be satisfied."</p> - -<p>We have said that Doña Marianita, in looking round her, fancied she saw -the body of a man stretched on the ground a few paces from the fire. -The maiden was not mistaken; it was really a man she saw, carefully -gagged and bound. It was in a word, one of the two bandits who had -pursued her so long, and the one whom the stranger had almost killed -with a blow of his rifle butt.</p> - -<p>After recommending Don Ruiz to be patient by a wave of his hand, the -stranger rose, walked straight up to the bandit, threw him on his -shoulders, and laid him at the feet of the young Mexican, perhaps -rather roughly—for the pirate, in spite of the thorough Indian -stoicism he affected, could not suppress a stifled yell of pain.</p> - -<p>"Who is this man, and what do you purpose doing with him?" Don Ruiz -asked, with some anxiety.</p> - -<p>"This scoundrel," the stranger answered, harshly, "was one of the band -that attacked you; we are going to try him."</p> - -<p>"Try him?" the young gentleman objected; "We?"</p> - -<p>"Of course," the stranger said, as he removed the bandit's gag, and -unfastened the rope that bound his limbs. "Do you fancy that we are -going to trouble ourselves with the scoundrel till we find a prison -in which to place him, without counting the fact that, if we were so -simple as to do so, the odds are about fifty to one that he would -escape from us during the journey, and slip through our fingers like an -opossum, to attack us a few hours later at the head of a fresh band of -pirates of his own breed. No, no; that would be madness. When the snake -is dead, the venom is dead, too; it is better to try him."</p> - -<p>"But by what right can we constitute ourselves the judges of this man?"</p> - -<p>"By what right?" the stranger exclaimed, in amazement. "The Border law, -which says, 'Eye for eye; tooth for tooth.' Lynch law authorizes us to -try this bandit, and when the sentence is pronounced, to execute it -ourselves."</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz reflected for a moment, during which the stranger looked at -him aside with the most serious attention.</p> - -<p>"That is possible," the young man at length answered; "perhaps you are -right in speaking thus. This man is guilty—he is evidently a miserable -assassin covered with blood; and, had my sister and myself fallen into -his hands, he would not have hesitated to stab us, or blow out our -brains."</p> - -<p>"Well?" the stranger remarked.</p> - -<p>"Well," the young man continued, with generous animation in his voice; -"this certainly does not authorize us in taking justice into our own -hands; besides, my sister is saved."</p> - -<p>"Then it is your opinion—"</p> - -<p>"That as we cannot hand this man over to the police, we are bound to -set him at liberty, after taking all proper precautions that he cannot -injure us."</p> - -<p>"You have, doubtless, carefully reflected on the consequences of the -deed you advise?"</p> - -<p>"My conscience orders me to act as I am doing."</p> - -<p>"Your will be done!" and, addressing the bandit, who throughout the -conversation had remained gloomy and silent, though his eyes constantly -wandered from one to the other of the speakers, he said to him, "Get -up!"</p> - -<p>The pirate rose.</p> - -<p>"Look at me," the stranger continued; "do you recognise me?"</p> - -<p>"No," the bandit said.</p> - -<p>The stranger seized a lighted brand, and held it up near his face.</p> - -<p>"Look at me more carefully, Kidd," he said, in a sharp, imperious voice.</p> - -<p>The scoundrel, who had bent forward, drew himself back with a start of -fear.</p> - -<p>"Stronghand!" he exclaimed, in a voice choked by dread.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the horseman said, with a sardonic smile; "I see that you -recognise me now."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the bandit muttered. "What are your orders?"</p> - -<p>"I have none. You heard all we have been saying, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"All."</p> - -<p>"What do you think of it?"</p> - -<p>The pirate did not answer.</p> - -<p>"Speak, and be frank! I insist."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" he said, with a side-glance.</p> - -<p>"Will you speak? I tell you I insist."</p> - -<p>"Well!" he answered, in a rather humbling voice, but yet with a tinge -of irony easy to notice; "I think that when you hold your enemy, you -ought to kill him."</p> - -<p>"That is really your opinion?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"What do you say to that?" the stranger asked, turning to Don Ruiz.</p> - -<p>"I say," he replied, simply, "that as this man is not my enemy, I -cannot and ought not to take any vengeance on him."</p> - -<p>"Hence?"</p> - -<p>"Hence, justice alone has the right to make him account for his -conduct. As for me, I decline."</p> - -<p>"And that is truly the expression of your thoughts?"</p> - -<p>"On my honour, Caballero. During the fight I should not have felt the -slightest hesitation in killing him—for in that case I was defending -the life he tried to take; but now that he is a prisoner, and unarmed, -I have no longer aught to do with him."</p> - -<p>In spite of the mask of indifference the stranger wore on his face, he -could not completely hide the joy he experienced at hearing these noble -sentiments so simply expressed.</p> - -<p>There was a moment's silence, during which the three men seemed -questioning each other's faces. At length Stronghand spoke again, -and addressed the bandit, who remained motionless, and apparently -indifferent to what was being said—</p> - -<p>"Go! You are free!" he said, as he cut the last bonds that held him. -"But remember, Kidd, that if it has pleased this Caballero to forget -your offences, I have not pardoned them. You know me, so do your best -to keep out of my way, or you will not escape, so easily as this day, -the just punishment you have deserved. Begone!"</p> - -<p>"All right, Stronghand, I will remember," the bandit said, with a -covert threat.</p> - -<p>And at once gliding into the bushes, he disappeared, without taking -further leave of the persons who had given him his life.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE BIVOUAC.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>For some moments the bandit's hurried footsteps were audible, and then -all became silent once again.</p> - -<p>"You wished it," Stronghand then said, looking at Don Ruiz from under -his bent brows. "Now, be certain that you have at least one implacable -enemy on the prairie; for you are not so simple, I assume, as to -believe in the gratitude of such a man?"</p> - -<p>"I pity him, if he hates me for the good I have done him in return for -the harm he wished to do me, but honour ordered me to let him escape."</p> - -<p>"Yours will be a short life, Señor, if you are obstinate in carrying -out such philanthropic precepts in our unhappy country."</p> - -<p>"My ancestors had a motto to which they never proved false."</p> - -<p>"And pray what may that motto be, Caballero?"</p> - -<p>"Everything for honour, no matter what may happen," the young man said, -simply.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Stronghand answered, with a harsh laugh; "the maxim is noble, -and Heaven grant it prove of service to you; but," he continued, after -looking round him, "the darkness is beginning to grow less thick, the -night is on the wane, and within an hour the sun will be up. You know -my name, which, as I told you beforehand, has not helped you much."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, Caballero," Don Ruiz interrupted him, eagerly; "for -I have frequently heard the name mentioned, of which you fancied me -ignorant."</p> - -<p>Stronghand bent a piercing glance on the young man.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he said, with a slight tremor in his voice; "And doubtless, -each time you heard that name uttered, it was accompanied by far from -flattering epithets, which gave you but a poor opinion of the man who -bears it."</p> - -<p>"Here again you are mistaken, Señor; it has been uttered in my presence -as the name of a brave man, with a powerful heart and vast intellect, -whom unknown and secret sorrow has urged to lead a strange life, to -fly the society of his fellow men, and to wander constantly about the -deserts; but who, under all circumstances, even spite of the examples -that daily surrounded him, managed to keep his honour intact and retain -a spotless reputation, which even the bandits, with whom the incidents -of an adventurous life too often bring him into contact, are forced -to admire. That, Señor, is what this name, which you supposed I was -ignorant of, recalls to my mind, and the way in which I have ever heard -the man who bears it spoken of."</p> - -<p>Stronghand smiled bitterly.</p> - -<p>"Can the world really be less wicked and unjust than I supposed it?" he -muttered, in self-colloquy.</p> - -<p>"Do not doubt it," the young man said, eagerly. "God, who has allowed -the good and the bad to dwell side by side on this earth, has yet -willed that the amount of good should exceed that of bad, so that, -sooner or later, each should be requited according to his works and -merits."</p> - -<p>"Such words," he answered, ironically, "would be more appropriate in -the mouth of a priest or missionary, whose hair has been blanched, and -back bowed by the weight of the incessant struggles of his apostolic -mission, than in that of a young man who has scarce reached the dawn -of life, whom no tempest has yet assailed, and who has only tasted the -honey of life. But no matter; your intention is good, and I thank you. -But we have far more serious matters to attend to than losing our time -in philosophical discussions which would not convince either of us."</p> - -<p>"I was wrong, Caballero, I allow," Don Ruiz answered; "it does not -become me, who am as yet but a child, to make such remarks to you; so, -pray pardon me."</p> - -<p>"I have nothing to pardon you, Señor," Stronghand replied with a smile; -"on the contrary, I thank you. Now let us attend to the most pressing -affair—that is to say, what you purpose doing to get out of your -present situation."</p> - -<p>"I confess to you that I am greatly alarmed," Don Ruiz replied, -with a slight tinge of sadness, as he looked at the girl, who was -still sleeping. "What has happened to me, the terrible danger I have -incurred, and from which I only escaped, thanks to your generous help—"</p> - -<p>"Not a word more on that subject," Stronghand interrupted him quickly. -"You will disoblige me by pressing it further."</p> - -<p>The young man bowed.</p> - -<p>"Were I alone," he said, "I should not hesitate to continue my journey. -A brave man, and I believe myself one, nearly always succeeds in -escaping the perils that threaten him, if he confront them: but I have -my sister with me—my sister, whose energy the terrible scene of this -night has broken, and who, in the event of a second attack from the -pirates of the prairies, would become an easy prey to the villains—the -more so because, too weak to save her, I could only die with her."</p> - -<p>Stronghand turned away, murmuring to himself compassionately.</p> - -<p>"That is true, poor child;" then he said to Don Ruiz, "Still, you must -make up your mind."</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately I have no choice; there is only one thing to be done: -whatever may happen, I shall continue my journey at sunrise, if my -sister be in a condition to follow me."</p> - -<p>"That need not trouble you. When she awakes, her strength will be -sufficiently recovered for her to keep on horseback without excessive -fatigue; but from here to Arispe the road is very long."</p> - -<p>"I know it: and it is that which frightens me for my poor sister."</p> - -<p>"Listen to me. Perhaps there is a way for you to get out of the scrape, -and avoid up to a certain point the dangers that threaten you. Two -days' journey from here there is a military post, placed like an -advanced sentry to watch the frontier, and prevent the incursions of -the Indios bravos, and other bandits of every description and colour, -who infest these regions. The main point for you is to reach this post, -when it will be easy for you to obtain from the Commandant an escort to -protect you from any insult for the rest of your journey."</p> - -<p>"Yes; but, as you remark, I must reach the post."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know this country: one of the two peons who accompanied me -acted as guide; and now he is dead, it is utterly impossible for me to -find my way. I am in the position of a sailor, lost without a compass -on an unknown sea."</p> - -<p>Stronghand looked at him with surprise mingled with compassion.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he exclaimed, "How improvident is youth! What! Imprudent boy! -You dared to risk yourself in the desert, and entrust to a peon your -sister's precious life?" But, recollecting himself immediately, he -continued, "Pardon me; reproaches are ill suited at this moment; the -great thing is to get you out of the danger in which you are."</p> - -<p>He let his head fall on his hands, and plunged into serious -reflections, while Don Ruiz looked at him with mingled apprehension and -hope. The young man did not deceive himself as to his position: the -reproaches which Stronghand spared him, he had already made himself, -cursing his improvident temerity; for things had reached such a point, -that if the man to whom he owed his life, refused to afford him his -omnipotent protection, he and his sister were irremediably lost.</p> - -<p>Stronghand, after a few minutes, which seemed to last an age, rose, -seized his rifle, went up to his horse, saddled it, mounted, and said -to Don Ruiz, who followed all his movements with anxious curiosity—</p> - -<p>"Wait for me, however long my absence may be; do not stir from here -till I return."</p> - -<p>Then, without waiting for the young man's answer, he bent lightly over -his horse's neck, and started at a gallop. Don Ruiz watched the black -outline, as it disappeared in the gloom; he listened to the horse's -footfalls so long as he could hear them, and then turned back and -seated himself pensively at the fire, and looked with tearful eyes at -his sleeping sister.</p> - -<p>"Poor Marianita!" he murmured, with a heart-rending outburst of pity.</p> - -<p>He bowed his head on his chest, and with pale and gloomy face awaited -the return of Stronghand—a return which, in his heart, he doubted, -although, with the obstinacy of desperate men, who try to deceive -themselves by making excuses whose falsehood they know, he sought to -prove its certainty.</p> - -<p>We will take advantage of this delay in our narrative to trace rapidly -the portraits of Don Ruiz de Moguer and his sister Marianita. We will -begin with the young lady, through politeness.</p> - -<p>Doña Mariana—or rather Marianita, as she was generally called at -the convent, and by her family—was a charming girl scarce sixteen, -graceful in her movements, and with black lustrous eyes. Her hair had -the bluish tinge of the raven's wing; her skin, the warm and gilded -hues of the sun of her country; her glance, half veiled by her long -brown eyelashes, was ardent; her straight nose, with its pink flexible -nostrils, was delicious; her laughing mouth, with its bright red lips, -gave her face an expression of simple, ignorant candour. Her movements, -soft and indolent, had that indescribable languor and serpentine -undulation alone possessed in so eminent a degree by the women of Lima -and Mexico, those daughters of the sun in whose veins flows the molten -lava of the volcanoes, instead of blood. In a word, she was a Spanish -girl from head to foot—but Andalusian before all. Hers was an ardent, -wild, jealous, passionate, and excessively superstitious nature. But -this lovely, splendid statue still wanted the divine spark. Doña -Mariana did not know herself; her heart had not yet spoken; she was as -yet but a delicious child, whom the fiery breath of love would convert -into an adorable woman.</p> - -<p>Physically, Don Ruiz was, as a man, the same his sister was a woman. -He was a thorough gentleman, and scarce four years older than Doña -Mariana. He was tall and well built; but his elegant and aristocratic -form denoted great personal strength. His regular features—too regular -perhaps, for a man—bore an unmistakable stamp of distinction; his -black eye had a frank and confident look; his mouth, which was rather -large, but adorned with splendid teeth, and fringed by a fine brown -moustache, coquettishly turned up, still retained the joyous, careless -smile of youth; his face displayed loyalty, gentleness, and bravery -carried to temerity;—in a word, all his features offered the most -perfect type of a true-blooded gentleman.</p> - -<p>Brother and sister, who, with the exception of a few almost -imperceptible variations, had the most perfect physical likeness, also -resembled each other morally. Both were equally ignorant of things of -the world. With their pure and innocent hearts they loved each other -with the holiest of all loves, fraternal affection, and only lived -through and for each other.</p> - -<p>Hence, Doña Mariana had felt a great delight and great impatience to -quit the convent, when Don Ruiz, in obedience to his father's commands, -came to fetch her from the Rosario. This impatience obliged Don Ruiz -not to consent to wait for an escort on his homeward journey, for fear -of vexing his sister. It was an imprudence that caused the misfortunes -we have already described, and for which, now they had arrived, Don -Ruiz reproached himself bitterly. He cursed the weakness that had made -him yield to the whims of a girl, and accused himself of being, through -his weakness, the sole cause of the frightful dangers from which she -had only escaped by a miracle, and of those no less terrible, which, -doubtless, still threatened her on the hundred and odd leagues they -had still to go before reaching the hacienda del Toro, where dwelt her -father, Don Hernando de Moguer.</p> - -<p>Still the hours, which never stop, continued to follow each other -slowly. The sun had risen; and, through its presence on the horizon, -immediately dissipated the darkness and heated the ground, which was -chilled by the abundant and icy dew of morning.</p> - -<p>Doña Marianita, aroused by the singing of the thousands of birds -concealed beneath the foliage, opened her eyes with a smile. The calm -sleep she had enjoyed for several hours restored not only her strength, -which was exhausted by the struggles of the previous evening, but also -her courage and gaiety. The girl's first glance was for her brother, -who, anxious and uneasy, was attentively watching her slumbers, and -impatiently awaiting the moment for her to awake.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Ruiz," she said, in her melodious voice, and offering her hand and -cheek simultaneously to the young man, "what a glorious sleep I have -had."</p> - -<p>"Really, sister," he exclaimed, kissing her, gladly, "you have slept -well."</p> - -<p>"That is to say," she continued, with a smile, "that at the convent I -never passed so delicious a night, accompanied by such charming dreams; -but it is true there were two of you to watch over my slumbers—two -kind and devoted hearts, in whom I could trust with perfect confidence."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sister; there were two of us."</p> - -<p>"What?" she asked in surprise mingled with anxiety. "You were—What do -you mean, Ruiz?"</p> - -<p>"What I say; nothing else, dear sister."</p> - -<p>"But I do not see the caballero to whom we have incurred so great an -obligation. Where is he?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell you, little sister. About two hours ago he mounted his -horse and left me, telling me not to stir from here till his return."</p> - -<p>"Oh, in that case I am quite easy. His absence alarmed me; but now that -I know he will return—"</p> - -<p>"Do you believe so?" he interrupted.</p> - -<p>"Why should I doubt it?" she continued with some animation in her -voice; "Did he not promise to return?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"Well! A caballero never breaks his pledged word. He said he would -come, and he will come."</p> - -<p>"Heaven grant it!" Don Ruiz muttered.</p> - -<p>And he shook his head sadly, and gave a profound sigh. The maiden felt -herself involuntarily assailed by anxiety. This persistency undoubtedly -terrified her.</p> - -<p>"Come, Ruiz," she said, turning very pale, "explain yourself. What has -happened between this caballero and yourself?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing beyond what you know, sister. Still, in spite of the man's -promise, I know not why, but I fear. He is a strange, incomprehensible -being—at one moment kind, at another cruel—changing his character, -and almost his face, momentarily. He frightens and repels, and yet -attracts and interests me. I am afraid he will abandon us, and fear -that he will return. A secret foreboding seems to warn me that this man -will have a great influence over your future and mine. Perhaps it is -our misfortune that we have met him."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you, Ruiz. What means this confusion in your -ideas? Why this stern and strange judgment of a man whom you do not -know, and who has only done you kindness?"</p> - -<p>At the moment when Don Ruiz was preparing to answer, the gallop of a -horse became audible in the distance.</p> - -<p>"Silence, brother!" she exclaimed, with an emotion she could not -repress; "Silence, here he comes!"</p> - -<p>The young man looked at his sister in amazement.</p> - -<p>"How do you know it?" he asked her.</p> - -<p>"I have recognised him," she stammered, with a deep blush. "Stay—Look!"</p> - -<p>In fact, at this moment the shrubs parted, and Stronghand appeared in -the open space. Don Ruiz, though surprised at the singular remark which -had escaped his sister, had not time to ask her for an explanation. -Without dismounting, Stronghand, after bowing courteously to the young -lady, said, hurriedly—</p> - -<p>"To horse!—To horse! Make haste! Time presses!"</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz at once saddled his own horse and his sister's, and a few -minutes later the two young people were riding by the hunter's side.</p> - -<p>"Let us start!" the latter continued. "<i>Cuerpo de Cristo</i>, Caballero, I -warned you that you were doing an imprudent action in liberating that -villain. If we do not take care, we shall have him at our heels within -an hour."</p> - -<p>These words sufficed to give the fugitives wings, and they started at -full gallop after the bold wood ranger. An hour elapsed ere a word -was exchanged between the three persons; bent over the necks of their -steeds they devoured the space—looking back anxiously from time to -time, and only thinking how to escape the unknown dangers by which -they felt themselves surrounded. About eight o'clock in the morning, -Stronghand checked his horse, and made his companions a sign to follow -his example.</p> - -<p>"Now," he said, "we have nothing more to fear. When we have crossed -that wood, which stretches out in front of us like a curtain of -verdure, we shall see the Port of San Miguel, whose walls will offer us -a certain shelter against the attacks of all the bandits of the desert, -were there ten thousand of them."</p> - -<p>"Last night I fancy that you spoke to me of a more distant post," Don -Ruiz said.</p> - -<p>"Yes; for I fancied San Miguel abandoned, if not in ruins. Before I -gave you what might prove a fallacious hope, I wished to assure myself -of the truth of the case."</p> - -<p>"Do you believe that the Commandant will consent to receive us?" the -young lady asked.</p> - -<p>"Certainly, Señorita, for a thousand reasons. In the first place, the -frontier posts are only established for the purpose of watching over -the safety of travellers; and then, again, San Miguel is commanded by -one of your relations—or, at any rate, an intimate friend of your -family."</p> - -<p>The young people looked at each other in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Do you know this Commandant's name?" Don Ruiz asked.</p> - -<p>"I was told it: he is Don Marcos de Niza."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Doña Mariana exclaimed, joyfully; "I should think we do know him: -Don Marcos is a cousin of ours."</p> - -<p>"In that case, all is for the best," the hunter answered, coldly. "Let -us continue our journey; for there is a cloud of dust behind us that -forebodes us no good, if it reaches us before we have entered the post."</p> - -<p>The young people, without answering, resumed their gallop, crossed the -wood, and entered the little fort.</p> - -<p>"Look!" Stronghand said to Don Ruiz and his sister, the moment the gate -closed upon them. They turned back. A numerous band of horsemen issued -from the wood at this moment, and galloped up at full speed, uttering -ferocious yells.</p> - -<p>"This is the second time you have saved our lives, Caballero," Doña -Mariana said to the partizan, with a look of gratitude.</p> - -<p>"Why count them, Señorita?" he replied, with a sadness mingled with -bitterness. "Do I do so?"</p> - -<p>The maiden gave him a look of undefinable meaning, turned her head away -with a blush, and silently followed her brother.</p> - -<p>The Spaniards, whatever may be the opinion the Utopians of the old -world express about their mode of civilization, and the way in which -they treated the Indians of America, understood very well how to -enhance the prosperity of the countries they had been endowed with by -the strong arms of those heroic adventurers who were called Cortez, -Pizarro, Bilboa, Alvadaro, &c., and whose descendants, if any by -chance exist, are now in the most frightful wretchedness, although -their ancestors gave a whole world and incalculable riches to their -ungrateful country.</p> - -<p>When the Spanish rule was established in America, the first care of -the conquerors—after driving back the Indians who refused to accept -their iron yoke into frightful deserts, where they hoped want would -put an end to them—was to secure their frontiers, and prevent those -indomitable hordes, impelled by hunger and despair, from entering the -newly conquered country and plundering the towns and the haciendas. -For this purpose they established along the desert line a cordon of -presidios and military posts, which were all connected together, and -could, in case of need, assist each other, not so much through their -proximity—for they were a great distance apart, and scattered over -a great space—but by means of numerous patrols of lanceros, who -constantly proceeded from one post to the other.</p> - -<p>At present, since the declaration of independence, owing to the neglect -of the governments which have succeeded each other in this unhappy -country, most of the presidios and forts no longer exist. Some have -been burned by the Indians, who became invaders in their turn, and are -gradually regaining the territory the Europeans took from them; while -others have been abandoned, or so badly kept up, that they are for -the most part in ruins. Still, here and there you find a few, which -exceptionable circumstances have compelled the inhabitants to repair -and defend.</p> - -<p>As these forts were built in all the colonies on the same plan, in -describing the post of San Miguel, which still exists, and which we -have visited, the reader will easily form an idea of the simple and yet -effective defence adopted by the Europeans to protect them from the -surprises of their implacable and crafty foes.</p> - -<p>The post of San Miguel is composed of four square pavilions, connected -together by covered ways, the inner walls of which surround a courtyard -planted with lemon trees, peach trees, and algarrobas. On this court -opens the room intended for travellers, the barracks, &c. The outer -walls have only one issue, and are provided with loopholes, which can -only be reached by mounting a platform eight feet high and three wide. -All the masonry is constructed of <i>adobes</i>, or large blocks of earth -stamped and baked in the sun.</p> - -<p>Twenty feet beyond this wall is another, formed of cactuses, planted -very closely together, and having their branches intertwined. This -vegetable wall, if we may be allowed the use of the expression, is -naturally very thick, and protected by formidable prickles, which -render it impenetrable for the half-clad and generally badly-armed -Indians. The only entrance to it is a heavy gate, supported by posts -securely bedded in the ground. The soldiers, standing at the loopholes -of the second wall, fire in perfect shelter, and command the space -above the cactuses.</p> - -<p>On the approach of the Indians, when the Mexican Moon is at hand—that -is to say, the invariable season of their invasions—the sparse -dwellers on the border seek refuge inside San Miguel, and there in -complete safety wait till their enemies are weary of a siege which can -have no result for them, or till they are put to flight by soldiers -sent from a town frequently fifty leagues off.</p> - -<p>Don Marcos de Niza was a man of about forty, short and plump, but -withal active and quick. His regular features displayed a simplicity -of character, marked with intelligence and decision. He was one of -those educated honest professional officers, of whom the Mexican army -unfortunately counts too few in its ranks. Hence, as he thoroughly -attended to his duties, and had never tried to secure promotion by -intrigue and party manoeuvres, he had remained a captain for ten years -past, without hope of promotion, in spite of his qualifications (which -were recognised and appreciated by all) and his irreproachable conduct. -The post he occupied at this moment as Commandant of the Blockhouse -of San Miguel proved the value the Governor of the province set upon -him; for the frontier posts, constantly exposed to the attacks of the -Redskins, can only be given to sure men, who have long been accustomed -to Indian warfare.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE POST OF SAN MIGUEL.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>As the dangerous honour of commanding one of the border forts like -San Miguel is not at all coveted by the brilliant officers accustomed -to clatter their sabres on the stones of the Palace in Mexico, it -is generally only given to brave soldiers who have no prospect of -promotion left to them.</p> - -<p>Informed by a cabo, or corporal, of the names of the guests who thus -suddenly arrived, the Captain rose to meet them with open arms and a -smile on his lips.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh," he exclaimed, gleefully; "this is a charming surprise! -Children, I am delighted to see you."</p> - -<p>"Do not thank us, Don Marcos," Doña Mariana answered, smilingly. "We -are not paying you a visit, but have come to ask shelter and protection -of you."</p> - -<p>"You have them already. ¡Rayo de Dios! Are we not relations, and very -close ones, too?"</p> - -<p>"Without doubt, cousin," Don Ruiz said; "hence, in our misfortune, it -is a great happiness for us to come across you."</p> - -<p>"Hilloh! You have something serious to tell me," the Captain continued, -his face growing gloomy.</p> - -<p>"So serious," the young man said, with a bow to the partizan, who stood -motionless by his side, "that had it not been for the help of this -caballero, in all probability we should be lying dead in the desert."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh; my poor children! Come, dismount and follow me; you must need -rest and refreshment after such an alarm. Cabo Hernandez, take charge -of the horses."</p> - -<p>The corporal took the horses, which he led to the corral; and the young -people followed the Captain, after having been kissed and hugged by him -several times. Don Marcos pressed the hunter's hand, and made him a -sign to follow them.</p> - -<p>"There," he said, after introducing his guests into a room modestly -furnished with a few butacas; "sit down, children; and when you have -rested, we will talk."</p> - -<p>Refreshments had been prepared on the table. While the young people -enjoyed them, the Captain quitted them, and went with the hunter into -another room. So soon as they were alone, the two men became serious, -and the joy that illumined the Captain's face was suddenly extinguished.</p> - -<p>"Well," he asked Stronghand, after making him a sign to sit down, "what -news?"</p> - -<p>"Bad," he answered, distinctly.</p> - -<p>"I expected it," the officer muttered, with a sad toss of the head; "we -must put on our harness again, and push out into the savannah, in order -to prove to these bandits that we are able to punish them."</p> - -<p>The hunter shook his head several times, but said nothing. The Captain -looked at him attentively for some minutes.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, my friend?" he at length asked him, with growing -anxiety; "I never saw you so sad and gloomy before."</p> - -<p>"The reason is," he answered, "because circumstances have never been so -serious."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself, my friend; I confess to you that you are really -beginning to alarm me. With the exception of a few insignificant -marauders, the borders have never appeared to me more quiet."</p> - -<p>"It is a deceitful calm, Don Marcos, which contains the tempest in its -bosom—and a terrible tempest, I, assure you."</p> - -<p>"And yet our spies are all agreed in assuring us that the Indians are -not at all thinking of an expedition."</p> - -<p>"It proves that your spies betray you, that's all."</p> - -<p>"Possibly so; but still, I should like some proof or sign."</p> - -<p>"I ask for nothing better; I am enabled to give you the most positive -information."</p> - -<p>"Very good; that is the way to speak. I am listening to you."</p> - -<p>"Before all, is your garrison strong?"</p> - -<p>"I consider it large enough."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so: how many men have you?"</p> - -<p>"Sixty or seventy, about."</p> - -<p>"That is not enough."</p> - -<p>"What! Not enough? The garrisons of blockhouses are never more -numerous."</p> - -<p>"In a time of peace, it may be so; but under present circumstances, I -repeat to you, that they are not enough, and you will soon agree with -me on that score. You must send off a courier, without the loss of a -moment, to ask for a reinforcement of from one hundred and fifty to two -hundred men. Do not deceive yourself, Captain; you will be the first -attacked, and the attack will be a rude one. I warn you."</p> - -<p>"Thanks for the hint. Still, my good friend, you will permit me not to -follow it till you have proved to me that there are urgent reasons for -doing so."</p> - -<p>"As you please, Captain; you are the commandant of the post, and your -responsibility must urge you to prudence. I will therefore abstain from -making any farther observations on the subject which only concerns me -very indirectly."</p> - -<p>"You are annoyed, and wrongly so, my friend; the responsibility to -which you refer demands that I should not let myself be led by vague -rumours to take measures I might have cause to regret. Give me the -explanation I expect of you; and, probably, when I know the imminence -of the danger that threatens me, I shall follow your advice."</p> - -<p>"I wish for nothing more than to satisfy you; so listen to me. What I -have to tell you will not take long."</p> - -<p>At this moment the room door opened and Corporal Hernandez appeared. -The Captain, annoyed at being thus inopportunely disturbed, turned -sharply round and angrily addressed the man—</p> - -<p>"Well Corporal," he said, "what the fiend do you want now?"</p> - -<p>"Excuse me, Captain," the poor fellow said, astounded at this rough -greeting, "but the Lieutenant sent me."</p> - -<p>"Well, what does the Lieutenant want? Speak! But be brief, if that is -possible."</p> - -<p>"Captain, the sentry has seen a large party of horsemen coming at full -gallop towards the fort, and the Lieutenant ordered me to warn you."</p> - -<p>"Eh," said the Captain, looking uneasily at the hunter, "were you in -the right? and is this troop the vanguard of the enemy you threaten us -with?"</p> - -<p>"This troop," the hunter answered, with an equivocal smile, "has been -following Don Ruiz and myself since the morning. I do not believe that -these horsemen are Indians."</p> - -<p>"What's the Lieutenant's opinion about these scamps?" the Captain asked -the corporal.</p> - -<p>"They are too far off yet, and too hidden by the dust they raise, -Captain, for it to be possible to recognise them," the non-commissioned -officer replied with a bow.</p> - -<p>"That is true. We had better, I believe, go and look for ourselves. -Will you come?"</p> - -<p>"I should think so," the hunter said, as he seized his rifle, which he -had deposited in a corner of the room; and they went out.</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz and his sister were talking together, while doing ample -justice to the refreshment placed at their disposal. On seeing the -Captain, the young man rose and walked up to him.</p> - -<p>"Cousin," he said to him, with a bow, "I hear that you are on the point -of being attacked; and as it is to some extent my cause you are going -to defend, for the bandits who threaten you at this moment are allies -of those with whom I had a fight last night, pray allow me to fire a -shot by your side."</p> - -<p>"¡Viva Dios! Most heartily, my dear cousin," the Captain answered, -gaily: "although these scoundrels are not worth the trouble. Come -along!"</p> - -<p>"That's a fine fellow!" the Captain whispered in the hunter's ear.</p> - -<p>The latter made no answer. He contented himself with shrugging his -shoulders, and turned away.</p> - -<p>"Oh," Doña Mariana exclaimed, "Ruiz, what are you going to do? Stay -with me, I implore you, brother!"</p> - -<p>"Impossible, sister," the young man answered, as he kissed her; "what -would our cousin think of me were I to skulk here when fighting was -going on?"</p> - -<p>"Fear nothing, Niña; I am answerable for your brother," the Captain -said with a smile.</p> - -<p>The girl sat down again sadly on the butaca from which she had risen, -and the four men then left the room, and proceeded to the patio, or -court. Here everybody was busy. The Lieutenant, an old experienced -soldier, with a grey moustache and face furrowed by sabre cuts, and -whose whole life had been spent on the borders, had not lost his time. -While, by his order, Corporal Hernandez warned the Captain, he had -ordered the "fall-in" to be beaten, had placed the best shots at the -loopholes, and made all arrangements to avoid a surprise and give a -warm reception to the enemy who advanced so daringly against the fort.</p> - -<p>When the Captain set foot in the court, he stopped, embraced at a -glance the wise and intelligent arrangements made by his Lieutenant, -and a smile of satisfaction spread over his features.</p> - -<p>"And now," he said to the hunter, "let us go and see who the enemy is -with whom we have to deal."</p> - -<p>"It is unnecessary; for I can tell you, Captain," the other replied; -"they are the pirates."</p> - -<p>"Pirates!" Don Marcos exclaimed in amazement. "What! Those villains -would dare—"</p> - -<p>"Alone, certainly not," Stronghand quickly interrupted him; "but with -the certainty of being supported by the Indians, of whom they are -only the vanguard, they will not hesitate to do so. However, unless -I am greatly mistaken, their attack will not be serious; and their -object is probably to discover in what state of defence the post is. -Receive them, then, in such a way as to leave them no doubt on this -head, and prove to them that you are perfectly on your guard; and this -demonstration will without doubt be sufficient to send them flying."</p> - -<p>"You are right," said the Captain. "Viva Dios! They shall have their -answer, I promise you."</p> - -<p>He then gave the Corporal an order in a low voice; the latter bowed, -and went off hurriedly. For some minutes a deep silence prevailed in -the fort. The moments that precede a contest bring with them something -solemn, which causes the bravest men to reflect, and prepare for the -struggle, either by a powerful effort of the will, or by mentally -addressing a last and fervent prayer to Heaven.</p> - -<p>All at once, horrible yells were heard, mingled with the furious -galloping of many horses; and then the enemy appeared, leaning over -the necks of their steeds, and brandishing their weapons with an air -of defiance. When they came within pistol shot, the word to fire was -given from the walls, and a general discharge burst forth like a clap -of thunder.</p> - -<p>The horsemen fell into confusion, and turned back precipitately and in -the greatest disorder, followed by the Mexican bullets, which, directed -by strong arms and sure eyes, made great ravages in their ranks at -every step. Still, they had not fled so fast but that they could be -recognised for what they really were—that is, pirates of the prairies. -Half naked for the most part, and without saddles, they brandished -their rifles and long lances, and excited their horses by terrific -yells.</p> - -<p>Two or three individuals, probably chiefs, with their heads covered by -a species of turban, were noticeable through their ragged uniforms, -doubtless torn off murdered soldiers; their repulsive dirt and -ferocious appearance inspired the deepest disgust. No doubt was -possible: these wretches were certainly whites and half-breeds. What a -difference between these sinister bandits and the Apaches, Comanches, -and Arapahoes—those magnificent children of nature, so careful in the -choice of their weapons—so noble in their demeanour.</p> - -<p>After a rather long race, they stopped to hold counsel, out of range of -the firearms. They were at this moment joined by a second band, whose -leader began speaking and gesticulating with the utmost excitement, -pointing to the fort each moment with his rifle. The two bands, united, -might possibly amount to one hundred and fifty horsemen.</p> - -<p>After a rather long discussion, the pirates started again, and stopped -at the very foot of the walls. Captain Niza, wishing to inflict a -severe chastisement on them, had given orders not to fire, but to let -them do as they pleased. Hidden by the thick cactus hedge, the bandits -had suddenly become invisible; but the Mexicans, confiding in the -strength of their position and the solidity of the posts and gates, -felt no fear.</p> - -<p>Reassured by the silence of the garrison, some thirty pirates, among -whom were several of their chiefs, escaladed the great gate in turn, -and rushed toward the second wall. Unluckily for the success of their -plan, the wall was too lofty to be cleared in the same way; hence they -scattered. Some sought stones and posts to beat in the second gate; -while others tried, though in vain, to open the one they had so easily -scaled.</p> - -<p>The Mexicans could distinctly hear the pirates in the second -<i>enceinte</i> explaining to their comrades the difficulty they experienced -in penetrating into the fort, and they must force the gate, in order -to allow a passage for those who remained outside. The latter then -threw their <i>reatas</i>, which, caught upon the posts, were tightened by -the combined efforts of the men and horses, and seemed on the point of -pulling the gate off its hinges; but the posts held firmly, and were -not even shaken by this supreme effort.</p> - -<p>"What are you waiting for, Captain?" Don Ruiz whispered in the -Commandant's ear. "Why do you not kill these vermin?"</p> - -<p>"There are not enough yet in the trap," he answered, with a cunning -look; "let them come."</p> - -<p>In fact, as if the bandits had wished to obey the old soldier, some -twenty more clambered over the gale, so that there were fifty of the -pirates between the cactus and the stone wall. Encouraged by their -numbers, which momentarily increased, they made a general assault. But, -all at once, every loophole was lit up by a sinister flash, and the -bullets began showering uninterruptedly on the wretches, who, through -their own position, found it impossible to answer the plunging fire of -the Mexicans. Recognising the fault they had committed, and the trap -they had so stupidly entered, the pirates became demoralized, fear -seized upon them, and they only thought of flight.</p> - -<p>Then they dashed at the outer gate, to clamber over it and reach the -plain; there the bullets dashed them down again—suffering from a -desperation which was the greater because they had no help to hope for -from their friends outside, whom, at the first check, they had heard -start off at full speed; and consequently they felt they were lost.</p> - -<p>The Mexicans, pitiless in their vengeance, fired incessantly on -the wretches, some of whom, by crawling on their hands and knees, -succeeded in reaching the foot of the wall below the loopholes—a -position in which they could not be attacked, unless the Mexicans -exposed themselves, and ran the risk of being killed or wounded. Of -fifty bandits who had scaled the gate, fourteen still lived; the others -were dead, and not one had succeeded in making his escape.</p> - -<p>"Ha! Ha!" said the Captain, rubbing his hands gleefully. "I fancy that -the lesson will be useful, though it may have been a trifle rough."</p> - -<p>But, on the reiterated entreaties of Don Ruiz, the worthy Commandant, -who in his heart was not cruel, consented to ask the survivors if they -were willing to surrender, a proposition which the pirates greeted with -yells of rage and defiance. These fourteen men, though their rifles -were discharged, were not enemies to despise, armed as they were with -long and heavy <i>machetes</i>, and resolved to die. The Mexicans were -acquainted with them, and knew that in a hand-to-hand fight they would -prove tough customers.</p> - -<p>Still there must be an end to it. At an order from the Captain the -gate of the second wall was suddenly opened, and some twenty horsemen -charged at full gallop the bandits, who, far from recoiling, awaited -them with a firm foot. The <i>mêlée</i> was terrible, but short. Three -Mexicans were killed, and five others seriously wounded; but the -pirates, after an obstinate resistance, fell never to rise again.</p> - -<p>Only one of them—profiting by the disorder and the attention which the -soldiers remaining at the loopholes paid to the fight—succeeded by a -miracle of resolution and strength in scaling the wall and flying. This -pirate, the only one who escaped the massacre, was Kidd. On reaching -the plain he stopped for a second, turned to the fort with a gesture of -menace and defiance, and, leaping on a riderless horse, went off amid -a shower of bullets, not one of which struck him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE STAY IN THE FOREST.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>When the fight was over, and order restored at the post, the Captain -bade his Lieutenant have the bodies lying on the battlefield picked -up and hung by the feet to the trees on the plain, so that they -might become the prey of wild beasts, though not until they had been -decapitated. The heads were to remain exposed on the walls of the -forts, and act as an object of terror to the bandits, who, after this -act of summary justice, would not venture to approach the neighbourhood -of the post.</p> - -<p>Then, when all these orders had been given, the Commandant returned -to his residence, where Don Ruiz had already preceded him in order to -re-assure his sister as to the result of the fight. Don Marcos was -radiant: he had gained a great advantage—at least he thought so—over -the border ruffians; he had inflicted on them an exemplary punishment -at the expense of an insignificant loss, and supposed that for a long -time no one would venture to attack the post entrusted to him.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, the wood ranger was not of the same opinion: each time -the Captain smiled and rubbed his hands at the recollection of some -episode in the fight, Stronghand shook his head sadly, and frowned -anxiously. This was done so frequently, that at last the worthy -Commandant was compelled to take notice of it.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter with you now?" he asked him, with an air half -vexed, half pleased. "You are, on my soul, the most extraordinary man -I know. Nothing satisfies you; you are always in a bad temper. Hang -it! I do not know how to treat you. Did we not give those scoundrels a -remarkable thrashing, eh? Come, answer!"</p> - -<p>"I allow it," the hunter replied laconically.</p> - -<p>"Hum! It is lucky you allow so much. And yet they fought bravely, I -fancy."</p> - -<p>"Yes; and it is that which frightens me."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you."</p> - -<p>"Was I not giving you important information when we were interrupted by -the Cabo Hernandez?"</p> - -<p>"That is to say, you were going to give it me."</p> - -<p>"Yes; and with your permission, now that we have no fear of being -interrupted for a while, I will impart the news to you."</p> - -<p>"I ask nothing better; although I suppose that the defeat the pirates -have experienced must deprive the news of much of its importance."</p> - -<p>"The pirates play but a very small part in what I have to tell you."</p> - -<p>"Speak, then! I know that you are too earnest a man to try and amuse -yourself at my expense by inspiring me with ridiculous alarm."</p> - -<p>"You shall judge for yourself the perils of the situation in which you -may find yourself at any moment, if you do not employ the greatest -precaution and the most excessive prudence."</p> - -<p>The two men seated themselves on butacas, and the Commandant, who was -more excited than he wished to show by this startling preamble, made -the hunter a sign to commence his revelations.</p> - -<p>"About two months ago," the latter began, "I was at the Presidio of -San Estevan, whither certain personal matters had called me. This -Presidio, which, as you know, is about two days' journey from here, is -very important, and serves to some extent in connecting all the posts -scattered along the Indian border."</p> - -<p>The Captain gave a nod of assent.</p> - -<p>"I am," the hunter continued, "on rather intimate terms with Don -Gregorio Ochova, the Colonel commanding the Presidio, and during my -last stay at San Estevan I had opportunities for seeing him rather -frequently. You know the savageness of my character, and the species of -instinctive repulsion with which anything resembling a town inspires -me; hence, I need hardly say, that no sooner was my business ended than -I made preparations to depart, and, according to my custom, intended -to leave the Presidio at a very early hour. I did not like to go away -without saying good-bye to the Colonel and shaking hands with him; -so I went to his house for the purpose of taking leave. I found him -in a state of extreme agitation, walking up and down, and apparently -affected by a violent passion or great anxiety. On seeing me, he -uttered an exclamation of delight, and ran up to me, exclaiming—"</p> - -<p>"'Oh, Stronghand! Where on earth have you been hiding? I have been -seeking you everywhere for the last two hours, and have put a dozen -soldiers on your heels, who could not possibly find you.'"</p> - -<p>"I looked at the Colonel in surprise."</p> - -<p>"'You were seeking for me, Don Gregorio? I assure you that I was close -to you, and very easy to find.'"</p> - -<p>"'It seems not. But here you are—that is the main point; and I care -little where you were, or what you were doing. Do you think about -making any lengthened stay at San Estevan?'"</p> - -<p>"'No, Colonel,' I answered at once, 'my affairs are settled; I intend -to start at an early hour tomorrow, and I have just come to say -good-bye, and thank you for the hospitality you have shown me during my -stay at the Presidio.'"</p> - -<p>"'Good!' he said eagerly, 'that is all for the best but,' he added, -recollecting himself, and taking my hand in a kindly way, 'do not -suppose that it is my desire to see you depart that makes me speak -thus.'"</p> - -<p>"'I am convinced of the contrary,' I remarked with a bow."</p> - -<p>"He continued,—'You can, Stronghand, do me a great service, if you -will.'"</p> - -<p>"'I am at your command.'"</p> - -<p>"'This is the matter,' he said, at once entering on the business. 'For -some days past, the most alarming reports have been spreading through -the Presidio, though it is impossible to find out their origin.'"</p> - -<p>"'And what may they be?' I asked."</p> - -<p>"'It is said—(notice, I say it is said, and affirm nothing, as I know -nothing positive)—it is said, then, that a general uprising against us -is preparing—that the Indians, laying aside for a moment their private -hatreds, and forgetting their clannish quarrels to think only of the -hereditary hatred they entertain for us, are combining to attempt a -general attack on the posts, which they purpose to destroy, in order -to devastate our borders more freely. Their object is said to be, not -only the destruction of the posts, but also the invasion of several -States, such as Sonora and Sinaloa, in which they intend to establish -themselves permanently after expelling us.'"</p> - -<p>"'The reports are serious,' I remarked, 'but nothing has as yet -happened to confirm their truth.'"</p> - -<p>"'That is true; but you know that there is always a certain amount of -truth in every vague rumour, and it is that truth I should like to -know.'"</p> - -<p>"'Is no nation mentioned by name among those which are to take up -arms?'"</p> - -<p>"'Yes; more particularly the Papayos—that is to say, the grand league -of the Apaches, Axuas, Gilenos, Comanches, Mayos, and Opatas. But the -more serious thing is, always according to the report, that the white -and half-bred marauders on the border are leagued with them, and mean -to help them in their expedition against us.'"</p> - -<p>"'That is really serious,' I answered; 'but, pardon me for questioning -you, Colonel; what do you purpose doing to make head against the -imminent danger that threatens you?'"</p> - -<p>"'That is exactly why I want you, my friend; and you would do me a real -service by assisting me in this affair.'"</p> - -<p>"'I am ready to do anything that depends on myself to oblige you.'"</p> - -<p>"'I was certain of that answer, my friend. This is the matter, then. -You understand that I cannot remain thus surrounded by vague rumours -and terrors that have no apparent cause, but still carry trouble into -families and cause perturbation in trade. During the last few weeks, -especially, various serious events have given a certain consistency -to these rumours—travellers have been murdered, and several valuable -waggon trains plundered, almost at the gates of the Presidio. It is -time for this state of things to cease, and for us to know definitively -the truth or falsehood of the rumours; for this purpose I require a -brave, devoted man, thoroughly acquainted with Indian manners and -customs, who would consent—'"</p> - -<p>"I interrupted him quickly."</p> - -<p>"'I understand what you want, Colonel; seek no further, for I am the -man you stand in need of. Tomorrow at sunrise I will start: and within -two months I pledge myself to give you the most explicit information, -and tell you what you may have to fear, and what truth there is in all -that is being said around you.'"</p> - -<p>"The Colonel thanked me warmly, and the next morning I set out on my -tour of investigation, as we had arranged."</p> - -<p>"Well," the Captain exclaimed, who had followed this long story with -ever increasing interest; "and what information have you picked up?"</p> - -<p>"This information," the hunter answered, "is of a nature far more -serious than even public report had said. The situation is most -critical, and not a moment must be lost in preparing for defence. I was -going to San Estevan, where Colonel Don Gregorio must be awaiting my -return with the utmost impatience, when I thought of seeing whether the -Post of San Miguel, which had been so long unoccupied, had received a -garrison. That is how chance, my dear Captain, made us meet here when I -thought I should see you at the Presidio."</p> - -<p>The Captain shook his head thoughtfully. "A month ago," he said, "Don -Gregorio ordered me to come here and hold my ground, though he did not -inform me of the motives that compelled him so suddenly to place San -Miguel in a state of defence."</p> - -<p>"Well; now you know the reasons."</p> - -<p>"Yes; and I thank you for having told me. But, between ourselves, are -matters so serious as you lead me to suppose?"</p> - -<p>"A hundred times more so. I have traversed the desert in all -directions; I have been present at the meetings of the chiefs—in -a word, I know the most private details of the expedition that is -preparing."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Viva Dios!</i> I will not let myself be surprised—be at your ease -about that; but you were right in advising me to ask for help, as my -garrison is too weak to resist a well-arranged assault. This morning's -attack has made me reflect; so I will immediately—"</p> - -<p>"Do not take the trouble," the hunter interrupted him; "I will act as -your express."</p> - -<p>"What! Are you going to leave us at once?"</p> - -<p>"I must, my dear Captain; for I have to give Don Gregorio an account of -the mission he confided to me. Reflect what mortal anxiety he must feel -at not seeing me return."</p> - -<p>"That is true. In spite of the lively pleasure I should feel in keeping -you by me, I am compelled to let you go. When do you start?"</p> - -<p>"This moment."</p> - -<p>"Already?"</p> - -<p>"My horse has rested; there are still five or six hours of daylight -left, and I will take advantage of them?" He made a movement to leave -the room.</p> - -<p>"You have not said good-bye to Don Ruiz and his sister," the Captain -observed.</p> - -<p>The hunter stopped, his brows contracted, and he seemed to be -reflecting.</p> - -<p>"No," he said, ere long, "it would make me lose precious time. You will -make my apologies to them, Captain. Moreover," he added with a bitter -smile, "our acquaintance is not sufficiently long, I fancy, for Don -Ruiz and his sister to attach any great importance to my movements, so -for the last time, good-bye."</p> - -<p>"I will not press you," the Captain answered; "do as you please. Still, -it would have perhaps been more polite to take leave."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," he said, ironically; "am I not a savage? Why should I -employ that refinement of politeness which is only customary among -civilized people?"</p> - -<p>The Captain contented himself with shrugging his shoulders as an -answer, and they went out. Five minutes later the hunter was mounted.</p> - -<p>"Do not fail to report to the Colonel," Don Marcos said, "what happened -here today; and, above all, ask him for assistance."</p> - -<p>"All right, Captain; and do not you go to sleep."</p> - -<p>"<i>Caray</i>—I shall feel no inclination. So now, good-bye, and good luck!"</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, and many thanks."</p> - -<p>They exchanged a last shake of the hand, the hunter galloped out into -the plain, and the Captain returned to his house, muttering to himself.</p> - -<p>"What a strange man! Is he good or bad? Who can say?"</p> - -<p>When the supper hour arrived, the two young people, astonished at the -hunter's absence, asked after him of the captain. When the latter told -them of his departure, they felt grieved and hurt at his having gone -without bidding them farewell; and Doña Mariana especially was offended -at such unaccountable behaviour on the part of a caballero; for which, -in her desire to excuse him, she in vain sought a reason. Still they -did not show their feelings, and the evening passed very pleasantly.</p> - -<p>At the hour for retiring, Don Ruiz, more than ever eager to rejoin -his father, reminded the Captain of the offer of service he had made -him, and asked for an escort, in order to continue his journey on -the morrow; but Don Marcos answered with a peremptory refusal, that -not only would he give no escort, but he insisted on his relations -remaining temporarily under his guard.</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz naturally asked an explanation of his cousin; which he did not -hesitate to give, by telling them of the conversation between himself -and the hunter. Don Ruiz and his sister had been too near death to -expose themselves again to the hazards of a long journey in the desert -alone, and unable to offer any effectual defence against such persons -as thought proper to attack them; still the young man, annoyed at this -new delay, asked the Captain at what period they might hope to regain -their liberty.</p> - -<p>"Oh! Your seclusion will not be long," the latter replied with a -smile; "so soon as I have received the reinforcements I expect from San -Estevan—that is to say, in seven or eight days at the most—I will -pick you out an escort, and you can be off."</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz, forced to satisfy himself with this promise, thanked him -warmly; and the young people made their arrangements to pass the -week in the least wearisome way possible. But life is very dull at a -frontier post, especially when you are expecting a probable attack from -the Indians, and when, consequently, all the gates are kept shut, when -sentries are stationed all around, and the only amusement is to look -out on the plain through the loopholes.</p> - -<p>The Captain, justly alarmed by the news the hunter had given him, had -made the best arrangements his limited resources allowed to resist any -attack from the Indians, if they appeared before the succour arrived -from San Estevan. By his orders all the rancheros and small landowners -established within a radius of fifteen leagues had been warned of an -approaching invasion, and received an invitation to take shelter within -the post.</p> - -<p>The majority, recognising the gravity of this communication, hastened -to pack up their furniture and most valuable articles; and driving -before them their horses and cattle, hurried from all sides at once to -the fort, with a precipitation which proved the profound terror the -Indians inspired them with. In this way, the interior of San Miguel -was soon encumbered with young men and old men, women, and children, -and cattle—most of whom, unable to find lodgings in the houses, were -forced to bivouac in the yards; which, however, was but a trifling -inconvenience to them in a country where it hardly ever rains, and -where the nights are not cold enough to render sleeping in the open air -unpleasant.</p> - -<p>The Captain organized this heterogeneous colony to the best of his -ability. The women, children, and old men were sheltered under tents or -<i>jacales</i> made of branches, to protect them from the copious morning -dew, while all the men capable of bearing arms were exercised, so as in -case of attack to assist in the common defence.</p> - -<p>But this enormous increase of population required an enormous stock -of provisions; and hence the Captain sent out numerous patrols for -the purpose of procuring the required corn and cattle. Don Ruiz took -advantage of this to make excursions in the vicinity; while his sister, -in the company of young girls of her own age, of whom several had -entered the fort with their families, tried to forget, or rather cheat, -the weariness of their seclusion.</p> - -<p>The appearance of the post had completely changed; and, thanks to the -Captain's intelligence, ten days after the hunter's departure San -Miguel had become a really formidable fortress. Large trenches had been -dug, and barricades erected; but, unfortunately, the garrison, though -numerous enough to resist a sudden attack, was too weak to sustain a -long siege.</p> - -<p>One morning, at sunrise, the sentries signalized a thick cloud of dust -advancing towards the post with the headlong speed of a whirlwind. The -alarm was immediately given; the walls were lined with soldiers; and -preparations were made to resist these men, who, though invisible, were -supposed to be enemies.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, on coming within gunshot, the horsemen halted, the dust -dispersed, and the garrison perceived with delight that all these men -wore the Mexican uniform. A quarter of an hour later, eighty lanceros, -each carrying an infantry man behind him, entered the fort, amid the -deafening shouts of the garrison and the farmers who had sought refuge -behind the walls. It was the succour requested by the Captain, and -sent off from San Estevan by Colonel Don Gregorio.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4> - -<h3>A GLANCE AT THE PAST.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>In Spanish America, and especially in Peru and Mexico, all the Creoles -of the pure white breed pretend to be descended in a straight line -from the first Conquistadors. We have no need to discuss this claim, -whose falsehood is visible to any man at all conversant with the -sanguinary history of the numberless civil wars—a species of organized -massacre—which followed the establishment of the Spaniards in these -rich countries.</p> - -<p>Still there are in America some families, very few in number it is -true, which can justly boast of this glorious origin. Most of these -families live on the estates conceded to their ancestors—they only -marry among themselves, and only interfere against the grain in the -political events of the day. With their eyes turned to the past, -which is so full of great memories for them, they have kept up the -old traditions of the chivalrous loyalty of the time of Charles V., -which are forgotten everywhere else. They maintain the national honour -unsullied, and those patriarchal virtues of the old time which they -alone still practise with a proud and simple majesty.</p> - -<p>The Creoles, half-breeds, and Indians, in spite of the hatred they -affect for their old masters, and the principles of so-called -republican equality which they profess with such absurd emphasis in -the presence of strangers, feel for these families a respect bordering -on veneration; for they seem to understand inwardly the superiority of -these powerful natures, which no political convulsion has been able to -level or even bind, over their own vicious decrepit natures, which have -grown old without ever having been young.</p> - -<p>A few leagues from Arispe, the old capital of the Intendancy of Sonora, -but now greatly fallen, and only a second-class city, there stands like -an eagle's nest, on the summit of an abrupt rock, a magnificent showy -mansion, whose strong and haughty walls are crowned with <i>Almenas</i>, -which at the time of the Spanish conquest were only permitted to -families of the old and pure nobility, and they alone had the right to -have battlements on their houses.</p> - -<p>This fortress-palace—which dates from the first days of the conquest, -and whose antiquity is written on its walls, which have seen so many -bullets flatten, so many arrows break against them, but which time, -that grand destroyer of the most solid things, is gradually crumbling -away by a continuous effort, under the triple influences of the air, -the sun, and rain—has never changed masters since the day of its -construction, and the chiefs of the same family, on dying, have ever -left it to their descendants.</p> - -<p>This family is one of those to which we just now referred, whose -origin dates back to the first conquerors, and whose name is Tobar de -Moguer—(Moguer was added at a later date, doubtless in memory of the -Spanish town whence the chief of the family came.)</p> - -<p>In 1541, Don Antonio de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain, organized -the expedition to Cibola, a mysterious country, visited a few years -previously by Alvaro Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, and about which the most -marvellous and extraordinary reports were spread, all the better suited -to inflame the avarice and unextinguishable thirst for gold by which -the Spanish adventurers were devoured.</p> - -<p>The expedition, consisting of 300 Spaniards and 800 Indian allies, -started from Compostela, the capital of New Galicia, on April 17, 1541, -under the orders of Don Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. The officers -nominated by the Viceroy were all gentlemen of distinction; among them -as standard bearer was Don Pedro de Tobar, whose father, Don Fernando -de Tobar, had been Majordomo-Major in the reign of Jane the Mad, mother -of the Emperor Charles V.</p> - -<p>We will only say a few words about this expedition, the preparations -for which were immense; and which would have doubtless furnished better -results, and proved to the advantage of all, had the chief thought less -of the immense fortune he left behind in New Spain, and more of the -immense responsibility weighing upon him.</p> - -<p>After innumerable fatigues, the expedition reached Cibola, which, -instead of being the rich and magnificent city they expected to see, -was only a wretched insignificant village, built on a rock, and which -the Spaniards seized after an hour's fighting. Still, the Indians -defended themselves bravely, and several Spaniards were wounded. The -General himself, hurled down by a stone, would have been infallibly -killed, had it not been for the devotion of Don Pedro de Tobar and -another officer, who threw themselves before him, and gave their chief -time to rise and withdraw from the fight.</p> - -<p>The Spaniards, half discouraged by the extraordinary fatigue they were -forced to endure, and the continual deceptions that awaited them at -every step, but still urged on by that spirit of adventure which never -deserted them, resolved after the capture of Cibola to push further -on and try their fortunes once again. Thus they reached, with extreme -difficulty, the last country visited by Cabeza de Vaca, to which he had -given the name of the Land of Hearts (Tierra de los Corazones)—not, -as might be supposed, because the inhabitants had seemed so gentle and -amiable, but solely because, at the period of his passing, the only -food they offered him had been stags' hearts.</p> - -<p>On reaching this place the Spaniards halted. Don Tristán de Arellano, -who had taken the command of the army in place of Don Francisco -Coronado, who was ailing from the wound received at Cibola, seeing the -rich and fertile appearance of this country, resolved to found a town, -which he called San Hieronima de los Corazones. This town was, however, -almost immediately abandoned by the Spaniards, who carried the various -elements further, and started a new town, to which they gave the name -of Señora, afterwards corrupted into Sonora, which eventually became -the name of the province.</p> - -<p>During this long expedition Don Pedro de Tobar distinguished himself -on several occasions. At the head of seventeen horsemen, four foot -soldiers, and a Franciscan monk of the name of Fray Juan de Padella -who in his youth had been a soldier, Don Pedro de Tobar discovered the -province of Tutaliaco, which contained several towns, the houses being -of several storeys. All these towns, or rather villages, were carried -by storm by Don Pedro, and the province was subjugated in a few days.</p> - -<p>When, twenty years after, the Viceroy wishing to recompense Don -Pedro's services, offered him estates, the latter, who held Señora -in pleasant recollection, asked that land should be granted him in -this province, which reminded him of the prowess of his youth, and -to which he was attached by the very fatigues he had undergone and -the dangers he had incurred. During the twenty years that had elapsed -since Coronado's expedition, Don Pedro had married the daughter of Don -Rodrigo Maldonado, brother-in-law of the Duke of Infantado, and one -of his old comrades in arms. As Don Rodrigo had settled in Sonora, -Don Pedro, in order to be near him, took up his abode on the site of -Cibola, which had long been destroyed and abandoned, and built on the -crest of the rock the magnificent Hacienda del Toro, which, as we have -said, remained for centuries in the family, with the immense estates -dependent on it.</p> - -<p>Like all first-class haciendas in Mexico, El Toro was rather a town -than a simple habitation, according to the idea formed in Europe of -private estates. It comprised all the old territory of Cibola. On all -sides its lofty walls, built on the extremity of the rock, hung over -the abyss. It contained princely apartments for the owners, a chapel, -workshops of every description, storehouses, barracks, quarters for the -pious, and corrals for the horses and cattle, with an immense <i>huerta</i>, -planted with the finest trees and the most fragrant flowers. In a word, -it was, and probably still is, one of those gigantic abodes which -appear built for Titans, and of which the finest feudal châteaux in the -Old World offer but an imperfect idea.</p> - -<p>The fact is, that at the time when the conquerors built these vast -residences, inhabitants were sparse in these countries, as is indeed -the case now. The owners having their elbows at liberty, could take -what land they liked, and hence each ultimately became, without -creating any surprise, possessors of a territory equal in size to one -of our counties.</p> - -<p>It was in 1811, twenty-nine years before the period when our story -begins, at the dawn of that glorious Mexican revolution the first -cry of which had been raised on the night of September 16, 1810, by -Hidalgo—at that time a simple parish priest in the wretched town of -Dolores, and whose success, sixteen months later, was so compromised -by the disastrous battle of Calderón, in which countless bands of -fantastic Indians were broken by the discipline of the old Spanish -troops—that the most sensible men regarded it as an unimportant -insurrection—a fatal error which caused the ruin of the Spanish -domination.</p> - -<p>But on November 25, 1811, the day on which we begin this narrative, the -insurgents had not yet been conquered at Calderón; on the contrary, -their first steps had been marked by successes; from all sides Indians -came to range themselves beneath their banner, and their army, badly -disciplined, it is true, but full of enthusiasm, amounted to 80,000 -men. Already master of several important towns, Hidalgo assembled -all his forces with the evident design of dealing a great blow, and -generalizing the insurrection, which had hitherto been confined to two -provinces.</p> - -<p>About two in the afternoon, that is to say, the time when in these -climes the heat is most oppressive, a horseman, mounted on a -magnificent mustang, was following at a gallop the banks of a small -stream, half dried up by the torrid heat of the southern sun, and by -whose side a few sickly cottonwood trees were withering.</p> - -<p>The dust, reduced to impalpable atoms, formed a dense cloud round the -horseman, who, plunged into sad and gloomy thought, with pale forehead -and brows contracted till they touched, continued his journey without -noticing the desolate aspect of the country he was traversing, and the -depressing calm that prevailed around him. In fact, an utter silence -brooded over this desert: the birds had hidden themselves gasping -under the foliage, and no other sound could be heard save the shrill, -harsh cry of the grasshoppers, which occupied in countless myriads -the calcine grass that bordered the road, or rather the track, the -traveller was following.</p> - -<p>This rider appeared to be about twenty-five years of age; his features -were handsome, his glance proud, and the expression of his face -haughty, although marked with kindness and courtesy. He was tall and -well built; his gestures, which were pleasing, though not stiff, -indicated a man who, through his position in the world, was accustomed -to a certain deference, and to win the respect of those who surrounded -him. His dress had nothing remarkable about it: it was that usually -worn by wealthy Spaniards when travelling; still, a short sword in a -silver sheath and with a curiously carved hilt, the only weapon he -openly carried, showed him to be a gentleman; besides, his complexion, -clearer than that of the Creoles, left no doubt as to his Spanish -origin.</p> - -<p>This horseman, who had left Arispe at sunrise, had been travelling, up -to the moment we join him, without stopping or appearing to notice the -stifling heat that made the perspiration run down his cheek—so deep -was he in thought. On reaching a spot where the track he was following -turned sharply to the left, his horse suddenly stopped. The rider, thus -aroused from his reverie, raised his head and looked before him, with -grief, almost despair, in his glance.</p> - -<p>He was at the foot of the rock on the summit of which stands the -Hacienda del Toro in all its gloomy majesty. For some minutes he gazed -with an expression of regret and sorrow at these frowning buildings, -which doubtless recalled happy memories. He shook his head several -times, a sigh escaped from his overburdened chest, and, seemed to form -a supreme resolution, he said, in a choking voice, "I will go;" and -letting his horse feel the spur, he began slowly scaling the narrow -path that led to the summit of the rock and the hacienda gate. A -violent contest seemed to be going on in his mind: his flexible face -changed each moment, and reflected the various feelings that agitated -him; several times his clenched hand drew up the bridle, as if he -wished to check his horse and turn back. But each time his will was -the more powerful; he constantly overcame the instinctive repugnance -that seemed to govern him, and he continued his ascent, with his eyes -constantly looking ahead, as if he expected to see someone whose -presence he feared come round an angle of the track. But he did not see -a soul the whole way.</p> - -<p>When he reached the hacienda gate, it was open, and the drawbridge -lowered; but though he was evidently expected, there was no one to bid -him welcome.</p> - -<p>"It must be so," he murmured sadly. "I return to my paternal roof, not -as a master, but as a stranger, a fugitive—an accursed man, perhaps."</p> - -<p>He crossed the drawbridge, the planks of which re-echoed his horse's -footfall, and entered the first courtyard. Here, too, there was no one -to greet him. He dismounted; but instead of throwing the bridle on -his horse's neck, he held it in his hand and fastened it to a ring in -the wall, saying, in a low, concentrated voice—"Wait for me, my poor -Bravo; you, too, are regarded as an accursed one: be patient; we shall -doubtless soon set out again."</p> - -<p>The noble animal as if understanding its master's words and sharing in -his grief, turned its delicate, intelligent head toward him, and gave a -soft and plaintive whine. The young man after giving a parting glance -at his steed, crossed the first yard with a firm and resolute step, and -entered a second one considerably larger. At the end of this court two -men were standing motionless on the first step of a magnificent marble -staircase, apparently leading to the apartments of the master of the -hacienda.</p> - -<p>On seeing these two men, the young horseman drew himself up; his face -assumed a gloomy and ironical expression, and he walked rapidly toward -them. They still remained motionless and stiff, with their eyes fixed -on him. When he was but a few paces from them, they uncovered by an -automatic movement, and bowed ceremoniously.</p> - -<p>"The Marquis is waiting for you, Señor Conde," one of them said.</p> - -<p>"Very good," the strange visitor answered; "one of you can announce my -arrival to his lordship my father, while the other will guide me to the -apartment where I am expected."</p> - -<p>The two men bowed a second time, and with heads still uncovered, -preceded the young man, who followed with a firm and measured tread. -On reaching the top of the steps, one of the servants hurried forward, -while the second, slightly checking his speed, continued to guide the -horseman. When the footsteps of the first man died out in the immense -corridors, the face of the second one suddenly lost its indifferent -expression, and he turned round, his eyes full of tears.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my young master!" he said, in a voice broken by emotion, "What a -misfortune! Oh, Heavens! What a misfortune!"</p> - -<p>"What?" the young man asked anxiously; "Has anything happened to the -marquis? Or is my lady mother ill?"</p> - -<p>The old servant shook his head sadly. "No," he answered; "Heaven be -blessed! Both are in good health: but why did you leave the paternal -mansion, your lordship? Alas! Now the misfortune is irremediable."</p> - -<p>A cloud of dissatisfaction flitted across the young man's forehead.</p> - -<p>"What has happened so terrible during my absence, Perote?"</p> - -<p>"Does not your Excellency know?" the servant asked in amazement.</p> - -<p>"How should I know, my friend?" he answered, mildly. "Have you -forgotten that I have been absent from the hacienda for two years?"</p> - -<p>"That is true, Excellency;—forgive me, I had forgotten it. Alas! Since -the misfortune has burst upon us, my poor head has been so bad."</p> - -<p>"Recover yourself, my good fellow," the young man said, kindly. "I know -how much you love me. You have not forgotten," he added, with a bitter -sorrow, "that your wife, poor Juana, nourished me with her milk. I know -nothing; am even ignorant why my father ordered me so suddenly to come -hither. The servant who handed me the letter was doubtless unable to -tell anything, and, indeed, I should not have liked to question him."</p> - -<p>"Alas! Excellency," the old servant continued, "I am myself ignorant -why you have been summoned to the hacienda; but Hernando, he may know."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the young man, with a nervous start, "My brother is here, -then?"</p> - -<p>"Did you not know it?"</p> - -<p>"Have I not already told you that I am utterly ignorant of everything -connected with this house?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, Excellency. Don Hernando is here, and has been here a long -time. Heaven guard me from saying anything against my master's son; -but perhaps it would have been better had he remained at Guadalajara, -for all has greatly changed since his arrival. Take care, Sir, for Don -Hernando does not love you."</p> - -<p>"What do I care for my brother's hatred?" the young man answered -haughtily. "Am I not the elder son?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," the old servant repeated, sadly, "you are the elder son; -and yet your brother commands here as master. Since his arrival, it -seems as if everything belonged to him already."</p> - -<p>The young man let his head sink on his chest, and remained for some -minutes crushed; but he soon drew himself up, with flashing eye, and -gently laid his hand on the old servant's shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Perote," he said to him affectionately, "what is the motto of my -family?"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, Excellency?" the manservant asked, startled at the -singular question his master asked him.</p> - -<p>"You do not remember it," the young man continued, with a smile, as he -pointed to an escutcheon over a door. "Well; look, what do you read -there?"</p> - -<p>"What does your Excellency want?"</p> - -<p>"Read—read, I tell you."</p> - -<p>"You know that motto better than I do, as it was given to one of your -ancestors by King Don Ferdinand of Castile himself."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Perote, I know it," he replied, in a firm voice; "and since you -will not read it, I will repeat it to you. The motto is: 'Everything -for honour, no matter what may happen.' That motto dictates my conduct -to me; and be assured, Perote, that I will not fail in what it orders -me."</p> - -<p>"Oh, your Excellency, once again take care. I am only a poor servant of -your family, but I saw you born, and I tremble as to what may happen in -the coming interview."</p> - -<p>"Do not be anxious, my old friend," he answered, with an expression of -haughty pride, full of nobleness. "Whatever may happen, I will remember -not only what I owe to the memory of my ancestors, but also what I owe -to myself; and, without going beyond the limits of that obedience and -respect those who gave me birth have a right to, I shall be able to -defend myself against the accusations which will doubtless be brought -against me."</p> - -<p>"Heaven grant, Sir, that you may succeed in dissipating the unjust -suspicions so long gathering in the minds of your noble parents, and -carefully kept up by the man who, during your lifetime, dares to look -with an eye of covetousness on your rich inheritance."</p> - -<p>"What do I care for this inheritance?" the young man exclaimed, -passionately. "I would gladly abandon it entirely to my brother, if he -would cease to rob me of a more precious property, which I esteem a -hundred times higher—the love of my father and my mother."</p> - -<p>Old Perote only answered with a sigh.</p> - -<p>"But," the young man continued, "let us not delay any longer. His -lordship must be informed of my arrival; and the slight eagerness -I seem to display in proceeding to him and obeying his orders will -probably be interpreted to my injury by the man who has for so many -years conspired my ruin."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you are right: we have delayed too long as it is; come, follow -me."</p> - -<p>"Where are you taking me?" the young man remarked. "My father's -apartments are not situated in this part of the hacienda."</p> - -<p>"I am not leading your Excellency to them," he answered, sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Where to, then?" he asked, stopping in surprise.</p> - -<p>"To the Red Room," the old servant remarked in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the young man muttered; "Then my condemnation is about to be -pronounced."</p> - -<p>Perote only answered by a sigh; and his young master, after a moment's -hesitation, made him a sign to go on; and he silently followed him, -with a slow step that had something almost solemn in it.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FAMILY TRIBUNAL.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>The Hacienda del Toro, like many feudal mansions, contained one room -which remained constantly closed, and was only opened on solemn -occasions. The head of the family was conveyed there to die, and -remained on a bed of state till the day of his funeral: and the wife -was confined there. There, too, marriage contracts were signed. In a -word, all the great acts of life were performed in this room, which -inspired the inhabitants of the hacienda with a respect greatly -resembling terror; for on the few occasions on which the Marquises de -Tobar found themselves compelled to punish any member of their family, -it served as the tribunal where the culprit was tried and sentence -pronounced.</p> - -<p>This room, situated at the end of the hacienda, was a large hall of -oblong shape, paved with alternate large black and white slabs, and -lighted by four lofty windows, which only allowed a gloomy and doubtful -light to penetrate.</p> - -<p>Tapestry, dating from the fourteenth century, and representing with all -the simplicity of the age the different episodes of the mournful battle -of Xeres—which delivered Spain to the Moors, and in which Don Rodrigo, -the last Gothic king, was killed—covered the walls, and imprinted an -indescribable character of sepulchral majesty on this cold and mournful -hall, which was probably called the "Red Room" from the prevalence of -that colour in the tapestry work.</p> - -<p>The young Count de Tobar had never entered this room since the day of -his birth; and, however far back his thoughts reverted in childhood, -he never remembered to have seen it open. Hence, in spite of all his -courage, and the firmness with which he had thought it wise to arm -himself for this decisive interview with his father, he could not -restrain a slight start of fear on learning that his parents were -prepared to receive him there.</p> - -<p>The folding doors were open, and on reaching the threshold the young -man took in the room at a single glance. At one end, on a dais covered -with a petate, the Marquis and Marchioness of Tobar were seated, -gloomy and silent, beneath a canopy of black velvet with gold fringe -and tassels. Candles, lit in tall, many-branched candelabra, in order -to overcome the habitual gloom of the room, threw their flickering -light on the aged couple, and imparted to their faces an expression of -sternness and harshness that probably did not belong to them.</p> - -<p>At the foot of the dais, and almost touching it, stood a young man of -three or four-and-twenty, with handsome and distinguished features, -whose elegant attire contrasted with the simple dress of the aged -couple: this gentleman was Don Hernando de Tobar, younger son of the -Marquis. A footman, the same who had preceded the Count in order to -announce his arrival to his master, took a step forward on perceiving -the young man.</p> - -<p>"El Señor Conde, Don Rodolfo de Tobar y Moguer," he said, in a loud and -marked voice.</p> - -<p>"Show in the Count," the Marquis said, in a voice which, though broken, -was still powerful.</p> - -<p>The manservant discreetly retired, and the door closed upon him. The -Count walked up to the foot of the dais: on reaching it, he bowed a -second time, then drew himself up, and respectfully awaited till it -pleased his father to address him.</p> - -<p>So profound a silence prevailed for some minutes in the room, that -the hearts of the four persons might have been heard beating in their -bosoms. Don Hernando took cunning side-glances at his brother, whom -the aged couple examined with a mixture of sadness and severity.</p> - -<p>The young Count, as we said, was standing motionless in front of the -dais. His posture was full of nobility, without being in any way -provocative: with his right foot in front, his hand on his sword guard, -and the other holding his hat, whose long feather swept the ground, and -his head slightly thrown back, he looked straight before him, without -any display of arrogance or disdain. He waited, with a brow rather -pale, it is true, owing to the internal emotions he felt; but the -expression of his features, far from being that of a culprit, was, on -the contrary, that of a man convinced of his innocence, and who expects -to see his conduct approved rather than blamed.</p> - -<p>"You have arrived, then, Señor Conde," the Marquis at length said, -sharply.</p> - -<p>The young man bowed, but did not answer.</p> - -<p>"You did not display any great eagerness in obeying my invitation."</p> - -<p>"My lord, I only received very late last night the letter you did me -the honour to send me," the Count answered, gently. "This morning -before sunrise I mounted my horse, and rode twenty leagues without -stopping, so anxious was I to obey you."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the Marquis said, ironically, "I know that; for you are a most -obedient son—in words, if not otherwise."</p> - -<p>"Excuse me, my lord," he replied, respectfully, "but I do not -understand to what you deign to allude at this moment."</p> - -<p>The old gentleman bit his lips angrily. "It is because we probably no -longer speak the same language, Señor Conde," he said, drily; "but I -will try to make myself better understood."</p> - -<p>There was a silence, during which the Marquis seemed to be reflecting.</p> - -<p>"You are the elder son of the family, sir," he presently continued, -"and, as such, responsible for its honour, which your ancestors handed -down to you unsullied. You are aware of this, I presume?"</p> - -<p>"I am, my lord."</p> - -<p>"Since your birth your sainted mother and myself have striven to place -before you only examples of loyalty; during your childhood we took -pleasure in training you in all the chivalrous virtues which for a long -succession of centuries have been the dearest appanage of the race of -worthies from whom you are descended. We continuously kept before your -eyes the noble motto of our family, of which it is so justly proud. -How is it, then, sir, that, suddenly forgetting what you owe to our -care and the lessons you received from us, you suddenly, without your -mother's permission or mine, abandoned without any plausible motive -the paternal roof, and that, deaf to the remonstrances and tearful -entreaties of your mother, and rebellious against my orders, you have -so completely separated your life from ours, that, with the exception -of the name you continue to bear, you have become a perfect stranger?"</p> - -<p>"My lord!" the young man stammered.</p> - -<p>"It is not an accusation I bring against you, Don Rodolfo," the Marquis -continued, quickly; "but I expect a frank and honourable explanation -of your conduct. But, take care; the explanation must be clear and -unreserved."</p> - -<p>"My lord," the Count answered, throwing up his head proudly, "my heart -reproaches me with nothing: my conduct has been ever worthy of the -name I have the honour to bear. My object, in obeying your orders so -eagerly, has not been to justify myself, as I am not guilty of any -fault, but to assure you of my respect and obedience."</p> - -<p>An incredulous smile played round Don Hernando's month, and the Marquis -continued with the same tone of frigid sternness—</p> - -<p>"I expected another answer from you, sir. I hoped to find you eagerly -seize the opportunity my kindness offered you to justify yourself in my -sight."</p> - -<p>"My lord," the young man replied, respectfully but firmly, "in order -that the justification you demand may be possible, I must know the -charges brought against me."</p> - -<p>"I will not press this subject for the present, sir; but since, as you -say, you profess such great respect for my orders, I wish to give you -an immediate opportunity to prove your obedience to me."</p> - -<p>"Oh, speak, father!" the Count exclaimed, warmly; "Whatever you may ask -of me—"</p> - -<p>"Do not be overhasty in pledging yourself, sir," the Marquis coldly -interrupted him, "before you know what I am about to ask of you."</p> - -<p>"I shall be so happy to prove to you how far from my heart are the -intentions attributed to me."</p> - -<p>"Be it so, sir. I thank you for those excellent feelings; hence I will -not delay in telling you what you must do to reinstate yourself in my -good graces."</p> - -<p>"Speak,—speak, my lord!"</p> - -<p>The old man, cold and impassive, still regarded his son with the same -stern look. The Marchioness, restrained by her husband's presence, -fixed on the young man's eyes filled with tears, without daring, poor -mother, to interfere on his behalf. Don Hernando smiled cunningly -aside. As for Don Rodolfo, his father's last words had filled him with -fear; and in spite of the pleasure he affected, he trembled inwardly, -for he instinctively suspected a snare beneath this pretended kindness.</p> - -<p>"My son," the Marquis continued, with a slight tinge of sadness in his -voice, "your mother and I are growing old. Years count double at our -age, and each step brings us nearer the tomb, which will soon open for -us."</p> - -<p>"Oh, father!" Don Rodolfo exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Do not interrupt me, my son," the Marquis continued, with a commanding -gesture. "You are our firstborn, the hope of our name and race; you -are four-and-twenty years of age; you are handsome, well built, -instructed by us in all the duties of a gentleman; in short, you are an -accomplished cavalier, of whom we have just reason to be proud."</p> - -<p>The Marquis paused for a little while. Don Rodolfo felt himself -growing more and more pale. His eyes turned wildly to his mother, who -sorrowfully bowed her head, in order that his anxious glance might not -meet hers. He was beginning to understand what sacrifice his father was -about to demand of his filial obedience, and he trembled with terror -and despair. The old man continued, in a firm and more marked voice—</p> - -<p>"Your mother and I, my son, may be called away soon to appear before -the Lord; but as I do not wish to repose in the tomb without having -the satisfaction of knowing that our name will not die with us, but be -continued in our grandchildren—this desire, which I have several times -made known to you, my son, the moment has now arrived to realise; and -by marrying, you can secure the tranquillity of the few days still left -us to spend on this earth."</p> - -<p>"Father—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, re-assure yourself, Count," the old gentleman continued, -pretending to misunderstand his son's meaning. "I do not intend to -force on you one of those marriages in which a couple, united against -their wish, only too soon hate one another through the instinctive -aversion they feel. No; the wife I intend for you has been chosen by -your mother and myself with the greatest care. She is young, lovely, -rich, and of a nobility almost equal to ours;—in a word, she combines -all the qualities necessary not only to render you happy, but also to -revive the brilliancy of our house and impart a fresh lustre to it."</p> - -<p>"Father!" Don Rodolfo stammered again.</p> - -<p>"My son!" the Marquis continued, with a proud intonation in his voice, -as if the name he was about to utter must remove all scruples; "my son, -be happy, for you are about to marry Doña Aurelia de la Torre Azul, -cousin in the fifth degree to the Marquis del Valle."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my son!" the Marchioness added entreatingly "this alliance, which -your father so dearly desires, will soothe my last days."</p> - -<p>The young man was of livid pallor. He tottered, his eyes wandered -hesitatingly around, and his hand, powerfully pressed to his heart, -seemed trying to stifle its beating.</p> - -<p>"You know my will, sir," the Marquis continued, not appearing to -perceive his unhappy son's condition. "I hope that you will soon -conform to it: and now, as you must be fatigued after a long ride in -the great heat of the day, withdraw to your apartments. Tomorrow, when -you have rested, we will consult as to the means of introducing you to -your future wife as soon as possible."</p> - -<p>After uttering these words, in the same cold and peremptory tone he -employed during the whole interview, the Marquis prepared to rise.</p> - -<p>By an effort over himself the young count succeeded in repressing the -storm that was raging in his heart. Affecting a tranquillity he was far -from feeling, he took a step forward, and bowed respectfully to the -Marquis.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, my lord," he said, in a voice which emotion involuntarily -caused to tremble, "but may I say a few words now?"</p> - -<p>The old gentleman frowned.</p> - -<p>"Did I not say tomorrow, sir?" he answered drily.</p> - -<p>"Yes, my lord," the young man answered, sadly; "but, alas! If you do -not consent to listen to me today, tomorrow may be too late."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the Marquis, biting his lips with a passion that was -beginning to break out, "And for what reason, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Because, father," the young man said, firmly, "tomorrow I shall have -left this house never to reenter it."</p> - -<p>The Marquis gave him a thundering look from under his grey eyelashes.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" he exclaimed, "Then I was not deceived; what I have been told -is really true."</p> - -<p>"What have you been told?"</p> - -<p>"Do you wish to know?" the old gentleman exclaimed, furiously. "After -all, you are right; it is time that this pitiable farce should end."</p> - -<p>"Sir,—sir!" the Marchioness said, with deep grief, "remember that he -is your son—your firstborn!"</p> - -<p>"Silence, madam!" the old man said, harshly; "This rebellious son has -played with us long enough; the hour of punishment has pealed, and, by -Heaven! It shall be terrible and exemplary."</p> - -<p>"In God's name, sir," the Marchioness continued, "do not be inexorable -to your child. Let me speak to him; perhaps you are too harsh with -him, although you love him. I am his mother; I will convince him, and -induce him to carry out your wishes: a mother can find words in her -heart to soften her son, and make him understand that he ought not to -reject his father's orders."</p> - -<p>The old man seemed to hesitate for a moment, but immediately recovered.</p> - -<p>"Why should I consent to what you ask, madam?" he replied, with a -roughness mingled with pity; "Do you not know that the sole quality, -or rather the sole vice, of his race which this rebellious son has -retained is obstinacy? You will get nothing from him."</p> - -<p>"Oh, permit me to say, sir," the old lady continued, in a suppliant -voice, "he is my son as well as yours. In the name of that love and -that unswerving obedience you have ever found in me, I beseech you -to let me make a final attempt to break his resistance, and lead him -penitent to your feet."</p> - -<p>"And then, my lord," Don Hernando, who had hitherto remained an -apparent stranger to all that was taking place, remarked in a mocking -voice, "perhaps we are mistaken; do not condemn my brother without -hearing him; he is too good a gentleman, and of too old a family, to -have committed the faults of which he is accused."</p> - -<p>"That is well, Hernando; I am delighted thus to hear you undertake your -brother's defence," said the old lady, smiling through her tears, and -deceived by his words.</p> - -<p>"Certainly, mother; I love my brother too dearly," the young man said -ironically, "to let him be accused without proof. That Rodolfo has -seduced the daughter of the principal Cacique of the Opatas and made -her his mistress is evident, and known to all the world as true, but -it is of very little consequence. But what I will never believe until -it is proved to me is, that he has married this creature, any more -than I will put faith in the calumnies that represent him not only -as one of the intimate friends of the Curate Hidalgo, but also as one -of his most active and influential partisans in this province. No; a -thousand times No! A gentleman of the name and blood of Tobar knows -too well what honour demands to commit such infamy! Acting so would -be utter apostasy, and complete forgetfulness of all that a noble -Castilian owes to himself, his ancestors, and that honour of which he -is only the holder. Come, Rodolfo; come, my brother, raise your head: -confound the calumniators: give a solemn denial to those who have dared -to sully your reputation! One word from you, but one that proves your -perfect innocence, and the storm unjustly aroused against you will -be dispersed; my father will open his arms to you, and all will be -forgotten."</p> - -<p>During this speech, whose deep perfidy the Count recognised, he -was suffering from extreme emotion. At the first words his brother -uttered, he started as if he felt the sting of a viper; but gradually -his anger had made way for contempt in his heart; and it was with a -smile of crushing disdain that he listened to the emphatic and mocking -conclusion.</p> - -<p>"Well, my son," the marquis said, "you see everybody defends you here, -while I alone accuse you! What will you answer to prove your innocence -to me?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, father!" the young man said, coolly.</p> - -<p>"Nothing?" the old gentleman repeated, angrily.</p> - -<p>"No, father!" he continued; "because, if I attempted to justify myself, -you would not listen to me; and that, supposing you consented to listen -to me, you would not comprehend me. Oh! Do not mistake my meaning," he -said, on seeing the Marquis about to speak; "you would not understand -me, father, not through want of intellect, but through pride. Proud of -your name and the privileges it gives, you are accustomed to judge men -and things from a peculiar point of view, and understand honour in your -own fashion."</p> - -<p>"Are there two sorts of honour, then?" the Marquis exclaimed, -involuntarily.</p> - -<p>"No, father," Don Rodolfo answered, calmly, "there is only one; but -there are two ways of comprehending it: and my brother, who a moment -back told you without incurring your disapproval that a gentleman had -the right to abuse the love of a maiden and make her his mistress, -but that the honour of his name would forbid him marrying her, seems -to me to have studied the point thoroughly, and is better able than I -to discuss it. As you said yourself, father, we must come to an end. -Well, be it so. I will not attempt to continue an impossible struggle -with you. When I received orders to come to you, I knew I was condemned -beforehand, and yet I obediently attended your summons; it was because -my resolution was irrevocably formed. What am I reproached with? Having -married the daughter of an Indian Cacique? It is true; I avow openly -that I have done so: her birth is perhaps as good as mine, but most -certainly her heart is greater. What is the next charge—that I am a -friend of the Curate Hidalgo, and one of his firmest adherents? That -is also true; and I am happy and proud of this friendship: I glory in -these aspirations for liberty with which you reproach me as a crime. -Descendants of the first conquerors of Mexico, this land, discovered -and subjugated by our fathers, has become our country; for the last -three centuries we have not been Spaniards, but Mexicans. The hour has -at length arrived for us to shake off the yoke of this self-called -country, which has so long been battening on our blood and tears, and -enriching itself with our gold. In speaking thus to you, my venerated -father, my heart is broken, for Heaven is my witness that I have a -profound respect and love for you. I know that I am invoking on my head -all the weight of your anger, and that anger will be terrible! But, in -my sorrow, one sublime hope is left to me. Faithful to the motto of our -ancestors, I have done everything for honour; my conscience is calm; -and some day—soon, perhaps—you will forgive me, for you will see that -I have not failed in fealty."</p> - -<p>"Never!" the Marquis shouted in a voice the more terrible because the -constraint he had been forced to place on himself, in order to hear his -son's speech to the end, had been so great. "Begone! I no longer know -you! You are no longer my son! Begone!—villain! I give you my—"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the Marchioness shrieked, as she threw herself into his arms, -"Do not curse him, sir! Do not add that punishment to the one you have -inflicted on him. The unhappy boy is already sufficiently punished. No -one has the right to curse him; a father less than any other—for in -that case it is God who avenges."</p> - -<p>The Marquis stood for a moment silent and gloomy, then stretched out -his arms to his son, and shook his head sadly.</p> - -<p>"Begone!" he said in a hollow voice. "May God watch over you—for -henceforth you have no family. Farewell!"</p> - -<p>The young man pale and trembling, bent beneath the weight of this -sentence; then rose and tottered out of the room without saying a word.</p> - -<p>"My son!—My son!" the Marchioness exclaimed in a heart-rending voice.</p> - -<p>The implacable old man quickly stopped her at the moment when, -half-mad with grief, she was rushing from the dais, and pointed to Don -Hernando, who was bowing hypocritically to her.</p> - -<p>"You have only one son, madam," he said, in a harsh voice, "and that -son is here."</p> - -<p>The Marchioness uttered a cry of despair, and, crushed with grief, fell -senseless at her husband's feet; who, also overcome in this fearful -struggle of pride of race against paternal love, sank into a chair and -buried his face in his hands, while a mighty sob escaped from his bosom.</p> - -<p>Don Hernando had rushed after his brother, not for the purpose of -consoling or bringing him back, but solely not to let the joy be -seen which covered his face at this mournful scene, all the fearful -incidents in which he had been so long preparing with feline patience.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE TWO BROTHERS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>After quitting the Red Room, Don Rodolfo, under the weight of the -condemnation pronounced against him, with broken heart and burning head -had rushed onwards, flying the paternal anger, and resolved to leave -the hacienda as quickly as possible, never to return to it. His horse -was still in the first yard, where he had tied it up. The young man -went up to it, seized the bridle, and placed his foot in the stirrup. -At the same moment a hand was laid on his shoulder—Don Rodolfo turned -as if seared with a hot iron. His brother was standing before him.</p> - -<p>A feverish redness suffused his face; his hands closed, and his eyes -flashed lightning; but at once extinguishing the fire of his glance and -affecting a forced calmness, he said, in a firm voice—</p> - -<p>"What do you want brother?"</p> - -<p>"To press your hand before your departure, Rodolfo," the young man -said, with a whining voice.</p> - -<p>Rodolfo looked at him for a moment with an expression of profound -disdain, then unhooking the sword that hung at his side, he handed it -to his brother.</p> - -<p>"There, Hernando," he said, ironically, "it is only right that, since -you will henceforth bear the name and honour of our family, this sword -should revert to you. You desired my inheritance, and success has -crowned your efforts."</p> - -<p>"Brother," the young man stammered.</p> - -<p>"I am not reproaching you," Don Rodolfo continued, haughtily. "Enjoy -in peace those estates you have torn from me. May Heaven grant that -the burden may not appear to you some day too heavy, and that the -recollection of the deed you have done may not poison your last years. -Henceforth we shall never meet again on this earth. Farewell!" And -letting the sword he had offered his brother fall on the ground, he -leaped on his horse and went off at full speed, without even giving a -parting glance at those walls which had seen his birth, and from which -he was now eternally banished. Don Hernando stood for a moment with -hanging head and pale face, crushed by the shame and consciousness -of the bad action he had not feared to commit. Already remorse was -beginning to prey on him. At length, when the galloping of the horse -had died away in the distance, he raised his eyes, wiped away the -perspiration that inundated his face, and picked up the sword lying at -his feet.</p> - -<p>"Poor Rodolfo!" he muttered, stifling a sigh; "I am very guilty."</p> - -<p>And he slowly returned to the hacienda. Count Don Rodolfo de Moguer -kept the word he had given his brother: he never reappeared. Nothing -was ever heard of him, and his intimate friends never saw him again -after his journey to the hacienda, nor knew what had become of him. The -next year, a few Indians who escaped from the massacre at the bridge -of Calderón, when Hidalgo was defeated by the Spanish General Calleja, -spread the report that Don Rodolfo, who during the whole action kept by -Hidalgo's side, was killed in a desperate charge he made into the heart -of the Spanish lines, in the hope of restoring the fortunes of the day; -but this rumour was not confirmed. In spite of all the measures taken -by the Marquis, the young man's body was not found among the dead, and -his fate remained a mystery for the family.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile, Don Hernando, by his father's orders, had succeeded -to his brother's title, and almost immediately married Doña Aurelia de -la Torre Azul, originally destined for Don Rodolfo. The Marquis and -Marchioness lived some few years longer. They died a few days after -one another, bearing with them a poisoned sting of remorse for having -banished their firstborn son from their presence.</p> - -<p>But, inflexible up to his dying hour, the Marquis never once made a -complaint, and died without mentioning his son's name. However, the -Marquis's hopes were realized ere he descended to the grave, for he -had the supreme consolation of seeing his family continued in his -grandchildren.</p> - -<p>At the funeral, a man was noticed in the crowd wrapped up in a wide -cloak, and his features concealed by the broad brim of his hat being -pulled over them. No one was able to say who this man was, although one -old servant declared he had recognised Don Rodolfo. Was it really the -banished son who had come for the last time to pay homage to his father -and weep on his tomb? The arrival of the stranger was so unexpected, -and his departure so sudden, that it was impossible to get at the truth -of the statement.</p> - -<p>Then, time passed away, important events succeeded each other, and Don -Rodolfo, of whom nothing was heard, was considered dead by his family -and friends, and then forgotten; and Don Hernando inherited without -dispute the title and estates.</p> - -<p>The Marquis de Moguer, in spite of the light under which we have shown -him to our readers, was not a wicked man, as might be supposed; but -as a younger son, with no other hope than the tonsure, devoured by -ambition, and freely enjoying life, he internally rebelled against the -harsh and unjust law which exiled him from the pleasures of the world, -and condemned him to the solitude of the cloister. Assuredly, had his -brother frankly accepted his position as firstborn, and consented to -undertake its duties, Don Hernando would never have thought for a -moment of defrauding him of his rights. But when he saw Don Rodolfo -despise the old tradition of his race—forget what he owed to his -honour as a gentleman, so far as to marry an Indian girl and make -common cause with the partisans of the Revolution, he eagerly seized -the opportunity chance so providentially offered him to seize the power -lost by his brother, and quietly put himself in his place. He thought -that, in acting thus he was not committing a bad action, but almost -asserting a right by substituting himself for a man who seemed to care -very little for titles and fortune.</p> - -<p>Don Hernando, while whitewashing himself in this way, only obeyed that -law of justice and injustice which God has placed in the heart of man, -and which impels him, when he does any dishonourable deed, to seek -excuses in order to prove to himself that he was bound to act as he -had done. Still, the Marquis did not dare to confess to himself that -the chance by which he profited he had helped by all his power, by -envenoming by his speeches and continual insinuations his brother's -actions, ruining him gradually in his father's mind, and preparing, -long beforehand, the condemnation eventually uttered in the Red Room -against the unfortunate Rodolfo.</p> - -<p>And yet strange contradiction of the human heart, Don Hernando dearly -loved his brother; he pitied him—he would like to hold him back on -the verge of the precipice down which he thrust him, as it were. Once -master of the estates and head of the family, he would have liked to -find his brother again, in order to share with him this badly-acquired -fortune, and gain pardon for his usurpation.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately these reflections came too late—Don Rodolfo had -disappeared without leaving a trace, and hence the Marquis was -compelled to restrict himself to sterile regrets. At times, tortured -with the ever-present memory of the last scene at the hacienda, he -asked himself whether it would not have been better for him to have -had a frank explanation with his brother, after which Don Rodolfo, -whose simple tastes agreed but badly with the exigencies of a great -name, would have amicably renounced in his favour the rights which his -position as elder brother gave him.</p> - -<p>But now to continue our narrative, which we have too long interrupted.</p> - -<p>At the beginning of 1822, on a day of madness which was to be expiated -by years of disaster, the definitive separation took place between -Spain and Mexico, and the era of <i>pronunciamientos</i> set in. After the -ephemeral reign of the Emperor Iturbide, Mexico reverted to a republic, -or, more correctly, to a military government. Under the pressure of -an army of 20,000 soldiers, which had 24,000 officers, the Presidents -succeeded each other with headlong speed, burying the nation deeper -and deeper in the mire, in which it is now struggling, and which will -eventually swallow it up.</p> - -<p>By <i>pronunciamiento</i> on <i>pronunciamiento</i> Mexico had reached the period -when this story begins; but her wealth had been swallowed up in the -tornado—her commerce was annihilated, her cities were falling in -ruins, and New Spain had only retained of her old splendours fugitive -recollections and piles of ruins. The Spaniards had suffered greatly -during the War of Independence, as had their partisans, whose property -had been burned and plundered by the revolutionists. The fatal decree -of 1827, pronouncing the expulsion of the Spaniards, dealt the final -and most terrible blow to their fortunes.</p> - -<p>The Marquis de Moguer was one of the persons most affected by this -measure, although, during the entire War of Independence and the -different governments that succeeded each other, he had taken the -greatest care not to mix himself up at all in politics, and remained -neutral between all parties. This position, which it was difficult and -almost impossible to maintain for any length of time, had compelled him -to make concessions painful to his pride: unfortunately, his fortune -consisted of land and mines, and if he left Mexico he would be a ruined -man.</p> - -<p>His friends advised him frankly to join the Mexican government, and -give up his Spanish nationality. The Marquis, forced by circumstances, -followed their advice; and, thanks to the credit some persons enjoyed -with the President of the Republic, Don Hernando was not only not -disturbed, but authorized to remain in the country, where he was -naturalized as a Mexican.</p> - -<p>But things had greatly changed with the Marquis. His immense fortune -had vanished with the Spanish government. During the ten years of the -War of Independence, his estates had lain fallow, and his mines, -deserted by the workmen he formerly employed, had gradually become -filled with water. They could not be put in working order again except -by enormous and most expensive works. The situation was critical, -especially for a man reared in luxury and accustomed to sow his money -broadcast. He was now compelled to calculate every outlay with the -utmost care, if he did not wish to see the hideous spectre of want rise -implacable before him.</p> - -<p>The pride of the Marquis was broken in this struggle against poverty; -his love for his children restored his failing courage, and he bravely -resolved to make head against the storm. Like the ruined gentleman who -tilled the soil, with their sword by their side, as a proof of their -nobility, he openly became hacendero and miner,—that is to say, he -cultivated his estates on a large scale, and bred cattle and horses, -while trying to pump out the water which had taken possession of his -mines. Unfortunately, he was deficient in two important things for the -proper execution of his plans: the necessary knowledge to assist the -different operations he meditated: and, above all, money, without which -nothing was possible. The Marquis was therefore compelled to engage a -majordomo, and borrow on mortgage. For the first few years all went -well, or appeared to do so. The majordomo, Don José Paredes, to whom -we shall have occasion to refer more fully hereafter, was one of those -men so valuable in haciendas, whose life is spent on horseback, whose -attention nothing escapes, who thoroughly understand the cultivation of -the soil, and know what it ought to produce, almost to an arroba.</p> - -<p>But if the estates of the Marquis were beginning to regain their -value under the skilful direction of the bailiff, it was not the same -with the mines. Taking advantage of the convulsions in which Mexico -was writhing, the independent Indians, no longer held in subjection -by the fear of the powerful military organization of the Spaniards, -had crossed the frontiers and regained a certain portion of their -territory. They had permanently settled upon it, and would not allow -white men to encroach on it. Most of the Marquis's mines being situated -in the very country now occupied by the Indians, were consequently -lost to him. The others, almost entirely inundated, in spite of the -incessant labour bestowed on them, did not yet hold out any hopes of -becoming productive again.</p> - -<p>What Don Hernando gained on one side he lost on the other; and his -position, in spite of his efforts, became worse and worse, and the -abyss of debt gradually enlarged. The Marquis saw with terror the -moment before him when it would be impossible for him to continue the -struggle. Sad and aged by sorrow rather than years, the Marquis no -longer dared to regard the future, which daily became more gloomy for -him. He watched in mournful resignation the downfall of his house—the -decay of his race; seeking in vain, like the man without a compass on -the mighty ocean, from what point of the horizon the vessel that would -save him from shipwreck would arrive.</p> - -<p>But, alas! Days succeeded days without bringing any other change in -the position of the Marquis, save greater poverty, and more nearly -impending ruin. In proportion as the misfortune came nearer, the -Marquis had seen his relations and friends keep aloof from him; all -abandoned him, with that selfish indifference which seems a fundamental -law of every organized society, when the precept, "Each man for -himself," is put in practice, with all the brutal force of the <i>vae -victis</i>.</p> - -<p>Hence Don Hernando resided alone, with his son, at the Hacienda del -Toro; for he had lost his wife several years before, and his daughter -was being educated in a convent at the town of Rosario; with that -noble pride which so admirably becomes men of well-tempered minds, the -Marquis had accepted without a murmur the ostracism passed upon him. -Far from indulging in useless recriminations with men, the majority of -whom had, in other days, received obligations from him, he had made his -son a partner in his labours, and, aided by him, redoubled his efforts -and his courage.</p> - -<p>Some months before the period when our story begins, ill fortune had -seemed, not to grow weary of persecuting the Marquis, but desirous -of granting him a truce—this is how a gleam of sunshine penetrated -the gloomy atmosphere of the hacienda. One morning, a stranger, who -appeared to have come a great distance, stopped at the gate, leading a -mule loaded with two bales. This man, on reaching the first courtyard, -threw the mule's bridle to a peon, with the simple remark,—"For Signor -Don Hernando de Moguer—" and, without awaiting an answer, he started -down the rocky road at a gallop and was lost in the windings of the -path ere the peon had recovered from the surprise caused by the strange -visit. The Marquis, at once warned, had the mule unloaded, and the -bales conveyed to his study. They each contained twenty-five thousand -piastres in gold, or nearly eleven thousand pounds of our money: on a -folded paper was written one word—Restitution.</p> - -<p>It was in vain that the Marquis ordered the most minute researches; -the strange messenger could not be found. Don Hernando was therefore -compelled to keep this large sum, which arrived so opportunely to -extricate him from a difficult position, for he had a considerable -payment to make on the morrow. Still, it was only on the repeated -assurances of Don Ruiz and the majordomo, that the money was really -his, that he consented to use it.</p> - -<p>Cheered by this change of fortune, Don Hernando at length consented -that Don Ruiz should go and fetch his sister, and bring her back to the -hacienda, where her presence had been long desired; though there had -been an obstacle, in the dangers of such a journey.</p> - -<p>We will now resume our narrative, begging the reader to forgive this -long digression, which was indispensable for the due comprehension of -what is about to follow, and lead him to the Hacienda del Toro, a few -hours before the arrival of Don Ruiz and his sister; that is to say, -about three weeks since we left them at the post of San Miguel.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> - -<h3>A NEW CHARACTER.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Although, owing to its position on the shores of the Pacific, Sonora -enjoys the blessings of the sea breeze, whose moisture at intervals -refreshes the heated atmosphere; still, for three hours in the -afternoon, the earth incessantly heated by the torrid sunbeams produces -a crushing heat. At such times the country assumes a really desolate -aspect beneath the cloudless sky, which seems an immense plate of -red-hot iron. The birds suddenly cease their songs, and languidly hide -themselves beneath the thick foliage of the trees, which bow their -proud crests towards the ground. Men and domestic animals hasten to -seek shelter in the houses, raising in their hurried progress a white, -impalpable, and calcined dust, which enters mouth and nostrils. For -some hours Sonora is converted into a vast desert from which every -appearance of life and movement has disappeared.</p> - -<p>Everybody is asleep, or at least reclining in the most shady rooms, -with closed eyes, and with the body abandoned to that species of -somnolency which is neither sleeping nor waking, and which from that -very fact is filled with such sweet and voluptuous reveries—inhaling -at deep draughts the artificial breeze produced by artfully contrived -currents of air, and in a word indulging in what is generally called in -the torrid zones a siesta.</p> - -<p>These are hours full of enjoyment, of those sweet and beneficent -influence on body and mind we busy, active Englishmen are ignorant, -but which people nearer the sun revel in. The Italians call this state -the <i>dolce far niente</i>, and the Turks, that essentially sensual race, -<i>keff</i>.</p> - -<p>Like that city in the "Arabian Nights," the inhabitants of which the -wicked enchanter suddenly changed into statues by waving his wand, life -seemed suddenly arrested at the Hacienda del Toro, for the silence was -so profound: peons, vaqueros, craidos, everybody in fact, were enjoying -their siesta. It was about three in the afternoon; but that indistinct -though significant buzz which announces the awakening of the hour that -precedes the resumption of labour was audible. Two gentlemen alone had -not yielded to sleep, in spite of the crushing midday heat; but seated -in an elegantly furnished <i>cuarto</i>, they had spent the hours usually -devoted to slumber in conversation. The cause for this deviation from -the ordinary custom must have been most serious. The Hispano-American, -and especially the Mexican, does not lightly sacrifice those hours of -repose during which, according to a Spanish proverb, only dogs and -Frenchmen are to be seen in the sun.</p> - -<p>Of these two gentlemen, one, Don Hernando de Moguer, is already known -to us. Years, while stooping his back, had furrowed some wrinkles on -his forehead, and mingled many silver threads with his hair; but the -expression of his face, with the exception of a tinge of melancholy -spread over his features by lengthened misfortunes, had remained nearly -the same, that is to say, gentle and timid, although clever; slightly -sarcastic and eminently crafty.</p> - -<p>As for the person with whom Don Hernando was conversing at this moment, -he deserves a detailed description, physically at least, for the -reader will soon be enabled to appreciate his moral character. He was -a short, plump man, with a rubicund face and apoplectic look, though -hardly forty years of age. Still his hair, which was almost white, -his deeply wrinkled forehead, and his grey eyes buried beneath bushy -whiskers, gave him a senile appearance, harmonizing but little with the -sharp gesticulation and youthful manner he affected. His long, thin, -violet nose was bent like a parrot's beak over a wide mouth filled with -dazzling white teeth; and his prominent cheekbones, covered with blue -veins, completed a strange countenance, the expression of which bore a -striking likeness to that of an owl.</p> - -<p>This species of nutcracker, with his prominent stomach and short -ill-hung limbs, whose whole appearance was most disagreeable, had such -a mobility of face as rendered it impossible to read his thoughts -on his features, in the event of this fat man's carcase containing -a thought. His cold blue eyes were ever pertinaciously fixed on the -person addressing him, and did not reveal the slightest emotion; in -short, this man produced at the first contact that invariable antipathy -which is felt on the approach of reptiles, and which, after nearer -acquaintance, is converted into disgust and contempt.</p> - -<p>He was a certain Don Rufino Contreras, one of the richest landowners in -Sonora, and a year previously had been elected senator to the Mexican -Congress for the province.</p> - -<p>At the moment when we enter the <i>cuarto</i>, Don Hernando, with arms -folded at his back and frowning brow, is walking up and down, while Don -Rufino, seated on a butaca, with his body thrown back, is following his -movements with a crafty smile on his lips while striving to scratch -off an invisible spot on his knee. For some minutes, the hacendero -continued his walk, and then stopped before Don Rufino, who bent on him -a mocking, inquiring glance.</p> - -<p>"Then," he said, in a voice whose anxious expression he sought in vain -to conceal, "you must positively have the entire sum within a week?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the fat man replied, still smiling.</p> - -<p>"Why, if that is the case, did you not warn me sooner?"</p> - -<p>"It was through delicacy, my dear sir."</p> - -<p>"What—through delicacy?" Don Hernando repeated, with a start of -surprise.</p> - -<p>"You shall judge for yourself."</p> - -<p>"I shall be glad to do so."</p> - -<p>"I believe you do me the justice of allowing that I am your friend?"</p> - -<p>"You have said you are, at least."</p> - -<p>"I fancy I have proved it to you."</p> - -<p>"No matter; but let us pass over that."</p> - -<p>"Very well. Knowing that you were in a critical position at the moment, -I tried to procure the sum by all possible means, as I did not wish to -have recourse to you, except in the last extremity. You see, my dear -Don Hernando, how delicate and truly friendly my calculations were. -Unfortunately, at the present time it is very difficult to get money -in, owing to the stagnation of trade produced by the new conflict -which threatens to break out between the President of the Republic and -the Southern States. It was therefore literally impossible for me to -obtain the smallest sum. In such a perplexing position, I leave you to -judge what I was obliged to do. The money I must have; you have owed it -for a long time, and I applied to you—what else could I do?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know. Still, I think you might have sent a peon to warn me, -before you left Sonora."</p> - -<p>"No, my dear sir, that is exactly what I should not do. I have not come -direct to you: in pursuance of the line of conduct I laid down I hoped -to collect the required sum on my road, and not be obliged to come all -the way to your hacienda."</p> - -<p>Don Hernando made no reply. He began his walk again after giving the -speaker a glance which would have given him cause for thought, had he -noticed it; but the latter gentleman had begun rubbing the invisible -spot again with more obstinacy than before. In the meanwhile the -sunbeams had become more and more oblique; the hacienda had woke up -to its ordinary life; outside the shouts of the vaqueros pricking the -oxen or urging on the horses could be heard mingled with the lowing and -neighing of the draught cattle. Don Hernando walked up to a window, the -shutters of which he threw open, and a refreshing breeze entered the -<i>cuarto</i>. Don Rufino gave a sigh of relief and sat up in his <i>butaca</i>.</p> - -<p>"Ouf," he said, with an expression of comfort, "I was very tired; not -through the long ride I was compelled to make this morning, so much as -through the stifling heat."</p> - -<p>Don Hernando started at this insinuation, as if he had been stung by -a serpent; he had neglected all the laws of Mexican hospitality; for -Don Rufino's visit had so disagreeably surprised him, and made him -forget all else before the sudden obligation of satisfying the claims -of a merciless creditor. But at Don Rufino's remarks he understood how -unusual his conduct must have seemed to a weary traveller, hence he -rang a bell, and a peon at once came in.</p> - -<p>"Refreshment," he said.</p> - -<p>The peon bowed, and left the room.</p> - -<p>"You will excuse me, Caballero," the hacendero continued, frankly, -"but your visit so surprised me, that at the moment I did not think -of offering the refreshment which a tired traveller requires so much. -Your room is prepared, rest yourself tonight, and tomorrow we will -resume our conversation, and arrive at a solution I trust mutually -satisfactory."</p> - -<p>"I hope so, my dear sir. Heaven is my witness that it is my greatest -desire," Don Rufino answered, as he raised to his lips the glass of -orangeade brought by the peon. "Unhappily I fear that, with the best -will in the world, we cannot come to a settlement unless—"</p> - -<p>"Unless!" Don Hernando sharply interrupted. Don Rufino quietly sipped -his orangeade, placed the glass on the table, and said, as he threw -himself back on the <i>butaca</i>, and rolled a cigarette—</p> - -<p>"Unless you pay me in full what you owe me, which, from what you have -said, appears to me to be difficult, I confess."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Don Hernando remarked with an air of constraint, "What makes you -suppose that?"</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, my dear sir, I suppose nothing: you told me just -now that you were hardly pressed."</p> - -<p>"Well, and what conclusion do you derive from that?" the hacendero -asked impatiently.</p> - -<p>"A very simple thing—that seventy thousand piastres form a rather -round sum, and that however rich a man may be, he does not always have -it in his hands, especially when he is pressed."</p> - -<p>"I can make sacrifices."</p> - -<p>"Believe me, I shall be sincerely sorry."</p> - -<p>"But can you not wait a few days longer?"</p> - -<p>"Impossible, I repeat: let us understand our respective positions, in -order to avoid any business misunderstanding, which should always be -prevented between honourable gentlemen holding a certain position. I -lent you that sum, and only stipulated for small interest, I believe."</p> - -<p>"I allow it, Señor, and thank you for it."</p> - -<p>"It is not really worth the trouble; I was anxious to oblige you. I -did so, and let us say no more about it; but remember that I made one -condition which you accepted."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Hernando said, with an impatient start, "and I was wrong."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so; but that is not the question. This condition which you -accepted was to the effect that you should repay me the sum I advanced -upon demand."</p> - -<p>"Have I said the contrary?"</p> - -<p>"Far from it; but now that I want the money, I ask you for it, and -that is natural: I have in no way infringed the conditions. You ought -to have expected what is happening today, and taken your precautions -accordingly."</p> - -<p>"Hence, if I ask a month to collect the money you claim?"</p> - -<p>"I should be heartbroken, but should refuse; for I want the money, not -in a month, but in a week. I can quite put myself in your position, and -comprehend how disagreeable the matter must be; but unluckily so it is."</p> - -<p>What most hurt Don Hernando was not the recall of the loan, painful as -it was to him, so much as the way in which the demand was made; the -show of false good nature employed by his creditor, and the insulting -pity he displayed. Carried away involuntarily by the rage that filled -his heart, he was about to give Don Rufino an answer which would have -broken off all friendly relations between them for ever, when a great -noise was heard in the hacienda, mingled with shouts of joy and the -stamping of horses. Don Hernando eagerly leant out of the window, and -at the expiration of a moment turned round to Don Rufino, who was -sucking his cigarette with an air of beatitude.</p> - -<p>"Here are my children, Caballero," he said; "not a word of this affair -before them, I entreat."</p> - -<p>"I know too well what I owe you, my dear Señor," the other replied, as -he prepared to rise. "With your permission, however, I will withdraw, -in order to allow you entire liberty for your family joy."</p> - -<p>"No, no!" Don Hernando added, "I had better introduce you at once to my -son and daughter."</p> - -<p>"As you please, my dear sir. I shall be flattered to form the -acquaintance of your charming family."</p> - -<p>The door opened, and Don José Parades appeared. The majordomo was a -half-breed of about forty years of age, tall and powerfully built, with -bow legs and round shoulders that denoted his capacity as a horseman; -in fact, the worthy man's life was spent in the saddle, galloping about -the country. He took a side-glance at Don Rufino, bowed to his master, -and lowering his usual rough tone, said—</p> - -<p>"Señor amo, the niño and niña have arrived in good health, thanks to -Our Lady of Carnerno."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Don José," Don Hernando replied; "let them come in. I shall be -delighted to see them."</p> - -<p>The majordomo gave a signal outside, and the two young people rushed -into the room. With one bound they were in their father's arms, who -for a moment pressed them to his heart; but then he pushed them -away, remarking that a stranger was present. The young couple bowed -respectfully.</p> - -<p>"Señor Don Rufino," the Marquis said, "I present to you my son, Don -Ruiz de Moguer, and my daughter, Doña Marianita: my children, this is -Señor Don Rufino Contreras, one of my best friends."</p> - -<p>"A title of which I am proud," Don Rufino replied, with a bow, while -giving the young lady a cold searching glance, which made her look down -involuntarily and blush.</p> - -<p>"Are the apartments ready, Don José?" Don Hernando continued.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Excellency," the majordomo said, who was contemplating the young -people with a radiant face.</p> - -<p>"If Señor Don Rufino will permit it, you can go and lie down, my -children," the hacendero said. "You must be tired."</p> - -<p>"You will also allow me to rest, Don Hernando?" the Senator then said. -The hacendero bowed.</p> - -<p>"We will resume our conversation at a more favourable moment," he -continued, as he took a side-glance at Donna Marianita, who was just -leaving the room with her brother. "However, my dear Señor, do not feel -too anxious about my visit; for I believe I have discovered a way of -arranging matters without inconveniencing you too much."</p> - -<p>And, bowing to his knees to the Marquis, who was astounded at this -conduct, which he was so far from expecting, Don Rufino left the room, -smiling with an air of protection.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> - -<h3>DON JOSÉ PAREDES.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Several days had elapsed since the return of Don Ruiz and his sister -to the hacienda, and Don Rufino had not said a word about the money -which occasioned his visit. The hacendero, while employing all the -means in his power to procure the necessary sum to pay his debt, had -been careful not to allude to the conversation he had held with his -creditor on the first day; the more so because Don Rufino seemed to -have forgotten the pressing want of money he had at first given as his -excuse for not granting any delay.</p> - -<p>At the hacienda everything had returned to its old condition. Don Ruiz -went out on horseback in the morning with José Paredes, in order to -watch the peons and vaqueros, leaving to his father and sister the -care of doing the honours to Don Rufino. For the first two or three -days Doña Marianita had been considerably embarrassed by their guest's -obsequious smiles and passionate glances; but she soon made up her -mind, and only laughed at the craving look and absurd postures of the -stout gentleman. The latter, while perceiving the effect he produced -on the young lady, appeared to take no heed of it, and conscientiously -continued his manoeuvres with the tenacity that formed the basis of his -character. Probably in acting thus, and by openly paying his court to -Doña Marianita, in the presence of her father and brother, Don Rufino -was carrying out a pre-arranged plan, in order to gain an end which may -be easily guessed.</p> - -<p>It was evident to everybody that Don Rufino was seeking to obtain the -hand of Doña Marianita. Don Hernando, in spite of the secret annoyance -this pursuit caused him, for this man was the last he would have -desired as his son-in-law, did not dare, however, let his vexation be -seen, owing to his delicate position, and the sword of Damocles which -Don Rufino held in suspense over his head. He contented himself with -watching him closely, while leaving him free to act, hoping everything -from him, and striving to collect all his resources in order to pay -him off as speedily as possible; and once liberty was regained, to -dismiss him. Unfortunately, money was difficult to obtain. Most of Don -Hernando's debtors failed in meeting their engagements; and it was with -great difficulty he obtained at the end of a fortnight one quarter the -sum he owed Don Rufino, and this sum even could not be employed in -liquidating the debt, for it was indispensable for the continuation of -the works at the hacienda.</p> - -<p>Since his arrival at the hacienda, Don Rufino had sent off messengers -in several directions, and received letters. One morning he entered Don -Hernando's study with an easy air, where the latter passed nearly the -day, engaged in the most abstruse calculations. The hacendero raised -his head with amazement on seeing the Senator; it was the first time -the latter had come to seek him in this room. He suffered a heart pang; -but he succeeded in hiding his emotion, and good-humouredly invited his -visitor to take a seat.</p> - -<p>"My dear Señor," Don Rufino began, as he comfortably stretched -himself out upon a butaca, "excuse me for pursuing you into your last -entrenchments, but I want to talk seriously with you, and so I frankly -knocked at this door."</p> - -<p>"You have done well," Don Hernando answered, with ill-dissembled agony: -"you know that I am entirely at your disposal. How can I be of any -service to you?"</p> - -<p>"I will not trouble you long: I am not fond of lengthy conversations, -and have merely come to terminate the affair which we began on the day -when I arrived at the hacienda."</p> - -<p>The hacendero felt a cold perspiration stand on his temples at this -brutally frank avowal.</p> - -<p>"I had not forgotten you," he replied: "at this very moment I was -making arrangements which, I trust, will enable me to discharge the -debt in a few days."</p> - -<p>"That is not the point," Don Rufino remarked, airily: "I do not want -the money, and request you to hold it for me as long as you possibly -can."</p> - -<p>Don Hernando looked at him in amazement. "That surprises you," the -Senator continued, "and yet the affair is very simple. I was anxious to -prove to you that you had in me not a pressing creditor, but a truly -devoted friend. When I saw that it would greatly embarrass you to repay -me this trifle, and as you are a gentleman I am anxious to oblige, I -turned to another quarter."</p> - -<p>"Still," Don Hernando, who feared a snare, objected: "you said to me—"</p> - -<p>"I believed it," Don Rufino interrupted him. "Fortunately it was not -so, as I have recently acquired the proof: not only have I been able to -meet my payment, but I have a considerable sum left in my hands which -I do not know what to do with, and which I should feel much obliged -by your taking; for I do not know a more honourable gentleman than -yourself, and I wish to get rid of the money, which is useless to me at -the moment."</p> - -<p>Don Hernando, confounded by this overture, which he had been so far -from expecting from a man who had at first been so harsh with him, was -silent, for he knew not what to answer, or to what he should attribute -this so sudden and extraordinary change.</p> - -<p>"Good gracious!" continued Don Rufino, with a smile; "During the -few days I have been with you, my dear Señor, I have been enabled -to appreciate the intelligent way in which you manage your immense -estate; and it is evident to me that you must realize enormous profits. -Unfortunately for you, you are in the position of all men who -undertake great things with limited resources. You are short of capital -just at the moment when it is most necessary; but as this is a common -case, you cannot complain. You have made sacrifices, and will have to -make more before obtaining real results. The money you want I have, -and I offer it to you. I trust you will not insult me by doubting my -friendship, or my desire to be of service to you."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, Caballero. Still," Don Hernando stammered, "I am already -your debtor to a heavy amount."</p> - -<p>"Well, what matter? You will be my debtor for a larger amount, that is -all."</p> - -<p>"I understand all the delicacy and kindness of your conduct, but I -fear—"</p> - -<p>"What?—That I may demand repayment at an inconvenient moment?"</p> - -<p>"I will not conceal from you—"</p> - -<p>"You are wrong, Don Hernando. I wish to deal with you as a friend, and -do you a real service. You owe me seventy thousand piastres, I believe?"</p> - -<p>"Alas, yes!"</p> - -<p>"Why that 'alas?'" the senator asked, with a smile. "Seventy thousand -piastres, and fifty thousand more I am going to hand you directly, -in six bills payable at sight, drawn on Wilson and Co., Bankers, at -Hermosillo, will form a round sum, for which you will give me your -acceptance payable—come, what date will suit you best?"</p> - -<p>Don Hernando hesitated. Evidently Don Rufino, in making him so strange -a proposal, had an object; but that object he could not see. The -Senator's love for his daughter could not impel him to do such a -generous act: this unexpected kindness evidently concealed a snare; -but what was the snare? Don Rufino carefully followed the different -feelings that were reflected on Don Hernando's face.</p> - -<p>"You hesitate," he said to him, "and you are wrong. Let us talk -candidly. You cannot possibly hope to realize any profit within eight -months, so it will be impossible for you to pay me so large a sum -before that period." Then, opening his pocketbook and taking out -the six bills, which he laid on the table, he continued: "Here are -the fifty thousand piastres; give me an acceptance for one hundred -and twenty thousand, payable at twelve months' date. You see that -I give you all necessary latitude to turn yourself round. Well, -supposing—which is not probable—that you are unable to pay me when -the bill falls due; we will renew it, that is all. <i>¡Cuerpo de Cristo!</i> -I am not a harsh creditor. Come, is the matter settled, or must I take -the bills back?"</p> - -<p>Money, under whatever shape it presents itself, has an irresistible -attraction in the eyes of the speculator and embarrassed man. Don -Hernando, in spite of all his efforts—in spite of all the numerous -sacrifices he had made, felt himself rapidly going down the incline of -ruin, on which it is impossible for a man to stop; but time might save -him. Don Rufino, whatever his wishes might be, rendered him an immense -service by giving him, not only time, but also the money he required, -and which he despaired of obtaining elsewhere. Any longer hesitation -on his part would therefore have been unjustifiable; hence he took the -bills, and gave his acceptance.</p> - -<p>"That's settled," Don Rufino said, as he folded the document and -carefully placed it in his pocketbook. "My dear Señor, you are really a -singular man. There is more difficulty in getting you to accept money -than there would be in getting another to pay it."</p> - -<p>"I really do not know how to thank you, Don Rufino, for the service -you have rendered me, and which I am now free to confess has arrived -very opportunely."</p> - -<p>"Money is always opportune," the Senator replied, with a laugh; "but -let us say no more about that. If you happen to have a safe man, send -him off at once to cash these bills at Hermosillo, for money is too -scarce to be allowed to lie idle."</p> - -<p>"This very day my majordomo, Don José Paredes, shall set out for the -<i>ciudad</i>."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Now I have one request to make of you."</p> - -<p>"Speak, speak! I shall be delighted to prove to you how grateful I am."</p> - -<p>"This is the matter: now that I am, temporarily at least, no longer -your creditor, I have no decent pretext for remaining at the hacienda."</p> - -<p>"Well, what does that matter?"</p> - -<p>"It matters a great deal to me. I should like to remain here a few days -longer, in order to enjoy your agreeable society."</p> - -<p>"Are you jesting, Don Rufino? The longer you remain at the hacienda, -the greater honour you will do us; we shall be delighted to keep you, -not for a few days, but for all the time you may be pleased to grant -us."</p> - -<p>"Very good; that is what I desired. Now, I shall go away and leave you -to your business."</p> - -<p>When the majordomo returned to the hacienda at about eleven o'clock in -the morning, Don Hernando sent for him. Without taking the time to pull -off his vaquero boots or unbuckle his heavy spurs, José Parades hurried -to his master.</p> - -<p>"Have you a good horse?" the hacendero asked, so soon as the majordomo -entered the study.</p> - -<p>"I have several, Excellency," he answered.</p> - -<p>"I mean by a good horse, one capable of going a long distance."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, mi amo; I have a mustang on which I could ride to -Hermosillo and back without giving it any further rest than that of the -camping hours."</p> - -<p>"I want to send you to Hermosillo."</p> - -<p>"Very good, Excellency; when must I start?"</p> - -<p>"Why, as soon as possible after you have rested."</p> - -<p>"Rested from what?"</p> - -<p>"The ride you have taken this morning."</p> - -<p>The majordomo shrugged his shoulders with a smile. "I am never tired, -Excellency; in half an hour I shall have lassoed my horse, saddled it, -and mounted, unless you wish me to defer my journey."</p> - -<p>"The hours for the siesta will soon be here, and the heat will be -insufferable."</p> - -<p>"You are aware, Excellency, that we half-Indians are children of the -sun; its heat does not affect us."</p> - -<p>"You have an answer for everything, Don José."</p> - -<p>"For you, Excellency, I feel myself capable of performing -impossibilities."</p> - -<p>"I know that you are devoted to my house."</p> - -<p>"Is it not just, Excellency? For two centuries my family has eaten the -bread of yours; and, if I acted otherwise than I am doing, I should be -unworthy of those from whom I am descended."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, my friend; you know the esteem and affection I have for -you. I am about to intrust an important commission to you."</p> - -<p>"Be assured that I shall perform it, Excellency."</p> - -<p>"Very good. You will start at once for Hermosillo, where you will cash -these bills for fifty thousand piastres, at the bank of Wilson and Co."</p> - -<p>"Fifty thousand piastres!" the majordomo repeated, with surprise.</p> - -<p>"It surprises you, my friend, to whom I have confided my most secret -affairs, that I have so large a sum to receive. You ask yourself, -doubtless, in what way I managed to obtain it."</p> - -<p>"I ask nothing, Excellency; it does not concern me. I am here to carry -out your orders, and not permit myself improper observations."</p> - -<p>"This money has been lent me by a friend whose kindness is -inexhaustible."</p> - -<p>"Heaven grant that you are not mistaken, Excellency; and that the man -from whom you have this money is really a friend."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, Don José? To what are you alluding?"</p> - -<p>"I make no allusion, mi amo; I merely think that friends who lend -fifty thousand piastres from hand to hand—pardon my frankness, -Excellency—to a man whose affairs are in such a condition as yours, -are very rare at present; and that, before forming a definite judgment -about them, it would be wiser to wait and learn the cause of such -singular generosity."</p> - -<p>Don Hernando sighed. He shared his majordomo's opinions, though he -would not allow it. Following the tactics of all men who have not good -reasons to allege, he suddenly turned the conversation.</p> - -<p>"You can take three or four persons with you," he said.</p> - -<p>"What to do, Excellency?"</p> - -<p>"Why, to act as escort on your return."</p> - -<p>The majordomo began laughing.</p> - -<p>"What use is an escort, Excellency? You want your money here? I will -buy a mule at Hermosillo, and load the money on it, and it will take a -very clever fellow to rob me, I assure you."</p> - -<p>"Still, it would be, perhaps, better to have an escort."</p> - -<p>"Permit me to remark, Excellency, that it would be the best way of -setting robbers on my track."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Viva Dios!</i> I should be curious to know how you arrive at that -conclusion."</p> - -<p>"You will easily understand me, mi amo. A single man is certain to pass -unnoticed, especially when, as at this moment, the roads are infested -with bandits of every description and every colour."</p> - -<p>"Hum! what you are saying is not re-assuring, Don José, do you know -that?" Don Hernando remarked, with a smile, for his majordomo's -reasoning amused him.</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, the bandits to whom I am referring, Excellency, are -clever, too clever, and it is that which ruins them; they will never -imagine that a poor devil of a half-breed, leading a sorry mule, can be -carrying fifty thousand piastres. Deceived by my appearance, they will -let me pass, without even pretending to see; while if I take persons -with me, it will arouse their suspicions, they will want to know why I -am guarded, and I shall be plundered."</p> - -<p>"You may really be right, Don José."</p> - -<p>"I am certain I am, Excellency."</p> - -<p>"Well, I will not argue any longer; do what you think proper."</p> - -<p>"All right, Excellency; I will deliver the money to you, without the -loss of a real, I promise you."</p> - -<p>"May Heaven grant it: here are the bills, and now—you can start -whenever you please."</p> - -<p>"I shall be gone within an hour, Excellency," the majordomo answered.</p> - -<p>He took up the bills, hid them in his bosom, and, after bowing to his -master, left the study. José Paredes went straight to the corral, where -in a few minutes he had lassoed a mustang with small head and flashing -eye, which he began saddling, after he had carefully rubbed it down. -Then he inspected his weapons, laid in a stock of powder and ball, -placed some provisions in his alforjas, and mounted. But, instead of -leaving the hacienda, he proceeded to a separate building, and twice -gently tapped a window before which he pulled up. The window opened, -and Don Ruiz appeared.</p> - -<p>"Ah! Is that you, Paredes; going back to the plantations already?" he -said; "Well, wait a minute, and I will be with you."</p> - -<p>The majordomo shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Do not disturb yourself, Niño," he said. "I am not going to the -plantations, but on a journey."</p> - -<p>"A journey?" the young man asked, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes; but only for a few days. The Marquis has sent me, and I shall -soon be back."</p> - -<p>"Can you tell me the reason why you are going, and whither?"</p> - -<p>"The master will tell you himself, Niño."</p> - -<p>"Good! But I suppose you have some other motive for coming to wish me -good-bye?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Niño; I wished to give you a piece of advice before leaving the -hacienda."</p> - -<p>"Advice?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; and of a serious nature. Niño, during my absence, watch carefully -the man who is here!"</p> - -<p>"Whom do you mean, Paredes?"</p> - -<p>"The Senator, Don Rufino Contreras."</p> - -<p>"For what reason?"</p> - -<p>"Watch him, Niño, watch him! And now, good-bye for the present."</p> - -<p>And without awaiting the question the young man was about to ask him, -the majordomo dug his spurs into his horse's flanks, and left the -hacienda at a gallop.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> - -<h3>ON THE ROAD.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Mexico, considering its size, is one of the least populated countries -in the world. With but few exceptions, the old Spanish colonies, -since they have proclaimed their independence and become free -republics, having been constantly engaged in war with each other, or -in overthrowing the government they themselves elected, have seen all -the ties attaching families to the soil broken in turn. Foreigners, no -longer finding the necessary safety for their speculations in countries -incessantly troubled by revolutions, have gone away. Trade has been -annihilated; commerce has fallen into a state of atrophy; and the -population has frightfully decreased, with such rapidity, that sensible -men, who sought a remedy for this incurable evil, called emigration to -the help of these states, which nothing can galvanise, and which only -possess a factitious existence.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, the Hispano-American race is essentially haughty and -jealous. Poor fellows, who let themselves be seduced by the brilliant -promises made them, and who consented to cross the sea to settle in -this country, found, on their arrival, and especially in Mexico, an -ill-disguised hatred and contempt, which was displayed in all classes -of society by ill will and aversion. Hence, being disgusted by their -reception, and recognising the slight trust they could place in the -promises of the men who had summoned them, they hastened to leave a -country in which they had only found unjust prejudices and deplorable -ill faith, and went to ask of the United States the protection refused -them by those who had so pressingly summoned them.</p> - -<p>Mexico, in spite of a certain varnish of civilization, the last -reminiscence of the Spanish occupation, which may still be found in -the large cities and their environs, is, therefore, in reality plunged -into a state of barbarism relatively greater than it was fifty years -ago. The Pacific States, especially, being less frequently visited -by strangers, and left, as it were, to themselves, have retained a -peculiar physiognomy, whose picturesque savageness and rough manners -would cause the tourist's heart to beat with joy, if ever a tourist -ventured into these countries; but which inspire an involuntary fear, -justified, however, by everything the traveller, forced to visit this -land on business, witnesses.</p> - -<p>In Europe and all civilized countries, the means of transport are -numerous and convenient, but in Mexico only one is known—the horse. In -the Central States, and those which run along the Atlantic seaboard, -some towns possess diligences, which change horses at the <i>tambos</i>, -a species of inn, where the travellers stop to pass the night. But -these <i>tambos</i> and <i>mesones</i>, which possess a great resemblance to -the Sicilian hostelries and Spanish ventas, supply absolutely nothing -to the guests they shelter, excepting a roof, reduced to its simplest -expression; that is to say, the traveller is compelled to take his -bed with him, in addition to provisions, if he does not wish to sleep -wrapped up in his cloak.</p> - -<p>In spite of the numberless disagreements which the uncomfortable -mode of progressing from one place to another entails, the traveller -derives one advantage from it—that of not being exposed, in a fickle -atmosphere like that of Mexico, where after burning days the nights -are chilly, to the attacks of the climate. In the Pacific States, -matters are no longer thus; the traveller who proceeds from one town to -another is forced to do so on horseback, without any hope of finding -for a distance of sixty or eighty leagues the smallest inn, or even -most wretched rancho, where he can shelter himself from wind and rain -at nightfall. At sunset he camps where he is in the open air, and -begins his journey again on the morrow Still, as Providence has been -in its wisdom careful to give an equal amount of good and evil, the -robbers, salteadores, and brigands of every description, who infest all -the roads in the interior, on which they reign as masters, plundering -travellers in open day and assassinating them with the most perfect -impunity, are rarely found in Sonora. In this country the roads in this -respect enjoy a relatively complete security, except when the Indians -have risen, or a fresh <i>pronunciamiento</i> has let bands of revolted -soldiers loose on the country. These fellows have no scruple about -imitating professional robbers, and killing and plundering people, -whose unlucky stars have exposed them to their tender mercies.</p> - -<p>José Paredes, though he had in reality only fifty leagues to go, a -distance which in most European countries is comfortably performed -in a railway carriage in a few hours, was obliged, on account of the -bad state of the roads, and the indispensable precautions he had -to take, to remain at least four days on the road before reaching -Hermosillo. This journey, which would have been very painful to any -man accustomed to the ease and luxuries of life, was only a pleasure -trip for the worthy majordomo, a real Centaur, whose life was spent -on horseback—who slept more frequently in the open air than under a -roof, and whose powerful constitution rendered him insensible to the -annoyances inseparable from a journey made under such conditions. The -Mexicans have two expressions which admirably depict the class of men -to whom the majordomo belonged; they call them <i>Jinetes</i> and <i>Hombres -de a Caballo</i>.</p> - -<p>José Paredes, then, rode along jauntily on his horse, at one moment -carelessly smoking a husk cigarette, at another humming a <i>jarabe</i> -or a <i>seguedilla</i>, while keeping his eye and ear on the watch, and -his finger prudently laid on the trigger of his gun, which was placed -across his saddle-bow. His second day's ride was drawing to a close; -he had left Arispe far behind him, which town he had passed through -without stopping longer than he required to lay in fresh provisions and -forage for his horse.</p> - -<p>The sun was rapidly declining on the horizon; a rather powerful wind -blew in gusts, raising clouds of dust, which blinded the horseman and -formed a thick fog round him, in the midst of which he almost entirely -disappeared. Although, as we have said, the day was drawing to a close, -the heat was stifling, the sky had assumed a livid appearance; yellow -clouds gradually collected in the horizon and were rapidly brought -up by the wind. The birds whirled in the air, uttering shrill and -discordant cries; sharp noises and shrill whistlings rose from among -the rocks that on both sides flanked the narrow ravine the majordomo -was now following, and large drops of rain fell on the calcined soil, -which easily imbibed them. The horse pricked its ears, shook its head, -and snorted in terror. All presaged one of those storms which it is -only possible to witness in these regions—veritable cataclysms which -rend and uproot the largest trees, force streams from their beds, and -overthrow the soil, as if the earth were struggling wildly beneath the -grasp of those horrible convulsions of Nature, which completely change -within a few hours the aspect of the country over which they have swept -with the fury of the African simoom.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" José Paredes muttered to himself, as he took an anxious glance -along the road; "If I am not greatly mistaken, within an hour we shall -have one of the most tremendous <i>cordonazos</i> that has been seen for -some time. That will be most agreeable for me, and my position will -not fail to be most amusing. Confound the temporal! Why could it not -have waited for another eight-and-forty hours?"</p> - -<p>The majordomo lost no time in vain lamentation. The situation in which -he found himself was really critical: he knew that if the temporal -surprised him on this ravine, he would have enormous difficulties -to overcome in escaping its violence. He therefore resolved at all -hazards to attempt the greatest efforts in getting out of the scrape. -Minutes were precious; hesitation was impossible, and he must form a -decision at once. José Paredes was a resolute man, long accustomed -only to reckon on his courage, strength, and energy, to get him out -of difficult situations; he therefore carefully wrapped himself in -his zarapé, pulled his hat down over his forehead, and, bending over -his horse's neck, dug his spurs, while crying, sharply, one word: -"Santiago!" a cry employed in this country to excite horses. The noble -animal, astonished that its master should deem it necessary to employ -spurs to give it ardour, gave a snort of passion, and started at a -headlong pace.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile the clouds had completely covered the blue sky; the -atmosphere was gradually growing darker; the sunbeams had lost their -heat; the horse still dashed on, rendered furious by the incessant -prick of the spurs, which the majordomo dug into his panting flanks. -At length Paredes uttered a cry of joy, for he had reached the end of -the ravine, and before him extended a vast plain, bordered by tall -mountains in the horizon. These mountains the majordomo wanted to -reach, for there alone had he chance of safety. Although his position -had greatly improved after leaving the ravine, it was still extremely -difficult, if the storm were to burst before he had succeeded in -crossing the plains, which afforded him no shelter to brave the -tornado. Hence, the traveller, after exploring the neighbourhood with a -rapid glance, and assuring himself that he had no hope of escaping the -tempest, and the barren sandy plain which was only traversed by a few -streams, repeated his cry of "Santiago," and set out on his mad ride -once more.</p> - -<p>As always happens, and as anyone who has studied the admirable instinct -of the horse can certify, the noble animal the majordomo rode seemed -to have identified itself with its master. Through the effort of -that magnetic current, whose power is no longer doubted, it appeared -to understand that their common safety depended on its efforts; and -it literally devoured the space, darting across the plain with the -fantastic rapidity of the spectre steed of the German ballad.</p> - -<p>All at once a vivid flash broke through the clouds, followed by a -tremendous thunderclap. The horse gave a start of terror, but quickly -checked by its rider, started again through the torrents of rain which -were beginning to fall. Night bad suddenly set in; the sun, veiled by -the clouds, had become invisible, and it was in condemned obscurity -that the majordomo was compelled to attempt the supreme efforts on -which life or death depended. Still, Paredes was not discouraged, -and his will seemed to grow fearless in the struggle; while sitting -firmly in the saddle, like a granite statue, with contracted brows -and eyes looking ahead, as if constantly trying to pierce the gloom, -and exciting his horse with spur and voice, his features were as calm -and impassive as if he were merely in one of the thousand ordinary -accidents of his adventurous life in the desert. In the meanwhile the -tempest had changed into a fearful hurricane, and raged with extreme -fury. The unchained winds whistled violently, dashing the rain, and -upraising masses of mud, which flew along the ground.</p> - -<p>An ill-omened swashing made the unhappy traveller, who was surprised by -the tornado, understand that the streams were beginning to overflow and -inundate the plain. By the vivid flashes which uninterruptedly followed -each other, the majordomo could see all around large grey pools of -water, which constantly widened and enclosed him in an incessantly -contracting circle; distant sounds borne by the breeze heightened his -apprehensions. An hour more, he felt, and the plains would only form -one vast lake, in the midst of which he would infallibly perish. Warned -by that instinct which never deceives them, the wild beasts had left -their lairs, and were flying madly, while uttering hoarse roars of -terror. When a flash lit up the horizon, Paredes could see indistinct -forms pass by his side, which were no other than the dangerous denizens -of the prairie. All was overthrown and confounded. The swash of the -water was mingled with the artillery of the thunder and the howling of -the wind. But the horse still galloped on straight ahead, sustained by -the very terror which maddened it and spurred it on better than the -sharpest knife could have done.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the majordomo uttered a cry of terror and anger, drew himself -up, and pulled bridle with such strength that the horse stopped short -on his trembling legs. He fancied he had heard the distant sound of a -bell. When an inundation comes, the hacenderos have all their bells -rung, in order to warn straggling travellers and tell them of a place -of refuge. The majordomo listened; in a few seconds a sound, faint as -a sigh, reached the ear. The practised hunter was not mistaken; it -was really the expiring sound of a bell that reached him, and the -sound, came from a direction diametrically opposite to the one he was -following. In the darkness he had left his track; he was lost in the -midst of an entirely submerged country without chance of help. In spite -of his indomitable bravery the majordomo felt an internal horror; an -icy perspiration stood on his forehead, and he shook all over. At this -supreme moment the man had but one terrible thought that he would bear -with him to the tomb the fortune entrusted to him by his master, and on -which the future of his children perhaps depended. Paredes felt burning -tears start from his eyes, and a choking sob from his bosom. He cared -little for life; he would gladly have sacrificed it for his master; but -the thought of dying thus, and completing his master's ruin, caused -him indescribable grief. For some minutes this lion-hearted man, this -bold wood ranger, who had faced without blenching the most terrible -dangers, felt weaker than a child. But this prostration only lasted a -short time, and a reaction quickly took place; ashamed of the passing -despondency to which he had yielded, the majordomo became the firmer -when all seemed to abandon him, and resolved to sustain the insensate -struggle till he drew his last breath.</p> - -<p>Rendered stronger by his energetic resolution, the majordomo, whose -arteries were beating as if about to burst, passed the back of his band -over his eyes, addressed to Heaven that mental prayer which the most -intrepid men find in their hearts at the supreme moment when life or -death only hangs by a thread; and, instead of going on, he waited for -a flash, by which he could examine his position, and decide the new -course he had to take. He had not to wait long; almost immediately a -flash shot athwart the sky. Paredes uttered a cry of joy and surprise: -he had seen, a few paces from him on his right, a rather tall hill, -on the top of which he fancied he noticed a horseman, motionless and -upright as an equestrian statue.</p> - -<p>With that coolness which powerful men alone possess in critical -circumstances, the majordomo, although he felt that the water was -rapidly encircling him, and was almost up to his horse's girths, would -not leave anything to chance. Fearing he had been deceived by one of -those optical illusions, so frequent when the senses are overexcited, -he resolved to wait for a second flash, and kept his eyes fixed on the -spot where the hill must be, which he fancied he must have seen as in -a dream. All at once, at the moment when the desired flash lit up the -darkness, a voice, that overpowered the roar of the tempest, reached -his ear:</p> - -<p>"Courage! Keep straight on," he heard.</p> - -<p>The majordomo uttered a cry of delight, which resembled a yell; and, -lifting his horse with his bridle and knees, he dashed toward the hill, -pursued by the seething waters which were powerless to arrest him; and, -after an ascent that lasted scarce ten minutes, he fell fainting into -the arms of the man whose summons had saved him. From this moment he -had nothing to fear: an inundation could not reach the top of the hill -where he had found such a providential refuge.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> - -<h3>A CONVERSATION BY NIGHT.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>The majordomo's fainting fit, caused rather by the moral struggle he -had sustained than by the physical fatigue he had endured, was not of -any duration: when he re-opened his eyes, he was alone on the top of -the hill. He threw off the furs and blankets laid over him, to protect -him, doubtless from the icy cold of the night, and looked curiously -round him. The tempest was still raging, but it had lost a great deal -of its violence. The rain had ceased: the deep blue sky was gradually -becoming studded with twinkling stars, which shed an uncertain light, -and gave the landscape an aspect of strange and desolate wildness. -The wind blew furiously, and formed waves on the seething top of the -waters, which had now almost risen to the spot where the majordomo lay. -A few yards from its master, his horse was quietly grazing; it was -eating the young tree shoots, and the tall close grass that covered the -ground like a thick carpet of verdure. Another horse was browsing close -by.</p> - -<p>"Good!" Paredes muttered to himself, "My saviour has not gone away; I -hope he is not far off, and that I shall see him soon. Where can he be? -At his own business, of course, though I cannot guess the nature of his -occupation at such a moment. Well, the best plan will be to wait for -him."</p> - -<p>The Mexican had scarce ended his soliloquy, ere a shadow stood out in -the gloom, and the man of whom he was speaking appeared.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" he said, gaily, "You are all right again, I see: all the -better; I would sooner have you in that position than the one you were -in just now."</p> - -<p>"Thanks," the majordomo cordially answered. "I fancy I must have looked -very pitiable, stretched out like a half-throttled <i>novillo</i>. Is it not -disgraceful for a strong man to faint like a child or a feeble woman?"</p> - -<p>"Not the least in the world, <i>compañero</i>," the other said, frankly. -"Accident decreed that I should be for a long time the involuntary -witness of the contest you waged, though it was impossible to help -you, and <i>¡Viva Dios!</i> I declare that you are a tough combatant; you -sustained the shock bravely, and many others in your place—I the -first, perhaps—would not have got out of the scrape so well."</p> - -<p>This answer completely broke the ice, and made the two men -comparatively friends at once.</p> - -<p>"I confess," Paredes remarked, as he offered his hand to his new -friend, "that for a moment I believed myself lost, and had it not been -for you I should have been so."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," the other replied, as he pressed the hand offered him. -"You owe me nothing, for, by Jove! You saved yourself all alone. But -let us not dwell on this point any longer. Although we are in relative -safety, as the water cannot reach us here, our position is not the most -agreeable; and I fancy it would be the best for us to try and get out -of it as quickly as possible."</p> - -<p>"That is my opinion, too; but, unluckily, the means at our disposal are -very limited."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so; at any rate, with your consent, we will hold an Indian -council."</p> - -<p>"That is the best thing we can do at this moment. However," he added, -as he looked up to the sky, "day will not break for three hours."</p> - -<p>"We have time before us, in that case."</p> - -<p>Daring this short conversation the storm had entirely ceased, and the -wind only blew in gusts.</p> - -<p>"Before all," the majordomo said, "let us light a fire; now that the -tempest has ceased, the wild beasts, whose instinct is infallible, will -seek the shelter of this hill, swarm round us, and, if we do not take -care, carry our position by assault."</p> - -<p>"Excellently argued; I see that you are a hunter."</p> - -<p>"I was one for some time," Paredes replied, with a sigh of regret, "but -now it is all over; my adventures in the desert are ended."</p> - -<p>"I pity you sincerely," the stranger said, with an accent of sincerity; -"for no existence is comparable with it."</p> - -<p>"The finest years of my life were those I spent in the desert."</p> - -<p>While conversing thus, the two men had dug a hole with their machetes -at the foot of an enormous larch tree, to act as a hearth. In this -hole they piled up all the resinous wood they were able to procure, -lit it with some gunpowder rolled up in leaves, and in a few minutes -a long jet of flame sprung up and joyously ascended to the sky, while -the wood crackled and emitted millions of sparks. Fire has an immense -influence upon the human mind; among other benefits, it has the faculty -of restoring joy and hope; and while warming a man with its reviving -heat, it often makes him forget perils incurred and fatigues endured. -The two men, who were as wet as if they had been in a river, dried -themselves for a considerable time, enjoying the pleasant sensations -which the heat made them experience, in proportion as it penetrated -into the pores, causing the blood to circulate with greater vivacity, -and restoring elasticity to their benumbed limbs. It was the majordomo -who was the first to resume the conversation.</p> - -<p>"¡Viva Dios!" he said, shaking himself joyously; "I am now quite a -different man. What a fine thing a fire is when you are cold. Suppose -we make use of it, comrade?"</p> - -<p>"Do so, pray," the stranger replied, with a laugh; "but in what way?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is very easy; you shall see. Are you not hungry?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Caray</i>, it is fourteen hours since I have eaten; but unluckily I have -no provisions."</p> - -<p>"Well, I have, and we will share them."</p> - -<p>"Very good. I see that you are a first-rate fellow."</p> - -<p>The majordomo rose, fetched the alforjas which were fastened to his -saddle, and then seated himself again by the fire.</p> - -<p>"There!" he said, displaying his provisions with some degree of -complacency.</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Caramba!</i>" the other remarked, with a laugh; "Food was never more -welcome."</p> - -<p>The provisions which caused such delight to the two men would have -made our European good wives smile with pity. They consisted of some -slices of <i>tasajo</i>, <i>cicuia</i>, a lump of goat's cheese, and a few -maize tortillas; but the majordomo produced a leather bottle, full -of excellent mezcal, which had the privilege of restoring to the two -adventurers all their merry carelessness.</p> - -<p>The <i>tasajo</i> was laid on the coals, where it was soon done to a turn, -and the two friends heartily attacked the supper. The frugal meal -ended, they washed it down with a few sips of mezcal, fraternally -passing the bottle to each other; then they lit their cigarettes, the -<i>obligado</i> supplement of every Mexican repast, and began to smoke, -while attentively surveying the heavy sky, which was already striped -with dark bands under the influence of the early morning hours.</p> - -<p>"Now, let us hold a council, if you are agreeable," the stranger said, -as he inhaled an enormous mouthful of smoke, which he sent forth -through his mouth and nostrils.</p> - -<p>"As you are my senior on this territory," the majordomo remarked, with -a laugh, "and are better acquainted with its resources than I am, you -have the right to speak first."</p> - -<p>"Very good: we are surrounded by water, and though the temporal has -ceased, the streams will not return to their bed for several hours: -moreover, the whole day will pass before the water is entirely absorbed -by the sand."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the majordomo said, with a significant shake of the -head: "and yet we must get away from here."</p> - -<p>"That is the question. To do so, we can only employ two means."</p> - -<p>"Yes, we must either wait till the ground is dry, and that -unfortunately will take a long time, which I cannot afford, as I am in -a hurry: or at sunrise we can mount our horses, and bravely swim off, -and reach the mountains, which cannot be very far distant."</p> - -<p>"You forgot another way which is still at our service."</p> - -<p>"I do not think so."</p> - -<p>"We can get into a canoe, and tow our horses after us, which will tire -them less than carrying us; and enable us to reach the mountains to -which you refer with greater ease; and they are only two leagues at the -most, from this point."</p> - -<p>"Your opinion is certainly good, and I approve of it with all my heart; -unluckily we want one very important thing to carry it out."</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>"Why, hang it all—the canoe."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, <i>compadre</i>, we have one."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense; how can that be possible?"</p> - -<p>"While you were in a faint," the stranger continued, with a smile, -"I explored our domain. You know that, in this country, when the -rainy season arrives, the inhabitants are accustomed to hide canoes -in bushes, and even in trees, in order to give travellers who are -surprised by the inundation the means of saving themselves."</p> - -<p>"That is true; have you found a canoe?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; and hidden behind the very tree against which you are leaning."</p> - -<p>"Heaven be praised! In that case we run no risk; but is the canoe in -good condition?"</p> - -<p>"I have assured myself of that fact, and even found two pairs of new -paddles."</p> - -<p>"Heaven is very certainly on your side. In that case we will start at -sunrise, if that suits you."</p> - -<p>"Excellently; though I am not in such a hurry as you appear to be, and -for certain reasons I must remain in these parts for some days longer."</p> - -<p>"Shall we employ the few hours left us in having a sleep?"</p> - -<p>"You can sleep if you like, but as I am not at all fatigued, I shall -watch over our common safety."</p> - -<p>"I accept your proposal as frankly as you make it. Yet, with your -permission, I will not close my eyes till I have become better -acquainted with you."</p> - -<p>"How so? Are we not friends already?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, I am your friend, at least; but we do not know one another."</p> - -<p>"That is to say—"</p> - -<p>"We do not know one another—I mean who we are."</p> - -<p>"Oh, when travelling, what value can such formalities possess?"</p> - -<p>"A greater value than you suppose; in a few hours we shall part, it is -true, perhaps never to meet again; but perhaps, at some distant period, -we may require each other's assistance; now, how could I summon you, if -I did not know your name?"</p> - -<p>"You're right, comrade; as for me, I am only a poor devil of a hunter, -wood ranger, or trapper—whichever you please, and my companions call -me Stronghand, because, as they say, when I hold out my hand to a -friend he can trust to it in perfect confidence."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Viva Dios</i>, caballero! you are well named, as I can declare; your -reputation has already reached me, and I am delighted at the chance -that has brought us together, as I had already desired to form your -personal acquaintance."</p> - -<p>"I thank you," the hunter replied, with a bow.</p> - -<p>"As for me," the Mexican continued, "my name is José Paredes, and I am -majordomo to the Marquis de Moguer."</p> - -<p>"What!" Stronghand said, with a surprise he did not try to conceal; -"you are majordomo at the Hacienda del Toro?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, what do you find surprising in that?"</p> - -<p>"The man whom his master sent two days ago to Hermosillo, to receive -cash for heavy bills drawn on an English banker?"</p> - -<p>"How do you know that?" Paredes exclaimed, in his turn overwhelmed with -surprise.</p> - -<p>"What matter, so long as I know it?" the hunter replied. "Believe me," -he added, with an accent that caused the majordomo deep reflection, -"our meeting is truly providential, and Heaven led us toward each -other."</p> - -<p>"That is strange," Paredes muttered; "how is it possible that a secret -which my master confided to me alone should be in your possession?"</p> - -<p>The hunter smiled. "A secret known to three persons," he said, "does -not long remain a secret."</p> - -<p>"But that third person, to whom you refer, has no right to divulge it."</p> - -<p>"How do you know that? I will say to you in my turn, Master Paredes. -Sufficient for you, for the present, to learn that I am aware of the -cause of your journey. I think you said you had heard speak of me -before we met?"</p> - -<p>"That is true, Señor."</p> - -<p>"What terms did the persons who spoke of me employ?"</p> - -<p>"The best, I must allow. They represented you to me as a man of -unspotted loyalty and dauntless courage."</p> - -<p>"Good! Does that report satisfy you—have you confidence in me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; for I am convinced that you are an honest man."</p> - -<p>"I hope that your opinion of me will not alter. I will soon prove to -you that it is fortunate for you and the Marquis that we have met at -the moment when you least expected it; for I was looking for you."</p> - -<p>"Looking for me? I do not understand you."</p> - -<p>"You do not require to understand me at the present moment; but set -your mind at rest, everything will be explained ere long."</p> - -<p>"I hope so."</p> - -<p>"And I am certain of it. Are you devoted to your master?"</p> - -<p>"My family have lived on the estate for two hundred years."</p> - -<p>"That is not a reason; answer distinctly."</p> - -<p>"I am devoted to him body and soul, and would willingly lay down my -life for him."</p> - -<p>"That is the way to answer; however, I knew it already, and only -desired that your lips should confirm what I have been told."</p> - -<p>"My master has no secrets from me."</p> - -<p>"I know that also. Well, now, listen to me attentively, Señor Paredes, -for what I have to reveal to you is of the utmost gravity."</p> - -<p>"I am listening to you, Señor."</p> - -<p>"Your master is at this moment in danger of being utterly ruined. He -is the plaything of villains who have sworn to destroy him. The sum -you are going to fetch they intend to take from you, and everything -is prepared to make you fall into an infamous trap, in which you will -infallibly perish."</p> - -<p>"Are you certain of what you assert?" the majordomo exclaimed, in -horror.</p> - -<p>"I know all, I repeat to you: the men from whom I obtained your secret, -who little expected that I was listening to them, at the same time -revealed to me the means they intended to employ in assassinating you."</p> - -<p>"Why, that is infamous!"</p> - -<p>"I am completely of your opinion, and that is why, instead of setting -my traps in the desert, as I ought to be doing, I am now here. I wish -to foil the plots of these villains, and confound them."</p> - -<p>"But what interest induces you to act thus?" the majordomo asked, with -a shadow of distrust.</p> - -<p>"That question I cannot answer. You must for the present lay aside all -curiosity; you must place entire confidence in me, and give me, in what -I propose doing, as much help as I shall offer you. Does this suit you? -I fancy that the bargain I offer is entirely to your advantage, and -that you will run no risk beyond what I do myself."</p> - -<p>There was a lengthened silence. The majordomo was reflecting on what -he had just heard, while the hunter, with his eyes fixed on him, was -patiently waiting till he thought proper to renew the conversation. At -length Paredes raised his head, and held out his hand to the hunter, -who pressed it.</p> - -<p>"Listen, Stronghand," he said to him; "all that you have told me -appears extraordinary, and I confess that at once: but there is such -frankness in your voice, and your reputation is so well established -among your brethren, the wood rangers, who all proclaim your loyalty, -that I do not hesitate to confide in you without any reservation, for -I am convinced that you can have no idea of betraying me, up to the -moment when you think proper to reveal to me the names of the villains -into whose hands I should have infallibly fallen, had it not been for -you, and who have sworn the ruin of my beloved master. I will do what -you ask of me—resign my will entirely; you may regard me as a thing -belonging entirely to you. Come, go, act as you think proper, and I -will obey you in everything, without asking any explanation of your -conduct. Now, in your turn, say if it suits you."</p> - -<p>"Yes, my worthy friend, that pleases me. You have guessed my thought. -I require this liberty to give me the means of succeeding in what I -wish to do. Believe the word of an honest man. If anything can add -to the confidence you have placed in me, and of which I am proud, I -swear to you, by all that is most sacred in the world, that no one is -more interested than I am in the Marquis de Moguer, or more sincerely -desires to see him happy."</p> - -<p>"We shall still start at sunrise, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but not to proceed to Hermosillo. Before going to that town, we -must take certain indispensable precautions. We have to deal with the -most crafty bandits on the border, and must beat them by cunning. They -are on our track, and we must cheat the cheaters."</p> - -<p>"Good, good! I will call to mind my old hunter's profession."</p> - -<p>"Remember, above all, the prairie proverb, 'The trees have eyes and the -leaves ears.' Fortunately for us, the villains who are watching for you -do not disturb me in any way. I reckon principally on that ignorance to -foil their plots."</p> - -<p>"But if we do not go to Hermosillo, where are we going?"</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow, when it is daylight," the hunter answered, sententiously, -"when the bright sunbeams permit me to convince myself that no one can -hear us, I will tell you. For the present, sleep, rest yourself, so -that you may be able to support the fatigue that awaits you."</p> - -<p>And, as if to avoid fresh questioning, the hunter wrapped himself in -his zarapé, leant his back against the larch tree, stretched out his -legs to the fire, and closed his eyes. The majordomo, in spite of his -lively desire to continue the conversation, imitated him; and a few -minutes later, overcome by the fatigue of every description he had -endured for some days, he was fast asleep.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE REAL DE MINAS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>For some years past—that is to say, since the day when Captain Sutter, -while digging a well at his plantation in San Francisco, accidentally -found a lump of virgin gold—the discovery of the rich mines of the New -World has so aroused interest and excited admiration, by giving a fresh -impulse to avarice and covetousness, that we consider it necessary to -say a few words here about the mines. Of course we shall allude to -those situated in the country where our scene is laid—that is, in -Sonora.</p> - -<p>Sonora is the richest mining country in the world. We assured ourself -by official data that six hundred bars of silver and sixty bars of -gold, worth together a million of piastres, were brought to the Mint -of Hermosillo in 1839. To this large amount a nearly equal sum must -be added, which is not brought to be assayed, in order to avoid the -payment of the duty, which is five per cent, on silver and four per -cent, on gold. This country also possesses most valuable copper mines, -but the population generally abandons the other metals to seek virgin -gold.</p> - -<p>No country in the world possesses auriferous strata so rich and so -extensive (<i>criaderos or placeres de oro</i>). The metal is found in -alluvial soil in ravines after rain, and always on the surface or at -a depth of a few feet. In the north of the province of Arispe, the -placers of Quitoval and Sonoitac, which were found again in 1836, -and to which we shall soon have to allude more specially, produced -for three years two hundred ounces of gold per day,—that is to say, -reducing it to our money, the large sum of two hundred and fifty -thousand pounds.</p> - -<p>The gold seekers restrict themselves to turning up the soil with a -pointed stick, and only collect the nuggets that are visible; but -if the streams were diverted from their course, and large washings -undertaken, the profits would be far more considerable. It is not rare -to find nuggets weighing several pounds; we saw at Arispe, in the -hands of a miner, one that was worth nine thousand piastres, or about -eighteen hundred pounds; and the Royal Cabinet at Madrid contains -several magnificent specimens. We will soon describe how and why the -working of these strata was interrupted.</p> - -<p>Most of the buildings of the <i>pueblos</i>, or Missions of Sonora, serve -as the gathering place of the nomadic workmen and traders who collect -round any important mine so soon as its working is begun. The place -where the workmen assemble takes the name of <i>Real de Minas</i> or -<i>Mineral;</i> and if the mine promises to be productive for any length -of time, the population definitively settles round it. Many important -towns of Mexico had no other origin. The facility with which the miners -earn large sums explains the enormous consumption of European goods -which takes place in the provinces. Simple rancheros may frequently -be seen spending in a few days seven or eight pounds of gold, which -only cost them a week's toil. Unhappily, the ruinous passion for -gambling—that shameful leprosy of Mexico, whose inhabitants it -degrades—prevents the great mine owners from keeping a large capital -on their hands, and thus checks works on a great scale.</p> - -<p>Before resuming our narrative, we must also give the reader certain -information about the Indian nations that inhabit the territory of -Sonora. There are in this province five distinct tribes; the Yaquis, -the Opatas, the Mayos, the Gilenos, and the Apaches. The Yaquis and -Mayos occupy the country to the south of Guaymas, as far as the Rio -del Huerto; they let themselves out to the creoles as farm labourers, -masons, servants, miners, and divers. Their number is about forty -thousand. The Opatas reside along the bank of the San Miguel de -Horcasitos, the Arispe, the Los Ures, and the Oposina; they are very -good workmen and excellent soldiers. They have always served the -government faithfully, both Spanish and Mexican, and their number is -estimated at thirty thousand.</p> - -<p>The Gilenos spread along the banks of the Gila and Colorado rivers. -The Axuas and Apaches, who belong to the Sierra Madre, are confounded -under the name of Papazos. These Indians are nomadic, and only live -by hunting and plunder; they were formerly encamped to the north of -Chihuahua and Sonora; but being driven back by the progress of the -Americans and Texans, they threw themselves upon the Mexican territory, -where they cause immense damage, for they are well supplied with -firearms, which they obtained in exchange for peltry and cattle at the -American establishments at the Arkansas, the Missouri, and the Rio -Bravo del Norte. In order to complete this brief enumeration of the -Indian nations of Sonora, we will mention a mission established at the -gates of Hermosillo, and in which five hundred Seris Indians lived; a -thousand members of the same tribe, formerly one of the most powerful -in this country, but now almost extinct, dwelt on the coast to the -north of Guaymas, and in Tiburón or Sharkesland.</p> - -<p>We will now temporarily leave Stronghand and José Paredes at the top of -the hill, where they found a shelter from the inundation, and lead the -reader to the Real de Minas of Quitoval, where certain important events -are about to take place.</p> - -<p>It was the evening: the streets and plazas of the pueblo were crowded -with individuals of every description: Yaquis Indians, hunters, miners, -gambusinos, monks, and adventurers, who composed the motley population -of the Mineral, mounted and foot, incessantly jostled each other, and -bowed, spoke, laughed, or quarrelled. Some were returning from the -placer, where they had been at work all day; others were leaving their -houses to enjoy the evening breeze; others, and they were the larger -number, were entering the drinking shops, through whose doors could be -heard the songs of the topers, and the shrill, inharmonious tinkling -jarabes and vihuelas.</p> - -<p>One of these <i>tendajos</i>, of a more comfortable and less dirty -appearance than the rest, seemed to have the privilege of attracting a -greater number of customers than all the rival establishments. After -passing through a low door and descending two steps of unequal height, -the visitor found himself in a species of hideous den, resembling at -once a cellar and a shed, whose earthen flooring, rendered uneven by -the mud constantly brought in by customers, caused persons to stumble -at each step who visited the place for the first time! A hot heavy -vapour, impregnated with alcoholic fumes and mephitic exhalations, -escaped through the door of this den, as from the mouth of Hades, and -painfully affected mouth and eyes, before the latter became accustomed -to the close, obscure aspect of the place, and were enabled to pierce -the thick curtain of vapour, which was constantly drawn from one side -to the other by the movements of the customers. They perceived, by the -dubious light of a few <i>candils</i> scattered here and there, a large and -lofty room, whose once whitewashed walls had become black at the lower -part by the constant friction of heads, backs, and shoulders, to which -they served as a support.</p> - -<p>Facing the door was a dais, raised about a foot above the ground; this -dais occupied the entire width of the room, and was divided into two -parts; that on the right contained a table forming a bar, behind which -stood a tall, active fellow, with false look and ill-tempered face, the -master of the tendajo. Above the head of this respectable personage, -who answered to the harmonious name of Cospeto, a niche had been made -in the wall, in which was a statue of the Virgin, holding the Holy -Infant in her arms; in front of the statue a dozen small wax tapers, -fixed on a row of iron points, were burning. The left hand portion of -the dais was occupied by the musicians, or performers on jarabes and -vihuelas.</p> - -<p>On each side of the room, the centre of which remained free for the -dancers, ran rickety, badly made, and dirty tables, occupied at -this moment by a crowd of customers, some seated on benches, others -standing, laughing, talking, shouting, quarrelling; drinking mezcal, -refino, pulque, or infusion of tamarinds, or else staking at monte the -gold earned during the day at the mine, and which their dirty hands -fetched from the pockets of the shapeless rags that served them as -garments. A few women, creatures without a name, whose features were -sodden with debauchery, and eyes deep sunk with drinking, were mingled -with the crowd; and all, both men and women, were smoking either cigars -or husk cigarettes.</p> - -<p>Nothing can describe the hideous aspect of this infamous Pandemonium, -the refuge of all the vices of the province, overlooked by the gentle, -smiling face of the statue of the Virgin, whose features, in the light -of the tapers, assumed an expression of wondrous pity and sorrow.</p> - -<p>At the moment when we invite the reader to enter this drinking shop -with us the fun was at its height, the room was full of drinkers and -dancers, and the whole mob laughed, yelled, and made a row which would -have rendered the saint herself deaf. On the left, near the door, a -man, wrapped up in a thick cloak, one end of which was raised to his -face, and completely concealed his features, was sitting motionless at -a separate table, looking absently and carelessly at the dancers who -whirled round him. When a newcomer entered the tendajo, this man looked -toward the door, and then turned his head away with an air of ill -humour when he perceived that the newcomer was not the person that he -had been so long expecting, for he had been sitting alone at this table -for upwards of two hours. Still no one paid, or seemed to pay, any -attention to him—all were too much absorbed in their own occupations -to think about a man who obstinately remained gloomy and silent amid -this revelry. The stranger, so often deceived in his expectations, at -length gave up looking toward the door; he let his head fall on his -chest and went to sleep, or pretended to do so, either for the sake of -not attracting attention, or else to indulge with greater freedom in -his reflections.</p> - -<p>All at once a formidable disturbance broke out at one end of the -room; a table was upset by a vigorous blow; oaths crossed each other -in the air, and knives were drawn from boots; musicians and dancers -stopped short, and a circle was formed round two men who, with frowning -brows, eyes sparkling with intoxication and passion, a zarapé rolled -as a buckler round the left arm, and a navaja in their right hand, -were preparing, according to all appearance, to attack each other -vigorously. The tendajero, or master of the house, then proved himself -equal to the position he occupied—he leaped like a jaguar over the -counter behind which he had hitherto stood coldly and indifferently, -merely engaged in watching his waiters and serving customers; he closed -the front door, against which he leant his powerful shoulders, in order -to prevent any customer bolting without payment of his score, and -prepared with evident interest to witness the fight.</p> - -<p>The two men, with outstretched legs, left arm advanced, bodies bent -forward, and knife held by the middle of the blade, were standing -looking in each other's eyes, ready for attack, defence, or parry. All -at once the mysterious sleeper appeared to wake with a start, as if -surprised by the voice of one of the adversaries, took a hasty glance -at the combatants, and then darted between them.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" he asked, in a firm voice, the sound of which -affected the duellists, who were astounded at an interference they had -been far from expecting.</p> - -<p>"This man," one of them answered, "has lost three ounces to me at -monte, through the unexpected turn up of the ace of spades."</p> - -<p>"Well?" the stranger interjected.</p> - -<p>"He refuses to pay me," the gambler continued; "because he declares -that the cards were packed, and that consequently I cheated him, which -is not true, for—<i>viva Dios;</i> I am known to be a caballero."</p> - -<p>At this affirmation, which was slightly erroneous, a smile of singular -meaning, but which no one saw, curled the stranger's lip; he continued, -in a more serious voice—"It is true that you are a caballero, and I -would affirm it were it necessary; but the most honest man is subject -to deceive himself, and I am convinced that this has happened to you. -Hence instead of fighting with this caballero, whose honour and -loyalty cannot either be doubted, prove to him that you recognise -your error by paying him the three ounces, which you claimed of him -through an oversight; this gentleman will apologize for having used -certain ugly expressions, and all will then be settled to the general -satisfaction."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, I am convinced that this caballero is a man of honour; I -am ready to proclaim it anywhere, and I regret with all my soul the -misunderstanding which momentarily divided us," said the individual who -had not yet spoken, though he remained on the defensive, a position -that slightly contradicted the apparent good humour of his remark.</p> - -<p>The stranger then turned to the man whose friend he had so unexpectedly -made himself, and gave him a sign which the other appeared to -understand.</p> - -<p>"Well, caballero," he said, with an irony whose expression was hardly -noticeable, "what do you think of this apology? For my part, I consider -it complete and most honourable."</p> - -<p>The man thus addressed hesitated for a moment; a combat was evidently -going on in his mind; his furious glances seemed to challenge the -company; and had he perceived on the face of one of the spectators an -expression of contempt, however fugitive it might have been, he would -doubtless have immediately picked another quarrel. But all the persons -who surrounded him were cold and indifferent; curiosity alone was -legible on their features. He unrolled his cloak, returned the knife to -his boot, and held out his hand to his adversary at the same time that -he gave him three ounces.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me an involuntary error at which I am trully confused," he -said, with a courteous bow, but with a sigh he could not restrain.</p> - -<p>The other took the ounces without pressing, thrust them away in -his capacious pockets with far from ordinary dexterity, returned -the salute, and mingled with the crowd, who, through a lengthened -acquaintance with the two men, did not at all comprehend this peaceful -result.</p> - -<p>"Now, Master Kidd," the stranger continued, as he laid his hand on the -shoulder of the adventurer, who stood motionless in the middle of the -room, "I suppose that all your business here is settled; so, with your -permission, we will withdraw."</p> - -<p>"As you please," Kidd answered, carelessly, for this man was no other -than the bandit we came across in the opening of our story.</p> - -<p>The groups had broken up, the crowd had dispersed, musicians -and dancers had returned to their places, and the two men could -consequently leave without attracting attention. The stranger, when -he reached the purer atmosphere of the street, took several deep -inspirations, as if trying to expel from his lungs the vitiated air -he had been constrained to swallow for so long. Then he turned to his -companion, who was walking silently by his side.</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Cuerpo de Cristo!</i> Master Kidd," he said, in a tone of ill humour, -"you are, it must be confessed, a singular fellow; you compel me, the -commandant of this pueblo, to come and hunt you up at this filthy -den, where, on your entreaty, I consented to meet you, and instead of -watching for my arrival, you leave me among the most perfect collection -of bandits I ever saw in my life."</p> - -<p>"Excess of zeal, captain; so you must not be angry with me for that," -the bandit answered, with a cunning look. "In order to be punctual at -the rendezvouz I gave you, I had been for nearly four hours at worthy -Señor Cospeto's. Not knowing how to spend my time, I played at cards. -You know what month is; once I have the cards in my hand, and the gold -on the table, I forget everything."</p> - -<p>"Good, good," the stranger answered. "I am willing to believe you. -Still, I pledge you my word, that if you dupe me in the affair you have -proposed, and the information you offer to sell me is false, you will -repent it. You know me, I think, Master Kidd?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Captain Don Marcos de Niza, and I suppose that you know me too; -but of what use is this discussion? Let us settle our business first, -and then you can act as you think proper."</p> - -<p>The Captain gave him a suspicious glance. "It is well," he said, as he -rapped at the door; "come in, this is my house; I prefer treating with -you here to the tendajo."</p> - -<p>"As you please," the bandit said, and followed the Captain into his -house, the doors of which were closed behind them.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE BARGAIN.</h3> - - -<p>Captain Don Marcos de Niza, whom we left commanding the post of San -Miguel, and defending it against the Indians, had been a few days -previously summoned to the political and military government of the -Mineral of Quitoval, by an order that arrived from Mexico, and emanated -from the President of the Republic himself. The fact was, that during -the last few days certain events had occurred which demanded energetic -action on the part of the President. All at once, at a moment when no -discontent was supposed to exist among the Indians, the latter, after -long councils they had held together, revolted, and had, without any -declaration of war, invaded the Mexican territory at several points -simultaneously. This revolt suddenly assumed serious proportions; -and had become the more formidable within a short time, because the -revolters were the Gilenos, that is to say, the Comanches, Apaches, and -Axuas, whose dangerous country is known by the name of the Papazos.</p> - -<p>The General commanding Sonora and Sinaloa, the two states most exposed -to the depredations of the Indians, saw that he must oppose to the -Indians a man who, through a lengthened residence on the borders, had -acquired great experience as to their way of fighting and the tricks -they employ. Only one officer fulfilled these conditions, and that -officer was Captain de Niza; he, therefore, received orders to quit the -post of San Miguel after dismantling it, and proceed immediately to the -Mineral of Quitoval. The Captain obeyed with that promptitude which old -soldiers alone can display in the execution of the orders they receive. -His first care, on reaching the Mineral, was to protect the pueblo, -as far as was possible, from a surprise, by digging a large trench, -throwing up entrenchments, and barricading the principal streets.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, the general commanding the provinces had but a very -limited military force at his disposal; scarce amounting to six hundred -infantry and two hundred cavalry, without field artillery. Hence, in -spite of his lively desire to give the Captain a respectable force, as -he was obliged to scatter his troops along the whole seaboard of the -two states, he found it impossible to send to Quitoval more than one -hundred infantry and fifty cavalry. In spite of the numerical weakness -of his troops the Captain did not despair. He was one of those men to -whom the performance of duty was everything; and who carry out without -a murmur the most extraordinary order.</p> - -<p>Still, as he expected to be attacked at any moment by an army of ten -or fifteen thousand veteran Indians, amply supplied with firearms, and -who, through being accustomed to fight with Spaniards, could not be -easily terrified, he had to augment the number of his soldiers, so as -to have men enough to line the entrenchments he had thrown up round the -town. He had two means by which to obtain this result, and he employed -them. The first consisted in making the great mine owners understand -that they must participate in the defences of the pueblo, either -personally or by arming and placing under his orders a certain number -of the peons they employed; for if the Indians succeeded in seizing the -Mineral, the source of their wealth would be at once dried up.</p> - -<p>The great owners understood the Captain's reasons the more easily -because their interests were at stake. They therefore enthusiastically -followed his advice, and raised at their common charge a corps of one -hundred and fifty Opatas—brave soldiers, thoroughly devoted to the -Whites. They placed this corps under the Captain's orders, pledging -themselves to pay and support it so long as the danger lasted. Don -Marcos thus doubled his army at one stroke. This success, which he had -been far from expecting, owing to his profound knowledge of the apathy -and selfishness of his countrymen, induced him to try the second plan.</p> - -<p>This was very simple. It consisted in enlisting, for a certain bounty, -as many as he could of the adventurers who always swarm on the borders, -and whose neutrality is at times more formidable than declared enmity. -The sum offered by the Captain was two ounces per man, one payable on -enlistment, the other at the termination of the campaign. This offer, -seductive though it was, did not produce all the effect the Captain -expected from it. The adventurers responded but feebly to the appeal -made to them. These men, in whose hearts patriotic love does not -exist, and who only care for pillage, saw in the insurrection of the -Indians a source of disorder, and, consequently, of rapine. They cared -very little about defending a state of things which their predacious -instincts led them, on the contrary, to attack.</p> - -<p>Thirty or forty adventurers, however, responded to the call; and these -immoral men, who were impatient at the yoke of discipline, were rather -an embarrassment than an assistance to the Captain; still as, take -them altogether, they were sturdy fellows, and thoroughly acquainted -with Indian warfare, he attached them to his cavalry, which was thus -raised to a strength of one hundred men. Don Marcos thus found himself -at the head of two hundred and fifty infantry and one hundred horse—a -force which appeared to him, if well directed, more than sufficient to -withstand, behind good entrenchments, the effort of the whole Indian -army.</p> - -<p>We are aware that this number of men defending a town will produce a -smile of pity among European readers, who are accustomed to see on -battlefields masses of three hundred thousand men come into collision. -But all is relative in this world. In America, where the population -is comparatively small, great things have often been decided at the -bayonet's point by armies whose relative strength did not exceed that -of one of our line regiments. In the last battle fought between the -Texans and Mexicans—a battle which decided the independence of Texas, -the two armies together did not amount to two thousand men, and yet -the collision was terrible, and victory obstinately disputed. In the -actions between white men and Indians, the latter, in spite of their -indomitable valour, were almost always defeated in a pitched battle, -in spite of their crushing superiority of numbers. Not through the -courage of their enemies, but by their discipline and military skill. -The latter is certainly very limited, but sufficient for adversaries -such as they have to combat.</p> - -<p>One night, when the Captain returned home after his usual visit to -the pueblo to assure himself that all was in order, a ragged lepero, -more than half intoxicated with mezcal and pulque, handed him with an -infinitude of bows a dirty slip of paper folded up in the shape of a -letter. Don Marcos de Niza was not accustomed to neglect anything. He -attached as much importance to apparently frivolous events as to those -which seemed to possess a certain gravity. He stopped, took the letter, -gave a real to the lepero, who went away quite satisfied, and entered -his house, which was situated on the Plaza Mayor, in the centre of the -pueblo.</p> - -<p>After throwing his cap and sword on a table, the Captain opened the -letter. He read it at first rather carelessly; but ere long he began -frowning, and read the letter a second time, attentively weighing each -word. Then at the end of a moment he folded up the letter, and said in -a low voice—"I will go."</p> - -<p>This letter came from Kidd. The Captain had been long acquainted with -the bandit, and knew certain peculiar facts about him which would -have been most disagreeable to the bandit, had the latter suspected -that the Captain was so thoroughly initiated in the secrets of his -vagabond life. Hence Don Marcos fancied he had no right to neglect -the overtures the other was pleased to make; while keeping on his -guard and determined to punish him severely if he deceived him. The -Captain, therefore, proceeded without hesitation to the place where the -adventurer appointed to meet him. He had waited for him for several -hours with exemplary patience, and would probably have waited longer -still, had not chance suddenly brought them face to face in the way we -have described.</p> - -<p>When the two men had entered the house, and the door closed after them, -Don Marcos de Niza, still closely followed by the bandit, who, in spite -of his impudence, looked around him timidly, like a wolf caught in a -sheepfold, led him into a room the door of which he carefully closed. -The Captain pointed to a chair, sat down at a table, laid a brace of -pistols ostentatiously within his reach, and said—</p> - -<p>"Now I am ready to hear you."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Caray!</i>" the bandit said, impudently; "that is possible; but the -point is whether I am disposed to speak."</p> - -<p>"And why not, pray, my excellent friend?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it, Captain," he said, as he pointed to the pistols, "there are -two playthings not at all adapted to set my tongue wagging."</p> - -<p>Don Marcos looked at him in a way that made the adventurer -involuntarily let his eyes fall, and then leant his elbows on the table.</p> - -<p>"Master Kidd," he then said, in a stern voice, though a certain tone of -sarcasm was perceptible in it, "I like a distinct understanding; let us -therefore, before anything establish our relative positions. You have -led a very agitated life, Master Kidd; your vagabond humour, your mad -desire to appropriate certain things to which you have a very dubious -claim have led you into a few mistakes, whose results might prove -remarkably disagreeable to you."</p> - -<p>The bandit shook his head in denial.</p> - -<p>"I will not dwell," the Captain continued, mockingly, "on a subject -which must make your modesty greatly suffer, and will come at once -to the motives of your presence here, and the positions we must hold -towards each other. I am commandant of this pueblo, and in that -capacity compelled to watch over its external safety as well as its -internal tranquillity, I think you will agree with me."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Captain," the bandit answered, somewhat reassured at finding the -conversation turned away from such delicate topics.</p> - -<p>"Very good; you wrote me this letter, appointing a meeting and offering -to sell—that is your own word—certain most important information, as -you say, for the continuance of the safety and tranquillity which I am -bound to maintain. Another man might have treated you in the Indian -fashion. After having you arrested, he would have ordered a cord to be -fastened round your temples; or your suspension by your thumbs—as you -have done yourself, if report be true, on various occasions with less -valid reasons; and have so thoroughly loosened your tongue that you -would not have kept a single secret back. I have preferred dealing with -you as an honest man."</p> - -<p>The bandit breathed again.</p> - -<p>"Still, as you are one of those persons with whom it is advisable to -take precautions, and in whom a confidence cannot be placed, as they -would not scruple to abuse it on the first opportunity, I retain not -only the right, but also the means of blowing out your brains if you -have the slightest intention of deceiving me."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Captain, what an idea! Blow out my brains!" the bandit stammered.</p> - -<p>"Do you fancy, my dear Señor," the Captain continued, still -sarcastically, "that your friends will pity you greatly, if such a -misfortune happened to you?"</p> - -<p>"Hum! to tell you the truth, I do not exactly know," the adventurer -answered, with at attempt to jest; "people are so unkind. But, since -you accept the bargain offered to you—for you do accept it, I think, -Captain?"</p> - -<p>"I do."</p> - -<p>"What then, will you give me in exchange for what I shall tell you?"</p> - -<p>"You sell; I buy; it is your place to make your conditions; and, if -they are not exorbitant—if, in a word, they seem to me fair, I will -accept them; so, speak, what do you ask?"</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Caray!</i> Captain; it is a delicate question, for I am an honest man."</p> - -<p>"That is allowed," Don Marcos interrupted him with a laugh. "Name your -price."</p> - -<p>"Fifty ounces; would that be too much?" the bandit ventured.</p> - -<p>"Certainly not, if the thing be worth it."</p> - -<p>"Then," Kidd exclaimed, joyfully, "that is understood, fifty ounces."</p> - -<p>"I repeat, if it be worth it."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you shall judge for yourself," he remarked, rubbing his hands.</p> - -<p>"I ask nothing better but to buy, and to prove to you that I have no -intention of cheating you," he added, as he opened a drawer and took -out a rather heavy purse, "here is the amount."</p> - -<p>And the Captain made two piles each of twenty-five ounces, exactly -between the pistols. At the sight of the gold the bandit's eyes -sparkled like those of a wild beast.</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Rayo de Dios!</i> Captain," he exclaimed; "There is a pleasure in -treating with you. I will remember it another time."</p> - -<p>"I ask nothing better, Master Kidd. Now speak, I am listening."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I have not much to say; but you will judge whether it is -important."</p> - -<p>"Go on; I am all ears."</p> - -<p>"In two words, this is the matter; the Papazos have not elected a -chief, but an emperor!"</p> - -<p>"An emperor?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"What do they assert, then?"</p> - -<p>"They mean to be free, and wish to constitute their Independence upon a -solid basis."</p> - -<p>"Do you know this emperor?"</p> - -<p>"I have seen him, at least."</p> - -<p>"Who is he?"</p> - -<p>"A man who is the more formidable because he appears to belong to the -white rather than the red race; and is thoroughly conversant with all -the means hitherto employed by the Indians."</p> - -<p>"Is he young?"</p> - -<p>"He is sixty; but as active as if he were only twenty."</p> - -<p>"Very good; proceed."</p> - -<p>"Is that important?"</p> - -<p>"Very important. But not worth fifty ounces, for all that."</p> - -<p>"The Yaquis, Mayos, and Seris have allowed themselves to be seduced, -and have entered the Confederation. They have taken up again their old -plans of 1827—you remember, at the time of their great revolution?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; go on."</p> - -<p>"The first expedition the Chief of the Confederation means to undertake -is the capture of the Real de Minas."</p> - -<p>"I am aware of it."</p> - -<p>"Yes; but do you know, Captain, that the Indians have spies even among -the garrison; that all is ready for the attack, and that the Papazos -intend to surprise you within the next two days?"</p> - -<p>"Who gave you this information?"</p> - -<p>The bandit smiled craftily.</p> - -<p>"What use my telling you, Captain," he answered, "if the information is -correct?"</p> - -<p>"Do you know the men who have entered into negotiations with the enemy?"</p> - -<p>"I do."</p> - -<p>"In that case tell me their names."</p> - -<p>"It would be imprudent, Captain."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Judge for yourself. Suppose I were to tell you their names, what would -happen?"</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Viva Dios!</i>" the Captain sharply interrupted him. "I should shoot -them like the miserable dogs they are, and to serve as a warning to -others."</p> - -<p>"Well, that is the mistake, Captain."</p> - -<p>"How a mistake?"</p> - -<p>"Why, yes; suppose you shoot ten men?"</p> - -<p>"Twenty, if necessary!"</p> - -<p>"Say twenty, it is of no consequence to me; but those who remain, whom -neither you nor I know, will sell you to the Indians, so that the only -result will be precipitating the evil instead of preventing it."</p> - -<p>"Ah, ah!" the Commandant said, with an expressive glance at the bandit. -"And what would you do in my place?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, a very simple thing."</p> - -<p>"Well, what is it?"</p> - -<p>"I would leave the scamps at liberty to prepare their treachery, while -carefully watching them; and when the moment for attack arrived, -I would have them quietly arrested; so that the Indians would be -surprised, instead of surprising us, and we should cheat the cunning -cheats."</p> - -<p>The Captain appeared to reflect for a moment, and then said—"The -plan you recommend seems to me good, and for the present I see no -inconvenience in carrying it out. Give me the names of the traitors."</p> - -<p>Kidd mentioned a dozen names, which the Captain wrote down after him.</p> - -<p>"Now," Don Marcos continued, "there are your fifty ounces, and I shall -give as many each time you bring me information as valuable as that of -today. I pay you dearly, so it is your interest to serve me faithfully; -but remember, that if you deceive me, nothing can save you from the -punishment I will inflict on you, and that punishment, I warn you, will -be terrible."</p> - -<p>The adventurer bounded on the money like a wild beast on a prey it -has long coveted, concealed it with marvellous dexterity in his wide -pockets, and said to the Captain with a bow—"Señor Don Marcos, I have -always thought that in this world gold was the sovereign master, and -that it alone had the right to command."</p> - -<p>After accompanying these singular words with a smiling and almost -mocking expression, Kidd bowed for the last time and disappeared, -leaving the Captain to his reflections.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE PAPAZOS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>We will not return to Stronghand and José Paredes, whom we have left -too long at the top of the hill. The night passed without any incident, -the majordomo sleeping like a man overcome by fatigue; as for the -hunter, he did not close his eyes once. The sun had risen for a long -time; it was nearly nine o'clock, but the hunter, forgetting apparently -what he had said to his comrade, did not dream of departure. José -Paredes slept on. It was a magnificent day; the sky, swept by the -night hurricane, was cloudless; the sun darted down its glowing beams; -and yet the atmosphere, tempered by the storm, retained an agreeable -freshness. The water was disappearing with a rapidity almost equalling -that it bad displayed in rising, being drunk by the thirsty sand or by -the hot sunbeams; the plain had lost its lacustrine appearance; and all -led to the supposition that by midday the ground would be firm enough -to be ventured on in safety.</p> - -<p>As the canoe was unnecessary, the hunter did not try to get it down -from the tree; with his back leant against the larch tree, his hands -folded, and his head bowed on his chest, he was thinking, and at -times taking an anxious glance at his sleeping comrade. At length the -majordomo turned, stretched out his arms and legs, opened his eyes, and -gave a formidable yawn.</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Caramba!</i>" he said, as he measured the height of the sun; "I fancy I -have forgotten myself; it must be very late."</p> - -<p>"Ten o'clock," the hunter answered with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Ten o'clock!" José exclaimed, as he leaped up; "And you have let me -idle thus instead of waking me."</p> - -<p>"You slept so soundly, my friend, that I had not the courage to do so."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Paredes replied, half laughing, half vexed; "I know not whether -I ought to complain or thank you for this weakness, for we have lost -precious time."</p> - -<p>"Not at all; see, the water has disappeared; the ground is growing firm -again, and when the great heat of the day is spent we will mount our -horses and catch up in a few hours the time you are regretting."</p> - -<p>"That is true, and you are right, comrade," said the majordomo, as -he looked around with the practised glance of a man accustomed to a -desert life. "Well, as it is so," he added, with a laugh, "suppose we -breakfast, for that will enable us to kill some time."</p> - -<p>"Very good," the hunter replied, good humouredly. They breakfasted as -they had supped on the previous night. When the hour for starting at -length arrived, they saddled their horses and led them down the hill; -for the ascent which they had escaladed so actively by night, under -the impulse of the pressing danger that threatened them, now proved -extremely steep, abrupt, and difficult. When they mounted, Stronghand -said—"My friend, I am going to take you to an <i>atepetl</i> of the -Redskins. Do you consider that disagreeable?"</p> - -<p>"Not personally, but I will ask what advantage my master can derive -from it?"</p> - -<p>"That question I am unable to answer at the moment. You must know, -though, that we are taking this step on your master's behalf, and that -his affairs, instead of suffering by it, will be greatly benefited."</p> - -<p>"Let us go, then. One word, however, first. Are the Redskins, to whom -we are proceeding, a long distance off?"</p> - -<p>"It would be almost a journey for any persons but us."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" said Paredes.</p> - -<p>"But you and I," the hunter continued, "who are true guides, and who -have also the advantage of being well mounted, will reach the village -at three or four o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the latest."</p> - -<p>"In that case it is not very distant."</p> - -<p>"I told you so."</p> - -<p>"And in what direction is the village?"</p> - -<p>"You must have often heard it spoken of, if chance has never led your -footsteps thither."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because it is only a dozen leagues at the most from the Hacienda del -Toro."</p> - -<p>"Wait a minute," the majordomo said, frowning like a man who is -collecting his thoughts; "you are right, I have never been to that -village, it is true, but I have often heard it spoken of. Is not one -of the chiefs a white man?"</p> - -<p>The hunter blushed slightly.</p> - -<p>"So people say," he answered.</p> - -<p>"Is it not strange," the majordomo continued, "that a white man should -consent to abandon entirely the society of his fellows to live with -savages?"</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it! Because the Indians are devoid of reason, as everybody knows."</p> - -<p>The hunter gave his companion a glance of indefinable meaning, slightly -shrugged his shoulders, but made no reply; probably from the reason -that he had too much to say, and considered the majordomo's rather -heavy mind incapable of appreciating it. The day passed without any -occurrences to interrupt the monotony of their ride, which they -continued with great speed till night, only stopping from time to time -to shoot a few birds for supper. Galloping, talking, and smoking, they -at length reached the spot where they intended to bivouac. The road -they had followed in no way resembled the one the majordomo had taken -on leaving the hacienda, although they were returning in the direction -of Arispe. This resulted from the fact that Paredes had kept in the -regular road, while this time the two men rode Indian fashion, that is -to say, straight ahead without troubling themselves about roads. They -galloped on as the bird flies, crossing mountains and swimming rivers -whenever they came to them, without losing time in seeking a ford.</p> - -<p>This mode of travelling, generally adopted by the wood rangers of the -savannah, where the only roads are tracks made by the wild beasts, -would not be possible in civilized countries, where there are so many -towns and villages; but in Mexico, especially on the Indian border, -towns are excessively rare: by riding in this way distances are -marvellously shortened and a considerable tract is covered between two -sunrises. This is what happened to the two adventurers; for in one day -they went a greater distance than Paredes had done in eight-and-forty -hours, though he was well mounted. At night they camped in a wood -beyond the Hacienda del Toro, which building they saw rising gloomy and -tranquil like an eagle's nest on the top of its rock, and they passed -close to it during the afternoon.</p> - -<p>The country assumed a wilder and more abrupt aspect; the grass was -thicker, the trees were larger, older, and closer together; it was -evident that the travellers were at the extreme limit of civilization, -and would soon find themselves in the Red territory, although -nominally, at least on the maps, this territory figured among the -possessions of the Mexican Confederation. This feature, by the way, is -found everywhere throughout the New World. Even in the United States, -which pretend, erroneously, we believe, to be more civilized than their -neighbours, towns with high-flown names may be seen on the maps of -their large possessions, which only exist in reality as a name painted -on a solitary post, planted in the centre of a plain or on the bank of -a river, without even a keeper to watch over the preservation of this -post, which, worn by wind and sun, eventually disappears, though the -town never sprung up in its place. During our travels we were too often -the victim of this humorous Yankee mystification not to feel angry with -this eccentric nation, which repeats to every newcomer that it marches -at the head of civilization, and has a mission to regenerate the New -World.</p> - -<p>The two men, after lighting their watch fire, supped with good -appetite, rolled themselves in their zarapés, and fell asleep, -trusting to the instinct of their horses to warn them of the approach -of any enemy, whether man or wild beast, that attempted to surprise -them during their slumbers. But nothing disturbed them; the night was -quiet; at sunrise they awoke, mounted, and continued their journey, -which would only take a few hours longer.</p> - -<p>"I am mistaken," the hunter said suddenly, turning to his companion.</p> - -<p>"How so?" the latter asked.</p> - -<p>"Because," Stronghand replied, "I told you yesterday we should not -reach the <i>atepetl</i> till the afternoon."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"We shall be there by eleven o'clock."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Caramba!</i> That is famous news."</p> - -<p>"When we have crossed that hill we shall see the village a short -distance ahead of us, picturesquely grouped on the side of another -hill, and running into the plain, where the last houses are built on -the banks of a pretty little stream, whose white and limpid waters -serve as a natural rampart."</p> - -<p>"Tell me, comrade, what do you think of the reception that will be -offered us?"</p> - -<p>"The Papazos are hospitable."</p> - -<p>"I do not doubt it; unluckily, I have no claims to the kindness of the -Redskins. Moreover, I know that they are very suspicious, and never -like to see white men enter their villages."</p> - -<p>"That depends on the way in which white men try to enter them."</p> - -<p>"There is another reason which, I confess, supplies me with reason for -grave thought."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"It is said—mark me, I do not assert it—"</p> - -<p>"All right; go on."</p> - -<p>"It is said that the Papazos are excited, and on the point of -revolting, if they have not done so already."</p> - -<p>"They rose in insurrection some days ago," Stronghand coolly answered.</p> - -<p>"What?" the majordomo exclaimed, greatly startled, "and you are leading -me to them?"</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"Because we shall be massacred, that's all."</p> - -<p>The hunter shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"You are mad."</p> - -<p>"I am mad—I am mad!" Paredes repeated, shaking his head very -dubiously; "it pleases you to say that, but I am not at all desirous, -if I can avoid it, of thus placing myself in the power of men who must -be my enemies."</p> - -<p>"I repeat that nothing will happen to you. <i>¡Viva Dios!</i> do you fancy -me capable of leading you into a snare?"</p> - -<p>"No; on my honour that is not my thought; but you may be mistaken, and -credit these savages with feelings they do not possess."</p> - -<p>"I am certain of what I assert. Not only have you nothing to fear, but -you will have an honourable reception."</p> - -<p>"Honourable?" the majordomo remarked, with an air of incredulity; "I am -not very certain of that."</p> - -<p>"You shall see. Woe to the man who dared to hurt a hair of your head -while you are in my company."</p> - -<p>"Who are you, to speak thus?"</p> - -<p>"A hunter, nothing else; but I am a friend of the Papazos, and adopted -son of one of their tribes; and every man, though he were the mortal -enemy of the nation, must for my sake, be received as a brother by the -sachems and warriors."</p> - -<p>"Well, be it so," the majordomo muttered, in the tone of a man forced -in his last entrenchments, and who resolves to make up his mind.</p> - -<p>"Besides," the hunter added, "any hesitation would now be useless and -perhaps dangerous."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because the Indians have their scouts scattered through the woods and -over the plain already; they saw and signalled our approach long ago, -and if we attempted to turn back, it would justly appear suspicious; -and then we should suddenly see Indians rise all round us, and be -immediately made prisoners, before we even thought of defending -ourselves."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Demonio!</i> that makes the matter singular, comrade; then you believe -we have been seen already?"</p> - -<p>"Would you like to have a proof on the spot?" the hunter asked, -laughingly.</p> - -<p>"Well, I should not mind, for I should then know what I have to expect."</p> - -<p>"Well, I will give you the proof."</p> - -<p>The travellers had reached the foot of the hill, and were at this -moment concealed by the tall grass that surrounded them. Stronghand -stopped his horse, and imitated the cry of the mawkawis twice. Almost -immediately the grass parted, an Indian bounded from a thick clump of -trees with the lightness of an antelope, and stopped two yards from the -hunter, on whom he fixed his black, intelligent eyes, without saying -a word. The apparition of the Redskin was so sudden, his arrival so -unexpected, that, in spite of himself, the majordomo could not restrain -a start of surprise.</p> - -<p>This Indian was a man of three-and-twenty years of age at the most, -whose exquisite proportions made him resemble a statue of Florentine -bronze; the whole upper part of his body was naked: his unloosened hair -hung in disorder over his shoulders; his clothing merely consisted of -trousers sewn with horsehair, fastened round the loins by a belt of -untanned leather, and tied at the ankles. A tomahawk and a scalping -knife—weapons which the Indians never lay aside—hung from his -belt, and he leant with careless grace upon a long rifle of American -manufacture. The hunter bowed, and after stretching out his arm, -with the palm turned down and the fingers straight, said in a gentle -voice—"Wah! The Waconda protects me, since the first person I see, on -returning to my people, is Sparrowhawk."</p> - -<p>The young Indian bowed in his turn with the native courtesy -characteristic of the Redskin, and replied in a guttural voice, which, -however, was very gentle—"For a long time the sachems have been -informed of the coming of the Great Bear of their Nation; they thought -that only one chief was worthy saluting Stronghand on his return. -Sparrowhawk is happy that he was chosen by them."</p> - -<p>"I thank the sachems of my nation," the hunter said, with a meaning -glance at the majordomo, "for having designed to do me so signal an -honour. Will my son return to the village with us, or will he precede -us?"</p> - -<p>"Sparrowhawk will go ahead, in order that the guest of Stronghand, my -father, may be received with the honours due to a man who comes in the -company of the Great Bear."</p> - -<p>"Good! My brother will act as becomes a chief. Stronghand will not -detain him longer."</p> - -<p>The young Indian bowed his head in assent, leapt backwards, and -disappeared in the thicket whence he had emerged, with such rapidity, -that if the grass had not continued to undulate after his departure, -his apparition would have seemed like a dream.</p> - -<p>"We can now start again," the hunter said to the majordomo, who was -utterly confounded.</p> - -<p>"Let us go!" the latter answered, mechanically.</p> - -<p>"Well," answered Stronghand, "do you now believe that you have anything -to fear among the Papazos?"</p> - -<p>"Excuse me; as you said, I was a madman to fear it."</p> - -<p>They crossed the plain, following a wild beast track which, after -numberless windings, reached a ford, and in about an hour they arrived -at the bank of the river. Twelve Papazo Indians, dressed in their war -paint and mounted on magnificent horses, were standing motionless and -in single file in front of the ford.</p> - -<p>So soon as they perceived the two travellers, they uttered loud shouts -and dashed forward to meet them, firing their guns, brandishing -their weapons, and waving their white female buffalo robes, which, -by-the-bye, only the most renowned sachems of the nation have the -right to wear. The two white men, on their side, spurred their horses, -responding to the shouts of the Indians, and firing their guns. -All at once, at a signal from one of the chiefs, all the horsemen -stopped, and arranged themselves round the travellers, to act as an -escort. The whole party crossed the ford and entered the village, -amid the deafening shouts of the women and children, with which were -inharmoniously blended the bark of dogs, the hoarse notes of the -shells, and the shrill sounds of the <i>chichikoues</i>.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE ATEPETL.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Many persons imagine that all Indians are alike, and that the men -acquainted with the manners of one tribe knows them all. This is a -serious error, which it is important to dissipate. Among the Indians, -properly so called—that is to say, the aborigines of America—will -be found as many differences in language, dialect, &c., as among the -nations of the Old Continent, if not more. The number of dialects -spoken by the Indians is infinite; the manners of one nation form a -complete contrast with those of another living only a few leagues -away; and any person who, after travelling for some time in the Far -West, asserted that he was thoroughly acquainted with the character of -the Indians and their mode of life, would be quite deceived; and more -serious still, would deceive those whom he pretended to instruct.</p> - -<p>The Indians are divided into two great families: the cultivating -Indians—that is to say, those who are sedentary and attached to -the soil they till; and hunter or nomadic Indians, who have a great -resemblance to the Touaricks of Africa and the Tartars of Asia. The -hunting Indians, known as <i>Indios Bravos</i>, inhabit leathern huts, easy -of transport from one place to another, and only remain stationary so -long as the country supplies them with the necessary forage for their -horses, and the game indispensable for the men. The tame Indians, or -<i>Indios Mansos</i>, on the other hand, are permanently established at a -carefully selected spot; they have built actual houses, in which they -shelter themselves and keep their winter provisions. These Indians, -though they follow the customs of their fathers, recognise the Mexican -laws, obey them ostensibly, are apparent Christians, though they -secretly practise all the rites of their old faith; and their chief -assumes the title of Alcalde. In a word, they are nearly as much -civilized as the majority of the creoles.</p> - -<p>The confederation of the Papazos was composed of several nations, -combining both Indios Mansos and Indios Bravos. The latter, though -harmless, and consequently nomadic, had, in the heart of unexplored -forests or the gorges of the Sierra Madre, their winter villages—a -collection of huts made of branches, and covered with mud, where, in -the event of war, their squaws found refuge, and which served them, -after an expedition, to hide the plunder they had made.</p> - -<p>The Gilenos, whose powerful nation was composed of one hundred and -eighteen distinct tribes, each of which had its private totem or -standard, formed the principal branch of the Confederation of the -Papazos. The Gilenos are essentially agricultural. At a period which -it would be impossible to state with certainty, because the Indians -do not write anything down, but trust to tradition, the Comanche -nation, which proudly calls itself the "Queen of the Prairies," and -asserts, perhaps justly, that it is descended in a straight line from -the Chichimeques, the first conquerors of Mexico, was divided into two -parts after a council held by the chiefs, for the sake of terminating -a dispute that threatened to degenerate into a civil war. One half the -nation continued to wander in the immense prairies of the Far West, -and retained the name of Comanche. The other tribes settled on the -banks of the Rio Gila, gave up hunting for agriculture, while retaining -their independence, and only nominally obeying the Spaniards and -Mexicans. Eventually they received the name of Gilenos, from the river -on whose banks they originally settled. But, although separated, the -two divisions of the Comanche nations continued to maintain friendly -relations, recognised each other as springing from the same stem, and -helping one another whenever circumstances demanded it.</p> - -<p>The Gilenos piously preserved the faith of their fathers, maintained -their customs; among others that of never drinking spirituous liquors: -and never permitted the Mexican Government to establish among them that -system of annoyance and rapine under which it mercilessly bows the -other Indian Mansos. The Gileno villages are distinguished from all -the others by their singular construction, which admirably displays the -character of this people. We will attempt to convey an idea of them to -the reader.</p> - -<p>Stronghand had pointed out to the majordomo clusters of storied houses, -suspended as it were from the flank of the hill. But these houses were -only built temporarily, and in case of an attack on the village would -be immediately destroyed. The hill, doubtless in consequence of one of -those natural convulsions so common in these regions, was separated -into two parts by a quebrada of enormous depth, which served as the bed -of an impetuous torrent. On either side of this quebrada the Indians -had built an enormous construction, of pyramidal shape, upwards of -two hundred and fifty feet in height. These two towers contained the -lodgings of the inhabitants, their granaries and storehouses. More -than eight hundred beings, men, women, and children, resided in these -singular buildings, which were connected together at the top by a -bridge of lianas, boldly thrown across the abyss. These towers could -only be entered by a ladder, which was drawn up each night; for as -a last and essential precaution, the doors were sixty feet from the -ground, in order to guard against surprise.</p> - -<p>Nothing could be more curious or picturesque than the appearance -offered at a distance by this strange village, with its two massive -towers, having ladders for stairs, up and down which people were -constantly moving. A few days previously, for greater safety, and to -guard the village from a surprise, the chiefs had a trench dug, and -a palisade erected, composed of stakes fastened together by lianas. -The Indians had taken this precaution, to prevent their horses, on -which they especially calculated for the success of the meditated -expedition, being carried off by surprise, as so frequently happens on -the border.</p> - -<p>The travellers were conducted with great ceremony by the chiefs, -who had come to receive them at the entrance of the village, to the -square, on one side of which stood the "Ark of the First Man;" on the -other, "The Great Medicine Lodge, or Council Hut." During the ride the -majordomo fancied he saw among the crowd several individuals belonging -to the white race, and mentioned it to his comrade.</p> - -<p>"You are not mistaken," the latter replied; "several Mexicans reside in -the village and trade with the Indians; but that must not surprise you, -for you are aware that the Gilenos are mansos. Stay, here is a monk."</p> - -<p>In fact, at this moment a stout, rubicund monk crossed the square, -distributing blessings right and left, of which the Indians seemed to -take but little notice.</p> - -<p>"These worthy Frayles," the hunter continued, "lead here a rather -monastic life, but in spite of the trouble they take, they cannot -succeed in making proselytes. The Comanches are too attached to their -religion to accept another; still, as they are too savage to be -intolerant," he added, ironically, "they allow these poor monks entire -liberty, on the express condition that they do not interfere with them. -They have even permitted them to build a chapel, a very poor and simple -edifice, in which a few passing adventurers offer up their prayers; for -the inhabitants of the village never set foot in it."</p> - -<p>"I will go to it," said Paredes.</p> - -<p>"And you will act rightly. However, I will do this justice to the four -monks who, through a love of proselytism, have confined themselves -to this forgotten nook, of stating that they bear an excellent -reputation, do all the good they can, and are generally beloved and -respected by the population. This praise is the more valuable, because -the Mexican clergy do not enjoy a great reputation for sanctity."</p> - -<p>"But now that war is declared, what will become of these monks?"</p> - -<p>"What do you think? They will remain peacefully, without fearing insult -or annoyance. However savage the Indians may be, they are not so -savage, be assured, as to make the innocent suffer for the crimes of -the guilty."</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, Stronghand, if I remark that I notice, with sorrow, in -your mode of expressing yourself, a certain bitterness which seems to -me unjust. The secret sympathies of an honest man ought not, in any -case, to render him partial."</p> - -<p>"I allow that I am wrong, my friend. When you know me better, you -will be indulgent, I doubt not, to this bitterness which I frequently -unconsciously display in my language. But here we are at the square, -and other more urgent matters claim all our attention."</p> - -<p>The plaza, which the travellers now reached, formed a parallelogram, -and rose with a gentle ascent to the foot of the tower on the left of -the village. Several streets opened into it, and the houses built on -either side of it had an appearance of cleanliness and comfort which -is but rarely found in Indian villages; and if this pueblo had been -inhabited by white creoles, it would certainly have obtained the title -of <i>ciudad</i>. In front of the council lodge stood three men, whom it -was easy to recognise as the principal chiefs of the village by their -hats of raccoon skin, surrounded by a gold golilla, and the silver -mounted cane, like that of our beadles, which they held in their right -hand. The Mexicans, among other customs they took from the Spaniards, -have retained that of investing the Indian chiefs with authority. -This investiture, generally performed by a delegate of the governor of -the province, consists in giving them the hat and stick to which we -have referred. These three chiefs, therefore, ostensibly held their -power from the Mexican government, but in reality the latter had only -obeyed the feudal claims of the tribes assembled at this village, by -conferring the authority on these men whom their countrymen had long -previously recognised as chiefs.</p> - -<p>The procession halted before the alcaldes, or, to use the Indian term, -the sachems. The latter were men of a ripe age, with a haughty and -imposing mien. The eldest of them, who stood in the centre, had in -his look and the expression of his features something indescribably -majestic. He appeared about sixty years of age; a long white beard -fell in snowy flakes on his chest; his tall form, his broad forehead, -his black eyes, and his slightly aquiline nose, rendered him a very -remarkable man. He did not wear the Indian costume, but that adopted -by the hunters and wood rangers; a blue cotton shirt, fastened round -his hips by a leather girdle, which held his arms and ammunition, wide -<i>calzoneras</i> of deer hide buckled below the knee, and heavy boots, -whose heels were armed with formidable spurs, the wheel of which was as -large as a saucer.</p> - -<p>In conclusion, the personage we have attempted to describe did not -belong to the Indian race, as could be seen at the first glance; but -in addition, the fine, elegant, nervous type of the pure Spanish -race could be noticed in him. The majordomo could not check a start -of surprise at the sight of this man, whose presence seemed to him -incomprehensible at such a place and among such people. He leant over -to Stronghand, and asked him, in a low voice, choked by involuntary -emotion,—"Who is that man?"</p> - -<p>"You can see," the hunter replied, drily, "he is the Alcalde Mayor of -the pueblo. But silence! The persons surrounding us are surprised to -see us conversing in whispers."</p> - -<p>Paredes held his tongue, though his eyes were obstinately fixed on the -man to whom the hunter had ironically given the title of Alcalde Mayor. -A little to the rear of the chiefs, a warrior was holding a totem of -the tribe, representing a condor, the sacred bird of the Incas. A -crowd of Indians of both sexes, nearly all armed, filled the square, -and pressed forward to witness a scene which was not without a certain -grandeur. So soon as the procession halted, Sparrowhawk dismounted and -walked up to the sachems.</p> - -<p>"Fathers of my nation," he said, "the Great Bear of our tribe has -returned, bringing with him a paleface, his friend."</p> - -<p>"He is welcome," the three chiefs answered, unanimously, "as well as -his friend, whoever he may be; so long as he pleases to remain among us -he will be regarded as a brother."</p> - -<p>The hunter then advanced, and bowed respectfully to the sachems.</p> - -<p>"Thanks for myself and friend," he said; "the journey we have made was -long, and we are worn with fatigue. May we be permitted to take a few -hours' rest?"</p> - -<p>The Indians were astonished to hear the hunter, a man of iron power, -whose reputation for vigour was well established among them, speak of -the fatigue he felt. But understanding that he had secret reasons for -asking this, no one made a remark.</p> - -<p>"Stronghand and his friend are at liberty to proceed to the calli -prepared for them," one of the chiefs answered: "Sparrowhawk will guide -them."</p> - -<p>The two adventurers bowed respectfully, and, preceded by Sparrowhawk, -passed through the crowd, which opened before them, and proceeded to -the calli appointed for them. Let us state at once that this calli -was the property of Stronghand, who inhabited it whenever business -or accident brought him to the village. By the order of the chiefs, -however, it had been prepared for the reception of two persons. So -soon as the travellers reached the calli, Sparrowhawk retired, after -whispering a few words in the ear of the hunter. The latter replied by -a sign of assent, and then turned to the majordomo, who was already -engaged in unsaddling his horse.</p> - -<p>"You are at home, comrade," he said to him; "use this house as you -think proper. I have to see a person to whom I will introduce you -presently. I will, therefore, leave you for the present, but I shall -not be absent long."</p> - -<p>And without awaiting an answer, the hunter turned his horse, and -started at a gallop.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the Mexican muttered, so soon as he was alone, "all this is not -clear; did I do wrong in trusting to this man? I will be on my guard."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SPY.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>After installing the majordomo in the calli, Stronghand proceeded -through the village, taking an apparently careless glance around, -but in reality not letting anything unusual escape his notice. The -Indians whom the hunter met addressed him as an old acquaintance; -the very women and children tried to attract his attention by their -hearty bursts of laughter and their greetings of welcome. For all and -for each the hunter had a pleasant remark, and thus satisfied the -frequently indiscreet claims of those who pressed around him. Thus -occupied, he went right through the village, and, on reaching the foot -of the left-hand pyramid, dismounted, threw his horse's bridle to a -boy, bidding him lead the horse to his calli, and forced his way with -some difficulty through the crowd, whose curiosity seemed to increase -instead of diminishing. He walked up to the ladder, and after waving -his hand to the Indians, hurried up it, and disappeared inside the -pyramid.</p> - -<p>This strange building, which was almost shapeless outside, was -internally arranged with the utmost care and most perfect intelligence. -The hunter, who was doubtless anxious to reach his destination, -only took a hurried glance at the rooms he passed through; he went -up an internal staircase, and soon reached the top of the pyramid. -Sparrowhawk was standing motionless before a cougar's skin hung up in -lieu of a door, and on seeing the hunter he bowed courteously.</p> - -<p>"My father has not delayed," he said, with a good-tempered smile.</p> - -<p>"Has the council begun yet?" Stronghand asked.</p> - -<p>"For four suns the elders of the nation have remained without taking -rest round the council fire; the arrival of my father was alone able to -make them suspend their labours for an hour."</p> - -<p>The hunter frowned.</p> - -<p>"Cannot I speak to the great sachem for a moment?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot give my father any information on that point."</p> - -<p>"Good!" the hunter continued, apparently forming a determination. "Has -Sparrowhawk no instructions for me?"</p> - -<p>"None, but to await Stronghand, and announce his arrival."</p> - -<p>"Wah! here I am; my brother's instructions are fulfilled."</p> - -<p>Without replying, Sparrowhawk raised the curtain, and allowed the -hunter to pass into the council hall.</p> - -<p>In a large room, which was entirely destitute of furniture—unless -that name can be given to dried buffalo skulls employed as seats—some -twenty persons were gravely seated in a circle, smoking a calumet -silently, whose mouthpiece constantly passed from hand to hand. In -the centre of the circle was a golden brasier, in which burned the -sacred fire of Motecuhzoma, a fire which must never go out. According -to tradition, the last Emperor of Mexico shared it among his dearest -partisans on the eve of his death; and this fire, it is also said, -derives its origin from the sun itself.</p> - -<p>The presence of this fire in the room, which was generally kept in a -subterraneous vault, inaccessible to the sight of the common herd, -and which is only shown to the people on grand occasions, proved the -gravity of the matters the council had to discuss. Moreover, the -appearance of the chiefs assembled in the room had about it something -stern and imposing that inspired respect. Contrary to Indian habits, -they were all unarmed. This precaution, which was owing to the advice -of the principal sachem of the nation, was justified not only by the -considerable number of chiefs present, but also by their belonging to -various nations. Each tribe of the grand confederation of the Papazos -had its representative in this assembly, where were also the sachems of -nations ordinarily at war with it, but who, in the hope of a general -revolt against the whites, the implacable enemies of the red race, had -forgotten their hatred for a season. Here could be seen Yaquis, Mayos, -Seris, and even free hunters and trappers, white and half-bred, in -their grand war paint, with their heels adorned with wolves' tails, an -honorary distinction to which only the great braves have a right.</p> - -<p>Thunderbolt, the old man whose portrait we have just drawn, presided -over the assembly. On the entrance of Stronghand, all the warriors -rose, turned to him, and after bowing gracefully, invited him to take a -seat among them. The hunter, flattered in his heart by the honour done -him, bowed gravely to the members of the council, and seated himself on -the right of Thunderbolt, after handing his weapons to Sparrowhawk, who -carried them into an adjoining room. There was a rather long silence, -during which the hunter smoked the calumet which had been eagerly -offered him. At length Thunderbolt began speaking.</p> - -<p>"My son could not arrive at a better moment," he said, addressing -Stronghand; "his return was eagerly desired by his brothers. He has -come from the country inhabited by our enemies; without doubt he will -give us news."</p> - -<p>The hunter rose, looked round the meeting, and replied—"I have been -among the Gachupinos, I have entered their towns, I have seen their -pueblos, presidios, and posts; like ourselves, they are preparing for -war; they understand the extent of the danger that threatens them, and -are trying to neutralize it by all means."</p> - -<p>"The news is not very explicit; we hoped that Stronghand would give us -more serious information about the movements of the enemy," Thunderbolt -remarked, with a reproachful accent.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I could do so," the hunter remarked, calmly.</p> - -<p>"Then why are you silent?"</p> - -<p>The young man hesitated for a moment beneath the glances fixed on him.</p> - -<p>"The white men have a proverb," he said, at length, "whose justice I -specially recognise at this moment."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"Words are silver, but silence is gold."</p> - -<p>"Which means?" Thunderbolt continued, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"The most formidable weapon of the white man is treachery," the hunter -continued, not appearing to heed the interruption; "they have even -conquered by treachery the Redskins, whom they did not dare meet face -to face. Questions so interesting as those we have to settle, such -serious interests as we have to discuss, must not be treated in so -large an assembly ere it is quite certain that a traitor has not glided -in among us. So long as merely general questions are discussed this -is of slight consequence; but so soon as we discuss the means to be -employed in carrying on the war, it is urgent that the enemy should not -be warned of the result of our deliberations."</p> - -<p>"We cannot act otherwise than we are doing. Yes, and that is why the -whites are cleverer than we: so soon as war is declared, they appoint -a commission, composed of three members, or five at the most, who have -to draw up the plan of the campaign. Why do we not do the same? Nothing -is more simple, it seems to me: choose, among the chiefs assembled -here, a certain number of wise men accustomed to command; these men -will assemble in secret, and decide on the means to be employed in -conquering our enemy: in this way, if the Spaniards are informed -of our movements, the traitor cannot escape us for long. The other -chiefs, and the deputies of the friendly natives and other confederated -tribes, will settle in the Grand Council the common interests of the -Indian natives, and the terms to be established among them, in order -to stifle for ever those germs of discord which frequently spring up -from a misunderstanding, and almost always degenerate into sanguinary -and interminable quarrels. I have spoken: my brothers will determine -whether my words deserve being taken into consideration."</p> - -<p>After bowing to the audience, the hunter sat down again, and seemed to -be plunged into deep thought. One of the instinctive qualities of the -Indian race is good sense. The chiefs, in spite of the circumlocution -in which the hunter had thought it necessary to envelop his remarks, -had perfectly understood him: they had caught the justice of his -reasoning, and the advantage of a speedy decision on a subject so -interesting to the entire confederation: they guessed, under the -hunter's reticence, a name which, for secret reasons of his own, he -did not wish to utter, and hence his speech was greeted with a buzz of -satisfaction, which is always flattering to the ears of an orator, no -matter the nature of his hearers. Thunderbolt questioned the members of -the council by a glance; all replied with an affirmative shake of their -heads.</p> - -<p>"Your plan is adopted," the chief said; "we recognise the necessity of -carrying it out. But this time again we must apply to you to choose the -members of the council whom we have to elect."</p> - -<p>"Chance alone must decide the solution. All the sachems collected in -this hall are great braves of their tribes, and the picked warriors of -their nations. No matter on whom the lot falls, the members will behave -honourably in the new council."</p> - -<p>"Stronghand has spoken well, as he always does, when he is called upon -to give his opinion in the council of the chiefs; now let him finish -what he has so well begun, by instructing us of the way in which we are -to consult chance."</p> - -<p>"Be it so: I will obey my father."</p> - -<p>The hunter rose and left the hall, but his absence lasted only a few -minutes. During this interval the chiefs remained motionless and -silent. Stronghand soon returned, followed by Sparrowhawk, who, as he -had been ordered by the sachems to keep the door, had not taken part in -the deliberations, though he had a right to do so. This chief carried a -blanket tied up so as to form a bag.</p> - -<p>"In this blanket," the hunter then said, "I have placed a number of -bullets equal to that of the chiefs assembled in council: I have taken -these bullets from the ammunition bag of every one of the chiefs. I -have noticed that our guns are of different bores, and hence some of -the bullets are larger, others smaller. Each of us will draw a bullet -haphazard; when all have one, they will be examined; and the three -chiefs, if you fix on that number, or the five, if you prefer that -number, to whom chance has given the largest bullets, will compose the -new council."</p> - -<p>"That is a simple way, and will prevent any annoyance," Thunderbolt -said; "I believe that we shall do well by adopting it."</p> - -<p>The chiefs bowed their assent.</p> - -<p>"But," the sachem continued, "before we begin drawing, let us first -settle of how many members the council shall consist; shall there be -three or five?"</p> - -<p>A white trapper rose and asked leave to speak. It was a man of about -forty years of age, with frank and energetic features and muscular -limbs, well known all over the western prairies by the singular name of -the Whistler.</p> - -<p>"If I may be allowed," he said, "to offer my opinion on such a matter -before wise men and renowned warriors—for I am only a poor rogue of a -hunter—I would call your attention to the fact that, with a committee -whose duties are so serious, three men are not sufficient to discuss a -question advantageously, because it is so easy to obtain a majority. On -the other hand, five men mutually enlighten each other, by exchanging -their ideas and starting objections: hence, I am of opinion that the -council ought to be composed of five members. I will add one word: Will -the white and half-breed hunters and trappers here present take part in -the election?"</p> - -<p>"Do they not fight with us?" Thunderbolt asked.</p> - -<p>"This is true," the Whistler continued; "still it would be, perhaps, -better for you to settle the matter among yourselves; we are, in -reality, only your allies."</p> - -<p>"You are our brothers and friends; in the name of the chiefs of the -confederation. I thank you, Whistler, for the delicate proposal you -have made; but we do not accept your offer, for all must be in common -between you and us."</p> - -<p>"You will do as you please. I spoke for your good; and it does not suit -you, say no more about it."</p> - -<p>While these remarks were exchanged between the trapper and Thunderbolt, -the chiefs had decided that the military commission should be composed -of five members. The drawing at once began; each warrior went, in his -turn, to draw a bullet from the bag held by Sparrowhawk; then the -verification was begun with that good faith and impartiality which the -Indians display in all their actions when dealing with one another. -On this occasion chance was intelligent, as happens more frequently -than is supposed, when it is left free to act: the chiefs chosen to -form the committee were exactly those who, if another mode of election -had been employed, would have gained all the votes through their -talent, experience, and wisdom. Hence, the sachems frankly applauded -the decision of fate, and in their superstition, derived from this -caprice of accident a favourable augury for the result of the war. The -committee was composed as follows Thunderbolt, Sparrowhawk, Stronghand, -the Whistler, and a renowned Apache chief, whose name was the Peccary.</p> - -<p>When the election was over, just as the chiefs were returning to their -seats, Stronghand approached a trapper, who, ever since his entrance, -had seemed to shun his eye, and conceal himself, as far as possible, -behind the other chiefs. Tapping him on the shoulder, he said in a low -but imperative voice—"Master Kidd, two words, if you please."</p> - -<p>The adventurer, for it was really he, started at the touch, but -immediately recovering himself, he turned his smiling face to the -hunter's, and said, with a respectful bow—"I am quite at your service, -caballero; can I be so happy as to be able to help you in anything?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the hunter answered, drily.</p> - -<p>"Speak, caballero, speak; and as far as lies in my power—"</p> - -<p>"A truce to these hypocritical protestations," Stronghand rudely -interrupted him, "and let us come to facts."</p> - -<p>"I am listening to you," the other said, trying to hide his anxiety.</p> - -<p>"This is the point—rightly or wrongly, your presence here offends me."</p> - -<p>"What can I do to prevent that, my dear Señor?"</p> - -<p>"A very simple thing."</p> - -<p>"What is it, if you please?"</p> - -<p>"Leave the tower at once, mount your horse, and be off."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the bandit said, with a forced laugh, "Allow me to remark, my -dear señor, that the idea seems to me a singular one."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?" the hunter remarked, coldly; "Well, opinions differ. -For my part, I consider it quite natural."</p> - -<p>"Of course you are jesting."</p> - -<p>"Do you fancy me capable of jesting—before all, with a man like you? -I think not. Well, I repeat, be off; be off as quickly as possible. I -advise you for your own good."</p> - -<p>"I must have an excuse for such a flight. What will the Indian chiefs -who did me the honour of summoning me to their grand council, and my -friends the hunters suppose, on seeing me thus abandon them without any -apparent motive, at the very moment when the war is about to begin?"</p> - -<p>"That does not concern me; I want you to be off at once; if not—"</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"I shall blow out your brains in the presence of all as a traitor and a -spy. You understand me now, my master, I think?"</p> - -<p>The bandit started violently; his face became livid, and for some -minutes he fixed his viper eye on the hunter, who examined him -ironically; then bending down to his ear, he said, in a voice choked -with rage and shame, "Stronghand, you are the stronger, and any -resistance on my part would be mad; I shall go, therefore; but remember -this, I shall be avenged."</p> - -<p>Stronghand shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. "Do so," he said, -"if you can; but, in the meanwhile, be off if you do not wish me to -carry out my threat!" and he turned his back on the bandit. Kidd gave -him a parting look of fury, and without adding a word, left the hall. -Ten minutes later he was galloping on the road to the Real de Minas, -revolving the most sinister schemes.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE COUNCIL OF THE SACHEMS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Although the chiefs had guessed from Stronghand's gestures what was -going on between him and the American bandit, not one of them made the -slightest allusion to Kidd's departure, or even seemed to notice it. -The Canadian trapper, named Whistler, alone went up to the hunter, and -pressing his hand, said, with a coarse laugh—</p> - -<p>"By heavens! Comrade, you did not miss your game, but brought it down -at the first shot. Receive my sincere congratulations for having freed -us of that skunk, who is neither fish nor flesh, and whose roguish face -did not at all please me."</p> - -<p>"It would please you much less, my good fellow, if you knew him," the -hunter replied, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"I beg you to believe that I have no desire to form a closer -acquaintance with that pícaro; only too many like him may be met on the -prairies."</p> - -<p>The chiefs had resumed their seats, and the council which had been -momentarily interrupted, was re-opened by Thunderbolt. The Indians, -though people think proper to regard them as savages, could give -lessons in urbanity and good breeding to the members of parliamentary -assemblies in old Europe. Among them a speaker is never interrupted -by those coarse and inopportune noises for which some M.P.'s seem to -possess a privilege. Each speaks in his turn. The speakers, who are -listened to with a religious silence, have the liberty of expressing -their ideas without fearing personalities, which are frequently -offensive. When the debate is closed, the speaker—that is to say, the -oldest chief, or the one of the highest position either through bravery -or wisdom—sums up the discussion in a few words, takes the opinion of -the other chiefs, who vote by nodding their heads, and the minority -always accepts, without complaint or recrimination of any sort, the -resolution of the majority.</p> - -<p>Before going further, we will explain, in a few words, the cause of -the dissatisfaction which had induced the Indians to revolt once -again against the whites. At the period of the Spanish conquests, -the Indians, in spite of the obstinate assertions to the contrary, -were happy, or at any rate were, through the intelligent care of -the Government, placed in a situation which insured their existence -under very satisfactory conditions. It is indubitable that if Spain -had retained her colonies for fifty or sixty years longer, she would -have gradually succeeded in converting the aborigines of her vast -territories, attaching them to the cultivation of the soil, and making -them give up a nomadic existence, and adopt the far preferable life in -villages.</p> - -<p>All Spanish America, both North and South, was covered with missions; -that is to say, agricultural colonies, established on a large scale; -where monks, in every way respectable, through their complete -abnegation of the enjoyments of the world, and their inexhaustible -charity, taught the Indians not only the paternal precepts of the -Gospel, and their duty to their neighbour, but preaching by example, -they became weavers, labourers, cobblers, and blacksmiths, in order to -make their docile apprentices more easily understand the way to set to -work. These missions contained, at the time of the War of Independence, -several hundred thousand Indians, who had given up their nomadic life -of hunting, and patiently assumed the yoke of civilization. This -magnificent result, obtained by courage and perseverance, and which -would have speedily resulted in the solution of a problem declared -to be insoluble—the emancipation of the red race, and its aptitude -to assume the sedentary condition of a town life, was unhappily not -carried further.</p> - -<p>When the Mexicans had proclaimed their independence, their first care -was to destroy all that the Spaniards had raised, and utterly overthrow -the internal governmental system established by them. Naturally, the -missions were not exempted from this general overthrow; they were -perhaps more kindly treated than the institutions created by the old -oppressors. The philosophic spirit of the eighteenth century, when -it forced its way into Mexico, was naturally misunderstood and ill -appreciated by men who were plunged into the grossest ignorance, and -who believed that they displayed the independence and nobility of -their character by deadly hatred of the clergy, and abolishing their -prerogatives at one stroke. It is true that, by an inevitable reaction, -the Mexicans, whose revolution was almost entirely effected by priests, -and who, at the outset, displayed themselves as such daring skeptics, -ere long fell again, through their superstition, beneath the power of -the same clergy, and became more devoted slaves to them than ever.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, the death blow had been dealt to the missions or -agricultural colonies, although the Government recognized its mistake, -and sought by all means to palliate it. They never recovered, only -languished, and eventually the majority of them fell into ruin, and -were utterly abandoned by the Indians, who returned to that desert life -from which they had been drawn with such difficulty. Nothing is so -heart-rending as the sight now offered by these missions, which were -once so rich, so full of life, and so flourishing; only a few Indians -can be seen, wandering about like ghosts in the deserted cloisters, led -by an old, white-haired monk, whom they would not leave, and who had -vowed to die among his children.</p> - -<p>The Mexican Government did not stop here. Returning to the old errors -of the conquistadors, it grew accustomed to regard the Indians as -slaves; imposing on them exorbitant tariffs for articles of primary -necessity, which it sold to them through special agents, bowing them -to any Draconian law, and carrying their injustice so far as to deny -them intellect, and brand them with the name of <i>Gente sin razón</i>, or -people without reason. The consequences of such a system can be easily -comprehended. The Indians, who, at the outset, contented themselves -with passively withdrawing, and seeking in the desert the liberty that -was refused them, on finding themselves so unjustly treated, and urged -to desperation by such insults, thought about avenging themselves, and -requiting evil for evil.</p> - -<p>Then recommenced those periodical invasions of the Indian borders which -the Spaniards had repressed with such difficulty and such bloodshed. -Murder and pillage were organized on a grand scale, and with such -success, that the Comanches and Apaches, to vex the whites, gave the -ironical name of the "Mexican moon" to the month they selected to -commit their periodical depredations. The subjected Indians—that is to -say, those who, in spite of the constant vexations to which they were -victims, remained attached to their villages—revolted several times, -and on each occasion the Mexican government succeeded in making them -return to their duty by promises and concessions, which were violated -and forgotten so soon as the Redskins had laid down their arms. The -war, consequently, became generalized and permanent in the Border -states of the confederation.</p> - -<p>But with the exception of a few invasions more serious than others, -the Indians had almost entirely confined themselves to keeping the -whites on the alert, when the great insurrection of 1827 broke out, -which all but succeeded in depriving Mexico of her richest provinces. -This insurrection was the more terrible, because on this occasion -the Indians, guided by experienced chiefs, possessing firearms, and -carrying out tactics entirely different from those they had hitherto -employed, waged a serious war, and insisted on retaining the provinces -they had seized. The Redskins elected an emperor and established -a government; they displayed a settled intention of definitively -regaining their independence and reconstituting their nationality.</p> - -<p>The Mexicans, justly terrified by these manifestations, made the -greatest sacrifices in order to quell this formidable revolt, and -succeeded, though rather owing to the treachery and disunion they -managed to sow among the chiefs than by the power of their arms. But -this uprising had caused them to reflect, and they saw that it was high -time to come to an arrangement with these men, whom they had hitherto -been accustomed to regard as irrational beings. Peace was concluded on -conditions very advantageous to the Indians and their forces; and the -Mexicans, owing to the fright they had endured, were compelled to keep -their promises, or, to speak more correctly, pretended to do so.</p> - -<p>For several years the Indians, satisfied with this apparent -amelioration in the relations between them and the whites, remained -peacefully in their villages, and the Mexicans had only to defend -their borders against the attacks of the wild or unsubjected Indians. -This was a task, we are bound to confess, in which they were not very -successful; for the Indians eventually passed the limits the Spaniards -had imposed on them, permanently established themselves on the ruins -of the old Creole villages, and by degrees, and gaining ground each -year, they reduced the territory of the Mexican Government in an -extraordinary way.</p> - -<p>Still, when the remembrance of the great Indian insurrection seemed -to have died out, and the Indios Mansos had apparently accepted the -sovereignty of Mexico, the annoyances recommenced. Though at first -slight, they gradually became more and more frequent, owing to the -apathetic resignation of the Indians, and the patience with which they -uncomplainingly endured the unjust aggressions of which they were made -the systematic victims. The concessions granted under the pressure of -fear were brutally withdrawn, and matters returned to the same state as -before the insurrection. The Indians continued to suffer, apparently -resigned to endure all the insults it might please their oppressors to -make them undergo: but this calm concealed a terrific storm, and the -Mexicans would shortly be aroused by a thunderclap.</p> - -<p>The Redskins behaved, under the circumstances, with rare prudence -and circumspection, in order not to alarm the persons they wished to -surprise. They would certainly have succeeded in deceiving the Mexicans -as to their plans, had it not been for the treachery of the agents of -the Mexican Government, continually kept in their villages to watch -them, among whom was Kidd, whom Stronghand had so suddenly unmasked and -contemptuously turned out. Still these agents, in spite of their lively -desire to make themselves of importance by magnifying facts, had only -been able to give very vague details about the conspiracy the Indians -were secretly forming. They knew that an emperor had been elected, and -that he was a white man, but they did not know who he was or his name. -They also knew that the Confederation of the Papazos had placed itself -at the head of the movement, and intended to deal the first blow, but -no one was aware when or how hostilities would commence.</p> - -<p>This information, however, incomplete though it was, appeared to the -Mexicans, on whose minds at once rushed the sanguinary memories of the -last revolution, sufficiently serious for them to place themselves in -a position to resist the first attack of the Redskins, which is always -so terrible, and to place their frontiers in such a state as would -prevent a surprise—a thing they had never yet succeeded in effecting. -The Mexican Government, warned of what was going on by the commandants -of the States of Sonora and Sinaloa, the two most menaced of the -Confederation, and recognising the gravity of the case, resolved to -send troops from the capital to reinforce the border garrisons. This -plan, unfortunately, could not be carried out, and was the cause of -fresh and very dangerous complications.</p> - -<p>It is only in the old Spanish colonies, which are in the deepest state -of neglect and disorganization, that such acts are possible. The troops -told off to proceed to Sonora, so soon as they learned that they were -intended to oppose the Indians, peremptorily refused to march, alleging -as the reason, that they were not at all desirous of fighting savages -who did not respect the law of nations, and had no scruples about -scalping their prisoners. The President of the republic, strong in his -right and the danger the country ran, tried to insist and force them to -set out. Then a thing that might be easily foreseen occurred: not only -did the troops obstinately remain in revolt, but set the seal on it by -making a pronunciamiento in favour of the general chosen to command the -expedition, and who, we may do him the justice of saying, had been the -first to declare against the departure of the troops from the capital.</p> - -<p>This pronunciamiento was the spark that fired the powder train. In a -few days the whole of Mexico was a prey to the horrors of civil war; -so that the governors of the two States, being reduced to their own -forces, and not knowing whether they would retain their posts under -the new president, were more embarrassed than ever, did not dare -take any initiative, and contented themselves with throwing up such -intrenchments as they could, though they had quite enough to do in -keeping their troops to their duty, and keeping them from deserting. -Such was the state of things at the moment we have now reached. This -information, upon which we have purposely laid a stress, in order -to make the reader understand certain facts which, without this -precaution, would seem to belong rather to the regions of fancy than to -that of history, as they are so strange and incredible, was reported -by Stronghand to the council of the sachems, and listened to in a -religious silence.</p> - -<p>"Now," he added, in conclusion, "I believe that the moment has arrived -to strike the grand blow for which we have so long been preparing. Our -enemies hesitate; they are demoralized; their soldiers tremble; and I -am convinced they will not withstand the attack of our and the great -Beaver's warriors. This is what I wished to say to the council. Still -it was not advisable that such important news should reach the ears of -our enemies. The sachems will judge whether I have acted well, or if my -zeal carried me too far in dismissing from the council a paleface who, -I am convinced, is a traitor sold to the Mexicans. I have spoken."</p> - -<p>A flattering murmur greeted the concluding remarks of the young man, -who sat down, blushing.</p> - -<p>"It appears to me," Whistler then said, "that the debate need not be -a long one. As war is decided on, the council of the Confederation -has only to seek allies among the other Indian nations, in order to -augment the number of our warriors, if that be possible. As regards the -operations, and the period when the Mexican territory is to be invaded, -that will devolve on the military committee, who pledge themselves to -the profoundest secrecy about their discussions, until the hour for -action arrives. I have spoken."</p> - -<p>Thunderbolt rose.</p> - -<p>"Chiefs and sachems of the Confederation of the Papazos," he said in -his sympathetic and sonorous voice, "and you, warriors, our allies, the -moment for dissolving your council has at length arrived. Henceforth -the committee of the five chiefs will alone sit. Each of you will -return to his tribe, arm his warriors, and order the scalp dance to -be performed round the war post; but the eighth sun must see you here -again at the head of your warriors, in order that all may be ready to -act when the invasion is decided on. I have spoken. Have I said well, -powerful men?"</p> - -<p>The chiefs rose in silence, resumed their weapons, and immediately left -the village, starting in different directions at a gallop. Thunderbolt -and Stronghand were left alone.</p> - -<p>"My son," the old man then said, "have you nothing to tell me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, father," the young man respectfully answered; "I have very -serious news for you."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE RANCHO.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Before describing the conversation between Thunderbolt and Stronghand, -we are obliged to go back, and tell the reader certain facts which had -occurred at the Hacienda del Toro, a few days before the majordomo set -out for Hermosillo. Mexican girls, born and bred on the Indian border, -enjoy a liberty which the want of society renders indispensable. Always -on horseback upon these immense estates, which extend for twenty or -five-and-twenty leagues, their life is spent in riding over hill and -dale, visiting the wretched huts of the vaqueros and peons, relieving -their wants, and rendering themselves beloved by their simple graces -and affecting goodness of heart.</p> - -<p>Doña Mariana, who had been exiled for several years at a convent, so -soon as she returned home, eagerly renewed her long rides through -forests and prairies, to see again the persons in her father's employ, -with whom she had sported as a child, and of whom she had such a -pleasant recollection. At times followed by a servant, specially -attached to her, but more usually alone, the maiden had therefore -recommenced her rides, going to visit one and the other, enjoying her -gallop, careless as a bird, pleased with everything—the flowers she -culled as she passed, the reviving breeze she inhaled, and smiling -gaily at the sun which bronzed her complexion; in a word, she revealed -the voluptuous and egotistic apathy of a child in whom the woman is not -yet revealed, and who is ignorant that she possesses a heart.</p> - -<p>Most usually Doña Marianna guided her horse to a rancho situated about -three leagues from the hacienda, in the midst of a majestic forest of -evergreen oaks and larches. This rancho, which was built of adobes, -and whitewashed, stood on the bank of a stream, in the centre of a -field sufficiently cleared to grow the grain required for the support -of the poor inhabitants of the hovel. In the rear of the rancho was -an enclosure, serving as a corral, and containing two cows and four -or five horses, the sole fortune of the master of this rancho, which, -however, internally was not so poverty stricken as the exterior seemed -to forebode. It was divided into three parts, two of which served -as bedrooms, and the third as sitting room, saloon, kitchen, &c. In -the latter, the fowls impudently came to pick up grain and pieces of -tortillas which bad been allowed to fall.</p> - -<p>On the right was a sort of low fireplace, evidently for culinary -purposes; the middle of the room was occupied by a large oak table with -twisted legs; at the end, two doors opened into the bedrooms, and the -walls were covered with those hideous coloured plates which Parisian -trade inundates the New World with, and under which intelligent hawkers -print the names of saints, to render the sale more easy. Among these -engravings was one representing Napoleon crossing the St. Bernard, -accompanied by a guide, holding his horse. It bore the rather too -fanciful title, "The great St. Martin dividing his cloak with a -beggar." A fact which imparts incomparable meaning to this humorous -motto is, that the general, far from wishing to give his cloak to the -guide, who does not want it, seems to be shivering with cold, and -wrapping himself up with extreme care. Lastly, a few <i>butacas</i> and -<i>equipales</i> completed the furniture, which, for many reasons, might -be considered elegant in a country where the science of comfort is -completely ignored, and the wants of material life are reduced to their -simplest expression.</p> - -<p>This rancho had been for many years inhabited by the same family, who -were the last relics of the Indians dwelling here when the country -was discovered by the Spaniards. These Indians, who were mansos, and -long converted to Christianity, had been old and faithful servants of -the Marquises de Moguer, who were always attached to them, and made -it a point of honour to heighten their comforts, and give them their -protection under all circumstances. Hence the devotion of these -worthy people to the Moguer family was affecting, through its simple -self-denial. They had forgotten their Indian name, and were only known -by that of Sanchez.</p> - -<p>At the moment when we introduce this family to the reader, it consisted -of three persons: the father, a blind old man, but upright and hale, -who, in spite of his infirmity, still traversed all the forest tracks -without hesitation or risk of losing himself, merely accompanied by -his dog Bouchaley; the mother, a woman about forty years of age, tall, -robust, and possessing marked features, which, when she was younger, -must have been very handsome; and the son, a young man of about twenty, -well built, and a daring hunter, who held the post of tigrero at the -hacienda.</p> - -<p>Luisa Sanchez had been nurse to Doña Marianna, and the young lady, -deprived at an early age of her mistress, had retained for her not -merely that friendship which children generally have for their nurse, -and which at times renders the mother jealous, but that craving for -affection, so natural in young hearts, and which Doña Marianna, -restrained by her father's apparent sternness, could not indulge. The -maiden's return to the hacienda caused great joy at the rancho; father, -mother, and son at once mounted and proceeded to the Toro to embrace -their child, as they simply called her. Halfway they met Doña Marianna, -who, in her impatience to see them again, was galloping like a mad -girl, followed by her brother, who was teasing her about this love for -her nurse.</p> - -<p>Since then, not a day passed on which the young lady did not carry -the sunshine of her presence to the rancho, and shared the breakfast -of the family—a frugal meal, composed of light cakes, roasted on -an iron plate, boiled beef seasoned with chile Colorado, milk, and -<i>quesadillas</i>, or cheesecakes, hard and green and leathery, which the -young lady, however, declared to be excellent, and heartily enjoyed. -Bouchaley, like everybody else at the rancho, entertained a feeling -of adoration for Doña Marianna. He was a long-haired black and white -mastiff, about ten years old, and spiteful and noisy as all his -congeners. In reality, the dog possessed but one good quality—its -well-tried fidelity to its master, whom it never took its eyes off, -and constantly crouched at his feet. Since the young lady's return, -the heart of the worthy quadruped had opened to a new affection; each -morning it took its post on the road by which Doña Marianna came, and -as soon as it saw her, saluted her by leaps and deafening barks.</p> - -<p>Mariano Sanchez, the tigrero, had for his foster sister an affection -heightened by the similarity of name—a similarity which in Spanish -America gives a right to a sort of spiritual relationship. This -touching custom, whose origin is entirely Indian, is intended to draw -closer the relations between <i>tocayo</i> and <i>tocaya</i>, and they are almost -brother and sister. Hence the tigrero, in order to be present each -morning at his tocaya's breakfast, often rode eight or ten leagues in -the morning, and found his reward in a smile from the young lady. As -for Father Sanchez, since the return of his child, as he called her, he -only felt one regret. It was that he could not see her and admire her -beauty; but he consoled himself by embracing her.</p> - -<p>It was about eleven o'clock in the morning; the sun illumined the hut; -the birds were singing merrily in the forest. Father Sanchez had taken -up the hand mill, and was grinding the wheat, while his wife, after -sifting the wheat, pounded it, and formed it into light cakes, called -tortillas, which, after being griddled, would form the solid portion of -the breakfast.</p> - -<p>Bouchaley was at his post on the road, watching for the arrival of the -young lady.</p> - -<p>"How is it," the old man asked, "that Mariano is not here yet? I -generally hear the sound of his horse earlier than this."</p> - -<p>"Poor lad! Who knows where he is at this moment?" the mother answered. -"He has for some days been watching a band of jaguars that have bitten -several horses at the hacienda. He is certainly ambushed in some -thicket. I only trust he will not be devoured some day by the terrible -animals."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense, wife," the old man continued, with a shrug of the shoulders. -"Maternal love renders you foolish. Mariano devoured by the tigers!"</p> - -<p>"Well, I see nothing impossible in that."</p> - -<p>"You might just as well say that Bouchaley is capable of chasing a -peccary; one thing is as possible as the other. Besides, you forget -that our son never goes out without his dog Bigote, a cross between a -wolf and a Newfoundland dog, as big as a six months' old colt, and who -is capable of breaking the loins of a coyote at one snap."</p> - -<p>"I do not say no, father; I do not say no," she continued, with a shake -of her head; "that does not prevent his being a dangerous trade, which -may one day or another, cost him his life."</p> - -<p>"Stuff! Mariano is too clever a hunter for that; besides, the trade -is lucrative; each jaguar skin brings him in fourteen piastres—a sum -we cannot afford to despise, since my infirmity has prevented me from -working. It would be better for my old carcass to return to the earth, -as I am no longer good for anything."</p> - -<p>"Do not speak so, father; especially before our daughter, for she would -not forgive you: for what you are saying is unjust; you have worked -enough in your time to rest now, and your son take your place."</p> - -<p>"Well, tell me, wife," the old man said, laughingly, "was I devoured by -the jaguar? And yet I was a tigrero for more than forty years, and the -jaguars were not nearly so polite in my time as they are now."</p> - -<p>"That is all very well; it is true that you have not been devoured, but -your father and your grandfather were. What answer have you to that?"</p> - -<p>"Hem!" the old man went on, in some embarrassment; "I will answer—I -will answer—"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, and that will be the best," she continued; "for you could not -say anything satisfactory."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! What do you take me for, mother? If my father and -grandfather were devoured, and that is true, it was—"</p> - -<p>"Well, what? I am anxious to hear."</p> - -<p>"Because they were treacherously attacked by the jaguars," he at length -said, with a triumphant air; "the wretches knew whom they had to deal -with, and so played cunning. Otherwise they would never have got the -best of two such clever hunters as my father and grandfather."</p> - -<p>The ranchera shrugged her shoulders with a smile, but she considered it -unnecessary to answer, as she was well aware she would not succeed in -making her husband change his opinion as to her son's dangerous trade. -The old man, satisfied with having reduced his wife to silence, as he -fancied, did not abuse his victory; with a crafty smile he rolled and -lit a cigarette, while Na Luisa laid the table, arranged and dusted -everything in the rancho, and listened anxiously to assure herself that -the footfall of her son's horse was not mingled with the sounds that -incessantly rose from the forest.</p> - -<p>All at once Bouchaley was heard barking furiously. The old man drew -himself up in his butaca, while Na Sanchez rushed to the doorway, in -which Doña Marianna appeared, fresh and smiling.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, father! Good morning, mother!" she exclaimed in her -silvery voice, and kissed the forehead of the old man, who tenderly -pressed her to his heart. "Come, Bouchaley, come, be quiet!" she added, -patting the dog, which still gamboled round her. "Mother, ask my tocayo -to put Negro in the corral, for the good animal has earned its alfalfa."</p> - -<p>"I will go, Querida," the old man said; "for today I take Mariano's -place." And he left the rancho without awaiting an answer.</p> - -<p>"Mother," the young lady continued, with a shade of anxiety, "where is -my foster brother? I do not see him."</p> - -<p>"Has not arrived yet, niña."</p> - -<p>"What! Not arrived?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I trust he will soon be here," she said, while stifling a sigh.</p> - -<p>The maiden looked at her for a moment sympathetically.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, mother?" she at length said, as she seized the -poor woman's hand; "Can any accident have happened?"</p> - -<p>"The Lord guard us from it, Querida," Luisa said, clasping her hands.</p> - -<p>"Still, you are anxious, mother. You are hiding something from me. Tell -me at once what it is."</p> - -<p>"Nothing, my child; forgive me. Nothing extraordinary has occurred, and -I am hiding nothing from you; but—"</p> - -<p>"But what?" Doña Marianna interrupted her.</p> - -<p>"Well, since you insist, Querida, I confess to you that I am alarmed. -You know that Mariano is tigrero to the hacienda?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; what then?"</p> - -<p>"I am always frightened lest he should meet with an accident, for that -happens so easily."</p> - -<p>"Come, come, mother; do not have such thoughts as these. Mariano is an -intrepid hunter, and possesses far from common skill and tact."</p> - -<p>"Ah, hija, you are of the same opinion as my old man. Alas! If I lost -my son, what would become of you?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, mother, why talk in that way? Mariano, I hope, runs no danger. The -delay that alarms you means nothing; you will soon see him again."</p> - -<p>"May you be saying the truth, dear child!"</p> - -<p>"I am so convinced of it, mamita, that I will not sit down to table -till he arrives."</p> - -<p>"Well, you will not have to wait long, hijita," the old man said, as he -re-entered the rancho.</p> - -<p>"Is he coming?" the mother joyously exclaimed, as she furtively wiped -away a tear.</p> - -<p>"I knew it," the maiden remarked.</p> - -<p>"There, do you hear his horse?" the old man said. In fact, the furious -gallop of a horse echoed in the forest, and approached with the -rapidity of a hurricane. The two females darted to the door. At this -moment a horseman appeared on the skirt of the clearing, riding at full -speed, with his hair floating in the breeze, and his face animated by -the speed at which he rode. This horseman, who was powerfully and yet -gracefully built, and had a manly, energetic face, was Mariano, the -tigrero. His dog, a black and white Newfoundland, with powerful chest -and enormous head, was running by the side of the horse, and looking up -intelligently every moment.</p> - -<p>"¡Viva Dios! ¡Querida tocaya!" the young man exclaimed, as he leaped -from his horse. "I am glad to see you, for I was afraid that I should -arrive too late. Bigote," he added, addressing his dog and throwing -the bridle to it, which the animal seized with its mouth, "lead Moreno -to the corral."</p> - -<p>The dog immediately proceeded thither, followed by the horse, while -Mariano and the two females returned to the rancho. The young man -kissed his father's forehead, and took his hand, saying, "Good morning, -papa!" and then returned to his mother, whom he embraced several times.</p> - -<p>"Cruel child," she said to him, "why did you delay so long?"</p> - -<p>"Pay no attention to what your mother says, muchacho," the old man -remarked; "she is foolish."</p> - -<p>"Fie! You must not say that!" the young lady exclaimed; "You would do -better in scolding Mariano, for I, too, felt alarmed."</p> - -<p>"Do not be angry with me," the young man replied; "I have been for some -days on the track of a family of jaguars, which is prowling about the -neighbourhood, and I could not possibly come sooner."</p> - -<p>"Are they about here?"</p> - -<p>"No; they are prowlers brought here by the drought; and are the more -dangerous because, as they do not belong to these parts, they rest -where they please—sometimes at one place, sometimes at another, and it -becomes very difficult to follow their trail."</p> - -<p>"I only hope they will not think of coming here," the mother said, -anxiously.</p> - -<p>"I do not believe they will, for wild beasts shun the vicinity of man. -Still, Doña Marianna had better, for some days to come, restrict her -rides, and not venture too far into the forest."</p> - -<p>"What can I have to fear?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, I hope; still it is better to act prudently. Wild beasts are -animals whose habits it is very difficult to discover, especially when -they are in unknown parts, as these are."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" the young lady said, with a laugh; "You are trying to -frighten me, tocayo."</p> - -<p>"Do not believe that; I will accompany you with Bigote to the hacienda."</p> - -<p>The dog, which had returned to its master's side after performing its -duties, wagged its tail, and looked up in her face.</p> - -<p>"I will not allow that, tocayo," the young lady replied, as she passed -her hand through the dog's silky coat, and pulled its ears; "let Bigote -have a rest. I came alone, and will return alone; and mounted on Negro, -I defy the tigers to catch me up, unless they are ambuscaded on my -road."</p> - -<p>"Still, niña—" Mariano objected.</p> - -<p>"Not a word more on the subject, tocayo, I beg; let us breakfast, -for I am literally dying of hunger; and were the tigers here," she -added, with a laugh, "they might frighten me, but not deprive me of my -appetite."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> - -<h3>LOST!</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>They sat down to table; but the meal, in spite of Doña Marianna's -efforts to enliven it, suffered from the anxiety which two of the party -felt, and tried in vain to conceal. The tigrero was vexed with his -foster sister for not letting him accompany her, for he had not liked -to express his fears, lest the young lady on her return to the hacienda -might meet the ferocious animals he had been pursuing for some days -past, without being able to shoot them.</p> - -<p>The jaguar, which, is very little known in Europe, is one of the -scourges of Mexico, and would figure advantageously in zoological -gardens. There is only one in the Parisian Jardin des Plantes, and -that is a very small specimen. Let us describe this animal, which is -more feared by the Indians and white men of North America, than is the -lion by the Arabs. The jaguar <i>(Felis onca, or onza)</i> is, next to the -tiger and lion, the largest of the animals of its genus; it is the -great wild cat of Cuvier, and is called indiscriminately "the American -tiger," and the "panther of the furriers." It is a quadruped of the -feline race; its total length is about nine feet, and its height about -twenty-seven inches. Its skin is handsome, and in great request; while -of a bright tawny hue on the back, it is marked on the head, neck, and -along the flanks with black spots: the lower part of the body is white, -with irregular black spots.</p> - -<p>But few animals escape the pursuit of the jaguar: it obstinately hunts -horses, bulls, and buffaloes; it does not hesitate to leap into rivers -to catch certain fish it is fond of, fights the alligator, devours -otters and picas, and wages a cruel warfare with the monkeys, owing to -its agility, which enables it to mount to the top of trees, even when -they are devoid of branches, and upwards of eighty feet high. Although, -like all the carnivora of the New World, it shuns the proximity of man, -it does not hesitate to attack him when urged by hunger or tracked by -hunters; in such cases it fights with the utmost bravery, and does not -dream of flight.</p> - -<p>Such were the animals the tigrero had been pursuing for the last few -days, and had not been able to catch up. According to the sign he had -found, the jaguars were four in number—the male, female, and two cubs. -We can now understand what the young man's terror must be on thinking -of the terrible dangers to which his foster sister ran a risk of being -exposed on her return to the hacienda: but he knew Doña Marianna too -well to hope he could make her recall her decision. Hence, he did not -try to bring the conversation back to the subject, but resolved to -follow her at a distance, in order to come to her aid if circumstances -required it.</p> - -<p>As always happens under such circumstances, Doña Marianna, seeing that -no one referred again to the jaguars, was the first to talk about -them, asking her foster brother the details of their appearance in -the country, and the mischief they had done, in what way he meant to -surprise them, and a multitude of other questions; to which the young -man replied most politely, but limiting himself to brief answers, and -without launching into details, which are generally so agreeable to -a hunter. The tigrero displayed such laconism in the information he -gave the young lady, that the latter, vexed in spite of herself at -seeing him so cold upon a subject to which he had seemed to attach -such importance a few moments before, began jeering him, and ended by -saying, with a mocking look, that she was convinced he had only said -what he did to frighten her, and that the jaguars had only existed in -his imagination. Mariano gaily endured the raillery, confessed that he -had perhaps displayed more anxiety than the affair deserved, and taking -down a jarabe that hung on the wall, he began strumming a fandango with -the back of his hand, in order to turn the conversation.</p> - -<p>Several hours passed in laughing, talking, and singing. When the moment -for departure at length arrived, Mariano went to the corral to fetch -the young lady's horse, saddled it with the utmost care, and led it to -the door of the rancho, after saddling his own horse, so that he might -start so soon as Doña Marianna was out of sight of the rancho.</p> - -<p>"You remained a long time in the corral, tocayo," she said with a -laugh; "pray, have you discovered any suspicious sign?"</p> - -<p>"No, Niña; but as I am also going to leave the rancho, after saddling -your horse, I saddled mine."</p> - -<p>"Of course you are going to hunt your strange jaguars again?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, of course," he answered.</p> - -<p>"Well," she said, with feigned terror, "if you do meet them, pray do -not miss them."</p> - -<p>"I will do all in my power to avoid that, because I desire to make you -a present of their skins, in order to prove to you that they really -existed."</p> - -<p>"I thank you for your gallantry, Tocayo," she replied with a laugh; -"but you know the proverb—'A hunter must not sell the skin of -a—jaguar, before—'"</p> - -<p>"Well, well, we shall soon know who is right, and who wrong," he -interrupted her.</p> - -<p>The maiden, still laughing, embraced the ranchero and his wife, lightly -bounded into the saddle, and bending down gracefully offered her hand -to Mariano.</p> - -<p>"We part friends, tocayo," she said to him. "Are you coming my way?"</p> - -<p>"I ought to do so."</p> - -<p>"Then why not accompany me?"</p> - -<p>"Because you would suppose, Niña, that I wished to escort you."</p> - -<p>"Ha! Ha! Ha!" the young lady said, merrily; "I had forgotten your -proposal of this morning. Well, I hope you will be successful in your -bunt; and so, good-bye till tomorrow. Come, Negro."</p> - -<p>After uttering these words, she gave a parting wave of the hand to her -nurse, and started at a gallop. The young man, after watching her for -a while, to be certain of the road she followed, then re-entered the -rancho, took his gun, and loaded it with all the care which hunters -display in this operation, when they believe that life depends on the -accuracy of their aim.</p> - -<p>"Are you really about to start at once?" his mother asked him, -anxiously.</p> - -<p>"At once, mother."</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?"</p> - -<p>"To follow my foster sister to the hacienda, without her seeing me."</p> - -<p>"That is a good idea. Do you fear any danger for her?"</p> - -<p>"Not the slightest. But it is a long distance from here to the -hacienda; the Indians are moving, it is said. We are no great distance -from the border, and, as no one can foresee the future, I do not wish -my sister to be exposed to any chance encounter."</p> - -<p>"Excellently reasoned, muchacho. The niña is wrong in thus crossing the -forest alone."</p> - -<p>"Poor child!" the ranchero said; "An accident happens so easily; lose -no time, muchacho, but be off. On reflection, I think you ought to have -insisted on accompanying her."</p> - -<p>"You know, father, she would not have consented."</p> - -<p>"That is true; it is better that it should be as it is, for she will -be protected without knowing it. The first time I see Don Ruiz, I will -recommend him not to let his sister go out thus alone, for times are -not good."</p> - -<p>But the young man was no longer listening to his father: so soon as his -gun was loaded, he left the rancho, followed by his dog. Two minutes -later he was in the saddle, and riding at full speed in the direction -taken by Doña Marianna.</p> - -<p>So soon as the young lady found herself at a sufficient distance from -the rancho, she had checked her horse's pace, which was now proceeding -at an amble. It was about five in the afternoon; the evening breeze -was rising, and gently waving the tufted crests of the trees; the -sun, now almost level with the ground, only appeared on the horizon in -the shape of a reddish globe; the atmosphere, refreshed by the breeze, -was perfumed by the gentle emanations from the flowers and herbs; the -birds, aroused from the heavy lethargy produced by the heat, were -singing beneath all the branches, and filling the air with their joyous -songs.</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna, whose mind was impressionable, and open to all -sensations, gently yielded to the impressions of this scene, which was -so full of ineffable harmony, and gradually forgetting where she was -and surrounding objects, had fallen into a voluptuous reverie. What was -she meditating? She certainly could not have said; she was yielding -unconsciously to the influence of this lovely evening, and travelling -into that glorious country of fancy of which life is but too often the -nightmare. Doña Marianna was too young, too simple, and too pure yet -to possess any memory either sad or sweet; her life had hitherto been -an uninterrupted succession of sunshiny days; but she was a woman, and -listened for the beatings of her heart, which she was surprised at not -hearing. With that curiosity which is innate in her sex, the maiden -tried with a timid hand to raise a corner of the veil that covered the -future, and to divine mysteries which are incomprehensible, so long as -love has not revealed them by sufferings, joy, or grief.</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna had rather a long ride through the forest before reaching -the plain; but she had so often ridden the road at all hours of the -day, she was so thoroughly persuaded that no danger menaced her, that -she let the bridle hang on her horse's neck, while she plunged deeper -and deeper into the delicious reverie which had seized on her. In the -meanwhile, the shades grew deeper; the birds had concealed themselves -in the foliage, and ceased their songs; the sun had disappeared, and -the hot red beams it had left on the horizon were beginning to die -out; the wind blew with greater force through the branches, which -uttered long murmurs; the sky was assuming deeper tints, and night -was rapidly approaching. Already the shrill cries of the coyotes rose -in the quebradas and in the unexplored depths of the forest; hoarse -yells disturbed the silence, and announced the awakening of the savage -denizens of the forest.</p> - -<p>All at once a long, startling, strident howl, bearing some resemblance -to the miauling of a cat, burst through the air, and fell on the -maiden's ear with an ill-omened echo. Suddenly startled from her -reverie, Doña Marianna looked up, and took an anxious glance around -her. A slight shudder of fear passed over her body, for her horse, so -long left to its own devices, had left the beaten track, and the maiden -found herself in a part of the forest unknown to her—she had lost her -way. A person lost in an American forest is dead!</p> - -<p>These forests are generally entirely composed of trees of the same -family, which render it impossible to guide oneself, unless gifted with -that miraculous intuition which the Indians and hunters possess, and -which enables them to march with certainty in the most inextricable -labyrinths. Wherever the eye may turn, it only perceives immense -arcades of verdure, infinitely prolonged, wearying the eye by their -desperate monotony, and only crossed at intervals by the tracks of -wild beasts, which are mixed strangely together, and eventually lead -to unknown watering places, nameless streams, that run silently and -gloomily beneath the covert, and whose windings cannot possibly be -followed.</p> - -<p>The spot where the maiden was, was one of the most deserted in the -forest; the trees, of prodigious height and size, grew closely -together, and were connected by a network of lianas, which, growing -in every direction, formed an impassable wall; from the end of the -branches hung, in long festoons to the ground, that greyish moss known -as Spanish beard, while the tall straight grass that everywhere covered -the ground, showed that human foot had not trodden the soil here for -a lengthened period. The maiden felt an invincible terror seize upon -her. Night had almost completely set in; then the stories her foster -brother had told her in the morning about the jaguars returned to her -mind in a flood, and were rendered more terrible by the darkness that -surrounded her, and the mournful howling that burst forth on all sides. -She shuddered, and turned pale as death at the thought of the fearful -danger to which she had so imprudently exposed herself.</p> - -<p>Then, collecting all her strength for a last appeal, she uttered a cry; -but her voice died out without raising an echo. She was alone—lost in -the desert by night. What could she do? What would become of her?</p> - -<p>The maiden tried to find the route by which she had come, but the road -followed haphazard through the herbage no longer existed; the grass -trodden by her horse's hoof had sprung up again behind it. Moreover, -the night was so dark that Doña Marianna could not see four paces ahead -of her; and she soon found that her efforts to find the road would -only result in leading her further astray. Under such circumstances, -a man would have been in a comparatively far less dangerous position. -He could have lit a fire to combat the night chill, and keep the wild -beasts at bay; in the event of an attack, his weapons would have -allowed him to defend himself: but Doña Marianna had not the means -to light a fire; she had no weapons, and had she possessed them, -she would not have known how to use them. She was forced to remain -motionless at the spot where she was for the whole night, at the hazard -of dying of cold or terror.</p> - -<p>This position was frightful. How she now regretted her imprudent -confidence, which was the cause of what was now occurring! But it was -too late; neither complaints nor recrimination aught availed. She must -yield to her fate. With energetic natures, however little accustomed -they may be to peril, when that peril proves inevitable, and they -recognise that nothing can protect them from it, a reaction takes -place; their thoughts become clearer, their courage grows with their -will, and they accept, with a proud and resolute resignation, all the -consequences of the danger they are compelled to confront, however -terrible they may be. This was what happened to the maiden when she -perceived that she was really lost. A profound despair seized upon -her—for a moment the weakness natural to her sex gained the upper -hand, and she fell sobbing on the ground; but gradually the reaction -set in, and, pious as all Spanish women are, she clasped her bands, and -addressed a fervent and touching prayer to God, who was her last hope.</p> - -<p>It has been justly said that prayer not only consoles, but strengthens -and restores hope. Prayer, with those who sincerely believe, is the -expression of the real feelings of the soul; only those who have looked -death in the face, either on the battlefield or during a storm at sea, -will understand the sublimity of prayer—the last appeal of the weak -victim to the omnipotent Intelligence which can alone save him. Doña -Marianna prayed, and then rose calmer, and, above all, stronger. She -had placed herself in the hands of Deity, and, in her simple faith, was -convinced that He would not abandon her.</p> - -<p>Her horse, whose bridle she had not let loose, was standing motionless -by her side. The maiden gently patted the noble animal, the only friend -left to her; then, by a sudden inspiration, she began unfastening the -girths, tearing her little hands without knowing it, and lacerating her -fingers with the iron tongues of the buckles.</p> - -<p>"Poor Negro," she said, in a soft voice, as she removed the trappings, -"you must not be the victim of my imprudence; resume your liberty; for -the noble instinct with which your Creator has endowed you will perhaps -enable you to find your road. Go, my poor Negro; you are now free."</p> - -<p>The animal gave a whinnying of delight, made a prodigious leap, and -disappeared in the darkness. Doña Marianna was alone—really alone, now.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> - -<h3>STRONGHAND.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>It is impossible to imagine what terrors night brings with it under -its thick mantle of mist, when the earth is no longer warmed by the -sparkling sunbeams, and darkness reigns as supreme lord. At that time -everything changes its aspects, and assumes in the flickering rays -of the moon a fantastic appearance; the mountains seem loftier, the -rivers wider and deeper; the trees resemble spectres—gloomy denizens -of the tomb, watching for you to pass, and ready to clutch you in their -fleshless arms. The imagination becomes heated, ideas grow confused, -you tremble at the fall of a leaf, at the moaning of the night breeze, -at the breakage of a branch; and, suffering from a horrible nightmare, -you fancy at every moment that your last hour is at hand.</p> - -<p>In the American forests, night has mysteries still more terrible. -Beneath these immense domes of verdure, which the sun is powerless -to pierce even at midday, and which remain constantly buried in an -undecided clear obscure, the darkness may, so to speak, be felt; -nothing could produce a flash in this chaos, excepting, perhaps, -the luminous eyeballs of the wild beasts, that dart electric sparks -from the thickets. Here Night is truly the mistress; the darkness is -peopled by the sinister denizens of the forest, whom the obscurity -drives from their unknown hiding places, and who begin their mournful -prowling in search of prey. From each clump, from each ravine, issue -confused sounds that have no name in human language; some clear and -sharp, others hoarse and low, and others, again resembling miauling, -or sardonic laughter, are blended in horrible concert. Then come the -heavy footfalls on the ground, and the sullen flapping of birds' wings, -as well as that incessant indistinct murmur, which is nought else but -the continual buzz of the infinitely little, mingled with the hollow -moan always heard in the desert, and which is only the breath of Nature -travailing with her incomprehensible secrets. A night passed in the -forest, without fire or weapons, is a terrible thing for a man; but the -situation becomes far more frightful for a woman—a girl—a frail and -delicate creature, accustomed to all the comforts of life, and unable -to find within herself those thousand resources which a strong man, -habituated to struggle, manages to procure, even in the most desperate -situations.</p> - -<p>Without dwelling further on the subject, the reader can imagine without -difficulty the painful situation in which Doña Marianna found herself. -So long as she could hear the sound of her horse's hoofs, as it fled -at full speed, she stood with her body bent forward and outstretched -ears, attaching herself to life, and, perchance, to hope, through the -sound which was so familiar to her; but when it had died out in the -distance, when a leaden silence once again weighed on her, the maiden -shuddered, and, folding her hands on her chest, sank in a half-fainting -condition at the foot of a tree—no longer thinking or hoping, but -awaiting death. For what succour could she expect in the tomb of -verdure, which, though so spacious, was not the less secure?</p> - -<p>How long did she remain plunged in this state of prostration, which -was only an anticipated death—one hour or five minutes? She could not -have said. For wretched people, whom everything, even hope, abandons, -time seems to stand still—minutes become ages, and an hour seems as -if it would never end. All at once a feeble, almost indistinguishable -sound smote her ear, and she instinctively listened. This sound grew -louder with every second, and ere long she could not be mistaken; it -was a rapid mad gallop through the forest. This sound Doña Marianna -recognised with terror; for it was produced by the return of her -horse. For the noble animal to come back with such velocity, it must -be pursued, and that closely, by ferocious animals, such was Doña -Marianna's idea, and, unfortunately, she only too soon recognised its -correctness. The horse gave a snort of terror, which was immediately -answered by two loud, sharp growls. Then, as if dreaming, Doña Marianna -heard prodigious leaps; she saw ill-omened shadows pass before her with -the rapidity of a lightning flash, and then a fearful struggle, in -which groans of agony were mingled with yells of delight.</p> - -<p>However terrible the maiden's position might be she felt tears slowly -course down her cheeks—her horse, her last comrade, had succumbed—the -liberty she had granted it had only precipitated its destruction. -Strange to say, though, at this supreme moment Doña Marianna did -not think for an instant that the death of her horse probably only -preceded her own by a brief space, and that it was a sinister warning -to her to prepare for being devoured.</p> - -<p>When terror has attained a certain degree, a strange effect is produced -upon the individual; animal life still exists in the sense that the -arteries pulsate, the heart palpitates; but intellectual life is -completely suspended; the brain, struck by a temporary paralysis, no -longer receives the thought; the eyes look without seeing; the voice -itself cannot force its way through the contracted throat; in a word, -terror produces a partial catalepsy, by destroying for a period, longer -or shorter, all the noblest faculties of man. Doña Marianna had reached -such a point that, even had she possessed the means of flight, she -would have been incapable of employing them, so thoroughly was every -feeling extinct in her—even the instinct of self-preservation, which -usually remains when all the others are destroyed.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the girl, the jaguars—for there were several of -them—were to leeward; moreover, they had tasted blood, and this was a -double reason which temporarily saved her, by depriving their scent of -nearly all its delicacy. No other sound was audible, save that produced -by the crushing of the horse's bones, which the wild beasts were -devouring, mingled with growls of anger, when one of the banqueters -tried to encroach on its neighbour's share of the booty. There could be -no doubt about the fact; the animals enjoying this horrible repast were -the jaguars, so long hunted by the tigrero, and which her evil star had -brought across the maiden's track.</p> - -<p>By degrees, Doña Marianna became—not familiarized with the danger -hanging over her head, for that would have been impossible; but as, -according to the law of nature, anything that reaches its culminating -point must begin to descend, her first terror, though it did not -abandon her, produced a strange phenomenon. She felt involuntarily -attracted towards these horrible animals, whose black outlines she -could distinguish moving in the darkness; suffering from a species of -vertigo with her body bent forward, and her eyes immoderately dilated, -without, even accounting for the strange feeling that urged her to -act thus, she kept her eyes eagerly fixed upon them, following with a -febrile interest their slightest movements, and experiencing at the -sight a feeling of inexplicable pleasure, which produced a mingled -shudder of joy and pain. Let who will try to explain this singular -anomaly of human nature; but the fact is certain, and among our readers -many will, doubtless, bear witness to its truth.</p> - -<p>All at once the jaguars, which had hitherto been greedily engaged with -the corpse of the horse, without thinking of anything beyond making -a hearty meal, raised their heads and began sniffing savagely. Doña -Marianna saw their eyes, sparkling like live coals, fixed upon her; -she understood that she was lost; instinctively she closed her eyes -to escape the fascination of those metallic eyeballs, which seemed in -the darkness to emit electric sparks, and prepared to die. Still the -jaguars did not stir; they were crouching on the remains of the horse, -and, while continuing to gaze at the maiden, gracefully passed their -paws over their ears with a purr of pleasure—in a word, they were -coquettishly performing their toilet, appearing not only most pleased -with the meal they had just ended, but with that which was awaiting -them.</p> - -<p>Still, in spite of the calmness affected by the two animals—for the -cubs were sleeping, rolled up like kittens—it was evident that for -some unknown motive they were restless; they lashed the ground with -their weighty tails, or laid back their ears with a roar of anger, -and, turning their heads in all directions, sniffed the air. They -scented a danger; but of what nature was it? As for Doña Marianna, they -appeared so sure of seizing her whenever they thought proper, and saw -how harmless she was, that they contented themselves with crouching -before her, and did not deign to advance a step. All at once the male, -without stirring, uttered a sharp, quick yell. The female rose, bounded -forward, seized one of her cubs in her mouth, and with one backward -leap disappeared in a thicket; almost immediately she reappeared, -and removed the second in the same way; then she returned calmly and -boldly to place herself by the side of the male, whose anxiety had now -attained formidable proportions.</p> - -<p>At the same instant a flash traversed the air—a shot echoed far and -wide—and the male jaguar writhed on the ground with a roar of agony. -Almost immediately a man dashed from the tree at the foot of which Doña -Mariana was crouching, stood in front of her, and received the shock -of the female, which, at the shot, had instinctively bounded forward. -The man tottered, but for all that kept his feet: there was a frightful -struggle for a few minutes, and then the jaguar fell back with a last -and fearful yell.</p> - -<p>"Come," the hunter said, as he wiped on the grass the long machete with -which he had stabbed the beast, "my arrangements were well made, but I -fancy that I arrived only just in time. Now for the cubs; for I must -not show mercy to any member of this horrible family."</p> - -<p>Then this man, who seemed to possess the faculty of seeing in the -darkness, walked without hesitation towards the spot where the female -had hidden her cubs. He resolutely entered the thicket, and came out -again almost immediately, holding a cub in either hand. He smashed -their heads against the trunk of a tree, and threw the bodies on those -of their father and mother.</p> - -<p>"That is a very tidy butchery," he said; "but what on earth is Don -Hernando's tigrero about, that I am obliged to do his work?"</p> - -<p>While saying this, the hunter had collected all the dry wood within -reach, struck a light, and within a few minutes a bright flame -rose skywards. This duly accomplished, the stranger hurried to the -assistance of Doña Marianna, who had fainted.</p> - -<p>"Poor girl!" he muttered, with an accent of gentle pity, as he lifted -her in his arms, and carried her to the fire; "How is it that the -fright has not killed her?"</p> - -<p>He gently laid her on some firs he had arranged for her bed, and gazed -at her for a moment with a look of delight impossible to describe. But -then he felt considerably embarrassed. Accustomed to the hardships of -a desert life, and a skilful hunter as he had proved himself, this man -was naturally a very poor sick nurse. He knew how, at a pinch, to dress -a wound or extract a bullet, but he was quite ignorant how to bring a -fainting woman round.</p> - -<p>"Still, I cannot leave her in this state, poor girl," gazing on her -sorrowfully; "but what am I to do?—how can I relieve her?"</p> - -<p>At length he knelt down by the young lady's side, gently raised her -lovely head, which he laid on his knee, and, opening with his dagger -point her closed lips, poured in a few drops of Catalonian refino -contained in a gourd. The effect of this remedy was instantaneous. A -nervous tremour passed over the maiden's body; she heaved a sigh, and -opened her lips. At the first moment she looked around her wildly, but -ideas seemed gradually to return to her brain; her contracted features -grew brighter, and fixing her eyes on the hunter, who was still bending -over her, she muttered, with an expression of gratitude which made the -young man's heart beat, "Stronghand!"</p> - -<p>"Have you recognised me, señorita?" he exclaimed, with joyous surprise.</p> - -<p>"Are you not my Providence?" she answered. "Do you not always arrive -when I have to be saved from some fearful danger?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, señorita!" he murmured, in great embarrassment.</p> - -<p>"Thanks! Thanks, my saviour!" she continued, seizing his hand, -and pressing it to her heart; "Thanks for having come to my help, -Stronghand, for this time again. I should have been lost without you."</p> - -<p>"I really believe," he said, with a smile, "that I arrived just in -time."</p> - -<p>"But how is it that you came so opportunely?" she asked, curiously, as -she sat up and wrapped herself in the furs, for the feminine instinct -had regained its power over her.</p> - -<p>At this question, simple though it was, the hunter turned red.</p> - -<p>"Oh," he said, "it is very simple. I have been hunting in these parts -for some days past. I had tracked this family of jaguars, which I -obstinately determined to kill, I know not why; but now I understand -that it was a presentiment. After pursuing them all day, I had lost -them out of sight, and was seeking their trail, when your horse enabled -me to recover it."</p> - -<p>"What!—my horse?" she exclaimed, in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Do you not remember that it was I who gave you this poor Negro on our -first meeting?"</p> - -<p>"That is true," she murmured, as she let her eyes fall beneath the -hunter's ardent glance.</p> - -<p>"I saw you for a moment this morning when you were going to Sanchez' -rancho."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she remarked.</p> - -<p>"Sanchez is a friend, of mine," he continued, as if to explain his -remark.</p> - -<p>"Go on."</p> - -<p>"On seeing the horse, which I at once recognised, I feared that some -accident had happened to you, and set out after it. But the jaguars had -scented it at the same time, and in spite of my thorough acquaintance -with this forest, it was impossible for me to run as fast as they did. -Luckily, they were hungry, and amused themselves by devouring poor -Negro; otherwise I should not have arrived in time."</p> - -<p>"But how was it that you came by this strange road?"</p> - -<p>"In the first place, I was bound to save your life, as I knew that if -I killed one jaguar, the other would leap upon you, in order to avenge -it."</p> - -<p>"But you ran the risk of being torn in pieces by the horrible animals," -she said, with a shudder of retrospective terror, as she thought of the -frightful dangers from which she had been so miraculously preserved.</p> - -<p>"That is possible," he said, with an unmistakable expression of joy; -"but I should have died to save you, and I desired nothing else."</p> - -<p>The maiden made no reply. Pensive and blushing, she bowed her head -on her chest. The hunter thought that he had offended her, and also -remained silent and constrained. This silence lasted several minutes. -At length Doña Marianna raised her head and offered her hand to the -young man.</p> - -<p>"Thank you again!" she said, with a gentle smile.</p> - -<p>"Your heart is good. You did not hesitate to sacrifice your life for -me, whom you scarce know, and I shall feel eternally grateful to you."</p> - -<p>"I am too amply repaid for my services by these words, señorita," he -replied, with marked hesitation; "still I have a favour to ask you, and -I should be pleased if you would deign to grant it."</p> - -<p>"Oh, speak, speak! Tell me what I can do!"</p> - -<p>"I know not how to explain it; my request will appear to you so -strange, so singular—perhaps so indiscreet."</p> - -<p>"Speak; for I feel convinced that the favour you pretend to ask of me -is merely another service you wish to render me."</p> - -<p>Stronghand bent a searching glance on the maiden, and then seemed to -make up his mind.</p> - -<p>"Well, señorita," he said, "it is this:—should you ever, for any -reason neither you nor I can foresee, need advice, or the help of a -friend, either for yourself or any member of your family, do nothing -till you have seen me, and explained to me unreservedly the motives -that impelled you to come to me."</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna reflected, while the hunter gazed at her attentively.</p> - -<p>"Be it so," she at length said; "I promise to act as you wish. But how -am I to find you?"</p> - -<p>"Your foster brother is my friend, señorita; you will request him to -lead you to me, and he will do so; or, if you prefer it, you can warn -me through him to proceed to any place you may point out."</p> - -<p>"Agreed."</p> - -<p>"I can count on your promise?"</p> - -<p>"Have I not passed my word?"</p> - -<p>All at once a loud noise, resembling the passage of a wild beast, was -heard in the forest glade; the maiden started, and instinctively clung -to the hunter.</p> - -<p>"Fear nothing, señorita," the latter said; "do you not recognise a -friend?"</p> - -<p>At the same moment the tigrero's dog leaped up to fondle her, followed -almost instantaneously by Mariano.</p> - -<p>"Heaven be blessed!" he said, joyfully, "She is saved!" and pressing -the hunter's hand cordially, he added, "Thanks; it is a service I owe -you, brother."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE RETURN.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>How was it that the tigrero, whom we saw leave the rancho almost as -soon as Doña Marianna, and follow in her track, arrived so late? We -will explain this in a few sentences. The young man, feeling certain -that his foster sister thoroughly knew the road she had to follow, -which was, moreover, properly traced, had not dreamed of the chance of -her missing her way, and not troubling himself to follow the horse's -footmarks, he pushed straight on, fancying Doña Marianna ahead of him, -crossed the forest, and then entered the plain, without perceiving the -person he fancied he was following.</p> - -<p>Still, on reaching the cultivated land, he looked carefully ahead of -him, for he was surprised at the advance the young lady had gained on -him in so short a time. But, though he examined the horizon all around, -he saw nothing of her. Mariano was beginning to grow anxious; still, -as there was a chaparral some distance ahead, whose tufted trees might -conceal her whom he sought, he became reassured, and pushed onward, -increasing the already rapid pace of his steed. It took him some time -to pass through the chaparral; when he reached its skirt, and again -entered the plain, the sun had set about half an hour previously, and -darkness was invading the earth; the darkness was, indeed, so thick, -that in spite of all his exertions, he could distinguish nothing a few -paces ahead of him.</p> - -<p>The tigrero halted, dismounted, placed his ear on the ground, and -listened. A moment later he heard, or fancied he heard, a distant -sound resembling a horse's gallop; his alarm was at once dissipated. -Convinced that the young lady was in front of him, he mounted again and -pushed on. As he was only two leagues from the Hacienda del Toro, he -soon reached the foot of the rock. Here he stopped, and asked himself -whether he had better go up, or regard his mission as fulfilled, and -turn back. While unable to form any decision, he saw a black outline -gliding along the path, and soon distinguished a horseman coming toward -him.</p> - -<p>"<i>Buena noche, Caballero</i>," he said, when the latter crossed him.</p> - -<p>"<i>Dios le de a usted buena</i>," the other politely replied, and he passed -on, but suddenly turned round again. The tigrero rode to meet him.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the horseman said, when they met, "I felt sure that I was not -mistaken. How is No Mariano?"</p> - -<p>"Very well, and at your service," the tigrero answered, recognising the -majordomo; "and you, No Paredes?"</p> - -<p>"The same, thank you; are you going up to the toro, or returning to the -rancho?"</p> - -<p>"Why that question?"</p> - -<p>"Because in the former case I would bid you good night, while in the -latter we would ride together."</p> - -<p>"Are you going to the rancho?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; the Señor Marquis has sent me."</p> - -<p>"Tell me, No Paredes, would there be any indiscretion on my part in -asking you what you are going to do at the rancho at so late an hour?"</p> - -<p>"Not the slightest, compadre. I am simply going to fetch Doña Marianna, -who has remained today later than usual with her nurse. Her father is -anxious about her long absence, and asked me to go and meet her if she -were on her road home, or if not, push on to the rancho."</p> - -<p>This revelation was a thunderclap for the young man, who fancied that -he had misunderstood.</p> - -<p>"What!" he exclaimed, anxiously, "Is not Doña Marianna at the hacienda?"</p> - -<p>"It seems not," the majordomo answered, "since I am going to fetch her."</p> - -<p>"Why, that is impossible!" the other continued, in extreme agitation.</p> - -<p>"Why so?" said Paredes, beginning to grow anxious in his turn. "What do -you mean?"</p> - -<p>"I mean that Doña Marianna left the rancho full three hours ago; that I -followed her without her knowledge to watch over her safety, and that -she must have been at the hacienda for more than half an hour."</p> - -<p>"Are you quite sure of what you assert?"</p> - -<p>"¡Caray! I have asserted it."</p> - -<p>"In that case, Heaven have pity on the poor girl! For I apprehend a -frightful misfortune."</p> - -<p>"But she may have entered the hacienda without your seeing her."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense, compadre; that is impossible. But come, we'll convince -ourselves."</p> - -<p>Without losing time in longer argument the two men dashed up the -rock at a gallop, and in a few minutes reached the first gate of the -hacienda. No one had seen Doña Marianna. The alarm was instantly -given; Don Hernando wished to ride off at the head of his people, and -beat up the country in search of his daughter; and it was with great -difficulty that he was induced to abandon the project. Don Ruiz and -the majordomo, followed by some twenty peons, provided with ocote wood -torches, started in two different directions.</p> - -<p>Mariano had an idea of his own. When he was quite certain that his -foster sister had not returned, he presumed the truth—that she was -lost in the forest. He did not consider for a moment that she had been -carried off by Indian marauders, for he had not noticed any trace of a -party of horsemen; and Bigote, whose nose was infallible, had evinced -no anxiety during the ride. Hence Doña Marianna must be lost in the -forest. The tigrero let Don Ruiz, the majordomo, and the peons pass -him, and then bent his steps towards the rancho, closely followed -by his dog, in spite of the exhortations of his young master and No -Paredes, who wanted him to accompany them. When he was in the forest -he stopped for a moment, as if to look round him; then, after most -carefully examining the spot where he was, he dismounted, fastened his -horse's bridle to the pommel, tied the stirrups together to keep them -from clanking, and gave his horse a friendly smack on the crupper.</p> - -<p>"Go along, Moreno," he said to it; "return to the rancho. I shall not -want you again tonight."</p> - -<p>The horse turned its fine intelligent head to its master, gave a -neigh of pleasure, and started at a gallop in the direction of the -rancho. The tigrero carefully examined his gun, the priming of which -he renewed, and began inspecting the ground by the light of a torch. -Bigote, gravely seated on its hind legs, followed its master's every -movement, and was evidently much perplexed. After a very lengthened -search, the tigrero probably found what he was looking for, for he rose -with an air of satisfaction, and whistled his dog, which at once ran up.</p> - -<p>"Bigote," he said, "smell these marks; they were made by the horse of -your mistress, Marianna; do you recognise them?"</p> - -<p>The noble animal did as its master ordered, then fixed its sparkling -eyes upon him with an almost human expression, and wagged its tail with -delight.</p> - -<p>"Good, Bigote! Good, my famous dog!" the tigrero continued, as he -patted it; "And now let us follow the trail; forward, Bigote, pick it -up clean."</p> - -<p>The dog hesitated for a moment, then it set out with its nose to the -ground, closely followed by its master, who had extinguished his torch, -which would henceforth be useless. But all we have narrated occupied -considerable time; and the tigrero would have arrived too late to save -the maiden, had not Heaven sent the hunter across her path. The dog did -not once check its speed through the numberless windings of the course -Negro had followed; and master and dog together reached the spot where -the horrible drama we recently described occurred.</p> - -<p>"When I heard Stronghand's shot," the tigrero added, as he concluded -his narrative, "I experienced a sound of deadly agony, for I understood -that a frightful struggle was going on at the moment, and that the -beast might conquer the man. Well, tocaya, will you now believe in the -jaguars?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, silence, Mariano!" the young lady said, with a shudder; "I almost -went mad with terror when I saw the eyes of the horrible animals fixed -upon me. Oh! Had it not been for this brave and honest hunter, I should -have been lost."</p> - -<p>"Brave and honest, indeed!" the tigrero, said, with frank affection; -"You are right, señorita, for Stronghand might just as fairly be called -Goodheart, for he is ever so ready to assist strangers, and relieve the -unfortunate."</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna listened with lively pleasure to this praise of the man -who had saved her life; but Stronghand felt terribly embarrassed, and -suffered in his heart at a deed which he thought so simple, and which -he was so delighted to have done, being rated so highly.</p> - -<p>"Come, come, Mariano," he said, in order to cut short the young man's -compliments, "we cannot remain here any longer; remember that while -we are quietly resting by the fireside and talking nonsense, this -young lady's father and brother are suffering from deadly anxiety, and -scouring the plain without any hope of finding her. We must arrange how -to get away from here as soon as possible, and return to the hacienda."</p> - -<p>"Caray, master, you are right, as usual; but what is to be done? Both -you and I are on foot, and we cannot dream for a moment that the -señorita could walk such a distance."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I am strong," she said with a smile; "under your escort, my -friends, I fear nothing, and can walk."</p> - -<p>"No, señorita," the hunter said, with an accent of gentle authority, -"your strength would betray your courage; on so dark a night, and -in a forest like this, a man accustomed to desert life could hardly -expect to walk without falling at every step. Put yourself in our -hands, for we know better than you do what is best to be done under the -circumstances."</p> - -<p>"Very good," she answered; "act as you think proper. I have suffered -enough already today, by refusing to listen to the advice of my tocayo, -to prevent me being obstinate now."</p> - -<p>"That is the way to talk," the tigrero said gaily. "What are we going -to do, Stronghand?"</p> - -<p>"While you skin the jaguars—for I suppose you do not wish to leave -them as they are—"</p> - -<p>"What!" the tigrero interrupted him, "Those skins belong to you, and I -have no claim to them, as you killed the beasts."</p> - -<p>"Pooh!" the hunter said with a laugh, "I am not a tigrero, except by -accident; the skins are yours, and fairly so; so you had better take -them."</p> - -<p>"Since that is the case I will not decline; but as for my part, I -promised to give my foster sister the skins to make a rug, I will beg -her to accept them."</p> - -<p>"Very good," she answered, giving the hunter a look which filled him -with joy; "they will remind me of the fearful danger I incurred, and -the way in which I escaped it."</p> - -<p>"That is settled, then," the hunter said; "and I will; cut down with my -machete some branches to form a litter."</p> - -<p>"Caray, that is an idea which would not have occurred to me," Mariano -remarked, with a laugh; "but it is very simple. To work."</p> - -<p>Hunters and trappers are skilful and most expeditious men; in a -few minutes Mariano had skinned the jaguars, and Stronghand formed -the litter; the skins, after being carefully folded, were securely -fastened on the back of Bigote, who did not at all like the burden -imposed on him; but after a while he made up his mind to put up with -it. Stronghand covered the litter with leaves and grass, over which -he laid the saddlecloth of the horse the jaguars had devoured; then -he requested the young lady to seat herself on this soft divan, which -was so suddenly improvised, and the two men, taking it on their strong -shoulders, started in the direction of the hacienda, joined by Bigote, -who trotted in front with glad barks.</p> - -<p>Although the hunters had, from excess of precaution, formed torches -of ocote wood to help them, the darkness was so complete—the trees -were so close together—that it was with extreme difficulty that -they succeeded in advancing in this inextricable labyrinth. Forced -to take continual <i>detours</i>—obliged at times to walk in water up to -their waists—deafened by the discordant cries of the birds, which the -flash of the torches aroused—they saw all around them the wild beasts -flying, with hoarse roars and eyes glaring through the darkness. It -was then that Doña Marianna fully comprehended what frightful peril -she had escaped, and how certain her death would have been, had not -the hunter come to her assistance with such noble self-devotion; and -at the remembrance of all that had occurred, and which was now but a -dream, a convulsive tremor passed over her limbs, and she felt as if -she were about to faint. Stronghand, who seemed to guess what was going -on in the maiden's mind, frequently spoke to her, in order to change -the current of her ideas by compelling her to answer him. They had been -marching for a long distance, and the forest seemed as savage as when -they started.</p> - -<p>"Do you believe," Doña Marianna asked, "that we are on the right road?"</p> - -<p>"Even admitting, señora, what might be possible," the hunter answered, -"that Mariano and myself were capable of falling into an error, we have -with us an infallible guide in Bigote, who, you may be quite certain, -will not lead us astray."</p> - -<p>"Within ten minutes, señorita," the tigrero said, "we shall enter the -road that runs from the rancho to the hacienda."</p> - -<p>All at once the two men stopped. At the same moment Doña Marianna heard -shouts that seemed to answer each other in various directions.</p> - -<p>"Forward! Forward!" said Stronghand; "Let us not leave your relatives -and friends in anxiety longer than we can help."</p> - -<p>"Thanks," she answered.</p> - -<p>They continued their march; and, as the tigrero had announced, in -scarce ten minutes they reached the road to the hacienda.</p> - -<p>"What shall we do now?" Marianna asked.</p> - -<p>"I think," Stronghand answered, "that we ought to announce our presence -by a cry for help, and then proceed in the direction of those who -answer us. What is your opinion, señora?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she said, "I think we ought to do so; for otherwise we run a -risk of reaching the hacienda without meeting any of the persons sent -to seek me, and who might continue their search till morning, which -would be ingratitude on my part."</p> - -<p>"You are right, niña; for all these worthy people are attached to you, -and besides, your brother and Don Paredes are also seeking you."</p> - -<p>"That is a further reason why we should hasten to announce our return," -the young lady answered.</p> - -<p>The two hunters, after consulting for a moment, uttered together that -long shrill yell, which, in the desert as in the mountains, serves as -the rallying cry, and may be heard for an enormous distance. Almost -immediately the whole forest seemed to be aroused; similar cries broke -out in all directions, and the hunters noticed red dots running with -extreme rapidity between the trees, and all converging on the spot -where they stood, as if they radiated from a common centre. Certain -of having been heard, the hunters once again uttered their shout for -help. The reply was not delayed; the galloping of horses soon became -distinct, and then riders, holding torches, appeared from all parts of -the forest coming at full speed, waving their hands, and resembling -the fantastic huntsmen of the old German legends. In a few minutes -all the persons were assembled round the litter on which the young -lady reclined; and Don Ruiz and the majordomo were not long ere they -arrived. We will not describe the joy of brother and sister on seeing -each other again.</p> - -<p>"Brother," Doña Marianna said to Don Ruiz, "if you find me still alive, -you owe it to the man who before saved us both from the pirates of the -prairies; had it not been for him, I should have been lost."</p> - -<p>"You may safely say that, and no mistake," Marianna said, in -confirmation.</p> - -<p>"Where is he?" Don Ruiz asked—"Where is he? that I may express all my -gratitude to him."</p> - -<p>But he was sought for in vain. During the first moment of confusion, -Stronghand had summoned a peon to take his place—had glided unnoticed -into the forest and disappeared—no one being able to say in what -direction he had gone.</p> - -<p>"Why this flight?" Doña Marianna murmured, with a stifled sigh; "Does -this strange man fear lest our gratitude should prove too warm?"</p> - -<p>And she thoughtfully bowed her head on her bosom.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>CHANCE WORK.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Although he allowed nothing to be visible, Don Ruiz was vexed at heart -with the affectation the hunter seemed to display in avoiding him, and -escaping from his thanks. This savageness in a man to whom he owed -such serious obligations appeared to him to conceal either a disguised -enmity, or dark schemes whose accomplishment he feared, though he could -not assign any plausible motive for them, especially after the manner -in which the hunter had not hesitated on two occasions to imperil -his life in assisting himself and his sister. These thoughts, which -incessantly thronged to the mind of Don Ruiz, plunged him into deep -trouble for some moments; still, when the peons he had sent off to -seek the hunter all returned one after the other, declaring that they -could not possibly find his trail, the young man shook his head several -times, frowned, and then gave orders for the start.</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna's return to the hacienda was a real triumphal procession. -The peons, delighted at having found their mistress again safe and -sound, gaily bore her on their shoulders, laughing, singing, and -dancing along the road, not knowing how otherwise to express their joy, -and yet desirous to make her comprehend the pleasure they felt. In -spite of the fatigue that crushed her, and the state of exhaustion into -which she had fallen through the terrific emotions she had undergone, -Doña Marianna, sensible of these manifestations of gratitude, made -energetic efforts in order to appear to share their joy, and prove to -them how greatly she was affected by it. But, although she gave them -her sweetest smiles and gentlest words, she could not have endured much -longer the constraint, and she was really exhausted when the little -party at length reached the hacienda.</p> - -<p>The Marquis, who was suffering the most frightful agitation, had gone -to the last gate to meet them, and would possibly have gone further -still, had not Don Ruiz taken the precaution, so soon as his sister was -found, to send off a peon to tranquillize his mind and announce the -successful result. At the first moment the Marquis completely forgot -his aristocratic pride, only to think of the happiness of pressing -to his heart the child he feared he had lost for ever. Don Rufino -Contreras, carried away by the example, shared in the general joy, -and pretended to pump up a tear of sympathy while fixing on the young -lady his huge grey eyes, to which he tried in vain to give a tender -expression.</p> - -<p>The maiden threw herself with an outburst of tears into her father's -arms, and at length, yielding to her feelings, fainted—an accident -which, by arousing the anxiety of the spectators, cut short all the -demonstrations. Doña Marianna was conveyed to her apartments, and the -peons were dismissed after the majordomo had, by the order of the -Marquis, distributed among them <i>pesetas</i> and tragos of refino, which -set the crown of the delight of these worthy fellows.</p> - -<p>In spite of the offer of No Paredes, who invited him to spend the -night at the hacienda, the tigrero would not consent; and after -freeing Bigote from the jaguars' skins, which seemed to cause the dog -considerable pleasure, they both started gaily for the rancho. It was -about two o'clock, a.m., and a splendid night, and the tigrero, with -his gun under his arm and his dog at his heels, was walking at a steady -pace while whistling a merry jarana, when, just as he was entering the -shadow of the forest, Stronghand suddenly emerged from a thicket two -paces ahead of him.</p> - -<p>"Hilloh!" the tigrero said, on recognising him; "Where the deuce did -you get to just now, that it was impossible to find you? What bee was -buzzing in your bonnet?"</p> - -<p>The hunter shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Do you fancy," he replied, "that it is so very pleasant to be stared -at by those semi-idiotic peons for performing so simple a deed as mine -was?"</p> - -<p>"Well, opinions are free, compadre, and I will not argue with you on -that score; still, I should not have run off in that way."</p> - -<p>"¿Quién sabe? You are more modest than you like to show, brother; and I -feel certain that, under similar circumstances, you would have acted as -I did."</p> - -<p>"That is possible, though I do not believe it; still, I thank you," he -added, with a laugh, "for having discovered in me a quality which I was -not aware I possessed. But where on earth are you going at such an -hour?"</p> - -<p>"I was looking for you."</p> - -<p>"In that case all is for the best, since you have found me; what do you -want of me?"</p> - -<p>"To ask hospitality of you for a few days."</p> - -<p>"Our house is not large, but sufficiently so to contain a guest, -especially when you are he; you can remain with us so long as you -please."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, gossip, but I shall not abuse your complaisance; I am -obliged to remain for a few days in these parts, and, as the nights are -fresh, I will confess that I prefer passing them under a roof instead -of the star spangled arch of heaven."</p> - -<p>"As you please, Stronghand; the door of my humble rancho is ever -open to let you in or out. I do not want to know the reason for your -stay here; but the longer you remain with us, the greater honour and -pleasure you will afford us."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, comrade."</p> - -<p>All was settled in a few words. The two men continued their walk, and -soon reached the rancho. The tigrero led the hunter to his bedroom, -where they lay down side by side, and soon fell asleep. A few days -elapsed, during which the hunter saw Doña Marianna several times, -while careful not to let her notice him, although it was evident to -Stronghand that the young lady would have liked nothing better than -meeting him; perhaps she really desired it, without daring to confess -it to herself.</p> - -<p>One day, about a week after the scene with the jaguars, the hunter was -lying half asleep in a copse whose leafy branches completely hid him -from sight, and quietly enjoying his siesta during the great midday -heat, when he fancied he heard the sound of footsteps not far from the -spot where he was. He instinctively opened his eyes, raised himself -on his elbow, and looked carefully around him; he checked a cry of -surprise on recognising the man, who had stopped close to the thicket -and dismounted, like a man who has reached the spot he desired. This -man was Kidd, the bandit, with whom the reader has already formed -acquaintance.</p> - -<p>"What does that scoundrel want here?" the hunter asked himself. "He is -doubtless plotting some infamy, and I bless the chance that brings him -within earshot, for this demon is one of the men who cannot be watched -too closely."</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile Kidd had removed his horse's bit, in order to let it -graze freely; he himself sat down on a rock, lit a husk cigarette, and -began smoking with all the <i>nonchalance</i> of a man whose conscience -is perfectly at its ease. Stronghand racked his brains in vain to try -and discover the motive for the presence of the bandit in these parts, -so remote from the ordinary scene of his villainy, when chance, which -had already favoured him, gave him the clue to the enigma, which he had -almost despaired of obtaining. A sound made him turn his head, and he -saw a stout horseman, with rubicund face and handsomely dressed, coming -up at an amble. When he reached the adventurer, the latter rose, bowed -respectfully, and assisted him to dismount.</p> - -<p>"Ouf!" the stout man said, with a sigh of relief, "What a confounded -ride!"</p> - -<p>"Well," the bandit replied with a grin, "you must blame yourself, Don -Rufino, for you arranged it. May the fiend twist my neck if I would -damage myself, no matter for what purpose, and ride across the plain at -this hour of the day."</p> - -<p>"Everybody is the best judge of his own business, Master Kidd," Don -Rufino remarked, drily, as he wiped his steaming face, with a fine -cambric handkerchief.</p> - -<p>"That is possible; but if I had the honour to be Don Rufino Contreras, -enormously rich, and senator to boot, hang me if I would put myself -out of my way to run after an adventurer like Master Kidd, whatever -pleasure I might take at other times in the conversation of that worthy -caballero."</p> - -<p>The senator began laughing.</p> - -<p>"Ha! Ha! Scoundrel; you have scented something."</p> - -<p>"Hang it!" the bandit replied, impudently, "I do not deceive myself, -and am well aware that whatever attractions my conversation may offer, -you would not have come this distance expressly to hear it."</p> - -<p>"That is possible, scamp. However, listen to me."</p> - -<p>"I can see from your familiarity that the job will be an expensive one; -well, I do not dislike that way of entering upon the subject, for it -forebodes a good business."</p> - -<p>The senator shrugged his shoulders with ill-disguised contempt. "Enough -of this," he said, "let us come to facts."</p> - -<p>"I ask nothing better."</p> - -<p>"Are you fond of money?"</p> - -<p>"I certainly have a weakness for gold."</p> - -<p>"Good. Would you hesitate about killing a man to earn it?"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"I ask you, scoundrel, whether in a case of necessity you would kill a -man for money?"</p> - -<p>"I perfectly understood you."</p> - -<p>"Then why make me repeat it?"</p> - -<p>"Because your doubt is offensive to my feelings."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it, I fancy I speak clearly. Killing a man is nothing when you -are well paid for it."</p> - -<p>"I will pay well."</p> - -<p>"Beforehand?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you like."</p> - -<p>"How much?"</p> - -<p>"I warn you that the man I refer to is but a poor fellow."</p> - -<p>"Yes, a poor fellow who is troublesome to you. Well, go on."</p> - -<p>"One thousand piastres. Is that enough?"</p> - -<p>"It is not too much."</p> - -<p>"Confound it, you are expensive."</p> - -<p>"That is possible; but I do my work conscientiously. Well, tell me who -the man is that is in your way."</p> - -<p>"José Paredes."</p> - -<p>"The majordomo at the Toro?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Do you know that he is not an easy man to kill? You must owe him a -sore grudge, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know him."</p> - -<p>The bandit looked in amazement at the speaker.</p> - -<p>"You do not know him, and yet offer one thousand piastres for his -death? Nonsense!"</p> - -<p>"It is so."</p> - -<p>"But you must have a reason. Caray, a man is not killed as one twists a -fowl's neck. I know that, bandit though I am."</p> - -<p>"You said it just now. He is in my way."</p> - -<p>"That is different," the adventurer replied, convinced by this -peremptory reason.</p> - -<p>"Listen to me attentively, and engrave my words on your mind."</p> - -<p>"Go on, señor. I will not lose a word."</p> - -<p>"In two or three days the majordomo will leave for Hermosillo, carrying -bills to a considerable amount."</p> - -<p>"Good," the bandit said, rubbing his hands gleefully; "I will kill him -as he passes, and take possession of the bills."</p> - -<p>"No, you will let him go on in peace, and you will kill him on his -return, when he has cashed the bills."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Where the deuce was my head? That will be much better."</p> - -<p>Don Rufino looked at him ironically.</p> - -<p>"You will deliver to me the sum this man is the bearer of," he said.</p> - -<p>The bandit gave a start of alarm,</p> - -<p>"I suppose the sum is large?"</p> - -<p>"Fifty thousand piastres."</p> - -<p>"¡Viva Dios! Surrender such a fortune? I would sooner be burned alive."</p> - -<p>"You must, though,"</p> - -<p>"Never, señor."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," the senator remarked, contemptuously. "You know you are in -my hands. All the worse for you if you hesitate, for you will then lose -two thousand piastres."</p> - -<p>"You said one thousand."</p> - -<p>"I made a mistake."</p> - -<p>"And when will you give them to me?"</p> - -<p>"At once."</p> - -<p>"Have you the amount about you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>Suddenly the bandit's eye gleamed with a sinister flash; he drew -himself up, and leaped, knife in hand, upon the senator. But the -adventurer had a powerful adversary. Don Rufino had long known the man -he was treating with, and, while conversing, had not once taken his eye -off, and attentively watched all his movements. Hence, though Kidd's -action was so rapid, Don Rufino was before him; he seized his arm with -his left hand, while with the right he placed a pistol to his chest.</p> - -<p>"Hilloh, my master," he said, coldly, and with the most perfect -tranquillity, "are you mad, or has a wasp stung you?"</p> - -<p>Abashed by his failure, the bandit gave him a savage look.</p> - -<p>"Let me loose!"</p> - -<p>"Not before you have thrown your knife away, scoundrel!"</p> - -<p>Kidd opened his hand, the knife fell on the ground, and Don Rufino put -his foot upon it.</p> - -<p>"You are not half clever enough," he said, sarcastically; "you deserve -to have your brains blown out, in order to teach you to take your -measures better another time."</p> - -<p>"I do not always miss my mark," he replied, with a menacing accent.</p> - -<p>There was a moment of silence between the two men. Stronghand still -watched them, not losing one of their words or gestures, which -interested him to the highest degree. At length Don Rufino spoke.</p> - -<p>"Have you reflected?" he asked the bandit.</p> - -<p>"Of what?" the latter remarked, roughly; "Of this proposal?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Well, I accept."</p> - -<p>"But you understand," the senator continued, laying a stress upon every -word, "you must deal frankly this time. No trickery, eh?"</p> - -<p>"No, no," Kidd answered, with a shake of the head; "you may be sure of -that."</p> - -<p>"I reckon on your honesty. Moreover, profit by what has occurred today. -I am not always so good tempered; and if a misunderstanding, like that -just now, again arose between us, the consequences might be very -serious to you."</p> - -<p>These few words were uttered with an intonation of voice, and -accompanied by a look, that produced a profound impression on the -bandit.</p> - -<p>"All right," he said, shrugging his shoulders savagely; "there is no -need to threaten, as all is settled."</p> - -<p>"Very good."</p> - -<p>"Where shall I come to you after the business?"</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself about that. I shall manage to find you."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he said, with a side-glance; "then that is your affair?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Give me the money."</p> - -<p>"Here it is. But remember, if you deceive me—"</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," the bandit interrupted him. "Did I not tell you that it was -all settled?"</p> - -<p>The senator drew from his pocket a long purse, through whose meshes -gold coins could be seen. He weighed it for an instant in his hand, and -then threw it twenty paces from him.</p> - -<p>"Go and fetch it," he said.</p> - -<p>The bandit dashed at the gold, which as it fell produced a ringing -sound. Don Rufino took advantage of this movement to get into his -saddle.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye," he said to the bandit. "Remember!" and he started at a -gallop. Kidd made no reply, for he was too busy counting the ounces -contained in the purse.</p> - -<p>"All right," he at last said, with a smile upon his features, as he hid -the purse in his bosom. "No matter," he added, as he looked savagely -after the senator, "I allow that I am in your power, demon; but if I -ever had you in my hands as you had me today, and I manage to discover -one of your secrets, I should not be so mad as to show you any mercy."</p> - -<p>After this soliloquy the bandit went up to his horse, tightened the -girths, and set out in his turn, but in a direction opposite to that -which the senator had taken. So soon as he was alone, the hunter rose.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" he muttered, "That is a dark plot. That man cannot want to -kill Paredes merely to rob him; it is plain that the blow is meant for -the Marquis. I will be on my guard."</p> - -<p>We have already seen that the hunter religiously kept his promise.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>FATHER AND SON.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Now that we have given the reader all necessary information about -the events accomplished at the Hacienda del Toro, we will resume our -narrative at the point where we were compelled to leave it—that is to -say, we will return to the village of the Papazos, and be present at -the conversation between Thunderbolt and Stronghand in the Pyramid. -The two men, walking side by side, went up to the top of the Pyramid. -They traversed the bridge of lianas thrown over the Quebrada at a great -height, and entered the Pyramid on the right. They descended to the -first floor—the Indians they met bowing respectfully to them—and -stopped before a securely fastened door. On reaching it, Thunderbolt -gave it two slight taps; an inner bolt was drawn, the door opened, -and they went in. They had scarce crossed the threshold ere the young -Indian who had opened the door closed it again after them. A strange -change had taken place in the two men; the Indian stoicism they had -hitherto affected made way for manners that revealed men used to -frequent the highest society of cities.</p> - -<p>"Maria," Thunderbolt said to the girl, "inform your mistress that -her son has returned to the village." In giving this order the old -gentleman employed Spanish, and not the Comanche idiom which he had -used up to the present.</p> - -<p>"The señora was already aware of her son's return, <i>mi amo</i>," Maria -answered, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the old man, "then she has seen somebody."</p> - -<p>"The venerable Padre Fray Serapio came an hour ago to pay the señora a -visit, and he is still with her."</p> - -<p>"Very good; announce us, my child."</p> - -<p>The girl bowed and disappeared, returning a moment after to tell the -two gentlemen that they could enter. They were then introduced into a -rather spacious room, lighted by four glazed windows—an extraordinary -luxury in such a place—in front of which hung heavy red damask -curtains. This room, entirely lined with stamped Cordovan leather, was -furnished in the Spanish style, with that good taste which only the -Castilians of the old race have kept, and was, through its arrangement, -half drawing room, half oratory. In one corner an ebony <i>prie-dieu</i>, -surmounted by an ivory crucifix, which time had turned yellow, and -several pictures of saints, signed by Murillo and Zurbaran, would have -caused the apartment to be taken for an oratory, had not comfortable -sofas, tables loaded with books, and butacas, proved it to be a drawing -room. Near a silver brasero two persons were sitting in butacas.</p> - -<p>Of these, one was a lady, the other a Franciscan monk; both had passed -midlife, or, to speak more correctly, were close on fifty years of age.</p> - -<p>The lady wore the Spanish garb fashionable in her youth—that is to -say, some thirty years before. Although her hair was beginning to grow -white, and a few deep wrinkles altered the purity of her features, -still it was easy to see that she must have been very lovely once on a -time. Her skin, of a slightly olive hue, was extremely fine, and in the -firm marked lines of her face, the distinctive character of the purest -Aztec race could be recognised. Her black eyes, shaded by long lashes, -and whose corners rose slightly, like those of the Mongolians, had an -expression of strange gentleness, and her whole face revealed mildness -and intelligence. Although she was below the ordinary height of women, -she still retained the elegance of youth; and her exquisitely modelled -hands and feet were almost of a microscopic smallness. Fray Serapio was -the true type of the Spanish monk—handsome, majestic, and dreamy—and -seemed as if he had stepped out of a picture by Zurbaran. When the two -gentlemen entered, the lady and the Padre rose.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, my darling child," the old lady said, opening her -arms to her son.</p> - -<p>The latter rushed into them, and for some minutes there was an -uninterrupted series of caresses between mother and son.</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, Padre Serapio," Stronghand at length said, as he freed -himself from the gentle bondage; "but it is so long since I had the -pleasure of embracing my mother, that I cannot leave off."</p> - -<p>"Embrace your mother, my child," the monk answered, with a smile; "a -mother's caresses are the only ones that do not entail regret."</p> - -<p>"What are you about, Padre?" Thunderbolt asked; "Are you going to leave -us already?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; and pray excuse me for going away so soon; but after a lengthened -separation, you must have much to say to one another, and a third -person, however friendly he may be, is always in the way at such a -time. Moreover, my brothers and I have a good deal to do at present, -owing to so many white hunters and trappers being in the village."</p> - -<p>"Are you satisfied with your neophytes?"</p> - -<p>The monk shook his head mournfully.</p> - -<p>"No," he at length answered; "the Indians love and respect us, owing to -the protection you have deigned to afford us, Señor Don—"</p> - -<p>"Silence!" the chief interrupted him, with a smile; "no other name but -that of Thunderbolt."</p> - -<p>"That is true; I always forget that you have surrendered the one -received at your baptism; still it is one of the most noble in the -martyrology. Well," he continued with a sigh, "the will of Heaven be -done! The glorious days of conversion have passed since we have become -Mexicans; the Indians no longer believe in the Spanish good faith, and -sooner than accept our God, persist in their old errors. This makes me -remember that I have a favour to ask of you."</p> - -<p>"Of me? Oh, it is granted beforehand, if it be in my power to satisfy -you."</p> - -<p>"Doña Esperanza, with whom I have spoken about it, leads me to hope -that you will not refuse it."</p> - -<p>"Did you not say to me one day that the señora's name brought you good -luck? It will probably be the same today."</p> - -<p>The monk took a furtive glance at the old lady.</p> - -<p>"This is the matter, my dear," she said, mingling in the conversation; -"the good father wishes your authority to follow, with another monk, -the warriors during the coming expedition."</p> - -<p>"That is a singular idea, father; and what may your object be? For I -presume you do not intend to fight in our ranks."</p> - -<p>"No," the monk answered with a smile, "my tastes are not warlike enough -for that; but if I may judge from the preparations I see you making, -this will be a serious expedition."</p> - -<p>"It will," the old man answered, pensively.</p> - -<p>"I have noticed that generally, during these expeditions, the wounded -are left without assistance. I should like to accompany the Indians, in -order to attend to their wounds, and console those whose hurts are so -serious that they cannot recover; still, if the request appear to you -exorbitant, I will recall it, though I shall do so reluctantly."</p> - -<p>The old gentleman gazed at the monk for a moment with an expression of -admiration and tenderness impossible to describe.</p> - -<p>"I grant your request, Padre," he at length said, affectionately -pressing his hand. "Still, I am bound to make one remark."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"You run a risk of falling into the hands of the Mexicans."</p> - -<p>"Well, what matter? Can they regard it as a crime if I perform on the -battlefield the duties which my religion imposes on me?"</p> - -<p>"Who knows? Perhaps they will regard you as a rebel."</p> - -<p>"And in that case—"</p> - -<p>"Treat you as such."</p> - -<p>"That is to say—"</p> - -<p>"You will run a risk, father, of being shot; and that is worth thinking -about, I suppose."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, my friend; between duty and cowardice no hesitation -is possible. I will die, if it be necessary—but with the conviction -that I have fulfilled to the close the sacred mission I have -undertaken. Then you grant my request?"</p> - -<p>"I do so, father, and thank you for having made it."</p> - -<p>"Blessings on your kindness, my son; and now the Lord be with you. I -shall retire."</p> - -<p>In spite of much pressing, the worthy father insisted on going away, -and was conducted to the door of the apartment by the two gentlemen, in -spite of his efforts to escape a mark of honour of which he considered -himself unworthy. When the door closed after him, and the three persons -were really alone, Doña Esperanza, after a long look at her son, gently -drew him towards her, and obliging him to sit down on an equipal, she -lovingly parted off his forehead his clustering locks, and said in -a sweet, harmonious voice, in which all the jealous tenderness of a -mother was revealed—</p> - -<p>"I find you sad, Diego; your face is pale, your features are worn, and -your eyes sparkle with a gloomy fire. What has happened to you during -your absence?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing extraordinary, mother," he answered, with an embarrassment -he tried in vain to conceal. "As usual, I have hunted a great deal, -travelled a long distance, and consequently, endured great fatigue; -hence, doubtless, comes the pallor you notice upon my face."</p> - -<p>The old lady shook her head with an incredulous air.</p> - -<p>"A mother cannot be deceived, my boy," she said, gently. "Since you -have been a man I have seen you return only too often, alas, from long -and perilous expeditions. You were fatigued—at times ill, but that was -all; while today you are gloomy, restless—"</p> - -<p>"Mother!"</p> - -<p>"Do not argue, for my mind is made up, and nothing will alter it. If -you refuse me your confidence, Heaven grant that you may select a -confidant who understands you so thoroughly."</p> - -<p>"Oh, mother! This is the first time a reproach has passed your lips."</p> - -<p>"Because, Diego, this is the first time you have refused to let me read -your heart."</p> - -<p>The young man sighed and hung his head, without replying. Thunderbolt, -who had hitherto been a silent spectator of the scene, gave Doña -Esperanza a meaning glance, and walked up to her son.</p> - -<p>"Diego," he said to him, as he laid his hand on his shoulder, "you -forget that you have to give me a report of the mission I entrusted to -you."</p> - -<p>Stronghand started, and eagerly sprang up.</p> - -<p>"That is true, father," he replied; "forgive me. I am ready to furnish -you with all the details you desire of what I have been doing during my -absence from the village."</p> - -<p>"Sit down, my son; your mother and I give you permission."</p> - -<p>The young man took a chair, and after reflecting for a few seconds, at -a further remark from his father, he commenced the recital of all he -had been doing while away. The narrative was long, and lasted nearly -two hours; but we will not relate it, because the reader is acquainted -with most of the facts the young man stated. Thunderbolt and Doña -Esperanza listened without interruption, and gave unequivocal signs of -the liveliest interest. When he had concluded his story, his mother -fondly embraced him, while congratulating him on his noble and generous -conduct. But Thunderbolt regarded the matter from another point of view.</p> - -<p>"Then," he asked his son, "the man who arrived with you is the -majordomo of this Don Hernando de Moguer?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, father."</p> - -<p>"Though I am an Indian by adoption, I will not forget that Spanish -blood flows in my veins. You will pay this Paredes, as you call him, -the amount of the bills, and I will send them to Hermosillo to be -cashed hereafter. You did well in bringing him with you, for an honest -man must not fall a victim to a villain. Although this affair does not -in any way concern us, I am not sorry to do a service to an old fellow -countryman. Let the majordomo leave the village this very night; in -order to prevent any accident on the road, you will have him escorted -to the hacienda by Whistler and Peccary, and three or four warriors. -They will be more than sufficient to frighten any scoundrels that may -attempt to stop him; and as, moreover, we are in a direction entirely -opposed to that in which the Hermosillo road runs, no one will think of -stopping him."</p> - -<p>"I can accompany him myself, with your permission, father."</p> - -<p>The old gentleman gave him a piercing glance, which compelled him to -look down.</p> - -<p>"No," he replied; "I want you here."</p> - -<p>"As you please, father," he said, with feigned indifference.</p> - -<p>And he rose.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?"</p> - -<p>"To carry out your orders, father."</p> - -<p>"There is no hurry; the day is not very advanced yet, and I want to -talk with you; so return to your chair."</p> - -<p>The young man obeyed. Thunderbolt reflected for a moment, and then -said—</p> - -<p>"How do you call this hacienda?"</p> - -<p>"El Toro."</p> - -<p>"Let me see," the old man continued, as if striving to remember; "it is -not built on the exact site of the ancient Cosala?"</p> - -<p>"So people say, father."</p> - -<p>Doña Esperanza listened to this conversation with considerable anxiety. -In vain did she try to discover her husband's meaning, and ask herself -why he thus obstinately brought the conversation back to so hazardous a -subject.</p> - -<p>"Is it not a strong place?" the sachem continued.</p> - -<p>"Yes, father; substantially built, and crowned with almenas."</p> - -<p>"In truth, I now remember having seen it formerly! It is an excellent -strategical position."</p> - -<p>Doña Esperanza looked at her husband with amazement blended with alarm; -she could neither account for his coldness nor his persistence. He -continued—</p> - -<p>"Have you ever entered this hacienda."</p> - -<p>"Never, father."</p> - -<p>"That is vexatious; still, I presume you are acquainted with some of -its inhabitants. A man cannot save," he added, ironically, "the life of -such a man as this Don Hernando de Moguer must be, without his trying -to testify his gratitude to the man who did him the service."</p> - -<p>"I know not whether that is Don Hernando's idea, for I never had the -honour of seeing him."</p> - -<p>"That is strange, Don Diego; and I cannot understand why you did not -try to form his acquaintance; however, that is of little consequence, -as far as my plans are concerned."</p> - -<p>"Your plans, father?" the young man asked, in amazement.</p> - -<p>"I will explain to you that we intend to commence the expedition with -a thunder stroke; our first attempt will be to seize the Real de -Minas of Quitovar, where the main body of the Mexican forces is now -collected. The Hacienda del Toro, situated scarce ten leagues from -Arispe, commanding the three roads to Hermosillo, Ures, and Sonora, -and built at a very strong position, is of immense importance to us for -the success of the war. I had thought of appointing you to carry it -by surprise, but as you have no friends in the place, and seem not to -care greatly about it, let us say no more on the subject. I will give -the command of the expedition to Whistler and Peccary; they are two -experienced chiefs, endowed with far from common tact, and will carry -the hacienda by a surprise, because the Spaniards, not anticipating -such an attack, will not be on their guard. As for you, my son, you -will follow me to the Real de Minas. And now, my dear Diego, I have -nothing more to say to you, and you can withdraw."</p> - -<p>The young man had listened in secret horror to this revelation of his -father's plans. He was so full of terror that he did not notice that -Thunderbolt, though he pretended at the beginning not to know the -hacienda even by name, had described its position with a precision that -showed that, on the contrary, he must be perfectly acquainted with it. -He stood for a moment crushed by the thought of the terrible danger -Doña Marianna would incur if the Apaches took the hacienda. His father -took a side-glance at him, and attentively watched the various feelings -reflected in his face.</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, father," the young man at length said, with an effort; -"but I should like to offer an objection."</p> - -<p>"What is it, my son? Speak, I am listening."</p> - -<p>"I do not think it would be prudent to try and surprise, with a band of -savages, a house so far advanced in the interior of the country."</p> - -<p>"That is why I selected you. You would have taken a band of white and -half-breed trappers and hunters, and would have passed unnoticed, -owing to the colour of your skins. Your refusal greatly annoys me, I -confess; but, as I do not wish to force your inclinations—"</p> - -<p>"But I did not refuse, father," the young man exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"What! You did not refuse?"</p> - -<p>"No, father; on the contrary, I ardently wish to be entrusted with this -confidential mission."</p> - -<p>"In that case, I misinterpreted your silence and ambiguous remarks. -Then you accept?"</p> - -<p>"Gladly, father."</p> - -<p>"Very good; that is settled. Now go and send off that Paredes, for it -is time for him to return to his master. As for you, my son, breathe -not a syllable of what we have discussed; you understand the importance -of discretion under such circumstances. Embrace your mother, and leave -us."</p> - -<p>The young man threw himself into his mother's arms, who tenderly -embraced him, and whispered in his ear, "Hope!"</p> - -<p>Then he withdrew, after bowing respectfully to his father.</p> - -<p>"Well, Esperanza," the old gentleman said, rubbing his hands, so soon -as his son had left the room, "do you now begin to guess my plans?"</p> - -<p>"No," she answered with a gentle smile; "but I believe that I -understand them."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE HATCHET.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Stronghand quitted the Pyramid in a state of indescribable agitation. -The word his mother had whispered in his ear at parting incessantly -recurred to his mind, and led him to suppose that Doña Esperanza, with -that miraculous intuition Heaven has given to mothers, that they may -discover the most hidden feelings of their children, had divined the -secret he fancied he had buried in the remotest corner of his heart, -and which he did not dare avow to himself. On the other hand, the -strange conversation he had held with his father, and the proposal -which concluded it, plunged him into extraordinary perplexity. His -father's conduct appeared to him extraordinary, in the sense that he -did not understand how the old gentleman, who justly enjoyed among -the Indians a reputation for stainless honour, could be preparing -treacherously to attack the man to whose succour he came at the same -moment with such noble disinterestedness. All this seemed to him -illogical, incomprehensible, and in direct opposition with the word -"hope," which he fancied he could still hear buzzing in his ear. Still, -as he was obliged to cross the torrent, and go some distance before -reaching his calli, he had time to restore some degree of order in his -ideas, and resume his coolness and self-mastery before he reached his -own door. Two men were standing there—Whistler and Peccary.</p> - -<p>"Come along, Stronghand," the trapper shouted, so soon as he saw him; -"we have been waiting for you a long while."</p> - -<p>"Waiting for me?" he asked, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Sparrowhawk warned us, on the part of Thunderbolt, that the chief -and myself were to hold ourselves in readiness to escort the man who -entered the village with you wherever he thinks proper to go."</p> - -<p>"Ah! Whistler has spoken well," Peccary remarked, laconically.</p> - -<p>"What else has happened?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, except that Thunderbolt has made this man a present of a -mule, laden with rich wares, as Sparrowhawk says. But go on, and he -will tell you about it himself."</p> - -<p>Stronghand entered, and found the majordomo busily engaged in making -his preparations for a start. So soon as he saw the hunter, Paredes -eagerly walked up to him, and shook his hand several times.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, comrade," he said. "¡Caray! you are a man of your -word, so forgive me."</p> - -<p>"Forgive you for what?" the young man asked, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"For having doubted you, caramba."</p> - -<p>"Doubted me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, on my word. When I saw you leave me this morning in this hole, -like a useless or noxious animal, I doubted your sincerity. In a word, -as you know, anger is an evil counsellor; still, all sorts of stupid -thoughts occurred to me, and I was on the point of running away."</p> - -<p>"You would have done wrong."</p> - -<p>"Caray! I see it now; hence I feel quite confused at my folly, and beg -you once again to forgive me."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," the hunter said, with a laugh, "it is not worth while to -torment yourself about such a trifle. An escort of resolute men will -accompany you to the hacienda, and as in all probability your master, -on seeing that you have brought the money he sent you to fetch, will -not ask about what may have happened to you on your journey, I think it -unnecessary for you to give him details which would interest him but -very slightly, and give rise to unpleasant comments."</p> - -<p>"That's enough," the majordomo said, with a knowing smile; "I will not -breathe a syllable."</p> - -<p>"That will be the best."</p> - -<p>"Be easy. Ah! that reminds me that, as I have received the money from -you, you must have the bills. Here they are, and once again I thank -you."</p> - -<p>The hunter took the bills and concealed them in his bosom. There was -a moment of silence. The majordomo walked about the calli with an air -of embarrassment, though his purpose was now finished, and the hunter -comprehended that he had something to say, but did not know how to -begin it.</p> - -<p>"Come," he asked him, "what else is there that troubles you, my friend? -Let me hear."</p> - -<p>"On my faith," the Mexican replied, at length forming a resolution. "I -confess that I should be delighted to prove my gratitude to you for the -service you have done me, and I should not like to leave without doing -so; but, unluckily, it embarrasses me more than I can express."</p> - -<p>"What, is that all?" the hunter said, gaily. "Why that is a very easy -matter."</p> - -<p>"Is it?" he remarked, with surprise. "Well, you will not believe that -I have been racking my brains over it for more than half an hour, and -brought nothing out."</p> - -<p>"Because you seek badly, my friend; that is all."</p> - -<p>"Then you have found it?"</p> - -<p>"You shall see."</p> - -<p>"¡Caray! You cannot imagine what pleasure you will cause me."</p> - -<p>"You know that I frequently hunt in your parts?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I am aware of that."</p> - -<p>"Well, the first time I find myself near the hacienda, I will come and -ask hospitality of you."</p> - -<p>"Ah! That is what I call a good idea; and even if you brought ten -comrades with you, you would see how I should receive you. I only say -this much,—I am in a position to treat you well."</p> - -<p>"I take you at your word; so that is settled."</p> - -<p>"You pledge me your word?"</p> - -<p>"I do."</p> - -<p>"Very good. Now I shall start happy. Come by day or night, as you may -think proper, and you will always be welcome."</p> - -<p>"I fancy it would be rather difficult to get into the hacienda by -night."</p> - -<p>"Not at all. You will only have to mention my name."</p> - -<p>"Well, that is settled; and now be off. Only four hours of daylight -remain, so do not delay any longer."</p> - -<p>"You are right; so good-bye. Do not be long ere you remind me of my -promise."</p> - -<p>"I will bear you in mind."</p> - -<p>They left the calli. Seven or eight hunters and Indians were mounted, -and awaiting at the door their guest's good pleasure to start. The -majordomo shook the hunter's hand for the last time, mounted his -horse, gave the signal for departure, and the little band started at -a gallop through a crowd of women and children that had collected -through curiosity. Stronghand looked after them as long as he could -see them, and then thoughtfully returned to the calli. For a very long -time he remained plunged in earnest thought, then he stamped his foot -passionately, and exclaimed, in Spanish—"No; a thousand times no. I -will not take advantage of the man's kindness to abuse his confidence -like a coward. It would be a disgraceful deed."</p> - -<p>These words doubtless contained the result of the hunter's reflections, -and were the expression of the resolutions he had just formed.</p> - -<p>Several days elapsed, and nothing of an interesting nature occurred -in the village. The military committee sat several hours during the -interval. The plan of the coming campaign was definitively arranged and -the collection of the Indian forces was the only thing that delayed the -outbreak of hostilities. Whistler returned to the village four days -after his departure, and reported to the hunter that Paredes reached -the hacienda without any accident, and nothing had disturbed the -tranquillity of the journey.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile, the different Indian tribes forming the great -confederation of the Papazos began flocking into the village. Ere long -there were no quarters left for them, and they were compelled to camp -on the plain, which, however, was no hardship to men accustomed to -brave all weather. On the twelfth day after Paredes' departure, the -hachesto convened all the chiefs to a general meeting at sunset, in -order to perform the mystic rites of the great medicine before opening -the campaign. At the moment when the sun disappeared below the horizon -in clouds of purple vapour, the amantzin, or first sorcerer of the -nation, mounted the roof of the medicine hut, and by a sign commanded -silence.</p> - -<p>"The sun has withdrawn its vivifying heat from us," he said in a -powerful voice, "the earth is covered with darkness, and this is the -mystic hour when man must prepare for the struggle with the genius of -evil—begin the great medicine."</p> - -<p>At the same instant, animals of every description appeared from all the -lodges, from the corners of the streets, gliding down the ladders of -the pyramids, or coming from the plain; quadrupeds, birds, and reptiles -collected in the village square, with horrible cries, overflowed the -streets on all sides, and spread out over the country for a league -round. These animals were Indian chiefs, clothed in the skins of the -beasts they wished to represent. Not only do the Indians imitate with -rare perfection the different cries of animals, but they have also -made a special study of their manners, habits, mode of progression, -and even of the way in which they eat and sleep. Nothing can furnish -an idea of the horrible concert composed of these cries—hisses, -snapping, and roars, mingled with the furious barking of the dogs. -There was something savage and primitive that powerfully affected the -imagination. At intervals silence was suddenly re-established, and the -sorcerer's voice rose alone in the night.</p> - -<p>"Is the evil principle conquered?" he asked; "Have my brothers trampled -it under foot?"</p> - -<p>The animals responded by horrible yells, and the noise began again -worse than before. This lasted the whole night through. A few minutes -before sunrise the sorcerer repeated the question for the last time, -which had received no other answer but furious yells. This time the -pure and melodious voice of a young girl rose in the silence, and -pronounced these words:—"The Master of Life has pity on his red -children; he sends the sun to their help. The evil principle is -conquered."</p> - -<p>At the same instant the sun appeared in its radiance. The Indians -saluted it with a cry of joy, and throwing off their disguises, they -fell on their knees, with faces turned up to heaven. The sorcerer, -holding in his right hand a calabash full of water, in which was a -sprig of wormwood, sprinkled a few drops to each of the cardinal -points, crying with an inspired air—"Hail, O sun! Visible minister of -the invisible Master of Life! Listen to the prayers of thy red sons. -Their cause is just; give them the scalps of their enemies, that they -may attach them to their waist belts. Hail, O sun! All hail!"</p> - -<p>All the Indians repeated in chorus—</p> - -<p>"Hail, O Sun! All hail!"</p> - -<p>Then they rose to their feet. The first part of the mysteries of -the great medicine was accomplished, and the sorcerer retired. The -hachesto, or public crier took his place, and invited the principal -chiefs of the confederation to dig up the war hatchet. This -characteristic ceremony consists in going in procession into the -medicine lodge, where the oldest chief digs up the ground with his -scalping knife at a spot the sorcerer indicates, and draws out the -great war hatchet, the emblem of the strife about to commence. When the -hatchet is unburied, the chiefs quit the hut in the same way as they -entered it. At their head marches, with the chief entrusted with the -sacred token of the nation, and the brave of the great calumet, the -chief who has dug up the hatchet, which he holds with both hands to his -breast, with the edge turned outwards. On leaving the lodge, chiefs -silently draw up in front of the ark of the first man, opposite the war -post, and chance decides which chief shall have the honour of dealing -the first blow on the emblematic post with the sacred hatchet.</p> - -<p>The Indians, like all primitive peoples, are extremely superstitious; -hence they attach an immense importance to this ceremony, because they -fancy they can draw a good omen from the way in which the blow has been -dealt, and the depth of the notch made by the edge of the blade. Lots -were drawn, and chance selected Stronghand. A flattering murmur greeted -this name, which was loved by the Indians, and belonged to a man whom -they regarded as one of their greatest heroes. Stronghand quitted the -ranks, walked into the open space in front of the ark of the first man, -and seizing the hatchet which the chief presented to him, he raised -it above his head, whirled it round with extreme dexterity, and then -dealt a terrible stroke at the war post. The blow was dealt with such -violence, the hatchet penetrated the wood so deeply, that when the -sorcerer attempted to withdraw it, according to the usual custom, in -spite of all his efforts he could not succeed, and was obliged to give -up the attempt.</p> - -<p>The warriors uttered a shout of joy, which, spreading along the crowd -assembled to witness the ceremony, was soon converted into a hideous -clamour. The war would be lucky. The omens were excellent. Never, even -by the confession of the oldest sachems, had such a blow been dealt the -post. Stronghand was congratulated by the chiefs and warriors, who were -delighted at the result he had obtained. When the hatchet was at length -removed from the post, the warriors retired to make way for the squaws, -and the scalp dance began.</p> - -<p>This dance is exclusively performed by women, and in this affair -alone the men make way for them. This dance, which is regarded as -sacred by the untamed Indian nations, only takes place under grand -circumstances—at the beginning of an expedition, or at its close, when -it has been successful—that is to say, when the warriors bring back -many scalps and horses, and have suffered no loss themselves. The women -display an excitement in this dance which speedily degenerates into a -frenzy, which fills the minds of the warriors with martial ardour. When -this dance was ended, and the squaws had ceased their insensate cries -and gestures, the final ceremony was proceeded with. This ceremony, of -which we only find vestiges among a few tribes of the Upper Missouri, -and the Aucas, or Pampas Indians, seems peculiar to the Papazos. It -consists in sacrificing a brood mare, which has not yet foaled, and -reading the future in its entrails.</p> - -<p>We can easily understand that the sorcerer who undertakes the -explanation says what He pleases, and must be believed through the -impossibility of contradicting his statements. On this occasion, either -because he wished to share in the general joy, or that, through -deceiving others, he had succeeded in deceiving himself, and putting -faith in his own falsehoods, he announced to the attentive warriors the -most splendid and successful results for the coming expedition. These -prophecies were greeted as they deserved to be—that is to say, with -the greatest favour—and, according to custom, the body of the mare was -given to the sorcerer; and this was, doubtless, the greatest profit he -derived from the whole affair.</p> - -<p>Then, when all the rites were performed, the order was given for each -warrior to prepare his horses, his weapons, and his provisions, for -the expedition might set out at any moment. The Papazos chiefs had -succeeded in collecting beneath their totems 30,000 warriors, all -mounted on excellent horses, and about 4000 armed with guns. It is true -that the Indians, though so skilful in the use of the axe, the lance, -and the bow, are deplorable marksmen, and have an instinctive dread of -firearms, which prevents their taking a proper aim. Still, some of them -succeed in attaining a relative skill, and are dangerous in a fight. -But the greatest strength of the Indian army consisted of the sixty -or eighty white and half-breed hunters, whom the hope of plunder had -induced to join them.</p> - -<p>Thunderbolt, while retaining the supreme command of the army, appointed -three chiefs as generals of division; they were Sparrowhawk, Whistler, -and Peccary. Stronghand took the command of twenty-five white hunters, -whom he selected among the bravest and most honourable, and was -entrusted with a special mission by his father. All being then in -readiness to begin the war, the Indians, according to their invariable -custom, only awaited a moonless night to invade the territory of their -enemies under cover of the darkness.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE WHITE-SKINS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>The return of José Paredes to the hacienda caused Don Hernando a lively -pleasure. Still, the sum he brought, though considerable, was far from -sufficing for the constant outlay in working the mine, and would hardly -coyer the demands of the moment. Don Rufino did not in any way show the -amazement the sight of the majordomo occasioned him, after the measures -he had taken to get rid of him. Still this surprise was converted into -anxiety, and ere long into terror, when he reflected on the time that -had elapsed since his departure.</p> - -<p>In fact, it would take three weeks to proceed from the hacienda to -Hermosillo and back, even at a good pace, and yet the majordomo had -only been absent for nine days. It was evident to the senator that -Paredes had not been to Hermosillo, and yet he brought back the money -for the bills! What did all this mean? There was something obscure in -the whole affair, which Don Rufino burned to clear up; but, unhappily, -that was very difficult, if not impossible.</p> - -<p>He was supposed to be ignorant of the motive of the majordomo's -journey, and consequently could not interrogate him; and then, again, -even had he ventured to do so, Paredes would probably not have answered -him, or, if he had done so, it would only have been in mockery; for the -worthy majordomo, with the infallible scent which upright and faithful -men possess, had detected the wolf in sheep's clothing, and although -he had no apparent motive, as he was unaware that the senator was the -concoctor of the plot to which he had all but fallen a victim, he -felt an instinctive aversion for that person, and displayed a marked -affectation in trying to avoid any meeting with him.</p> - -<p>In Sonora, as in other countries, it is not easy to meet at a moment's -notice persons who will discount large bills to render you a service. -The man who had given the money for these must be very rich, and most -desirous to assist the Marquis. However much the senator thought of -the subject, he could not call to mind any landowner for fifty leagues -round capable of acting in such a way. Moreover, the discounter -must have been aware of the plot formed against the majordomo, for -otherwise he would not have proposed to take the bills. Could Kidd be -the traitor? In a moment the senator recognised the absurdity of such -a suspicion. It was not probable that the bandit had declined to kill -the majordomo; but that he should have allowed him to escape without -robbing him was an utterly unlikely circumstance. Moreover, Kidd had -everything to fear from the senator, and would not have risked playing -him such a malicious trick.</p> - -<p>As always happens when a man indulges in probabilities without any -settled starting point, and proceeds from one deduction to another, -Don Rufino attained such a monstrous conclusion, that he was really -terrified by it. Still, throughout all his wanderings, a very logical -remark escaped him, which proved that, if he had not discovered the -truth, he was not very far from it.</p> - -<p>"The Redskins are right," he muttered, "and their proverb is true. In -the desert, trees have ears, and leaves have eyes. I remember that -my conversation with that pícaro of a Kidd took place near a very -close growing thicket; perhaps it contained a traitor. Henceforward I -will only discuss business at the top of an entirely unwooded hill; -and yet," he added with a sigh, "who knows whether a spy may not be -concealed in a prairie-dog hole?"</p> - -<p>All these reflections the senator made while walking in extreme -agitation up and down the room, when the door opened, and Don Ruiz made -his appearance.</p> - -<p>"Señor Don Rufino," he said to him, after a mutual exchange of -compliments, "will you kindly come to the drawing room? Our majordomo, -who, as you may have noticed, has been absent for some days, has -brought most important news, which my father would like you to hear."</p> - -<p>The senator started imperceptibly, and gave the young man a suspicious -glance; but nothing in Don Ruiz's open face caused him to suppose any -hidden meaning in his words.</p> - -<p>"Is anything extraordinary happening, my dear Don Ruiz?" he asked, in a -mellifluous voice.</p> - -<p>"I have as yet received but very imperfect information about the grave -events that threaten us; but if you will kindly follow me, you will -soon learn all."</p> - -<p>"Be it so, my dear sir—I am at your service;" and he followed Don Ruiz -to the saloon, where Doña Marianna, the Marquis, and José Paredes were -already assembled.</p> - -<p>"Why, what can be the matter, my dear señor?" the senator asked, as he -entered; "I confess that Don Ruiz has startled me."</p> - -<p>"You will be more startled when you know the events. But sit down, -pray," the Marquis answered, and then said to the majordomo, "you have -your information from a good source?"</p> - -<p>"I can assert that all I have told you is true, <i>mi amo</i>. The Papazos -have allied themselves with I know not how many other tribes of -ferocious pagans, and we may expect to see them burst upon us at any -moment."</p> - -<p>"¡Caspita! that is serious," the senator said.</p> - -<p>"Much more than you suppose; for the Indians are this time resolved to -expel the white men for ever from Sonora, and establish themselves in -their place," answered Paredes.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh," Don Rufino said, "they are undertaking a rude task."</p> - -<p>"Laugh if you like, but it is so."</p> - -<p>"I do not laugh, my worthy friend; still, I do not believe the Indians -capable of attempting so mad an enterprise."</p> - -<p>"In the first place, I am not your friend, señor," the majordomo said, -roughly; "and next, it is probable that when you have seen the Indians -at work, your opinions about them will be considerably modified."</p> - -<p>The senator pretended not to notice the bitterness contained in -this remark, and replied, lightly—"I never saw any wild Redskins, -and Heaven preserve me from doing so. Still, I strongly suspect the -inhabitants of this country of making them more formidable than they -really are."</p> - -<p>"You are wrong to have such an opinion, my friend; and if you remain -any time with us, will soon have proof of it," the Marquis said.</p> - -<p>"Are you going to remain here, exposed to the attacks of the pagans, -papa?" Doña Marianna asked with terror.</p> - -<p>"We have nothing to fear from the Indians," the Marquis replied. "The -rock on which my hacienda is built is too hard for them. They will -break their nails before they can pull out a single stone."</p> - -<p>"Still, father, we cannot be too prudent," Don Ruiz observed.</p> - -<p>"You are right, my son; and as I do not wish your sister to retain even -a shadow of anxiety, we will immediately place ourselves in a position -of defence, though it is unnecessary. During the grand insurrection -of 1827, the Indians did not once attempt to approach El Toro, and I -greatly doubt whether they will attack it this time."</p> - -<p>"<i>Mi amo</i>," Paredes replied, "believe me, do not neglect any -precaution; this insurrection will be terrible."</p> - -<p>"Come, come," Don Rufino asked, "tell me, Señor Majordomo, who the -person is that informed you so well?"</p> - -<p>Paredes gave him a side-glance, and replied, with a shrug of his -shoulders—"It is enough that I know it; no matter the name of the man -to whom I owe the information. If you fancy that it is a friend who -warned me, you will be near the truth."</p> - -<p>"Permit me, señor," the senator answered, with a frown, "this is more -important than you fancy. You must not thus create an alarm in a -family, and then refuse to give proofs in support of your assertions."</p> - -<p>"My master knows me, señor; he knows that I am devoted to him, and also -that I am incapable of uttering a falsehood."</p> - -<p>"I do not doubt, señor, either your honesty or your truthfulness; -still, a thing so serious as you announce requires, before being -taken into consideration, to be based on evidence with proofs, or a -respectable name, in default of anything else."</p> - -<p>"Stuff! Stuff! The main point is to be on your guard."</p> - -<p>"Yes, when we know whether we really ought to do so. Consequently, -in my quality as a magistrate—and I ask the Señor Marquis a million -pardons for acting thus in his presence—I command you to reveal to me -at once the name of the man who gave you these alarming news."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" The majordomo said, with a shrug of his shoulders; "What -good would it do if I were to tell you the name of an individual you do -not know, and whom you never heard mentioned?"</p> - -<p>"That is not the question. Be good enough to answer me, if you please."</p> - -<p>"It is possible that you may be a magistrate, señor, and I do not care -if you are. I recognise no other masters but the Señor Marquis and his -children here present; they alone have the right to question me, and -them alone I will answer."</p> - -<p>The senator bit his lips, and turned to the Marquis.</p> - -<p>"Come, Paredes, answer," the latter said. "I really do not at all -understand your obstinacy."</p> - -<p>"Since you order me to speak, <i>mi amo</i>," the majordomo continued, "you -must know that the person who told me of the insurrection of the pagans -is a white hunter, called Stronghand."</p> - -<p>"Stronghand?" brother and sister exclaimed simultaneously.</p> - -<p>"Is not that," the Marquis asked, "the hunter to whom we already are so -greatly indebted?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, <i>mi amo</i>," the majordomo replied, musingly; "and it is probable -that he has not yet finished."</p> - -<p>Although it was the first time the senator heard the hunter's name -mentioned, by a kind of intuition he felt a species of emotion for -which he could not account.</p> - -<p>"Oh," Doña Marianna cried, eagerly, "we must place entire confidence in -Stronghand's statements."</p> - -<p>"Certainly we must," Don Ruiz added. "It is plain that he wished to -warn us, and put us on our guard."</p> - -<p>"But who is this man who inspires you with such profound sympathy?" the -senator asked.</p> - -<p>"A friend," Doña Marianna replied, warmly, "for whom I shall feel an -eternal gratitude."</p> - -<p>"And whom we all love," the Marquis added, with emotion.</p> - -<p>"Then you accept his bail for Paredes?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; and believe me, my friend, that I shall not neglect the advice he -gives me."</p> - -<p>"Very good, señor; you will therefore permit me to remark that Señor -Paredes' obstinacy in not revealing his name must fairly appear to me -extraordinary."</p> - -<p>"Señor Rufino, Paredes is an old servant who enjoys a very pardonable -freedom, and believes that he has acquired the right of being believed -on his word. Now," he added, "let us discuss the means to prevent a -surprise. Paredes, you will at once mount your horse, and order all the -peons and vaqueros to bring the ganado and horses into the hacienda. -You, Don Ruiz, will prepare the necessary corrals and cuartos to lodge -the men and animals; collect as much forage and provisions as you can, -for, in the event of a siege, we must not run the risk of being reduced -by famine. How many peons have you under your orders, Paredes?"</p> - -<p>"Excellency, we have about eighty able to bear arms, and do active -duty, without counting the women, children, and old men, whom we can -always turn to some account."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh," the Marquis said, "there are many more than we require; I see -that it will be unnecessary to summon our miners from Quitovar."</p> - -<p>"The more so," Paredes objected, "because Captain de Niza, whose -position is far more exposed than ours will already have enlisted them -in his service."</p> - -<p>"That is probable," the Marquis answered, as he rose. "Go and carry out -my orders without delay."</p> - -<p>The majordomo bowed to his master, and went out.</p> - -<p>"Will it please you, señor, to grant me a moment's interview?" the -senator then said.</p> - -<p>"I am at your orders, señor."</p> - -<p>"Oh, do not disturb yourselves," the senator said, addressing Don Ruiz -and his sister, who had risen to leave the room: "I have nothing secret -to say to the Marquis."</p> - -<p>The young people sat down again.</p> - -<p>"I confess to you that what this man has just said," Don Rufino -continued, "has greatly startled me. I never saw any Indian bravos, and -have a horrible fear of them. I should therefore wish, Don Hernando, -however strange so sudden a request may appear to you, to obtain your -permission to leave you so soon as possible."</p> - -<p>"Leave me!" the Marquis replied, with amazement, "At this moment?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; it seems as if coming events will be very serious. I am not a -man of war, nor anything like it, for I am frightened at anything -that bears a likeness to a quarrel; but Congress claims my immediate -presence at Mexico, were it only to inform the Government of the -situation in which this state is, and urge it to assume energetic -measures."</p> - -<p>"Señor Don Rufino, you are at liberty to act as you please. Still, -I fear that the roads are not quite safe, and that you will expose -yourself to serious dangers by obstinately insisting on departing."</p> - -<p>"I have thought of that; but I fancy that when I have once reached -Arispe, which is no great distance from here, I shall have nothing more -to fear. Will you allow Don Señor Ruiz to escort me to that town?"</p> - -<p>"I can refuse you nothing, señor. My son will accompany you, since you -do him the honour of desiring his escort."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the senator continued, taking a side-glance at Doña Marianna, -who had let her head drop on her chest; "I wish to entrust Don Ruiz -with an important letter for you."</p> - -<p>"Why write? It would be far more simple to tell me what you wish in a -couple of words."</p> - -<p>"No! No! That is impossible," Don Rufino answered, with a smile that -resembled a grimace; "that would demand too much time: moreover, dear -sir, you know better than I do that there are certain things which can -only be settled by ambassadors."</p> - -<p>"As you please, señor. When do you propose to start?"</p> - -<p>"I frankly confess that, in spite of the regret I feel at leaving you, -I fancy that the sooner I set out the better."</p> - -<p>"It is only ten o'clock," said Don Ruiz, as he rose; "by hurrying a -little, we can reach Arispe tonight."</p> - -<p>"Famous! That is better. Allow me, Don Hernando, to take leave of you, -as well as of your charming daughter, and pray accept my thanks for the -noble hospitality I have received in your mansion."</p> - -<p>"What! Are you not afraid of travelling in the great heat of the day?"</p> - -<p>"I only fear the sight of the Indians, and that fear is enough to -make me forget all others. Excuse me, therefore, for leaving you so -suddenly, but I feel convinced that I should die of terror if I heard -the war cry of those frightful savages echo in my ears."</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz had left the room to give the requisite orders, and his sister -followed him, after making a silent curtsey to the senator, whose -intention she was far from suspecting. The apprehension expressed by -Don Rufino was greatly exaggerated, if it was not entirely fictitious; -but he instinctively felt that the ground was beginning to burn beneath -his feet at the hacienda, and he wanted to get away, not only to guard -himself against the perils he foresaw from the ill success of his -plot, but also to try and refasten the broken threads of his intrigue, -and carry out his plans with the shortest possible delay.</p> - -<p>The revolt of the Indians, by interrupting the work, paralyzing -commercial transactions, and consequently creating enormous -difficulties for the Marquis, admirably assisted the senator in the -realization of the plans he had long been forming in the dark. Moreover -he desired, during the short ride he was going to take with Don Ruiz, -to obtain in the young man a precious ally, who would serve him the -better because he would do so without any afterthought, and without -seeing Don Rufino's object. He also thought it better to write and -detail his intentions to the Marquis in a letter, rather than discuss -them with him, for the grand diplomatic reason that the man who writes -is the only speaker, must be heard, and consequently does not fear a -refutation till he has completely explained his ideas.</p> - -<p>After a few moments, Don Ruiz returned to state that the escort had -mounted, and that all was ready for a start. Don Rufino repeated his -farewells to the Marquis, but the latter would not let him depart -before he had drunk, according to the hospitable fashion of the -country, the stirrup cup—that is to say, a glass of iced orangeade. -Then all three left the room, for in spite of the entreaties and -objections of the senator, his host insisted on accompanying him to -the patio, and witnessing his departure. Two minutes later, Don Rufino -Contreras, accompanied by Don Ruiz, and followed by six confidential -peons, well armed and mounted, left the hacienda, and took the -direction of Arispe, which they reached at nightfall; after a rather -fatiguing journey, it is true, but which, however, was not troubled -by any accident of an alarming nature. The only thing the travellers -noticed, and which proved to them how thoroughly the news of an -approaching invasion of the Indians had spread along the border, was -the complete solitude of the country, which resembled a desert.</p> - -<p>All the ranchos they passed were deserted; the doors, windows, and -furniture had been removed by the inhabitants, and carried off by them -in their flight; they had burned or destroyed all they were compelled -to leave behind them; their horses and cattle had also disappeared, -which gave a look of indescribable melancholy to the numerous plains -the little party crossed. The crops had been cut in the green, or -burned, in order that the Indians might not profit by them; and thus, -ere the wretched country was ravaged by the Redskins, it had already -been completely ruined by its inhabitants.</p> - -<p>Don Rufino contemplated with stupor the desolate aspect of the -country, for he could not at all understand the strange tactics of the -inhabitants. When they reached the gates of Arispe, they found them -closed, and guarded by powerful detachments of soldiers and cívicos—a -species of national militia, paid by the rich inhabitants to repress -the devastation of the marauders who swarm on the Indian border. It -was only after interminable debates and infinite precautions that the -barrier guards at length consented to let the travellers pass. All -the streets in Arispe were defended by strong barricades. The town -resembled one large camp. The soldiers were bivouacked on all the -squares, and sleeping round the bivouac fires, which were lighted as -much to keep off the sharp night cold, as to cook their scanty rations.</p> - -<p>Don Rufino possessed, on the Plaza Mayor of Arispe, a large and -handsome mansion, at which he resided when business summoned him to -Arispe. It took him more than an hour to reach it, owing to the -numberless turnings he was compelled to take, and the barricades he was -forced to scale. The door of the house was open, and a dozen soldiers -were quietly bivouacked in the zaguán and patio; but Don Rufino did not -at all protest against this arbitrary violation of his domicile; on the -contrary, he boasted of his senatorial title, and seemed very pleased -with the liberty the soldiers had taken. Don Rufino would not allow Don -Ruiz and his peons to seek a shelter anywhere but in his own house; -he forced them to accept his hospitality, and they did so without any -excessive pressure, for both men and horses were beginning to feel the -want of a few hours' rest, after an entire day's journey, made in the -stifling heat of the sun.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>SERIOUS EVENTS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Nothing equals the rapidity with which a new fortune is established, -except, perhaps, that with which an old family falls, through the -eternal balancing of accident, which elevates some and lowers others, -thus producing incessant contrasts, which are one of the claims of -existing society, and of the equilibrium that presides over the things -of this world. With a few exceptions, the first and last of a race -are always two powerful men, created by the struggle, endowed with -great and noble qualities, and who are always equal to circumstances. -Unfortunately, of these two men, one, sustained by capricious chance -and the benign influence of his star, sees all obstacles fall before -him, and his rashest combinations succeed. In a word, success -frequently crowns his efforts, contrary to his expectations. The other, -on the contrary, unconsciously yielding through the law of contrast to -the malign influence attaching to his race—having fallen by the fault -of his predecessors from an elevated position—compelled to struggle -on unequal terms with enemies prejudiced against him, and who render -him responsible for the long series of errors of which his ancestors -have been solely culpable—sees himself, so to speak, placed without -the pale of the common law; his most skilful combinations only succeed, -in delaying for a few years an inevitable fall, and frequently render -that fall the more startling and certain.</p> - -<p>What we say here is applicable to all the degrees of the social stage; -not only to royal families, but to the miserable beggar's brood. Each -revolution that changes the face of an empire, by bringing up to the -surface unknown geniuses, at the same time plunges into an abyss of -wretchedness and opprobrium those who for centuries have oppressed -entire generations, and have in their time placed themselves on a level -with the Deity, by believing everything allowed them.</p> - -<p>Time, that impassive leveller, bringing progress in its train, -incessantly passes its inexorable square over all that raises its head -too high—thus pleasing itself by raising some and humiliating others. -It has constituted itself the sole arbiter of human ambitions, and the -real representative of that moral equality which would be an Utopia, -if the great organic law of the harmony of the universe had not thus -proclaimed its astonishing principles.</p> - -<p>On the very day when Don Ruiz, after escorting Don Rufino Contreras -to Arispe, returned to the hacienda, a courier arrived simultaneously -with him. This man, who was mounted on an utterly exhausted steed, had -apparently ridden a great distance, and was in an excessive hurry. -No sooner had he reached the Toro than he was introduced into the -Marquis's study with whom he remained shut up for a long time. Then the -courier, on leaving the study, remounted his horse, and set off again -without speaking to a soul. The almost fantastic apparition of this -man caused the occupiers of the hacienda that instinctive fear which -people generally experience from things they cannot account for.</p> - -<p>The Marquis, whose face was usually imprinted with an expression of -sad and resigned melancholy, had, after this interview, become of -a cadaverous pallor; deep wrinkles furrowed his forehead, and his -eyes stared wildly. He walked up and down the huerta for a long time -in extreme agitation, with his arms crossed on his back, and his -head bowed over his chest. At times he stopped, beat his forehead -furiously, uttered incoherent words, and then resumed his walk -mechanically—obeying an imperious want of locomotion rather than any -other motive.</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna, seated at a window of her boudoir, behind a muslin -curtain, followed her father's movements, for she felt frightened at -his state, and had a foreboding that she would have to share some of -the sorrow which had fallen on him. The Marquis at length stopped, -looked round him like a man who is waking up, and, after a moment of -reflection, returned to his apartments. A few minutes after, a servant -came to inform Doña Marianna that her father was awaiting her in the -red chamber. In spite of herself, the maiden felt her apprehensions -redoubled, but hastened to obey.</p> - -<p>This red chamber, into which we have already had opportunity to -introduce the reader, and which Don Hernando had not entered since the -day when his brother was so inexorably disinherited by their father, -was as cold and gloomy as when we saw it. The sole difference was, -that time, by tarnishing the lustre of the hangings and tapestry, and -blackening the furniture, had imparted to it a tinge of sadness, which -made the visitor shudder as soon as he entered. When Doña Marianna -reached the red chamber, she found her father already there; he gave -her a silent sign to take a seat, and she sank into an armchair in -a state of undisguised alarm. A few minutes after Don Ruiz entered, -followed by José Paredes. The Marquis then seated himself in the -spacious armchair that occupied the centre of the dais; he ordered the -majordomo to close the door, and began in a feeble, trembling voice—</p> - -<p>"My children, I have summoned you hither because we have to discuss -matters of the deepest gravity. I have called to our council Paredes, -as an old servant of the family, whose devotions we have known so long, -and I trust you will not think that I have exceeded my rights in doing -so."</p> - -<p>The young people bowed their assent, Paredes placed himself by their -side, and the Marquis continued—"My children, our family has for -many years been tried by adversity. Hitherto, respecting the happy -carelessness of childhood, I have sought to keep within my own breast -the annoyances and grief with which I was incessantly crushed; for, -after all, of what good would it have proved to lay a portion of the -burden on your shoulders? Misfortune advances with gigantic strides; it -catches us up one after the other, and it was better to let you enjoy -the too short days of your happy youth. I have therefore struggled -for all of us, concealing the grief which at times overwhelmed me, -restraining my tears, and always offering to you the calm brow and -the tranquil appearance of a man, who, if he were not entirely happy, -was satisfied with his share of good and evil Heaven had allotted to -him. Believe me, my children I should have continued this conduct, and -kept to myself all the cares and annoyances of such a life as I lead, -had not a sudden, terrible, and irremediably misfortune, which has -fallen on me today, forced me, against my will, to impart to you the -melancholy, frightful condition we are now in, and acquaint you with -the posture of my affairs, which are yours, for I am only entrusted -with the fortune which will be yours some day if we succeed in saving -it."</p> - -<p>The Marquis stopped for a moment, overcome by the emotion which -contracted his throat.</p> - -<p>"Father," Don Ruiz replied, "you have ever been the best of parents to -my sister and myself. Be assured that we have anxiously awaited this -confidence, which has been so long delayed in the fear of causing us a -temporary sorrow; for we hoped we might be able to assume a portion of -the burden, and thus restore you the courage necessary to support the -gigantic struggle in which you have engaged with adverse fortune."</p> - -<p>"My son," the Marquis said, "I know your heart and your sister's. -I am aware of the respectful affection you feel for me; and in the -misfortune that is now bursting on me, it is a great satisfaction to -have the intimate conviction that my children will heartily combine in -supporting and consoling me."</p> - -<p>"Be kind enough then, father, to tell us what the matter is, without -further delay. The courier with whom you were shut up so long this -morning cannot be a stranger to the determination you have formed. -Doubtless he was the bearer of evil tidings?"</p> - -<p>"Alas! My son," the Marquis answered, "for some years past fortune has -been treating our house with incomprehensible severity; everything -is leagued against us, and our fortune, which was immense under the -Spanish rule, has constantly diminished since the proclamation of -Mexican independence. In vain have I tried to contend against the -torrent which carried us away; in vain have I forgotten all I owe -to my name and rank, and attempted to regain what I had lost by -honourable enterprise. All has been of no avail, and my efforts have -only served to prove the inutility of my attempts. Still, I had hoped a -few days back that I should be able to render fortune more favourable -to me. I foresaw a chance of saving some fragments of our old fortunes; -but today I have attained the melancholy conviction that I am entirely -ruined unless a miracle intervene."</p> - -<p>"Oh, things cannot be so bad as that, father!" Doña Marianna exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Yes, my children, we are ruined—reduced to utter misery," the -Marquis continued sadly. "We have lost everything; even this hacienda, -built by one of our ancestors, which will be speedily sold—perhaps -tomorrow—for the benefit of our creditors."</p> - -<p>"But how has such a great misfortune occurred?"</p> - -<p>"Alas! in the same way as misfortunes always happen when fate has -resolved on ruining a man. For a long time past business has been -in a state of collapse, owing to the disastrous negligence of the -Government; and the news of the fresh revolt of the Indian mansos and -bravos has raised the alarm of the merchants to the highest pitch. The -panic is general among the bankers and persons whose capital is engaged -in mines; several houses at Hermosillo, Ures, Arispe, Sonora, and even -Mexico, have already suspended payment, and thus everything has been -paralyzed at a single blow. Then, to complicate matters even more, a -pronunciamiento has taken place in Mexico, and at this moment we have -not only an Indian border war, but the interior of the country is -suffering from all the horrors of a civil war."</p> - -<p>"Do you know this officially, father?"</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately, I cannot entertain the slightest doubt on the subject. -For this reason; under such circumstances as the present, one thing -inevitably happens. Creditors insist on the immediate repayment of -their advances, while persons indebted to you, if they do not fail, -defer payment so long that it is practically of no service. Now, the -letters I received this morning, and they are numerous, may be divided -into two classes; my debtors refuse to pay me, while my creditors, -fearing a loss, have taken out writs against me, so that if I have -not paid them within eight days the round sum of 380,000 piastres, I -shall be declared bankrupt, imprisoned, expelled from my estate, and -this hacienda, the last thing left us, will be put up to auction, and -probably purchased for a trifle by one of the ex-vassals of our family, -who has grown rich at our expense, and does not blush to take our -place."</p> - -<p>"Three hundred and eighty thousand piastres!" Don Ruiz muttered with -stupor.</p> - -<p>"That is the amount."</p> - -<p>"How can we possibly get it together?"</p> - -<p>"It is useless to dream of it for the present, my son. This hacienda -alone is worth double. At other times I could have offered a mortgage, -and as I have nearly 300,000 piastres owing to me, you see that I could -have easily confronted this fresh stroke of fortune. But now it cannot -be thought of; it will be better to give way, and allow our creditors -to divide the spoil. I hope you do hot suppose, Ruiz, that I have the -intention of defrauding my creditors of the little that is left me?"</p> - -<p>"Oh no, father; but what do you propose doing?"</p> - -<p>"¡Caray!" Paredes then said, "that is easily settled. I possess, -through the liberality of the Moguer family a rancho, which owes -nothing to anybody. It is yours, <i>mi amo</i>. My mother and I can easily -find another shelter. Well, if this wretched lodging is not so fine or -handsome as this, it will, at any rate, afford you a shelter, and save -you from applying for it to strangers. Is it so, Excellency? Will you -honour the old house of your servant by your presence?"</p> - -<p>The Marquis seemed to reflect for a moment, and then held out his hand -to Paredes, who kissed it.</p> - -<p>"Be it so, my friend. I accept your offer," he said. "Not that I intend -to inconvenience you for any length of time, but merely during the -few days I shall require to save, if possible, some fragments of my -children's fortune from the general shipwreck."</p> - -<p>"Do not think of us, father," Doña Marianna said, with emotion. "We are -young, and will work."</p> - -<p>Paredes was delighted at the acceptance of his offer.</p> - -<p>"Oh, do not be frightened, <i>mi amo</i>," he said; "the old rancho is not -so dilapidated and miserable as might be supposed. I trust, with the -help of Heaven, that you will not be very uncomfortable there, and, at -any rate, you will have no cause to fear the visits of certain parties."</p> - -<p>"You are unjust, Paredes," the Marquis replied. "Don Rufino Contreras, -to whom you allude, is one of my best friends, and I must speak of his -behaviour in the highest terms of praise."</p> - -<p>"That is possible, <i>mi amo</i>, that is possible," the majordomo said, -shaking his head with an air of conviction; "but if I may be permitted -to express an opinion about that gentleman, I fancy we had better wait -a while before fully making up our minds about him."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, <i>mi amo</i>, really nothing. I have an idea, that is all."</p> - -<p>"That reminds me, father, that on leaving me, Don Rufino gave me a -letter, which he begged me to deliver to you so soon as I reached the -hacienda."</p> - -<p>"Yes; he informed me of his intention of writing."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the majordomo said, between his teeth, but loudly enough for -the Marquis to hear him; "I always had a bad idea of men who prefer -blackening paper to explain themselves frankly in words."</p> - -<p>During this aside, the Marquis had opened and read the letter.</p> - -<p>"This time, at any rate," he said, "Don Rufino cannot be accused of -want of frankness, or of not explaining himself clearly. He warns me -of the measures taken against me, and after showing me, in a most -gentlemanly manner, the precarious nature of my position, he ends by -offering me the means of escaping from it in the most honourable way; -in one word, he asks for my daughter's hand, and offers her a dowry of -one and a half million piastres, besides liquidating my debts."</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna was crushed by the blow so suddenly dealt her. -The Marquis continued, with the bitter accent he had hitherto -employed—"Such is the state we have reached, my children; we, the -descendants of a race of worthies noble as the king, and whose -escutcheon is unstained, have so fallen from our lofty social -position, that we are too greatly honoured by the offer of a man whose -grandfather was our vassal. But such is the way of the world, and why -blame it when we live in an age in which everything is possible?"</p> - -<p>"What answer will you give to this strange letter, father?" Don Ruiz -asked, anxiously.</p> - -<p>Don Hernando drew himself up proudly.</p> - -<p>"My son," he replied, "however poor I may be, I do not the less remain -the Marquis de Moguer, the only thing, perhaps, which cannot be taken -from me. I know the obligations I owe to the honour of my name. Your -sister is free to accept or reject the offer made her. I do not wish, -under any pretext, to influence her determination in so serious a -matter. She is young, and has still many years to live; I have no right -to enchain her existence with that of a man she does not love. She -will reflect, and follow the impulse of her own heart. Whatever her -resolution may be, I approve of it beforehand."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, father," the maiden answered, gently. "And now grant me a last -favour."</p> - -<p>"What is it, my child?"</p> - -<p>"I wish for a week before answering this request, for I am so surprised -and confused, that it would be impossible for me to form any resolution -at present."</p> - -<p>"Very good, my child; in eight days you will give me your answer. And -now withdraw: but do you remain, Paredes; before leaving the hacienda -for ever, I wish to make some arrangements in which your help will be -necessary."</p> - -<p>Brother and sister, after bowing respectfully to their father, slowly -quitted this fatal chamber, which persons never entered save through a -misfortune.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE TIGRERO.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Don Ruiz and his sister left the red chamber together, gloomy, sad, -and despairing, and not daring to communicate their impressions, -because they knew that they had nothing to hope from an exchange of -conventional consolation. When they reached the hall whence ran the -stairs leading to their different suites of rooms, Don Ruiz let loose -his sister's arm, and kissed her on the forehead.</p> - -<p>"Courage, Marianna," he said, gently.</p> - -<p>"Are you leaving me, brother?" she remarked, with a slight tinge of -reproach in her voice.</p> - -<p>"Are you not going to your own rooms?" he asked her.</p> - -<p>"And what do you intend doing?"</p> - -<p>"To tell you the honest truth, sister," he replied, "after what has -occurred in the red chamber, I feel in such a state of excitement, that -I want to breathe the fresh air; did I not, I fancy I should be ill."</p> - -<p>"Do you propose going out, then?"</p> - -<p>"In leaving you, my dear sister, it is my firm intention to saddle -Santiago, and ride about the country for two or three hours."</p> - -<p>"If that be the case, Ruiz, I will ask you to do me a service."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"Saddle Madrina at the same time."</p> - -<p>"Your mare?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Are you going out too?"</p> - -<p>"I want to pay a visit to my nurse, whom I have not seen for a long -time. I am anxious to speak a few words with her."</p> - -<p>"Will you go alone to the rancho?"</p> - -<p>"Unless you give me the pleasure of your company."</p> - -<p>"Do you doubt it, sister?"</p> - -<p>"Yes and no, Ruiz."</p> - -<p>"Why this reticence?"</p> - -<p>"I will explain it to you, brother. To be frank with you, I want to -see my nurse, and I may spend the night at the rancho; in the event of -that happening, I do not wish you to make an attempt to dissuade me by -entreaty or otherwise."</p> - -<p>"Reflect, sister, that the country is not tranquil, and that you may -incur danger in a wretched rancho, where any resistance would be -impossible."</p> - -<p>"I have thought of that, and calculated all the chances. But I repeat -to you, I must go to the rancho, and may be obliged to pass there not -only a night, but a day or two."</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz reflected for a moment.</p> - -<p>"Sister," he then said, "you are no ordinary woman, and everything you -do is carefully calculated. Although you do not tell me the motives -for this visit, I guess that they are serious, and hence will make no -attempt to thwart your wishes. Act as you please, and I will do all you -wish."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Ruiz," she answered, warmly; "I anticipated you would say -that, for you understand me: my visit has a serious motive, as you have -divined."</p> - -<p>"Then I will go and saddle the horses," he remarked, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Do so, brother," she replied, as she gently pressed his hand. "I will -wait for you here."</p> - -<p>"I only require five minutes."</p> - -<p>The young man went out. Doña Marianna leant on the balustrade, and -fell into deep thought. Don Ruiz returned, leading the horses by the -bridle: brother and sister mounted, and at once left the hacienda. It -was about four in the afternoon; the great heat of the day was spent, -the birds were singing gaily beneath the foliage; the sun, now level -with the lowest branches, had lost much of its heat; and the coming -breeze, which was beginning to rise, refreshed the atmosphere, and bore -far away the clouds of mosquitoes which had for several hours darkened -the air. The young people galloped silently side by side, absorbed in -their thoughts, and only taking absent glances at the splendid scenery -unfolded around them as they advanced further into the country. They -thus reached the rancho without exchanging a word.</p> - -<p>Bouchaley, faithful to his friendship for Doña Marianna, had long -before announced her arrival to the inhabitants of the rancho, who had -hurried out to welcome her. With a hurried glance, Marianna assured -herself of the presence of her foster brother, which seemed to cause -her great satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"Goodness! You here so late, niña?" the ranchero said, in his delight; -"What blessed wind has blown you?"</p> - -<p>"The desire of seeing you, madresita," the young lady answered, with a -smile; "it is so long since I embraced you, that I could not wait any -longer."</p> - -<p>"It is a good idea, niña," the ranchero said; "unfortunately it is -late, and we shall only be able to converse with you for a few moments."</p> - -<p>"How do you know, old father?" she replied, as she leaped off her -horse, and threw her arms round his neck; "Who told you I should not -spend the night at the rancho?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh, you would not do us that honour, niña," the old man answered.</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, father, and the proof is that I ask my brother to -leave me here, and return alone to the hacienda."</p> - -<p>"Then I am discharged," Don Ruiz said, laughingly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, brother; but you have no cause of complaint, for I warned you."</p> - -<p>"That is true; hence I do not complain, little sister; still, before we -part, tell me at what hour I am to come and fetch you tomorrow?"</p> - -<p>"Do not trouble yourself about that, Ruiz; Mariano will bring me home."</p> - -<p>"And this time I shall not behave as the last, niña: may the Lord -confound me if I lose sight of you even for a moment," the tigrero -said, as he took the horse's bridle to lead it to the corral.</p> - -<p>"Will you be so cruel, Marianna," Ruiz observed, "as to force me thus -to return at once?"</p> - -<p>"No; I grant you an hour to rest and refresh yourself, but when that -time has elapsed you will start."</p> - -<p>"Agreed, little sister."</p> - -<p>They entered the rancho: No Sanchez, with that hospitable speed all -Mexican rancheros display, had already covered the table with pulque, -mezcal, Catalonian refino, orangeade, and infusion of tamarinds. The -young people, thirsty from their long ride, and not wishing to grieve -the worthy persons who received them so kindly, did honour to the -refreshments thus profusely offered them. Don Ruiz, while teasing his -sister about her strange fancy for spending the night at the rancho, -though he felt convinced that she must have a very serious reason for -it, conversed gaily according to his fashion, and displayed a dazzling -wit which is easier in Mexico than elsewhere; for, owing to the natural -intelligence of the people, no matter their rank, they are certain to -understand. When day began to fall, the young gentleman took leave of -the rancheros, mounted his horse, and started for the hacienda.</p> - -<p>In Mexico, as in all intertropical countries, evening is the -pleasantest part of the day: at that time the inhabitants are all -in the open air. At night they sit in front of the rancho doors, -conversing, singing, or dancing; two or three in the morning arrives -before they dream of going to bed. But on this day, contrary to her -habit when she paid her nurse a visit, Doña Marianna seemed fatigued: -at times she had difficulty in checking a yawn, and her desire for rest -was so evident that the nurse was the first to invite her to retire. -The young lady required no pressing, and after bidding the old folks -good night, entered the rancho, and the room prepared for her. So soon -as Marianna had left them, the old couple also retired to rest. As for -Mariano, after making his usual tour of inspection round the rancho, -he hung up a hammock under the portico, as he preferred sleeping in -the open air to being shut up within walls which the sun's heat had -rendered stifling. An hour later all the inhabitants of the rancho were -plunged into the deepest sleep.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the tigrero felt a hand gently laid on his shoulder; he opened -his eyes, and by the light of the stars, which was as brilliant as day, -recognised Doña Marianna. The young man who had thrown himself fully -dressed upon the hammock, started up, and looked at his foster sister -anxiously.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter with you, niña?" he asked, in evident alarm.</p> - -<p>"Silence, Mariano!" she answered in a low voice, and laying her finger -on her lips; "All is quiet, at least I suppose so, but I wish to speak -with you."</p> - -<p>"Go on, tocaya," he replied, as he leaped from the hammock and folded -it up.</p> - -<p>"Yes, but I am sorry at having woken you; you were sleeping so soundly, -that I looked at you for nearly a quarter of an hour ere I dared to -disturb your rest; for sleep is such a blessed thing."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," he answered with a laugh; "you were wrong, niña; we wood -rangers sleep so quickly that an hour is sufficient to rest us, and -if I am not mistaken, I have been lying down for more than two. Hence -speak, niña; I am attentive, and shall not miss a word of what you say -to me."</p> - -<p>The young lady reflected for a moment.</p> - -<p>"You love me, I think, Mariano?" she at length said, with a certain -hesitation in her voice.</p> - -<p>"Like a sister, niña," he said, warmly; "in truth, are we not tocayo -and tocaya? Why ask such a question?"</p> - -<p>"Because I want you to do me an important service."</p> - -<p>"Me, niña? ¡Caray! Do not be alarmed; I am devoted to you body and -soul, and whatever you may ask—"</p> - -<p>"Do not pledge yourself too hastily, tocayo," she interrupted him, with -a meaning laugh.</p> - -<p>"A man cannot do that when he firmly intends to keep his promise."</p> - -<p>"That is true; still there are things from which a man at times -recoils."</p> - -<p>"There may be such, niña, but I do not know them; however, explain your -wishes to me, frankly."</p> - -<p>"I think, Mariano, that you are on friendly terms with the hunter, -called Stronghand?"</p> - -<p>"Very intimate, niña; but why do you ask the question?"</p> - -<p>"Is he an honest man?"</p> - -<p>The tigrero looked at her.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that?" he asked her.</p> - -<p>"Why," she said, with considerable embarrassment, "I mean a man of -heart—a man, in short, whose word may be taken."</p> - -<p>Mariano became serious.</p> - -<p>"Señorita," he said, "Stronghand saved my life under circumstances -when my only hope was in Heaven. I have seen this man perform deeds of -incredible courage and audacity, for the sole object of serving people -who frequently did not feel the slightest gratitude to him. To me he is -more than a friend—more than a brother; whatever he bade me I would -do, even if I had to lay down the life he saved, and which belongs to -him. Such, niña, is my opinion about the hunter called Stronghand."</p> - -<p>The young lady gave a glance of pleasure.</p> - -<p>"You are deeply attached to him?" she murmured.</p> - -<p>"As I told you, he is more to me than a brother."</p> - -<p>"And you often see him?"</p> - -<p>"When I want him, or he wants me."</p> - -<p>"Does he live in the neighbourhood, then?"</p> - -<p>"A short time back he stayed several days at the rancho."</p> - -<p>"And will he return?"</p> - -<p>"Who knows?"</p> - -<p>"What did he during his stay here?"</p> - -<p>"I am not aware; I believe that he hunted, though I did not see a -single head of game he had killed whilst he was here."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she said, pensively.</p> - -<p>There was a silence. Mariano looked at her, somewhat surprised that -she should have woke him for the sake of asking him such unimportant -questions.</p> - -<p>"Well," she continued, presently; "if you wanted to see Stronghand, do -you know where to find him?"</p> - -<p>"I think so."</p> - -<p>"You are not certain?"</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, niña, I am certain; we have a spot where we are safe to -meet."</p> - -<p>"But he might not be there."</p> - -<p>"That might happen."</p> - -<p>"What would you do in that case?"</p> - -<p>"Go and seek him at another place, where I should be sure of finding -him."</p> - -<p>"Ah! And where is that?"</p> - -<p>"At the village he inhabits."</p> - -<p>"What village is that? I know of none in the vicinity."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, niña; there is one."</p> - -<p>"A long way from here, I presume?"</p> - -<p>"Only a few leagues."</p> - -<p>"And what is this pueblo?"</p> - -<p>"A village of the Papazos."</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have forgotten to tell you that. Although he is a white man, -Stronghand has, for reasons I am ignorant of, joined the Indians, and -been adopted by one of their most powerful tribes."</p> - -<p>"That is singular," the young lady murmured.</p> - -<p>"Is it not?" the tigrero replied; understanding less than ever the -object of the conversation.</p> - -<p>The maiden shook her head coquettishly, and seemed to form a sudden -resolution.</p> - -<p>"Mariano," she said, "I asked you to do me a service."</p> - -<p>"Yes, niña, and I answered that I was ready to do it."</p> - -<p>"That is true; are you still of the same mind?"</p> - -<p>"Why should I have altered it?"</p> - -<p>"This is what I want of you."</p> - -<p>"Speak."</p> - -<p>"I wish to see Stronghand."</p> - -<p>"Very good; when?"</p> - -<p>"At once."</p> - -<p>"What?" he asked, in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Do you refuse?"</p> - -<p>"I do not say that, but—"</p> - -<p>"There is a but, then?"</p> - -<p>"There always is one."</p> - -<p>"Let me hear yours."</p> - -<p>"It is long past midnight."</p> - -<p>"What matter is that?"</p> - -<p>"Not much, I allow."</p> - -<p>"Well, what next?"</p> - -<p>"It is a long journey."</p> - -<p>"Our horses are good."</p> - -<p>"We risk not finding the hunter at our usual meeting place."</p> - -<p>"We will push on to his village."</p> - -<p>The tigrero looked at her attentively.</p> - -<p>"You have a great need to see Stronghand in that case?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Most extreme."</p> - -<p>"It is more serious than you suppose, señorita."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Hang it! It is not so easy to enter an Indian village."</p> - -<p>"But you do so."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but I am alone and well known."</p> - -<p>"Well, I will go on after you; that is all."</p> - -<p>"Are you aware that the Indians have revolted?"</p> - -<p>"That does not concern you, as you are a friend of theirs."</p> - -<p>Mariano shook his head.</p> - -<p>"You ask a very difficult thing again, tocaya," he said, "in which you -run a great risk."</p> - -<p>"Yes, if I fail; but I shall succeed."</p> - -<p>"It would be better to give up this excursion."</p> - -<p>"Confess at once," she said, impatiently, "that you do not wish to keep -the promise you made me."</p> - -<p>"You are unjust to me; I am only trying to dissuade you from an -enterprise which you will repent when it is too late."</p> - -<p>"That is my business, I repeat, Mariano," she continued, with a marked -stress in her words; "it is not to gratify a caprice that I wish to -see the hunter. I have reasons of the utmost importance for wishing to -speak with him; and, to tell you all, he urged me to summon him under -certain circumstances, and told me I need only apply to you in order to -find him. Are you satisfied now? will you adhere to your doubts, and -still refuse to accompany me?"</p> - -<p>The young man had listened to Doña Marianna with earnest attention. -When she had ended, he replied—"I no longer hesitate, niña; as -things are so, I am bound to obey you. Still, I beg you not to make me -responsible for any events that may happen."</p> - -<p>"Whatever may occur, my kind Mariano, be assured that I shall be -grateful to you for the immense service you have rendered me."</p> - -<p>"And you wish to start at once?"</p> - -<p>"How far have we to ride?"</p> - -<p>"Some ten or twelve leagues."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is nothing."</p> - -<p>"Not on a regular road; but I warn you that we shall be compelled to -follow hardly visible wild beast tracks."</p> - -<p>"The night is clear; we shall have sufficient light to guide us, so let -us start."</p> - -<p>"If you wish it," the young man answered.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later they left the rancho at a gallop. It was about -two in the morning; and the moon, which was at its full, lit up the -landscape as in bright day.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE EXCURSION.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>As we have already said, Doña Marianna, although still so young, was -gifted with an ardent soul and an energetic character, which the -unusual dangers of a border life had, so to speak, unconsciously -ripened. In life these select organizations do not know themselves; -events alone, by exciting their living strength, reveal to them what -they are capable of at a given moment, by urging them bravely to endure -the attack of malignant fortune, and to contend resolutely with their -adversary. When the Marquis, forced by the necessities of his unhappy -condition, had a frank explanation with his children, and confessed to -them into what difficulties he was suddenly thrown, Doña Marianna had -listened to him with the most sustained attention. Then, by degrees, a -species of revolution took place in her. Stronghand's words reverted to -her mind, and she had a vague idea that he could avert the danger that -was suspended over her father's head.</p> - -<p>On recapitulating all that had occurred to her since her departure from -Rosario—the help the hunter had rendered her on various occasions with -unexampled devotion—the conversation she had held with him a few days -previously, and the promise she had made him—it appeared evident to -her that Stronghand, better informed than perhaps the Marquis himself -was about the machinations of his enemies, held in his hands the means -of saving the Moguer family, and parrying the blows which were about to -be dealt them in the dark.</p> - -<p>Then, full of hope, and confiding in the promises of this man, who had -never made his appearance except to prove his devotion to her, her -resolution was spontaneously formed, and without informing anyone of -the project she had conceived, for fear lest an effort might be made -to dissuade her, she went to her nurse's rancho, in order to obtain -an interview with the hunter by the agency of her foster mother. -Under existing circumstances, the step taken by Doña Marianna was -not at all easy, or without dangers. The daughter of the Marquis de -Moguer galloping at night along the Indian border, only accompanied by -one man—devoted, it is true, but who, in spite of all his courage, -would be powerless to defend her against an attack—displayed more -than temerity in this action; and however great her bravery was, and -the confidence she had in the honesty of the enterprise she was thus -blindly undertaking, still she could not refrain from an internal -shudder on thinking of her isolated position, and the ease with which -she might be surprised, carried off, or even massacred by the revolted -Indians. Too proud, however, to allow any of the secret fears that -agitated her to be seen, Doña Marianna affected a tranquillity and -freedom of mind she was far from feeling. She conversed in a low voice -with her foster brother, teasing and scolding him about the difficulty -he had made in granting her request, and describing her delight at a -ride through such exquisite scenery on so magnificent a night.</p> - -<p>Mariano did not think, and consequently did not understand what he -supposed was a girl's fancy. Accustomed since childhood to yield to -all the wishes of his foster sister, and obey her as a slave, he had -on this occasion done what she desired without trying to account for -such an unusual excursion, so happy did he feel at obliging her. At -the same time, he felt a lively pleasure at accompanying her, and thus -passing a few hours in her company. We must not mistake the feelings -that animated the tigrero for Doña Marianna. He loved his foster sister -with his whole soul, and would have gladly died for her; but this -feeling, lively as it was, had nothing personal or interested about -it; it was merely friendship, but a friendship elevated to the most -complete self-denial and the most entire devotion—in a word, to the -most sublime degree which this feeling can attain in the human heart. -Hence the tigrero, comprehending the responsibility weighing on him, -rode on, as is commonly said, with his beard on his shoulder, carefully -examining the bushes, listening to the desert sounds, and ready, on -the slightest alarm, bravely to defend the girl who had placed herself -under his guard. The country they were traversing, though rather -varied, was not, however, completely wooded: owing to the transparent -brightness of the night, the view extended for a great distance, which -removed all fears of a surprise, and gave a certain security to the -travellers; still, they at times, fancied they saw great shadows moving -on the riverbank, and flying at their approach. The young lady looked -round her curiously, and then asked the tigrero whether they would -soon reach the spot where Stronghand was. Mariano pointed out to her a -gentle eminence forming a bend of the river, on the top of which the -fugitive gleams of an expiring fire could be seen at intervals.</p> - -<p>"That is where we are going," he said.</p> - -<p>"Then we have only a few minutes' ride, and it is useless to hurry our -horses."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, niña. Not only is the track we are following very -winding, and will detain us, but, through an optical illusion easy to -be understood, this hill which you fancy so near to us is at least two -leagues distant as the crow flies; so that, taking into account the -windings, the distance is nearly doubled."</p> - -<p>"Can we not cut across country, and thus shorten the distance?"</p> - -<p>"Heaven forbid, niña! We should get into trembling prairies, in which -we should be swallowed up in a few minutes."</p> - -<p>"I trust to you in that case, Mariano; besides, now that, thanks to -that fire, I am certain of meeting the hunter, my anxiety is less -lively, and I will await patiently."</p> - -<p>"Permit me to remark, my dear tocaya, that I did not say certainly that -we should find Stronghand at this bivouac."</p> - -<p>"What did you tell me, then?"</p> - -<p>"Simply that we might hope to meet him here, because it is the spot -where he generally encamps when hunting in these parts."</p> - -<p>"Still, as we can perceive the flame of that watch fire—for that is -really a flame, is it not?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly; still, we have yet to learn whether this fire has been -kindled by Stronghand or some other hunter. This mound is one of the -most suitable places of encampment, owing to the height of the hill, -which allows the country to be surveyed, and thus avoid a surprise."</p> - -<p>"Then probably we shall not find the hunter at the encampment?"</p> - -<p>"I do not say that either, niña," Mariano answered, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"But what do you mean?" the young lady said, impatiently patting the -pommel of her saddle with her little hand; "you are really unendurable."</p> - -<p>"Do not be angry, tocaya; I may be mistaken. If Stronghand is not here, -perhaps we may find a hunter who will tell us where he is."</p> - -<p>"Why not an Indian?"</p> - -<p>"Because there are no Indians at that campfire."</p> - -<p>"Tocayo, I must really ask this time how you can possibly know that?"</p> - -<p>"Very easily, niña; I do not require to be a sorcerer to guess so -simple a thing."</p> - -<p>"Do you consider it so simple?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly; nothing can be more so."</p> - -<p>"In that case I will ask you to explain, for it is always worth while -learning."</p> - -<p>"You fancy you are joking, niña; and yet there is always something to -be learned in the desert."</p> - -<p>"Good, good, tocayo; I know that; but I am waiting for your -explanation."</p> - -<p>"Listen then. This fire, as I told you, is not an Indian fire."</p> - -<p>"That is not exactly what you said to me. Go on, however."</p> - -<p>"The Indians, when they camp on the white man's border, never light a -fire, for fear of revealing their presence; or if compelled to light -one in order to cook their food, they are most careful to diminish the -flame, in the first place by digging a deep hole in the ground, and -next by only using extremely dry wood, which burns without crackling, -flaming, or producing smoke, and which they carry with them for long -distances, in case they might not find it on their road."</p> - -<p>"But, my friend, that fire is scarce visible."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but still it is sufficiently so for us to have perceived -it a long distance off, and thus discovered the existence of a bivouac -at this spot which, under present circumstances, would entail the -surprise and consequent death of the imprudent men who lit it, if they -were Indians instead of hunters."</p> - -<p>"Excellently reasoned, compañero, and like a man accustomed to a desert -life!" A rough, though good-humoured voice suddenly said, a few yards -from them.</p> - -<p>The travellers started and pulled up sharply, while anxiously -investigating the surrounding thickets. Mariano, however, did not lose -his head under these critical circumstances; but with a movement swift -as thought raised his rifle, and covered a man who was standing by the -side of a thicket, with his hands crossed on the muzzle of a long gun.</p> - -<p>"Hold, compadre!" the stranger continued, not at all disturbed by the -tigrero's hostile demonstration; "Pay attention to what you are about. -A thousand fiends! Do you know that you run a risk of killing a friend?"</p> - -<p>Mariano hesitated for a moment; and then, without raising his rifle, -remarked—</p> - -<p>"I fancy I recognise that voice."</p> - -<p>"By Jove!" the other said, "It would be a fine joke if you did not."</p> - -<p>"Wait a minute; are you not Whistler?"</p> - -<p>"All right, you remember now," the Canadian said with a laugh; for the -person was really the hunter whom the reader saw for a moment at the -village of the Papazos.</p> - -<p>The tigrero uncocked his rifle, which he threw over his shoulder, and -said to Marianna—"It is a friend."</p> - -<p>"Are you quite sure of this man?" she asked in a low, quick voice.</p> - -<p>"As of myself."</p> - -<p>"Who is he?"</p> - -<p>"A Canadian hunter or trapper. He has all the defects of the race, but -at the same time all its qualities."</p> - -<p>"I will believe you, for his countrymen are generally regarded as -honest men. Ask him what he was doing on the skirt of the track."</p> - -<p>Mariano obeyed.</p> - -<p>"I was attending to my business," Whistler replied with a grin; "and -pray what may you be doing, so poorly accompanied at this hour of the -night, when the Indians have taken the field?"</p> - -<p>"I am travelling, as you see."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but every journey has an object, I suppose."</p> - -<p>"It has."</p> - -<p>"Well, I do not see what end yours can achieve by continuing in that -direction."</p> - -<p>"Still, we are going to do so till we have found the man we are in -search of."</p> - -<p>"I will not ask you any questions, although I may perhaps have a right -to do so; still, I fancy you would act more wisely in turning back than -in obstinately going on."</p> - -<p>"I am not able to do so."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"Because I have not the command of the expedition, and I cannot -undertake such a responsibility."</p> - -<p>"Ah, who is the chief, then? I only see two persons."</p> - -<p>"You seem to forget, señor," Doña Marianna said, joining in the -conversation for the first time, "that one of these two persons is a -female."</p> - -<p>"Of course she must command," the trapper answered with a courteous -bow; "pray excuse me, madam."</p> - -<p>"I the more willingly do so, because I hope to obtain from you -important information about the object of the journey we have -undertaken, perhaps somewhat too carelessly, in these desolate -regions."</p> - -<p>"I shall be too happy to be agreeable to you, my lady, if it be in my -power."</p> - -<p>"Permit me, in that case, to ask you a few questions."</p> - -<p>"Pray do so."</p> - -<p>"I wish to know what the camp is whose watch fires I perceive a short -distance off."</p> - -<p>"A hunter's bivouac."</p> - -<p>"Only hunters?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, they are all white hunters or trappers."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, señor. Do you know these men?"</p> - -<p>"Very well, considering I am a member of the band." Doña Marianna -hesitated for a moment.</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, sir," she continued, "I am in search of a hunter with whom -grave reasons force me to desire an immediate interview; perhaps he is -among your comrades."</p> - -<p>"Do you know him personally, madam?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and am under great obligations to him. He is called Stronghand."</p> - -<p>The trapper eagerly walked up to the young lady, and attentively -examined her.</p> - -<p>"You wish to have an immediate interview with Stronghand?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I repeat, señor, for reasons of the highest importance."</p> - -<p>"In case you are Doña Marianna de Moguer."</p> - -<p>"What!" she exclaimed, in surprise, "You know my name?"</p> - -<p>"That needs not astonish you, madam," he said, with the most exquisite -politeness; "I am the intimate friend of Stronghand. Without entering -into any details that might justly offend you, my friend told me that -you might perchance come and ask for him at our campfire."</p> - -<p>"He knew it, then," she murmured, in a trembling voice; "but how did he -learn it?"</p> - -<p>Though these words were uttered in a whisper, Whistler heard them.</p> - -<p>"He doubtless hoped it would be so, without daring to credit it, -madam," he answered.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" she continued, "What does this mean?"</p> - -<p>"That my friend, in his eager desire to be agreeable to you, and -foreseeing the chance of your coming during his absence, warned me, -in order to spare you a very difficult search, and thus induce you to -grant me a little of that confidence you deign to honour him with."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, sir. Now that you know me, would it be taxing your -courtesy too greatly to ask you to guide my companion and myself to -your bivouac?"</p> - -<p>"I am at your orders, madam, and believe me that you will receive a -proper reception, even though my friend does not happen to be there at -the moment."</p> - -<p>"What!" she said, suddenly checking her horse, "Can he be absent?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but do not let that cause you any anxiety; he will soon return.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" she murmured, clasping her hands in grief.</p> - -<p>"Madam," Whistler again continued, "I understand that the reasons -which urged you to undertake such a journey must be of the utmost -importance; let me, therefore, go on ahead to the camp, and make all -the preparations for your reception."</p> - -<p>"But Stronghand, señor?"</p> - -<p>"Warned through me, madam, he will be back by daybreak."</p> - -<p>"You promise me that, señor."</p> - -<p>"On my honour."</p> - -<p>"Go, then, and may Heaven requite you for the goodwill and courtesy you -show me."</p> - -<p>Whistler bowed respectfully to the young lady, took his rifle under his -arm, and soon disappeared in the forest.</p> - -<p>"We can now go on without fear," said Mariano; "I know Whistler to be -an honest, worthy fellow, and he will do what he has promised."</p> - -<p>"Heaven grant I may see the man whom I have come so far to meet."</p> - -<p>"You will see him, be assured; moreover, all precautions were taken in -the event of your visit."</p> - -<p>"Yes," she murmured, pausing; "and it is this which renders me alarmed. -Well, I put my trust in the Virgin."</p> - -<p>And flogging her horse, she went on her way, followed by the tigrero, -who, according to his habit, could not at all comprehend this remark, -after the desire the young lady had evinced to see the hunter.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE HUNTER'S CAMP.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>It was no great distance to the bivouac, and the travellers reached it -about half an hour after Whistler. Still, though this period was so -short, the worthy Canadian had profited by it to erect for the young -lady, who thanked him by a smile, a jacal of branches, under which she -found a shelter as comfortable as desert life permits. The hunters' -camp had a military look, which greatly perplexed Doña Marianna. Strong -wooden palisades defended all the approaches; the horses, which were -ready saddled, were fastened to pickets; several watch fires, lighted -at regular distances, sufficiently illumined the plain to prevent -the approach of an enemy, whether man or beast; and four sentinels, -standing rifle in hand on the entrenchments, followed with a vigilant -eye the slightest undulations of the lofty pass. Some thirty men, -with harsh and irregular features, clothed after the fashion of wood -rangers, in fur caps, cotton shirts, and leather calzoneras, were lying -in front of the fires, rifle in hand, in order to be ready for the -first alarm.</p> - -<p>Orders had probably been given beforehand by Whistler, for the -sentinels allowed the two travellers to pass unquestioned through a -breach in the entrenchments, which was immediately closed after them -again. The Canadian was awaiting them in front of the jacal; he helped -Doña Marianna to dismount, and the horses were led to join the others, -and supplied with a copious meal of alfalfa.</p> - -<p>"You are welcome among us, señora," he said with a respectful bow; -"in this jacal, which no one will enter save yourself, there is a -bed of skins, on which you can take a few hours' rest while awaiting -Stronghand's arrival."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, señor, for this graceful attention, by which I cannot -profit, however, till you have reiterated your promise."</p> - -<p>"Señorita, two horsemen have already set out to fetch Stronghand, but I -repeat, that he cannot be here for some hours; now, if you will accept -the humble refreshment prepared for you—"</p> - -<p>"I only require rest, señor; still I am not the less obliged to you for -your offer. With your permission, I will retire."</p> - -<p>"You are the mistress here, madam."</p> - -<p>The young lady smiled, pressed her foster brother's hand, and entered -the jacal. So soon as Doña Marianna had let fall after her the blanket -which formed the doorway, the tigrero quietly removed his zarapé from -his shoulders, and laid it on the ground.</p> - -<p>"What is that for, comrade?" Whistler asked, astonished at the -performance.</p> - -<p>"You see, compadre, I am making my bed."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to sleep there?"</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"As you please; still, you will be cold, that is all."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! A night is soon spent, especially when so far advanced as -this one is."</p> - -<p>"I trust that you do not doubt us."</p> - -<p>"No, Whistler, no; but Doña Marianna is my foster sister, and I am -bound to watch over her."</p> - -<p>"That care concerns me at the moment; so do not be at all alarmed."</p> - -<p>"Two sentries are better than one; besides, you know me, do you not? -Although I place the utmost confidence in you, I will not surrender -the guardianship of my tocaya to another man; that is my idea, whether -right or wrong, and I shall not give it up."</p> - -<p>"As you please," the trapper said, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>And he left him at liberty to make his arrangements as he pleased. The -tigrero, though he knew most of the hunters, or, perhaps, because he -knew them, did not wish to leave his foster sister unprotected among -these reckless men, who, accustomed to the utter license of a desert -life, might, under the influence of strong liquors, forget the sacred -duties of hospitality, and insult Doña Marianna. In this the young man, -in spite of his desert experience, was completely mistaken.</p> - -<p>We have no intention to attempt the rehabilitation of these men, who, -generally endowed with evil instincts, and who do not wish to yield to -the demands of civilization, retire into the desert in order to live as -they like, and seek liberty in license; still, we will mention in their -honour, that a nomadic life, after a certain lapse of time, completely -modifies their character, curbs their passions, and so subjects them -that they gradually become purified by constant danger and privations, -by getting rid of all that was bad in them, and retaining beneath their -rough bark and coarse manners principles of honesty and devotion of -which they would have been considered incapable at an earlier period. -What we say here is scrupulously true of about two-thirds at least of -the bold pioneers who traverse in all directions the vast savannahs of -the New World; the others are incorrigible, and within a given time -end by becoming real bandits, and carry their contingent of crime to -those formidable bands of pirates of the prairies, who ambush like -hideous birds of prey to await the passage of caravans, and plunder and -massacre the travellers.</p> - -<p>But, whether good or bad, the dwellers on the prairie—no matter if -whites, half-breeds, or Redskins, trappers, pirates, or Indians—have -one virtue in common, and whose duties they carry out with remarkable -punctuality and generosity, and that is hospitality. A traveller -surprised by night, and wearied by a long journey, may, if he see a -campfire in the huts of an Indian village, present himself without -fear, and claim hospitality. From that moment he is sacred to the men -he applies to, no matter if they be Indians, bravos, hunters, or even -pirates. These individuals, who would not have scrupled to assassinate -him by the side of a ditch, treat him like a brother, show him the most -delicate attentions, and will never make any insulting allusions to -the length of his stay among them; on the contrary, he is at liberty -to remain as long as he pleases, and when he takes leave his hosts say -good-bye regretfully. At the same time it is true that, if they meet -him a week after in the forest, they will kill him without mercy to -raise his hair and take his weapons; but this need only be apprehended -with the pirates and some Indian tribes of the far west. As for the -hunters, when a stranger has once slept by their side and shared their -food, he is for ever sacred to them.</p> - -<p>The tigrero, therefore, was completely mistaken when he feared lest -Doña Marianna might be insulted by these men, who, although coarse, -were honest and loyal in the main; and who, flattered by the confidence -this lovely, innocent girl placed in them, would, on the contrary, have -gladly defended her had it been necessary.</p> - -<p>Whistler went off with a laugh, and lay down by the side of his -comrades. As we have already said, the night was far advanced when Doña -Marianna and her travelling companion reached the camp of the hunters; -a few hours at the most separated them from sunrise: and the young -lady, who at first resolved to spend these hours awake, overcome by -fatigue, had yielded to sleep, and enjoyed a calm and refreshing rest. -So soon as day began to appear, Doña Marianna repaired as well as she -could the disorder produced in her dress by her lengthened journey, -rose and went to the door of the jacal. The camp was still plunged in -the deepest silence: with the exceptions of the sentries still on the -watch, the hunters were fast asleep.</p> - -<p>The dawn was just breaking, and striping the horizon with wide -vermillion bands; the sharp and rather cold morning breeze rustled -softly through the branches; the flowers that enamelled the prairie -raised themselves, and expanded the corollas to receive the first -sunbeams; the numberless streams, whose silvery waters made their way -through the tall grass, murmured over the white and grey pebbles as -they bore their tribute to the Rio Bravo del Norte, whose capricious -windings could be guessed in the distance, owing to the thick cloud -of vapour that constantly rose from it and brooded over its bed. -The birds, still hidden beneath the foliage, were timidly preluding -their harmonious concert; the glad earth, the bright sky, the serene -atmosphere, the pure light—all, in a word, revealed that the day -which had now entirely appeared was about to be tranquil and lovely.</p> - -<p>The maiden, refreshed by the rest she had enjoyed, felt herself newborn -as she breathed the first exhalations of the flowers and the sharp -odour which is found in the desert alone. Without venturing to quit -the jacal, in front of which the tigrero was lying, she surveyed the -surrounding landscape, which, thanks to the elevation she stood at, -lay expanded at her feet for a long distance. The profound calmness -of reawakening nature, the powerful harmonies of the desert, filled -the maiden's heart with a gentle melancholy; she pensively indulged -in those thoughts which the great spectacles of nature ever arouse in -minds unaffected by human passions. In the meanwhile the sun ascended -the horizon, and the last shadows melted away in the dazzling beams -propelled by the daystar. Suddenly the girl uttered an exclamation of -delight, for she noticed a band of horsemen fording the stream, and -apparently coming in the direction of the hill. At the cry his foster -sister uttered, the tigrero bounded to his feet and stood by her side, -rifle in hand, ready to defend her if necessary.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, tocayo," she said to him.</p> - -<p>"Heaven keep you, niña!" he replied, with a shade of anxiety. "Have you -slept well?"</p> - -<p>"I could not have done so better, Mariano."</p> - -<p>"All right then; but why did you utter that cry?"</p> - -<p>"I cried out, my friend, and scarce know why."</p> - -<p>"Ah, yes—stay; look at those horsemen coming up at full speed."</p> - -<p>"Caray! How they gallop! They will be here within half an hour."</p> - -<p>"Do you think that Stronghand is among them?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose so, niña."</p> - -<p>"And I am sure of it," said Whistler, with a respectful bow to the -young lady; "I have recognised him, señorita; so will you allow that I -have kept my promise?"</p> - -<p>"Most fully, señor; and I know not how to express my thanks for the -hearty hospitality you have given me."</p> - -<p>"I have no claim to any thanks from you, señorita, as I have only -carried out my friend's intention; niña, it is to him alone you should -offer thanks, if you consider that you ought to make them."</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile the camp was aroused; the hunters were yawning, and -turned to their daily avocations; some led their horses to the watering -place, others kindled the fires; some cut the wood requisite to keep -them up, while two or three of the older men acted as cooks, and got -breakfast ready for the party. The camp changed its appearance in a -minute; it lived the nervous, agitated life of the desert, in which -each man performs his task with the feverish speed of persons who are -aware of the value of time, and do not wish to lose it. The young lady, -at first surprised by the cries, laughter, and unaccustomed movement -that prevailed around her, began to grow used to it, and eagerly -watched the occupations of the men she had beneath her eyes. A sharp -challenge of "Who goes there?" suddenly made her raise her head.</p> - -<p>"A friend!" a voice she at once recognised answered from without.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a band of horsemen entered the camp, at their head being -Stronghand. The young man dismounted, and after exchanging a few words -with Whistler, he went straight up to the maiden, who was standing -motionless in the doorway of the jacal, and watching his approach -with amazement. In fact, as we have said, Stronghand was not alone; -several persons accompanied him, among them being Thunderbolt and Doña -Esperanza; the rest were confidential Indian servants. When Stronghand -came in front of the young lady, he bowed to her respectfully, and then -turned to the persons who accompanied him.</p> - -<p>"Permit me, señorita," he said to her, "to present to you my mother, -Doña Esperanza, and my father; both love you, though they do not know -you, and insisted on accompanying me."</p> - -<p>The maiden, blushing with joy at this delicate attention on the part -of the hunter, who thus placed their interview beneath the safeguard -of his father and mother, replied with emotion—"I am delighted, -señor, with this kind inspiration of your heart; it augments, were it -possible, the confidence I have placed in you, and the gratitude I felt -for the eminent services you have rendered me."</p> - -<p>Doña Esperanza and the sachem embraced the girl, who, at once ashamed -and joyous at the friendship of these persons, whose exterior was at -once so imposing and so venerable, knew not how to respond to their -caresses and the kindness they evinced to her. In the meanwhile the -hunters had raised, with great skill and speed, a tent, under which -the four persons were at once protected from the curious glances of -the persons who surrounded them. Through that innate feeling of women, -which makes them love or detest each other at the first glance, Doña -Esperanza and the young lady at once felt attracted to each other by -a natural movement of sympathy, and leaving the gentlemen to their -occupations, they withdrew on one side, and began an animated and -friendly conversation. Doña Marianna, subjugated by Doña Esperanza's -seductive manner, and drawn toward her by a feeling of attraction for -which she did not attempt to account, as she felt so happy with her, -spoke to her open-heartedly; but then she was greatly surprised to see -that this lady, whom she was bound to suppose an entire stranger, was -perfectly acquainted with all that related to her family, and knew her -father's affairs better than she did herself; her amazement increased -when Doña Esperanza explained in the fullest details the reasons that -occasioned her presence in the hunter's camp, and the precarious -position to which the Marquis de Moguer was reduced.</p> - -<p>"I could add many more surprising things, my dear girl," Doña Esperanza -continued with a smile, "but I do not wish to fatigue you at present; -sufficient for you to know that we really take an interest in your -family, and that it will not be our fault if your father is not soon -freed from all his cares."</p> - -<p>"Oh, how good you are, madam!" the young lady exclaimed, warmly; "How -can I have merited such lively interest on your part?"</p> - -<p>"That must not trouble you at all, my dear girl; the step you have -taken today to come to your father's assistance, and the confidence -you have placed in my son, are for us proofs of the loftiness of your -feelings and the purity of your heart. Although we are almost Indians," -she added with a smile, "we have white blood enough in our veins to -remember what we owe to persons of that race."</p> - -<p>The conversation went on thus between the two ladies on a footing of -frank friendliness, until the moment when Stronghand came to interrupt -it, by stating that breakfast was ready, and that they were only -waiting for them to sit down. The tigrero and the Canadian had both -been invited to share the meal, but they declined the invitation under -the pretext that they did not like to eat with persons so high above -them in rank, but in reality, because the worthy wood rangers preferred -breakfasting without ceremony. Stronghand did not press them, and -allowed them to do as they pleased. Doña Marianna bit her lips in order -to suppress a smile when the hunter informed her that they were about -to sit down to table; for, owing to her recent journey and her life on -the Indian border, the young lady was well aware that such meals were -extremely simple, and eaten on the grass. Hence her surprise was at its -height when, after passing into a separate compartment of the tent, -she perceived a table laid with a luxury which would have been justly -admired even in Mexico: nothing was wanting, even to massive plate -and valuable crystal. The dishes, it is true, were simple, and merely -consisted of venison and fruit; but all had a stamp of true grandeur, -which it was impossible not to appreciate at the first glance. The -contrast offered by this table, so elegantly and comfortably laid, was -the greater, because, behind the canvas of the tent, desert life could -be seen in all its simplicity.</p> - -<p>The young lady seated herself between Thunderbolt and Doña Esperanza, -Stronghand sat down opposite to her, and two menservants waited. In -spite of the agreeable surprise which the impromptu comfort of this -repast, prepared for her alone, caused her, the young lady did not at -all display her surprise, but she ate heartily and gaily, thus thanking -her hosts for the delicate attentions they showed her. When the -dainties were placed on the table, and the meal was drawing to a close, -Stronghand bowed to Doña Marianna.</p> - -<p>"Señorita," he said, with a smile, "before we begin a serious -conversation, which might, at this moment, appear to you untimely, be -kind enough to permit my mother to tell us one of the charming Indian -legends with which she generally enlivens the close of our meals."</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna was at first surprised by this proposition, made, -without any apparent motive, at the close of a lively conversation; -but imagining that the hunter's remarks concealed a serious purpose, -and that the legend, under its frivolous aspect, would entail valuable -results for her, she answered with her sweetest smile—"I shall listen -with the greatest pleasure to the narrative the señora is about to tell -us, because my nurse, who is of Indian origin, was wont to lull me to -sleep with these legends, which have left a deep and most agreeable -impression on my mind."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE LEGEND.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Doña Esperanza exchanged a look with the sachem, and after reflecting -a moment, as if recalling her ideas, she said to Doña Marianna, in -her gentle, sympathising voice—"My dear girl, before beginning my -narrative, I must inform you that I belong to the Aztec race, and am -descended in a direct line from the kings of that people. Hence, the -story you are about to hear, though simple in its form, is completely -exact, and has dwelt among us intact for generations. I trust," she -added, with a stress, "that it will interest you."</p> - -<p>Then turning to one of the criados who stood motionless behind the -guests, she said—"The quipos."</p> - -<p>The criado went out, and almost immediately returned with a bag of -perfumed tapir skin, which he handed his mistress with a bow. The -latter opened it, and drew out several cords plaited of different -coloured threads, divided at regular distances by knots mingled with -shells and beads. These cords are called quipos, and are employed by -the Indians to keep up the memory of events that have occurred during -a long course of years, and thus represent books. Still, it requires -a special study to understand these quipos, and few people are capable -of deciphering them, the more so as the Indians, who are very jealous -about keeping their historical secrets, only permit a small number -of adepts to learn the explanation, which renders any knowledge of -Indian history almost impossible for white men. Doña Esperanza, after -attentively examining the quipos, selected one, replaced the others in -the bag, and letting the knots of the rope glide through her fingers, -much as a monk does with his beads when telling his rosary, she began -her narrative.</p> - -<p>For fear of injuring this story, whose truth cannot be doubted, -and which we ourselves heard told in an atepetl of the Papazos, we -will leave it in all its native rudeness, without attempting to -adorn it with flowers of European metaphors, which, in our opinion, -would deprive it of its peculiar character. Doña Esperanza spoke as -follows:—"At a certain period of the year," she said, while beginning -to feel the quipos, which served her, as it were, as a book, "long -before the appearance of white men on the red territory, a numerous -band of Chichimeques and Toltequez, who originally dwelt at the lakes, -becoming dissatisfied, resolved to emigrate to the south-west in -pursuit of the buffaloes, and carried out their resolve."</p> - -<p>"At Salt Lake they divided, and those who remained continued to -bear their primitive name; while the others, for an unknown motive, -assumed that of Comanches. These Comanches, more enterprising than -their brothers, continued their journey till they reached the banks -of the Rio Gila, where they encamped and divided again. One band, -which resolved not to go farther, was christened by the others, who -determined to press on, the 'Great Ears;' but the whites who first -discovered them called them 'Opatas.' The remainder of the band -continued to march in the same direction, and found the Rio Bravo -del Norte at the mouth of the Rio Puerco. They had only two principal -chiefs left, and gave themselves the name of Neu-ta-che, which means, -'those who reach the river's mouth.' One of the chiefs had an only son, -and the other a lovely daughter, and the young people loved each other. -But this raised the anger of the father of the unhappy girl to such a -height, that he made his band arm and prepare to fight. But the father -and the young man crossed the Rio Gila, and buried themselves with -their band in the territory afterwards called by the white man Señora -or Sonora, where they settled, and continued to reside peacefully -until the period when the whites, ever in search of new lands, arrived -there in their turn, and after many cruel wars, succeeded in gaining -possession of the country."</p> - -<p>"The Comanches had founded several towns in Sonora, and, in accordance -with their constant habit, in the neighbourhood of the gold and -silver mines they discovered, and begun to work. One of their towns, -perhaps the richest and most populous, had for its chief a warrior -justly renowned for his wisdom in council, and valour in the combat. -This chief was called Quetzalmalin—that is to say, the 'Twisted -Feather.' His nobility was great, and very ancient; he justly declared -that he was descended in a direct line from Acamapichtzin, first -king of Mexico, whose hieroglyphic he retained on the totem of his -tribe, through that veneration which our fathers displayed for their -ancestors. This hieroglyphic, which his descendants have preciously -retained, is composed of a hand grasping a number of reeds, which is -the literal translation of the name of the noble chief of the race. -Twisted Feather had a daughter, eighteen summers old, lovely and -graceful: her name was Ova, and she ran over the prairie grass without -bending it; gentle, pensive, and timid as the virgin of the first -loves, her black eyes had not yet been fixed on one of the warriors of -the tribe, who all sought to please her."</p> - -<p>"Ova wore a tunic of water-green colour, fastened round her waist by -a wampum belt, with a large golden buckle. When she danced before her -father, the old man's forehead became unwrinkled, and a sunbeam passed -into his eyes. Her father had often told her that it was time for her -to marry, but Ova shook her head with a smile; she was happy, and the -little bird that speaks to the heart of maidens had not yet sung to her -the gentle strains of love."</p> - -<p>"Still a moment arrived when Ova lost all her careless gaiety. The -young girl, so laughing and so wild, became suddenly pensive and -dreamy—she loved."</p> - -<p>"Ova went to find her father. The chief at this moment was presiding -over the great council of the nation in the great medicine calli. The -maiden advanced, and knelt respectfully before her father."</p> - -<p>"'What is it, my daughter?' the chief said, as he passed his hand -gently through her long hair, which was fine as aloe threads."</p> - -<p>"'My father,' she replied, looking down modestly, 'I love, and am -beloved.'"</p> - -<p>"'My daughter, what is the name of the chief who is so happy that your -choice should have fallen on him?'"</p> - -<p>"'He is not a chief, my father; he is, perchance, one of the most -obscure warriors of the tribe, although he is one of the bravest. He -works in the gold mine that belongs to you.'"</p> - -<p>"The chief frowned, and a flash of anger sparkled in his glance."</p> - -<p>"'My father,' the maiden continued, as she embraced his legs, 'if I did -not marry him, I should die.'"</p> - -<p>"The chief gazed at his daughter for a moment, and saw her so sad and -resigned, that pity entered his heart. He, too, loved his daughter—his -only child; for the Master of Life had called away the others to the -happy hunting grounds. The aged man did not wish his daughter to die."</p> - -<p>"'You shall marry the man you love,' he said to her."</p> - -<p>"'Do you promise it to me on the sacred totem of the nation, father?'"</p> - -<p>"'On the sacred totem of the nation I promise it; speak, therefore, -without fear. What is the name of the man you love?'"</p> - -<p>"'He is called the Clouded Snake, father.'"</p> - -<p>"The old man sighed."</p> - -<p>"'He is very poor,' he muttered."</p> - -<p>"'I am rich enough for both.'"</p> - -<p>"'Be it so. You shall marry him, my daughter.'"</p> - -<p>"Ova rose, sparkling with joy and happiness, bowed to the assembly, and -left the medicine lodge."</p> - -<p>"Clouded Snake was poor, it is true—even very poor, since he was -constrained to work in the gold mine; but he was young, he was brave, -and was considered the handsomest of all the warriors of his age."</p> - -<p>"Tall, robust, and muscular, Clouded Snake formed as complete a -contrast with Ova, who was pale and frail, as a noble buffalo does with -a graceful antelope. Perhaps their love emanated from this contrast."</p> - -<p>"The young man, though he was so poor, found means to give his -betrothed perfumes of grizzly bears' grease, necklaces of alligators' -teeth, and wampum girdles."</p> - -<p>"The young people Were happy. On the eve of the marriage, Clouded Snake -laid at Ova's feet buckles of gold and two bracelets of shells, mingled -with beads of pure gold."</p> - -<p>"Ova accepted these presents with a smile, and said to her betrothed, -as she left him,—"</p> - -<p>"'Farewell; we part today to see each other tomorrow, and tomorrow we -shall be united for ever.'"</p> - -<p>"On the next day Clouded Snake did not come. Ova waited for several -months; Clouded Snake did not reappear."</p> - -<p>"In vain, by the chief's orders, was the young man sought for -throughout the country; no one had seen him, no one had heard speak of -him."</p> - -<p>"Clouded Snake no longer existed, except in the heart of Ova."</p> - -<p>"She wept for him, and people tried to make her believe that he had -gone to fight the white men; but Ova shook her head, and wiped away her -tears."</p> - -<p>"Forty times did the snow cover the summit of the mountains, and yet -it had been impossible to clear up the mystery of Clouded Snake's -disappearance."</p> - -<p>"One day some labourers at work in the gold mine, which had belonged -to Ova's father, and was now her property, while going far down an old -gallery which had been abandoned for a long time, exhumed a corpse as -miraculously preserved as the mummies of the <i>teocallis</i> are in their -bandages."</p> - -<p>"The warriors flocked up to see this strange corpse, clothed in a dress -belonging to another age, and no one recognised it."</p> - -<p>"Ova, who was then old, and who, to please her father had married -the great chief of his nation when her last hope expired, went with -her husband to the spot where the corpse was exposed to the sight of -visitors."</p> - -<p>"Suddenly she started, and tears darted from her eyes; she had -recognised Clouded Snake, as handsome as on the day when she left him -with the hope of a speedy reunion. She, on the other hand, aged and -bowed down more by grief than years, was weak and tottering."</p> - -<p>"Ova wished that the corpse of the man whom she had been on the point -of marrying, and whom the evil spirit had torn from her, should be -restored to the mine from which it had been removed after forty years. -The mine, by the orders of the chief's wife, although extremely rich, -was abandoned and shut up."</p> - -<p>"Ova ordered a hieroglyphic to be carved on the stone that covers the -body of her betrothed, which may be thus translated:—'This sepulchre -is without a body; this body is without a sepulchre; but by itself it -is a sepulchre and a body.'"</p> - -<p>"Such," Doña Esperanza added, as she finished the legend, and laid -down the quipos, "is the story of the lovely Ova, daughter of the -great chief Twisted Feather, and of Clouded Snake the miner, just as -it occurred, and just as Ova herself ordered it to be preserved by a -special quipos for future ages."</p> - -<p>Doña Esperanza stopped, and there was a moment's silence.</p> - -<p>"Well, señorita," the sachem asked, "has the legend interested you?"</p> - -<p>"Through its simplicity it is most touching, señor," the young lady -answered; "still, there is something vague and unsettled about the -whole story, which impairs its effect."</p> - -<p>Thunderbolt smiled gently.</p> - -<p>"You find, do you not, that we are not told the precise spot where -the events of the narrative occurred, that Sonora is very large, and -that the town in which Twisted Feather commanded is not sufficiently -indicated?"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, señor," the young lady remarked, with a blush, "such -geographical notions, though doubtless very useful in settling the spot -where events have occurred, interest me personally very slightly. What -I find incomplete is the story itself; the rest does not concern me."</p> - -<p>"More so than you suppose, perhaps, señorita," the sachem remarked; -"but pray be good enough to state your objections more fully."</p> - -<p>"Excuse me, señor, but I have not yet recovered from the surprise which -the events that have occurred during the last few hours have occasioned -me, and I explain myself badly, in spite of my efforts."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, señorita, and to what events are you referring?"</p> - -<p>"To those which are taking place at this very moment. Having started -from home to ask an interview of a wood ranger, whom I naturally -supposed encamped in the open air, and shared the life of privations -of his fellows, I meet, on the contrary, persons who overwhelm me -with attentions, and, under an Indian appearance, conceal all the -refinements of the most advanced civilization. You can understand how -this strange contrast with what surrounds me must surprise, almost -frighten me, who am a young girl, ignorant of the world, and have -undertaken a step which many persons would disapprove if they knew it."</p> - -<p>"You are going too far, my dear child," Doña Esperanza replied, as -she tenderly embraced her; "what you have seen here ought not to -surprise you. My husband is one of the principal chiefs of the great -Confederation of the Papazos; but he and I, in other times, lived the -life of white men. When we withdrew to the desert, we took with us our -civilized habits, and that is the entire mystery. As for the step you -have taken, it has nothing that is not most honourable to you."</p> - -<p>"I thank you for these kind remarks, and the interpretation you are -pleased to give to a step conceived, perhaps, a little too giddily, -and executed more giddily still."</p> - -<p>"Do not regret it, señorita," said Thunderbolt; "perhaps it has helped -your father's affairs more than you suppose."</p> - -<p>"As for the story of Ova," Doña Esperanza continued, with a gentle -smile, "this is how it ended:—the poor woman died of despair a few -days after the discovery of the man she ought to have married, and whom -she had held in such tender memory for so long a time. At her last hour -she expressed a desire to be united in death to the man from whom she -had been separated in life. This last wish was carried out. The two -betrothed repose side by side in the mine, which was at once closed -again, and no one has dreamed of opening it up to the present day."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, señora, for completing your narrative. Still," Marianna -said, with a sigh, "this gold mine must, in my opinion, be very poor, -since the Spaniards, when they seized the country, did not attempt to -work it."</p> - -<p>"Not at all, my dear child; on the contrary, it is excessively rich. -But Ova's secret has been so well kept that the Spaniards remained in -ignorance of its existence."</p> - -<p>The two ladies were by this time alone, as the sachem and his son had -left the tent.</p> - -<p>"It is strange," the maiden murmured, answering her own thoughts rather -than Doña Esperanza's remark.</p> - -<p>The earnestness with which the lady insisted on referring to the legend -astounded and interested her. A secret foreboding warned her that the -story had a hidden object, whose importance still escaped her, though -she was burning to discover it. Doña Esperanza attentively followed in -her face the various feelings that agitated her, and were reflected -in her expressive face as in a mirror. She continued—"This is why -the mine was not discovered when the Spaniards seized the town where -it was situated. It had been stopped up for a very long time. The old -inhabitants were killed or expelled by the conquerors; and those who -escaped were careful not to reveal this secret to their oppressors. -The latter destroyed the town, and built an immense hacienda over its -mines."</p> - -<p>"But—pardon me for questioning you thus, señora—how have all these -facts come to your knowledge?"</p> - -<p>"For a very simple reason, my dear child. Ova was my ancestress, and -the knowledge of this mine is consequently a family secret for us. I -am, perhaps, the only person in the world who at the present day knows -its exact position."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I understand you," the young lady said, becoming very pensive.</p> - -<p>"Still you are trying to discover, are you not, my dear child?" the old -lady continued, kindly interrogating her, "Why, instead of letting you -speak of the important matters that brought you here, my son urged you -to ask this story of me; and why, without pity for your filial sorrow, -I consented to do so; and why, now that it is ended, I am anxious for -you to learn the minutest details."</p> - -<p>The girl hid her face in the old lady's bosom, and burst into tears.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she said, "you have understood me, madam, and pray pardon me."</p> - -<p>"Pardon you for what, my dear child? For loving your father? On the -contrary, you are quite right. But yours is no common nature, my -child; though we have only been acquainted for a few hours, you have -sufficiently appreciated my character, I think, to recognise the -interest I take in you."</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, I believe you, madam; I must believe you."</p> - -<p>"Well, console yourself, my dear girl; do not weep thus, or I shall be -forced to follow your example; and I have still some details to add to -this interminable story."</p> - -<p>The maiden smiled through her tears. "Oh, you are so kind, madam," she -answered.</p> - -<p>"No, I love you, that is all, and," she added, with a sigh, "I have -done so for a long time."</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna gazed at her with amazement.</p> - -<p>"Yes, that surprises you," she continued, "and I can well understand -it. But enough of this subject for the present, my darling, and let us -return to what I wanted to say to you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I am listening to you, madam."</p> - -<p>"I will now tell you where Ova's town stood, and its name. It was -called Cibola."</p> - -<p>"Cibola!" the girl exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Yes, dear child, the very spot where the Hacienda del Toro was -afterwards built by your ancestor, the Marquis de Moguer. Now do you -understand me?"</p> - -<p>Without replying, Doña Marianna threw herself into the old lady's arms, -who pressed her tenderly to her bosom.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.</a></h4> - -<h3>KIDD REAPPEARS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Kidd had left the atepetl of the Papazos with rage in his heart, and -revolved in his mind the most terrible schemes of vengeance. Not -that the bandit had in his gangrened heart any sensitive chord which -noble sentiment could cause to vibrate; to him it was a matter of the -slightest importance that he had been publicly branded and expelled -like the lowest scoundrel; humiliation glided over him without -affecting him, and what most enraged him was to see the fortune dried -up which Don Marcos de Niza had momentarily flashed before his greedy -eyes, and which he hoped, by dissimulation and treachery, to invest -in his capacious pocket in the shape of gold ounces. Now he could no -longer dream of it; the slightest information he could henceforth -accidentally pick up would not be sufficiently important to be paid for -at the price given for the first.</p> - -<p>There was something desperate in such an alternative for a man like -the bandit; but what should he do? With all his other qualities, the -adventurer combined the rather strange one, for him, of only being -brave like the Coyotes, which only attack in pairs, and when they are -certain of conquering; that is to say, he was an utter coward when -compelled to meet an enemy face to face, although he would not hesitate -to kill him from behind a bush. The adventurer did not deceive himself -about this peculiarity of his character, and the mere idea of picking -a quarrel with Stronghand caused him an instinctive terror, externally -revealed by a general trembling.</p> - -<p>He therefore very sadly and despairingly proceeded, along the road to -the Real de Minas, not knowing yet whether he should enter the pueblo, -or push further on and seek fortune elsewhere, when his attention was -attracted to the left hand of the road he was following by an unusual -and continuous undulation of the tall grass. The bandit's first impulse -was to stop, dismount, and conceal himself and his horse behind an -aloe tree, which afforded a temporary shelter. It is extraordinary to -see how villains, who care nothing for the life of others, display -remarkable instinct of self-preservation, and what tricks they employ -to escape an often imaginary danger. When the bandit believed himself -in safety, at least for the moment, he began watching most carefully -the undulation of the grass, which incessantly drew nearer to him.</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour passed thus; then the grass parted, and the bandit -perceived three horsemen coming towards him, entirely dressed in black. -With that peculiar scent scoundrels have for detecting policemen, -Kidd did not deceive himself; he at once recognised the three persons -as belonging to the noble corporation of Alguaciles. A fourth, also -dressed in black, in whose ugly features an expression of bestial craft -and wickedness seemed to be reflected, was evidently the leader of the -party,—an Alguacil mayor, a race of rapacious vultures, without heart -or entrails; a manso Indian, dressed in torn trousers, and with bare -head, arms, and legs, was running in front of the others, and evidently -acting as guide.</p> - -<p>"Hold, José!" the most important of the men shouted to the Indian, -employing the general nickname of these poor fellows. "Hold, José! -Mind you do not lead us astray, scoundrel, if you do not want to have -your ribs broken; we must arrive this night at the Real de Minas of -Quitovar, whither important business summons us."</p> - -<p>"You would arrive there before two o'clock, Excellency," the Indian -answered, with a crafty laugh, "if instead of riding at a foot pace -you would consent to give your mule the spurs; if not we shall not get -there till after sunset."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Válgame dios!</i>" the first speaker said, angrily; "What will my -honourable client, El Señor Senator Don Rufino Contreras say, who -must have been awaiting my arrival for several days with the utmost -impatience?"</p> - -<p>"Nonsense, Excellency! You will arrive soon enough to torture honest -people."</p> - -<p>"What do you dare to say, scoundrel?" the bailiff exclaimed, raising -the chicote he held in his hand.</p> - -<p>The Indian parried with a stick the blow which would have otherwise -fallen on his loins, and answered drily, as he seized the mule by the -bridle, and made it rear, to the great alarm of the rider,—</p> - -<p>"Take care, señor; though you call me José, and treat me no better nor -worse than a brute, we are no longer in one of your civilized towns, -but on the prairie; here I have my foot on my native heath, and will -not put up with the slightest insult from you. Treat me as an idiot, -if you like, and I shall not care for it, as it comes from one whom I -utterly despise; but bear this in mind,—on the slightest threatening -gesture you make, I will immediately thrust my knife into your heart."</p> - -<p>And while saying this, the man flashed in the bailiffs terrified face a -long knife, whose blue blade had a sinister lustre.</p> - -<p>"You are mad, José—quite mad," the other answered, affecting a -tranquillity he was far from feeling at the announcement; "I never -intended to insult you, and I shall never do so; so let go my mule's -bridle, pray, and we will continue our journey in peace."</p> - -<p>"That will do," the Indian said, with his eternal grin; "that is the -way you must speak for us to remain good friends during the period we -shall have to pass together."</p> - -<p>And after letting go the mule, he began trotting in front with that -swinging pace of which Indians alone possess the secret, and which -enables them to follow a trotting horse for several days, without -becoming tired.</p> - -<p>The conversation had taken place sufficiently near to Kidd's lurking -place for him to overhear every syllable. Suddenly he started. An idea -doubtless crossed his mind, for after allowing the horsemen to go on, -but not too far for him to catch them up, he left his thicket, and -went after them, growling between his teeth,—"What the deuce relations -can these birds of night have with Don Rufino Contreras? Well, we shall -soon see."</p> - -<p>On turning into the track he saw the party a short distance ahead of -him. The latter, whom the sound of his horse's hoofs stamping on the -dry ground, had already warned, looked back rather anxiously, the more -so because the bandit, in spite of the ease he tried to effect, had -nothing very prepossessing about his appearance or face. Policemen -could form no mistake about him. Hence they did not do so, and at the -first glance recognised him as what he really was—that is to say, -a bandit. But in Mexico, as in many other countries which pretend, -rightly or wrongly, to be civilized, policemen and ruffians have the -best possible reasons for living on friendly terms; and had it not -been for the solitary spot where he was, Don Parfindo Purro (such was -the Alguacil's name) saw nothing very disagreeable in meeting the -adventurer. The latter continued to advance, talking to his horse, -tickling its flanks with his spur, galloping, with his fist proudly -placed on his hip, and his hat pulled impudently over his right ear.</p> - -<p>"<i>Santas tardes, caballeros</i>," he said, as he joined the party of men -in black, and slightly checked his horse, so that it should keep pace -with the others, "by what fortunate accident do I meet you so late on -this desolate road?"</p> - -<p>"Fortune is with us, caballero," Don Parfindo answered, politely; -"this accursed Indian has led us a roundabout road; I really believe, -whatever he may say, that we have lost our way, or shall soon do so."</p> - -<p>"That is possible," Kidd observed; "and without being too curious, will -you allow me to ask whither you are going? Moreover, to set you at your -ease by displaying confidence, I will inform you that I am going to -Quitovar."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the bailiff, "That is very lucky."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because I am going there too, in the first instance. Are we still a -great distance from the pueblo?"</p> - -<p>"Only a few leagues; we shall arrive before two o'clock, and if you -will allow me to take your guide's place, I shall be delighted to show -you the way, which, I confess, is not very easy to find."</p> - -<p>"Your proposal delights me, caballero, and I most heartily accept it."</p> - -<p>"That is agreed; if you do not know the pueblo, I will take you to a -capital house, where you will be excellently treated."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, caballero; it is the first time I have been to Real de -Minas. I am a bailiff at Hermosillo."</p> - -<p>"A bailiff!" the bandit said; "¡Caray! That is a famous profession."</p> - -<p>"At your service, were I competent for it," Don Parfindo said, puffing -himself out.</p> - -<p>"I do not say no," Kidd continued, giving himself an air of importance. -"When a man carries on a large business, as I do, the acquaintance -of a caballero so distinguished as you appear to be can only be most -advantageous."</p> - -<p>"You confound me, señor."</p> - -<p>"Oh, do not thank me, for what I say I really think; I was speaking -about it only a few days back to Don Rufino Contreras, who is also very -rich, and consequently has numerous trials."</p> - -<p>"Do you know Don Rufino?" the bailiff asked, with rising respect.</p> - -<p>"Which one?—The illustrious senator?"</p> - -<p>"Himself."</p> - -<p>"He is one of my most intimate friends. Are you acquainted with him -too?"</p> - -<p>"He has instructed me to proceed in his name against certain debtors of -his."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Viva Dios!</i> This is a strange meeting," the adventurer exclaimed, -with a radiant face.</p> - -<p>"What a worthy señor!" the bailiff remarked, "And so honourable!"</p> - -<p>The two scoundrels understood each other. The acquaintance was formed, -and confidence sprang up quite naturally. The conversation was -continued on the best possible terms; Kidd adroitly led the other to -make a general confession, and the latter, believing that he had to do -with an intimate of Don Rufino, told him the secret of the negotiations -he was intrusted with, without any visible pressure. Altogether this is -what the adventurer learned:—Don Rufino Contreras, impelled by some -motive unknown, had secretly bought up the claims of all the persons to -whom the Marquis de Moguer was indebted. So soon as he held them, he -had taken out writs, through a third party, against the Marquis, so as -to dispossess him of the small property left him—among other things, -the Hacienda del Toro, which he evinced a great desire to possess. His -proposal to marry Doña Marianna was only a bait offered to the good -faith of Don Hernando, in order to lull his prudence and remove his -suspicions. What he wanted was to become, at any price, proprietor of -the hacienda. But still, wishing to retain the mask of friendship, by -the aid of which he had hitherto deceived the Marquis, he had put the -matter in the hands of a man of his own, who had orders to push matters -to extremities, and accept no arrangement. Don Parfindo Purro was the -bailiff selected: he was the bearer of the most perverse instructions -and strictest orders, and was resolved to accomplish to the letter -what he emphatically called his duty.</p> - -<p>In Mexico, we are compelled to allow that justice is the most derisive -buffoon and horrible thing imaginable. The judges, most of whom are -utterly ignorant, and who act <i>gratis</i>, as their salaries are never -paid, requite themselves for this annoyance on the contending parties, -whom they plunder without pity or shame; and this is carried to such -an extent, that, so soon as the trial is begun, it is known who will -win and who lose. It is little consequence whether the trial be -criminal or civil. Money decides everything. To give only one instance: -A man commits a murder, the fact is confirmed—known by all; the -assassination has been performed in bright day, in the open street, and -in the presence of a hundred persons. The relations of the victim go -before the <i>juez de lettras</i>—that is to say, the criminal judge; he -lets them explain the affair in its fullest details, and gives no signs -of approval or disapproval; but when they have finished, he asks them -the simple question—</p> - -<p>"Have you any witnesses?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the relatives answer.</p> - -<p>"Very good; and these witnesses are doubtless men of good position and -of a certain value?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly. Each of them is worth a thousand piastres."</p> - -<p>"Well," says the judge, "and how many may there be?"</p> - -<p>"Ten."</p> - -<p>"What a pity!" he then continues, in his mildest accents; "Your -adversary, who between ourselves, appears to me a highly distinguished -caballero, has exactly the same number of witnesses as you; but his are -far more important people, for each is worth two thousand piastres."</p> - -<p>The matter is settled. If the relatives of the murdered man are not -rich enough to make a higher bid, the assassin is not only acquitted, -but discharged without a stain on his character, and is at perfect -liberty, if he think proper, to kill another of his enemies on the -same day and the same terms. Such is the way in which the Mexicans -understand justice. We can therefore understand how an enormously rich -man like Don Rufino Contreras could defeat the Marquis, the state of -whose fortune did not allow him to buy the judges.</p> - -<p>The adventurer listened with the most earnest attention to the -revelations the bailiff made with a certain degree of complacency. -Kidd, who was accustomed to fish in troubled waters, had found an -opportunity for a famous haul in these revelations. His plan was -at once formed, and so soon as he came in sight of the pueblos his -arrangements were made. It was late when the travellers reached the -barriers of the Real de Minas; the sun had set long before, and the -sentries, although they recognised the adventurer as one of their side, -made some difficulty about letting him and his companions into the -town. They were engaged for nearly an hour in parleying outside, and -it was only by the express orders of the commandant that they obtained -permission at last to enter the pueblo, which had been converted into a -regular fortress.</p> - -<p>Kidd, still continuing to act as guide to his comrades, led them -straight to a mesón, where he left them at liberty to rest themselves, -after warmly recommending them to the landlord. Then the bandit, after -placing his horse in the corral, and carefully wrapping himself up in -his zarapé, and pulling the brim of his hat over his eyes to escape -recognition, glided through the darkness to the house of Don Marcos de -Niza, which he entered. The captain, as we said, was accessible at all -hours of the day or night, to any person who had news to communicate. -At this moment he was in the same study where he had already held a -conversation with Master Kidd. On noticing the adventurer, the captain -raised his eyes, and without leaving his chair, he said—"Ah, is that -you, Master Kidd? Your absence has been long; but for all that, you are -welcome, if you bring good news."</p> - -<p>The bandit gave a meaning smile.</p> - -<p>"My news is excellent, captain," he said, laying a marked stress on the -words, "especially for you."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Cuerpo de Cristo!</i> I hope so, for am I not commandant of the town?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but I am not going to talk with you about politics at present, -Excellency."</p> - -<p>"In that case, go to the deuce, scoundrel," the captain said, shrugging -his shoulders angrily; "do you think I have nothing more important to -do than listen to the rubbish you may please to invent and tire my ears -with?"</p> - -<p>"I invent nothing, Excellency. Fortune has this very day granted me -the opportunity of catching a secret it is most important for you to -know—that is all."</p> - -<p>"Well, tell me what this mighty secret is."</p> - -<p>"It relates to your private affairs, Excellency."</p> - -<p>"My affairs!" the captain repeated, bursting into a laugh; "Hang it -all! Have I any?"</p> - -<p>"If the secret does not relate directly to you, it interests in a most -eminent degree one of your nearest relatives?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! who is he?"</p> - -<p>"The Marquis de Moguer."</p> - -<p>The captain became serious; he frowned with a menacing expression, -which made Kidd tremble in spite of his well-bred effrontery.</p> - -<p>"Speak, and be brief," he said to him.</p> - -<p>"Nothing will suit me better."</p> - -<p>The captain took several ounces from the table drawer, which he threw -to the bandit, who caught them in their flight, and stowed them away -with a grin of satisfaction in his huge pockets.</p> - -<p>"You will not regret your money, Excellency," he said.</p> - -<p>"I hope not; and now go on, scoundrel, as you are paid."</p> - -<p>Kidd, without further pressing, related in its fullest details all that -had occurred between himself and the bailiff on the road. The captain -listened with the most earnest attention.</p> - -<p>"Is that all?" he asked, when the other stopped.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Excellency."</p> - -<p>"Good; now be off. You will continue to watch this man, and report to -me all he does."</p> - -<p>And he dismissed him with a wave of the hand. The adventurer bowed, and -went away. When alone, the captain reflected for a few minutes, and -then wrote a letter, sealed it, and summoned his orderly, who at once -made his appearance.</p> - -<p>"Isidro," the captain said to him, "at all risks this letter must be in -the hands of the Marquis de Moguer within six hours at the most. You -understand me? —at all risks?"</p> - -<p>"It shall be done, captain."</p> - -<p>"Take this for yourself,"—and he handed him some gold coins,—"and -this pass, which will enable you to go in and out. You must be off at -once."</p> - -<p>Without replying, the soldier withdrew, after concealing the letter in -the breast of his uniform.</p> - -<p>"And now," the captain muttered to himself; "let them come on."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>COMPLICATIONS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>After leaving the captain's study, Kidd halted in the anteroom, not -because he had any plan formed, but through that instinct which urges -villains of his species not to leave a good place till compelled. He -had heard the captain summon his asistente. The latter, after a few -moments' absence, returned to the anteroom with a look of importance -which at once caused the adventurer to reflect, and suggested to him -the idea of knowing what the conversation was the soldier had held -with his chief. Isidro, the captain's asistente, was an Opatas Indian, -of tried bravery and fidelity. Unluckily, though he did his duty in -the battlefield, his intellect was rather restricted, and, like all -Indians, he had a propensity for strong liquors, which had several -times brought him to great grief. Kidd was familiar with the soldier, -and knew his weakness; hence his plan was formed in a moment.</p> - -<p>"Since you remain here," he said to him, "I shall be off: when I came -to speak to the captain, I left a nearly full bottle of mezcal at the -tocanda of Master Cospeto, and on my word I feel inclined to go and -finish it. I will not invite you to accompany me, for your duty keeps -you here; otherwise you may be assured that I should be delighted to -empty it with you."</p> - -<p>"My duty does not keep me here," the Indian answered; "on the contrary, -I have a long ride to make this very night."</p> - -<p>"A long ride!" the adventurer exclaimed; "¡Caray! It is the same case -with me, and as I know no better preservative against the night cold -than mezcal, that is why I meant to empty the bottle before mounting. -If your inclinations lie the same way, it is at your service."</p> - -<p>We will allow that the asistente hesitated.</p> - -<p>"Have you also a ride to take?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and I suspect that yours is as long as mine: well, I am going a -long distance; what direction do you follow?"</p> - -<p>"The captain sends me to Arispe," the bandit answered, boldly.</p> - -<p>"Why, how singular that is! We shall follow the same road."</p> - -<p>"That is indeed strange. Well, is it settled?—Will you drink the -stirrup-cup with me?"</p> - -<p>"Upon due reflection, I see no harm in it."</p> - -<p>"Let us make haste, then," the brigand continued, for he feared lest -the captain might catch him with his asistente; "we have no time to -lose."</p> - -<p>For reasons best known to himself, the adventurer left the Indian at -the house door, bidding him bring his horse to Cospeto's rancho, where -he would join him in a few minutes, and they would set out on their -journey together. Kidd merely wanted to warn the mesonero, with whom he -had lodged the bailiff, not to let him go away on any excuse—"Watch -him closely, and at the slightest suspicious movement go and inform -Captain Don Marcos Niza"—who, for reasons connected with the public -safety, did not wish to let these strangers out of sight. The mesonero -promised to carry out his instructions faithfully; and, re-assured on -this point, the adventurer fetched his horse from the corral, and went -to join the Opatas at Señor Cospeto's rancho, as had been agreed on. -On reaching the inn by one street, to his great satisfaction he saw -the orderly arriving by another, mounted, and ready to start. The two -friends entered the rookery to which we have already conducted the -reader.</p> - -<p>The adventurer honourably kept his word: not only did he order a bottle -of mezcal, but at the same time one of excellent Catalonian refino. -The Indian's prudence was entirely routed by such generosity; the -more so because he had no reason to distrust the bandit, with whom he -had already made several excursions, and regarded him as an excellent -comrade. Kidd, in order to avoid any doubts on the part of his comrade, -was careful not to ask him any questions; he merely poured him out -glass after glass, and when the bottles were empty, the Indian had -drunk the greater part of their contents, as Kidd desired to retain his -coolness. When they had finished, the bandit rose, paid the score, and -called for another bottle of refino.</p> - -<p>"This is for the road," he said.</p> - -<p>"An excellent idea," remarked the asistente, whose eyes flashed like -carbuncles, and who was beginning to have a very vague notion of the -state of affairs. They left the rancho, and mounted their horses. -Kidd was rather anxious as to how he should get out of the rancho, as -he had no pass of any sort; for if it were difficult to get into the -Real de Minas, it was quite as much to get out of it. Luckily, for the -adventurer, Isidro's pass was in perfect order, and when he showed it -at the gate, where he was perfectly well known to all the soldiers on -duty, he said, pointing to Kidd, "This caballero goes with me." The -soldiers, aware that Isidro was the confidential man of the captain, -did not offer the slightest difficulty, but allowed them to pass, and -wished them a lucky journey. When the adventurer found himself in -the open country he drew a deep breath of relief, as he gave his too -confiding comrade a sarcastic glance.</p> - -<p>"Now," he said, "we must take the shortest road, in order to arrive -sooner."</p> - -<p>"What, are there two roads?" Isidro asked.</p> - -<p>"There are ten," Kidd replied coolly; "but the shortest runs almost in -a right line, and passes close to the Hacienda del Toro."</p> - -<p>"Let us take that, then."</p> - -<p>"Why that more than another?"</p> - -<p>"Because I am going to the hacienda."</p> - -<p>"Ah," the adventurer said, pleasantly, "let us take a drink, and -start." Uncorking the bottle, he took a pull, and then handed it to his -companion, who imitated him, with an evident expression of pleasure.</p> - -<p>"You say, then," Kidd resumed, as he smacked his lips, "That you are -going to the Hacienda del Toro?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am."</p> - -<p>"It is a good house, and most hospitable."</p> - -<p>"Do you know it?"</p> - -<p>"¡Caray! I should think so. The majordomo is my intimate friend. What -happy days I have spent with that excellent Señor Paredes!"</p> - -<p>"Since it is your road, why not call there with me as you are certain -of a kind reception?"</p> - -<p>"I do not say I will not; I suppose you are going to ask the Marquis -for some men, as soldiers are scarce at the pueblo?"</p> - -<p>"I do not think that is the case. Don Hernando has already authorized -the captain to enlist his miners, and the peons left him he will need -to defend the hacienda in the event of an attack."</p> - -<p>"That is true; besides, it is no business of mine. Let every man have -his own secrets."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I do not think there is any great secret in the matter: the -captain is a near relation of the Marquis; they often write to each -other, and the letter I am ordered to deliver will only refer, I -expect, to family matters and private interests."</p> - -<p>"That is probable; the more so, because it is said that the Marquis's -affairs are in a very bad state at present."</p> - -<p>"So it is said; but I have heard that they are about to be settled."</p> - -<p>"¡Caray! I wish it with all my heart, for it is a pity to see one of -the oldest families of the province reduced. Suppose we drink the -health of the Marquis?"</p> - -<p>"With pleasure."</p> - -<p>The bottle was hugged for the second time by the two companions. A -man may be an Opatas Indian, that is to say, of herculean stature, -with a breast arched like a tortoiseshell; but he cannot swallow with -impunity such a prodigious quantity of alcohol as Isidro had absorbed -without beginning to feel intoxicated. The asistente, strong though he -was, tottered on his horse: his eyes began to close, and his tongue to -grow thick. But, excited as he was by liquor, the more difficulty he -experienced in speaking the more he wanted to do so. The adventurer -eagerly followed the progress of his comrade's intoxication, while -careful not to let him see that he was aware of his condition.</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," the Indian continued, "the affairs of the Marquis might -easily be arranged sooner than is supposed, comrade."</p> - -<p>"With his name it cannot be difficult for him to procure money."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! That is not the point, and I know what I know."</p> - -<p>"Exactly, Señor Isidro; and as what you know may be a secret, I will -not urge you to tell it me."</p> - -<p>"Did I say that it was a secret?" the Indian objected.</p> - -<p>"No, but I suppose so."</p> - -<p>"You are wrong to suppose so; and, besides, you are my friend, are you -not?"</p> - -<p>"I believe so," the adventurer answered, modestly.</p> - -<p>"Well, if you are my friend, I have nothing to conceal from you."</p> - -<p>"That is true; still, if you consider it your duty to hold your -tongue—"</p> - -<p>"Hold my tongue! Why so? Have you any pretence to silence me?"</p> - -<p>"I? Heaven forbid, and the proof is, here's your health."</p> - -<p>The Indian began laughing.</p> - -<p>"That is what is called an unanswerable argument," he said, as -he placed the bottle to his lips and threw back his head, as if -contemplating the stars.</p> - -<p>He remained in this position till all the remaining liquor had passed -down his throat.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he said, with an accent of regret, "It was good."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" Kidd exclaimed, with pretended surprise; "Is there -none left?"</p> - -<p>"I do not think so," the Indian remarked, with a drunkard's gravity; -"it is a pity that these bottles are so small."</p> - -<p>And with that he threw it into the road.</p> - -<p>"I agree with you that the rancheros are robbers."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the asistente, with a hiccough, "robbers; but soon—we -shall drink as much as we like."</p> - -<p>"Eh, eh, that will not be unpleasant; but where will it be?"</p> - -<p>"Where? Why, at the Hacienda del Toro."</p> - -<p>"Yes, they never refuse a draught of mezcal to an honest man in that -house."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense, a draught! You are jesting, comrade; whole bottles would -be nearer the truth. Besides, do you fancy the Marquis will look into -matters so closely at his daughter's marriage."</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"Where on earth do you come from, that you are ignorant of that? -Nothing else is spoken of in the country."</p> - -<p>"It is the first I have heard of it."</p> - -<p>"Well, all the better; I will tell you. Doña Marianna, a pretty girl, -caray, is going to marry a senator, no one less."</p> - -<p>The adventurer suddenly pricked up his ears.</p> - -<p>"A senator?" he repeated.</p> - -<p>"This seems to surprise you. Why should not a pretty girl marry a -senator? I consider you a curious comrade to doubt my word."</p> - -<p>"I do not doubt it."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you do; ugly brute that you are."</p> - -<p>The intoxication of the Opatas was at its height. Excited even more by -the horse's gallop and the adventurer's artfully managed contradiction, -Isidro felt passion mount to his head. The intoxication of Indians is -horrible: they become raving madmen; their heated brain gives birth -to the strangest hallucinations, and under the influence of spirits -they are capable of the greatest crimes. The bandit was aware of all -these peculiarities, by which he hoped to profit; he had drawn from -the Indian all that he wanted to learn from him; he had squeezed him -like a lemon, and now only wanted to throw away the peel. We need -hardly say that at this hour of the night the road the two travellers -were following was completely deserted, and that Kidd did not fear -any overlookers of what he intended doing. They were riding at this -moment along the course of a small stream, a confluent of the Rio Bravo -del Norte, whose wooded banks afforded sufficient concealment. The -adventurer made his horse bound on one side, and drawing his machete, -exclaimed—</p> - -<p>"Brute yourself, you drunken Opatas!" At the same moment he dealt the -poor follow such a sudden blow that he fell off his horse like a log. -But he rose to his feet tottering, and though stunned by the attack, -and seriously wounded, he drew his sabre, and rushed on the bandit with -a yell of fury. But the latter was on his guard; he attentively watched -his enemy's movements, and urged his horse forwards. The Indian, thrown -down by the animal's chest, rolled on the ground where he lay without -stirring. Was he dead? Kidd supposed so; but the bandit was a very -prudent man, Indians are crafty, and this death might be a feint. Kidd -therefore watched quietly a few paces from his victim, for he was in no -hurry.</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour elapsed, and the Indian had not made a movement. -Reassured by this complete immobility, the bandit resolved to dismount -and go up to him. All at once the Opatas rose; with a tiger leap he -bounded on the adventurer, twined his arms round him, and the two -men rolled on the ground, uttering savage yells, and trying to take -each other's life. It was a short but horrible struggle. The Opatas, -in spite of his wounds, derived a factitious strength from the fury -that animated him and the excitement produced by intoxication, which -was heightened by his ardent desire to take revenge for the cowardly -treachery of which he was the victim.</p> - -<p>Unhappily, the efforts he was compelled to make opened his wounds, -and his blood flowed in streams; and with his blood he felt his -life departing. He made a supreme effort to strangle the miserable -adventurer in his clenched fingers; but the latter, by a sudden and -cleverly calculated movement, succeeded in liberating himself from -the Indian's iron grasp. He rose quickly, and at the moment when the -asistente recovered from his surprise, and prepared to renew the fight, -Kidd; raised his machete, and cleft the poor fellow's head.</p> - -<p>"Dog! Accursed dog!" he yelled.</p> - -<p>The Indian remained on his feet for a moment, tottering from right to -left; he took a step forward with outstretched arms, and then fell with -his face to the ground and the death rattle in his throat. This time he -was really dead.</p> - -<p>"Well," Kidd muttered, as he thrust his machete several times into -the ground, in order to remove the blood, "that was tough work; these -demons of Indians must be killed twice to make sure they do not -recover. What is to be done now?"</p> - -<p>He reflected for a few moments; then walked up to the corpse, turned -it over, and opened the breast of the uniform to obtain the letter. -He had no difficulty in finding it; he placed it in his own pocket, -and then stripped his victim, on the chance that he might want to use -his uniform. But two things troubled him: the first was the soldier's -horse; the second, his bag. The horse he made no attempt to seize; so -soon as its master was wounded, the animal started off at a gallop into -the wood; and as it would have been madness to try and find it on so -dark a night, the adventurer did not attempt it. Still the flight of -the horse alarmed him. Any person who found it would take it back to -the pueblo, and then suspicions would be aroused which might soon be -fixed on him, although he felt almost certain that the soldiers who saw -him leave the town with the asistente had not recognized him; but his -absence from the pueblo would appear suspicious to the captain, who was -acute, and as he knew Kidd so well, would not hesitate to accuse him.</p> - -<p>The affair was embarrassing; but luckily for him, the adventurer was a -man of resources. Any other person would have fastened a stone to the -body, and thrown it into the stream, but the bandit carefully avoided -that. Such an expeditious method, while getting rid of the victim, -would only have increased the suspicions; besides water is not a good -keeper of secrets; one day or another the body would rise perhaps to -the surface, and then the nature of the wounds would reveal the hand -that dealt them. Kidd hit upon a more simple or sure plan, or at least -he thought so. With horrible coolness he scalped the corpse, and threw -the scalp into the stream, after rolling it round a large stone; this -first profanation accomplished, he made a cross cut on the victim's -chest, plucked out his heart, which he also threw into the river, and -then plaiting together a few flexible lianas, he formed a cord, which -he fastened to the feet of the corpse, and hung it from the main branch -of a tree.</p> - -<p>"There!" he said, with satisfaction, when the horrible task was -completed, "That is all right, caray! I am ready to wager my share of -paradise with the first comer that the cleverest people will be taken -in. The Indians are in the field at this very moment, and hang me if -everyone will not be convinced that this drunken scoundrel was scalped -by the Apaches."</p> - -<p>In fact, all the hideous mutilating which this villain has made his -victim undergo is employed by the Indian bravos upon their enemies. -Frightful though the deed was, Kidd consequently, in the impossibility -he found of disposing of the body, had employed the best mode in which -to divert suspicion.</p> - -<p>Before leaving the scene of the murder, the bandit carefully washed the -soldier's clothes, and removed any blood stains from his own; then, -after assuring himself by a searching glance that there was nothing -to denounce the crime of which he had been guilty, he whistled up his -horse, and mounted, after carefully fastening the soldier's uniform -behind him. He rolled a cigarette, lit it, and set out again, with -the satisfaction of a man who had just succeeded in a most important -affair, which had caused him great anxiety.</p> - -<p>It was somewhat by chance that Kidd originally told the asistente that -he was proceeding to Arispe; but the discovery of the letter, and -the soldier's confidential remarks, had converted this chance into -certainty. The bandit had discovered, amid all poor Isidro's drunken -maundering, one leading idea, and scented a profitable stroke of -business. He comprehended of what importance it would be to Don Rufino -to be informed of all that was going on at the pueblo at the Hacienda -del Toro, that he might be able to arrange his plans with certainty. -Consequently, the adventurer resolved to ride at full speed to Arispe, -determined to make the senator pay dearly for the news he brought, -while making a mental reservation, with that adventurous logic he was -so skilful in, to betray Don Rufino on the first opportunity, if his -own interests demanded that painful sacrifice of him. All this being -thoroughly settled in his mind, the bandit started at full speed in the -direction of Arispe, which city he reached by sunrise.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>TWO VILLAINS.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>As Kidd was well known, he easily obtained admission to the town; -but when he had passed the gates, he reflected that it was too early -for him to call on the senator, who would still be asleep. Hence he -proceeded straight to a rancho he knew, a suspicious den, the usual -gathering place of fellows of his sort, where he was certain of a -hearty welcome by payment. In fact, the ranchero, who on first seeing -him assumed an ill-omened grimace, greeted him with the most agreeable -smile when he flashed before his eyes some piastres and gold coins.</p> - -<p>The adventurer entered the rancho, left his horse in the corral, and -immediately began to arrange his toilette, which was as a general rule -neglected, but which his struggle with the asistente and his hurried -ride had rendered more disorderly than usual; and then waited, smoking -and drinking, for the hour to arrive when he should pay his respects to -Don Rufino.</p> - -<p>The ranchero, who was thoroughly acquainted with his man and his -habits, prowled round him in vain to try and sound him and learn the -causes of his appearance in Arispe, where, for certain reasons the -police did not care to see him. This rendered his journeys to that town -rather few and far between; for the police there, as elsewhere, are -very troublesome to a certain class of citizens. But vainly did the -ranchero try all his cleverest ruses, his most delicate insinuations; -Kidd only answered his questions by insignificant phrases, crafty -smiles and winks; but in the end he remained perfectly impenetrable, a -want of confidence by which the ranchero was greatly insulted, and he -swore to himself to be avenged on the bandit for it some day.</p> - -<p>When the Cabildo clock struck nine, Kidd thought it was time to be off; -he rose, majestically threw a piastre on the table in payment of his -score, wrapped his zarapé round him, and left the house.</p> - -<p>"Whom can he have assassinated to be so rich?" the ranchero asked -himself, as he cunningly watched him depart.</p> - -<p>A reflection which proved that the worthy ranchero was well acquainted -with his man.</p> - -<p>Kidd felt he was watched, and hence carefully avoided going straight to -the senator's house; on the contrary, affecting the careless demeanour -of a lounger, he set out in the diametrically opposite direction. The -adventurer then walked about the town for half an hour, while carefully -avoiding the more frequented streets, for fear of attracting attention -on himself; thus he gradually approached the senator's mansion, and -hurriedly slipped under the zaguán, after assuring himself by a glance -all around that no one had seen him enter.</p> - -<p>"Halloa, you fellow!" a voice suddenly shouted to him, making him start -and stop; "Where the deuce are you going like that? And what do you -want here?" The adventurer raised his eyes, and saw an individual of a -certain age, easily to be recognized as a domestic by his clothing, who -was standing in the hall door, and resolutely barring his way.</p> - -<p>"What do I want?" the bandit repeated, to give himself time to seek an -answer.</p> - -<p>"Yes, what do you want? That is clear enough, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"¡Caray! It is clear; what can I want except to see his Excellency, -Senator Don Rufino Contreras?"</p> - -<p>"Excellent," the other said, derisively; "and do you suppose his -Excellency will receive you without knowing who you are?"</p> - -<p>"And why not, if you please, señor?"</p> - -<p>"Because you do not look like drawing room company."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?" the bandit said, haughtily.</p> - -<p>"Why, that is plain enough; you much more resemble a lepero than a -caballero."</p> - -<p>"You are not polite, my good fellow; what you say may be correct, -but the remark is uncalled for; patched clothes often conceal very -honourable caballeros, and if I have been ill treated by fortune, that -is no reason why you should throw it in my teeth so sharply."</p> - -<p>"Enough of this, and be off."</p> - -<p>"I shall not stir till I have seen the senator."</p> - -<p>The manservant gave him a side look, which the other endured with -imperturbable coolness.</p> - -<p>"Do you mean that?" he asked him.</p> - -<p>"I really do."</p> - -<p>"For the last time, I order you to be gone," the valet went on, -menacingly.</p> - -<p>"Take care of what you are doing, comrade; I have to talk with the -señor, and he is expecting me."</p> - -<p>"Expecting you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, me!" the scoundrel answered, majestically. The servant shrugged -his shoulders contemptuously: still he reflected, and asked with a more -conciliatory tone than he had yet employed—"Your name?"</p> - -<p>"You do not want to know it; merely tell your master that I have just -come from the Hacienda del Toro."</p> - -<p>"If that is the case, why did you not tell me so before?"</p> - -<p>"Probably because you did not ask me. Go and announce me to your -master; you have kept me waiting too long already."</p> - -<p>The domestic went off without replying, and Kidd took advantage of his -departure to instal himself in the vestibule. For a hundred reasons -he did not like the vicinity of the street, and he was glad to be no -longer exposed to the curious glances of passers-by. The absence of the -servant was not long, and when he returned, his manner was entirely -changed.</p> - -<p>"Caballero," he said, with a bow, "if you will do me the honour of -following me, his Excellency is waiting for you."</p> - -<p>"Fellow! Too insolent before, too humble now," the adventurer said, -crushing him with a contemptuous glance; "show the way."</p> - -<p>And, laughing in his beard, he followed the footman, who was red with -anger and shame at this haughty reprimand.</p> - -<p>Mexican houses, except in the great cities, are ordinarily built but -one story high; they are generally very slightly constructed, owing -to the earthquakes, which are extremely frequent in intertropical -countries, and destroy in a few seconds towns, and entirely ruin them. -The result of this mode of building is that nearly all the apartments -are on the ground floor; and then there are no staircases to ascend -or descend, which, in our opinion, is very agreeable. The adventurer -remarked with some degree of pleasure that the valet led him through -several rooms before reaching the one in which the senator was sitting; -at length he turned the handle of the door, threw it open, and stepped -aside to let the bandit pass. The latter walked in boldly, like a man -certain of a hearty reception.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the senator, starting slightly at seeing him, "It is you."</p> - -<p>"Yes," he replied, with a graceful bow.</p> - -<p>"Retire," Don Rufino said to the valet; "I am not at home to anyone, -and do not come in till I call you." The valet bowed, went out, and -closed the door behind him. As if by common accord, the two stood -silently listening till the valet's footsteps died away in the -distance; then, without saying a word, Kidd threw open the folding -doors.</p> - -<p>"Why do you do that?" Don Rufino asked him.</p> - -<p>"Because we have to talk about serious matters; the <i>tapetes</i> spread -over the floors of your rooms deaden footsteps, and your servant has an -excellent spy's face."</p> - -<p>The senator made no remark; he doubtless recognised the correctness of -his singular visitor's argument.</p> - -<p>"It is you then, bandit," he said at last.</p> - -<p>"I fancy I can notice that you did not expect me?"</p> - -<p>"I confess it; I will even add that I did not in the slightest desire -your visit."</p> - -<p>"You are very forgetful of your friends, Don Rufino, and it makes me -feel sorry for you," the bandit answered, with a contrite air.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, scoundrel, by daring to use such language to me?"</p> - -<p>Kidd shrugged his shoulders, drew up a butaca, and fell into it with a -sigh of relief.</p> - -<p>"I must observe," he said, with the most imperturbable coolness, "that -you forgot to offer me a chair."</p> - -<p>Then, crossing one leg over the other, he began rolling a cigarette, -a task to which he gave the most serious attention. The senator -frowningly examined the adventurer; for this bandit to dare assume such -a tone with him, he must have very powerful weapons in his hands, or be -the bearer of news of the highest importance. In either case he must be -humoured. Don Rufino immediately softened the expression of his face, -and handed the adventurer a beautifully chased gold mechero.</p> - -<p>"Pray, light your cigarette, my dear Kidd," he said, with a pleasant -smile.</p> - -<p>The bandit took the mechero, and examined it with admiration.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he exclaimed, with a splendidly feigned regret, "I have dreamed -for years that I possessed such a toy, but, unluckily, fortune has ever -thwarted me."</p> - -<p>"If it please you so much," Don Rufino answered, with a mighty effort, -"I shall be delighted to make you a present of it."</p> - -<p>"You are really most generous. Believe me, señor, that any present -coming from you will always be most precious in my eyes."</p> - -<p>And, after lighting his cigarette, he unceremoniously placed the -mechero in his pocket.</p> - -<p>"Of course your visit Has an object?" the senator said, after a -moment's interval.</p> - -<p>"They always have, señor," the other answered, as he enveloped himself -in a cloud of blue smoke, which issued from his nose and mouth; "the -first was to see you."</p> - -<p>"I thank you for the politeness; but I do not think that is sufficient -reason for forcing your way in here."</p> - -<p>"Forcing is rather a harsh word, señor," the bandit said, sorrowfully; -but he suddenly changed his tone, and assumed his usual sharp, quick -way. "Come, Don Rufino, let us deal fairly, and not waste our time in -compliments which neither of us believes."</p> - -<p>"I wish nothing better; speak, then, and the plague take you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. I prefer that mode of speech, for at least I recognise you. -I am about to give you an example of frankness; I have come, not to -propose a bargain, but to sell you certain information, and a letter of -the utmost importance to you, which I obtained—no matter how—solely -on your account."</p> - -<p>"Good; let us see whether I can accept the bargain."</p> - -<p>"In the first place, allow me to say two words, so as to thoroughly -establish our reciprocal position. Our situation has greatly changed -during the last few days; I no longer fear you, but you, on the -contrary, are afraid of me."</p> - -<p>"I afraid of you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, señor, because I hold your secret, and you can no longer threaten -to kill me, as you did at our last interview."</p> - -<p>"Oh! Oh! And why not, if you please?" the senator asked.</p> - -<p>"Because we are alone, you are unarmed, I am stronger than you, and -at your slightest movement would blow out your brains like those of -a wild beast. Do you now comprehend me, my dear sir?" he added, as he -drew a brace of pistols from under his zarapé; "what do you think of -these playthings?"</p> - -<p>"They are tolerably good, I should fancy," the senator replied, coldly; -"and what do you say to these?" he added, as he uncovered a brace of -magnificent pistols hidden under the papers scattered over the table at -which he was seated.</p> - -<p>"They are detestable."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"Because you would not dare use them."</p> - -<p>The senator smiled ironically.</p> - -<p>"Laugh, if you like, my master; I like best to see you treat the -matter in that way; but I repeat that you are in my power this time, -instead of my being in yours. I have delivered to Captain Don Marcos -Niza certain papers, which, were they opened by him, might, I fear, -gravely compromise you: there is one among them, the tenor of which -is as follows:—'I, the undersigned, declare that my valet, Lupino -Contrarias, has treacherously assassinated and deserted me in a -frightful desert, and there plundered me of everything I possessed, -consisting of two mules laden with gold dust, and two thousand three -hundred gold ounces in current money. On the point of appearing before -my God, and not hoping to survive my wounds, I denounce this wretch, -etc. etc. Signed—.' Shall I tell the name of the signer? But what is -the matter with you, my dear sir? Do you feel ill? You are as pale as a -corpse."</p> - -<p>In truth, on hearing the narrative, which the bandit told with a -species of complacency, the senator was seized with such a violent fit -of terror, that for a moment he was on the point of fainting.</p> - -<p>"It is extraordinary," the bandit continued, "how nothing can be -trusted to in this world. Just take the case of this excellent Lupino, -who had arranged a most delicious trap in the adroitest manner: for -more surety, he waited till they were on the other side of the Indian -border, at a spot where not a soul passes once in two years; he fires -his pistols point blank into his master's back, and goes off, of course -taking with him the fortune so honourably acquired. Well, fatality -decrees that the master whom he had every reason for believing dead is -not quite so; he has time to take out his tablets, and write in pencil -a perfectly regular denunciation, and then this demon of a fatality, -which never does things by halves, brings to these parts a hunter, -who picks up the tablets. It is enough to make a man turn honest, -deuce take me if it is not, had he not quite made up his mind to the -contrary."</p> - -<p>During this long harangue the senator had time to recover from the -shock, and regain his coolness. By a supreme effort of the will he had -restored calmness to his face, and forced his lips to smile.</p> - -<p>"¡Caray!" he said, with a laugh that resembled gnashing of teeth, "that -is a wonderful story, and admirably arranged. Permit me, dear señor, to -congratulate you on your inventive faculty; it is charming, on my word. -But who on earth do you expect to believe such a story?"</p> - -<p>"You, first of all, señor, for you know the truth of the story better -than anybody."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! You are mad, upon my honour."</p> - -<p>"Not quite so mad as you fancy, for the proofs are in my hands."</p> - -<p>"I do not say they are not; but admitting the reality of the facts you -allege, they took place a long time ago; this Lupino Contrarias has -disappeared; he is dead, perhaps: as for his master, the pistols were -too well loaded to give him a chance of escape. Who takes any interest -in a dead man—especially in our country?"</p> - -<p>"How do you know that the weapons were so carefully loaded?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose so."</p> - -<p>"Suppositions are always the plague in business matters. Between -ourselves, do you think it would be so difficult to find this Lupino -Contrarias in Rufino Contreras? I think not."</p> - -<p>The senator felt his face flush involuntarily.</p> - -<p>"Señor," he said, "such an insinuation—"</p> - -<p>"Has nothing that needs offend you," Kidd interrupted him, calmly; "it -is a supposition, nothing more; now, continuing our suppositions, let -us admit for a moment that this master, whom his valet is persuaded he -killed, should be, on the contrary, alive and—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is quite impossible."</p> - -<p>"Do not interrupt me so, señor. And, I say, were to lay his hand on -his valet's shoulder, as I lay mine on yours, and assert, 'This is my -assassin!' what answer would you give to that?"</p> - -<p>"I—I!" the senator exclaimed, wildly; "What answer should I give?"</p> - -<p>"You would give none," the bandit continued, as he took and thrust into -his belt the pistols which the senator, in his trouble, had let fall; -"overcome by the evidence, and crushed by the very presence of your -victim, you would be irretrievably lost."</p> - -<p>There was a second of horrible silence between these two men, who -looked at each other as if about to have a frightful contest. At length -the senator's emotion was calmed by its very violence; he passed his -hand over his damp forehead, and, drawing himself up to his full -height, said, sharply—</p> - -<p>"After this, what would you of me?"</p> - -<p>"I am waiting to hear your resolution before I offer any conditions."</p> - -<p>Don Rufino Contreras remained for some minutes plunged in deep thought. -Kidd watched him attentively, ready to make use of his weapons if -he saw the senator attempt any suspicious movement; but the latter -did not even dream of it. Annihilated by the adventurer's staggering -revelation, he looked round him wildly, racking his mind in vain to -discover some way of escape from the terrible dilemma in which he was -placed. At length he raised his head, and looked the bandit fiercely in -the face.</p> - -<p>"Well, yes," he said to him resolutely, "all that you have narrated -is true. I cowardly assassinated, to rob him of his fortune, the man -who offered me a helping hand in my misery, and treated me as a friend -rather than a servant. But this fortune, however badly it may have -been acquired, I possess; by its means I have acquired a position in -the world; by roguery and falsehood I have succeeded in imposing on -everybody; I have rank and a name; and death alone could make me resign -this position, so hardly attained. Now that I have spoken frankly -with you, it is your turn to do the same. Tell me the conditions you -intend to impose on me, and if they are fair, I will accept them; if -not, whatever the consequences may be, I shall refuse them. Take care, -for I am not the man to remain at the mercy of a villain like you; -sooner than accept so horrible a situation I would denounce myself, and -drag you down in my fall. Reflect carefully, then, before answering -me, comrade, for my proposition is in earnest. Once the bargain is -concluded between us, we will say no more about it. I give you ten -minutes to answer me."</p> - -<p>This clear and categorical proposal affected the bandit more than he -liked to show. He understood that he had to do with one of those -indomitable men who, once they have made their mind up, never alter -it. The adventurer had nothing to gain by ruining Don Rufino, on the -contrary; moreover, that never entered into his plan: he hoped to -terrify him, and had succeeded; and now the only thing to be done by -these two men, so well suited to understand each other, since they had -frankly settled facts, was to attack the pecuniary question, and treat -it as skilfully as they could; Kidd, therefore prepared to begin the -assault.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></h4> - -<h3>A FRIENDLY BARGAIN.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Don Rufino, with his head resting on his right hand, was carelessly -playing with a paper knife, and patiently waiting till his visitor -thought proper to speak. This affected indifference perplexed the -adventurer: men of Kidd's species instinctively distrust all that does -not appear to them natural, and he felt embarrassed by this coolness, -for which he could not account, and which he feared might contain a -snare. At length he suddenly broke the silence.</p> - -<p>"Before all, Don Rufino," he said, "I must tell you the motives of my -visit."</p> - -<p>"I do not at all care about them," the senator answered, negligently; -"still, if you think my knowledge of them may be useful, pray let me -hear them."</p> - -<p>"I think that when you have heard me, you will change your opinion, -señor, and recognise the importance of the service I propose to do you."</p> - -<p>"That is possible, and I do not deny it," the senator said, ironically; -"but you will allow, my dear Señor Kidd, that you interfere so -thoroughly in my affairs, that it is difficult for me to decide, among -all the combinations your mind takes pleasure in forming, whether your -intentions are good or bad."</p> - -<p>"You shall judge."</p> - -<p>"Pray speak, then."</p> - -<p>"I will tell you, in the first place, that a certain Alguacil, Don -Parfindo Purro by name, arrived yesterday at the pueblo of Quitovar."</p> - -<p>"Very good," the senator answered, looking fixedly at the bandit.</p> - -<p>"Now, I do not know how it is, but the bailiff had scarce reached the -pueblo ere by some strange fatality, Captain de Niza was informed of -his arrival."</p> - -<p>"Only think of that," the senator remarked, ironically; "ever that -fatality of which you now spoke to me; it is really being the plaything -of misfortune."</p> - -<p>In spite of the strong dose of effrontery with which nature had endowed -him, the adventurer felt involuntarily troubled.</p> - -<p>Don Rufino continued, with a light laugh—</p> - -<p>"And still, through this implacable fatality, the captain was not only -informed of the arrival of this worthy Don Parfindo, but also of the -reasons that brought him."</p> - -<p>"How do you know that?" Kidd exclaimed, with pretended surprise.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I guess it, that is all," the senator replied, with a slight shrug -of his shoulders; "but go on, pray; what you tell me is beginning to -become most interesting."</p> - -<p>The bandit went on with imperturbable coolness.</p> - -<p>"As you are aware, the captain is a relation of the Marquis de Moguer."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and a very near relation."</p> - -<p>"Hence he did not hesitate, but at once sent off a messenger to the -Hacienda del Toro, carrying a letter in which he probably gave the -most circumstantial details about the bailiff, and the mission he is -charged with."</p> - -<p>At this revelation, Don Rufino suddenly doffed the mask of indifference -he had assumed, and smote the table fiercely with his fist.</p> - -<p>"Ah, that letter!" he exclaimed, "That letter! I would give its weight -in gold for it."</p> - -<p>"Very well, señor," the bandit remarked, with a smile; "as I am anxious -to prove to you the honesty of my intentions, I give it you for -nothing."</p> - -<p>He took the letter from his pocket, and handed it to the senator; the -latter bounded on it like a tiger on its prey, and tore it from Kidd's -hands.</p> - -<p>"Gently, gently; be good enough to remark that the seal is not broken, -and that, as the letter has not yet been opened, I am naturally -ignorant of its contents."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the senator muttered, as he turned it over and over; "I -thank you for your discretion, señor."</p> - -<p>"You are most kind," Kidd replied, with a bow.</p> - -<p>"But," the senator continued, "how did this letter, addressed to Don -Hernando de Moguer, fall into your hands?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, very simply," the other replied, lightly; "just fancy that the man -the captain selected to carry his missive was a friend of mine. As I -intended to pay you a visit at Arispe, and as I felt grieved at seeing -this man traverse such a dangerous road alone by night, I offered to -accompany him, and he consented. I do not know how it occurred, but on -the road we began quarrelling. In short, without any evil intentions -on my part, I declare to you, in the heat of the argument I gave him a -blow on the head with my machete, so well dealt that he was compelled -to die. It grieved me deeply, but there was no remedy; and as I was -afraid lest the letter might get into bad hands, I carried it off. That -is the whole story."</p> - -<p>"It is really most simple," Don Rufino remarked, with a smile, and -broke the seal.</p> - -<p>Kidd discreetly sat down again in his butaca, in order to leave the -senator at liberty to peruse this despatch, which seemed to interest -him greatly. He read it through with the utmost attention, and then let -his head hang on his chest, and fell into deep thought.</p> - -<p>"Well," the adventurer at length asked, "is the news that letter -conveys so very bad, that it must entirely absorb you?"</p> - -<p>"The news is of the utmost importance to me, señor; still, I ask myself -for what purpose you seized it?"</p> - -<p>"Why, to do you a service, it strikes me."</p> - -<p>"That is all very well; but, between ourselves, you had another object."</p> - -<p>The bandit burst into a laugh.</p> - -<p>"Did I not tell you that I wish to make a bargain?"</p> - -<p>"That is true; but I am awaiting a full explanation from you."</p> - -<p>"That is very difficult, señor."</p> - -<p>"I admit that it is; well, I will put you at your ease."</p> - -<p>"I wish for nothing better."</p> - -<p>"I will offer you the bargain you do not like to propose."</p> - -<p>"I see that you are beginning to understand me, and that, between the -pair of us, we shall come to something."</p> - -<p>"You are not rich," the senator remarked, frankly approaching the point.</p> - -<p>"I am forced to confess that I am not actually rolling in wealth," he -answered, with an ironical glance at his more than ragged attire.</p> - -<p>"Well, if you like I will make you a rich man at one stroke."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by rich, señor?" the bandit asked, distrustfully.</p> - -<p>"I mean to put you in possession of a sum which will not only protect -you from want, but also allow you to indulge your fancy, while living -honestly."</p> - -<p>"Honesty is a virtue only within reach of those who can spend money -without wanting it," the adventurer remarked sententiously.</p> - -<p>"Be it so; I will render you rich, to use your language."</p> - -<p>"It will cost a good deal," Kidd answered, impudently, "for I have very -peculiar tastes."</p> - -<p>"I dare say; but no matter. I have in Upper California a hacienda, of -which I will hand you the title deeds this very day."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" said Kidd, thrusting out his upper lip contemptuously; "Is the -hacienda a fine one?"</p> - -<p>"Immense; covered with ganado and manadas of wild horses; it is -situated near the sea."</p> - -<p>"That is something, I allow; but that is not wealth."</p> - -<p>"Wait a minute."</p> - -<p>"I am waiting."</p> - -<p>"I will add to this hacienda a round sum of one hundred thousand -piastres in gold."</p> - -<p>The bandit's eyes were dazzled.</p> - -<p>"What," he said, rising as if moved by a spring, and turning pale with -joy, "did you say—one hundred thousand?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I repeat," the senator continued, internally satisfied with the -effect he had produced; "do you think that with such a sum as that it -is possible to be honest?"</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Viva Cristo!</i> I should think so!" he exclaimed, gleefully.</p> - -<p>"It only depends on yourself to possess it within a week."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, I understand; there is a condition. ¡Caray! It must be very -hard for me to refuse it."</p> - -<p>"This is the condition; listen to me, and, above all, understand me -thoroughly."</p> - -<p>"¡Caray! I should think I would listen; a hacienda and one hundred -thousand piastres—I should be a fool to refuse them."</p> - -<p>"You must not impede my prospects in any way; allow me to espouse Doña -Marianna, and on the day of the marriage hand me the tablets which you -took from the gentleman so unhappily assassinated by his valet."</p> - -<p>"Very well. Is that all?"</p> - -<p>"Not yet."</p> - -<p>"Very good; go on."</p> - -<p>"I insist that when you deliver me the tablets, you will supply proof -that the writer is really dead."</p> - -<p>"¡Caray! That will be difficult."</p> - -<p>"That does not concern me; it is your business."</p> - -<p>"That is true; and how long will you give me for that?"</p> - -<p>"Eight days."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Cuerpo de Cristo!</i> It is not enough; the man is not so easily to be -taken unawares."</p> - -<p>"Yes; but once that he is dead, you will be rich."</p> - -<p>"I know that, and it is a consideration. No matter; caray! It will be a -tough job, and I shall risk my hide."</p> - -<p>"You can take it or leave it."</p> - -<p>"I take it, <i>viva Cristo!</i> I take it. Never shall I find again such a -chance to become an honest man."</p> - -<p>"Then that matter is quite settled between us?"</p> - -<p>"Most thoroughly; you can set your mind at rest."</p> - -<p>"Very good; but as you may change your mind someday, and feel an -inclination to betray me—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, señor, what an idea!"</p> - -<p>"No one knows what may happen. You will at once sign a paper on which -these conditions will be fully detailed."</p> - -<p>"¡Caray! What you ask is most compromising."</p> - -<p>"For both of us, as my proposals will be equally recorded."</p> - -<p>"But, in that case, what is the good of writing such a paper, as it -will compromise you as much as me?"</p> - -<p>"For the simple reason that if some day you feel inclined to betray -me, you cannot ruin me without ruining yourself, which will render you -prudent, and oblige you to reflect whenever a bad thought crosses your -brain."</p> - -<p>"Do you distrust me, señor?"</p> - -<p>"Have you any excessive confidence in me?"</p> - -<p>"That is different; I am only a poor scamp."</p> - -<p>"In one word, you will either accept the conditions I offer, or any -bargain between us will be impossible."</p> - -<p>"Still, supposing, señor, I were to use the paper I hold, as you employ -such language to me?"</p> - -<p>"You would not dare."</p> - -<p>"Not dare!" he exclaimed; "And pray why not?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know the motive; but I feel sure that if you could have used -that document, you would have done so long ago. I know you too well to -doubt it, Señor Kidd; it would be an insult to your intellect, whose -acuteness, on the contrary, it affords me pleasure to bear witness to. -Hence, believe me, señor, do not try to terrify me further with this -paper, or hold it to my chest like a loaded pistol, for you will do no -good. Your simplest plan will be to accept the magnificent offer I make -you."</p> - -<p>"Well, be it so, since you are so pressing," he replied; "I will do -what you ask, but you will agree with me that it is very hard."</p> - -<p>"Not at all; that is just where you make the mistake; I simply take a -guarantee against yourself, that is all."</p> - -<p>The adventurer was not convinced; still, the bait conquered him, and, -with a sigh of regret, he offered no further resistance. Don Rufino -immediately wrote down the conditions agreed on between the two men -—a sword of Damocles, which the senator wished to hold constantly in -suspense over the head of his accomplice, and which, if produced in -a court of justice, would irretrievably destroy them both. While the -senator was writing, the bandit sought for the means to escape this -formidable compromise, and destroy the man who forced it on him when he -had received the money. We should not like to assert that Don Rufino -had not the same idea. When the senator had concluded this strange deed -of partnership, which rendered them mutually responsible, and riveted -them more closely together than a chain would have done, he read in a -loud voice what he had written.</p> - -<p>"Now," he said, after reading, "have you any remark to offer?"</p> - -<p>"Deuce take the remarks!" the bandit exclaimed, roughly; "Whatever I -might say, you would make no alteration, so it is better to leave it as -it is."</p> - -<p>"That is my opinion, too—so sign; and to soften any painful effect it -may produce on you, I will give you one hundred ounces."</p> - -<p>"Very good," he replied, with a smile; and taking the pen from Don -Rufino's hand, he boldly placed his signature at the foot of this -document, which might cost him his life. But the promise of the -hundred ounces made him forget everything; and besides, Kidd was a -bit of a fatalist, and reckoned on chance to liberate him from his -accomplice ere long.</p> - -<p>When Kidd had signed with the greatest assurance, the senator sprinkled -gold dust over the paper, folded it, and placed it in his bosom.</p> - -<p>"And here," he said, as he thrust his hand into a coffer, "is the -promised sum."</p> - -<p>He piled the ounces on the table, and Kidd pocketed them with a smile -of pleasure.</p> - -<p>"You know that I am at your orders, and ready to obey you," he said; -"and, as a beginning, I restore you the pistols, which I no longer -require."</p> - -<p>"Thanks. Have you anything to detain you at Arispe?"</p> - -<p>"Not the slightest."</p> - -<p>"Then you would offer no objection to leaving the town?"</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, I intend to do so as soon as possible."</p> - -<p>"That is most fortunate; I will give you a letter for Señor Parfindo, -to whom I will ask you to deliver it immediately on your arrival."</p> - -<p>"Then you want to send me to the pueblo?"</p> - -<p>"Have you any repugnance to return there?"</p> - -<p>"Not the slightest; still, I shall not remain there on account of that -night's business."</p> - -<p>"Ah, yes, that is true, the soldier's death—take care."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I shall only remain at the pueblo just long enough to perform the -duty you entrust to me, and then leave it immediately."</p> - -<p>"That will be most prudent. But no, stay; upon reflection, I think it -will be better for you not to return to the Real de Minas. I will send -my letter by another person."</p> - -<p>"I prefer that. Have you any other order to give me?"</p> - -<p>"None; so you can do what you think proper: but remember that I expect -you in a week, and so act accordingly."</p> - -<p>"I shall not forget it, caray!"</p> - -<p>"In that case, I will not detain you. Good-bye."</p> - -<p>"Till we meet again, señor."</p> - -<p>The senator struck a gong, and the manservant appeared almost -immediately. Don Rufino and Kidd exchanged a side-glance. It was -evident that the criado, curious, like all servants, had listened at -the door, and tried to learn for what reason his master remained so -long shut up with a man of the adventurer's appearance; but, thanks to -the precautions Kidd had taken, even the sound of the voices, which -were purposely suppressed, did not reach him.</p> - -<p>"Show this caballero out," the senator said.</p> - -<p>The two men bowed for the last time, as if they were the best friends -in the world, and then separated.</p> - -<p>"Villain!" Don Rufino exclaimed, so soon as he was alone; "if ever I -can make you pay me for all the suffering you have forced on me today, -I will not spare you."</p> - -<p>And he passionately dashed down a splendid vase, which was unluckily -within his reach.</p> - -<p>For his part, the adventurer, while following the servant through -the apartment, indulged in reflections which were anything but rosy -coloured.</p> - -<p>"Hang it all!" he said to himself; "The affair has been hot. I believe -that I shall act wisely in distrusting my friend: the dear señor is far -from being tender-hearted, and if he has a chance of playing me an ill -turn he will not let it slip. I did act wrong to sign that accursed -paper; but, after all, what have I to fear? He is too much in danger to -try and set a trap for me; but for all, I will be prudent, for that can -do me no harm."</p> - -<p>When he had ended this soliloquy he found himself under the zaguán, -where the manservant took leave of him with a respectful bow. The -adventurer pulled his wide hat brim over his eyes, and departed. In -returning to the rancho he employed the same precautions he had used -in going to the senator's house, for he was not at all anxious to be -recognised and arrested by the Alguaciles; for, as we know, the streets -of the town, for certain reasons, were not at all healthy for him. -Kidd found the ranchero standing in his doorway, with straddled legs, -attentively surveying the approaches to his house.</p> - -<p>"Eh!" the host said, with a bow, "Back already?"</p> - -<p>"As you see, compadre; but let me have my breakfast at once, for I have -a deal to do."</p> - -<p>"Are you going to leave us already?"</p> - -<p>"I do not know; come, pray make haste."</p> - -<p>The ranchero served him without further questioning. The adventurer -made a hearty meal, paid liberally to appease his host's ill temper, -saddled his horse, and set out, without saying whether he should return -or not. A quarter of an hour later he was in the open country, and -inhaling with infinite pleasure the fresh, fragrant breeze that reached -him from the desert.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE HACIENDA DEL TORO.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>We will now leap over an interval of a fortnight, and return to the -Hacienda del Toro; but before resuming our story we will cursorily -describe the events that occurred during this fortnight, in order to -make the reader thoroughly understand by what a strange concourse of -events accident brought all our characters face to face, and produced a -collision among them, from which an unforeseen <i>dénouement</i> issued.</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna, persuaded by Doña Esperanza, or, perhaps, unconsciously -attracted by the secret longings of her heart, had consented to remain -a couple of days with her. These days were occupied with pleasant -conversation, in which the maiden at length disclosed the secret which -she imagined to be buried in the remotest nook of her heart. Doña -Esperanza smiled with delight at this simple revelation of a love which -she already suspected, and which everything led her to encourage.</p> - -<p>Stronghand, for his part, had yielded to the magical fascination the -maiden exercised over him. Feeling himself beloved, his restraint and -coldness melted away to make room for an honest admiration. Carried -away by the feelings that agitated him, he displayed all the true -prudence and goodness contained in his character, which was, perhaps, -rather savage, but it was that loyal and powerful savageness which -pleases women, by creating in them a secret desire to conquer these -rebellious natures, and dominate them by their delicious seductions. -Women, as a general rule, owing to their very weakness, have always -liked to subdue energetic men, and those who are reputed indomitable; -for a woman is proud to be protected, and blushes when she is compelled -to defend the man whose name she bears. Contempt kills love. A woman -will never love a man except when she has the right to be proud of him, -and can say to him, "Spare foes too weak for you, and unworthy of your -anger."</p> - -<p>During the two days the young couple did not once utter the word love, -and yet they clearly explained it and no longer entertained a doubt as -to their mutual attachment.</p> - -<p>Still it was time to think about returning to the hacienda. It was -settled that Doña Marianna should inform her father about what she had -learned from Doña Esperanza, that she should not positively refuse Don -Rufino's hand, and quietly await events.</p> - -<p>"Take care," the maiden said, as she held out her hand to the hunter; -"my only hope is in you: if you fail in your plans I shall be left -alone defenceless, and death alone will remain to me, for I shall not -survive the loss of all my hopes."</p> - -<p>"Trust to me, Doña Marianna; I have staked my happiness and my life on -the terrible game I am preparing to play, and I feel convinced that I -shall win it."</p> - -<p>"I will pray to Heaven for both you and myself with such fervour, that -I feel confident my prayers will be granted."</p> - -<p>These words, with which the young people parted, were equivalent to a -mutual engagement. Doña Esperanza tenderly embraced the maiden.</p> - -<p>"Remember the legend," she said to her, and Doña Marianna replied with -a smile.</p> - -<p>The tigrero held the horses by the bridle. Stronghand and ten hunters -prepared to follow the travellers at a distance, in order to help them, -should it be necessary. The journey was performed in silence. Doña -Marianna was too much engaged in restoring some degree of order to her -thoughts, which were upset by what had happened during the two days she -spent among the hunters, to dream of saying a word to her companion; -while he, for his part, confounded by the way in which he had been -treated in camp, tried to explain the luxury and comfort which he had -never before witnessed in the desert, and which plunged him into a -state of amazement from which he could not recover.</p> - -<p>As Doña Marianna had expressed a wish to reach their journey's end as -quickly as possible, Mariano took a different road from that which he -had previously followed, and which ran to El Toro without passing by -the rancho.</p> - -<p>At about 3 p.m. they came in sight of the rock, and began scaling the -path, and then noticed the hunters, commanded by Stronghand, drawn up -in good order on the skirt of the forest. When the young lady reached -the first gate of the hacienda, the sound of a shot reached her ear, -and a white puff of smoke floating over the horsemen made her guess who -it was that had fired it. Doña Marianna waved her handkerchief in the -air. A second shot was fired, as if to show her that the signal was -seen, and then the hunters turned round and disappeared in the forest. -Doña Marianna entered the hacienda, and the first person she met was -Paredes.</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Válgame dios!</i> niña," the worthy majordomo exclaimed; "Where have -you come from? The Marquis has been excessively anxious about you."</p> - -<p>"Does not my father know that I have been to pay a visit to my nurse?"</p> - -<p>"Your brother told him so, niña; but as your absence was so prolonged, -the Marquis was afraid that some accident had happened to you."</p> - -<p>"You see that it was not so, my good Paredes; so set your mind at rest, -and go and re-assure my father, to whom I shall be delighted to pay my -respects."</p> - -<p>"Don Hernando will be pleased at your return, niña; he is at this -moment engaged with Don Ruiz in inspecting the walls on the side of the -huerta, in order to make certain that they are in a sound condition for -we fear more and more an attack from the Indians."</p> - -<p>"In that case do not disturb my father, and I will go and rest in the -drawing room, for I am exhausted with fatigue; and when my father has -completed his inspection, you will inform him of my return. It is -unnecessary to importune him now."</p> - -<p>"Importune him!" exclaimed the honest majordomo, "Excuse me, señorita, -if I am not of your opinion on that head. <i>¡Viva dios!</i> the Marquis -would not forgive me if I did not immediately inform him of your -return."</p> - -<p>"In that case, act as you think proper, my worthy Paredes."</p> - -<p>The majordomo, who had probably only been waiting for this permission, -ran off.</p> - -<p>"My dear Mariano," the young lady then said, addressing her foster -brother, "it is not necessary to tell what we have been doing during -our absence. Everybody must suppose that I have not quitted my nurse's -rancho; you understand, and I count on your discretion. When the time -arrives, I intend myself to inform my father of all that has occurred."</p> - -<p>"Enough, niña; you know that your wishes are orders for me. I will not -say a word—besides, it is no business of mine."</p> - -<p>"Very well, Mariano; now receive my sincere thanks for the services you -have rendered me."</p> - -<p>"You know that I am devoted to you, niña; I have merely done my duty, -and you have no occasion to thank me for that."</p> - -<p>The young lady offered him her hand with a smile, and entered her -apartments. The tigrero, when left alone, took the bridles of the two -horses, and led them to the corral, through the crowd of rancheros, -who, by the Marquis's orders, had sought refuge in the hacienda, and -had erected their jacales in all the courtyards. Doña Marianna was not -sorry to be alone for a few minutes, in order to have time to prepare -the conversation she intended to have with her father and brother, -whose difficulties she did not at all conceal from herself.</p> - -<p>The hacienda was very large, and hence, in spite of all his diligence, -it was not till he had spent half an hour in sterile search, that the -majordomo succeeded in finding his master. Don Hernando heard, with -a lively feeling of joy, of his daughter's return, and immediately -gave up his inspection in order to hurry to her. The more heavily -misfortune pressed upon the Marquis, the greater became the affection -he entertained for his children; he felt a necessity for resting on -them, and drawing more closely the family ties. When he entered, with -Don Ruiz, the room in which Doña Marianna was awaiting him, he opened -his arms and embraced her tenderly.</p> - -<p>"Naughty girl!" he exclaimed; "What mortal anxiety you have caused me! -Why did you remain so long absent in these troublous times?"</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, my dear father," the girl answered, as she returned his -caresses; "I incurred no danger."</p> - -<p>"Heaven be praised! But why did you stay away from us for three days."</p> - -<p>The young lady blushed.</p> - -<p>"Father," she answered, as she lavished on her parent those tender -blandishments of which girls so thoroughly possess the secret, "during -my entire absence I was only thinking of you."</p> - -<p>"Alas!" the Marquis murmured, with a choking sigh, "I know your heart, -my poor child; unhappily my position is so desperate that nothing can -save me."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you may be saved, father," she said, with a toss of her head.</p> - -<p>"Do not attempt to lead me astray by false hopes, which, in the end, -would render our frightful situation even more cruel than it is."</p> - -<p>"I do not wish to do so, father," she said, earnestly, "but I bring you -a certainty."</p> - -<p>"A certainty, child! That is a very serious word in the mouth of a -girl. Where do you suppose it possible to find the means to conjure ill -fortune?"</p> - -<p>"Not very far off, father; at this very place, if you like."</p> - -<p>Don Hernando made no reply, but let his head drop on his chest -mournfully.</p> - -<p>"Listen to Marianna, father," Don Ruiz then said; "she is the angel of -our home. I believe in her, for I am certain that she would not make a -jest of our misfortunes."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Ruiz. Oh, you are right; I would sooner die than dream of -increasing my father's grief."</p> - -<p>"I know it, child," the Marquis answered, with sad impatience; "but you -are young, inexperienced, and doubtless accept the wishes of your heart -as certainties."</p> - -<p>"Why not listen to what my sister has to say, father?" Don Ruiz said. -"If she is deceiving herself—if what she wishes to tell us does not -produce on you the effect she expects from it, at any rate she will -have given an undeniable proof of the lively interest she takes in -your affairs; and were it only for that reason, both you and I owe her -thanks."</p> - -<p>"Of what good is it, children?"</p> - -<p>"Good heavens, father! In our fearful situation we should neglect -nothing. Who knows? Very frequently the weakest persons bring the -greatest help. Listen to my sister first, and then you will judge -whether her remarks deserve to be taken into consideration."</p> - -<p>"As you press it, Ruiz, I will hear her."</p> - -<p>"I do not press, father—I entreat. Come, speak, little sister; speak -without fear, for we shall listen—at least I shall—with the liveliest -interest."</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna smiled sweetly, threw her arms round her father's neck, -and laid her head on his shoulder with a charming gesture.</p> - -<p>"How I love you, my dear father!" she said; "How I should like to see -you happy! I have nothing to tell you, for you will not believe me; and -what I might have to say is so strange and improbable, that you would -not put faith in it."</p> - -<p>"You see, child, that I was right."</p> - -<p>"Wait a moment, father," she continued; "if I have nothing to tell you, -I have a favour to ask."</p> - -<p>"A favour!—yes, my dear."</p> - -<p>"Yes, father, a favour; but what I desire is so singular—coming from -a girl—that I really do not know how to make my request, although the -thought is perfectly clear in my mind."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh, little maid," the Marquis said, with a smile, though he -was much affected, "what is this thing which requires such mighty -preparations? It must be very terrible for you to hesitate so in -revealing it to me."</p> - -<p>"No, father, it is not terrible; but, I repeat, it will appear to you -wild."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my child," he continued, as he shrugged his shoulders with an -air of resignation, "I have seen so many wild things for some time -past, that I shall not attach any importance to one now; hence you can -explain yourself fully, without fearing any blame from me."</p> - -<p>"Listen to me, father; the favour I have to ask of you is this—and, in -the first place, you must promise to grant it to me."</p> - -<p>"¡Caramba!" he said, good-humouredly, "you are taking your -precautions, señorita. And suppose that I refuse?"</p> - -<p>"In that case, father, all would be at an end," she replied, -sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Come, my child, re-assure yourself: I pledge you my word, which you -ask for so peremptorily. Are you satisfied now?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, father, how kind you are! You really mean it now. You pledge your -word to grant me what I ask of you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, little obstinate, I do pledge my word."</p> - -<p>The girl danced with delight, as she clapped her pretty little hands, -and warmly embraced her father.</p> - -<p>"On my word, this little girl is mad!" the Marquis said, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Yes, father, mad with delight; for I hope soon to prove to you that -your fortune has never been more flourishing than it now is."</p> - -<p>"Why, her mind is wandering now."</p> - -<p>"No, father," said Don Ruiz, who, with his eyes fixed on his sister, -was listening with sustained interest, and was attentively following -the play of her flexible face, on which the varied emotions that -agitated her were reflected; "I believe, on the contrary, that Marianna -is at this moment revolving in her mind some strange scheme, for -carrying out which she requires full and entire liberty."</p> - -<p>"You have read the truth, Ruiz. Yes, I have a great project in my head; -but in order that it may be thoroughly successful, I must be mistress -of my actions, without control or remarks, from eight o'clock this -evening till midnight. Do you grant me this power, father?"</p> - -<p>"I have promised it," Don Hernando replied, with a smile. "A gentleman -has only his word; as you desire, from eight o'clock till midnight you -will be sole mistress of the hacienda: no one, not even myself, will -have the right to make a remark about your conduct. Must I announce -this officially to our people?" he added, sportively.</p> - -<p>"It is unnecessary, father: only two persons need be told."</p> - -<p>"And who are these two privileged persons, if you please?"</p> - -<p>"My foster brother Mariano, the tigrero, and José Paredes."</p> - -<p>"Come, I see you know where to place your confidence. Those two men are -entirely devoted to us, and this gives me trust in the future. Go on, -my child; what must be done further?"</p> - -<p>"These men must be provided with picks, spades, crowbars, and lanterns."</p> - -<p>"I see you are thinking about digging."</p> - -<p>"Possibly," she said, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Stories about buried treasure are thoroughly worn out in this country, -my child," he said, with a dubious shake of his head; "all those that -have been buried were dug up long ago."</p> - -<p>"I can offer you no explanation, father. You are ignorant of my plan, -and hence cannot argue upon a matter you do not know: moreover, you -must make no remarks, and be the first to obey me," she said, with an -exquisite smile. "You ought not to give an example of rebellion to my -new subjects."</p> - -<p>"That is perfectly true, my dear child; I am in the wrong, and offer -you an ample apology. Be good enough to go on with your instructions."</p> - -<p>"I have only a word to add, father. You and Ruiz must also provide -yourselves with tools, for I expect you all four to work."</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh, that is rather hard—not on me who am young," Don Ruiz -exclaimed, laughingly, "but on our father. Come, little sister, do not -expect such toil from him."</p> - -<p>"I may have to lend a hand myself," Doña Marianna replied. "Believe -me, Don Ruiz, you should not treat this affair lightly; it is far more -serious than you suppose, and the consequence will be of incalculable -importance for my father and the honour of our name. In my turn I will -take an oath, since you refuse to believe my word."</p> - -<p>"Not I, sister."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Ruiz, you doubt it, although you do not like to allow it. Well, I -swear to you and my father, by all I hold dearest in the world—that is -to say, you two—that I am perfectly well aware of what I am doing, and -am certain of success."</p> - -<p>Such enthusiasm sparkled in the girl's brilliant eyes, there was such -an expression of sincerity in her accent, that the two gentlemen at -length confessed themselves vanquished; her conviction had entered -their minds, and they were persuaded.</p> - -<p>"What you desire shall be done, daughter," Don Hernando said; "and, -whatever the result may be, I shall feel grateful to you for the -efforts you are making."</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz, by his father's orders, warned the majordomo and the tigrero, -who was already preparing to return to the rancho. But so soon as -the young man knew that his presence was necessary at the hacienda, -he remained without the slightest remark, and delighted at having an -opportunity to prove to his masters how greatly he was devoted to them. -Then what always happens under similar circumstances occurred: while -Doña Marianna was calmly awaiting the hour she had herself fixed for -action, the Marquis and his son, on the other hand, suffered from a -feverish curiosity, which did not allow them a moment's rest, and made -them regard the delay as interminable. At length eight o'clock struck.</p> - -<p>"It is time!" said Doña Marianna.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE HUERTA.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>All southern nations are fond of shade, flowers, and birds; and as the -heat of the climate compels them, so to speak, to live in the open air, -they have arranged their gardens with a degree of comfort unknown among -us. The Italians and Spaniards, whose houses, during the greater part -of the year, are only inhabitable for a few hours a day, have striven -to make their gardens veritable oases, where they can breathe the fresh -evening air without being annoyed by those myriads of mosquitoes and -gnats unknown in temperate climates, but which in tropical latitudes -are a real plague. At midday they may be seen wheeling in countless -myriads in every sunbeam. The Hispano-Americans especially have raised -the gardening art to a science, being always engaged in trying to solve -the problem of procuring fresh air during the hottest hours of the -day—that is to say, between midday and three p.m., during which time -the earth, which has been heated since dawn by the burning heat of a -torrid sun, exhales deadly effluvia, and so decomposes the air that it -is impossible to breathe it.</p> - -<p>The Spanish language, which is so rich in expressions of every -description, has two words to signify a garden. There is the word -<i>jardín</i>, by which is meant the parterre properly so called—the garden -in which flowers are cultivated that in those countries grow in the -open air, but with us only in hothouses, where they are stunted and -decrepit; and, secondly, the <i>huerta</i>, which means the kitchen-garden, -the vineyard, and their clumps of trees, wide avenues, cascades, -streams, and lakes—in a word, all that we, very improperly in my -opinion, have agreed to call a park. The Hacienda del Toro possessed a -huerta, which the Marquises de Moguer had in turn sought to embellish. -This huerta, which in Europe would have seemed very large—for life -among us has been reduced to the conditions of a mean and shabby -comfort—was considered small in that country. It contained in all -only thirty acres—that is to say, a surface of about twelve square -miles; but this relative smallness was made up for by an admirable -disposition of the ground, and an extent of shade, which had made a -great reputation for the Huerta del Toro throughout Sonora.</p> - -<p>At eight o'clock precisely the curfew was rung, as was the custom -at the hacienda. At the sound of the chapel bell all the peons and -vaqueros retired to their jacales in order to sleep. Paredes had placed -sentinels at night on the walls ever since an attack from the Indians -had been apprehended, and the precaution was the more necessary at -this time, as there was no moon, and it is that period of the month -which the Redskins always select to begin their invasions. When the -majordomo had assured himself that the sentries were at their posts, -he made a general inspection of the whole hacienda to have the lights -extinguished, and then proceeded, accompanied by the tigrero, to the -Blue Room, where Don Hernando and his son and daughter were assembled.</p> - -<p>"All is in order, <i>mi amo</i>," he said; "everybody has retired to his -jacal, the hacienda gates are closed, and the sentries placed on the -walls."</p> - -<p>"You are quite certain, Paredes, that no one is walking about the -corals or huerta?"</p> - -<p>"No one; I made my rounds with the greatest strictness."</p> - -<p>"Very good; now, daughter, you can give your orders, and we are ready -to obey you."</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna bowed to her father with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Paredes," she said, "have you procured the tools my brother ordered -you to provide?"</p> - -<p>"Niña," he answered, "I have placed six picks, six crowbars, and six -spades in a clump of carob trees at the entrance of the large flower -garden."</p> - -<p>"Why such a number of tools?" she asked, laughingly.</p> - -<p>"Because, señorita, some may break; the work we have to do must be -performed quickly, and had I not taken this precaution, we might have -met with delay."</p> - -<p>"You are right. Follow me, señora."</p> - -<p>"And the lanterns?" Don Ruiz observed.</p> - -<p>"We will take them with us, but not light them till we reach the -spot whither I am taking you. Although the night is dark, with your -knowledge of localities we shall be able to guide ourselves without -difficulty through the darkness. Our lights might be seen and arouse -suspicions, and that is what we must avoid most of all."</p> - -<p>"Excellently reasoned, daughter."</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna rose, and the four men followed her in silence. They -crossed the apartments instead of passing through the <i>patios</i>, which -were thronged with sleepers, and entered the huerta by large double -doors, from which the garden was reached by a flight of steps. On -leaving the Blue Room Doña Marianna took the precaution to blow out the -candles, so that the hacienda was plunged into complete darkness, and -all appeared asleep. The night was very dark; the sky, in which not -a single star twinkled, seemed an immense pall; the breeze whistled -hoarsely through the trees, whose branches rustled with an ill-omened -murmur. In the distance could be heard the snapping bark of the -coyotes, and at times the melancholy hoot of the owl arose in the dark, -and broke the mournful silence which brooded over nature. This night -was excellently chosen for a mysterious expedition of such a nature as -Doña Marianna was about to attempt.</p> - -<p>After an instant—not of hesitation, for the maiden, although her heart -was beating loudly, was firm and resolute—but of reflection, Doña -Marianna rapidly descended the steps and entered the garden, closely -followed by the four men, who also experienced an internal emotion for -which they could not account. They had gone but a few yards when they -halted; they had reached the thicket in which the tools were concealed. -The majordomo and the tigrero took them on their shoulders, while the -Marquis and his son carried the lanterns. In spite of the darkness, -which was rendered even more intense by the dense shadow cast by the -old trees in the huerta, the young lady rapidly advanced, scarce making -the sand creak beneath her little feet, and following the winding walks -with as much ease as if she were traversing them in the bright sunshine.</p> - -<p>The Marquis and his son felt their curiosity increase from moment to -moment. They saw the girl so gay, and so sure of herself, that they -involuntarily began to hope, although they found it impossible to -explain the nature of their hopes to themselves. Paredes and Mariano -were also greatly puzzled about the purpose of the expedition in which -they were taking part; but their thoughts did not travel beyond this: -they supposed that there was some work for them to do, and that was all.</p> - -<p>The young lady still walked on, stopping at times and muttering a -few words in a low voice, as if trying to remember the instructions -she had previously received, but never hesitating, or taking one walk -for another; in a word, she did not once retrace her steps when she -had selected her course. Night, especially when it is dark, imparts -to scenery a peculiar hue, which completely changes the appearance of -the most familiar spots; it gives the smallest object a formidable -aspect; all is confounded in one mass, without graduated tints, -from which nothing stands out: a spot which is very cheerful in the -sunshine becomes gloomy and mournful when enveloped in darkness. The -huerta, which was so pretty and bright by day, assumed on this night -the gloomy and majestic proportions of a forest; the fall of a leaf, -the accidental breaking of a branch, the dull murmur of invisible -waters—things so unimportant in themselves—made these men start -involuntarily, although they were endowed with great energy, and any -real danger would not have made them blench.</p> - -<p>But darkness possesses the fatal influence over the human organization -of lessening its faculties, and rendering it small and paltry. A man -who, in the midst of a battle, electrified by the sound of the cannon, -intoxicated by the smell of powder, and excited by the example of his -comrades, performs prodigies of valour, will tremble like a child on -finding himself alone in the shadow of night, and in the presence of an -unknown object, which causes him to apprehend a danger which frequently -only exists in his sickly imagination. Hence our friends involuntarily -underwent the formidable influence of darkness, and felt a certain -uneasiness, which they tried in vain to combat, and which they could -not succeed in entirely dispelling, in spite of all their efforts. They -walked on silent and gloomy, pressing against each other, looking -around them timidly, and in their hearts wishing to reach as speedily -as possible the end of this long walk. At length Doña Marianna halted.</p> - -<p>"Light the lanterns," she said.</p> - -<p>This was the first remark made since they left the Blue Room. The -lanterns were instantly lighted. Doña Marianna took one, and handed -another to her brother.</p> - -<p>"Show me a light, Ruiz," she said to him.</p> - -<p>The spot where they found themselves was situated at nearly the centre -of the huerta; it was a species of grass plot, on which only stubbly, -stunted grass grew. In the centre rose a sort of tumulus, formed of -several rocks piled on one another without any apparent symmetry, and -which the owners of the hacienda had always respected in consequence -of its barbarous singularity. An old tradition asserted that one of -the old kings of Cibola, on the ruins of which town the hacienda was -built, had been buried at the spot, which was called "The Tomb of the -Cacique" after the tradition, whether it were true or false. The first -Marquis de Moguer, who was a very pious man, like all the Spanish -conquistadors, had to some extent authorized this belief, by having the -mound blessed by a priest, under the pretext—a very plausible one at -that time—that the tomb of a pagan attracted demons, who would at once -retire when it was consecrated.</p> - -<p>With the exception of the name it bore, this mound had never been held -in bad repute, and no suspicious legend was attached to it. It was -remote from the buildings of the hacienda, and surrounded on all sides -by dense and almost impenetrable clumps of trees. Persons very rarely -visited it, because, as it stood in the centre of an open patch of -grass, it offered no shelter against the sun; hence the place was only -known to the family and their oldest servants.</p> - -<p>"Ah! Ah!" said the Marquis, "So you have brought us to the cacique's -tomb, my girl?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, father; we can now begin operations without fear of being seen."</p> - -<p>"I greatly fear that your hopes have led you astray."</p> - -<p>"You promised, father, to make no remarks."</p> - -<p>"That is true, and so I will hold my tongue."</p> - -<p>"Very good, father," she said, with a smile; "be assured that this -exemplary docility will soon be duly rewarded."</p> - -<p>And the young lady continued her investigations. She looked attentively -at every stone, seeming to study its position carefully, while -comparing it with a point of the compass.</p> - -<p>"In which direction does the clump of old aloes lie?" she at length -asked.</p> - -<p>"That I cannot tell you," said Don Ruiz.</p> - -<p>"With your permission, I will do so," Paredes observed.</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," she said, eagerly.</p> - -<p>The majordomo looked about for a moment, and then, placing himself in -a certain direction, said,—"The aloes of Cibola, as we call them, are -just facing me."</p> - -<p>"Are you certain of it, Paredes?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, niña, I am."</p> - -<p>The young lady immediately placed herself by the majordomo's side, -and bending down over the stones, examined them with extreme care and -attention. At length she drew herself up with a start of joy.</p> - -<p>"My father," she said, with emotion, "the honour of dealing the first -stroke belongs to you."</p> - -<p>"Very good, my child; where am I to strike?"</p> - -<p>"There!" she said, pointing to a rather large gap between two stones.</p> - -<p>Don Hernando drove in the pick, and, pressing on it forcibly, detached -a stone, which rolled on the grass.</p> - -<p>"Very good," said the girl. "Now stop, father, and let these young men -work; you can join them presently, should it prove necessary. Come, -Ruiz—come tocayo—come, Paredes—to work, my friends! Enlarge this -hole, and make it large enough for us to pass through."</p> - -<p>The three men set to work ardently, excited by Doña Marianna's -words, and soon the stones, leaping from their bed of earth, began -to strew the ground around in large numbers. Not one of the three -men suspected the nature of the task he was performing, and yet -such is the attraction of a secret, that they drove in their picks -with extraordinary ardour. Ruiz alone possibly foresaw an important -discovery behind the task, but could not have explained what its nature -was. The work, in the meanwhile, progressed; the hole became with every -moment larger. The stones, which had been apparently thrown upon each -other, were not bound by any mortal, and hence, so soon as the first -was removed, the others came out with extreme facility. Now and then -the labourers stopped to draw breath; but this interruption lasted -only a short time, so anxious were they to obtain the solution of the -problem. All at once they stopped in discouragement, for an enormous -mass of rock resisted their efforts. This rock, which was about six -feet square, was exactly under the stones they had previously removed, -and as no solution of continuity could be perceived, everything led to -the supposition that this rock was really very much larger, and that -only a portion of it was laid bare.</p> - -<p>"Why are you stopping, brother?" Doña Marianna asked.</p> - -<p>"Because we have reached the rock, and should break our picks, without -getting any further."</p> - -<p>"What! Reached the rock? Impossible!"</p> - -<p>The Marquis leant over the excavation.</p> - -<p>"It would be madness to try and get any further," he said; "it is plain -that we have reached the rock." Doña Marianna gave an angry start.</p> - -<p>"I tell you again that it is impossible," she continued.</p> - -<p>"Look for yourself, sister."</p> - -<p>The young lady took a lantern and looked; then, without answering her -brother, she turned to Paredes and the tigrero.</p> - -<p>"You," she said, "are old servants of the family, and I can order you -without any fear of being contradicted; so obey me. Remove, as rapidly -as possible, all the stones round that supposed rock, and when that is -done, I fancy I shall convince the most incredulous."</p> - -<p>The two men resumed work; and Don Ruiz, piqued by his sister's remark, -imitated them. The Marquis with folded arms and head bowed on his -chest, was overcome by such persistency, and began to hope again. Ere -long the stones were removed, and the mass of rock stood solitary.</p> - -<p>The young lady turned to the Marquis.</p> - -<p>"Father," she said to him, "you dealt the first blow, and must deal the -last; help these three men in removing this block."</p> - -<p>Without replying, the Marquis seized a pick, and placed himself -by the side of the workers. The four men dug their tools into the -friable earth which adhered to the rock; then, with a common and -gradual effort, they began raising the stone until it suddenly lost -its balance, toppled over, and fell on the ground, revealing a deep -excavation. At the sight of this, all uttered a cry of surprise.</p> - -<p>"Burn some wood to purify the air," the young lady said.</p> - -<p>They obeyed with that feverish activity which, in great circumstances, -seizes on apparently the slowest natures.</p> - -<p>"Now come, father," Doña Marianna said, as she seized a lantern and -boldly entered the excavation.</p> - -<p>The Marquis went in, and the rest followed him. After proceeding for -about one hundred yards along a species of gallery, they perceived the -body of a man, lying on a sort of clumsy dais, in a perfect state of -preservation, and rather resembling a sleeping person than a corpse. -Near the body the fleshless bones of another person were scattered on -the ground.</p> - -<p>"Look!" said the maiden.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the Marquis answered, "it is the body interred under the -tumulus."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, father; it is the body of a miner, and the fancied -tumulus is nothing but a very rich gold mine, which has remained for -ages under the guard of this insensate body, and which it has pleased -Heaven to make known to you, in order that you may recover the fortune -which you were on the point of losing. Look around you," she said, -raising the lantern.</p> - -<p>The Marquis uttered a cry of delight and admiration, doubt was no -longer possible. All around he saw enormous veins of gold, easy of -extraction almost without labour. The Marquis was dazzled; weaker in -joy than in suffering, he fell unconscious on the floor of this mine, -whose produce was about to restore him all that he had lost.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE ASSAULT ON QUITOVAR.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>While these events were taking place at the Hacienda del Toro, others -of an even more important nature were being carried out at the Real -de Minas. Kidd the adventurer, had scarce left Don Rufino Contreras, -after the interesting conversations we have recorded, ere the senator -made his preparations for departure, and at once set out for the Real -de Minas, though careful to be accompanied by a respectable escort, -which protected him from the insults of marauders. At eight a.m. of the -following day the senator entered the pueblo, and his first business -was to present himself to the town commandant, Don Marcos de Niza. The -captain not only received him coldly, but with a certain amount of -constraint. This did not escape the senator's quick eye, but he was not -at all affected by it.</p> - -<p>"My dear captain," he said, after the usual compliments, "I am -pleased at having been selected by the Presidential Government as its -delegate to the military authorities of the State of Sonora for two -reasons, apart from the honour I shall acquire by accomplishing this -confidential duty."</p> - -<p>The captain bowed, but said nothing.</p> - -<p>"The first of these reasons," the senator continued with his eternal -smile, "is that I make the acquaintance of an excellent caballero in -yourself; the second, that before being joined in the command with -you, and desiring to make myself as agreeable to you as I could, I -asked for the rank of lieutenant-colonel for you, a step which, between -ourselves, you have long deserved, and I was so fortunate as to obtain -it for you. Permit me to hand you the commission with my own hands."</p> - -<p>And drawing from his pocketbook a large folded paper, he laid it in the -hand which the captain mechanically held out. The senator had justly -counted on the skilfully managed surprise. The captain, confounded -by the tardy justice done him, could not find a word to answer, but -from this moment Don Rufino's cause was gained in his mind; and unless -some unforeseen event occurred, the senator was convinced that he had -nothing now to fear from this man, whom he had cleverly managed to lay -under an obligation, without it costing him anything. The truth was, -that a few days previously the captain's nomination had reached the -Governor of Arispe from Mexico; the senator accidentally heard of it, -and offered to deliver it to the captain. As the governor had no reason -to refuse, he entrusted the nomination to the senator, and he turned it -to the good purpose we have seen.</p> - -<p>"And now," he continued, cutting short the thanks which the new -colonel thought himself bound to offer him, "permit me to change the -conversation, my dear colonel, and speak to you about things which -interest me privately."</p> - -<p>"I am listening to you caballero," Don Marcos answered; "and if I can -be of any service to you—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, merely to give me some information," the senator interrupted him; -"I will explain the matter in two words. I am, as you are probably -aware, very intimate with a relative of yours, the Marquis de Moguer, -and an alliance between us is being arranged at this moment."</p> - -<p>Don Marcos gave a deep bow.</p> - -<p>"Now," the senator continued, "the Marquis, as you of course know, -has been seriously tried of late; in a word, between ourselves, he -is almost ruined. Several times already I have been so fortunate as -to render him important services; but, as you know, where misfortune -is pressing a family, the best intentions often can only succeed in -retarding an inevitable downfall. Being most desirous to save a man -with whom I shall be probably closely connected within a few days, -not merely by the ties of friendship, but also by the closer links -of relationship, I have bought up all his debts; in a word, I have -become his sole creditor, and that is as much as telling you that the -Marquis does not owe a farthing now. The man whom I entrusted with this -difficult negotiation will arrive immediately in this town, where I -gave him the meeting."</p> - -<p>"He arrived some days ago," the colonel remarked.</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" Don Rufino exclaimed, affecting surprise, "It seems in that -case that he has worked quicker than I expected. But that is a thousand -times better, as I will claim a service at your hands."</p> - -<p>"A service!" Don Marcos exclaimed, with instinctive distrust.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the senator continued, tranquilly; "I hardly know how to explain -it to you, for it is so difficult, however friendly you may be with -a man whose daughter you are about to marry, to say to him 'You owed -enormous sums; I have bought up your debts, here are the receipts; burn -them, for you owe nothing now;' it would be looking so much like trying -to impose conditions to act thus—in a word, to make a bargain—that -I feel a repugnance from it; and if a common friend does not consent -to come to my assistance in the matter, I confess to you that I am -completely ignorant how I shall get out of the difficulty."</p> - -<p>"What!" the colonel exclaimed, in admiration, "Would you do that?"</p> - -<p>"I never had any other thought," the senator replied simply.</p> - -<p>"Oh, it is a great and generous action, caballero."</p> - -<p>"Not at all; on the contrary, it is quite natural. Don Hernando is my -intimate friend; I am going to marry his daughter, and my line of duty -is plain. I only did what anyone else in my place would have done."</p> - -<p>"No, no," Don Marcos said, shaking his head with an air of conviction; -"no, señor, no one would have acted as you have done, I feel certain. -Alas! Hearts like yours are rare."</p> - -<p>"All the worse, all the worse, and I feel sorry for humanity," Don -Rufino said, as he raised his eyes piously to the ceiling.</p> - -<p>"What is the service you expect from me, señor?"</p> - -<p>"A very simple thing. I will give you in a few moments those unlucky -receipts, which I will ask you to be kind enough to hand to the -Marquis. You can make him understand better than I can the purity of my -intentions in this affair; and, above all, pray assure him that I have -not done it for the purpose of forcing him to give me his daughter's -hand."</p> - -<p>The senator went away, leaving the colonel completely under the charm. -He proceeded hastily to the mesón where Don Parfindo was lodged; he -took the receipts from him, rewarded him handsomely, and did not leave -him till he saw him and his bailiff out of the pueblo; then he walked -slowly back to the colonel's house, rubbing his hands, and muttering, -with an ironical smile—</p> - -<p>"I fancy that I shall soon have no cause to fear that worthy Señor -Kidd's denunciations. By the bye, where can he be? His absence from -Quitovar is not natural, and I must free myself from him at our next -interview."</p> - -<p>The senator's conversation with his agent had occupied some time, and -when Don Rufino returned to the colonel's house, he found the latter -busy in making known his new rank to his officers. The colonel eagerly -took advantage of the opportunity to introduce the senator to them, and -to tell them that Don Rufino was delegated by the Government to watch -the operations of the army, and that hence they must obey him like -himself. The officers bowed respectfully to the senator, made their -bows, and retired. When the two gentlemen were alone again, the ice -was completely broken between them, and they were the best friends in -the world.</p> - -<p>"Well," the colonel asked.</p> - -<p>"All is settled," the senator replied, as he produced the vouchers.</p> - -<p>"¡Caramba! You have lost no time."</p> - -<p>"The best things are those done quickly. Take all these documents, and -make what use of them you think proper. I am delighted at having got -rid of them." While saying this, Don Rufino threw the papers on the -table with an excellent affectation of delight.</p> - -<p>"With your leave, caballero," the colonel said, with a laugh, "I will -take these papers, since you insist on it, but I will give you a -receipt."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," the senator exclaimed, "that would spoil the whole business."</p> - -<p>"Still—"</p> - -<p>"Not a word," he interrupted him, quickly; "I do not wish to have in my -possession the shadow of a claim upon Don Hernando."</p> - -<p>The colonel would have probably pressed the point, had not a great -noise been heard in the anteroom, and a man rushed into the colonel's -sanctum, shouting at the top of his lungs, "The Indians! The Indians!"</p> - -<p>The colonel and the senator rose. The man was Kidd; his clothes were -torn and disordered; his face and hands were covered with blood and -dust, and all apparently proved that he had just escaped from a sharp -pursuit. A strange uproar outside the house, which soon assumed -formidable proportions, corroborated his statement.</p> - -<p>"Is that you, Kidd?" the colonel exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he replied; "but lose no time, captain; here are the pagans! -They are at my heels, and I am scarce half an hour ahead of them."</p> - -<p>Without waiting to hear anything more, the colonel dashed out of the -room.</p> - -<p>"Where have you come from?" Don Rufino asked the bandit, so soon as he -was alone with him.</p> - -<p>The latter gave a start of disappointment on recognising the senator, -whom he had not noticed at the first moment. This start did not escape -Don Rufino.</p> - -<p>"How does that concern you?" the adventurer answered, roughly.</p> - -<p>"I want to know."</p> - -<p>Kidd made a meaning grimace.</p> - -<p>"Every man has his own business," he said.</p> - -<p>"Some treachery you have been preparing, of course."</p> - -<p>"That is possible," he replied, with a knowing grin.</p> - -<p>"Against me, perhaps."</p> - -<p>"Who knows?"</p> - -<p>"Will you speak?"</p> - -<p>"What is the use of speaking, since you have guessed it?"</p> - -<p>"Then you are still trying to deceive me?"</p> - -<p>"I mean to take my precautions, that is all."</p> - -<p>"Scoundrel!" the senator exclaimed, with a menacing gesture.</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" the other said, with a shrug of his shoulders; "I am not -afraid of you, for you would not dare kill me."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"In the first place, because it would cause a row, and because I do not -think you such a friend of the captain that you would venture to take -such a liberty in his house."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, villain, and you shall have a proof of it."</p> - -<p>"Holloa!" the adventurer exclaimed, as he retired precipitately to the -door.</p> - -<p>But, with a gesture rapid as thought, Don Rufino seized one of Don -Marcos's pistols, cocked it, and ere Kidd could effect the retreat he -was meditating, he fired, and the adventurer lay on the ground with a -bullet in his chest.</p> - -<p>"Die, brigand!" the senator shouted, as he threw down the weapon he had -used.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the bandit muttered, "but not unavenged. It was well played, -master; but your turn will soon arrive—"</p> - -<p>And stiffening with a final convulsion, the ruffian expired, retaining -on his features even after death an expression of mocking defiance, -which caused the senator an involuntary tremor.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter here?" the colonel asked, suddenly entering.</p> - -<p>"Nothing very important," Don Rufino said, carelessly. "I was carried -away by my passion, and settled this scoundrel."</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Viva Dios!</i> You were right, señor; I only regret that you have -anticipated me, for I have proofs of his treachery.—Ho, there! Remove -this carrion, and throw it out," he shouted to some soldiers who -accompanied him, and had remained in the anteroom.</p> - -<p>The soldiers obeyed, and the adventurer's body was thrown -unceremoniously into the street.</p> - -<p>"Are the Indians really coming up?"</p> - -<p>"The dust raised by their horses' hoofs can already be perceived. We -have not a moment to lose in preparing for defence. I suppose I can -reckon on you?"</p> - -<p>"<i>¡Rayo de Dios!</i>! I should hope so."</p> - -<p>"Come, then, for time presses."</p> - -<p>Kidd had in reality prepared, with his usual Machiavelism, a new -treachery, of which, unluckily for him, he was destined to be the first -victim. The whole pueblo was in an uproar: the streets were crowded -with soldiers proceeding to their posts; with women, children, and -aged persons flying in terror; with rancheros, who arrived at a gallop -to find shelter in the town, and heightened the general alarm by the -terror depicted on their faces; cattle were dashing madly about the -streets, deserted by their herds, who were compelled to proceed to the -intrenchments; and on the distant plain the body of Indians could be -seen through the dust clouds, coming up at headlong speed.</p> - -<p>"They are numerous," the senator whispered to the colonel.</p> - -<p>"Too many," the latter answered; "but silence! Let us look cheerful."</p> - -<p>There were twenty minutes of indescribable anxiety, during which the -defenders of the pueblo were enabled to examine their enemies, and form -an idea of the terrible danger that menaced them.</p> - -<p>Unhappily, the sun was on the point of setting, and it was evident that -the Redskins had calculated their march so as to arrive exactly at -that moment, and continue the attack through the night. The colonel, -foreseeing that he might possibly be compelled to have recourse to -flight, collected a band of fifty resolute horsemen, whom he gave -orders not to leave the Plaza Major, and be ready for any eventuality. -After their first charge the Indians retired out of musket range, and -did not renew their attack. A few horsemen, better mounted than the -rest, were scattered over the plain, picking up the dead and wounded, -and capturing the straggling horses; but the colonel gave orders that -they should not be fired at—not through humanity, but in order to -spare his ammunition, of which he possessed a very small stock.</p> - -<p>Night set in, and a deep gloom covered the earth; but the redskins -lit no fires. This circumstance alarmed the colonel; but several -hours passed, and nothing led to the possibility of an attack -being suspected. Profound silence brooded over the pueblo and the -surrounding plains, and the Indians seemed to have disappeared as if by -enchantment. The Mexicans tried in vain to distinguish any suspicious -forms in the darkness; they saw and heard nothing. This expectation of -a danger, which all felt to be imminent and terrible, had something -frightful for the besieged.</p> - -<p>Suddenly an immense light lit up the plain; the black outlines of the -Indians rose like diabolical apparitions, galloping in all directions; -a horrible, discordant, and shrill yell echoed in the ears of the -Mexicans, and clouds of blazing arrows fell upon them from all sides -at once, while the hideous heads of the Redskins appeared on the crest -of the entrenchments. Then, in the light of a forest, kindled by the -Indians to serve them as a beacon, an obstinate hand-to-hand fight -began between the white men and redskins.</p> - -<p>The pueblo was captured; any further resistance became not only -impossible, but insensate. Several houses were already ablaze, and in -a few minutes the Real de Minas would only be one immense furnace. The -senator and the colonel had fought bravely so long as a gleam of hope -was left them and the struggle appeared possible. At this moment they -thought of saving the few wretches who still existed, and had escaped -the frightful massacre by a miracle. Collecting around them all the men -they possessed, they dashed to the Plaza Major, where, in spite of the -fight raging round them, the squadron picked by Don Marcos had remained -motionless, and leaping on their horses, they gave the order to start. -Then the little band rushed forward like a hurricane, overthrowing and -crushing all the obstacles that stood in their way; and after losing -one-third their number, the rest succeeded in leaving the pueblo, -traversing the enemy's lines, and taking the road to the Hacienda del -Toro, without any close pursuit.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE VENGEANCE OF HEAVEN.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>The Marquis's faint lasted but a short time, thanks to the attentions -his son and daughter paid him. He had scarce regained his senses ere he -drew Doña Marianna gently to him.</p> - -<p>"My dear child," he muttered, as he pressed her to his heart, "you are -our saviour."</p> - -<p>The girl, delighted with this praise, freed herself, with a blush, from -her father's embrace.</p> - -<p>"Then," she said, with a pretty toss of her head, "you now allow, I -think, father, that I have really kept my word."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my child," he said, with much emotion, as he looked around him in -delight, "there are here fifty fortunes equal to the one I have lost."</p> - -<p>The girl clapped her hands in delight.</p> - -<p>"Ah, how happy I am! I felt certain that she would not deceive me."</p> - -<p>This remark, which escaped from the fullness of Doña Marianna's heart, -struck Don Hernando.</p> - -<p>"To whom are you alluding, daughter? And who is this person who -inspires you with such confidence?"</p> - -<p>"The one who revealed the existence of this treasure to me, father," -she answered.</p> - -<p>The Marquis did not press her.</p> - -<p>"Mariano," he said to the tigrero, "you will pass the night here; allow -no one to approach this excavation, for it would be imprudent to let -strangers know of the existence of such a treasure before we have time -to take certain precautions indispensable for its safety."</p> - -<p>"You can go without fear, <i>mi amo</i>," the brave lad answered; "no one -shall approach the mine while I am alive."</p> - -<p>"Besides," Don Hernando continued, "your watch will cease at sunrise."</p> - -<p>"As long as you please, <i>mi amo</i>."</p> - -<p>And the tigrero, collecting the tools and lanterns, installed himself -in the excavation itself, a few yards from the body still lying on the -dais.</p> - -<p>The other four slowly returned to the hacienda, conversing about this -marvellous discovery, which, at the moment when all seemed desperate, -saved the family. In fact, the gold veins were so rich, that it would -be possible to detach in a single day enough nearly to cover all the -debts contracted by the Marquis. They re-entered the blue room; and -though it was very late, not one of them felt the slightest inclination -to sleep; on the contrary, they wanted still to converse about the mine.</p> - -<p>"Well," the Marquis said, "you did not dream that so rich a mine -existed on the estate; you allowed as much just now."</p> - -<p>"In truth, father, someone was kind enough to give me the information -by which I found it."</p> - -<p>"But who can this person be, who is better acquainted than myself -with a property which has been in the hands of the family more than -three hundred years, and yet nobody suspected that it contained this -treasure?"</p> - -<p>"The probability is that the secret was well kept, father."</p> - -<p>"Of course; but by whom?"</p> - -<p>"By the old owners of the soil, of course."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense! You are jesting, daughter. Those poor Indians disappeared -long ago from the face of the earth."</p> - -<p>"I am not of that opinion, father," Don Ruiz observed.</p> - -<p>"The more so," Paredes struck in, "because I know for a fact that the -tribe to which you allude still exists; it is one of the most powerful -in the great confederation of the Papazos."</p> - -<p>"And you know, father, with what religious exactitude the Indians -preserve secrets confided to their conscience."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but in that case some man must have spoken."</p> - -<p>"Or some woman," Doña Marianna said, smilingly.</p> - -<p>"Well, be it so—a woman," the Marquis continued; "that is already a -valuable piece of news. I know that you have obtained your information -about the mine from a woman, my child."</p> - -<p>"Unhappily, father, I am prohibited from saying any more."</p> - -<p>"Humph! Prohibited!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, father. However, re-assure yourself: this mine is really -yours—your lawful property. Its owner has freely surrendered it in -your favour."</p> - -<p>Don Hernando frowned with an air of dissatisfaction.</p> - -<p>"Charity!" he muttered.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, but a gift you can accept, father, I swear to you. Besides, -the person to whom you are indebted for it promised me to make herself -known to you ere long."</p> - -<p>On the next morning, by the orders of the Marquis, the majordomo -selected ten confidential rancheros and peons from those who had sought -shelter at the hacienda, and the work commenced at once. The mine had -been abandoned exactly in the state in which it was when the body of -the miner was found by the Indians; hence the mere sweepings formed a -considerable amount, and at the expiration of four or five days the -sum collected was sufficient, not only to pay off all the debts, but -also to leave at the disposal of the Marquis a sum thrice as large as -he owed. With the exception of the legitimate anxiety caused by the -apprehension of an Indian attack, joy had returned to the hacienda; -the Marquis had begun to smile again, and seemed younger—so great is -the privilege of wealth to alter men. The first thought that occurred -to the Marquis was to settle with his creditors, and determine his -position.</p> - -<p>"My dear child," he said one evening to Doña Marianna, at the moment -when she was about to retire for the night, "you have not yet given -me an answer on the subject of Don Rufino Contrera's request for -your hand; but the week has long since passed. Tomorrow, Paredes is -going to start to place in his hands certain letters of importance -for the settlement of my affairs, and I wish to take advantage of the -opportunity. What answer shall I give Don Rufino?"</p> - -<p>The young lady blushed; but at length, subduing the trouble that -agitated her, she said, with a slight tremour in her voice,—</p> - -<p>"Father, I am doubtless highly honoured by this Caballero's demand; but -do you not think as I do, that the moment is badly chosen for such a -thing, menaced as we incessantly are by terrible dangers?"</p> - -<p>"Very good, daughter; I do not at all wish to force your inclinations. -I will answer the senator in that sense; but if he come himself to seek -his answer, what shall we do?"</p> - -<p>"It will be time enough to think of it then," she replied, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"Well, well, that is true, and I was wrong to dwell on the matter so. -Good night, my child, and sleep soundly. As for me, I shall probably -spend the whole night in my study with your brother, engaged with my -accounts."</p> - -<p>The young lady withdrew.</p> - -<p>"Señor Marquis," said Paredes, suddenly opening the door, "excuse my -disturbing you so late; but Mariano, the tigrero, has just arrived at -the hacienda with his whole family; he is the bearer of such strange -and terrible news, that you will perhaps sooner hear it from his lips -than from mine."</p> - -<p>"What does he say?" Don Ruiz asked, who entered the room at this moment.</p> - -<p>"He says that the Indians have risen, that they have surprised -the Mineral of Quitovar, fired the pueblo, and massacred all the -inhabitants."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is frightful!" the Marquis exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Our poor cousin!" the young man added.</p> - -<p>"That is true; our unhappy cousin commanded at the pueblo. What a -horrible disaster! Send the tigrero in to me, Paredes; go and fetch him -at once."</p> - -<p>Mariano was shown in, and related in their fullest details, though with -some exaggeration, the events recorded in our last chapter, which threw -his hearers into a profound stupor. Among all the incomprehensible -things which daily occur, there is one which will never be explained; -it is the rapidity with which all news spreads even for considerable -distances. Thus, the capture of Quitovar was unhappily only too true, -and the details furnished by Mariano were substantially correct; but -how could the tigrero have become acquainted with a fact that had -happened scarce three hours previously, and at more than ten leagues -from the hacienda? He could not have explained this himself; he had -heard it from somebody, but could not remember whom.</p> - -<p>This terrible news caused the Marquis to reflect deeply. Now that -the roads were probably infested with marauders, and communication -intercepted by the Indians, he could not think of sending Paredes -to Hermosillo, and the journey had become literally impossible. He -must busy himself without delay in organizing the defence of the -hacienda, in order vigorously to repulse the attack which would, in -all probability, not be long delayed. In spite of the advanced hour, -all were at work in an instant at the Toro; the walls were lined with -defenders, and reserves established in all parts of the hacienda.</p> - -<p>The whole night was spent in preparations. About two hours after -sunrise, at the moment when the Marquis, wearied by a long watch, was -preparing to take a little repose, the sentries signalled the approach -of a body of horsemen, coming at full gallop towards the hacienda. -The Marquis went up on the walls, took a telescope, and had a look at -them. After a short examination, he perceived that these horsemen were -Mexicans, although, owing to the distance, he could not distinguish -whether they were soldiers or rancheros. Still, he had all preparations -made to give them a hearty reception, if they evinced a desire to -halt at the hacienda, as the direction they were following seemed to -indicate.</p> - -<p>Some time elapsed ere these horsemen, who were climbing the hill, -reached the hacienda gates. Then all doubts were removed: they were -soldiers, and a few paces ahead of the troop rode Don Rufino Contreras -and Colonel Don Marcos de Niza. But both leaders and soldiers were in -such disorder, so blackened with gunpowder, so covered with dust and -blood, that it was plain they had come from a recent fight, from which -they had escaped as fugitives. Men and horses were utterly exhausted, -not alone by the extraordinary fatigue they had undergone, but also by -the gigantic struggle they had sustained ere they dreamed of flight. -It was unnecessary to ask them any questions. The Marquis ordered -refreshments to be served them, and beds got ready.</p> - -<p>Don Marcos de Niza and the senator had hardly the strength to say a few -words explanatory of the wretched condition in which they presented -themselves, and yielding to fatigue and want of sleep, they fell down -in a state of complete insensibility, from which no attempt was made -to rouse them, but they were both carried to bed. The Marquis then -withdrew to his room, leaving his son to watch over the safety of the -hacienda in his stead, for in all probability it would be speedily -invested by the Redskins.</p> - -<p>At three in the afternoon a fresh band of horsemen was signalled in -the plain. This considerable party was composed entirely of hunters -and wood rangers. Don Ruiz gave orders to let them advance, for the -arrival of these hunters, nearly one hundred in number, was a piece -of good fortune for the hacienda, as the number of its defenders was -augmented by so many. Still, when Don Ruiz saw them enter the track, -he noticed such a regularity in their movements, that a doubt crossed -his mind like a flash of lightning, and a thought of treachery rose to -his brain. Hence he rushed to the outer gate of the hacienda to give -Paredes orders not to open; but the majordomo checked him at the first -word.</p> - -<p>"You cannot have looked, niño," he said, "when you order such a thing."</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, I do so because I have looked," he replied.</p> - -<p>"Then you must have seen badly," the majordomo said; "otherwise you -would have perceived that the horseman at their head is one of your -most devoted friends."</p> - -<p>"Whom do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Who else than Stronghand?"</p> - -<p>"Is Stronghand coming with those horsemen?"</p> - -<p>"He is at the head of the column, niño."</p> - -<p>"Oh, in that case let them enter."</p> - -<p>"Ah, I felt certain of it."</p> - -<p>The hunters had no necessity even of parleying; they found the hacienda -gates wide open, and rode straight in without drawing rein. Don Ruiz -recognised Stronghand, who, on his side, rode up to him and held out -his hand.</p> - -<p>"Grant me one favour, Don Ruiz," he said.</p> - -<p>"Speak," the young man answered.</p> - -<p>"Two words of conversation in your sister's presence; but wait a -moment, another person must accompany me, for reasons you will soon -appreciate; this person desires temporarily to maintain the most -inviolable incognito. Do you consent?"</p> - -<p>Don Ruiz hesitated.</p> - -<p>"What do you fear?" the hunter continued; "Do you not put faith in me? -Do you believe me capable of abusing your confidence?"</p> - -<p>"No; I do not wish even to suppose it, I pledge you my word."</p> - -<p>"And I mine, Don Ruiz."</p> - -<p>"Act as you think proper."</p> - -<p>The hunter gave a signal, and a horseman dismounted and came up to -them. A long cloak entirely covered him, and the broad brim of his hat -was pulled down over his eyes. He bowed silently to the young man, who, -though greatly perplexed by this mystery, made no remark; and after -requesting the majordomo to take care of the newcomers, he led his -guests to the room in which Doña Marianna was seated, engaged with her -tambour-work. The young lady, on hearing the door open, mechanically -raised her eyes.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she exclaimed, joyfully, "Stronghand!"</p> - -<p>"Myself, señorita," the young man replied, with a respectful bow; "I -have come to ask the fulfilment of your promise."</p> - -<p>"I shall keep it, no matter what may happen."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, señorita."</p> - -<p>"Ruiz," she said to her brother, eagerly; "until further orders, my -father must not know of the presence of these caballeros here."</p> - -<p>"What you ask of me is very difficult, sister; think of the immense -responsibility I assume in acting thus."</p> - -<p>"I know it, Ruiz; but it must be, my dear brother, for my happiness is -at stake," she continued, clasping her hands imploringly; "and besides, -what have you to fear? Do you not know this hunter?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know him; I am even under great obligations to him; but his -companion?"</p> - -<p>"I answer for him, Ruiz."</p> - -<p>"You know, then, who he is?"</p> - -<p>"No matter what I know, brother; I only beg you to grant what I ask."</p> - -<p>"Well, for your sake I will be silent."</p> - -<p>"Oh! Thanks, thanks, brother!"</p> - -<p>At this moment a sound of footsteps was heard in the adjoining room.</p> - -<p>"What is to be done?" the maiden murmured.</p> - -<p>Stronghand laid his finger on his lips, and, leading away his -companion—who, through the thick cloak he wore, resembled a phantom -rather than a man—disappeared behind a curtain. At the same instant -a door opened, and two persons entered. They were Don Marcos and the -senator. They had scarce exchanged the first compliments with Don Ruiz -and Doña Marianna, when the Marquis entered the room.</p> - -<p>"You are up at last, I am happy to see," he said, cheerfully. "<i>¡Viva -Dios!</i> You were in a most deplorable state on your arrival; I am glad -to see you so fully recovered."</p> - -<p>"A thousand thanks, cousin, for your hospitality, of which we stood in -great need."</p> - -<p>"No more about that; I am the more pleased at the chance which has -brought us together, Don Rufino, because I intended to write to you -immediately."</p> - -<p>"My dear sir," the senator said, with a bow.</p> - -<p>"Are you not expecting an answer from me?"</p> - -<p>"It is so, but I did not dare to hope."</p> - -<p>The Marquis cut him short.</p> - -<p>"Let us come to the most important point first," he continued, with -a smile. "Don Rufino, you have behaved to me like a real friend. By -a miracle—for I can only attribute to a miracle the good fortune -that has befallen me—I am in a position to arrange my affairs, -and discharge my debt to you, although, be assured, I shall never -forget the services you have rendered me, and the obligations I have -contracted toward you."</p> - -<p>The senator was so surprised, that he turned pale, and took a -side-glance at the colonel.</p> - -<p>"Obligations far greater than you suppose," the latter said, warmly.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, cousin?" the Marquis asked, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"I mean that Don Rufino, unaware of the happy change in your fortunes, -and wishing to save you from the frightful position in which you were, -had bought up all your liabilities, and so soon as he had all the -vouchers in his possession, he hurried with them to me, and implored me -to destroy them. Here they are, cousin," he added, as he drew a bundle -of papers from his pocket.</p> - -<p>The various actors in this singular scene were affected by strange -feelings. Don Ruiz and his sister exchanged a look of despair, for -they understood that the Marquis would now be unable to refuse his -consent to his daughter's marriage.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the Marquis exclaimed, "I cannot accept such an act of -generosity."</p> - -<p>"From a stranger, certainly not," Don Rufino remarked, in an -insinuating voice; "but I flattered myself that I was not such to you, -my dear sir."</p> - -<p>There was a silence.</p> - -<p>"What is going on at this moment is so strange; I feel taken so -unawares," the Marquis presently continued; "my thoughts are so -confused, that I must beg you, Don Rufino, to defer till tomorrow the -remainder of this conversation. By that time I shall have been able to -regain my coolness, and then, believe me, I will answer you in the way -that I ought to do."</p> - -<p>"My dear sir, I understand the delicacy of your remarks, and will wait -as long as you think proper," the senator replied, with a bow, and an -impassioned glance at Doña Marianna, who was pale and trembling.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the colonel, "let us put off serious matters till tomorrow; -the shock we have suffered has been too rough for us to be fit for any -discussion just at present."</p> - -<p>"What has happened to you? The pagans have not seized the Mineral de -Quitovar? Or at least I hope not."</p> - -<p>"Yes, they have, cousin; the pueblo has been captured by the Redskins, -sacked, and burnt. We had great difficulty in making our escape, and -passed through extraordinary dangers ere we were so lucky as to reach -your hacienda."</p> - -<p>"That is disastrous news, cousin; I had been told of it, but was -unwilling to believe it."</p> - -<p>"It is unhappily but too true."</p> - -<p>"Well, thank Heaven, cousin, you are in safety here. As for you, Don -Rufino, I am happy that you escaped from the horrible massacre; you are -not a soldier, you are—"</p> - -<p>"An assassin!" a sepulchral voice suddenly exclaimed, and a hand was -laid heavily on the senator's shoulder.</p> - -<p>The company turned with horror. Stronghand's companion had let fall the -hat and cloak that disguised him, and was standing, stern and menacing, -behind the senator.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the latter exclaimed, as he recoiled with terror, "Rodolfo! Don -Rodolfo!"</p> - -<p>"Brother, do I see you again after so many years?" the Marquis said, -joyfully, as he advanced towards the stranger.</p> - -<p>"The great sachem," Doña Marianna murmured.</p> - -<p>The sachem thrust back with a gesture of sovereign contempt the -startled senator, and walked into the centre of the group.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is I, brother; I, the proscript, the disinherited, who enter -the house of my father after an absence of twenty years, in order to -save the last representative of my family."</p> - -<p>"Oh, brother! Brother!" the Marquis exclaimed, sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"Recover yourself, Hernando! I entertain no feelings of hatred or -rancour for you; on the contrary, I have always loved you, and though -I was far away from you I have never lost you out of sight. Come to -my arms, brother; let us forget the past, only to think of the joy of -being reunited."</p> - -<p>The Marquis threw himself into his brother's arms; Don Ruiz and Doña -Marianna imitated him, and for some minutes there was an uninterrupted -interchange of embraces among the members of this family, who had so -long been separated.</p> - -<p>"It was through me that you received the sum which Paredes was to -receive at Hermosillo", Don Rodolfo continued; "to me you also owe -the discovery of the gold mine which has saved you. But I have not -come here solely to embrace you and yours, brother; I have come to -punish a villain! This man," he said, pointing to the senator, who was -trembling with rage and terror—"this man was my valet; in order to -rob me, he attempted to assassinate me cowardly, treacherously, and -behind my back. Such is the man whose dark machinations had succeeded -in deceiving you, and to whom you were on the point of giving your -daughter: let him contradict me if he dare!"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the senator muttered, with a furious gesture.</p> - -<p>"Villain!" the Marquis exclaimed; "Help! Help! seize the monster!"</p> - -<p>Several servants rushed into the room, but before they could reach -Don Rufino the latter had bounded with a tiger leap upon Don Rodolfo, -and buried a dagger in his chest. The sachem fell back with a cry of -pain into the arms of his brother and his son. After the crime was -committed, the assassin threw down his weapon, and said to the startled -spectators, with an air of defiance and satisfied hatred,—</p> - -<p>"Now you can do whatever you like to me, for I am avenged."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL.</a></h4> - -<h3>FUNERAL OF A SACHEM.</h3> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p>Two days had elapsed since the atrocious attack made by Don Rufino on -Don Rodolfo de Moguer. The Papazos had captured the hacienda without a -blow, as the gates were opened to them; for the stupor and terror of -the Mexicans at this horrible crime were so great, that they forgot all -precautions. But we must do the Redskins the justice of stating that, -contrary to their habits, they committed no excesses in the hacienda, -either by virtue of superior orders, or in consequence of the sorrow -which the wound of their great sachem caused them. Doña Esperanza had -arrived with Padre Serapio at the same time as the Indian warriors, and -she and Doña Marianna did not leave the wounded man's bed.</p> - -<p>Don Hernando was inconsolable, and the colonel could not forgive -himself for having supposed for a moment that the senator was an honest -man. The whole hacienda was plunged into sorrow, and Don Rodolfo -alone watched death approach with a calm brow. Fray Serapio dressed -his wound: his night was tolerably quiet, and in the morning the monk -entered the wounded man's room. At a sign from Don Rodolfo his wife and -niece, who had watched the whole night through by his bedside, withdrew.</p> - -<p>"Now, padre," he said, when they left the room, "it is our turn."</p> - -<p>And he helped him to remove the bandages. The monk frowned.</p> - -<p>"I am condemned, am I not?" said Don Rodolfo, who attentively followed -in the monk's face the feelings that agitated him.</p> - -<p>"God can perform a miracle," the Franciscan stammered, in a faint voice.</p> - -<p>The sachem smiled softly.</p> - -<p>"I understand you," he replied; "answer me, therefore, frankly and -sincerely. How many hours have I still to live?"</p> - -<p>"What good is that, my dear, good master?" the monk murmured.</p> - -<p>"Padre Serapio," the chief interrupted him, in a firm voice, "I want to -know, in order that I may settle my affairs on earth, before I appear -in the presence of God."</p> - -<p>"Do you insist on my telling you the truth?"</p> - -<p>"Pray do so—the entire truth."</p> - -<p>The poor man stifled a sigh, and answered, in a voice broken by -emotion—"Unless a miracle occur, you will give back your soul to your -Creator at sunset."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, my friend," the sachem said, his austere face not -displaying the slightest trace of emotion. "Ask my brother to come -here, for I have to talk with him. Keep back my wife and niece until I -ask for them. Go, father; I will see you again before I die."</p> - -<p>The worthy monk withdrew, choked with sobs. The interview of the two -brothers was long, for Don Hernando had many faults to ask pardon for -at the hands of him whose place he had taken. But Don Rodolfo, far from -reproaching him, tried on the contrary to console him, by talking to -him in a cheerful voice, and reminding him of the happy days of their -childhood. He also thanked his brother warmly for having freed him from -the heavy burden of supporting the family honour, and allowing him to -live in accordance with his tastes and humour. Many other things were -talked of, after which the Marquis retired, with pale brow and eyes -swollen with tears, which he tried in vain to repress, that he might -not sadden the last moments of the man whose great soul was revealed -to him at this supreme moment—of the brother whom he had so cruelly -misunderstood, and who had even sacrificed his life to insure his -brother's happiness.</p> - -<p>Doña Marianna and Doña Esperanza then returned to the dying man's room, -followed by Padre Serapio, and a few moments after the Marquis came -back, accompanied by Stronghand. The young man, in spite of his Indian -education and affected stoicism, knelt down sobbing by his father's -side. For some moments father and son talked together in a low voice; -no one save God knew what words were uttered by these two men during -the solemn interview.</p> - -<p>"Come here, niece," Don Rodolfo at length said, addressing Doña -Marianna.</p> - -<p>The maiden knelt down sobbing by the hunter's side. The aged man looked -for a moment tenderly at their two young faces, pale with sorrow, which -were piously leaning over him; then making an effort to sit up, and -supported on one side by his brother, on the other by Doña Esperanza, -he said, in a voice that trembled with emotion—"Niece, answer me as -you would answer God; for the dying, you know, no longer belong to this -world. Do you love my son?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, uncle," the maiden answered through her tears—"yes, I love him."</p> - -<p>"And you, Diego, my son, do you love your cousin?"</p> - -<p>"Father, I love her," the young man answered, in a voice crushed by -emotion.</p> - -<p>Don Rodolfo turned to his brother, who understood his glance.</p> - -<p>"Bless our children, brother," he said, "according to the wish you -expressed to me; Padre Serapio will unite them in your presence."</p> - -<p>The wounded man stretched out his trembling hands over the two young -people.</p> - -<p>"Children," he said, in a powerful voice, though with an accent of -ineffable tenderness, "I bless you; be happy."</p> - -<p>And, crushed by the efforts he had been forced to make, he fell back -in a half-fainting state on his bed. When he regained consciousness, -through the attention of Don Esperanza and his niece, he perceived -an altar by the side of his bed. On his expressing a desire that the -ceremony should take place at once, Padre Serapio, assisted by José -Paredes, who was weeping bitterly, read the marriage mass. After the -nuptial benediction, Don Rodolfo received the last sacraments, amid the -tears and sobs of all present.</p> - -<p>"And, now, my friends," he said, "that I have accomplished my duties -as a Christian and Spanish gentleman, it is time for me to perform my -duties as an Indian chief; so allow the Papazo warriors to enter."</p> - -<p>The doors opened, and the warriors entered: they were sad, gloomy, -and thoughtful. The sachem had sat up to receive them, supported by -his son Stronghand. The warriors silently surrounded the bed on which -their venerated chief lay, among them being Sparrowhawk and Peccary. -The sachem looked calmly round the circle, and then spoke in a calm and -deeply accentuated voice:—</p> - -<p>"The Master of Life has suddenly recalled me to Him. I did not fall -in action, but beneath the dagger of a cowardly assassin. I regret -leaving my nation before I had completed the task which I undertook -for their happiness. What I had not time to do, another will doubtless -terminate. My brothers must continue the war they have so happily -and gloriously commenced; and though I am leaving them, my mind will -remain among them. The warriors of my nation must never forget that -the Master of Life created them free, and that they must live and die -free. The Papazos are brave men, invincible warriors, and slavery is -not made for them. On the point of appearing before the Master of Life, -I implore the chiefs not to forget that the white persons who surround -me form part of my family. If my brothers retain after my death any -recollection of the good which I have continually sought to do them, -they will be kind to the palefaces whom I love. I have only one more -word to add: I desire to give back my soul to the Master of Life -beneath the buffalo hide cabin of the warriors of my nation, and in -the midst of my nation. I desire also that all the rites customary at -the death of the chiefs should be performed for me."</p> - -<p>A tremor of joy ran along the ranks of the redskin warriors on hearing -the last words; for they had feared in their hearts that the sachem -would wish to be interred after the fashion of the white men. The -Peccary then replied, in the name of all—</p> - -<p>"My father's wishes are orders for his children; never, so long as -the powerful confederation of the Papazos exists, shall an insult be -offered to the palefaces whom he loves. Our father can die in peace; -all his wishes will be religiously carried out by his children."</p> - -<p>A flash of joy sparkled in the sachem's eye at this promise, which he -knew would be strictly kept. The Peccary continued—</p> - -<p>"The Papazos chiefs are sad; their hearts are swollen by the thought of -losing their father: they fear lest his death may be the cause of great -disorder in their confederation, and injure the success of the war -which had scarce begun."</p> - -<p>"I belong to my sons till the last moment of my existence; what can I -do for them?"</p> - -<p>"My father can do a great deal," the chief answered.</p> - -<p>"My ears are open; I am waiting for my son to explain himself."</p> - -<p>"The chiefs," continued Peccary, "and the great braves of the -confederation, assembled at sunrise round the council fire: they -desire, in order that no discord may spring up among them, that our -father, the great sachem, should himself appoint his successor; for -they feel persuaded that our father's choice will fall on a brave and -wise chief, worthy to command men."</p> - -<p>The sachem reflected for a moment.</p> - -<p>"Be it so," he said at length; "the determination of the sachems is -wise, and I approve of it. Sparrowhawk will command in my place when -I am called away by the Great Spirit; no one is more worthy to be the -first sachem of the nation."</p> - -<p>Sparrowhawk quitted the ranks, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully -to the dying man.</p> - -<p>"I thank my father," he said, "for the signal honour he has done me; -but I am very young to command chiefs and renowned warriors, and I fear -that I shall break down in the heavy task imposed on me. My father -leaves a son; Stronghand is one of the great braves of our nation, and -his wisdom is renowned."</p> - -<p>"My son is a paleface; he does not know the wants of the Papazos so -well as Sparrowhawk. Sparrowhawk will command."</p> - -<p>"I obey my father since he insists; but Stronghand will ever be one of -the great chiefs of my nation."</p> - -<p>A flattering murmur greeted these clever remarks.</p> - -<p>"I thank my son Sparrowhawk in the name of Stronghand. Modesty becomes -a chief so celebrated as is my son," the sachem continued; "the Great -Spirit will inspire him, and he will do great things. I have spoken. Do -the chiefs approve my choice?"</p> - -<p>"We could not have chosen better," Peccary answered. "We sincerely -thank our father for having anticipated our dearest wishes by choosing -Sparrowhawk."</p> - -<p>This scene so simple in its grandeur, and so truly patriarchal, -affected all the spectators, who felt their hearts swollen by sorrow. -The sachem continued—</p> - -<p>"I feel my strength rapidly leaving me, and life is abandoning me; the -Great Spirit will soon call me to Him. My sons will carry me beneath a -tent of my nation, in order that I may breathe my last sigh in their -midst."</p> - -<p>Stronghand, the Marquis, Peccary, and Sparrowhawk gently lifted the -wounded man on their shoulders, and carried him to the front yard -of the hacienda, followed by all the rest, who walked silently and -thoughtfully in the rear. A lodge, formed of stakes covered with -buffalo hides, had been prepared to receive the great chief; the bed -on which he was lying was softly put down, and the chief's eyes were -turned toward the setting sun. Then all the warriors and their squaws, -whom messengers had informed of the sachem's wound, and who had hurried -to the hacienda, surrounded the tent. The Mexicans themselves mingled -with the crowd, and a deadly silence brooded over the hacienda, in -which, however, more than six thousand persons were assembled at this -moment.</p> - -<p>All eyes were turned toward the dying sachem, by whose side were -standing the members of his family, Padre Serapio, and the principal -chiefs of the Papazos. Now and then the aged man uttered a few words, -which he addressed at times to the monk, at others to his brother, -or to the Indian chiefs. When the sun was beginning to sink on the -horizon, the wounded man's breathing began to grow panting, his eyes -gradually became covered by a mist, and he did not speak; but he -tightly grasped his son's and wife's hands in his right hand, and -Sparrowhawk's in his left.</p> - -<p>All at once a nervous tremor passed over the dying man's body; his -cheeks were tinged; his half closed eyes opened again; he sat up -without any extraneous help, and shouted, in a strong, clear voice, -which was heard by all—"I come, Lord! Papazos, farewell! Esperanza! -Esperanza! We shall meet again!"</p> - -<p>His eyes closed; a livid pallor spread over his face; his limbs -stiffened, and he fell back heavily as he exhaled his last sigh. He was -dead. His last thought was for his wife, whom he had so dearly loved. -The sobs, hitherto restrained, burst forth suddenly and violently -among the crowd.</p> - -<p>"Our father is dead!" Sparrowhawk shouted, in a thundering voice.</p> - -<p>"Vengeance!" the Redskins yelled.</p> - -<p>In fact the murderer of the chief was still alive. The white men who -did not wish to witness the horrible scene that was about to take -place, withdrew. Stronghand, the colonel, Paredes, and Mariano alone -remained. The body of the defunct sachem was at once surrounded by the -squaws: they painted it with several bright colours, dressed it in a -buffalo robe, formed his hair into a tuft as a sign of his rank, and -stretched him out on a dais. The assassin, who was pale but resolute, -was then brought up.</p> - -<p>Sparrowhawk placed himself at the head of the corpse, and began a long -funeral oration, which was frequently interrupted by the sobs of his -audience; then, pointing with an expressive gesture to the murderer, -who was still standing motionless in the midst of the Indians who -guarded him, he said—</p> - -<p>"Commence the punishment."</p> - -<p>We will not describe the frightful punishment which was inflicted on -the senator; such horrible details are repulsive to our pen. We will -restrict ourselves to stating that he was flayed alive, and that all -his joints were cut in succession. He suffered indescribable agony for -three long hours ere he died. Night had set in during this interval. -When the wretched assassin was dead, chosen warriors took their chief's -body on their shoulders, and proceeded by the light of torches to the -huerta, at the spot where the hacienda hung over the precipice. On -reaching this spot the chief's magnificent steed was brought up. On -his back his master's corpse was securely tied with deerskin thongs, -holding his totem in one hand and his gun in the other; the scalps of -his foes were fastened to his saddle-bow, and on his neck and arms were -his bead necklaces and copper ornaments. Then, amid the sobs of the -squaws, the horse was led to the plateau, where the Papago warriors, -mounted and dressed in their war paint, formed a semicircle, whose ends -reached the precipice.</p> - -<p>Then took place a scene whose savage grandeur could only be compared to -the funeral rites performed at the death of the barbarous chiefs during -those great national migrations which produced the overthrow of the -Roman Empire. By the glare of the torches—whose flames, agitated by -the wind, imparted a fantastic aspect to the gloomy and stern landscape -in this part of the huerta—the horse was placed in the midst of the -semicircle, and the horsemen, brandishing their weapons, struck up -their war song with a savage energy. The startled horse bounded on to -the plateau, bearing the corpse, to which each of its bounds imparted -such an oscillating movement that the rider appeared to be restored to -life. On reaching the brink of the precipice the horse recoiled with -terror, with flaming nostrils; then, suddenly turning round, it tried -to burst the living rampart, which was constantly contracted behind -it. Several times the animal renewed the same exertions; but at last, -attacked by a paroxysm of terror, pursued by the yells of the Indians, -and wounded by their long lances, it rose on its hind legs, uttered a -terrible snort, and leaped into the gulf with its burden. At the same -moment all the torches were extinguished, the tumult was followed by a -mournful silence, and the warriors retired.</p> - -<p>On the morrow, at sunrise, the Redskins left the hacienda, to which -they did not once return during the whole of the war, which lasted -three years. We may possibly some day tell what was the termination of -this grand uprising of the Indians, who on several occasions all but -deprived the Mexican republic of its finest and richest, provinces.</p> - - -<h4>THE END</h4> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Stronghand, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONGHAND *** - -***** This file should be named 44672-h.htm or 44672-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/6/7/44672/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/44672.txt b/old/44672.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c38d295..0000000 --- a/old/44672.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14930 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Stronghand, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Stronghand - or, The Noble Revenge - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Translator: Lascelles Wraxall - -Release Date: January 15, 2014 [EBook #44672] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONGHAND *** - - - - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford) - - - - - -STRONGHAND - -OR - -THE NOBLE REVENGE - - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD - -AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," "BUCCANEER CHIEF," ETC. - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, 158, FLEET STREET - -MDCCCLXIV - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - - I. AN EXCHANGE OF SHOTS - II. ON THE PRAIRIE - III. THE BIVOUAC - IV. THE POST OF SAN MIGUEL - V. THE STAY IN THE FOREST - VI. A GLANCE AT THE PAST - VII. THE FAMILY TRIBUNAL - VIII. THE TWO BROTHERS - IX. A NEW CHARACTER - X. DON JOSE PAREDES - XI. ON THE ROAD - XII. A CONVERSATION BY NIGHT - XIII. THE REAL DE MINAS - XIV. THE BARGAIN - XV. THE PAPAZOS - XVI. THE ATEPETL - XVII. THE SPY - XVIII. THE COUNCIL OF THE SACHEMS - XIX. THE RANCHO - XX. LOST! - XXI. STRONGHAND - XXII. THE RETURN - XXIII. CHANCE WORK - XXIV. FATHER AND SON - XXV. THE HATCHET - XXVI. THE WHITE-SKINS - XXVII. SERIOUS EVENTS - XXVIII. THE TIGRERO - XXIX. THE EXCURSION - XXX. THE HUNTER'S CAMP - XXXI. THE LEGEND - XXXII. KIDD REAPPEARS - XXXIII. COMPLICATIONS - XXXIV. TWO VILLAINS - XXXV. A FRIENDLY BARGAIN - XXXVI. THE HACIENDA DEL TORO - XXXVII. THE HUERTA - XXXVIII. THE ASSAULT ON QUITOVAR - XXXIX. THE VENGEANCE OF HEAVEN - XL. FUNERAL OF A SACHEM - - - - -STRONGHAND - - -CHAPTER I. - -AN EXCHANGE OF SHOTS. - - -The country extending between the Sierra de San Saba and the Rio -Puerco, or Dirty River, is one of the most mournful and melancholy -regions imaginable. - -This accursed savannah, on which bleach unrecognized skeletons, which -the wind and sun strive to convert into dust, is an immense desert, -broadcast with grey rocks, beneath which snakes and wild beasts have, -from time immemorial, formed their lurking-place, and which only -produces black shrubs and stunted larches that rise from distance to -distance above the desert. - -White or Indian travellers rarely and most unwillingly venture to -cross this frightful solitude, and at the risk of lengthening their -journey they prefer making a detour and following the border, where -they are certain of finding shade and water--those delights of tropical -countries and indispensable necessities for a long trip on the western -prairies. - -Towards the second half of June--which the Navajo Indians call the -"strawberry moon" in their harmonious language--and in the Year of -Grace 1843, a horseman suddenly emerged from a thick clump of oaks, -sumachs, and mahogany trees, entered the savannah at a gallop, and, -instead of following the usual travellers' track, which was distinctly -traced on the edge of the sand, he began without any hesitation -crossing the desert in a straight line. - -This resolution was a mark of great folly, or a proof of extraordinary -daring on the part of a solitary man, however brave he might be; or -else some imperious reasons compelled him to lay aside all prudence in -order to reach his journey's end more speedily. - -However, whatever the motives that might determine the traveller, he -continued his journey rapidly, and buried himself deeper and deeper in -the desert, without seeming to notice the gloomy and desolate aspect -the landscape around him constantly assumed. - -As this person is destined to play an important part in our story, we -will draw his portrait in a few words. He was a man of from twenty-five -to thirty years of age--belonging to the pure Mexican race, of average -height, and possessed of elegant manners; while his every gesture, -graceful though it was, revealed a far from ordinary strength. His -face, with its regular features and bright hue, evidenced frankness, -bravery, and kindliness; his black eyes, haughty and well open, -had a straight and penetrating glance; his well cut mouth, adorned -with dazzling white teeth, was half concealed beneath a long brown -moustache; his chin, of too marked an outline perhaps, denoted a great -firmness of character; in short, his whole appearance aroused interest -and attracted sympathy. - -As for his dress, it was the Mexico costume in all its picturesque -richness. His broad-brimmed Vicuna skin hat, decorated with a double -gold and silver _golilla_, was carelessly set on his right ear, and -allowed curls of luxurious black hair to fall in disorder on his -shoulders. He wore a jacket of green velvet, magnificently embroidered -with gold, under which could be seen a worked linen shirt. An Indian -handkerchief was fastened round his neck by a diamond ring. His -_calzoneras_, also of green velvet, held round his hips by a red silk -gold-fringed _faja_ were embroidered and slashed like a jacket, while -two rows of pearl-set gold buttons ran along the opening that extends -from the boot to the knee. His vaquero boots, embroidered with pretty -designs in red thread, were fastened to his legs by silk and gold -garters, from one of which emerged the admirably carved hilt of a long -knife. His zarape, of Indian fabric and showy colours, was folded on -the back of his horse, an animal full of fire, with fine legs, small -head, and flashing eye. It was a true prairie mustang; and its master -had decorated it with the coquettish elegance peculiar to Mexican -horsemen. - -In addition to the knife we referred to, and which the horseman wore -in his right boot, he had also a long American rifle laid across his -saddle-bow, two six-shot revolvers in his girdle, a machete, or species -of straight sabre, which was passed, unsheathed, through an iron ring -on his left side; and, lastly, a reata of plaited leather, rolled up -and fastened to the saddle. - -Thus armed, the man we have just described was able--on the admission -that his determined appearance was not deceitful--to make head against -several adversaries at once, without any serious disadvantage. This -was a consideration not at all to be despised in a country where a -traveller ever runs the risk of encountering an enemy, whether man or -beast, and, at times both together. - -While galloping, the horseman carelessly smoked a husk cigarette, only -taking an absent and disdainful glance at the coveys of birds that rose -on his approach, or the herds of deer and packs of foxes which fled in -terror on hearing the horse's gallop. - -The savannah, however, was already beginning to assume a more gloomy -tinge; the sun, now level with the ground, only appeared on the horizon -as a red unheated ball, and night was soon about to cover the earth -with its dense gloom. The horseman drew up the bridle of his steed -to check its speed, though not entirely stopping it, and, casting an -investigating glance around him, seemed to be seeking a suitable spot -for his night halt. - -After a few seconds of this search, the traveller's determination was -formed. He turned slightly to the left, and proceeded to a half dried -up stream that ran along a short distance off, and on whose banks grew -a few prickly shrubs and a clump of some dozen larches, forming a -precarious shelter against the curiosity of those mysterious denizens -of the desert that prowl about in search of prey during the darkness. - -On drawing nearer, the traveller perceived to his delight that this -spot, perfectly hidden from prying glances, by the conformation of the -ground and a few blocks of stone scattered here and there among the -trees and shrubs, offered him an almost certain shelter. - -The journey had been tiring; and both man and horse felt themselves -worn with fatigue. Both, before proceeding further, imperiously -required a few hours' rest. - -The horseman, as an experienced traveller, first attended to his steed, -which he unsaddled and led to drink at the stream; then, after hobbling -the animal for fear it might stray and become the prey of wild beasts, -he stretched his zarape on the ground, threw a few handfuls of Indian -corn upon it, and when he was assured that his horse, in spite of its -fatigue, was eating its provender willingly, he thought about himself. - -Mexicans, when travelling, carry behind their saddle two canvas bags, -called _alforjas_, intended to convey food, which it is impossible to -procure in the desert; and these, with two jars filled with drinking -water, form the sole baggage with which they cover enormous distances, -and endure privations and fatigue, the mere enumeration of which would -terrify Europeans, who are accustomed to enjoy all the conveniences -supplied by an advanced stage of civilization. - -The horseman opened his alforjas, sat down on the ground with his back -against a rock, and, while careful that his weapons were within reach, -for fear of being attacked unawares, he began supping philosophically -on a piece of tasajo, some maize tortillas, and goat's cheese as hard -as a flint, the whole being washed down with the pure water of the -stream. - -This repast, which was more than frugal, was soon terminated. The -horseman, after cleaning his teeth with an elegant gold toothpick, -rolled a pajilla, smoked it with that conscientious beatitude peculiar -to the Hispano-Americans, and then wrapped himself in his zarape, shut -his eyes, and fell asleep. - -Several hours passed; and it is probable that the traveller's sleep -would have been prolonged for some time, had not two shots, fired a -short distance from him, suddenly aroused him from his lethargy. The -general rule on the prairie is, that when you hear a shot, it is rare -for it not to have been preceded by the whistle of a bullet past your -ear--in other words, there are ninety-nine reasons in a hundred that -the lonely man has been unconsciously converted into the target of an -assassin. - -The traveller, thus unpleasantly aroused, seized his weapons, concealed -himself behind a rock, and waited. Then, as after the expiration of -a moment, the attack was not renewed, he rose softly, and carefully -looked around him. - -Not a sound disturbed the majestic solitude of the desert. But this -sudden tranquillity after the two shots, instead of re-assuring the -traveller, only augmented his anxiety, by revealing to him the approach -of a certain danger, though it was impossible for him to divine the -cause or the magnitude. - -The night was clear, and, so to speak, transparent; the sky, of a deep -blue, was studded with a profusion of sparkling stars, and the moon -shed a white and melancholy light, that allowed the country to be -surveyed for a long distance. - -At all hazards he saddled his horse; then, after concealing it in a -rocky cavity, he lay down, placed his ear to the ground, and listened. -Then he fancied he could hear a long distance off a sound, at first -almost imperceptible, but which rapidly approached; and he soon -recognized in it the wild galloping of several horses. - -It was a hunt, or a pursuit. But who would dream of hunting in the -middle of the night? The Indians would not venture it, while white and -half-bred trappers only rarely visited these deserted regions, which -they abandoned to the savages and border ruffians; utter villains, who, -expelled from the towns and pueblos, have no other shelter than the -desert. - -Were the galloping horsemen pirates of the prairie, then? - -The situation was becoming painful to the traveller when, all at once, -the noise ceased, and all became silent. - -The traveller rose from the ground. - -Suddenly, the shrieks of a woman or girl burst forth on the night, with -an expression of terror and agony impossible to depict. - -The stranger, leaving his horse in the shelter he had selected for it, -dashed forward in the direction whence the cry came, leaping from rock -to rock and clearing shrubs, at the risk of hurting himself, with the -feverish speed of the brave man who believes himself suddenly called -by Providence to save a fellow being in danger. - -Still, prudence did not desert him in his hazardous enterprise; and, -before risking himself on the plain, he stopped behind a fringe of -larch trees, in order to try and find out what was going on, and act in -accordance. - -This is what he saw:--two men, who from their appearance he at once -recognized as belonging to the worst species of prairie runners, were -madly pursuing a young girl. But, thanks to her juvenile agility--an -agility doubtless doubled by the profound terror the bandits inspired -her with--this maiden bounded like a startled fawn across the prairie, -leaping ravines, clearing every obstacle, and gaining at each moment -a greater advance on her pursuers, who were impeded by their vaquero -boots and heavy rifles. - -A few minutes later, and the maiden reached the belt of trees behind -which the traveller had concealed himself. The latter was about to rush -to her assistance, when suddenly one of the bandits raised his rifle -and pulled the trigger. - -The girl fell, and the horseman seemed to change his mind--for instead -of advancing, he drew himself back and stood motionless, with his -finger on the trigger, ready to fire. - -The pirates rapidly approached, talking together in that medley of -English, French, Spanish and Indian which is employed throughout the -Far West. - -"Hum!" said a hoarse and panting voice; "What a gazelle! At one moment -I really thought she would escape us." - -"Yes, yes," the other answered, shaking his head and tapping the -barrel of his rifle with his right hand; "but I always felt certain of -bringing her down when I thought proper." - -"Yes, and you did not miss her, _caray!_ Although it was a long shot, -and your hand must have trembled after such a chase." - -"Habit, compadre! Habit!" the bandit answered, with a modest smile. - -While talking thus, the two bandits had reached the spot where the body -of the girl lay. One of them knelt down, doubtless to assure himself -of the death of their victim; while the other, the one who had fired, -looked on carelessly, leaning on his rifle. - -The traveller then drew himself up, raised his piece, and fired. The -bandit, struck in the centre of the breast, sank down like a sack, and -did not stir. He was dead. - -His companion had started and laid his hand on his _machete_; but not -leaving him time to employ it, the traveller rushed on him, and with a -powerful blow of the butt end on his head, sent him to join his comrade -on the ground, where he rolled, half killed. - -The traveller, taking the bandit's reata, then firmly bound his hands -and feet; and, easy in mind on this point, he eagerly approached the -maiden. The poor girl gave no sign of life, but, for all that, was not -dead; her wound, indeed, was slight, as the pirate's bullet had merely -grazed her arm. Terror alone had produced her fainting fit. - -The stranger carefully bandaged the wound, slightly moistened her -lips and temples, and, after a comparatively short period, had the -satisfaction of seeing her open her eyes again. - -"Oh!" she murmured, in a voice soft and melodious as a bird's song, -"Those men--those demons! Oh! Heaven! Protect me!" - -"Reassure yourself, Senorita," the traveller answered; "you have -nothing further to fear from those villains." - -The maiden started at the sound of this strange voice; she fixed -her eyes on the stranger without giving him any answer, and made an -instinctive movement to rise. She doubtless took the man who had spoken -for one of her pursuers. The latter smiled mournfully, and pointed to -the two bandits lying on the ground. - -"Look, Senorita," he said to her; "you have only a friend here." - -At this sight an expression of unbounded gratitude illumined the -wounded girl's face, and a sickly smile appeared on her lips; but -almost immediately her features grew saddened again. She sprang up, -and raising herself on the tips of her small feet, she stretched out -her right arm toward a point on the horizon, and exclaimed in a voice -broken by terror-- - -"There, there! Look!" - -The stranger turned to the indicated direction. A party of horsemen -were coming up at full speed, preceded about a rifle shot distance by -another horseman, evidently better mounted than they, and whom they -appeared to be pursuing. The stranger then remembered the furious -galloping he had heard a few moments previously. - -"Oh!" the girl exclaimed, clasping her hands in entreaty, "Save him, -Senor! Save him!" - -"I will try, Senorita," he replied, gently; "all that a man can do, I -swear to do." - -"Thank you," she said, offering him her pretty little hand; "you are a -noble-hearted man, and Heaven will aid you." - -"You must not remain here exposed to the insults of these men, who are -evidently the comrades of those from whom you have just escaped." - -"That is true," she said; "but what can I do? Where shall I seek -shelter?" - -"Follow me behind these trees; we have not a moment to lose." - -"Come," she said, resolutely. "But you will save him! Will you not?" - -"At least I will try. I have only my life to offer the person in whom -you take an interest; and believe me, Senorita, I shall not hesitate to -make the sacrifice." - -The maiden looked down with a blush, and silently followed her guide. -They soon reached the thicket in which the stranger had established his -quarters for the night. - -"Whatever happens," he said, while reloading his rifle, "remain here, -Senorita. You are in safety in this hollow rock, where no one will -dream of seeking you. For my part, I am going to help your friend." - -"Go," she said, as she knelt down on the ground; "while you are -fighting I will pray for you--and Heaven will grant my prayer." - -"Yes," the stranger answered, mournfully, "God listens gladly to the -voice of angels, so let us hope for the best." - -He leaped on his horse; and after giving a parting glance at the -maiden, who was praying fervently, he dashed at full speed in the -direction of the newcomers. There were seven in number--bandits with -stern faces and dangerous aspect, who dashed up brandishing their -weapons and uttering horrible yells. - -The pursued horseman, on seeing a man emerge so unexpectedly from the -thicket, and come towards him at full speed, rifle in hand, naturally -supposed that assistance was arriving for his foes, and dashed on one -side to avoid a man whom he assumed, with some show of reason, to be an -adversary the more. But the bandits were not mistaken when they saw the -stranger not only let their prey escape, but stop in front of them and -cock his rifle. - -Two shots were fired at the same moment, one by a bandit the other -by the stranger, with the difference, however, that the bandit's -shot, being fired haphazard was harmless; while the stranger's, being -deliberately aimed, struck exactly in the mass of his serried foes. - -A few seconds later, one of them let go his bridle, beat the air with -his arms, fell back on his horse, and at length on the ground, tearing -with his huge spurs the sides of his steed, which reared, kicked, and -started off like an arrow. - -A war so frankly declared could not have a sudden termination: four -shots succeeding each other with extreme rapidity on either side were -a sufficient proof of this. But the stranger's position was growing -critical: his rifle was discharged, and he had only his revolvers left. - -The revolver, by the way, is a weapon more convenient than useful in -a fight, for if you wish to hit your man, you must fire at him almost -point blank, otherwise the bullets have a tendency to stray. This is a -sufficient explanation why, in spite of the immoderate use the North -Americans make of this weapon, the number of murders among them is -proportionately limited. - -The stranger was, therefore, somewhat embarrassed, and was preparing in -his emergency for a hand-to-hand fight, when help he had been far from -calculating on suddenly reached him. - -The pursued horseman, on hearing the firing, and yet finding no bullets -whizzed past him, understood that something unusual was taking place, -and that some strange incident must have occurred in his favour. -Hence he turned back, and saw one of his enemies fall. Recognising -his mistake, he made up his mind at once: though only armed with a -_machete_, he wheeled his horse round and bravely drew up alongside -his defender. - -Then the two men, without exchanging a word, resolutely dashed at the -bandits. The contest was short--the success unhoped for. Moreover, the -sides were nearly equal, for of the seven pirates only four were now -alive. - -The attack was so sudden, that the pirates had not time to reload. Two -were killed with revolver shots. The third fell with his head severed -by a _machete_ blow from the horseman, who was burning to take an -exemplary vengeance; while the fourth, finding himself alone leaped his -horse over the corpses of his comrades, and fled at full speed without -attempting to continue longer a combat which could not but be fatal to -him. - -The two men consequently remained masters of the battlefield. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -ON THE PRAIRIE. - - -When the last bandit had disappeared in the darkness, the horseman -turned to his generous defender, in order to thank him; but the latter -was no longer by his side, and he saw him galloping some distance off -on the plain. - -The horseman knew not to what he should attribute this sudden -departure--(for the stranger was following a direction diametrically -opposite to that on which the pirate had fled)--till he saw him return, -leading another horse by the bridle. - -The stranger had thought of the young lady he had so miraculously -saved; and on seeing the horses of the killed bandits galloping about, -he resolved at once to capture the best of them, in order to enable -her to continue her journey more comfortably; and when the animal was -lassoed, he returned slowly towards the man to whom he had rendered so -great a service. - -"Senor," the horseman said, as soon as they met again, "all is not over -yet; I have a further service to ask of you." - -"Speak, Caballero," the stranger replied, starting at the sound of the -voice, which he fancied he recognised. "Speak, I am listening to you." - -"A woman, an unhappy girl--my sister, in a word, is lost in this -horrible desert. Some of the scoundrels started in pursuit of her, and -I know not what may have happened to her. I am in mortal agony, and -must rejoin her at all risks; hence do not leave the good action you -have so well begun unfinished; help me to find my sister's track,--join -with me in seeking her." - -"It is useless," the stranger answered, coldly. - -"What, useless!" the horseman exclaimed with horror; "Has any -misfortune happened to her? Ah! I remember now; I fancied, while I was -flying, that I heard several shots. Oh, Heaven, Heaven!" he added, -writhing his hands in despair, "My poor sister, my poor Marianita!" - -"Reassure yourself, Caballero," the stranger continued in the same cold -deliberate accent; "your sister is in safety, temporarily at least, and -has nothing to fear. Heaven permitted that I should cross her path." - -"Are you stating truth?" he exclaimed, joyfully. "Oh, bless you, Senor, -for the happy news! Where is she? Let me see her! Let me press her to -my heart. Alas! How shall I ever acquit my debt to you?" - -"You owe me nothing," the stranger answered in a rough voice; "it was -chance, or God, if you prefer it, that did everything, and I was only -the instrument. My conduct would have been the same to any other -person; so keep your gratitude--which I do not ask of you. Who knows," -he added ironically, "whether you may not some day repent of having -contracted any obligations toward me?" - -The horseman felt internally pained at the way in which his advances -were received by a man who scarce five minutes previously had saved his -life. Not knowing to what he should attribute this sudden change of -temper, he pretended not to notice anything offensive the words might -contain, and said, with exquisite politeness-- - -"The spot is badly chosen for a lengthened conversation, Caballero. We -are still, if not strangers, at least unknown to each other. I trust -that ere long all coldness and misunderstanding will cease between us, -and make room for perfect confidence." - -The other smiled bitterly. - -"Come," he said, "your sister is near here, and must be impatient to -see you." - -The horseman followed him without replying; but asking himself mentally -who this singular man could be, who risked his life to defend him, and -yet appeared anxious to treat him as an enemy. - -All the sounds of the combat had reached the maiden's ear: she had -heard them while kneeling on the ground, half dead with terror, and -searching her troubled memory in vain for a prayer to address to Heaven. - -Then the firing had ceased: a mournful silence again spread over the -desert--a silence more terrifying a thousandfold than the terrible -sounds of the fight, and she remained crouching in a corner and -suffering from nameless agony, alone, far from all human help, not -daring to retain a single hope, and fearing at each moment to see a -frightful death awaiting her. The poor girl could not have said how -long she remained thus crushed beneath the weight of her terror. A -person must really have suffered, to know of how many centuries a -minute is composed when life or death is awaited. - -Suddenly she started: her strong nerves relaxed, a fugitive flush -tinged her cheek, she fancied she had heard a few words uttered in a -low voice not far from her. Were her enemies again pursuing her? Or was -her saviour returning to her side? - -She remained anxious and motionless, not daring to make a movement or -utter a cry to ask for help; for a movement might reveal her presence, -a cry hopelessly ruin her. - -But, ere long, the bushes were parted by a powerful hand; and two -horsemen appeared at the base of the rock. The maiden stretched out her -hands to them with an exclamation of delight; and, too weak to support -this last emotion, she fainted. - -She had recognised in the men, who arrived side by side, her brother -and the stranger to whom she owed her life. - -When she regained her senses, she was lying on furs in front of a large -fire. The two men were sitting on her right and left; while in the rock -cave, three horses were eating their provender of alfalfa. - -Somewhat in the shadow a few paces from her, the maiden perceived a -mass, whose form it was impossible for her to distinguish at the first -glance, but which a more attentive examination enabled her to recognise -as a bound man lying on the ground. - -The maiden was anxious to speak and thank her liberator; but the shock -she had received was so rude, the emotion so powerful, that it was -impossible for her to utter a word--so weak did she feel. She could -only give him a glance full of all the gratitude she felt, and then -fell back into a state of feverish exhaustion and morbid apathy, which -almost completely deprived her of the power of thinking and feeling, -and which rendered her involuntarily ignorant of all that was going on -around her. - -"It is well," said the stranger, as he carefully closed a gold mounted -flask and concealed it in his bosom. "Now, Caballero, there is nothing -more to fear for the Senorita; the draught I have administered to her, -by procuring her a calm and healthy sleep, will restore her strength -sufficiently for her to be able to continue her journey at sunrise, -should it be necessary." - -"Caballero," the stranger answered, "you are really performing the part -of Providence towards me and my sister, I know not, in truth, how to -express to you the lively gratitude I feel for a procedure which is the -more generous as I am a perfect stranger to you." - -"Do you think so?" he answered sarcastically. - -"The more I examine your face, the more convinced I am that I have met -you tonight for the first time." - -"You would not venture to affirm it?" - -"Yes, I would. Your features are too remarkable for me not to remember -them if I had seen you before; but I repeat, if you fancy you know me, -you are mistaken, and an accidental resemblance to some other person is -the cause of your error." - -There was a momentary silence, and then the stranger spoke again, with -a politeness too affected for the irony it concealed not to be seen-- - -"Be it so, Caballero," he answered, with a bow; "perhaps I am mistaken. -Be good enough, therefore, if you have no objection, to tell me who -you are, and by what fortuitous concourse of circumstances I have -been enabled to render you what you are kind enough to call a great -service?" - -"And it is an immense one, in truth, Caballero," the stranger -interrupted with warmth. - -"I will not discuss that subject any longer with you, Caballero; I am -awaiting your pleasure." - -"Senor, I will not abuse your patience for long. My name is Don Ruiz -de Moguer, and I reside with my father at a hacienda in the vicinity -of Arispe. For reasons too lengthy to explain to you, and which would -but slightly interest you, the presence of my sister (who has been at -school for some years at the Convent of the Conception at El Rosario) -became indispensable at the hacienda. By my father's orders I set out -for El Rosario a few months ago, in order to bring my sister back to -her family. I was anxious to rejoin my father; and hence, in spite of -the observations made to me by persons acquainted with the dangers -attending so long a journey through a desert country, I resolved to -take no escort, but start for home merely accompanied by two peons, on -whose courage and fidelity I could rely." - -"My sister who had been separated from her family for several years, -was as eager as myself to quit the convent; and hence we soon set -out. For the first few days all went well; our journey was performed -under the most favourable auspices, and my sister and I laughed at the -anxiety and apprehensions of our friends, for we had begun to believe -ourselves safe from any dangerous encounter." - -"But yesterday at sunset, just as we were preparing our camp for the -night, we were suddenly attacked by a party of bandits, who seemed -to emerge from the ground in front of us, so unforeseen was their -apparition. Our poor brave peons were killed while defending us; and -my sister's horse, struck by a bullet in the head, threw her. But the -brave girl, far from surrendering to the bandits, who rushed forward -to seize her, began flying across the savannah. Then I tried to lead -the aggressors off the scent, and induce them to pursue me. You -know the rest, Caballero; and had it not been for your providential -interference, it would have been all over with us." - -There was a silence, which Don Ruiz was the first to break. - -"Caballero," he said, "now that you know who I am, tell me the name of -my saviour?" - -"What good is that?" the stranger answered, sadly. "We have come -together for a moment by chance, and shall separate tomorrow never to -meet again. Gratitude is a heavy burden. Not knowing who I am, you will -soon have forgotten me. Believe me, Senor Don Ruiz, it is better that -it should be so. Who knows if you may not regret some day knowing me?" - -"It is the second time you have said that, Caballero. Your words -breathe a bitterness that pains me. You must have suffered very -grievously for your thoughts to be so sad and your heart so -disenchanted at an age when the future ordinarily appears so full of -promise." - -The stranger raised his head, and bent on his questioner a glance that -seemed trying to read to the bottom of his soul: the latter continued, -however, with some degree of vivacity-- - -"Oh! Do not mistake the meaning I attach to my words, Caballero. I -have no intention to take your confidence by surprise, or encroach on -your secrets. Every man's life belongs to himself--his actions concern -himself alone; and I recognise no claim to a confidence which I neither -expect nor desire. The only thing I ask of you is to tell me your name, -that my sister and myself may retain it in our hearts." - -"Why insist on so frivolous a matter?" - -"I will answer--What reason have you to be so obstinate in remaining -unknown?" - -"Then you insist on my telling you my name?" - -"Oh, Caballero, I have no right to insist; I only ask it." - -"Very good," said the stranger, "you shall know my name; but I warn you -that it will teach you nothing." - -"Pardon me, Caballero," Don Ruiz remarked, with a touch of exquisite -delicacy, "this name, repeated by me to my father, will tell him every -hour in the day that it is to the man who bears it that he owes the -life of his children, and a whole family will bless you." - -In spite of himself, the stranger felt affected. By an instinctive -movement he offered his hand to the young man, which the latter pressed -affectionately. But, as if suddenly reproaching himself for yielding -to his feelings, this strange man sharply drew back his hand, and -reassuming the expression of sternness, which had for a moment departed -from him, said, with a roughness in his voice that astonished and -saddened the young Mexican, "You shall be satisfied." - -We have said that Dona Marianita, in looking round her, fancied she saw -the body of a man stretched on the ground a few paces from the fire. -The maiden was not mistaken; it was really a man she saw, carefully -gagged and bound. It was in a word, one of the two bandits who had -pursued her so long, and the one whom the stranger had almost killed -with a blow of his rifle butt. - -After recommending Don Ruiz to be patient by a wave of his hand, the -stranger rose, walked straight up to the bandit, threw him on his -shoulders, and laid him at the feet of the young Mexican, perhaps -rather roughly--for the pirate, in spite of the thorough Indian -stoicism he affected, could not suppress a stifled yell of pain. - -"Who is this man, and what do you purpose doing with him?" Don Ruiz -asked, with some anxiety. - -"This scoundrel," the stranger answered, harshly, "was one of the band -that attacked you; we are going to try him." - -"Try him?" the young gentleman objected; "We?" - -"Of course," the stranger said, as he removed the bandit's gag, and -unfastened the rope that bound his limbs. "Do you fancy that we are -going to trouble ourselves with the scoundrel till we find a prison -in which to place him, without counting the fact that, if we were so -simple as to do so, the odds are about fifty to one that he would -escape from us during the journey, and slip through our fingers like an -opossum, to attack us a few hours later at the head of a fresh band of -pirates of his own breed. No, no; that would be madness. When the snake -is dead, the venom is dead, too; it is better to try him." - -"But by what right can we constitute ourselves the judges of this man?" - -"By what right?" the stranger exclaimed, in amazement. "The Border law, -which says, 'Eye for eye; tooth for tooth.' Lynch law authorizes us to -try this bandit, and when the sentence is pronounced, to execute it -ourselves." - -Don Ruiz reflected for a moment, during which the stranger looked at -him aside with the most serious attention. - -"That is possible," the young man at length answered; "perhaps you are -right in speaking thus. This man is guilty--he is evidently a miserable -assassin covered with blood; and, had my sister and myself fallen into -his hands, he would not have hesitated to stab us, or blow out our -brains." - -"Well?" the stranger remarked. - -"Well," the young man continued, with generous animation in his voice; -"this certainly does not authorize us in taking justice into our own -hands; besides, my sister is saved." - -"Then it is your opinion--" - -"That as we cannot hand this man over to the police, we are bound to -set him at liberty, after taking all proper precautions that he cannot -injure us." - -"You have, doubtless, carefully reflected on the consequences of the -deed you advise?" - -"My conscience orders me to act as I am doing." - -"Your will be done!" and, addressing the bandit, who throughout the -conversation had remained gloomy and silent, though his eyes constantly -wandered from one to the other of the speakers, he said to him, "Get -up!" - -The pirate rose. - -"Look at me," the stranger continued; "do you recognise me?" - -"No," the bandit said. - -The stranger seized a lighted brand, and held it up near his face. - -"Look at me more carefully, Kidd," he said, in a sharp, imperious voice. - -The scoundrel, who had bent forward, drew himself back with a start of -fear. - -"Stronghand!" he exclaimed, in a voice choked by dread. - -"Ah!" the horseman said, with a sardonic smile; "I see that you -recognise me now." - -"Yes," the bandit muttered. "What are your orders?" - -"I have none. You heard all we have been saying, I suppose?" - -"All." - -"What do you think of it?" - -The pirate did not answer. - -"Speak, and be frank! I insist." - -"Hum!" he said, with a side-glance. - -"Will you speak? I tell you I insist." - -"Well!" he answered, in a rather humbling voice, but yet with a tinge -of irony easy to notice; "I think that when you hold your enemy, you -ought to kill him." - -"That is really your opinion?" - -"Yes." - -"What do you say to that?" the stranger asked, turning to Don Ruiz. - -"I say," he replied, simply, "that as this man is not my enemy, I -cannot and ought not to take any vengeance on him." - -"Hence?" - -"Hence, justice alone has the right to make him account for his -conduct. As for me, I decline." - -"And that is truly the expression of your thoughts?" - -"On my honour, Caballero. During the fight I should not have felt the -slightest hesitation in killing him--for in that case I was defending -the life he tried to take; but now that he is a prisoner, and unarmed, -I have no longer aught to do with him." - -In spite of the mask of indifference the stranger wore on his face, he -could not completely hide the joy he experienced at hearing these noble -sentiments so simply expressed. - -There was a moment's silence, during which the three men seemed -questioning each other's faces. At length Stronghand spoke again, -and addressed the bandit, who remained motionless, and apparently -indifferent to what was being said-- - -"Go! You are free!" he said, as he cut the last bonds that held him. -"But remember, Kidd, that if it has pleased this Caballero to forget -your offences, I have not pardoned them. You know me, so do your best -to keep out of my way, or you will not escape, so easily as this day, -the just punishment you have deserved. Begone!" - -"All right, Stronghand, I will remember," the bandit said, with a -covert threat. - -And at once gliding into the bushes, he disappeared, without taking -further leave of the persons who had given him his life. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE BIVOUAC. - - -For some moments the bandit's hurried footsteps were audible, and then -all became silent once again. - -"You wished it," Stronghand then said, looking at Don Ruiz from under -his bent brows. "Now, be certain that you have at least one implacable -enemy on the prairie; for you are not so simple, I assume, as to -believe in the gratitude of such a man?" - -"I pity him, if he hates me for the good I have done him in return for -the harm he wished to do me, but honour ordered me to let him escape." - -"Yours will be a short life, Senor, if you are obstinate in carrying -out such philanthropic precepts in our unhappy country." - -"My ancestors had a motto to which they never proved false." - -"And pray what may that motto be, Caballero?" - -"Everything for honour, no matter what may happen," the young man said, -simply. - -"Yes," Stronghand answered, with a harsh laugh; "the maxim is noble, -and Heaven grant it prove of service to you; but," he continued, after -looking round him, "the darkness is beginning to grow less thick, the -night is on the wane, and within an hour the sun will be up. You know -my name, which, as I told you beforehand, has not helped you much." - -"You are mistaken, Caballero," Don Ruiz interrupted him, eagerly; "for -I have frequently heard the name mentioned, of which you fancied me -ignorant." - -Stronghand bent a piercing glance on the young man. - -"Ah!" he said, with a slight tremor in his voice; "And doubtless, -each time you heard that name uttered, it was accompanied by far from -flattering epithets, which gave you but a poor opinion of the man who -bears it." - -"Here again you are mistaken, Senor; it has been uttered in my presence -as the name of a brave man, with a powerful heart and vast intellect, -whom unknown and secret sorrow has urged to lead a strange life, to -fly the society of his fellow men, and to wander constantly about the -deserts; but who, under all circumstances, even spite of the examples -that daily surrounded him, managed to keep his honour intact and retain -a spotless reputation, which even the bandits, with whom the incidents -of an adventurous life too often bring him into contact, are forced -to admire. That, Senor, is what this name, which you supposed I was -ignorant of, recalls to my mind, and the way in which I have ever heard -the man who bears it spoken of." - -Stronghand smiled bitterly. - -"Can the world really be less wicked and unjust than I supposed it?" he -muttered, in self-colloquy. - -"Do not doubt it," the young man said, eagerly. "God, who has allowed -the good and the bad to dwell side by side on this earth, has yet -willed that the amount of good should exceed that of bad, so that, -sooner or later, each should be requited according to his works and -merits." - -"Such words," he answered, ironically, "would be more appropriate in -the mouth of a priest or missionary, whose hair has been blanched, and -back bowed by the weight of the incessant struggles of his apostolic -mission, than in that of a young man who has scarce reached the dawn -of life, whom no tempest has yet assailed, and who has only tasted the -honey of life. But no matter; your intention is good, and I thank you. -But we have far more serious matters to attend to than losing our time -in philosophical discussions which would not convince either of us." - -"I was wrong, Caballero, I allow," Don Ruiz answered; "it does not -become me, who am as yet but a child, to make such remarks to you; so, -pray pardon me." - -"I have nothing to pardon you, Senor," Stronghand replied with a smile; -"on the contrary, I thank you. Now let us attend to the most pressing -affair--that is to say, what you purpose doing to get out of your -present situation." - -"I confess to you that I am greatly alarmed," Don Ruiz replied, -with a slight tinge of sadness, as he looked at the girl, who was -still sleeping. "What has happened to me, the terrible danger I have -incurred, and from which I only escaped, thanks to your generous help--" - -"Not a word more on that subject," Stronghand interrupted him quickly. -"You will disoblige me by pressing it further." - -The young man bowed. - -"Were I alone," he said, "I should not hesitate to continue my journey. -A brave man, and I believe myself one, nearly always succeeds in -escaping the perils that threaten him, if he confront them: but I have -my sister with me--my sister, whose energy the terrible scene of this -night has broken, and who, in the event of a second attack from the -pirates of the prairies, would become an easy prey to the villains--the -more so because, too weak to save her, I could only die with her." - -Stronghand turned away, murmuring to himself compassionately. - -"That is true, poor child;" then he said to Don Ruiz, "Still, you must -make up your mind." - -"Unfortunately I have no choice; there is only one thing to be done: -whatever may happen, I shall continue my journey at sunrise, if my -sister be in a condition to follow me." - -"That need not trouble you. When she awakes, her strength will be -sufficiently recovered for her to keep on horseback without excessive -fatigue; but from here to Arispe the road is very long." - -"I know it: and it is that which frightens me for my poor sister." - -"Listen to me. Perhaps there is a way for you to get out of the scrape, -and avoid up to a certain point the dangers that threaten you. Two -days' journey from here there is a military post, placed like an -advanced sentry to watch the frontier, and prevent the incursions of -the Indios bravos, and other bandits of every description and colour, -who infest these regions. The main point for you is to reach this post, -when it will be easy for you to obtain from the Commandant an escort to -protect you from any insult for the rest of your journey." - -"Yes; but, as you remark, I must reach the post." - -"Well?" - -"I do not know this country: one of the two peons who accompanied me -acted as guide; and now he is dead, it is utterly impossible for me to -find my way. I am in the position of a sailor, lost without a compass -on an unknown sea." - -Stronghand looked at him with surprise mingled with compassion. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, "How improvident is youth! What! Imprudent boy! -You dared to risk yourself in the desert, and entrust to a peon your -sister's precious life?" But, recollecting himself immediately, he -continued, "Pardon me; reproaches are ill suited at this moment; the -great thing is to get you out of the danger in which you are." - -He let his head fall on his hands, and plunged into serious -reflections, while Don Ruiz looked at him with mingled apprehension and -hope. The young man did not deceive himself as to his position: the -reproaches which Stronghand spared him, he had already made himself, -cursing his improvident temerity; for things had reached such a point, -that if the man to whom he owed his life, refused to afford him his -omnipotent protection, he and his sister were irremediably lost. - -Stronghand, after a few minutes, which seemed to last an age, rose, -seized his rifle, went up to his horse, saddled it, mounted, and said -to Don Ruiz, who followed all his movements with anxious curiosity-- - -"Wait for me, however long my absence may be; do not stir from here -till I return." - -Then, without waiting for the young man's answer, he bent lightly over -his horse's neck, and started at a gallop. Don Ruiz watched the black -outline, as it disappeared in the gloom; he listened to the horse's -footfalls so long as he could hear them, and then turned back and -seated himself pensively at the fire, and looked with tearful eyes at -his sleeping sister. - -"Poor Marianita!" he murmured, with a heart-rending outburst of pity. - -He bowed his head on his chest, and with pale and gloomy face awaited -the return of Stronghand--a return which, in his heart, he doubted, -although, with the obstinacy of desperate men, who try to deceive -themselves by making excuses whose falsehood they know, he sought to -prove its certainty. - -We will take advantage of this delay in our narrative to trace rapidly -the portraits of Don Ruiz de Moguer and his sister Marianita. We will -begin with the young lady, through politeness. - -Dona Mariana--or rather Marianita, as she was generally called at -the convent, and by her family--was a charming girl scarce sixteen, -graceful in her movements, and with black lustrous eyes. Her hair had -the bluish tinge of the raven's wing; her skin, the warm and gilded -hues of the sun of her country; her glance, half veiled by her long -brown eyelashes, was ardent; her straight nose, with its pink flexible -nostrils, was delicious; her laughing mouth, with its bright red lips, -gave her face an expression of simple, ignorant candour. Her movements, -soft and indolent, had that indescribable languor and serpentine -undulation alone possessed in so eminent a degree by the women of Lima -and Mexico, those daughters of the sun in whose veins flows the molten -lava of the volcanoes, instead of blood. In a word, she was a Spanish -girl from head to foot--but Andalusian before all. Hers was an ardent, -wild, jealous, passionate, and excessively superstitious nature. But -this lovely, splendid statue still wanted the divine spark. Dona -Mariana did not know herself; her heart had not yet spoken; she was as -yet but a delicious child, whom the fiery breath of love would convert -into an adorable woman. - -Physically, Don Ruiz was, as a man, the same his sister was a woman. -He was a thorough gentleman, and scarce four years older than Dona -Mariana. He was tall and well built; but his elegant and aristocratic -form denoted great personal strength. His regular features--too regular -perhaps, for a man--bore an unmistakable stamp of distinction; his -black eye had a frank and confident look; his mouth, which was rather -large, but adorned with splendid teeth, and fringed by a fine brown -moustache, coquettishly turned up, still retained the joyous, careless -smile of youth; his face displayed loyalty, gentleness, and bravery -carried to temerity;--in a word, all his features offered the most -perfect type of a true-blooded gentleman. - -Brother and sister, who, with the exception of a few almost -imperceptible variations, had the most perfect physical likeness, also -resembled each other morally. Both were equally ignorant of things of -the world. With their pure and innocent hearts they loved each other -with the holiest of all loves, fraternal affection, and only lived -through and for each other. - -Hence, Dona Mariana had felt a great delight and great impatience to -quit the convent, when Don Ruiz, in obedience to his father's commands, -came to fetch her from the Rosario. This impatience obliged Don Ruiz -not to consent to wait for an escort on his homeward journey, for fear -of vexing his sister. It was an imprudence that caused the misfortunes -we have already described, and for which, now they had arrived, Don -Ruiz reproached himself bitterly. He cursed the weakness that had made -him yield to the whims of a girl, and accused himself of being, through -his weakness, the sole cause of the frightful dangers from which she -had only escaped by a miracle, and of those no less terrible, which, -doubtless, still threatened her on the hundred and odd leagues they -had still to go before reaching the hacienda del Toro, where dwelt her -father, Don Hernando de Moguer. - -Still the hours, which never stop, continued to follow each other -slowly. The sun had risen; and, through its presence on the horizon, -immediately dissipated the darkness and heated the ground, which was -chilled by the abundant and icy dew of morning. - -Dona Marianita, aroused by the singing of the thousands of birds -concealed beneath the foliage, opened her eyes with a smile. The calm -sleep she had enjoyed for several hours restored not only her strength, -which was exhausted by the struggles of the previous evening, but also -her courage and gaiety. The girl's first glance was for her brother, -who, anxious and uneasy, was attentively watching her slumbers, and -impatiently awaiting the moment for her to awake. - -"Oh, Ruiz," she said, in her melodious voice, and offering her hand and -cheek simultaneously to the young man, "what a glorious sleep I have -had." - -"Really, sister," he exclaimed, kissing her, gladly, "you have slept -well." - -"That is to say," she continued, with a smile, "that at the convent I -never passed so delicious a night, accompanied by such charming dreams; -but it is true there were two of you to watch over my slumbers--two -kind and devoted hearts, in whom I could trust with perfect confidence." - -"Yes, sister; there were two of us." - -"What?" she asked in surprise mingled with anxiety. "You were--What do -you mean, Ruiz?" - -"What I say; nothing else, dear sister." - -"But I do not see the caballero to whom we have incurred so great an -obligation. Where is he?" - -"I cannot tell you, little sister. About two hours ago he mounted his -horse and left me, telling me not to stir from here till his return." - -"Oh, in that case I am quite easy. His absence alarmed me; but now that -I know he will return--" - -"Do you believe so?" he interrupted. - -"Why should I doubt it?" she continued with some animation in her -voice; "Did he not promise to return?" - -"Certainly." - -"Well! A caballero never breaks his pledged word. He said he would -come, and he will come." - -"Heaven grant it!" Don Ruiz muttered. - -And he shook his head sadly, and gave a profound sigh. The maiden felt -herself involuntarily assailed by anxiety. This persistency undoubtedly -terrified her. - -"Come, Ruiz," she said, turning very pale, "explain yourself. What has -happened between this caballero and yourself?" - -"Nothing beyond what you know, sister. Still, in spite of the man's -promise, I know not why, but I fear. He is a strange, incomprehensible -being--at one moment kind, at another cruel--changing his character, -and almost his face, momentarily. He frightens and repels, and yet -attracts and interests me. I am afraid he will abandon us, and fear -that he will return. A secret foreboding seems to warn me that this man -will have a great influence over your future and mine. Perhaps it is -our misfortune that we have met him." - -"I do not understand you, Ruiz. What means this confusion in your -ideas? Why this stern and strange judgment of a man whom you do not -know, and who has only done you kindness?" - -At the moment when Don Ruiz was preparing to answer, the gallop of a -horse became audible in the distance. - -"Silence, brother!" she exclaimed, with an emotion she could not -repress; "Silence, here he comes!" - -The young man looked at his sister in amazement. - -"How do you know it?" he asked her. - -"I have recognised him," she stammered, with a deep blush. "Stay--Look!" - -In fact, at this moment the shrubs parted, and Stronghand appeared in -the open space. Don Ruiz, though surprised at the singular remark which -had escaped his sister, had not time to ask her for an explanation. -Without dismounting, Stronghand, after bowing courteously to the young -lady, said, hurriedly-- - -"To horse!--To horse! Make haste! Time presses!" - -Don Ruiz at once saddled his own horse and his sister's, and a few -minutes later the two young people were riding by the hunter's side. - -"Let us start!" the latter continued. "_Cuerpo de Cristo_, Caballero, I -warned you that you were doing an imprudent action in liberating that -villain. If we do not take care, we shall have him at our heels within -an hour." - -These words sufficed to give the fugitives wings, and they started at -full gallop after the bold wood ranger. An hour elapsed ere a word -was exchanged between the three persons; bent over the necks of their -steeds they devoured the space--looking back anxiously from time to -time, and only thinking how to escape the unknown dangers by which -they felt themselves surrounded. About eight o'clock in the morning, -Stronghand checked his horse, and made his companions a sign to follow -his example. - -"Now," he said, "we have nothing more to fear. When we have crossed -that wood, which stretches out in front of us like a curtain of -verdure, we shall see the Port of San Miguel, whose walls will offer us -a certain shelter against the attacks of all the bandits of the desert, -were there ten thousand of them." - -"Last night I fancy that you spoke to me of a more distant post," Don -Ruiz said. - -"Yes; for I fancied San Miguel abandoned, if not in ruins. Before I -gave you what might prove a fallacious hope, I wished to assure myself -of the truth of the case." - -"Do you believe that the Commandant will consent to receive us?" the -young lady asked. - -"Certainly, Senorita, for a thousand reasons. In the first place, the -frontier posts are only established for the purpose of watching over -the safety of travellers; and then, again, San Miguel is commanded by -one of your relations--or, at any rate, an intimate friend of your -family." - -The young people looked at each other in surprise. - -"Do you know this Commandant's name?" Don Ruiz asked. - -"I was told it: he is Don Marcos de Niza." - -"Oh!" Dona Mariana exclaimed, joyfully; "I should think we do know him: -Don Marcos is a cousin of ours." - -"In that case, all is for the best," the hunter answered, coldly. "Let -us continue our journey; for there is a cloud of dust behind us that -forebodes us no good, if it reaches us before we have entered the post." - -The young people, without answering, resumed their gallop, crossed the -wood, and entered the little fort. - -"Look!" Stronghand said to Don Ruiz and his sister, the moment the gate -closed upon them. They turned back. A numerous band of horsemen issued -from the wood at this moment, and galloped up at full speed, uttering -ferocious yells. - -"This is the second time you have saved our lives, Caballero," Dona -Mariana said to the partizan, with a look of gratitude. - -"Why count them, Senorita?" he replied, with a sadness mingled with -bitterness. "Do I do so?" - -The maiden gave him a look of undefinable meaning, turned her head away -with a blush, and silently followed her brother. - -The Spaniards, whatever may be the opinion the Utopians of the old -world express about their mode of civilization, and the way in which -they treated the Indians of America, understood very well how to -enhance the prosperity of the countries they had been endowed with by -the strong arms of those heroic adventurers who were called Cortez, -Pizarro, Bilboa, Alvadaro, &c., and whose descendants, if any by -chance exist, are now in the most frightful wretchedness, although -their ancestors gave a whole world and incalculable riches to their -ungrateful country. - -When the Spanish rule was established in America, the first care of -the conquerors--after driving back the Indians who refused to accept -their iron yoke into frightful deserts, where they hoped want would -put an end to them--was to secure their frontiers, and prevent those -indomitable hordes, impelled by hunger and despair, from entering the -newly conquered country and plundering the towns and the haciendas. -For this purpose they established along the desert line a cordon of -presidios and military posts, which were all connected together, and -could, in case of need, assist each other, not so much through their -proximity--for they were a great distance apart, and scattered over -a great space--but by means of numerous patrols of lanceros, who -constantly proceeded from one post to the other. - -At present, since the declaration of independence, owing to the neglect -of the governments which have succeeded each other in this unhappy -country, most of the presidios and forts no longer exist. Some have -been burned by the Indians, who became invaders in their turn, and are -gradually regaining the territory the Europeans took from them; while -others have been abandoned, or so badly kept up, that they are for -the most part in ruins. Still, here and there you find a few, which -exceptionable circumstances have compelled the inhabitants to repair -and defend. - -As these forts were built in all the colonies on the same plan, in -describing the post of San Miguel, which still exists, and which we -have visited, the reader will easily form an idea of the simple and yet -effective defence adopted by the Europeans to protect them from the -surprises of their implacable and crafty foes. - -The post of San Miguel is composed of four square pavilions, connected -together by covered ways, the inner walls of which surround a courtyard -planted with lemon trees, peach trees, and algarrobas. On this court -opens the room intended for travellers, the barracks, &c. The outer -walls have only one issue, and are provided with loopholes, which can -only be reached by mounting a platform eight feet high and three wide. -All the masonry is constructed of _adobes_, or large blocks of earth -stamped and baked in the sun. - -Twenty feet beyond this wall is another, formed of cactuses, planted -very closely together, and having their branches intertwined. This -vegetable wall, if we may be allowed the use of the expression, is -naturally very thick, and protected by formidable prickles, which -render it impenetrable for the half-clad and generally badly-armed -Indians. The only entrance to it is a heavy gate, supported by posts -securely bedded in the ground. The soldiers, standing at the loopholes -of the second wall, fire in perfect shelter, and command the space -above the cactuses. - -On the approach of the Indians, when the Mexican Moon is at hand--that -is to say, the invariable season of their invasions--the sparse -dwellers on the border seek refuge inside San Miguel, and there in -complete safety wait till their enemies are weary of a siege which can -have no result for them, or till they are put to flight by soldiers -sent from a town frequently fifty leagues off. - -Don Marcos de Niza was a man of about forty, short and plump, but -withal active and quick. His regular features displayed a simplicity -of character, marked with intelligence and decision. He was one of -those educated honest professional officers, of whom the Mexican army -unfortunately counts too few in its ranks. Hence, as he thoroughly -attended to his duties, and had never tried to secure promotion by -intrigue and party manoeuvres, he had remained a captain for ten years -past, without hope of promotion, in spite of his qualifications (which -were recognised and appreciated by all) and his irreproachable conduct. -The post he occupied at this moment as Commandant of the Blockhouse -of San Miguel proved the value the Governor of the province set upon -him; for the frontier posts, constantly exposed to the attacks of the -Redskins, can only be given to sure men, who have long been accustomed -to Indian warfare. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE POST OF SAN MIGUEL. - - -As the dangerous honour of commanding one of the border forts like -San Miguel is not at all coveted by the brilliant officers accustomed -to clatter their sabres on the stones of the Palace in Mexico, it -is generally only given to brave soldiers who have no prospect of -promotion left to them. - -Informed by a cabo, or corporal, of the names of the guests who thus -suddenly arrived, the Captain rose to meet them with open arms and a -smile on his lips. - -"Oh, oh," he exclaimed, gleefully; "this is a charming surprise! -Children, I am delighted to see you." - -"Do not thank us, Don Marcos," Dona Mariana answered, smilingly. "We -are not paying you a visit, but have come to ask shelter and protection -of you." - -"You have them already. iRayo de Dios! Are we not relations, and very -close ones, too?" - -"Without doubt, cousin," Don Ruiz said; "hence, in our misfortune, it -is a great happiness for us to come across you." - -"Hilloh! You have something serious to tell me," the Captain continued, -his face growing gloomy. - -"So serious," the young man said, with a bow to the partizan, who stood -motionless by his side, "that had it not been for the help of this -caballero, in all probability we should be lying dead in the desert." - -"Oh, oh; my poor children! Come, dismount and follow me; you must need -rest and refreshment after such an alarm. Cabo Hernandez, take charge -of the horses." - -The corporal took the horses, which he led to the corral; and the young -people followed the Captain, after having been kissed and hugged by him -several times. Don Marcos pressed the hunter's hand, and made him a -sign to follow them. - -"There," he said, after introducing his guests into a room modestly -furnished with a few butacas; "sit down, children; and when you have -rested, we will talk." - -Refreshments had been prepared on the table. While the young people -enjoyed them, the Captain quitted them, and went with the hunter into -another room. So soon as they were alone, the two men became serious, -and the joy that illumined the Captain's face was suddenly extinguished. - -"Well," he asked Stronghand, after making him a sign to sit down, "what -news?" - -"Bad," he answered, distinctly. - -"I expected it," the officer muttered, with a sad toss of the head; "we -must put on our harness again, and push out into the savannah, in order -to prove to these bandits that we are able to punish them." - -The hunter shook his head several times, but said nothing. The Captain -looked at him attentively for some minutes. - -"What is the matter, my friend?" he at length asked him, with growing -anxiety; "I never saw you so sad and gloomy before." - -"The reason is," he answered, "because circumstances have never been so -serious." - -"Explain yourself, my friend; I confess to you that you are really -beginning to alarm me. With the exception of a few insignificant -marauders, the borders have never appeared to me more quiet." - -"It is a deceitful calm, Don Marcos, which contains the tempest in its -bosom--and a terrible tempest, I, assure you." - -"And yet our spies are all agreed in assuring us that the Indians are -not at all thinking of an expedition." - -"It proves that your spies betray you, that's all." - -"Possibly so; but still, I should like some proof or sign." - -"I ask for nothing better; I am enabled to give you the most positive -information." - -"Very good; that is the way to speak. I am listening to you." - -"Before all, is your garrison strong?" - -"I consider it large enough." - -"Perhaps so: how many men have you?" - -"Sixty or seventy, about." - -"That is not enough." - -"What! Not enough? The garrisons of blockhouses are never more -numerous." - -"In a time of peace, it may be so; but under present circumstances, I -repeat to you, that they are not enough, and you will soon agree with -me on that score. You must send off a courier, without the loss of a -moment, to ask for a reinforcement of from one hundred and fifty to two -hundred men. Do not deceive yourself, Captain; you will be the first -attacked, and the attack will be a rude one. I warn you." - -"Thanks for the hint. Still, my good friend, you will permit me not to -follow it till you have proved to me that there are urgent reasons for -doing so." - -"As you please, Captain; you are the commandant of the post, and your -responsibility must urge you to prudence. I will therefore abstain from -making any farther observations on the subject which only concerns me -very indirectly." - -"You are annoyed, and wrongly so, my friend; the responsibility to -which you refer demands that I should not let myself be led by vague -rumours to take measures I might have cause to regret. Give me the -explanation I expect of you; and, probably, when I know the imminence -of the danger that threatens me, I shall follow your advice." - -"I wish for nothing more than to satisfy you; so listen to me. What I -have to tell you will not take long." - -At this moment the room door opened and Corporal Hernandez appeared. -The Captain, annoyed at being thus inopportunely disturbed, turned -sharply round and angrily addressed the man-- - -"Well Corporal," he said, "what the fiend do you want now?" - -"Excuse me, Captain," the poor fellow said, astounded at this rough -greeting, "but the Lieutenant sent me." - -"Well, what does the Lieutenant want? Speak! But be brief, if that is -possible." - -"Captain, the sentry has seen a large party of horsemen coming at full -gallop towards the fort, and the Lieutenant ordered me to warn you." - -"Eh," said the Captain, looking uneasily at the hunter, "were you in -the right? and is this troop the vanguard of the enemy you threaten us -with?" - -"This troop," the hunter answered, with an equivocal smile, "has been -following Don Ruiz and myself since the morning. I do not believe that -these horsemen are Indians." - -"What's the Lieutenant's opinion about these scamps?" the Captain asked -the corporal. - -"They are too far off yet, and too hidden by the dust they raise, -Captain, for it to be possible to recognise them," the non-commissioned -officer replied with a bow. - -"That is true. We had better, I believe, go and look for ourselves. -Will you come?" - -"I should think so," the hunter said, as he seized his rifle, which he -had deposited in a corner of the room; and they went out. - -Don Ruiz and his sister were talking together, while doing ample -justice to the refreshment placed at their disposal. On seeing the -Captain, the young man rose and walked up to him. - -"Cousin," he said to him, with a bow, "I hear that you are on the point -of being attacked; and as it is to some extent my cause you are going -to defend, for the bandits who threaten you at this moment are allies -of those with whom I had a fight last night, pray allow me to fire a -shot by your side." - -"iViva Dios! Most heartily, my dear cousin," the Captain answered, -gaily: "although these scoundrels are not worth the trouble. Come -along!" - -"That's a fine fellow!" the Captain whispered in the hunter's ear. - -The latter made no answer. He contented himself with shrugging his -shoulders, and turned away. - -"Oh," Dona Mariana exclaimed, "Ruiz, what are you going to do? Stay -with me, I implore you, brother!" - -"Impossible, sister," the young man answered, as he kissed her; "what -would our cousin think of me were I to skulk here when fighting was -going on?" - -"Fear nothing, Nina; I am answerable for your brother," the Captain -said with a smile. - -The girl sat down again sadly on the butaca from which she had risen, -and the four men then left the room, and proceeded to the patio, or -court. Here everybody was busy. The Lieutenant, an old experienced -soldier, with a grey moustache and face furrowed by sabre cuts, and -whose whole life had been spent on the borders, had not lost his time. -While, by his order, Corporal Hernandez warned the Captain, he had -ordered the "fall-in" to be beaten, had placed the best shots at the -loopholes, and made all arrangements to avoid a surprise and give a -warm reception to the enemy who advanced so daringly against the fort. - -When the Captain set foot in the court, he stopped, embraced at a -glance the wise and intelligent arrangements made by his Lieutenant, -and a smile of satisfaction spread over his features. - -"And now," he said to the hunter, "let us go and see who the enemy is -with whom we have to deal." - -"It is unnecessary; for I can tell you, Captain," the other replied; -"they are the pirates." - -"Pirates!" Don Marcos exclaimed in amazement. "What! Those villains -would dare--" - -"Alone, certainly not," Stronghand quickly interrupted him; "but with -the certainty of being supported by the Indians, of whom they are -only the vanguard, they will not hesitate to do so. However, unless -I am greatly mistaken, their attack will not be serious; and their -object is probably to discover in what state of defence the post is. -Receive them, then, in such a way as to leave them no doubt on this -head, and prove to them that you are perfectly on your guard; and this -demonstration will without doubt be sufficient to send them flying." - -"You are right," said the Captain. "Viva Dios! They shall have their -answer, I promise you." - -He then gave the Corporal an order in a low voice; the latter bowed, -and went off hurriedly. For some minutes a deep silence prevailed in -the fort. The moments that precede a contest bring with them something -solemn, which causes the bravest men to reflect, and prepare for the -struggle, either by a powerful effort of the will, or by mentally -addressing a last and fervent prayer to Heaven. - -All at once, horrible yells were heard, mingled with the furious -galloping of many horses; and then the enemy appeared, leaning over -the necks of their steeds, and brandishing their weapons with an air -of defiance. When they came within pistol shot, the word to fire was -given from the walls, and a general discharge burst forth like a clap -of thunder. - -The horsemen fell into confusion, and turned back precipitately and in -the greatest disorder, followed by the Mexican bullets, which, directed -by strong arms and sure eyes, made great ravages in their ranks at -every step. Still, they had not fled so fast but that they could be -recognised for what they really were--that is, pirates of the prairies. -Half naked for the most part, and without saddles, they brandished -their rifles and long lances, and excited their horses by terrific -yells. - -Two or three individuals, probably chiefs, with their heads covered by -a species of turban, were noticeable through their ragged uniforms, -doubtless torn off murdered soldiers; their repulsive dirt and -ferocious appearance inspired the deepest disgust. No doubt was -possible: these wretches were certainly whites and half-breeds. What a -difference between these sinister bandits and the Apaches, Comanches, -and Arapahoes--those magnificent children of nature, so careful in the -choice of their weapons--so noble in their demeanour. - -After a rather long race, they stopped to hold counsel, out of range of -the firearms. They were at this moment joined by a second band, whose -leader began speaking and gesticulating with the utmost excitement, -pointing to the fort each moment with his rifle. The two bands, united, -might possibly amount to one hundred and fifty horsemen. - -After a rather long discussion, the pirates started again, and stopped -at the very foot of the walls. Captain Niza, wishing to inflict a -severe chastisement on them, had given orders not to fire, but to let -them do as they pleased. Hidden by the thick cactus hedge, the bandits -had suddenly become invisible; but the Mexicans, confiding in the -strength of their position and the solidity of the posts and gates, -felt no fear. - -Reassured by the silence of the garrison, some thirty pirates, among -whom were several of their chiefs, escaladed the great gate in turn, -and rushed toward the second wall. Unluckily for the success of their -plan, the wall was too lofty to be cleared in the same way; hence they -scattered. Some sought stones and posts to beat in the second gate; -while others tried, though in vain, to open the one they had so easily -scaled. - -The Mexicans could distinctly hear the pirates in the second -_enceinte_ explaining to their comrades the difficulty they experienced -in penetrating into the fort, and they must force the gate, in order -to allow a passage for those who remained outside. The latter then -threw their _reatas_, which, caught upon the posts, were tightened by -the combined efforts of the men and horses, and seemed on the point of -pulling the gate off its hinges; but the posts held firmly, and were -not even shaken by this supreme effort. - -"What are you waiting for, Captain?" Don Ruiz whispered in the -Commandant's ear. "Why do you not kill these vermin?" - -"There are not enough yet in the trap," he answered, with a cunning -look; "let them come." - -In fact, as if the bandits had wished to obey the old soldier, some -twenty more clambered over the gale, so that there were fifty of the -pirates between the cactus and the stone wall. Encouraged by their -numbers, which momentarily increased, they made a general assault. But, -all at once, every loophole was lit up by a sinister flash, and the -bullets began showering uninterruptedly on the wretches, who, through -their own position, found it impossible to answer the plunging fire of -the Mexicans. Recognising the fault they had committed, and the trap -they had so stupidly entered, the pirates became demoralized, fear -seized upon them, and they only thought of flight. - -Then they dashed at the outer gate, to clamber over it and reach the -plain; there the bullets dashed them down again--suffering from a -desperation which was the greater because they had no help to hope for -from their friends outside, whom, at the first check, they had heard -start off at full speed; and consequently they felt they were lost. - -The Mexicans, pitiless in their vengeance, fired incessantly on -the wretches, some of whom, by crawling on their hands and knees, -succeeded in reaching the foot of the wall below the loopholes--a -position in which they could not be attacked, unless the Mexicans -exposed themselves, and ran the risk of being killed or wounded. Of -fifty bandits who had scaled the gate, fourteen still lived; the others -were dead, and not one had succeeded in making his escape. - -"Ha! Ha!" said the Captain, rubbing his hands gleefully. "I fancy that -the lesson will be useful, though it may have been a trifle rough." - -But, on the reiterated entreaties of Don Ruiz, the worthy Commandant, -who in his heart was not cruel, consented to ask the survivors if they -were willing to surrender, a proposition which the pirates greeted with -yells of rage and defiance. These fourteen men, though their rifles -were discharged, were not enemies to despise, armed as they were with -long and heavy _machetes_, and resolved to die. The Mexicans were -acquainted with them, and knew that in a hand-to-hand fight they would -prove tough customers. - -Still there must be an end to it. At an order from the Captain the -gate of the second wall was suddenly opened, and some twenty horsemen -charged at full gallop the bandits, who, far from recoiling, awaited -them with a firm foot. The _melee_ was terrible, but short. Three -Mexicans were killed, and five others seriously wounded; but the -pirates, after an obstinate resistance, fell never to rise again. - -Only one of them--profiting by the disorder and the attention which the -soldiers remaining at the loopholes paid to the fight--succeeded by a -miracle of resolution and strength in scaling the wall and flying. This -pirate, the only one who escaped the massacre, was Kidd. On reaching -the plain he stopped for a second, turned to the fort with a gesture of -menace and defiance, and, leaping on a riderless horse, went off amid -a shower of bullets, not one of which struck him. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE STAY IN THE FOREST. - - -When the fight was over, and order restored at the post, the Captain -bade his Lieutenant have the bodies lying on the battlefield picked -up and hung by the feet to the trees on the plain, so that they -might become the prey of wild beasts, though not until they had been -decapitated. The heads were to remain exposed on the walls of the -forts, and act as an object of terror to the bandits, who, after this -act of summary justice, would not venture to approach the neighbourhood -of the post. - -Then, when all these orders had been given, the Commandant returned -to his residence, where Don Ruiz had already preceded him in order to -re-assure his sister as to the result of the fight. Don Marcos was -radiant: he had gained a great advantage--at least he thought so--over -the border ruffians; he had inflicted on them an exemplary punishment -at the expense of an insignificant loss, and supposed that for a long -time no one would venture to attack the post entrusted to him. - -Unfortunately, the wood ranger was not of the same opinion: each time -the Captain smiled and rubbed his hands at the recollection of some -episode in the fight, Stronghand shook his head sadly, and frowned -anxiously. This was done so frequently, that at last the worthy -Commandant was compelled to take notice of it. - -"What's the matter with you now?" he asked him, with an air half -vexed, half pleased. "You are, on my soul, the most extraordinary man -I know. Nothing satisfies you; you are always in a bad temper. Hang -it! I do not know how to treat you. Did we not give those scoundrels a -remarkable thrashing, eh? Come, answer!" - -"I allow it," the hunter replied laconically. - -"Hum! It is lucky you allow so much. And yet they fought bravely, I -fancy." - -"Yes; and it is that which frightens me." - -"I do not understand you." - -"Was I not giving you important information when we were interrupted by -the Cabo Hernandez?" - -"That is to say, you were going to give it me." - -"Yes; and with your permission, now that we have no fear of being -interrupted for a while, I will impart the news to you." - -"I ask nothing better; although I suppose that the defeat the pirates -have experienced must deprive the news of much of its importance." - -"The pirates play but a very small part in what I have to tell you." - -"Speak, then! I know that you are too earnest a man to try and amuse -yourself at my expense by inspiring me with ridiculous alarm." - -"You shall judge for yourself the perils of the situation in which you -may find yourself at any moment, if you do not employ the greatest -precaution and the most excessive prudence." - -The two men seated themselves on butacas, and the Commandant, who was -more excited than he wished to show by this startling preamble, made -the hunter a sign to commence his revelations. - -"About two months ago," the latter began, "I was at the Presidio of -San Estevan, whither certain personal matters had called me. This -Presidio, which, as you know, is about two days' journey from here, is -very important, and serves to some extent in connecting all the posts -scattered along the Indian border." - -The Captain gave a nod of assent. - -"I am," the hunter continued, "on rather intimate terms with Don -Gregorio Ochova, the Colonel commanding the Presidio, and during my -last stay at San Estevan I had opportunities for seeing him rather -frequently. You know the savageness of my character, and the species of -instinctive repulsion with which anything resembling a town inspires -me; hence, I need hardly say, that no sooner was my business ended than -I made preparations to depart, and, according to my custom, intended -to leave the Presidio at a very early hour. I did not like to go away -without saying good-bye to the Colonel and shaking hands with him; -so I went to his house for the purpose of taking leave. I found him -in a state of extreme agitation, walking up and down, and apparently -affected by a violent passion or great anxiety. On seeing me, he -uttered an exclamation of delight, and ran up to me, exclaiming--" - -"'Oh, Stronghand! Where on earth have you been hiding? I have been -seeking you everywhere for the last two hours, and have put a dozen -soldiers on your heels, who could not possibly find you.'" - -"I looked at the Colonel in surprise." - -"'You were seeking for me, Don Gregorio? I assure you that I was close -to you, and very easy to find.'" - -"'It seems not. But here you are--that is the main point; and I care -little where you were, or what you were doing. Do you think about -making any lengthened stay at San Estevan?'" - -"'No, Colonel,' I answered at once, 'my affairs are settled; I intend -to start at an early hour tomorrow, and I have just come to say -good-bye, and thank you for the hospitality you have shown me during my -stay at the Presidio.'" - -"'Good!' he said eagerly, 'that is all for the best but,' he added, -recollecting himself, and taking my hand in a kindly way, 'do not -suppose that it is my desire to see you depart that makes me speak -thus.'" - -"'I am convinced of the contrary,' I remarked with a bow." - -"He continued,--'You can, Stronghand, do me a great service, if you -will.'" - -"'I am at your command.'" - -"'This is the matter,' he said, at once entering on the business. 'For -some days past, the most alarming reports have been spreading through -the Presidio, though it is impossible to find out their origin.'" - -"'And what may they be?' I asked." - -"'It is said--(notice, I say it is said, and affirm nothing, as I know -nothing positive)--it is said, then, that a general uprising against us -is preparing--that the Indians, laying aside for a moment their private -hatreds, and forgetting their clannish quarrels to think only of the -hereditary hatred they entertain for us, are combining to attempt a -general attack on the posts, which they purpose to destroy, in order -to devastate our borders more freely. Their object is said to be, not -only the destruction of the posts, but also the invasion of several -States, such as Sonora and Sinaloa, in which they intend to establish -themselves permanently after expelling us.'" - -"'The reports are serious,' I remarked, 'but nothing has as yet -happened to confirm their truth.'" - -"'That is true; but you know that there is always a certain amount of -truth in every vague rumour, and it is that truth I should like to -know.'" - -"'Is no nation mentioned by name among those which are to take up -arms?'" - -"'Yes; more particularly the Papayos--that is to say, the grand league -of the Apaches, Axuas, Gilenos, Comanches, Mayos, and Opatas. But the -more serious thing is, always according to the report, that the white -and half-bred marauders on the border are leagued with them, and mean -to help them in their expedition against us.'" - -"'That is really serious,' I answered; 'but, pardon me for questioning -you, Colonel; what do you purpose doing to make head against the -imminent danger that threatens you?'" - -"'That is exactly why I want you, my friend; and you would do me a real -service by assisting me in this affair.'" - -"'I am ready to do anything that depends on myself to oblige you.'" - -"'I was certain of that answer, my friend. This is the matter, then. -You understand that I cannot remain thus surrounded by vague rumours -and terrors that have no apparent cause, but still carry trouble into -families and cause perturbation in trade. During the last few weeks, -especially, various serious events have given a certain consistency -to these rumours--travellers have been murdered, and several valuable -waggon trains plundered, almost at the gates of the Presidio. It is -time for this state of things to cease, and for us to know definitively -the truth or falsehood of the rumours; for this purpose I require a -brave, devoted man, thoroughly acquainted with Indian manners and -customs, who would consent--'" - -"I interrupted him quickly." - -"'I understand what you want, Colonel; seek no further, for I am the -man you stand in need of. Tomorrow at sunrise I will start: and within -two months I pledge myself to give you the most explicit information, -and tell you what you may have to fear, and what truth there is in all -that is being said around you.'" - -"The Colonel thanked me warmly, and the next morning I set out on my -tour of investigation, as we had arranged." - -"Well," the Captain exclaimed, who had followed this long story with -ever increasing interest; "and what information have you picked up?" - -"This information," the hunter answered, "is of a nature far more -serious than even public report had said. The situation is most -critical, and not a moment must be lost in preparing for defence. I was -going to San Estevan, where Colonel Don Gregorio must be awaiting my -return with the utmost impatience, when I thought of seeing whether the -Post of San Miguel, which had been so long unoccupied, had received a -garrison. That is how chance, my dear Captain, made us meet here when I -thought I should see you at the Presidio." - -The Captain shook his head thoughtfully. "A month ago," he said, "Don -Gregorio ordered me to come here and hold my ground, though he did not -inform me of the motives that compelled him so suddenly to place San -Miguel in a state of defence." - -"Well; now you know the reasons." - -"Yes; and I thank you for having told me. But, between ourselves, are -matters so serious as you lead me to suppose?" - -"A hundred times more so. I have traversed the desert in all -directions; I have been present at the meetings of the chiefs--in -a word, I know the most private details of the expedition that is -preparing." - -"_iViva Dios!_ I will not let myself be surprised--be at your ease -about that; but you were right in advising me to ask for help, as my -garrison is too weak to resist a well-arranged assault. This morning's -attack has made me reflect; so I will immediately--" - -"Do not take the trouble," the hunter interrupted him; "I will act as -your express." - -"What! Are you going to leave us at once?" - -"I must, my dear Captain; for I have to give Don Gregorio an account of -the mission he confided to me. Reflect what mortal anxiety he must feel -at not seeing me return." - -"That is true. In spite of the lively pleasure I should feel in keeping -you by me, I am compelled to let you go. When do you start?" - -"This moment." - -"Already?" - -"My horse has rested; there are still five or six hours of daylight -left, and I will take advantage of them?" He made a movement to leave -the room. - -"You have not said good-bye to Don Ruiz and his sister," the Captain -observed. - -The hunter stopped, his brows contracted, and he seemed to be -reflecting. - -"No," he said, ere long, "it would make me lose precious time. You will -make my apologies to them, Captain. Moreover," he added with a bitter -smile, "our acquaintance is not sufficiently long, I fancy, for Don -Ruiz and his sister to attach any great importance to my movements, so -for the last time, good-bye." - -"I will not press you," the Captain answered; "do as you please. Still, -it would have perhaps been more polite to take leave." - -"Nonsense," he said, ironically; "am I not a savage? Why should I -employ that refinement of politeness which is only customary among -civilized people?" - -The Captain contented himself with shrugging his shoulders as an -answer, and they went out. Five minutes later the hunter was mounted. - -"Do not fail to report to the Colonel," Don Marcos said, "what happened -here today; and, above all, ask him for assistance." - -"All right, Captain; and do not you go to sleep." - -"_Caray_--I shall feel no inclination. So now, good-bye, and good luck!" - -"Good-bye, and many thanks." - -They exchanged a last shake of the hand, the hunter galloped out into -the plain, and the Captain returned to his house, muttering to himself. - -"What a strange man! Is he good or bad? Who can say?" - -When the supper hour arrived, the two young people, astonished at the -hunter's absence, asked after him of the captain. When the latter told -them of his departure, they felt grieved and hurt at his having gone -without bidding them farewell; and Dona Mariana especially was offended -at such unaccountable behaviour on the part of a caballero; for which, -in her desire to excuse him, she in vain sought a reason. Still they -did not show their feelings, and the evening passed very pleasantly. - -At the hour for retiring, Don Ruiz, more than ever eager to rejoin -his father, reminded the Captain of the offer of service he had made -him, and asked for an escort, in order to continue his journey on -the morrow; but Don Marcos answered with a peremptory refusal, that -not only would he give no escort, but he insisted on his relations -remaining temporarily under his guard. - -Don Ruiz naturally asked an explanation of his cousin; which he did not -hesitate to give, by telling them of the conversation between himself -and the hunter. Don Ruiz and his sister had been too near death to -expose themselves again to the hazards of a long journey in the desert -alone, and unable to offer any effectual defence against such persons -as thought proper to attack them; still the young man, annoyed at this -new delay, asked the Captain at what period they might hope to regain -their liberty. - -"Oh! Your seclusion will not be long," the latter replied with a -smile; "so soon as I have received the reinforcements I expect from San -Estevan--that is to say, in seven or eight days at the most--I will -pick you out an escort, and you can be off." - -Don Ruiz, forced to satisfy himself with this promise, thanked him -warmly; and the young people made their arrangements to pass the -week in the least wearisome way possible. But life is very dull at a -frontier post, especially when you are expecting a probable attack from -the Indians, and when, consequently, all the gates are kept shut, when -sentries are stationed all around, and the only amusement is to look -out on the plain through the loopholes. - -The Captain, justly alarmed by the news the hunter had given him, had -made the best arrangements his limited resources allowed to resist any -attack from the Indians, if they appeared before the succour arrived -from San Estevan. By his orders all the rancheros and small landowners -established within a radius of fifteen leagues had been warned of an -approaching invasion, and received an invitation to take shelter within -the post. - -The majority, recognising the gravity of this communication, hastened -to pack up their furniture and most valuable articles; and driving -before them their horses and cattle, hurried from all sides at once to -the fort, with a precipitation which proved the profound terror the -Indians inspired them with. In this way, the interior of San Miguel -was soon encumbered with young men and old men, women, and children, -and cattle--most of whom, unable to find lodgings in the houses, were -forced to bivouac in the yards; which, however, was but a trifling -inconvenience to them in a country where it hardly ever rains, and -where the nights are not cold enough to render sleeping in the open air -unpleasant. - -The Captain organized this heterogeneous colony to the best of his -ability. The women, children, and old men were sheltered under tents or -_jacales_ made of branches, to protect them from the copious morning -dew, while all the men capable of bearing arms were exercised, so as in -case of attack to assist in the common defence. - -But this enormous increase of population required an enormous stock -of provisions; and hence the Captain sent out numerous patrols for -the purpose of procuring the required corn and cattle. Don Ruiz took -advantage of this to make excursions in the vicinity; while his sister, -in the company of young girls of her own age, of whom several had -entered the fort with their families, tried to forget, or rather cheat, -the weariness of their seclusion. - -The appearance of the post had completely changed; and, thanks to the -Captain's intelligence, ten days after the hunter's departure San -Miguel had become a really formidable fortress. Large trenches had been -dug, and barricades erected; but, unfortunately, the garrison, though -numerous enough to resist a sudden attack, was too weak to sustain a -long siege. - -One morning, at sunrise, the sentries signalized a thick cloud of dust -advancing towards the post with the headlong speed of a whirlwind. The -alarm was immediately given; the walls were lined with soldiers; and -preparations were made to resist these men, who, though invisible, were -supposed to be enemies. - -Suddenly, on coming within gunshot, the horsemen halted, the dust -dispersed, and the garrison perceived with delight that all these men -wore the Mexican uniform. A quarter of an hour later, eighty lanceros, -each carrying an infantry man behind him, entered the fort, amid the -deafening shouts of the garrison and the farmers who had sought refuge -behind the walls. It was the succour requested by the Captain, and -sent off from San Estevan by Colonel Don Gregorio. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -A GLANCE AT THE PAST. - - -In Spanish America, and especially in Peru and Mexico, all the Creoles -of the pure white breed pretend to be descended in a straight line -from the first Conquistadors. We have no need to discuss this claim, -whose falsehood is visible to any man at all conversant with the -sanguinary history of the numberless civil wars--a species of organized -massacre--which followed the establishment of the Spaniards in these -rich countries. - -Still there are in America some families, very few in number it is -true, which can justly boast of this glorious origin. Most of these -families live on the estates conceded to their ancestors--they only -marry among themselves, and only interfere against the grain in the -political events of the day. With their eyes turned to the past, -which is so full of great memories for them, they have kept up the -old traditions of the chivalrous loyalty of the time of Charles V., -which are forgotten everywhere else. They maintain the national honour -unsullied, and those patriarchal virtues of the old time which they -alone still practise with a proud and simple majesty. - -The Creoles, half-breeds, and Indians, in spite of the hatred they -affect for their old masters, and the principles of so-called -republican equality which they profess with such absurd emphasis in -the presence of strangers, feel for these families a respect bordering -on veneration; for they seem to understand inwardly the superiority of -these powerful natures, which no political convulsion has been able to -level or even bind, over their own vicious decrepit natures, which have -grown old without ever having been young. - -A few leagues from Arispe, the old capital of the Intendancy of Sonora, -but now greatly fallen, and only a second-class city, there stands like -an eagle's nest, on the summit of an abrupt rock, a magnificent showy -mansion, whose strong and haughty walls are crowned with _Almenas_, -which at the time of the Spanish conquest were only permitted to -families of the old and pure nobility, and they alone had the right to -have battlements on their houses. - -This fortress-palace--which dates from the first days of the conquest, -and whose antiquity is written on its walls, which have seen so many -bullets flatten, so many arrows break against them, but which time, -that grand destroyer of the most solid things, is gradually crumbling -away by a continuous effort, under the triple influences of the air, -the sun, and rain--has never changed masters since the day of its -construction, and the chiefs of the same family, on dying, have ever -left it to their descendants. - -This family is one of those to which we just now referred, whose -origin dates back to the first conquerors, and whose name is Tobar de -Moguer--(Moguer was added at a later date, doubtless in memory of the -Spanish town whence the chief of the family came.) - -In 1541, Don Antonio de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain, organized -the expedition to Cibola, a mysterious country, visited a few years -previously by Alvaro Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, and about which the most -marvellous and extraordinary reports were spread, all the better suited -to inflame the avarice and unextinguishable thirst for gold by which -the Spanish adventurers were devoured. - -The expedition, consisting of 300 Spaniards and 800 Indian allies, -started from Compostela, the capital of New Galicia, on April 17, 1541, -under the orders of Don Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. The officers -nominated by the Viceroy were all gentlemen of distinction; among them -as standard bearer was Don Pedro de Tobar, whose father, Don Fernando -de Tobar, had been Majordomo-Major in the reign of Jane the Mad, mother -of the Emperor Charles V. - -We will only say a few words about this expedition, the preparations -for which were immense; and which would have doubtless furnished better -results, and proved to the advantage of all, had the chief thought less -of the immense fortune he left behind in New Spain, and more of the -immense responsibility weighing upon him. - -After innumerable fatigues, the expedition reached Cibola, which, -instead of being the rich and magnificent city they expected to see, -was only a wretched insignificant village, built on a rock, and which -the Spaniards seized after an hour's fighting. Still, the Indians -defended themselves bravely, and several Spaniards were wounded. The -General himself, hurled down by a stone, would have been infallibly -killed, had it not been for the devotion of Don Pedro de Tobar and -another officer, who threw themselves before him, and gave their chief -time to rise and withdraw from the fight. - -The Spaniards, half discouraged by the extraordinary fatigue they were -forced to endure, and the continual deceptions that awaited them at -every step, but still urged on by that spirit of adventure which never -deserted them, resolved after the capture of Cibola to push further -on and try their fortunes once again. Thus they reached, with extreme -difficulty, the last country visited by Cabeza de Vaca, to which he had -given the name of the Land of Hearts (Tierra de los Corazones)--not, -as might be supposed, because the inhabitants had seemed so gentle and -amiable, but solely because, at the period of his passing, the only -food they offered him had been stags' hearts. - -On reaching this place the Spaniards halted. Don Tristan de Arellano, -who had taken the command of the army in place of Don Francisco -Coronado, who was ailing from the wound received at Cibola, seeing the -rich and fertile appearance of this country, resolved to found a town, -which he called San Hieronima de los Corazones. This town was, however, -almost immediately abandoned by the Spaniards, who carried the various -elements further, and started a new town, to which they gave the name -of Senora, afterwards corrupted into Sonora, which eventually became -the name of the province. - -During this long expedition Don Pedro de Tobar distinguished himself -on several occasions. At the head of seventeen horsemen, four foot -soldiers, and a Franciscan monk of the name of Fray Juan de Padella -who in his youth had been a soldier, Don Pedro de Tobar discovered the -province of Tutaliaco, which contained several towns, the houses being -of several storeys. All these towns, or rather villages, were carried -by storm by Don Pedro, and the province was subjugated in a few days. - -When, twenty years after, the Viceroy wishing to recompense Don -Pedro's services, offered him estates, the latter, who held Senora -in pleasant recollection, asked that land should be granted him in -this province, which reminded him of the prowess of his youth, and -to which he was attached by the very fatigues he had undergone and -the dangers he had incurred. During the twenty years that had elapsed -since Coronado's expedition, Don Pedro had married the daughter of Don -Rodrigo Maldonado, brother-in-law of the Duke of Infantado, and one -of his old comrades in arms. As Don Rodrigo had settled in Sonora, -Don Pedro, in order to be near him, took up his abode on the site of -Cibola, which had long been destroyed and abandoned, and built on the -crest of the rock the magnificent Hacienda del Toro, which, as we have -said, remained for centuries in the family, with the immense estates -dependent on it. - -Like all first-class haciendas in Mexico, El Toro was rather a town -than a simple habitation, according to the idea formed in Europe of -private estates. It comprised all the old territory of Cibola. On all -sides its lofty walls, built on the extremity of the rock, hung over -the abyss. It contained princely apartments for the owners, a chapel, -workshops of every description, storehouses, barracks, quarters for the -pious, and corrals for the horses and cattle, with an immense _huerta_, -planted with the finest trees and the most fragrant flowers. In a word, -it was, and probably still is, one of those gigantic abodes which -appear built for Titans, and of which the finest feudal chateaux in the -Old World offer but an imperfect idea. - -The fact is, that at the time when the conquerors built these vast -residences, inhabitants were sparse in these countries, as is indeed -the case now. The owners having their elbows at liberty, could take -what land they liked, and hence each ultimately became, without -creating any surprise, possessors of a territory equal in size to one -of our counties. - -It was in 1811, twenty-nine years before the period when our story -begins, at the dawn of that glorious Mexican revolution the first -cry of which had been raised on the night of September 16, 1810, by -Hidalgo--at that time a simple parish priest in the wretched town of -Dolores, and whose success, sixteen months later, was so compromised -by the disastrous battle of Calderon, in which countless bands of -fantastic Indians were broken by the discipline of the old Spanish -troops--that the most sensible men regarded it as an unimportant -insurrection--a fatal error which caused the ruin of the Spanish -domination. - -But on November 25, 1811, the day on which we begin this narrative, the -insurgents had not yet been conquered at Calderon; on the contrary, -their first steps had been marked by successes; from all sides Indians -came to range themselves beneath their banner, and their army, badly -disciplined, it is true, but full of enthusiasm, amounted to 80,000 -men. Already master of several important towns, Hidalgo assembled -all his forces with the evident design of dealing a great blow, and -generalizing the insurrection, which had hitherto been confined to two -provinces. - -About two in the afternoon, that is to say, the time when in these -climes the heat is most oppressive, a horseman, mounted on a -magnificent mustang, was following at a gallop the banks of a small -stream, half dried up by the torrid heat of the southern sun, and by -whose side a few sickly cottonwood trees were withering. - -The dust, reduced to impalpable atoms, formed a dense cloud round the -horseman, who, plunged into sad and gloomy thought, with pale forehead -and brows contracted till they touched, continued his journey without -noticing the desolate aspect of the country he was traversing, and the -depressing calm that prevailed around him. In fact, an utter silence -brooded over this desert: the birds had hidden themselves gasping -under the foliage, and no other sound could be heard save the shrill, -harsh cry of the grasshoppers, which occupied in countless myriads -the calcine grass that bordered the road, or rather the track, the -traveller was following. - -This rider appeared to be about twenty-five years of age; his features -were handsome, his glance proud, and the expression of his face -haughty, although marked with kindness and courtesy. He was tall and -well built; his gestures, which were pleasing, though not stiff, -indicated a man who, through his position in the world, was accustomed -to a certain deference, and to win the respect of those who surrounded -him. His dress had nothing remarkable about it: it was that usually -worn by wealthy Spaniards when travelling; still, a short sword in a -silver sheath and with a curiously carved hilt, the only weapon he -openly carried, showed him to be a gentleman; besides, his complexion, -clearer than that of the Creoles, left no doubt as to his Spanish -origin. - -This horseman, who had left Arispe at sunrise, had been travelling, up -to the moment we join him, without stopping or appearing to notice the -stifling heat that made the perspiration run down his cheek--so deep -was he in thought. On reaching a spot where the track he was following -turned sharply to the left, his horse suddenly stopped. The rider, thus -aroused from his reverie, raised his head and looked before him, with -grief, almost despair, in his glance. - -He was at the foot of the rock on the summit of which stands the -Hacienda del Toro in all its gloomy majesty. For some minutes he gazed -with an expression of regret and sorrow at these frowning buildings, -which doubtless recalled happy memories. He shook his head several -times, a sigh escaped from his overburdened chest, and, seemed to form -a supreme resolution, he said, in a choking voice, "I will go;" and -letting his horse feel the spur, he began slowly scaling the narrow -path that led to the summit of the rock and the hacienda gate. A -violent contest seemed to be going on in his mind: his flexible face -changed each moment, and reflected the various feelings that agitated -him; several times his clenched hand drew up the bridle, as if he -wished to check his horse and turn back. But each time his will was -the more powerful; he constantly overcame the instinctive repugnance -that seemed to govern him, and he continued his ascent, with his eyes -constantly looking ahead, as if he expected to see someone whose -presence he feared come round an angle of the track. But he did not see -a soul the whole way. - -When he reached the hacienda gate, it was open, and the drawbridge -lowered; but though he was evidently expected, there was no one to bid -him welcome. - -"It must be so," he murmured sadly. "I return to my paternal roof, not -as a master, but as a stranger, a fugitive--an accursed man, perhaps." - -He crossed the drawbridge, the planks of which re-echoed his horse's -footfall, and entered the first courtyard. Here, too, there was no one -to greet him. He dismounted; but instead of throwing the bridle on -his horse's neck, he held it in his hand and fastened it to a ring in -the wall, saying, in a low, concentrated voice--"Wait for me, my poor -Bravo; you, too, are regarded as an accursed one: be patient; we shall -doubtless soon set out again." - -The noble animal as if understanding its master's words and sharing in -his grief, turned its delicate, intelligent head toward him, and gave a -soft and plaintive whine. The young man after giving a parting glance -at his steed, crossed the first yard with a firm and resolute step, and -entered a second one considerably larger. At the end of this court two -men were standing motionless on the first step of a magnificent marble -staircase, apparently leading to the apartments of the master of the -hacienda. - -On seeing these two men, the young horseman drew himself up; his face -assumed a gloomy and ironical expression, and he walked rapidly toward -them. They still remained motionless and stiff, with their eyes fixed -on him. When he was but a few paces from them, they uncovered by an -automatic movement, and bowed ceremoniously. - -"The Marquis is waiting for you, Senor Conde," one of them said. - -"Very good," the strange visitor answered; "one of you can announce my -arrival to his lordship my father, while the other will guide me to the -apartment where I am expected." - -The two men bowed a second time, and with heads still uncovered, -preceded the young man, who followed with a firm and measured tread. -On reaching the top of the steps, one of the servants hurried forward, -while the second, slightly checking his speed, continued to guide the -horseman. When the footsteps of the first man died out in the immense -corridors, the face of the second one suddenly lost its indifferent -expression, and he turned round, his eyes full of tears. - -"Oh, my young master!" he said, in a voice broken by emotion, "What a -misfortune! Oh, Heavens! What a misfortune!" - -"What?" the young man asked anxiously; "Has anything happened to the -marquis? Or is my lady mother ill?" - -The old servant shook his head sadly. "No," he answered; "Heaven be -blessed! Both are in good health: but why did you leave the paternal -mansion, your lordship? Alas! Now the misfortune is irremediable." - -A cloud of dissatisfaction flitted across the young man's forehead. - -"What has happened so terrible during my absence, Perote?" - -"Does not your Excellency know?" the servant asked in amazement. - -"How should I know, my friend?" he answered, mildly. "Have you -forgotten that I have been absent from the hacienda for two years?" - -"That is true, Excellency;--forgive me, I had forgotten it. Alas! Since -the misfortune has burst upon us, my poor head has been so bad." - -"Recover yourself, my good fellow," the young man said, kindly. "I know -how much you love me. You have not forgotten," he added, with a bitter -sorrow, "that your wife, poor Juana, nourished me with her milk. I know -nothing; am even ignorant why my father ordered me so suddenly to come -hither. The servant who handed me the letter was doubtless unable to -tell anything, and, indeed, I should not have liked to question him." - -"Alas! Excellency," the old servant continued, "I am myself ignorant -why you have been summoned to the hacienda; but Hernando, he may know." - -"Ah!" said the young man, with a nervous start, "My brother is here, -then?" - -"Did you not know it?" - -"Have I not already told you that I am utterly ignorant of everything -connected with this house?" - -"Yes, yes, Excellency. Don Hernando is here, and has been here a long -time. Heaven guard me from saying anything against my master's son; -but perhaps it would have been better had he remained at Guadalajara, -for all has greatly changed since his arrival. Take care, Sir, for Don -Hernando does not love you." - -"What do I care for my brother's hatred?" the young man answered -haughtily. "Am I not the elder son?" - -"Yes, yes," the old servant repeated, sadly, "you are the elder son; -and yet your brother commands here as master. Since his arrival, it -seems as if everything belonged to him already." - -The young man let his head sink on his chest, and remained for some -minutes crushed; but he soon drew himself up, with flashing eye, and -gently laid his hand on the old servant's shoulder. - -"Perote," he said to him affectionately, "what is the motto of my -family?" - -"What do you mean, Excellency?" the manservant asked, startled at the -singular question his master asked him. - -"You do not remember it," the young man continued, with a smile, as he -pointed to an escutcheon over a door. "Well; look, what do you read -there?" - -"What does your Excellency want?" - -"Read--read, I tell you." - -"You know that motto better than I do, as it was given to one of your -ancestors by King Don Ferdinand of Castile himself." - -"Yes, Perote, I know it," he replied, in a firm voice; "and since you -will not read it, I will repeat it to you. The motto is: 'Everything -for honour, no matter what may happen.' That motto dictates my conduct -to me; and be assured, Perote, that I will not fail in what it orders -me." - -"Oh, your Excellency, once again take care. I am only a poor servant of -your family, but I saw you born, and I tremble as to what may happen in -the coming interview." - -"Do not be anxious, my old friend," he answered, with an expression of -haughty pride, full of nobleness. "Whatever may happen, I will remember -not only what I owe to the memory of my ancestors, but also what I owe -to myself; and, without going beyond the limits of that obedience and -respect those who gave me birth have a right to, I shall be able to -defend myself against the accusations which will doubtless be brought -against me." - -"Heaven grant, Sir, that you may succeed in dissipating the unjust -suspicions so long gathering in the minds of your noble parents, and -carefully kept up by the man who, during your lifetime, dares to look -with an eye of covetousness on your rich inheritance." - -"What do I care for this inheritance?" the young man exclaimed, -passionately. "I would gladly abandon it entirely to my brother, if he -would cease to rob me of a more precious property, which I esteem a -hundred times higher--the love of my father and my mother." - -Old Perote only answered with a sigh. - -"But," the young man continued, "let us not delay any longer. His -lordship must be informed of my arrival; and the slight eagerness -I seem to display in proceeding to him and obeying his orders will -probably be interpreted to my injury by the man who has for so many -years conspired my ruin." - -"Yes, you are right: we have delayed too long as it is; come, follow -me." - -"Where are you taking me?" the young man remarked. "My father's -apartments are not situated in this part of the hacienda." - -"I am not leading your Excellency to them," he answered, sorrowfully. - -"Where to, then?" he asked, stopping in surprise. - -"To the Red Room," the old servant remarked in a low voice. - -"Oh!" the young man muttered; "Then my condemnation is about to be -pronounced." - -Perote only answered by a sigh; and his young master, after a moment's -hesitation, made him a sign to go on; and he silently followed him, -with a slow step that had something almost solemn in it. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE FAMILY TRIBUNAL. - - -The Hacienda del Toro, like many feudal mansions, contained one room -which remained constantly closed, and was only opened on solemn -occasions. The head of the family was conveyed there to die, and -remained on a bed of state till the day of his funeral: and the wife -was confined there. There, too, marriage contracts were signed. In a -word, all the great acts of life were performed in this room, which -inspired the inhabitants of the hacienda with a respect greatly -resembling terror; for on the few occasions on which the Marquises de -Tobar found themselves compelled to punish any member of their family, -it served as the tribunal where the culprit was tried and sentence -pronounced. - -This room, situated at the end of the hacienda, was a large hall of -oblong shape, paved with alternate large black and white slabs, and -lighted by four lofty windows, which only allowed a gloomy and doubtful -light to penetrate. - -Tapestry, dating from the fourteenth century, and representing with all -the simplicity of the age the different episodes of the mournful battle -of Xeres--which delivered Spain to the Moors, and in which Don Rodrigo, -the last Gothic king, was killed--covered the walls, and imprinted an -indescribable character of sepulchral majesty on this cold and mournful -hall, which was probably called the "Red Room" from the prevalence of -that colour in the tapestry work. - -The young Count de Tobar had never entered this room since the day of -his birth; and, however far back his thoughts reverted in childhood, -he never remembered to have seen it open. Hence, in spite of all his -courage, and the firmness with which he had thought it wise to arm -himself for this decisive interview with his father, he could not -restrain a slight start of fear on learning that his parents were -prepared to receive him there. - -The folding doors were open, and on reaching the threshold the young -man took in the room at a single glance. At one end, on a dais covered -with a petate, the Marquis and Marchioness of Tobar were seated, -gloomy and silent, beneath a canopy of black velvet with gold fringe -and tassels. Candles, lit in tall, many-branched candelabra, in order -to overcome the habitual gloom of the room, threw their flickering -light on the aged couple, and imparted to their faces an expression of -sternness and harshness that probably did not belong to them. - -At the foot of the dais, and almost touching it, stood a young man of -three or four-and-twenty, with handsome and distinguished features, -whose elegant attire contrasted with the simple dress of the aged -couple: this gentleman was Don Hernando de Tobar, younger son of the -Marquis. A footman, the same who had preceded the Count in order to -announce his arrival to his master, took a step forward on perceiving -the young man. - -"El Senor Conde, Don Rodolfo de Tobar y Moguer," he said, in a loud and -marked voice. - -"Show in the Count," the Marquis said, in a voice which, though broken, -was still powerful. - -The manservant discreetly retired, and the door closed upon him. The -Count walked up to the foot of the dais: on reaching it, he bowed a -second time, then drew himself up, and respectfully awaited till it -pleased his father to address him. - -So profound a silence prevailed for some minutes in the room, that -the hearts of the four persons might have been heard beating in their -bosoms. Don Hernando took cunning side-glances at his brother, whom -the aged couple examined with a mixture of sadness and severity. - -The young Count, as we said, was standing motionless in front of the -dais. His posture was full of nobility, without being in any way -provocative: with his right foot in front, his hand on his sword guard, -and the other holding his hat, whose long feather swept the ground, and -his head slightly thrown back, he looked straight before him, without -any display of arrogance or disdain. He waited, with a brow rather -pale, it is true, owing to the internal emotions he felt; but the -expression of his features, far from being that of a culprit, was, on -the contrary, that of a man convinced of his innocence, and who expects -to see his conduct approved rather than blamed. - -"You have arrived, then, Senor Conde," the Marquis at length said, -sharply. - -The young man bowed, but did not answer. - -"You did not display any great eagerness in obeying my invitation." - -"My lord, I only received very late last night the letter you did me -the honour to send me," the Count answered, gently. "This morning -before sunrise I mounted my horse, and rode twenty leagues without -stopping, so anxious was I to obey you." - -"Yes," the Marquis said, ironically, "I know that; for you are a most -obedient son--in words, if not otherwise." - -"Excuse me, my lord," he replied, respectfully, "but I do not -understand to what you deign to allude at this moment." - -The old gentleman bit his lips angrily. "It is because we probably no -longer speak the same language, Senor Conde," he said, drily; "but I -will try to make myself better understood." - -There was a silence, during which the Marquis seemed to be reflecting. - -"You are the elder son of the family, sir," he presently continued, -"and, as such, responsible for its honour, which your ancestors handed -down to you unsullied. You are aware of this, I presume?" - -"I am, my lord." - -"Since your birth your sainted mother and myself have striven to place -before you only examples of loyalty; during your childhood we took -pleasure in training you in all the chivalrous virtues which for a long -succession of centuries have been the dearest appanage of the race of -worthies from whom you are descended. We continuously kept before your -eyes the noble motto of our family, of which it is so justly proud. -How is it, then, sir, that, suddenly forgetting what you owe to our -care and the lessons you received from us, you suddenly, without your -mother's permission or mine, abandoned without any plausible motive -the paternal roof, and that, deaf to the remonstrances and tearful -entreaties of your mother, and rebellious against my orders, you have -so completely separated your life from ours, that, with the exception -of the name you continue to bear, you have become a perfect stranger?" - -"My lord!" the young man stammered. - -"It is not an accusation I bring against you, Don Rodolfo," the Marquis -continued, quickly; "but I expect a frank and honourable explanation -of your conduct. But, take care; the explanation must be clear and -unreserved." - -"My lord," the Count answered, throwing up his head proudly, "my heart -reproaches me with nothing: my conduct has been ever worthy of the -name I have the honour to bear. My object, in obeying your orders so -eagerly, has not been to justify myself, as I am not guilty of any -fault, but to assure you of my respect and obedience." - -An incredulous smile played round Don Hernando's month, and the Marquis -continued with the same tone of frigid sternness-- - -"I expected another answer from you, sir. I hoped to find you eagerly -seize the opportunity my kindness offered you to justify yourself in my -sight." - -"My lord," the young man replied, respectfully but firmly, "in order -that the justification you demand may be possible, I must know the -charges brought against me." - -"I will not press this subject for the present, sir; but since, as you -say, you profess such great respect for my orders, I wish to give you -an immediate opportunity to prove your obedience to me." - -"Oh, speak, father!" the Count exclaimed, warmly; "Whatever you may ask -of me--" - -"Do not be overhasty in pledging yourself, sir," the Marquis coldly -interrupted him, "before you know what I am about to ask of you." - -"I shall be so happy to prove to you how far from my heart are the -intentions attributed to me." - -"Be it so, sir. I thank you for those excellent feelings; hence I will -not delay in telling you what you must do to reinstate yourself in my -good graces." - -"Speak,--speak, my lord!" - -The old man, cold and impassive, still regarded his son with the same -stern look. The Marchioness, restrained by her husband's presence, -fixed on the young man's eyes filled with tears, without daring, poor -mother, to interfere on his behalf. Don Hernando smiled cunningly -aside. As for Don Rodolfo, his father's last words had filled him with -fear; and in spite of the pleasure he affected, he trembled inwardly, -for he instinctively suspected a snare beneath this pretended kindness. - -"My son," the Marquis continued, with a slight tinge of sadness in his -voice, "your mother and I are growing old. Years count double at our -age, and each step brings us nearer the tomb, which will soon open for -us." - -"Oh, father!" Don Rodolfo exclaimed. - -"Do not interrupt me, my son," the Marquis continued, with a commanding -gesture. "You are our firstborn, the hope of our name and race; you -are four-and-twenty years of age; you are handsome, well built, -instructed by us in all the duties of a gentleman; in short, you are an -accomplished cavalier, of whom we have just reason to be proud." - -The Marquis paused for a little while. Don Rodolfo felt himself -growing more and more pale. His eyes turned wildly to his mother, who -sorrowfully bowed her head, in order that his anxious glance might not -meet hers. He was beginning to understand what sacrifice his father was -about to demand of his filial obedience, and he trembled with terror -and despair. The old man continued, in a firm and more marked voice-- - -"Your mother and I, my son, may be called away soon to appear before -the Lord; but as I do not wish to repose in the tomb without having -the satisfaction of knowing that our name will not die with us, but be -continued in our grandchildren--this desire, which I have several times -made known to you, my son, the moment has now arrived to realise; and -by marrying, you can secure the tranquillity of the few days still left -us to spend on this earth." - -"Father--" - -"Oh, re-assure yourself, Count," the old gentleman continued, -pretending to misunderstand his son's meaning. "I do not intend to -force on you one of those marriages in which a couple, united against -their wish, only too soon hate one another through the instinctive -aversion they feel. No; the wife I intend for you has been chosen by -your mother and myself with the greatest care. She is young, lovely, -rich, and of a nobility almost equal to ours;--in a word, she combines -all the qualities necessary not only to render you happy, but also to -revive the brilliancy of our house and impart a fresh lustre to it." - -"Father!" Don Rodolfo stammered again. - -"My son!" the Marquis continued, with a proud intonation in his voice, -as if the name he was about to utter must remove all scruples; "my son, -be happy, for you are about to marry Dona Aurelia de la Torre Azul, -cousin in the fifth degree to the Marquis del Valle." - -"Oh, my son!" the Marchioness added entreatingly "this alliance, which -your father so dearly desires, will soothe my last days." - -The young man was of livid pallor. He tottered, his eyes wandered -hesitatingly around, and his hand, powerfully pressed to his heart, -seemed trying to stifle its beating. - -"You know my will, sir," the Marquis continued, not appearing to -perceive his unhappy son's condition. "I hope that you will soon -conform to it: and now, as you must be fatigued after a long ride in -the great heat of the day, withdraw to your apartments. Tomorrow, when -you have rested, we will consult as to the means of introducing you to -your future wife as soon as possible." - -After uttering these words, in the same cold and peremptory tone he -employed during the whole interview, the Marquis prepared to rise. - -By an effort over himself the young count succeeded in repressing the -storm that was raging in his heart. Affecting a tranquillity he was far -from feeling, he took a step forward, and bowed respectfully to the -Marquis. - -"Pardon me, my lord," he said, in a voice which emotion involuntarily -caused to tremble, "but may I say a few words now?" - -The old gentleman frowned. - -"Did I not say tomorrow, sir?" he answered drily. - -"Yes, my lord," the young man answered, sadly; "but, alas! If you do -not consent to listen to me today, tomorrow may be too late." - -"Ah!" said the Marquis, biting his lips with a passion that was -beginning to break out, "And for what reason, sir?" - -"Because, father," the young man said, firmly, "tomorrow I shall have -left this house never to reenter it." - -The Marquis gave him a thundering look from under his grey eyelashes. - -"Ah, ah!" he exclaimed, "Then I was not deceived; what I have been told -is really true." - -"What have you been told?" - -"Do you wish to know?" the old gentleman exclaimed, furiously. "After -all, you are right; it is time that this pitiable farce should end." - -"Sir,--sir!" the Marchioness said, with deep grief, "remember that he -is your son--your firstborn!" - -"Silence, madam!" the old man said, harshly; "This rebellious son has -played with us long enough; the hour of punishment has pealed, and, by -Heaven! It shall be terrible and exemplary." - -"In God's name, sir," the Marchioness continued, "do not be inexorable -to your child. Let me speak to him; perhaps you are too harsh with -him, although you love him. I am his mother; I will convince him, and -induce him to carry out your wishes: a mother can find words in her -heart to soften her son, and make him understand that he ought not to -reject his father's orders." - -The old man seemed to hesitate for a moment, but immediately recovered. - -"Why should I consent to what you ask, madam?" he replied, with a -roughness mingled with pity; "Do you not know that the sole quality, -or rather the sole vice, of his race which this rebellious son has -retained is obstinacy? You will get nothing from him." - -"Oh, permit me to say, sir," the old lady continued, in a suppliant -voice, "he is my son as well as yours. In the name of that love and -that unswerving obedience you have ever found in me, I beseech you -to let me make a final attempt to break his resistance, and lead him -penitent to your feet." - -"And then, my lord," Don Hernando, who had hitherto remained an -apparent stranger to all that was taking place, remarked in a mocking -voice, "perhaps we are mistaken; do not condemn my brother without -hearing him; he is too good a gentleman, and of too old a family, to -have committed the faults of which he is accused." - -"That is well, Hernando; I am delighted thus to hear you undertake your -brother's defence," said the old lady, smiling through her tears, and -deceived by his words. - -"Certainly, mother; I love my brother too dearly," the young man said -ironically, "to let him be accused without proof. That Rodolfo has -seduced the daughter of the principal Cacique of the Opatas and made -her his mistress is evident, and known to all the world as true, but -it is of very little consequence. But what I will never believe until -it is proved to me is, that he has married this creature, any more -than I will put faith in the calumnies that represent him not only -as one of the intimate friends of the Curate Hidalgo, but also as one -of his most active and influential partisans in this province. No; a -thousand times No! A gentleman of the name and blood of Tobar knows -too well what honour demands to commit such infamy! Acting so would -be utter apostasy, and complete forgetfulness of all that a noble -Castilian owes to himself, his ancestors, and that honour of which he -is only the holder. Come, Rodolfo; come, my brother, raise your head: -confound the calumniators: give a solemn denial to those who have dared -to sully your reputation! One word from you, but one that proves your -perfect innocence, and the storm unjustly aroused against you will -be dispersed; my father will open his arms to you, and all will be -forgotten." - -During this speech, whose deep perfidy the Count recognised, he -was suffering from extreme emotion. At the first words his brother -uttered, he started as if he felt the sting of a viper; but gradually -his anger had made way for contempt in his heart; and it was with a -smile of crushing disdain that he listened to the emphatic and mocking -conclusion. - -"Well, my son," the marquis said, "you see everybody defends you here, -while I alone accuse you! What will you answer to prove your innocence -to me?" - -"Nothing, father!" the young man said, coolly. - -"Nothing?" the old gentleman repeated, angrily. - -"No, father!" he continued; "because, if I attempted to justify myself, -you would not listen to me; and that, supposing you consented to listen -to me, you would not comprehend me. Oh! Do not mistake my meaning," he -said, on seeing the Marquis about to speak; "you would not understand -me, father, not through want of intellect, but through pride. Proud of -your name and the privileges it gives, you are accustomed to judge men -and things from a peculiar point of view, and understand honour in your -own fashion." - -"Are there two sorts of honour, then?" the Marquis exclaimed, -involuntarily. - -"No, father," Don Rodolfo answered, calmly, "there is only one; but -there are two ways of comprehending it: and my brother, who a moment -back told you without incurring your disapproval that a gentleman had -the right to abuse the love of a maiden and make her his mistress, -but that the honour of his name would forbid him marrying her, seems -to me to have studied the point thoroughly, and is better able than I -to discuss it. As you said yourself, father, we must come to an end. -Well, be it so. I will not attempt to continue an impossible struggle -with you. When I received orders to come to you, I knew I was condemned -beforehand, and yet I obediently attended your summons; it was because -my resolution was irrevocably formed. What am I reproached with? Having -married the daughter of an Indian Cacique? It is true; I avow openly -that I have done so: her birth is perhaps as good as mine, but most -certainly her heart is greater. What is the next charge--that I am a -friend of the Curate Hidalgo, and one of his firmest adherents? That -is also true; and I am happy and proud of this friendship: I glory in -these aspirations for liberty with which you reproach me as a crime. -Descendants of the first conquerors of Mexico, this land, discovered -and subjugated by our fathers, has become our country; for the last -three centuries we have not been Spaniards, but Mexicans. The hour has -at length arrived for us to shake off the yoke of this self-called -country, which has so long been battening on our blood and tears, and -enriching itself with our gold. In speaking thus to you, my venerated -father, my heart is broken, for Heaven is my witness that I have a -profound respect and love for you. I know that I am invoking on my head -all the weight of your anger, and that anger will be terrible! But, in -my sorrow, one sublime hope is left to me. Faithful to the motto of our -ancestors, I have done everything for honour; my conscience is calm; -and some day--soon, perhaps--you will forgive me, for you will see that -I have not failed in fealty." - -"Never!" the Marquis shouted in a voice the more terrible because the -constraint he had been forced to place on himself, in order to hear his -son's speech to the end, had been so great. "Begone! I no longer know -you! You are no longer my son! Begone!--villain! I give you my--" - -"Oh!" the Marchioness shrieked, as she threw herself into his arms, -"Do not curse him, sir! Do not add that punishment to the one you have -inflicted on him. The unhappy boy is already sufficiently punished. No -one has the right to curse him; a father less than any other--for in -that case it is God who avenges." - -The Marquis stood for a moment silent and gloomy, then stretched out -his arms to his son, and shook his head sadly. - -"Begone!" he said in a hollow voice. "May God watch over you--for -henceforth you have no family. Farewell!" - -The young man pale and trembling, bent beneath the weight of this -sentence; then rose and tottered out of the room without saying a word. - -"My son!--My son!" the Marchioness exclaimed in a heart-rending voice. - -The implacable old man quickly stopped her at the moment when, -half-mad with grief, she was rushing from the dais, and pointed to Don -Hernando, who was bowing hypocritically to her. - -"You have only one son, madam," he said, in a harsh voice, "and that -son is here." - -The Marchioness uttered a cry of despair, and, crushed with grief, fell -senseless at her husband's feet; who, also overcome in this fearful -struggle of pride of race against paternal love, sank into a chair and -buried his face in his hands, while a mighty sob escaped from his bosom. - -Don Hernando had rushed after his brother, not for the purpose of -consoling or bringing him back, but solely not to let the joy be -seen which covered his face at this mournful scene, all the fearful -incidents in which he had been so long preparing with feline patience. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE TWO BROTHERS. - - -After quitting the Red Room, Don Rodolfo, under the weight of the -condemnation pronounced against him, with broken heart and burning head -had rushed onwards, flying the paternal anger, and resolved to leave -the hacienda as quickly as possible, never to return to it. His horse -was still in the first yard, where he had tied it up. The young man -went up to it, seized the bridle, and placed his foot in the stirrup. -At the same moment a hand was laid on his shoulder--Don Rodolfo turned -as if seared with a hot iron. His brother was standing before him. - -A feverish redness suffused his face; his hands closed, and his eyes -flashed lightning; but at once extinguishing the fire of his glance and -affecting a forced calmness, he said, in a firm voice-- - -"What do you want brother?" - -"To press your hand before your departure, Rodolfo," the young man -said, with a whining voice. - -Rodolfo looked at him for a moment with an expression of profound -disdain, then unhooking the sword that hung at his side, he handed it -to his brother. - -"There, Hernando," he said, ironically, "it is only right that, since -you will henceforth bear the name and honour of our family, this sword -should revert to you. You desired my inheritance, and success has -crowned your efforts." - -"Brother," the young man stammered. - -"I am not reproaching you," Don Rodolfo continued, haughtily. "Enjoy -in peace those estates you have torn from me. May Heaven grant that -the burden may not appear to you some day too heavy, and that the -recollection of the deed you have done may not poison your last years. -Henceforth we shall never meet again on this earth. Farewell!" And -letting the sword he had offered his brother fall on the ground, he -leaped on his horse and went off at full speed, without even giving a -parting glance at those walls which had seen his birth, and from which -he was now eternally banished. Don Hernando stood for a moment with -hanging head and pale face, crushed by the shame and consciousness -of the bad action he had not feared to commit. Already remorse was -beginning to prey on him. At length, when the galloping of the horse -had died away in the distance, he raised his eyes, wiped away the -perspiration that inundated his face, and picked up the sword lying at -his feet. - -"Poor Rodolfo!" he muttered, stifling a sigh; "I am very guilty." - -And he slowly returned to the hacienda. Count Don Rodolfo de Moguer -kept the word he had given his brother: he never reappeared. Nothing -was ever heard of him, and his intimate friends never saw him again -after his journey to the hacienda, nor knew what had become of him. The -next year, a few Indians who escaped from the massacre at the bridge -of Calderon, when Hidalgo was defeated by the Spanish General Calleja, -spread the report that Don Rodolfo, who during the whole action kept by -Hidalgo's side, was killed in a desperate charge he made into the heart -of the Spanish lines, in the hope of restoring the fortunes of the day; -but this rumour was not confirmed. In spite of all the measures taken -by the Marquis, the young man's body was not found among the dead, and -his fate remained a mystery for the family. - -In the meanwhile, Don Hernando, by his father's orders, had succeeded -to his brother's title, and almost immediately married Dona Aurelia de -la Torre Azul, originally destined for Don Rodolfo. The Marquis and -Marchioness lived some few years longer. They died a few days after -one another, bearing with them a poisoned sting of remorse for having -banished their firstborn son from their presence. - -But, inflexible up to his dying hour, the Marquis never once made a -complaint, and died without mentioning his son's name. However, the -Marquis's hopes were realized ere he descended to the grave, for he -had the supreme consolation of seeing his family continued in his -grandchildren. - -At the funeral, a man was noticed in the crowd wrapped up in a wide -cloak, and his features concealed by the broad brim of his hat being -pulled over them. No one was able to say who this man was, although one -old servant declared he had recognised Don Rodolfo. Was it really the -banished son who had come for the last time to pay homage to his father -and weep on his tomb? The arrival of the stranger was so unexpected, -and his departure so sudden, that it was impossible to get at the truth -of the statement. - -Then, time passed away, important events succeeded each other, and Don -Rodolfo, of whom nothing was heard, was considered dead by his family -and friends, and then forgotten; and Don Hernando inherited without -dispute the title and estates. - -The Marquis de Moguer, in spite of the light under which we have shown -him to our readers, was not a wicked man, as might be supposed; but -as a younger son, with no other hope than the tonsure, devoured by -ambition, and freely enjoying life, he internally rebelled against the -harsh and unjust law which exiled him from the pleasures of the world, -and condemned him to the solitude of the cloister. Assuredly, had his -brother frankly accepted his position as firstborn, and consented to -undertake its duties, Don Hernando would never have thought for a -moment of defrauding him of his rights. But when he saw Don Rodolfo -despise the old tradition of his race--forget what he owed to his -honour as a gentleman, so far as to marry an Indian girl and make -common cause with the partisans of the Revolution, he eagerly seized -the opportunity chance so providentially offered him to seize the power -lost by his brother, and quietly put himself in his place. He thought -that, in acting thus he was not committing a bad action, but almost -asserting a right by substituting himself for a man who seemed to care -very little for titles and fortune. - -Don Hernando, while whitewashing himself in this way, only obeyed that -law of justice and injustice which God has placed in the heart of man, -and which impels him, when he does any dishonourable deed, to seek -excuses in order to prove to himself that he was bound to act as he -had done. Still, the Marquis did not dare to confess to himself that -the chance by which he profited he had helped by all his power, by -envenoming by his speeches and continual insinuations his brother's -actions, ruining him gradually in his father's mind, and preparing, -long beforehand, the condemnation eventually uttered in the Red Room -against the unfortunate Rodolfo. - -And yet strange contradiction of the human heart, Don Hernando dearly -loved his brother; he pitied him--he would like to hold him back on -the verge of the precipice down which he thrust him, as it were. Once -master of the estates and head of the family, he would have liked to -find his brother again, in order to share with him this badly-acquired -fortune, and gain pardon for his usurpation. - -Unfortunately these reflections came too late--Don Rodolfo had -disappeared without leaving a trace, and hence the Marquis was -compelled to restrict himself to sterile regrets. At times, tortured -with the ever-present memory of the last scene at the hacienda, he -asked himself whether it would not have been better for him to have -had a frank explanation with his brother, after which Don Rodolfo, -whose simple tastes agreed but badly with the exigencies of a great -name, would have amicably renounced in his favour the rights which his -position as elder brother gave him. - -But now to continue our narrative, which we have too long interrupted. - -At the beginning of 1822, on a day of madness which was to be expiated -by years of disaster, the definitive separation took place between -Spain and Mexico, and the era of _pronunciamientos_ set in. After the -ephemeral reign of the Emperor Iturbide, Mexico reverted to a republic, -or, more correctly, to a military government. Under the pressure of -an army of 20,000 soldiers, which had 24,000 officers, the Presidents -succeeded each other with headlong speed, burying the nation deeper -and deeper in the mire, in which it is now struggling, and which will -eventually swallow it up. - -By _pronunciamiento_ on _pronunciamiento_ Mexico had reached the period -when this story begins; but her wealth had been swallowed up in the -tornado--her commerce was annihilated, her cities were falling in -ruins, and New Spain had only retained of her old splendours fugitive -recollections and piles of ruins. The Spaniards had suffered greatly -during the War of Independence, as had their partisans, whose property -had been burned and plundered by the revolutionists. The fatal decree -of 1827, pronouncing the expulsion of the Spaniards, dealt the final -and most terrible blow to their fortunes. - -The Marquis de Moguer was one of the persons most affected by this -measure, although, during the entire War of Independence and the -different governments that succeeded each other, he had taken the -greatest care not to mix himself up at all in politics, and remained -neutral between all parties. This position, which it was difficult and -almost impossible to maintain for any length of time, had compelled him -to make concessions painful to his pride: unfortunately, his fortune -consisted of land and mines, and if he left Mexico he would be a ruined -man. - -His friends advised him frankly to join the Mexican government, and -give up his Spanish nationality. The Marquis, forced by circumstances, -followed their advice; and, thanks to the credit some persons enjoyed -with the President of the Republic, Don Hernando was not only not -disturbed, but authorized to remain in the country, where he was -naturalized as a Mexican. - -But things had greatly changed with the Marquis. His immense fortune -had vanished with the Spanish government. During the ten years of the -War of Independence, his estates had lain fallow, and his mines, -deserted by the workmen he formerly employed, had gradually become -filled with water. They could not be put in working order again except -by enormous and most expensive works. The situation was critical, -especially for a man reared in luxury and accustomed to sow his money -broadcast. He was now compelled to calculate every outlay with the -utmost care, if he did not wish to see the hideous spectre of want rise -implacable before him. - -The pride of the Marquis was broken in this struggle against poverty; -his love for his children restored his failing courage, and he bravely -resolved to make head against the storm. Like the ruined gentleman who -tilled the soil, with their sword by their side, as a proof of their -nobility, he openly became hacendero and miner,--that is to say, he -cultivated his estates on a large scale, and bred cattle and horses, -while trying to pump out the water which had taken possession of his -mines. Unfortunately, he was deficient in two important things for the -proper execution of his plans: the necessary knowledge to assist the -different operations he meditated: and, above all, money, without which -nothing was possible. The Marquis was therefore compelled to engage a -majordomo, and borrow on mortgage. For the first few years all went -well, or appeared to do so. The majordomo, Don Jose Paredes, to whom -we shall have occasion to refer more fully hereafter, was one of those -men so valuable in haciendas, whose life is spent on horseback, whose -attention nothing escapes, who thoroughly understand the cultivation of -the soil, and know what it ought to produce, almost to an arroba. - -But if the estates of the Marquis were beginning to regain their -value under the skilful direction of the bailiff, it was not the same -with the mines. Taking advantage of the convulsions in which Mexico -was writhing, the independent Indians, no longer held in subjection -by the fear of the powerful military organization of the Spaniards, -had crossed the frontiers and regained a certain portion of their -territory. They had permanently settled upon it, and would not allow -white men to encroach on it. Most of the Marquis's mines being situated -in the very country now occupied by the Indians, were consequently -lost to him. The others, almost entirely inundated, in spite of the -incessant labour bestowed on them, did not yet hold out any hopes of -becoming productive again. - -What Don Hernando gained on one side he lost on the other; and his -position, in spite of his efforts, became worse and worse, and the -abyss of debt gradually enlarged. The Marquis saw with terror the -moment before him when it would be impossible for him to continue the -struggle. Sad and aged by sorrow rather than years, the Marquis no -longer dared to regard the future, which daily became more gloomy for -him. He watched in mournful resignation the downfall of his house--the -decay of his race; seeking in vain, like the man without a compass on -the mighty ocean, from what point of the horizon the vessel that would -save him from shipwreck would arrive. - -But, alas! Days succeeded days without bringing any other change in -the position of the Marquis, save greater poverty, and more nearly -impending ruin. In proportion as the misfortune came nearer, the -Marquis had seen his relations and friends keep aloof from him; all -abandoned him, with that selfish indifference which seems a fundamental -law of every organized society, when the precept, "Each man for -himself," is put in practice, with all the brutal force of the _vae -victis_. - -Hence Don Hernando resided alone, with his son, at the Hacienda del -Toro; for he had lost his wife several years before, and his daughter -was being educated in a convent at the town of Rosario; with that -noble pride which so admirably becomes men of well-tempered minds, the -Marquis had accepted without a murmur the ostracism passed upon him. -Far from indulging in useless recriminations with men, the majority of -whom had, in other days, received obligations from him, he had made his -son a partner in his labours, and, aided by him, redoubled his efforts -and his courage. - -Some months before the period when our story begins, ill fortune had -seemed, not to grow weary of persecuting the Marquis, but desirous -of granting him a truce--this is how a gleam of sunshine penetrated -the gloomy atmosphere of the hacienda. One morning, a stranger, who -appeared to have come a great distance, stopped at the gate, leading a -mule loaded with two bales. This man, on reaching the first courtyard, -threw the mule's bridle to a peon, with the simple remark,--"For Signor -Don Hernando de Moguer--" and, without awaiting an answer, he started -down the rocky road at a gallop and was lost in the windings of the -path ere the peon had recovered from the surprise caused by the strange -visit. The Marquis, at once warned, had the mule unloaded, and the -bales conveyed to his study. They each contained twenty-five thousand -piastres in gold, or nearly eleven thousand pounds of our money: on a -folded paper was written one word--Restitution. - -It was in vain that the Marquis ordered the most minute researches; -the strange messenger could not be found. Don Hernando was therefore -compelled to keep this large sum, which arrived so opportunely to -extricate him from a difficult position, for he had a considerable -payment to make on the morrow. Still, it was only on the repeated -assurances of Don Ruiz and the majordomo, that the money was really -his, that he consented to use it. - -Cheered by this change of fortune, Don Hernando at length consented -that Don Ruiz should go and fetch his sister, and bring her back to the -hacienda, where her presence had been long desired; though there had -been an obstacle, in the dangers of such a journey. - -We will now resume our narrative, begging the reader to forgive this -long digression, which was indispensable for the due comprehension of -what is about to follow, and lead him to the Hacienda del Toro, a few -hours before the arrival of Don Ruiz and his sister; that is to say, -about three weeks since we left them at the post of San Miguel. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -A NEW CHARACTER. - - -Although, owing to its position on the shores of the Pacific, Sonora -enjoys the blessings of the sea breeze, whose moisture at intervals -refreshes the heated atmosphere; still, for three hours in the -afternoon, the earth incessantly heated by the torrid sunbeams produces -a crushing heat. At such times the country assumes a really desolate -aspect beneath the cloudless sky, which seems an immense plate of -red-hot iron. The birds suddenly cease their songs, and languidly hide -themselves beneath the thick foliage of the trees, which bow their -proud crests towards the ground. Men and domestic animals hasten to -seek shelter in the houses, raising in their hurried progress a white, -impalpable, and calcined dust, which enters mouth and nostrils. For -some hours Sonora is converted into a vast desert from which every -appearance of life and movement has disappeared. - -Everybody is asleep, or at least reclining in the most shady rooms, -with closed eyes, and with the body abandoned to that species of -somnolency which is neither sleeping nor waking, and which from that -very fact is filled with such sweet and voluptuous reveries--inhaling -at deep draughts the artificial breeze produced by artfully contrived -currents of air, and in a word indulging in what is generally called in -the torrid zones a siesta. - -These are hours full of enjoyment, of those sweet and beneficent -influence on body and mind we busy, active Englishmen are ignorant, -but which people nearer the sun revel in. The Italians call this state -the _dolce far niente_, and the Turks, that essentially sensual race, -_keff_. - -Like that city in the "Arabian Nights," the inhabitants of which the -wicked enchanter suddenly changed into statues by waving his wand, life -seemed suddenly arrested at the Hacienda del Toro, for the silence was -so profound: peons, vaqueros, craidos, everybody in fact, were enjoying -their siesta. It was about three in the afternoon; but that indistinct -though significant buzz which announces the awakening of the hour that -precedes the resumption of labour was audible. Two gentlemen alone had -not yielded to sleep, in spite of the crushing midday heat; but seated -in an elegantly furnished _cuarto_, they had spent the hours usually -devoted to slumber in conversation. The cause for this deviation from -the ordinary custom must have been most serious. The Hispano-American, -and especially the Mexican, does not lightly sacrifice those hours of -repose during which, according to a Spanish proverb, only dogs and -Frenchmen are to be seen in the sun. - -Of these two gentlemen, one, Don Hernando de Moguer, is already known -to us. Years, while stooping his back, had furrowed some wrinkles on -his forehead, and mingled many silver threads with his hair; but the -expression of his face, with the exception of a tinge of melancholy -spread over his features by lengthened misfortunes, had remained nearly -the same, that is to say, gentle and timid, although clever; slightly -sarcastic and eminently crafty. - -As for the person with whom Don Hernando was conversing at this moment, -he deserves a detailed description, physically at least, for the -reader will soon be enabled to appreciate his moral character. He was -a short, plump man, with a rubicund face and apoplectic look, though -hardly forty years of age. Still his hair, which was almost white, -his deeply wrinkled forehead, and his grey eyes buried beneath bushy -whiskers, gave him a senile appearance, harmonizing but little with the -sharp gesticulation and youthful manner he affected. His long, thin, -violet nose was bent like a parrot's beak over a wide mouth filled with -dazzling white teeth; and his prominent cheekbones, covered with blue -veins, completed a strange countenance, the expression of which bore a -striking likeness to that of an owl. - -This species of nutcracker, with his prominent stomach and short -ill-hung limbs, whose whole appearance was most disagreeable, had such -a mobility of face as rendered it impossible to read his thoughts -on his features, in the event of this fat man's carcase containing -a thought. His cold blue eyes were ever pertinaciously fixed on the -person addressing him, and did not reveal the slightest emotion; in -short, this man produced at the first contact that invariable antipathy -which is felt on the approach of reptiles, and which, after nearer -acquaintance, is converted into disgust and contempt. - -He was a certain Don Rufino Contreras, one of the richest landowners in -Sonora, and a year previously had been elected senator to the Mexican -Congress for the province. - -At the moment when we enter the _cuarto_, Don Hernando, with arms -folded at his back and frowning brow, is walking up and down, while Don -Rufino, seated on a butaca, with his body thrown back, is following his -movements with a crafty smile on his lips while striving to scratch -off an invisible spot on his knee. For some minutes, the hacendero -continued his walk, and then stopped before Don Rufino, who bent on him -a mocking, inquiring glance. - -"Then," he said, in a voice whose anxious expression he sought in vain -to conceal, "you must positively have the entire sum within a week?" - -"Yes," the fat man replied, still smiling. - -"Why, if that is the case, did you not warn me sooner?" - -"It was through delicacy, my dear sir." - -"What--through delicacy?" Don Hernando repeated, with a start of -surprise. - -"You shall judge for yourself." - -"I shall be glad to do so." - -"I believe you do me the justice of allowing that I am your friend?" - -"You have said you are, at least." - -"I fancy I have proved it to you." - -"No matter; but let us pass over that." - -"Very well. Knowing that you were in a critical position at the moment, -I tried to procure the sum by all possible means, as I did not wish to -have recourse to you, except in the last extremity. You see, my dear -Don Hernando, how delicate and truly friendly my calculations were. -Unfortunately, at the present time it is very difficult to get money -in, owing to the stagnation of trade produced by the new conflict -which threatens to break out between the President of the Republic and -the Southern States. It was therefore literally impossible for me to -obtain the smallest sum. In such a perplexing position, I leave you to -judge what I was obliged to do. The money I must have; you have owed it -for a long time, and I applied to you--what else could I do?" - -"I do not know. Still, I think you might have sent a peon to warn me, -before you left Sonora." - -"No, my dear sir, that is exactly what I should not do. I have not come -direct to you: in pursuance of the line of conduct I laid down I hoped -to collect the required sum on my road, and not be obliged to come all -the way to your hacienda." - -Don Hernando made no reply. He began his walk again after giving the -speaker a glance which would have given him cause for thought, had he -noticed it; but the latter gentleman had begun rubbing the invisible -spot again with more obstinacy than before. In the meanwhile the -sunbeams had become more and more oblique; the hacienda had woke up -to its ordinary life; outside the shouts of the vaqueros pricking the -oxen or urging on the horses could be heard mingled with the lowing and -neighing of the draught cattle. Don Hernando walked up to a window, the -shutters of which he threw open, and a refreshing breeze entered the -_cuarto_. Don Rufino gave a sigh of relief and sat up in his _butaca_. - -"Ouf," he said, with an expression of comfort, "I was very tired; not -through the long ride I was compelled to make this morning, so much as -through the stifling heat." - -Don Hernando started at this insinuation, as if he had been stung by -a serpent; he had neglected all the laws of Mexican hospitality; for -Don Rufino's visit had so disagreeably surprised him, and made him -forget all else before the sudden obligation of satisfying the claims -of a merciless creditor. But at Don Rufino's remarks he understood how -unusual his conduct must have seemed to a weary traveller, hence he -rang a bell, and a peon at once came in. - -"Refreshment," he said. - -The peon bowed, and left the room. - -"You will excuse me, Caballero," the hacendero continued, frankly, -"but your visit so surprised me, that at the moment I did not think -of offering the refreshment which a tired traveller requires so much. -Your room is prepared, rest yourself tonight, and tomorrow we will -resume our conversation, and arrive at a solution I trust mutually -satisfactory." - -"I hope so, my dear sir. Heaven is my witness that it is my greatest -desire," Don Rufino answered, as he raised to his lips the glass of -orangeade brought by the peon. "Unhappily I fear that, with the best -will in the world, we cannot come to a settlement unless--" - -"Unless!" Don Hernando sharply interrupted. Don Rufino quietly sipped -his orangeade, placed the glass on the table, and said, as he threw -himself back on the _butaca_, and rolled a cigarette-- - -"Unless you pay me in full what you owe me, which, from what you have -said, appears to me to be difficult, I confess." - -"Ah!" Don Hernando remarked with an air of constraint, "What makes you -suppose that?" - -"I beg your pardon, my dear sir, I suppose nothing: you told me just -now that you were hardly pressed." - -"Well, and what conclusion do you derive from that?" the hacendero -asked impatiently. - -"A very simple thing--that seventy thousand piastres form a rather -round sum, and that however rich a man may be, he does not always have -it in his hands, especially when he is pressed." - -"I can make sacrifices." - -"Believe me, I shall be sincerely sorry." - -"But can you not wait a few days longer?" - -"Impossible, I repeat: let us understand our respective positions, in -order to avoid any business misunderstanding, which should always be -prevented between honourable gentlemen holding a certain position. I -lent you that sum, and only stipulated for small interest, I believe." - -"I allow it, Senor, and thank you for it." - -"It is not really worth the trouble; I was anxious to oblige you. I -did so, and let us say no more about it; but remember that I made one -condition which you accepted." - -"Yes," Don Hernando said, with an impatient start, "and I was wrong." - -"Perhaps so; but that is not the question. This condition which you -accepted was to the effect that you should repay me the sum I advanced -upon demand." - -"Have I said the contrary?" - -"Far from it; but now that I want the money, I ask you for it, and -that is natural: I have in no way infringed the conditions. You ought -to have expected what is happening today, and taken your precautions -accordingly." - -"Hence, if I ask a month to collect the money you claim?" - -"I should be heartbroken, but should refuse; for I want the money, not -in a month, but in a week. I can quite put myself in your position, and -comprehend how disagreeable the matter must be; but unluckily so it is." - -What most hurt Don Hernando was not the recall of the loan, painful as -it was to him, so much as the way in which the demand was made; the -show of false good nature employed by his creditor, and the insulting -pity he displayed. Carried away involuntarily by the rage that filled -his heart, he was about to give Don Rufino an answer which would have -broken off all friendly relations between them for ever, when a great -noise was heard in the hacienda, mingled with shouts of joy and the -stamping of horses. Don Hernando eagerly leant out of the window, and -at the expiration of a moment turned round to Don Rufino, who was -sucking his cigarette with an air of beatitude. - -"Here are my children, Caballero," he said; "not a word of this affair -before them, I entreat." - -"I know too well what I owe you, my dear Senor," the other replied, as -he prepared to rise. "With your permission, however, I will withdraw, -in order to allow you entire liberty for your family joy." - -"No, no!" Don Hernando added, "I had better introduce you at once to my -son and daughter." - -"As you please, my dear sir. I shall be flattered to form the -acquaintance of your charming family." - -The door opened, and Don Jose Parades appeared. The majordomo was a -half-breed of about forty years of age, tall and powerfully built, with -bow legs and round shoulders that denoted his capacity as a horseman; -in fact, the worthy man's life was spent in the saddle, galloping about -the country. He took a side-glance at Don Rufino, bowed to his master, -and lowering his usual rough tone, said-- - -"Senor amo, the nino and nina have arrived in good health, thanks to -Our Lady of Carnerno." - -"Thanks, Don Jose," Don Hernando replied; "let them come in. I shall be -delighted to see them." - -The majordomo gave a signal outside, and the two young people rushed -into the room. With one bound they were in their father's arms, who -for a moment pressed them to his heart; but then he pushed them -away, remarking that a stranger was present. The young couple bowed -respectfully. - -"Senor Don Rufino," the Marquis said, "I present to you my son, Don -Ruiz de Moguer, and my daughter, Dona Marianita: my children, this is -Senor Don Rufino Contreras, one of my best friends." - -"A title of which I am proud," Don Rufino replied, with a bow, while -giving the young lady a cold searching glance, which made her look down -involuntarily and blush. - -"Are the apartments ready, Don Jose?" Don Hernando continued. - -"Yes, Excellency," the majordomo said, who was contemplating the young -people with a radiant face. - -"If Senor Don Rufino will permit it, you can go and lie down, my -children," the hacendero said. "You must be tired." - -"You will also allow me to rest, Don Hernando?" the Senator then said. -The hacendero bowed. - -"We will resume our conversation at a more favourable moment," he -continued, as he took a side-glance at Donna Marianita, who was just -leaving the room with her brother. "However, my dear Senor, do not feel -too anxious about my visit; for I believe I have discovered a way of -arranging matters without inconveniencing you too much." - -And, bowing to his knees to the Marquis, who was astounded at this -conduct, which he was so far from expecting, Don Rufino left the room, -smiling with an air of protection. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -DON JOSE PAREDES. - - -Several days had elapsed since the return of Don Ruiz and his sister -to the hacienda, and Don Rufino had not said a word about the money -which occasioned his visit. The hacendero, while employing all the -means in his power to procure the necessary sum to pay his debt, had -been careful not to allude to the conversation he had held with his -creditor on the first day; the more so because Don Rufino seemed to -have forgotten the pressing want of money he had at first given as his -excuse for not granting any delay. - -At the hacienda everything had returned to its old condition. Don Ruiz -went out on horseback in the morning with Jose Paredes, in order to -watch the peons and vaqueros, leaving to his father and sister the -care of doing the honours to Don Rufino. For the first two or three -days Dona Marianita had been considerably embarrassed by their guest's -obsequious smiles and passionate glances; but she soon made up her -mind, and only laughed at the craving look and absurd postures of the -stout gentleman. The latter, while perceiving the effect he produced -on the young lady, appeared to take no heed of it, and conscientiously -continued his manoeuvres with the tenacity that formed the basis of his -character. Probably in acting thus, and by openly paying his court to -Dona Marianita, in the presence of her father and brother, Don Rufino -was carrying out a pre-arranged plan, in order to gain an end which may -be easily guessed. - -It was evident to everybody that Don Rufino was seeking to obtain the -hand of Dona Marianita. Don Hernando, in spite of the secret annoyance -this pursuit caused him, for this man was the last he would have -desired as his son-in-law, did not dare, however, let his vexation be -seen, owing to his delicate position, and the sword of Damocles which -Don Rufino held in suspense over his head. He contented himself with -watching him closely, while leaving him free to act, hoping everything -from him, and striving to collect all his resources in order to pay -him off as speedily as possible; and once liberty was regained, to -dismiss him. Unfortunately, money was difficult to obtain. Most of Don -Hernando's debtors failed in meeting their engagements; and it was with -great difficulty he obtained at the end of a fortnight one quarter the -sum he owed Don Rufino, and this sum even could not be employed in -liquidating the debt, for it was indispensable for the continuation of -the works at the hacienda. - -Since his arrival at the hacienda, Don Rufino had sent off messengers -in several directions, and received letters. One morning he entered Don -Hernando's study with an easy air, where the latter passed nearly the -day, engaged in the most abstruse calculations. The hacendero raised -his head with amazement on seeing the Senator; it was the first time -the latter had come to seek him in this room. He suffered a heart pang; -but he succeeded in hiding his emotion, and good-humouredly invited his -visitor to take a seat. - -"My dear Senor," Don Rufino began, as he comfortably stretched -himself out upon a butaca, "excuse me for pursuing you into your last -entrenchments, but I want to talk seriously with you, and so I frankly -knocked at this door." - -"You have done well," Don Hernando answered, with ill-dissembled agony: -"you know that I am entirely at your disposal. How can I be of any -service to you?" - -"I will not trouble you long: I am not fond of lengthy conversations, -and have merely come to terminate the affair which we began on the day -when I arrived at the hacienda." - -The hacendero felt a cold perspiration stand on his temples at this -brutally frank avowal. - -"I had not forgotten you," he replied: "at this very moment I was -making arrangements which, I trust, will enable me to discharge the -debt in a few days." - -"That is not the point," Don Rufino remarked, airily: "I do not want -the money, and request you to hold it for me as long as you possibly -can." - -Don Hernando looked at him in amazement. "That surprises you," the -Senator continued, "and yet the affair is very simple. I was anxious to -prove to you that you had in me not a pressing creditor, but a truly -devoted friend. When I saw that it would greatly embarrass you to repay -me this trifle, and as you are a gentleman I am anxious to oblige, I -turned to another quarter." - -"Still," Don Hernando, who feared a snare, objected: "you said to me--" - -"I believed it," Don Rufino interrupted him. "Fortunately it was not -so, as I have recently acquired the proof: not only have I been able to -meet my payment, but I have a considerable sum left in my hands which -I do not know what to do with, and which I should feel much obliged -by your taking; for I do not know a more honourable gentleman than -yourself, and I wish to get rid of the money, which is useless to me at -the moment." - -Don Hernando, confounded by this overture, which he had been so far -from expecting from a man who had at first been so harsh with him, was -silent, for he knew not what to answer, or to what he should attribute -this so sudden and extraordinary change. - -"Good gracious!" continued Don Rufino, with a smile; "During the -few days I have been with you, my dear Senor, I have been enabled -to appreciate the intelligent way in which you manage your immense -estate; and it is evident to me that you must realize enormous profits. -Unfortunately for you, you are in the position of all men who -undertake great things with limited resources. You are short of capital -just at the moment when it is most necessary; but as this is a common -case, you cannot complain. You have made sacrifices, and will have to -make more before obtaining real results. The money you want I have, -and I offer it to you. I trust you will not insult me by doubting my -friendship, or my desire to be of service to you." - -"Certainly, Caballero. Still," Don Hernando stammered, "I am already -your debtor to a heavy amount." - -"Well, what matter? You will be my debtor for a larger amount, that is -all." - -"I understand all the delicacy and kindness of your conduct, but I -fear--" - -"What?--That I may demand repayment at an inconvenient moment?" - -"I will not conceal from you--" - -"You are wrong, Don Hernando. I wish to deal with you as a friend, and -do you a real service. You owe me seventy thousand piastres, I believe?" - -"Alas, yes!" - -"Why that 'alas?'" the senator asked, with a smile. "Seventy thousand -piastres, and fifty thousand more I am going to hand you directly, -in six bills payable at sight, drawn on Wilson and Co., Bankers, at -Hermosillo, will form a round sum, for which you will give me your -acceptance payable--come, what date will suit you best?" - -Don Hernando hesitated. Evidently Don Rufino, in making him so strange -a proposal, had an object; but that object he could not see. The -Senator's love for his daughter could not impel him to do such a -generous act: this unexpected kindness evidently concealed a snare; -but what was the snare? Don Rufino carefully followed the different -feelings that were reflected on Don Hernando's face. - -"You hesitate," he said to him, "and you are wrong. Let us talk -candidly. You cannot possibly hope to realize any profit within eight -months, so it will be impossible for you to pay me so large a sum -before that period." Then, opening his pocketbook and taking out -the six bills, which he laid on the table, he continued: "Here are -the fifty thousand piastres; give me an acceptance for one hundred -and twenty thousand, payable at twelve months' date. You see that -I give you all necessary latitude to turn yourself round. Well, -supposing--which is not probable--that you are unable to pay me when -the bill falls due; we will renew it, that is all. _iCuerpo de Cristo!_ -I am not a harsh creditor. Come, is the matter settled, or must I take -the bills back?" - -Money, under whatever shape it presents itself, has an irresistible -attraction in the eyes of the speculator and embarrassed man. Don -Hernando, in spite of all his efforts--in spite of all the numerous -sacrifices he had made, felt himself rapidly going down the incline of -ruin, on which it is impossible for a man to stop; but time might save -him. Don Rufino, whatever his wishes might be, rendered him an immense -service by giving him, not only time, but also the money he required, -and which he despaired of obtaining elsewhere. Any longer hesitation -on his part would therefore have been unjustifiable; hence he took the -bills, and gave his acceptance. - -"That's settled," Don Rufino said, as he folded the document and -carefully placed it in his pocketbook. "My dear Senor, you are really a -singular man. There is more difficulty in getting you to accept money -than there would be in getting another to pay it." - -"I really do not know how to thank you, Don Rufino, for the service -you have rendered me, and which I am now free to confess has arrived -very opportunely." - -"Money is always opportune," the Senator replied, with a laugh; "but -let us say no more about that. If you happen to have a safe man, send -him off at once to cash these bills at Hermosillo, for money is too -scarce to be allowed to lie idle." - -"This very day my majordomo, Don Jose Paredes, shall set out for the -_ciudad_." - -"Very good. Now I have one request to make of you." - -"Speak, speak! I shall be delighted to prove to you how grateful I am." - -"This is the matter: now that I am, temporarily at least, no longer -your creditor, I have no decent pretext for remaining at the hacienda." - -"Well, what does that matter?" - -"It matters a great deal to me. I should like to remain here a few days -longer, in order to enjoy your agreeable society." - -"Are you jesting, Don Rufino? The longer you remain at the hacienda, -the greater honour you will do us; we shall be delighted to keep you, -not for a few days, but for all the time you may be pleased to grant -us." - -"Very good; that is what I desired. Now, I shall go away and leave you -to your business." - -When the majordomo returned to the hacienda at about eleven o'clock in -the morning, Don Hernando sent for him. Without taking the time to pull -off his vaquero boots or unbuckle his heavy spurs, Jose Parades hurried -to his master. - -"Have you a good horse?" the hacendero asked, so soon as the majordomo -entered the study. - -"I have several, Excellency," he answered. - -"I mean by a good horse, one capable of going a long distance." - -"Certainly, mi amo; I have a mustang on which I could ride to -Hermosillo and back without giving it any further rest than that of the -camping hours." - -"I want to send you to Hermosillo." - -"Very good, Excellency; when must I start?" - -"Why, as soon as possible after you have rested." - -"Rested from what?" - -"The ride you have taken this morning." - -The majordomo shrugged his shoulders with a smile. "I am never tired, -Excellency; in half an hour I shall have lassoed my horse, saddled it, -and mounted, unless you wish me to defer my journey." - -"The hours for the siesta will soon be here, and the heat will be -insufferable." - -"You are aware, Excellency, that we half-Indians are children of the -sun; its heat does not affect us." - -"You have an answer for everything, Don Jose." - -"For you, Excellency, I feel myself capable of performing -impossibilities." - -"I know that you are devoted to my house." - -"Is it not just, Excellency? For two centuries my family has eaten the -bread of yours; and, if I acted otherwise than I am doing, I should be -unworthy of those from whom I am descended." - -"I thank you, my friend; you know the esteem and affection I have for -you. I am about to intrust an important commission to you." - -"Be assured that I shall perform it, Excellency." - -"Very good. You will start at once for Hermosillo, where you will cash -these bills for fifty thousand piastres, at the bank of Wilson and Co." - -"Fifty thousand piastres!" the majordomo repeated, with surprise. - -"It surprises you, my friend, to whom I have confided my most secret -affairs, that I have so large a sum to receive. You ask yourself, -doubtless, in what way I managed to obtain it." - -"I ask nothing, Excellency; it does not concern me. I am here to carry -out your orders, and not permit myself improper observations." - -"This money has been lent me by a friend whose kindness is -inexhaustible." - -"Heaven grant that you are not mistaken, Excellency; and that the man -from whom you have this money is really a friend." - -"What do you mean, Don Jose? To what are you alluding?" - -"I make no allusion, mi amo; I merely think that friends who lend -fifty thousand piastres from hand to hand--pardon my frankness, -Excellency--to a man whose affairs are in such a condition as yours, -are very rare at present; and that, before forming a definite judgment -about them, it would be wiser to wait and learn the cause of such -singular generosity." - -Don Hernando sighed. He shared his majordomo's opinions, though he -would not allow it. Following the tactics of all men who have not good -reasons to allege, he suddenly turned the conversation. - -"You can take three or four persons with you," he said. - -"What to do, Excellency?" - -"Why, to act as escort on your return." - -The majordomo began laughing. - -"What use is an escort, Excellency? You want your money here? I will -buy a mule at Hermosillo, and load the money on it, and it will take a -very clever fellow to rob me, I assure you." - -"Still, it would be, perhaps, better to have an escort." - -"Permit me to remark, Excellency, that it would be the best way of -setting robbers on my track." - -"_iViva Dios!_ I should be curious to know how you arrive at that -conclusion." - -"You will easily understand me, mi amo. A single man is certain to pass -unnoticed, especially when, as at this moment, the roads are infested -with bandits of every description and every colour." - -"Hum! what you are saying is not re-assuring, Don Jose, do you know -that?" Don Hernando remarked, with a smile, for his majordomo's -reasoning amused him. - -"On the contrary, the bandits to whom I am referring, Excellency, are -clever, too clever, and it is that which ruins them; they will never -imagine that a poor devil of a half-breed, leading a sorry mule, can be -carrying fifty thousand piastres. Deceived by my appearance, they will -let me pass, without even pretending to see; while if I take persons -with me, it will arouse their suspicions, they will want to know why I -am guarded, and I shall be plundered." - -"You may really be right, Don Jose." - -"I am certain I am, Excellency." - -"Well, I will not argue any longer; do what you think proper." - -"All right, Excellency; I will deliver the money to you, without the -loss of a real, I promise you." - -"May Heaven grant it: here are the bills, and now--you can start -whenever you please." - -"I shall be gone within an hour, Excellency," the majordomo answered. - -He took up the bills, hid them in his bosom, and, after bowing to his -master, left the study. Jose Paredes went straight to the corral, where -in a few minutes he had lassoed a mustang with small head and flashing -eye, which he began saddling, after he had carefully rubbed it down. -Then he inspected his weapons, laid in a stock of powder and ball, -placed some provisions in his alforjas, and mounted. But, instead of -leaving the hacienda, he proceeded to a separate building, and twice -gently tapped a window before which he pulled up. The window opened, -and Don Ruiz appeared. - -"Ah! Is that you, Paredes; going back to the plantations already?" he -said; "Well, wait a minute, and I will be with you." - -The majordomo shook his head. - -"Do not disturb yourself, Nino," he said. "I am not going to the -plantations, but on a journey." - -"A journey?" the young man asked, in surprise. - -"Yes; but only for a few days. The Marquis has sent me, and I shall -soon be back." - -"Can you tell me the reason why you are going, and whither?" - -"The master will tell you himself, Nino." - -"Good! But I suppose you have some other motive for coming to wish me -good-bye?" - -"Yes, Nino; I wished to give you a piece of advice before leaving the -hacienda." - -"Advice?" - -"Yes; and of a serious nature. Nino, during my absence, watch carefully -the man who is here!" - -"Whom do you mean, Paredes?" - -"The Senator, Don Rufino Contreras." - -"For what reason?" - -"Watch him, Nino, watch him! And now, good-bye for the present." - -And without awaiting the question the young man was about to ask him, -the majordomo dug his spurs into his horse's flanks, and left the -hacienda at a gallop. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -ON THE ROAD. - - -Mexico, considering its size, is one of the least populated countries -in the world. With but few exceptions, the old Spanish colonies, -since they have proclaimed their independence and become free -republics, having been constantly engaged in war with each other, or -in overthrowing the government they themselves elected, have seen all -the ties attaching families to the soil broken in turn. Foreigners, no -longer finding the necessary safety for their speculations in countries -incessantly troubled by revolutions, have gone away. Trade has been -annihilated; commerce has fallen into a state of atrophy; and the -population has frightfully decreased, with such rapidity, that sensible -men, who sought a remedy for this incurable evil, called emigration to -the help of these states, which nothing can galvanise, and which only -possess a factitious existence. - -Unfortunately, the Hispano-American race is essentially haughty and -jealous. Poor fellows, who let themselves be seduced by the brilliant -promises made them, and who consented to cross the sea to settle in -this country, found, on their arrival, and especially in Mexico, an -ill-disguised hatred and contempt, which was displayed in all classes -of society by ill will and aversion. Hence, being disgusted by their -reception, and recognising the slight trust they could place in the -promises of the men who had summoned them, they hastened to leave a -country in which they had only found unjust prejudices and deplorable -ill faith, and went to ask of the United States the protection refused -them by those who had so pressingly summoned them. - -Mexico, in spite of a certain varnish of civilization, the last -reminiscence of the Spanish occupation, which may still be found in -the large cities and their environs, is, therefore, in reality plunged -into a state of barbarism relatively greater than it was fifty years -ago. The Pacific States, especially, being less frequently visited -by strangers, and left, as it were, to themselves, have retained a -peculiar physiognomy, whose picturesque savageness and rough manners -would cause the tourist's heart to beat with joy, if ever a tourist -ventured into these countries; but which inspire an involuntary fear, -justified, however, by everything the traveller, forced to visit this -land on business, witnesses. - -In Europe and all civilized countries, the means of transport are -numerous and convenient, but in Mexico only one is known--the horse. In -the Central States, and those which run along the Atlantic seaboard, -some towns possess diligences, which change horses at the _tambos_, -a species of inn, where the travellers stop to pass the night. But -these _tambos_ and _mesones_, which possess a great resemblance to -the Sicilian hostelries and Spanish ventas, supply absolutely nothing -to the guests they shelter, excepting a roof, reduced to its simplest -expression; that is to say, the traveller is compelled to take his -bed with him, in addition to provisions, if he does not wish to sleep -wrapped up in his cloak. - -In spite of the numberless disagreements which the uncomfortable -mode of progressing from one place to another entails, the traveller -derives one advantage from it--that of not being exposed, in a fickle -atmosphere like that of Mexico, where after burning days the nights -are chilly, to the attacks of the climate. In the Pacific States, -matters are no longer thus; the traveller who proceeds from one town to -another is forced to do so on horseback, without any hope of finding -for a distance of sixty or eighty leagues the smallest inn, or even -most wretched rancho, where he can shelter himself from wind and rain -at nightfall. At sunset he camps where he is in the open air, and -begins his journey again on the morrow Still, as Providence has been -in its wisdom careful to give an equal amount of good and evil, the -robbers, salteadores, and brigands of every description, who infest all -the roads in the interior, on which they reign as masters, plundering -travellers in open day and assassinating them with the most perfect -impunity, are rarely found in Sonora. In this country the roads in this -respect enjoy a relatively complete security, except when the Indians -have risen, or a fresh _pronunciamiento_ has let bands of revolted -soldiers loose on the country. These fellows have no scruple about -imitating professional robbers, and killing and plundering people, -whose unlucky stars have exposed them to their tender mercies. - -Jose Paredes, though he had in reality only fifty leagues to go, a -distance which in most European countries is comfortably performed -in a railway carriage in a few hours, was obliged, on account of the -bad state of the roads, and the indispensable precautions he had -to take, to remain at least four days on the road before reaching -Hermosillo. This journey, which would have been very painful to any -man accustomed to the ease and luxuries of life, was only a pleasure -trip for the worthy majordomo, a real Centaur, whose life was spent -on horseback--who slept more frequently in the open air than under a -roof, and whose powerful constitution rendered him insensible to the -annoyances inseparable from a journey made under such conditions. The -Mexicans have two expressions which admirably depict the class of men -to whom the majordomo belonged; they call them _Jinetes_ and _Hombres -de a Caballo_. - -Jose Paredes, then, rode along jauntily on his horse, at one moment -carelessly smoking a husk cigarette, at another humming a _jarabe_ -or a _seguedilla_, while keeping his eye and ear on the watch, and -his finger prudently laid on the trigger of his gun, which was placed -across his saddle-bow. His second day's ride was drawing to a close; -he had left Arispe far behind him, which town he had passed through -without stopping longer than he required to lay in fresh provisions and -forage for his horse. - -The sun was rapidly declining on the horizon; a rather powerful wind -blew in gusts, raising clouds of dust, which blinded the horseman and -formed a thick fog round him, in the midst of which he almost entirely -disappeared. Although, as we have said, the day was drawing to a close, -the heat was stifling, the sky had assumed a livid appearance; yellow -clouds gradually collected in the horizon and were rapidly brought -up by the wind. The birds whirled in the air, uttering shrill and -discordant cries; sharp noises and shrill whistlings rose from among -the rocks that on both sides flanked the narrow ravine the majordomo -was now following, and large drops of rain fell on the calcined soil, -which easily imbibed them. The horse pricked its ears, shook its head, -and snorted in terror. All presaged one of those storms which it is -only possible to witness in these regions--veritable cataclysms which -rend and uproot the largest trees, force streams from their beds, and -overthrow the soil, as if the earth were struggling wildly beneath the -grasp of those horrible convulsions of Nature, which completely change -within a few hours the aspect of the country over which they have swept -with the fury of the African simoom. - -"Hum!" Jose Paredes muttered to himself, as he took an anxious glance -along the road; "If I am not greatly mistaken, within an hour we shall -have one of the most tremendous _cordonazos_ that has been seen for -some time. That will be most agreeable for me, and my position will -not fail to be most amusing. Confound the temporal! Why could it not -have waited for another eight-and-forty hours?" - -The majordomo lost no time in vain lamentation. The situation in which -he found himself was really critical: he knew that if the temporal -surprised him on this ravine, he would have enormous difficulties -to overcome in escaping its violence. He therefore resolved at all -hazards to attempt the greatest efforts in getting out of the scrape. -Minutes were precious; hesitation was impossible, and he must form a -decision at once. Jose Paredes was a resolute man, long accustomed -only to reckon on his courage, strength, and energy, to get him out -of difficult situations; he therefore carefully wrapped himself in -his zarape, pulled his hat down over his forehead, and, bending over -his horse's neck, dug his spurs, while crying, sharply, one word: -"Santiago!" a cry employed in this country to excite horses. The noble -animal, astonished that its master should deem it necessary to employ -spurs to give it ardour, gave a snort of passion, and started at a -headlong pace. - -In the meanwhile the clouds had completely covered the blue sky; the -atmosphere was gradually growing darker; the sunbeams had lost their -heat; the horse still dashed on, rendered furious by the incessant -prick of the spurs, which the majordomo dug into his panting flanks. -At length Paredes uttered a cry of joy, for he had reached the end of -the ravine, and before him extended a vast plain, bordered by tall -mountains in the horizon. These mountains the majordomo wanted to -reach, for there alone had he chance of safety. Although his position -had greatly improved after leaving the ravine, it was still extremely -difficult, if the storm were to burst before he had succeeded in -crossing the plains, which afforded him no shelter to brave the -tornado. Hence, the traveller, after exploring the neighbourhood with a -rapid glance, and assuring himself that he had no hope of escaping the -tempest, and the barren sandy plain which was only traversed by a few -streams, repeated his cry of "Santiago," and set out on his mad ride -once more. - -As always happens, and as anyone who has studied the admirable instinct -of the horse can certify, the noble animal the majordomo rode seemed -to have identified itself with its master. Through the effort of -that magnetic current, whose power is no longer doubted, it appeared -to understand that their common safety depended on its efforts; and -it literally devoured the space, darting across the plain with the -fantastic rapidity of the spectre steed of the German ballad. - -All at once a vivid flash broke through the clouds, followed by a -tremendous thunderclap. The horse gave a start of terror, but quickly -checked by its rider, started again through the torrents of rain which -were beginning to fall. Night bad suddenly set in; the sun, veiled by -the clouds, had become invisible, and it was in condemned obscurity -that the majordomo was compelled to attempt the supreme efforts on -which life or death depended. Still, Paredes was not discouraged, -and his will seemed to grow fearless in the struggle; while sitting -firmly in the saddle, like a granite statue, with contracted brows -and eyes looking ahead, as if constantly trying to pierce the gloom, -and exciting his horse with spur and voice, his features were as calm -and impassive as if he were merely in one of the thousand ordinary -accidents of his adventurous life in the desert. In the meanwhile the -tempest had changed into a fearful hurricane, and raged with extreme -fury. The unchained winds whistled violently, dashing the rain, and -upraising masses of mud, which flew along the ground. - -An ill-omened swashing made the unhappy traveller, who was surprised by -the tornado, understand that the streams were beginning to overflow and -inundate the plain. By the vivid flashes which uninterruptedly followed -each other, the majordomo could see all around large grey pools of -water, which constantly widened and enclosed him in an incessantly -contracting circle; distant sounds borne by the breeze heightened his -apprehensions. An hour more, he felt, and the plains would only form -one vast lake, in the midst of which he would infallibly perish. Warned -by that instinct which never deceives them, the wild beasts had left -their lairs, and were flying madly, while uttering hoarse roars of -terror. When a flash lit up the horizon, Paredes could see indistinct -forms pass by his side, which were no other than the dangerous denizens -of the prairie. All was overthrown and confounded. The swash of the -water was mingled with the artillery of the thunder and the howling of -the wind. But the horse still galloped on straight ahead, sustained by -the very terror which maddened it and spurred it on better than the -sharpest knife could have done. - -Suddenly the majordomo uttered a cry of terror and anger, drew himself -up, and pulled bridle with such strength that the horse stopped short -on his trembling legs. He fancied he had heard the distant sound of a -bell. When an inundation comes, the hacenderos have all their bells -rung, in order to warn straggling travellers and tell them of a place -of refuge. The majordomo listened; in a few seconds a sound, faint as -a sigh, reached the ear. The practised hunter was not mistaken; it -was really the expiring sound of a bell that reached him, and the -sound, came from a direction diametrically opposite to the one he was -following. In the darkness he had left his track; he was lost in the -midst of an entirely submerged country without chance of help. In spite -of his indomitable bravery the majordomo felt an internal horror; an -icy perspiration stood on his forehead, and he shook all over. At this -supreme moment the man had but one terrible thought that he would bear -with him to the tomb the fortune entrusted to him by his master, and on -which the future of his children perhaps depended. Paredes felt burning -tears start from his eyes, and a choking sob from his bosom. He cared -little for life; he would gladly have sacrificed it for his master; but -the thought of dying thus, and completing his master's ruin, caused -him indescribable grief. For some minutes this lion-hearted man, this -bold wood ranger, who had faced without blenching the most terrible -dangers, felt weaker than a child. But this prostration only lasted a -short time, and a reaction quickly took place; ashamed of the passing -despondency to which he had yielded, the majordomo became the firmer -when all seemed to abandon him, and resolved to sustain the insensate -struggle till he drew his last breath. - -Rendered stronger by his energetic resolution, the majordomo, whose -arteries were beating as if about to burst, passed the back of his band -over his eyes, addressed to Heaven that mental prayer which the most -intrepid men find in their hearts at the supreme moment when life or -death only hangs by a thread; and, instead of going on, he waited for -a flash, by which he could examine his position, and decide the new -course he had to take. He had not to wait long; almost immediately a -flash shot athwart the sky. Paredes uttered a cry of joy and surprise: -he had seen, a few paces from him on his right, a rather tall hill, -on the top of which he fancied he noticed a horseman, motionless and -upright as an equestrian statue. - -With that coolness which powerful men alone possess in critical -circumstances, the majordomo, although he felt that the water was -rapidly encircling him, and was almost up to his horse's girths, would -not leave anything to chance. Fearing he had been deceived by one of -those optical illusions, so frequent when the senses are overexcited, -he resolved to wait for a second flash, and kept his eyes fixed on the -spot where the hill must be, which he fancied he must have seen as in -a dream. All at once, at the moment when the desired flash lit up the -darkness, a voice, that overpowered the roar of the tempest, reached -his ear: - -"Courage! Keep straight on," he heard. - -The majordomo uttered a cry of delight, which resembled a yell; and, -lifting his horse with his bridle and knees, he dashed toward the hill, -pursued by the seething waters which were powerless to arrest him; and, -after an ascent that lasted scarce ten minutes, he fell fainting into -the arms of the man whose summons had saved him. From this moment he -had nothing to fear: an inundation could not reach the top of the hill -where he had found such a providential refuge. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -A CONVERSATION BY NIGHT. - - -The majordomo's fainting fit, caused rather by the moral struggle he -had sustained than by the physical fatigue he had endured, was not of -any duration: when he re-opened his eyes, he was alone on the top of -the hill. He threw off the furs and blankets laid over him, to protect -him, doubtless from the icy cold of the night, and looked curiously -round him. The tempest was still raging, but it had lost a great deal -of its violence. The rain had ceased: the deep blue sky was gradually -becoming studded with twinkling stars, which shed an uncertain light, -and gave the landscape an aspect of strange and desolate wildness. -The wind blew furiously, and formed waves on the seething top of the -waters, which had now almost risen to the spot where the majordomo lay. -A few yards from its master, his horse was quietly grazing; it was -eating the young tree shoots, and the tall close grass that covered the -ground like a thick carpet of verdure. Another horse was browsing close -by. - -"Good!" Paredes muttered to himself, "My saviour has not gone away; I -hope he is not far off, and that I shall see him soon. Where can he be? -At his own business, of course, though I cannot guess the nature of his -occupation at such a moment. Well, the best plan will be to wait for -him." - -The Mexican had scarce ended his soliloquy, ere a shadow stood out in -the gloom, and the man of whom he was speaking appeared. - -"Ah, ah!" he said, gaily, "You are all right again, I see: all the -better; I would sooner have you in that position than the one you were -in just now." - -"Thanks," the majordomo cordially answered. "I fancy I must have looked -very pitiable, stretched out like a half-throttled _novillo_. Is it not -disgraceful for a strong man to faint like a child or a feeble woman?" - -"Not the least in the world, _companero_," the other said, frankly. -"Accident decreed that I should be for a long time the involuntary -witness of the contest you waged, though it was impossible to help -you, and _iViva Dios!_ I declare that you are a tough combatant; you -sustained the shock bravely, and many others in your place--I the -first, perhaps--would not have got out of the scrape so well." - -This answer completely broke the ice, and made the two men -comparatively friends at once. - -"I confess," Paredes remarked, as he offered his hand to his new -friend, "that for a moment I believed myself lost, and had it not been -for you I should have been so." - -"Nonsense," the other replied, as he pressed the hand offered him. -"You owe me nothing, for, by Jove! You saved yourself all alone. But -let us not dwell on this point any longer. Although we are in relative -safety, as the water cannot reach us here, our position is not the most -agreeable; and I fancy it would be the best for us to try and get out -of it as quickly as possible." - -"That is my opinion, too; but, unluckily, the means at our disposal are -very limited." - -"Perhaps so; at any rate, with your consent, we will hold an Indian -council." - -"That is the best thing we can do at this moment. However," he added, -as he looked up to the sky, "day will not break for three hours." - -"We have time before us, in that case." - -Daring this short conversation the storm had entirely ceased, and the -wind only blew in gusts. - -"Before all," the majordomo said, "let us light a fire; now that the -tempest has ceased, the wild beasts, whose instinct is infallible, will -seek the shelter of this hill, swarm round us, and, if we do not take -care, carry our position by assault." - -"Excellently argued; I see that you are a hunter." - -"I was one for some time," Paredes replied, with a sigh of regret, "but -now it is all over; my adventures in the desert are ended." - -"I pity you sincerely," the stranger said, with an accent of sincerity; -"for no existence is comparable with it." - -"The finest years of my life were those I spent in the desert." - -While conversing thus, the two men had dug a hole with their machetes -at the foot of an enormous larch tree, to act as a hearth. In this -hole they piled up all the resinous wood they were able to procure, -lit it with some gunpowder rolled up in leaves, and in a few minutes -a long jet of flame sprung up and joyously ascended to the sky, while -the wood crackled and emitted millions of sparks. Fire has an immense -influence upon the human mind; among other benefits, it has the faculty -of restoring joy and hope; and while warming a man with its reviving -heat, it often makes him forget perils incurred and fatigues endured. -The two men, who were as wet as if they had been in a river, dried -themselves for a considerable time, enjoying the pleasant sensations -which the heat made them experience, in proportion as it penetrated -into the pores, causing the blood to circulate with greater vivacity, -and restoring elasticity to their benumbed limbs. It was the majordomo -who was the first to resume the conversation. - -"iViva Dios!" he said, shaking himself joyously; "I am now quite a -different man. What a fine thing a fire is when you are cold. Suppose -we make use of it, comrade?" - -"Do so, pray," the stranger replied, with a laugh; "but in what way?" - -"Oh, that is very easy; you shall see. Are you not hungry?" - -"_Caray_, it is fourteen hours since I have eaten; but unluckily I have -no provisions." - -"Well, I have, and we will share them." - -"Very good. I see that you are a first-rate fellow." - -The majordomo rose, fetched the alforjas which were fastened to his -saddle, and then seated himself again by the fire. - -"There!" he said, displaying his provisions with some degree of -complacency. - -"_iCaramba!_" the other remarked, with a laugh; "Food was never more -welcome." - -The provisions which caused such delight to the two men would have -made our European good wives smile with pity. They consisted of some -slices of _tasajo_, _cicuia_, a lump of goat's cheese, and a few -maize tortillas; but the majordomo produced a leather bottle, full -of excellent mezcal, which had the privilege of restoring to the two -adventurers all their merry carelessness. - -The _tasajo_ was laid on the coals, where it was soon done to a turn, -and the two friends heartily attacked the supper. The frugal meal -ended, they washed it down with a few sips of mezcal, fraternally -passing the bottle to each other; then they lit their cigarettes, the -_obligado_ supplement of every Mexican repast, and began to smoke, -while attentively surveying the heavy sky, which was already striped -with dark bands under the influence of the early morning hours. - -"Now, let us hold a council, if you are agreeable," the stranger said, -as he inhaled an enormous mouthful of smoke, which he sent forth -through his mouth and nostrils. - -"As you are my senior on this territory," the majordomo remarked, with -a laugh, "and are better acquainted with its resources than I am, you -have the right to speak first." - -"Very good: we are surrounded by water, and though the temporal has -ceased, the streams will not return to their bed for several hours: -moreover, the whole day will pass before the water is entirely absorbed -by the sand." - -"That is true," the majordomo said, with a significant shake of the -head: "and yet we must get away from here." - -"That is the question. To do so, we can only employ two means." - -"Yes, we must either wait till the ground is dry, and that -unfortunately will take a long time, which I cannot afford, as I am in -a hurry: or at sunrise we can mount our horses, and bravely swim off, -and reach the mountains, which cannot be very far distant." - -"You forgot another way which is still at our service." - -"I do not think so." - -"We can get into a canoe, and tow our horses after us, which will tire -them less than carrying us; and enable us to reach the mountains to -which you refer with greater ease; and they are only two leagues at the -most, from this point." - -"Your opinion is certainly good, and I approve of it with all my heart; -unluckily we want one very important thing to carry it out." - -"What is that?" - -"Why, hang it all--the canoe." - -"You are mistaken, _compadre_, we have one." - -"Nonsense; how can that be possible?" - -"While you were in a faint," the stranger continued, with a smile, -"I explored our domain. You know that, in this country, when the -rainy season arrives, the inhabitants are accustomed to hide canoes -in bushes, and even in trees, in order to give travellers who are -surprised by the inundation the means of saving themselves." - -"That is true; have you found a canoe?" - -"Yes; and hidden behind the very tree against which you are leaning." - -"Heaven be praised! In that case we run no risk; but is the canoe in -good condition?" - -"I have assured myself of that fact, and even found two pairs of new -paddles." - -"Heaven is very certainly on your side. In that case we will start at -sunrise, if that suits you." - -"Excellently; though I am not in such a hurry as you appear to be, and -for certain reasons I must remain in these parts for some days longer." - -"Shall we employ the few hours left us in having a sleep?" - -"You can sleep if you like, but as I am not at all fatigued, I shall -watch over our common safety." - -"I accept your proposal as frankly as you make it. Yet, with your -permission, I will not close my eyes till I have become better -acquainted with you." - -"How so? Are we not friends already?" - -"Certainly, I am your friend, at least; but we do not know one another." - -"That is to say--" - -"We do not know one another--I mean who we are." - -"Oh, when travelling, what value can such formalities possess?" - -"A greater value than you suppose; in a few hours we shall part, it is -true, perhaps never to meet again; but perhaps, at some distant period, -we may require each other's assistance; now, how could I summon you, if -I did not know your name?" - -"You're right, comrade; as for me, I am only a poor devil of a hunter, -wood ranger, or trapper--whichever you please, and my companions call -me Stronghand, because, as they say, when I hold out my hand to a -friend he can trust to it in perfect confidence." - -"_iViva Dios_, caballero! you are well named, as I can declare; your -reputation has already reached me, and I am delighted at the chance -that has brought us together, as I had already desired to form your -personal acquaintance." - -"I thank you," the hunter replied, with a bow. - -"As for me," the Mexican continued, "my name is Jose Paredes, and I am -majordomo to the Marquis de Moguer." - -"What!" Stronghand said, with a surprise he did not try to conceal; -"you are majordomo at the Hacienda del Toro?" - -"Yes, what do you find surprising in that?" - -"The man whom his master sent two days ago to Hermosillo, to receive -cash for heavy bills drawn on an English banker?" - -"How do you know that?" Paredes exclaimed, in his turn overwhelmed with -surprise. - -"What matter, so long as I know it?" the hunter replied. "Believe me," -he added, with an accent that caused the majordomo deep reflection, -"our meeting is truly providential, and Heaven led us toward each -other." - -"That is strange," Paredes muttered; "how is it possible that a secret -which my master confided to me alone should be in your possession?" - -The hunter smiled. "A secret known to three persons," he said, "does -not long remain a secret." - -"But that third person, to whom you refer, has no right to divulge it." - -"How do you know that? I will say to you in my turn, Master Paredes. -Sufficient for you, for the present, to learn that I am aware of the -cause of your journey. I think you said you had heard speak of me -before we met?" - -"That is true, Senor." - -"What terms did the persons who spoke of me employ?" - -"The best, I must allow. They represented you to me as a man of -unspotted loyalty and dauntless courage." - -"Good! Does that report satisfy you--have you confidence in me?" - -"Yes; for I am convinced that you are an honest man." - -"I hope that your opinion of me will not alter. I will soon prove to -you that it is fortunate for you and the Marquis that we have met at -the moment when you least expected it; for I was looking for you." - -"Looking for me? I do not understand you." - -"You do not require to understand me at the present moment; but set -your mind at rest, everything will be explained ere long." - -"I hope so." - -"And I am certain of it. Are you devoted to your master?" - -"My family have lived on the estate for two hundred years." - -"That is not a reason; answer distinctly." - -"I am devoted to him body and soul, and would willingly lay down my -life for him." - -"That is the way to answer; however, I knew it already, and only -desired that your lips should confirm what I have been told." - -"My master has no secrets from me." - -"I know that also. Well, now, listen to me attentively, Senor Paredes, -for what I have to reveal to you is of the utmost gravity." - -"I am listening to you, Senor." - -"Your master is at this moment in danger of being utterly ruined. He -is the plaything of villains who have sworn to destroy him. The sum -you are going to fetch they intend to take from you, and everything -is prepared to make you fall into an infamous trap, in which you will -infallibly perish." - -"Are you certain of what you assert?" the majordomo exclaimed, in -horror. - -"I know all, I repeat to you: the men from whom I obtained your secret, -who little expected that I was listening to them, at the same time -revealed to me the means they intended to employ in assassinating you." - -"Why, that is infamous!" - -"I am completely of your opinion, and that is why, instead of setting -my traps in the desert, as I ought to be doing, I am now here. I wish -to foil the plots of these villains, and confound them." - -"But what interest induces you to act thus?" the majordomo asked, with -a shadow of distrust. - -"That question I cannot answer. You must for the present lay aside all -curiosity; you must place entire confidence in me, and give me, in what -I propose doing, as much help as I shall offer you. Does this suit you? -I fancy that the bargain I offer is entirely to your advantage, and -that you will run no risk beyond what I do myself." - -There was a lengthened silence. The majordomo was reflecting on what -he had just heard, while the hunter, with his eyes fixed on him, was -patiently waiting till he thought proper to renew the conversation. At -length Paredes raised his head, and held out his hand to the hunter, -who pressed it. - -"Listen, Stronghand," he said to him; "all that you have told me -appears extraordinary, and I confess that at once: but there is such -frankness in your voice, and your reputation is so well established -among your brethren, the wood rangers, who all proclaim your loyalty, -that I do not hesitate to confide in you without any reservation, for -I am convinced that you can have no idea of betraying me, up to the -moment when you think proper to reveal to me the names of the villains -into whose hands I should have infallibly fallen, had it not been for -you, and who have sworn the ruin of my beloved master. I will do what -you ask of me--resign my will entirely; you may regard me as a thing -belonging entirely to you. Come, go, act as you think proper, and I -will obey you in everything, without asking any explanation of your -conduct. Now, in your turn, say if it suits you." - -"Yes, my worthy friend, that pleases me. You have guessed my thought. -I require this liberty to give me the means of succeeding in what I -wish to do. Believe the word of an honest man. If anything can add -to the confidence you have placed in me, and of which I am proud, I -swear to you, by all that is most sacred in the world, that no one is -more interested than I am in the Marquis de Moguer, or more sincerely -desires to see him happy." - -"We shall still start at sunrise, eh?" - -"Yes; but not to proceed to Hermosillo. Before going to that town, we -must take certain indispensable precautions. We have to deal with the -most crafty bandits on the border, and must beat them by cunning. They -are on our track, and we must cheat the cheaters." - -"Good, good! I will call to mind my old hunter's profession." - -"Remember, above all, the prairie proverb, 'The trees have eyes and the -leaves ears.' Fortunately for us, the villains who are watching for you -do not disturb me in any way. I reckon principally on that ignorance to -foil their plots." - -"But if we do not go to Hermosillo, where are we going?" - -"Tomorrow, when it is daylight," the hunter answered, sententiously, -"when the bright sunbeams permit me to convince myself that no one can -hear us, I will tell you. For the present, sleep, rest yourself, so -that you may be able to support the fatigue that awaits you." - -And, as if to avoid fresh questioning, the hunter wrapped himself in -his zarape, leant his back against the larch tree, stretched out his -legs to the fire, and closed his eyes. The majordomo, in spite of his -lively desire to continue the conversation, imitated him; and a few -minutes later, overcome by the fatigue of every description he had -endured for some days, he was fast asleep. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE REAL DE MINAS. - - -For some years past--that is to say, since the day when Captain Sutter, -while digging a well at his plantation in San Francisco, accidentally -found a lump of virgin gold--the discovery of the rich mines of the New -World has so aroused interest and excited admiration, by giving a fresh -impulse to avarice and covetousness, that we consider it necessary to -say a few words here about the mines. Of course we shall allude to -those situated in the country where our scene is laid--that is, in -Sonora. - -Sonora is the richest mining country in the world. We assured ourself -by official data that six hundred bars of silver and sixty bars of -gold, worth together a million of piastres, were brought to the Mint -of Hermosillo in 1839. To this large amount a nearly equal sum must -be added, which is not brought to be assayed, in order to avoid the -payment of the duty, which is five per cent, on silver and four per -cent, on gold. This country also possesses most valuable copper mines, -but the population generally abandons the other metals to seek virgin -gold. - -No country in the world possesses auriferous strata so rich and so -extensive (_criaderos or placeres de oro_). The metal is found in -alluvial soil in ravines after rain, and always on the surface or at -a depth of a few feet. In the north of the province of Arispe, the -placers of Quitoval and Sonoitac, which were found again in 1836, -and to which we shall soon have to allude more specially, produced -for three years two hundred ounces of gold per day,--that is to say, -reducing it to our money, the large sum of two hundred and fifty -thousand pounds. - -The gold seekers restrict themselves to turning up the soil with a -pointed stick, and only collect the nuggets that are visible; but -if the streams were diverted from their course, and large washings -undertaken, the profits would be far more considerable. It is not rare -to find nuggets weighing several pounds; we saw at Arispe, in the -hands of a miner, one that was worth nine thousand piastres, or about -eighteen hundred pounds; and the Royal Cabinet at Madrid contains -several magnificent specimens. We will soon describe how and why the -working of these strata was interrupted. - -Most of the buildings of the _pueblos_, or Missions of Sonora, serve -as the gathering place of the nomadic workmen and traders who collect -round any important mine so soon as its working is begun. The place -where the workmen assemble takes the name of _Real de Minas_ or -_Mineral;_ and if the mine promises to be productive for any length -of time, the population definitively settles round it. Many important -towns of Mexico had no other origin. The facility with which the miners -earn large sums explains the enormous consumption of European goods -which takes place in the provinces. Simple rancheros may frequently -be seen spending in a few days seven or eight pounds of gold, which -only cost them a week's toil. Unhappily, the ruinous passion for -gambling--that shameful leprosy of Mexico, whose inhabitants it -degrades--prevents the great mine owners from keeping a large capital -on their hands, and thus checks works on a great scale. - -Before resuming our narrative, we must also give the reader certain -information about the Indian nations that inhabit the territory of -Sonora. There are in this province five distinct tribes; the Yaquis, -the Opatas, the Mayos, the Gilenos, and the Apaches. The Yaquis and -Mayos occupy the country to the south of Guaymas, as far as the Rio -del Huerto; they let themselves out to the creoles as farm labourers, -masons, servants, miners, and divers. Their number is about forty -thousand. The Opatas reside along the bank of the San Miguel de -Horcasitos, the Arispe, the Los Ures, and the Oposina; they are very -good workmen and excellent soldiers. They have always served the -government faithfully, both Spanish and Mexican, and their number is -estimated at thirty thousand. - -The Gilenos spread along the banks of the Gila and Colorado rivers. -The Axuas and Apaches, who belong to the Sierra Madre, are confounded -under the name of Papazos. These Indians are nomadic, and only live -by hunting and plunder; they were formerly encamped to the north of -Chihuahua and Sonora; but being driven back by the progress of the -Americans and Texans, they threw themselves upon the Mexican territory, -where they cause immense damage, for they are well supplied with -firearms, which they obtained in exchange for peltry and cattle at the -American establishments at the Arkansas, the Missouri, and the Rio -Bravo del Norte. In order to complete this brief enumeration of the -Indian nations of Sonora, we will mention a mission established at the -gates of Hermosillo, and in which five hundred Seris Indians lived; a -thousand members of the same tribe, formerly one of the most powerful -in this country, but now almost extinct, dwelt on the coast to the -north of Guaymas, and in Tiburon or Sharkesland. - -We will now temporarily leave Stronghand and Jose Paredes at the top of -the hill, where they found a shelter from the inundation, and lead the -reader to the Real de Minas of Quitoval, where certain important events -are about to take place. - -It was the evening: the streets and plazas of the pueblo were crowded -with individuals of every description: Yaquis Indians, hunters, miners, -gambusinos, monks, and adventurers, who composed the motley population -of the Mineral, mounted and foot, incessantly jostled each other, and -bowed, spoke, laughed, or quarrelled. Some were returning from the -placer, where they had been at work all day; others were leaving their -houses to enjoy the evening breeze; others, and they were the larger -number, were entering the drinking shops, through whose doors could be -heard the songs of the topers, and the shrill, inharmonious tinkling -jarabes and vihuelas. - -One of these _tendajos_, of a more comfortable and less dirty -appearance than the rest, seemed to have the privilege of attracting a -greater number of customers than all the rival establishments. After -passing through a low door and descending two steps of unequal height, -the visitor found himself in a species of hideous den, resembling at -once a cellar and a shed, whose earthen flooring, rendered uneven by -the mud constantly brought in by customers, caused persons to stumble -at each step who visited the place for the first time! A hot heavy -vapour, impregnated with alcoholic fumes and mephitic exhalations, -escaped through the door of this den, as from the mouth of Hades, and -painfully affected mouth and eyes, before the latter became accustomed -to the close, obscure aspect of the place, and were enabled to pierce -the thick curtain of vapour, which was constantly drawn from one side -to the other by the movements of the customers. They perceived, by the -dubious light of a few _candils_ scattered here and there, a large and -lofty room, whose once whitewashed walls had become black at the lower -part by the constant friction of heads, backs, and shoulders, to which -they served as a support. - -Facing the door was a dais, raised about a foot above the ground; this -dais occupied the entire width of the room, and was divided into two -parts; that on the right contained a table forming a bar, behind which -stood a tall, active fellow, with false look and ill-tempered face, the -master of the tendajo. Above the head of this respectable personage, -who answered to the harmonious name of Cospeto, a niche had been made -in the wall, in which was a statue of the Virgin, holding the Holy -Infant in her arms; in front of the statue a dozen small wax tapers, -fixed on a row of iron points, were burning. The left hand portion of -the dais was occupied by the musicians, or performers on jarabes and -vihuelas. - -On each side of the room, the centre of which remained free for the -dancers, ran rickety, badly made, and dirty tables, occupied at -this moment by a crowd of customers, some seated on benches, others -standing, laughing, talking, shouting, quarrelling; drinking mezcal, -refino, pulque, or infusion of tamarinds, or else staking at monte the -gold earned during the day at the mine, and which their dirty hands -fetched from the pockets of the shapeless rags that served them as -garments. A few women, creatures without a name, whose features were -sodden with debauchery, and eyes deep sunk with drinking, were mingled -with the crowd; and all, both men and women, were smoking either cigars -or husk cigarettes. - -Nothing can describe the hideous aspect of this infamous Pandemonium, -the refuge of all the vices of the province, overlooked by the gentle, -smiling face of the statue of the Virgin, whose features, in the light -of the tapers, assumed an expression of wondrous pity and sorrow. - -At the moment when we invite the reader to enter this drinking shop -with us the fun was at its height, the room was full of drinkers and -dancers, and the whole mob laughed, yelled, and made a row which would -have rendered the saint herself deaf. On the left, near the door, a -man, wrapped up in a thick cloak, one end of which was raised to his -face, and completely concealed his features, was sitting motionless at -a separate table, looking absently and carelessly at the dancers who -whirled round him. When a newcomer entered the tendajo, this man looked -toward the door, and then turned his head away with an air of ill -humour when he perceived that the newcomer was not the person that he -had been so long expecting, for he had been sitting alone at this table -for upwards of two hours. Still no one paid, or seemed to pay, any -attention to him--all were too much absorbed in their own occupations -to think about a man who obstinately remained gloomy and silent amid -this revelry. The stranger, so often deceived in his expectations, at -length gave up looking toward the door; he let his head fall on his -chest and went to sleep, or pretended to do so, either for the sake of -not attracting attention, or else to indulge with greater freedom in -his reflections. - -All at once a formidable disturbance broke out at one end of the -room; a table was upset by a vigorous blow; oaths crossed each other -in the air, and knives were drawn from boots; musicians and dancers -stopped short, and a circle was formed round two men who, with frowning -brows, eyes sparkling with intoxication and passion, a zarape rolled -as a buckler round the left arm, and a navaja in their right hand, -were preparing, according to all appearance, to attack each other -vigorously. The tendajero, or master of the house, then proved himself -equal to the position he occupied--he leaped like a jaguar over the -counter behind which he had hitherto stood coldly and indifferently, -merely engaged in watching his waiters and serving customers; he closed -the front door, against which he leant his powerful shoulders, in order -to prevent any customer bolting without payment of his score, and -prepared with evident interest to witness the fight. - -The two men, with outstretched legs, left arm advanced, bodies bent -forward, and knife held by the middle of the blade, were standing -looking in each other's eyes, ready for attack, defence, or parry. All -at once the mysterious sleeper appeared to wake with a start, as if -surprised by the voice of one of the adversaries, took a hasty glance -at the combatants, and then darted between them. - -"What is the matter?" he asked, in a firm voice, the sound of which -affected the duellists, who were astounded at an interference they had -been far from expecting. - -"This man," one of them answered, "has lost three ounces to me at -monte, through the unexpected turn up of the ace of spades." - -"Well?" the stranger interjected. - -"He refuses to pay me," the gambler continued; "because he declares -that the cards were packed, and that consequently I cheated him, which -is not true, for--_viva Dios;_ I am known to be a caballero." - -At this affirmation, which was slightly erroneous, a smile of singular -meaning, but which no one saw, curled the stranger's lip; he continued, -in a more serious voice--"It is true that you are a caballero, and I -would affirm it were it necessary; but the most honest man is subject -to deceive himself, and I am convinced that this has happened to you. -Hence instead of fighting with this caballero, whose honour and -loyalty cannot either be doubted, prove to him that you recognise -your error by paying him the three ounces, which you claimed of him -through an oversight; this gentleman will apologize for having used -certain ugly expressions, and all will then be settled to the general -satisfaction." - -"Certainly, I am convinced that this caballero is a man of honour; I -am ready to proclaim it anywhere, and I regret with all my soul the -misunderstanding which momentarily divided us," said the individual who -had not yet spoken, though he remained on the defensive, a position -that slightly contradicted the apparent good humour of his remark. - -The stranger then turned to the man whose friend he had so unexpectedly -made himself, and gave him a sign which the other appeared to -understand. - -"Well, caballero," he said, with an irony whose expression was hardly -noticeable, "what do you think of this apology? For my part, I consider -it complete and most honourable." - -The man thus addressed hesitated for a moment; a combat was evidently -going on in his mind; his furious glances seemed to challenge the -company; and had he perceived on the face of one of the spectators an -expression of contempt, however fugitive it might have been, he would -doubtless have immediately picked another quarrel. But all the persons -who surrounded him were cold and indifferent; curiosity alone was -legible on their features. He unrolled his cloak, returned the knife to -his boot, and held out his hand to his adversary at the same time that -he gave him three ounces. - -"Pardon me an involuntary error at which I am trully confused," he -said, with a courteous bow, but with a sigh he could not restrain. - -The other took the ounces without pressing, thrust them away in -his capacious pockets with far from ordinary dexterity, returned -the salute, and mingled with the crowd, who, through a lengthened -acquaintance with the two men, did not at all comprehend this peaceful -result. - -"Now, Master Kidd," the stranger continued, as he laid his hand on the -shoulder of the adventurer, who stood motionless in the middle of the -room, "I suppose that all your business here is settled; so, with your -permission, we will withdraw." - -"As you please," Kidd answered, carelessly, for this man was no other -than the bandit we came across in the opening of our story. - -The groups had broken up, the crowd had dispersed, musicians -and dancers had returned to their places, and the two men could -consequently leave without attracting attention. The stranger, when -he reached the purer atmosphere of the street, took several deep -inspirations, as if trying to expel from his lungs the vitiated air -he had been constrained to swallow for so long. Then he turned to his -companion, who was walking silently by his side. - -"_iCuerpo de Cristo!_ Master Kidd," he said, in a tone of ill humour, -"you are, it must be confessed, a singular fellow; you compel me, the -commandant of this pueblo, to come and hunt you up at this filthy -den, where, on your entreaty, I consented to meet you, and instead of -watching for my arrival, you leave me among the most perfect collection -of bandits I ever saw in my life." - -"Excess of zeal, captain; so you must not be angry with me for that," -the bandit answered, with a cunning look. "In order to be punctual at -the rendezvouz I gave you, I had been for nearly four hours at worthy -Senor Cospeto's. Not knowing how to spend my time, I played at cards. -You know what month is; once I have the cards in my hand, and the gold -on the table, I forget everything." - -"Good, good," the stranger answered. "I am willing to believe you. -Still, I pledge you my word, that if you dupe me in the affair you have -proposed, and the information you offer to sell me is false, you will -repent it. You know me, I think, Master Kidd?" - -"Yes, Captain Don Marcos de Niza, and I suppose that you know me too; -but of what use is this discussion? Let us settle our business first, -and then you can act as you think proper." - -The Captain gave him a suspicious glance. "It is well," he said, as he -rapped at the door; "come in, this is my house; I prefer treating with -you here to the tendajo." - -"As you please," the bandit said, and followed the Captain into his -house, the doors of which were closed behind them. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE BARGAIN. - - -Captain Don Marcos de Niza, whom we left commanding the post of San -Miguel, and defending it against the Indians, had been a few days -previously summoned to the political and military government of the -Mineral of Quitoval, by an order that arrived from Mexico, and emanated -from the President of the Republic himself. The fact was, that during -the last few days certain events had occurred which demanded energetic -action on the part of the President. All at once, at a moment when no -discontent was supposed to exist among the Indians, the latter, after -long councils they had held together, revolted, and had, without any -declaration of war, invaded the Mexican territory at several points -simultaneously. This revolt suddenly assumed serious proportions; -and had become the more formidable within a short time, because the -revolters were the Gilenos, that is to say, the Comanches, Apaches, and -Axuas, whose dangerous country is known by the name of the Papazos. - -The General commanding Sonora and Sinaloa, the two states most exposed -to the depredations of the Indians, saw that he must oppose to the -Indians a man who, through a lengthened residence on the borders, had -acquired great experience as to their way of fighting and the tricks -they employ. Only one officer fulfilled these conditions, and that -officer was Captain de Niza; he, therefore, received orders to quit the -post of San Miguel after dismantling it, and proceed immediately to the -Mineral of Quitoval. The Captain obeyed with that promptitude which old -soldiers alone can display in the execution of the orders they receive. -His first care, on reaching the Mineral, was to protect the pueblo, -as far as was possible, from a surprise, by digging a large trench, -throwing up entrenchments, and barricading the principal streets. - -Unfortunately, the general commanding the provinces had but a very -limited military force at his disposal; scarce amounting to six hundred -infantry and two hundred cavalry, without field artillery. Hence, in -spite of his lively desire to give the Captain a respectable force, as -he was obliged to scatter his troops along the whole seaboard of the -two states, he found it impossible to send to Quitoval more than one -hundred infantry and fifty cavalry. In spite of the numerical weakness -of his troops the Captain did not despair. He was one of those men to -whom the performance of duty was everything; and who carry out without -a murmur the most extraordinary order. - -Still, as he expected to be attacked at any moment by an army of ten -or fifteen thousand veteran Indians, amply supplied with firearms, and -who, through being accustomed to fight with Spaniards, could not be -easily terrified, he had to augment the number of his soldiers, so as -to have men enough to line the entrenchments he had thrown up round the -town. He had two means by which to obtain this result, and he employed -them. The first consisted in making the great mine owners understand -that they must participate in the defences of the pueblo, either -personally or by arming and placing under his orders a certain number -of the peons they employed; for if the Indians succeeded in seizing the -Mineral, the source of their wealth would be at once dried up. - -The great owners understood the Captain's reasons the more easily -because their interests were at stake. They therefore enthusiastically -followed his advice, and raised at their common charge a corps of one -hundred and fifty Opatas--brave soldiers, thoroughly devoted to the -Whites. They placed this corps under the Captain's orders, pledging -themselves to pay and support it so long as the danger lasted. Don -Marcos thus doubled his army at one stroke. This success, which he had -been far from expecting, owing to his profound knowledge of the apathy -and selfishness of his countrymen, induced him to try the second plan. - -This was very simple. It consisted in enlisting, for a certain bounty, -as many as he could of the adventurers who always swarm on the borders, -and whose neutrality is at times more formidable than declared enmity. -The sum offered by the Captain was two ounces per man, one payable on -enlistment, the other at the termination of the campaign. This offer, -seductive though it was, did not produce all the effect the Captain -expected from it. The adventurers responded but feebly to the appeal -made to them. These men, in whose hearts patriotic love does not -exist, and who only care for pillage, saw in the insurrection of the -Indians a source of disorder, and, consequently, of rapine. They cared -very little about defending a state of things which their predacious -instincts led them, on the contrary, to attack. - -Thirty or forty adventurers, however, responded to the call; and these -immoral men, who were impatient at the yoke of discipline, were rather -an embarrassment than an assistance to the Captain; still as, take -them altogether, they were sturdy fellows, and thoroughly acquainted -with Indian warfare, he attached them to his cavalry, which was thus -raised to a strength of one hundred men. Don Marcos thus found himself -at the head of two hundred and fifty infantry and one hundred horse--a -force which appeared to him, if well directed, more than sufficient to -withstand, behind good entrenchments, the effort of the whole Indian -army. - -We are aware that this number of men defending a town will produce a -smile of pity among European readers, who are accustomed to see on -battlefields masses of three hundred thousand men come into collision. -But all is relative in this world. In America, where the population -is comparatively small, great things have often been decided at the -bayonet's point by armies whose relative strength did not exceed that -of one of our line regiments. In the last battle fought between the -Texans and Mexicans--a battle which decided the independence of Texas, -the two armies together did not amount to two thousand men, and yet -the collision was terrible, and victory obstinately disputed. In the -actions between white men and Indians, the latter, in spite of their -indomitable valour, were almost always defeated in a pitched battle, -in spite of their crushing superiority of numbers. Not through the -courage of their enemies, but by their discipline and military skill. -The latter is certainly very limited, but sufficient for adversaries -such as they have to combat. - -One night, when the Captain returned home after his usual visit to -the pueblo to assure himself that all was in order, a ragged lepero, -more than half intoxicated with mezcal and pulque, handed him with an -infinitude of bows a dirty slip of paper folded up in the shape of a -letter. Don Marcos de Niza was not accustomed to neglect anything. He -attached as much importance to apparently frivolous events as to those -which seemed to possess a certain gravity. He stopped, took the letter, -gave a real to the lepero, who went away quite satisfied, and entered -his house, which was situated on the Plaza Mayor, in the centre of the -pueblo. - -After throwing his cap and sword on a table, the Captain opened the -letter. He read it at first rather carelessly; but ere long he began -frowning, and read the letter a second time, attentively weighing each -word. Then at the end of a moment he folded up the letter, and said in -a low voice--"I will go." - -This letter came from Kidd. The Captain had been long acquainted with -the bandit, and knew certain peculiar facts about him which would -have been most disagreeable to the bandit, had the latter suspected -that the Captain was so thoroughly initiated in the secrets of his -vagabond life. Hence Don Marcos fancied he had no right to neglect -the overtures the other was pleased to make; while keeping on his -guard and determined to punish him severely if he deceived him. The -Captain, therefore, proceeded without hesitation to the place where the -adventurer appointed to meet him. He had waited for him for several -hours with exemplary patience, and would probably have waited longer -still, had not chance suddenly brought them face to face in the way we -have described. - -When the two men had entered the house, and the door closed after them, -Don Marcos de Niza, still closely followed by the bandit, who, in spite -of his impudence, looked around him timidly, like a wolf caught in a -sheepfold, led him into a room the door of which he carefully closed. -The Captain pointed to a chair, sat down at a table, laid a brace of -pistols ostentatiously within his reach, and said-- - -"Now I am ready to hear you." - -"_iCaray!_" the bandit said, impudently; "that is possible; but the -point is whether I am disposed to speak." - -"And why not, pray, my excellent friend?" - -"Hang it, Captain," he said, as he pointed to the pistols, "there are -two playthings not at all adapted to set my tongue wagging." - -Don Marcos looked at him in a way that made the adventurer -involuntarily let his eyes fall, and then leant his elbows on the table. - -"Master Kidd," he then said, in a stern voice, though a certain tone of -sarcasm was perceptible in it, "I like a distinct understanding; let us -therefore, before anything establish our relative positions. You have -led a very agitated life, Master Kidd; your vagabond humour, your mad -desire to appropriate certain things to which you have a very dubious -claim have led you into a few mistakes, whose results might prove -remarkably disagreeable to you." - -The bandit shook his head in denial. - -"I will not dwell," the Captain continued, mockingly, "on a subject -which must make your modesty greatly suffer, and will come at once -to the motives of your presence here, and the positions we must hold -towards each other. I am commandant of this pueblo, and in that -capacity compelled to watch over its external safety as well as its -internal tranquillity, I think you will agree with me." - -"Yes, Captain," the bandit answered, somewhat reassured at finding the -conversation turned away from such delicate topics. - -"Very good; you wrote me this letter, appointing a meeting and offering -to sell--that is your own word--certain most important information, as -you say, for the continuance of the safety and tranquillity which I am -bound to maintain. Another man might have treated you in the Indian -fashion. After having you arrested, he would have ordered a cord to be -fastened round your temples; or your suspension by your thumbs--as you -have done yourself, if report be true, on various occasions with less -valid reasons; and have so thoroughly loosened your tongue that you -would not have kept a single secret back. I have preferred dealing with -you as an honest man." - -The bandit breathed again. - -"Still, as you are one of those persons with whom it is advisable to -take precautions, and in whom a confidence cannot be placed, as they -would not scruple to abuse it on the first opportunity, I retain not -only the right, but also the means of blowing out your brains if you -have the slightest intention of deceiving me." - -"Oh, Captain, what an idea! Blow out my brains!" the bandit stammered. - -"Do you fancy, my dear Senor," the Captain continued, still -sarcastically, "that your friends will pity you greatly, if such a -misfortune happened to you?" - -"Hum! to tell you the truth, I do not exactly know," the adventurer -answered, with at attempt to jest; "people are so unkind. But, since -you accept the bargain offered to you--for you do accept it, I think, -Captain?" - -"I do." - -"What then, will you give me in exchange for what I shall tell you?" - -"You sell; I buy; it is your place to make your conditions; and, if -they are not exorbitant--if, in a word, they seem to me fair, I will -accept them; so, speak, what do you ask?" - -"_iCaray!_ Captain; it is a delicate question, for I am an honest man." - -"That is allowed," Don Marcos interrupted him with a laugh. "Name your -price." - -"Fifty ounces; would that be too much?" the bandit ventured. - -"Certainly not, if the thing be worth it." - -"Then," Kidd exclaimed, joyfully, "that is understood, fifty ounces." - -"I repeat, if it be worth it." - -"Oh, you shall judge for yourself," he remarked, rubbing his hands. - -"I ask nothing better but to buy, and to prove to you that I have no -intention of cheating you," he added, as he opened a drawer and took -out a rather heavy purse, "here is the amount." - -And the Captain made two piles each of twenty-five ounces, exactly -between the pistols. At the sight of the gold the bandit's eyes -sparkled like those of a wild beast. - -"_iRayo de Dios!_ Captain," he exclaimed; "There is a pleasure in -treating with you. I will remember it another time." - -"I ask nothing better, Master Kidd. Now speak, I am listening." - -"Oh, I have not much to say; but you will judge whether it is -important." - -"Go on; I am all ears." - -"In two words, this is the matter; the Papazos have not elected a -chief, but an emperor!" - -"An emperor?" - -"Yes." - -"What do they assert, then?" - -"They mean to be free, and wish to constitute their Independence upon a -solid basis." - -"Do you know this emperor?" - -"I have seen him, at least." - -"Who is he?" - -"A man who is the more formidable because he appears to belong to the -white rather than the red race; and is thoroughly conversant with all -the means hitherto employed by the Indians." - -"Is he young?" - -"He is sixty; but as active as if he were only twenty." - -"Very good; proceed." - -"Is that important?" - -"Very important. But not worth fifty ounces, for all that." - -"The Yaquis, Mayos, and Seris have allowed themselves to be seduced, -and have entered the Confederation. They have taken up again their old -plans of 1827--you remember, at the time of their great revolution?" - -"Yes; go on." - -"The first expedition the Chief of the Confederation means to undertake -is the capture of the Real de Minas." - -"I am aware of it." - -"Yes; but do you know, Captain, that the Indians have spies even among -the garrison; that all is ready for the attack, and that the Papazos -intend to surprise you within the next two days?" - -"Who gave you this information?" - -The bandit smiled craftily. - -"What use my telling you, Captain," he answered, "if the information is -correct?" - -"Do you know the men who have entered into negotiations with the enemy?" - -"I do." - -"In that case tell me their names." - -"It would be imprudent, Captain." - -"Why so?" - -"Judge for yourself. Suppose I were to tell you their names, what would -happen?" - -"_iViva Dios!_" the Captain sharply interrupted him. "I should shoot -them like the miserable dogs they are, and to serve as a warning to -others." - -"Well, that is the mistake, Captain." - -"How a mistake?" - -"Why, yes; suppose you shoot ten men?" - -"Twenty, if necessary!" - -"Say twenty, it is of no consequence to me; but those who remain, whom -neither you nor I know, will sell you to the Indians, so that the only -result will be precipitating the evil instead of preventing it." - -"Ah, ah!" the Commandant said, with an expressive glance at the bandit. -"And what would you do in my place?" - -"Oh, a very simple thing." - -"Well, what is it?" - -"I would leave the scamps at liberty to prepare their treachery, while -carefully watching them; and when the moment for attack arrived, -I would have them quietly arrested; so that the Indians would be -surprised, instead of surprising us, and we should cheat the cunning -cheats." - -The Captain appeared to reflect for a moment, and then said--"The -plan you recommend seems to me good, and for the present I see no -inconvenience in carrying it out. Give me the names of the traitors." - -Kidd mentioned a dozen names, which the Captain wrote down after him. - -"Now," Don Marcos continued, "there are your fifty ounces, and I shall -give as many each time you bring me information as valuable as that of -today. I pay you dearly, so it is your interest to serve me faithfully; -but remember, that if you deceive me, nothing can save you from the -punishment I will inflict on you, and that punishment, I warn you, will -be terrible." - -The adventurer bounded on the money like a wild beast on a prey it -has long coveted, concealed it with marvellous dexterity in his wide -pockets, and said to the Captain with a bow--"Senor Don Marcos, I have -always thought that in this world gold was the sovereign master, and -that it alone had the right to command." - -After accompanying these singular words with a smiling and almost -mocking expression, Kidd bowed for the last time and disappeared, -leaving the Captain to his reflections. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE PAPAZOS. - - -We will not return to Stronghand and Jose Paredes, whom we have left -too long at the top of the hill. The night passed without any incident, -the majordomo sleeping like a man overcome by fatigue; as for the -hunter, he did not close his eyes once. The sun had risen for a long -time; it was nearly nine o'clock, but the hunter, forgetting apparently -what he had said to his comrade, did not dream of departure. Jose -Paredes slept on. It was a magnificent day; the sky, swept by the -night hurricane, was cloudless; the sun darted down its glowing beams; -and yet the atmosphere, tempered by the storm, retained an agreeable -freshness. The water was disappearing with a rapidity almost equalling -that it bad displayed in rising, being drunk by the thirsty sand or by -the hot sunbeams; the plain had lost its lacustrine appearance; and all -led to the supposition that by midday the ground would be firm enough -to be ventured on in safety. - -As the canoe was unnecessary, the hunter did not try to get it down -from the tree; with his back leant against the larch tree, his hands -folded, and his head bowed on his chest, he was thinking, and at -times taking an anxious glance at his sleeping comrade. At length the -majordomo turned, stretched out his arms and legs, opened his eyes, and -gave a formidable yawn. - -"_iCaramba!_" he said, as he measured the height of the sun; "I fancy I -have forgotten myself; it must be very late." - -"Ten o'clock," the hunter answered with a smile. - -"Ten o'clock!" Jose exclaimed, as he leaped up; "And you have let me -idle thus instead of waking me." - -"You slept so soundly, my friend, that I had not the courage to do so." - -"Hum!" Paredes replied, half laughing, half vexed; "I know not whether -I ought to complain or thank you for this weakness, for we have lost -precious time." - -"Not at all; see, the water has disappeared; the ground is growing firm -again, and when the great heat of the day is spent we will mount our -horses and catch up in a few hours the time you are regretting." - -"That is true, and you are right, comrade," said the majordomo, as -he looked around with the practised glance of a man accustomed to a -desert life. "Well, as it is so," he added, with a laugh, "suppose we -breakfast, for that will enable us to kill some time." - -"Very good," the hunter replied, good humouredly. They breakfasted as -they had supped on the previous night. When the hour for starting at -length arrived, they saddled their horses and led them down the hill; -for the ascent which they had escaladed so actively by night, under -the impulse of the pressing danger that threatened them, now proved -extremely steep, abrupt, and difficult. When they mounted, Stronghand -said--"My friend, I am going to take you to an _atepetl_ of the -Redskins. Do you consider that disagreeable?" - -"Not personally, but I will ask what advantage my master can derive -from it?" - -"That question I am unable to answer at the moment. You must know, -though, that we are taking this step on your master's behalf, and that -his affairs, instead of suffering by it, will be greatly benefited." - -"Let us go, then. One word, however, first. Are the Redskins, to whom -we are proceeding, a long distance off?" - -"It would be almost a journey for any persons but us." - -"Hum!" said Paredes. - -"But you and I," the hunter continued, "who are true guides, and who -have also the advantage of being well mounted, will reach the village -at three or four o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the latest." - -"In that case it is not very distant." - -"I told you so." - -"And in what direction is the village?" - -"You must have often heard it spoken of, if chance has never led your -footsteps thither." - -"Why so?" - -"Because it is only a dozen leagues at the most from the Hacienda del -Toro." - -"Wait a minute," the majordomo said, frowning like a man who is -collecting his thoughts; "you are right, I have never been to that -village, it is true, but I have often heard it spoken of. Is not one -of the chiefs a white man?" - -The hunter blushed slightly. - -"So people say," he answered. - -"Is it not strange," the majordomo continued, "that a white man should -consent to abandon entirely the society of his fellows to live with -savages?" - -"Why so?" - -"Hang it! Because the Indians are devoid of reason, as everybody knows." - -The hunter gave his companion a glance of indefinable meaning, slightly -shrugged his shoulders, but made no reply; probably from the reason -that he had too much to say, and considered the majordomo's rather -heavy mind incapable of appreciating it. The day passed without any -occurrences to interrupt the monotony of their ride, which they -continued with great speed till night, only stopping from time to time -to shoot a few birds for supper. Galloping, talking, and smoking, they -at length reached the spot where they intended to bivouac. The road -they had followed in no way resembled the one the majordomo had taken -on leaving the hacienda, although they were returning in the direction -of Arispe. This resulted from the fact that Paredes had kept in the -regular road, while this time the two men rode Indian fashion, that is -to say, straight ahead without troubling themselves about roads. They -galloped on as the bird flies, crossing mountains and swimming rivers -whenever they came to them, without losing time in seeking a ford. - -This mode of travelling, generally adopted by the wood rangers of the -savannah, where the only roads are tracks made by the wild beasts, -would not be possible in civilized countries, where there are so many -towns and villages; but in Mexico, especially on the Indian border, -towns are excessively rare: by riding in this way distances are -marvellously shortened and a considerable tract is covered between two -sunrises. This is what happened to the two adventurers; for in one day -they went a greater distance than Paredes had done in eight-and-forty -hours, though he was well mounted. At night they camped in a wood -beyond the Hacienda del Toro, which building they saw rising gloomy and -tranquil like an eagle's nest on the top of its rock, and they passed -close to it during the afternoon. - -The country assumed a wilder and more abrupt aspect; the grass was -thicker, the trees were larger, older, and closer together; it was -evident that the travellers were at the extreme limit of civilization, -and would soon find themselves in the Red territory, although -nominally, at least on the maps, this territory figured among the -possessions of the Mexican Confederation. This feature, by the way, is -found everywhere throughout the New World. Even in the United States, -which pretend, erroneously, we believe, to be more civilized than their -neighbours, towns with high-flown names may be seen on the maps of -their large possessions, which only exist in reality as a name painted -on a solitary post, planted in the centre of a plain or on the bank of -a river, without even a keeper to watch over the preservation of this -post, which, worn by wind and sun, eventually disappears, though the -town never sprung up in its place. During our travels we were too often -the victim of this humorous Yankee mystification not to feel angry with -this eccentric nation, which repeats to every newcomer that it marches -at the head of civilization, and has a mission to regenerate the New -World. - -The two men, after lighting their watch fire, supped with good -appetite, rolled themselves in their zarapes, and fell asleep, -trusting to the instinct of their horses to warn them of the approach -of any enemy, whether man or wild beast, that attempted to surprise -them during their slumbers. But nothing disturbed them; the night was -quiet; at sunrise they awoke, mounted, and continued their journey, -which would only take a few hours longer. - -"I am mistaken," the hunter said suddenly, turning to his companion. - -"How so?" the latter asked. - -"Because," Stronghand replied, "I told you yesterday we should not -reach the _atepetl_ till the afternoon." - -"Well?" - -"We shall be there by eleven o'clock." - -"_iCaramba!_ That is famous news." - -"When we have crossed that hill we shall see the village a short -distance ahead of us, picturesquely grouped on the side of another -hill, and running into the plain, where the last houses are built on -the banks of a pretty little stream, whose white and limpid waters -serve as a natural rampart." - -"Tell me, comrade, what do you think of the reception that will be -offered us?" - -"The Papazos are hospitable." - -"I do not doubt it; unluckily, I have no claims to the kindness of the -Redskins. Moreover, I know that they are very suspicious, and never -like to see white men enter their villages." - -"That depends on the way in which white men try to enter them." - -"There is another reason which, I confess, supplies me with reason for -grave thought." - -"What is it?" - -"It is said--mark me, I do not assert it--" - -"All right; go on." - -"It is said that the Papazos are excited, and on the point of -revolting, if they have not done so already." - -"They rose in insurrection some days ago," Stronghand coolly answered. - -"What?" the majordomo exclaimed, greatly startled, "and you are leading -me to them?" - -"Why not?" - -"Because we shall be massacred, that's all." - -The hunter shrugged his shoulders. - -"You are mad." - -"I am mad--I am mad!" Paredes repeated, shaking his head very -dubiously; "it pleases you to say that, but I am not at all desirous, -if I can avoid it, of thus placing myself in the power of men who must -be my enemies." - -"I repeat that nothing will happen to you. _iViva Dios!_ do you fancy -me capable of leading you into a snare?" - -"No; on my honour that is not my thought; but you may be mistaken, and -credit these savages with feelings they do not possess." - -"I am certain of what I assert. Not only have you nothing to fear, but -you will have an honourable reception." - -"Honourable?" the majordomo remarked, with an air of incredulity; "I am -not very certain of that." - -"You shall see. Woe to the man who dared to hurt a hair of your head -while you are in my company." - -"Who are you, to speak thus?" - -"A hunter, nothing else; but I am a friend of the Papazos, and adopted -son of one of their tribes; and every man, though he were the mortal -enemy of the nation, must for my sake, be received as a brother by the -sachems and warriors." - -"Well, be it so," the majordomo muttered, in the tone of a man forced -in his last entrenchments, and who resolves to make up his mind. - -"Besides," the hunter added, "any hesitation would now be useless and -perhaps dangerous." - -"Why so?" - -"Because the Indians have their scouts scattered through the woods and -over the plain already; they saw and signalled our approach long ago, -and if we attempted to turn back, it would justly appear suspicious; -and then we should suddenly see Indians rise all round us, and be -immediately made prisoners, before we even thought of defending -ourselves." - -"_iDemonio!_ that makes the matter singular, comrade; then you believe -we have been seen already?" - -"Would you like to have a proof on the spot?" the hunter asked, -laughingly. - -"Well, I should not mind, for I should then know what I have to expect." - -"Well, I will give you the proof." - -The travellers had reached the foot of the hill, and were at this -moment concealed by the tall grass that surrounded them. Stronghand -stopped his horse, and imitated the cry of the mawkawis twice. Almost -immediately the grass parted, an Indian bounded from a thick clump of -trees with the lightness of an antelope, and stopped two yards from the -hunter, on whom he fixed his black, intelligent eyes, without saying -a word. The apparition of the Redskin was so sudden, his arrival so -unexpected, that, in spite of himself, the majordomo could not restrain -a start of surprise. - -This Indian was a man of three-and-twenty years of age at the most, -whose exquisite proportions made him resemble a statue of Florentine -bronze; the whole upper part of his body was naked: his unloosened hair -hung in disorder over his shoulders; his clothing merely consisted of -trousers sewn with horsehair, fastened round the loins by a belt of -untanned leather, and tied at the ankles. A tomahawk and a scalping -knife--weapons which the Indians never lay aside--hung from his -belt, and he leant with careless grace upon a long rifle of American -manufacture. The hunter bowed, and after stretching out his arm, -with the palm turned down and the fingers straight, said in a gentle -voice--"Wah! The Waconda protects me, since the first person I see, on -returning to my people, is Sparrowhawk." - -The young Indian bowed in his turn with the native courtesy -characteristic of the Redskin, and replied in a guttural voice, which, -however, was very gentle--"For a long time the sachems have been -informed of the coming of the Great Bear of their Nation; they thought -that only one chief was worthy saluting Stronghand on his return. -Sparrowhawk is happy that he was chosen by them." - -"I thank the sachems of my nation," the hunter said, with a meaning -glance at the majordomo, "for having designed to do me so signal an -honour. Will my son return to the village with us, or will he precede -us?" - -"Sparrowhawk will go ahead, in order that the guest of Stronghand, my -father, may be received with the honours due to a man who comes in the -company of the Great Bear." - -"Good! My brother will act as becomes a chief. Stronghand will not -detain him longer." - -The young Indian bowed his head in assent, leapt backwards, and -disappeared in the thicket whence he had emerged, with such rapidity, -that if the grass had not continued to undulate after his departure, -his apparition would have seemed like a dream. - -"We can now start again," the hunter said to the majordomo, who was -utterly confounded. - -"Let us go!" the latter answered, mechanically. - -"Well," answered Stronghand, "do you now believe that you have anything -to fear among the Papazos?" - -"Excuse me; as you said, I was a madman to fear it." - -They crossed the plain, following a wild beast track which, after -numberless windings, reached a ford, and in about an hour they arrived -at the bank of the river. Twelve Papazo Indians, dressed in their war -paint and mounted on magnificent horses, were standing motionless and -in single file in front of the ford. - -So soon as they perceived the two travellers, they uttered loud shouts -and dashed forward to meet them, firing their guns, brandishing -their weapons, and waving their white female buffalo robes, which, -by-the-bye, only the most renowned sachems of the nation have the -right to wear. The two white men, on their side, spurred their horses, -responding to the shouts of the Indians, and firing their guns. -All at once, at a signal from one of the chiefs, all the horsemen -stopped, and arranged themselves round the travellers, to act as an -escort. The whole party crossed the ford and entered the village, -amid the deafening shouts of the women and children, with which were -inharmoniously blended the bark of dogs, the hoarse notes of the -shells, and the shrill sounds of the _chichikoues_. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE ATEPETL. - - -Many persons imagine that all Indians are alike, and that the men -acquainted with the manners of one tribe knows them all. This is a -serious error, which it is important to dissipate. Among the Indians, -properly so called--that is to say, the aborigines of America--will -be found as many differences in language, dialect, &c., as among the -nations of the Old Continent, if not more. The number of dialects -spoken by the Indians is infinite; the manners of one nation form a -complete contrast with those of another living only a few leagues -away; and any person who, after travelling for some time in the Far -West, asserted that he was thoroughly acquainted with the character of -the Indians and their mode of life, would be quite deceived; and more -serious still, would deceive those whom he pretended to instruct. - -The Indians are divided into two great families: the cultivating -Indians--that is to say, those who are sedentary and attached to -the soil they till; and hunter or nomadic Indians, who have a great -resemblance to the Touaricks of Africa and the Tartars of Asia. The -hunting Indians, known as _Indios Bravos_, inhabit leathern huts, easy -of transport from one place to another, and only remain stationary so -long as the country supplies them with the necessary forage for their -horses, and the game indispensable for the men. The tame Indians, or -_Indios Mansos_, on the other hand, are permanently established at a -carefully selected spot; they have built actual houses, in which they -shelter themselves and keep their winter provisions. These Indians, -though they follow the customs of their fathers, recognise the Mexican -laws, obey them ostensibly, are apparent Christians, though they -secretly practise all the rites of their old faith; and their chief -assumes the title of Alcalde. In a word, they are nearly as much -civilized as the majority of the creoles. - -The confederation of the Papazos was composed of several nations, -combining both Indios Mansos and Indios Bravos. The latter, though -harmless, and consequently nomadic, had, in the heart of unexplored -forests or the gorges of the Sierra Madre, their winter villages--a -collection of huts made of branches, and covered with mud, where, in -the event of war, their squaws found refuge, and which served them, -after an expedition, to hide the plunder they had made. - -The Gilenos, whose powerful nation was composed of one hundred and -eighteen distinct tribes, each of which had its private totem or -standard, formed the principal branch of the Confederation of the -Papazos. The Gilenos are essentially agricultural. At a period which -it would be impossible to state with certainty, because the Indians -do not write anything down, but trust to tradition, the Comanche -nation, which proudly calls itself the "Queen of the Prairies," and -asserts, perhaps justly, that it is descended in a straight line from -the Chichimeques, the first conquerors of Mexico, was divided into two -parts after a council held by the chiefs, for the sake of terminating -a dispute that threatened to degenerate into a civil war. One half the -nation continued to wander in the immense prairies of the Far West, -and retained the name of Comanche. The other tribes settled on the -banks of the Rio Gila, gave up hunting for agriculture, while retaining -their independence, and only nominally obeying the Spaniards and -Mexicans. Eventually they received the name of Gilenos, from the river -on whose banks they originally settled. But, although separated, the -two divisions of the Comanche nations continued to maintain friendly -relations, recognised each other as springing from the same stem, and -helping one another whenever circumstances demanded it. - -The Gilenos piously preserved the faith of their fathers, maintained -their customs; among others that of never drinking spirituous liquors: -and never permitted the Mexican Government to establish among them that -system of annoyance and rapine under which it mercilessly bows the -other Indian Mansos. The Gileno villages are distinguished from all -the others by their singular construction, which admirably displays the -character of this people. We will attempt to convey an idea of them to -the reader. - -Stronghand had pointed out to the majordomo clusters of storied houses, -suspended as it were from the flank of the hill. But these houses were -only built temporarily, and in case of an attack on the village would -be immediately destroyed. The hill, doubtless in consequence of one of -those natural convulsions so common in these regions, was separated -into two parts by a quebrada of enormous depth, which served as the bed -of an impetuous torrent. On either side of this quebrada the Indians -had built an enormous construction, of pyramidal shape, upwards of -two hundred and fifty feet in height. These two towers contained the -lodgings of the inhabitants, their granaries and storehouses. More -than eight hundred beings, men, women, and children, resided in these -singular buildings, which were connected together at the top by a -bridge of lianas, boldly thrown across the abyss. These towers could -only be entered by a ladder, which was drawn up each night; for as -a last and essential precaution, the doors were sixty feet from the -ground, in order to guard against surprise. - -Nothing could be more curious or picturesque than the appearance -offered at a distance by this strange village, with its two massive -towers, having ladders for stairs, up and down which people were -constantly moving. A few days previously, for greater safety, and to -guard the village from a surprise, the chiefs had a trench dug, and -a palisade erected, composed of stakes fastened together by lianas. -The Indians had taken this precaution, to prevent their horses, on -which they especially calculated for the success of the meditated -expedition, being carried off by surprise, as so frequently happens on -the border. - -The travellers were conducted with great ceremony by the chiefs, -who had come to receive them at the entrance of the village, to the -square, on one side of which stood the "Ark of the First Man;" on the -other, "The Great Medicine Lodge, or Council Hut." During the ride the -majordomo fancied he saw among the crowd several individuals belonging -to the white race, and mentioned it to his comrade. - -"You are not mistaken," the latter replied; "several Mexicans reside in -the village and trade with the Indians; but that must not surprise you, -for you are aware that the Gilenos are mansos. Stay, here is a monk." - -In fact, at this moment a stout, rubicund monk crossed the square, -distributing blessings right and left, of which the Indians seemed to -take but little notice. - -"These worthy Frayles," the hunter continued, "lead here a rather -monastic life, but in spite of the trouble they take, they cannot -succeed in making proselytes. The Comanches are too attached to their -religion to accept another; still, as they are too savage to be -intolerant," he added, ironically, "they allow these poor monks entire -liberty, on the express condition that they do not interfere with them. -They have even permitted them to build a chapel, a very poor and simple -edifice, in which a few passing adventurers offer up their prayers; for -the inhabitants of the village never set foot in it." - -"I will go to it," said Paredes. - -"And you will act rightly. However, I will do this justice to the four -monks who, through a love of proselytism, have confined themselves -to this forgotten nook, of stating that they bear an excellent -reputation, do all the good they can, and are generally beloved and -respected by the population. This praise is the more valuable, because -the Mexican clergy do not enjoy a great reputation for sanctity." - -"But now that war is declared, what will become of these monks?" - -"What do you think? They will remain peacefully, without fearing insult -or annoyance. However savage the Indians may be, they are not so -savage, be assured, as to make the innocent suffer for the crimes of -the guilty." - -"Forgive me, Stronghand, if I remark that I notice, with sorrow, in -your mode of expressing yourself, a certain bitterness which seems to -me unjust. The secret sympathies of an honest man ought not, in any -case, to render him partial." - -"I allow that I am wrong, my friend. When you know me better, you -will be indulgent, I doubt not, to this bitterness which I frequently -unconsciously display in my language. But here we are at the square, -and other more urgent matters claim all our attention." - -The plaza, which the travellers now reached, formed a parallelogram, -and rose with a gentle ascent to the foot of the tower on the left of -the village. Several streets opened into it, and the houses built on -either side of it had an appearance of cleanliness and comfort which -is but rarely found in Indian villages; and if this pueblo had been -inhabited by white creoles, it would certainly have obtained the title -of _ciudad_. In front of the council lodge stood three men, whom it -was easy to recognise as the principal chiefs of the village by their -hats of raccoon skin, surrounded by a gold golilla, and the silver -mounted cane, like that of our beadles, which they held in their right -hand. The Mexicans, among other customs they took from the Spaniards, -have retained that of investing the Indian chiefs with authority. -This investiture, generally performed by a delegate of the governor of -the province, consists in giving them the hat and stick to which we -have referred. These three chiefs, therefore, ostensibly held their -power from the Mexican government, but in reality the latter had only -obeyed the feudal claims of the tribes assembled at this village, by -conferring the authority on these men whom their countrymen had long -previously recognised as chiefs. - -The procession halted before the alcaldes, or, to use the Indian term, -the sachems. The latter were men of a ripe age, with a haughty and -imposing mien. The eldest of them, who stood in the centre, had in -his look and the expression of his features something indescribably -majestic. He appeared about sixty years of age; a long white beard -fell in snowy flakes on his chest; his tall form, his broad forehead, -his black eyes, and his slightly aquiline nose, rendered him a very -remarkable man. He did not wear the Indian costume, but that adopted -by the hunters and wood rangers; a blue cotton shirt, fastened round -his hips by a leather girdle, which held his arms and ammunition, wide -_calzoneras_ of deer hide buckled below the knee, and heavy boots, -whose heels were armed with formidable spurs, the wheel of which was as -large as a saucer. - -In conclusion, the personage we have attempted to describe did not -belong to the Indian race, as could be seen at the first glance; but -in addition, the fine, elegant, nervous type of the pure Spanish -race could be noticed in him. The majordomo could not check a start -of surprise at the sight of this man, whose presence seemed to him -incomprehensible at such a place and among such people. He leant over -to Stronghand, and asked him, in a low voice, choked by involuntary -emotion,--"Who is that man?" - -"You can see," the hunter replied, drily, "he is the Alcalde Mayor of -the pueblo. But silence! The persons surrounding us are surprised to -see us conversing in whispers." - -Paredes held his tongue, though his eyes were obstinately fixed on the -man to whom the hunter had ironically given the title of Alcalde Mayor. -A little to the rear of the chiefs, a warrior was holding a totem of -the tribe, representing a condor, the sacred bird of the Incas. A -crowd of Indians of both sexes, nearly all armed, filled the square, -and pressed forward to witness a scene which was not without a certain -grandeur. So soon as the procession halted, Sparrowhawk dismounted and -walked up to the sachems. - -"Fathers of my nation," he said, "the Great Bear of our tribe has -returned, bringing with him a paleface, his friend." - -"He is welcome," the three chiefs answered, unanimously, "as well as -his friend, whoever he may be; so long as he pleases to remain among us -he will be regarded as a brother." - -The hunter then advanced, and bowed respectfully to the sachems. - -"Thanks for myself and friend," he said; "the journey we have made was -long, and we are worn with fatigue. May we be permitted to take a few -hours' rest?" - -The Indians were astonished to hear the hunter, a man of iron power, -whose reputation for vigour was well established among them, speak of -the fatigue he felt. But understanding that he had secret reasons for -asking this, no one made a remark. - -"Stronghand and his friend are at liberty to proceed to the calli -prepared for them," one of the chiefs answered: "Sparrowhawk will guide -them." - -The two adventurers bowed respectfully, and, preceded by Sparrowhawk, -passed through the crowd, which opened before them, and proceeded to -the calli appointed for them. Let us state at once that this calli -was the property of Stronghand, who inhabited it whenever business -or accident brought him to the village. By the order of the chiefs, -however, it had been prepared for the reception of two persons. So -soon as the travellers reached the calli, Sparrowhawk retired, after -whispering a few words in the ear of the hunter. The latter replied by -a sign of assent, and then turned to the majordomo, who was already -engaged in unsaddling his horse. - -"You are at home, comrade," he said to him; "use this house as you -think proper. I have to see a person to whom I will introduce you -presently. I will, therefore, leave you for the present, but I shall -not be absent long." - -And without awaiting an answer, the hunter turned his horse, and -started at a gallop. - -"Hum!" the Mexican muttered, so soon as he was alone, "all this is not -clear; did I do wrong in trusting to this man? I will be on my guard." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE SPY. - - -After installing the majordomo in the calli, Stronghand proceeded -through the village, taking an apparently careless glance around, -but in reality not letting anything unusual escape his notice. The -Indians whom the hunter met addressed him as an old acquaintance; -the very women and children tried to attract his attention by their -hearty bursts of laughter and their greetings of welcome. For all and -for each the hunter had a pleasant remark, and thus satisfied the -frequently indiscreet claims of those who pressed around him. Thus -occupied, he went right through the village, and, on reaching the foot -of the left-hand pyramid, dismounted, threw his horse's bridle to a -boy, bidding him lead the horse to his calli, and forced his way with -some difficulty through the crowd, whose curiosity seemed to increase -instead of diminishing. He walked up to the ladder, and after waving -his hand to the Indians, hurried up it, and disappeared inside the -pyramid. - -This strange building, which was almost shapeless outside, was -internally arranged with the utmost care and most perfect intelligence. -The hunter, who was doubtless anxious to reach his destination, -only took a hurried glance at the rooms he passed through; he went -up an internal staircase, and soon reached the top of the pyramid. -Sparrowhawk was standing motionless before a cougar's skin hung up in -lieu of a door, and on seeing the hunter he bowed courteously. - -"My father has not delayed," he said, with a good-tempered smile. - -"Has the council begun yet?" Stronghand asked. - -"For four suns the elders of the nation have remained without taking -rest round the council fire; the arrival of my father was alone able to -make them suspend their labours for an hour." - -The hunter frowned. - -"Cannot I speak to the great sachem for a moment?" - -"I cannot give my father any information on that point." - -"Good!" the hunter continued, apparently forming a determination. "Has -Sparrowhawk no instructions for me?" - -"None, but to await Stronghand, and announce his arrival." - -"Wah! here I am; my brother's instructions are fulfilled." - -Without replying, Sparrowhawk raised the curtain, and allowed the -hunter to pass into the council hall. - -In a large room, which was entirely destitute of furniture--unless -that name can be given to dried buffalo skulls employed as seats--some -twenty persons were gravely seated in a circle, smoking a calumet -silently, whose mouthpiece constantly passed from hand to hand. In -the centre of the circle was a golden brasier, in which burned the -sacred fire of Motecuhzoma, a fire which must never go out. According -to tradition, the last Emperor of Mexico shared it among his dearest -partisans on the eve of his death; and this fire, it is also said, -derives its origin from the sun itself. - -The presence of this fire in the room, which was generally kept in a -subterraneous vault, inaccessible to the sight of the common herd, -and which is only shown to the people on grand occasions, proved the -gravity of the matters the council had to discuss. Moreover, the -appearance of the chiefs assembled in the room had about it something -stern and imposing that inspired respect. Contrary to Indian habits, -they were all unarmed. This precaution, which was owing to the advice -of the principal sachem of the nation, was justified not only by the -considerable number of chiefs present, but also by their belonging to -various nations. Each tribe of the grand confederation of the Papazos -had its representative in this assembly, where were also the sachems of -nations ordinarily at war with it, but who, in the hope of a general -revolt against the whites, the implacable enemies of the red race, had -forgotten their hatred for a season. Here could be seen Yaquis, Mayos, -Seris, and even free hunters and trappers, white and half-bred, in -their grand war paint, with their heels adorned with wolves' tails, an -honorary distinction to which only the great braves have a right. - -Thunderbolt, the old man whose portrait we have just drawn, presided -over the assembly. On the entrance of Stronghand, all the warriors -rose, turned to him, and after bowing gracefully, invited him to take a -seat among them. The hunter, flattered in his heart by the honour done -him, bowed gravely to the members of the council, and seated himself on -the right of Thunderbolt, after handing his weapons to Sparrowhawk, who -carried them into an adjoining room. There was a rather long silence, -during which the hunter smoked the calumet which had been eagerly -offered him. At length Thunderbolt began speaking. - -"My son could not arrive at a better moment," he said, addressing -Stronghand; "his return was eagerly desired by his brothers. He has -come from the country inhabited by our enemies; without doubt he will -give us news." - -The hunter rose, looked round the meeting, and replied--"I have been -among the Gachupinos, I have entered their towns, I have seen their -pueblos, presidios, and posts; like ourselves, they are preparing for -war; they understand the extent of the danger that threatens them, and -are trying to neutralize it by all means." - -"The news is not very explicit; we hoped that Stronghand would give us -more serious information about the movements of the enemy," Thunderbolt -remarked, with a reproachful accent. - -"Perhaps I could do so," the hunter remarked, calmly. - -"Then why are you silent?" - -The young man hesitated for a moment beneath the glances fixed on him. - -"The white men have a proverb," he said, at length, "whose justice I -specially recognise at this moment." - -"What is it?" - -"Words are silver, but silence is gold." - -"Which means?" Thunderbolt continued, eagerly. - -"The most formidable weapon of the white man is treachery," the hunter -continued, not appearing to heed the interruption; "they have even -conquered by treachery the Redskins, whom they did not dare meet face -to face. Questions so interesting as those we have to settle, such -serious interests as we have to discuss, must not be treated in so -large an assembly ere it is quite certain that a traitor has not glided -in among us. So long as merely general questions are discussed this -is of slight consequence; but so soon as we discuss the means to be -employed in carrying on the war, it is urgent that the enemy should not -be warned of the result of our deliberations." - -"We cannot act otherwise than we are doing. Yes, and that is why the -whites are cleverer than we: so soon as war is declared, they appoint -a commission, composed of three members, or five at the most, who have -to draw up the plan of the campaign. Why do we not do the same? Nothing -is more simple, it seems to me: choose, among the chiefs assembled -here, a certain number of wise men accustomed to command; these men -will assemble in secret, and decide on the means to be employed in -conquering our enemy: in this way, if the Spaniards are informed -of our movements, the traitor cannot escape us for long. The other -chiefs, and the deputies of the friendly natives and other confederated -tribes, will settle in the Grand Council the common interests of the -Indian natives, and the terms to be established among them, in order -to stifle for ever those germs of discord which frequently spring up -from a misunderstanding, and almost always degenerate into sanguinary -and interminable quarrels. I have spoken: my brothers will determine -whether my words deserve being taken into consideration." - -After bowing to the audience, the hunter sat down again, and seemed to -be plunged into deep thought. One of the instinctive qualities of the -Indian race is good sense. The chiefs, in spite of the circumlocution -in which the hunter had thought it necessary to envelop his remarks, -had perfectly understood him: they had caught the justice of his -reasoning, and the advantage of a speedy decision on a subject so -interesting to the entire confederation: they guessed, under the -hunter's reticence, a name which, for secret reasons of his own, he -did not wish to utter, and hence his speech was greeted with a buzz of -satisfaction, which is always flattering to the ears of an orator, no -matter the nature of his hearers. Thunderbolt questioned the members of -the council by a glance; all replied with an affirmative shake of their -heads. - -"Your plan is adopted," the chief said; "we recognise the necessity of -carrying it out. But this time again we must apply to you to choose the -members of the council whom we have to elect." - -"Chance alone must decide the solution. All the sachems collected in -this hall are great braves of their tribes, and the picked warriors of -their nations. No matter on whom the lot falls, the members will behave -honourably in the new council." - -"Stronghand has spoken well, as he always does, when he is called upon -to give his opinion in the council of the chiefs; now let him finish -what he has so well begun, by instructing us of the way in which we are -to consult chance." - -"Be it so: I will obey my father." - -The hunter rose and left the hall, but his absence lasted only a few -minutes. During this interval the chiefs remained motionless and -silent. Stronghand soon returned, followed by Sparrowhawk, who, as he -had been ordered by the sachems to keep the door, had not taken part in -the deliberations, though he had a right to do so. This chief carried a -blanket tied up so as to form a bag. - -"In this blanket," the hunter then said, "I have placed a number of -bullets equal to that of the chiefs assembled in council: I have taken -these bullets from the ammunition bag of every one of the chiefs. I -have noticed that our guns are of different bores, and hence some of -the bullets are larger, others smaller. Each of us will draw a bullet -haphazard; when all have one, they will be examined; and the three -chiefs, if you fix on that number, or the five, if you prefer that -number, to whom chance has given the largest bullets, will compose the -new council." - -"That is a simple way, and will prevent any annoyance," Thunderbolt -said; "I believe that we shall do well by adopting it." - -The chiefs bowed their assent. - -"But," the sachem continued, "before we begin drawing, let us first -settle of how many members the council shall consist; shall there be -three or five?" - -A white trapper rose and asked leave to speak. It was a man of about -forty years of age, with frank and energetic features and muscular -limbs, well known all over the western prairies by the singular name of -the Whistler. - -"If I may be allowed," he said, "to offer my opinion on such a matter -before wise men and renowned warriors--for I am only a poor rogue of a -hunter--I would call your attention to the fact that, with a committee -whose duties are so serious, three men are not sufficient to discuss a -question advantageously, because it is so easy to obtain a majority. On -the other hand, five men mutually enlighten each other, by exchanging -their ideas and starting objections: hence, I am of opinion that the -council ought to be composed of five members. I will add one word: Will -the white and half-breed hunters and trappers here present take part in -the election?" - -"Do they not fight with us?" Thunderbolt asked. - -"This is true," the Whistler continued; "still it would be, perhaps, -better for you to settle the matter among yourselves; we are, in -reality, only your allies." - -"You are our brothers and friends; in the name of the chiefs of the -confederation. I thank you, Whistler, for the delicate proposal you -have made; but we do not accept your offer, for all must be in common -between you and us." - -"You will do as you please. I spoke for your good; and it does not suit -you, say no more about it." - -While these remarks were exchanged between the trapper and Thunderbolt, -the chiefs had decided that the military commission should be composed -of five members. The drawing at once began; each warrior went, in his -turn, to draw a bullet from the bag held by Sparrowhawk; then the -verification was begun with that good faith and impartiality which the -Indians display in all their actions when dealing with one another. -On this occasion chance was intelligent, as happens more frequently -than is supposed, when it is left free to act: the chiefs chosen to -form the committee were exactly those who, if another mode of election -had been employed, would have gained all the votes through their -talent, experience, and wisdom. Hence, the sachems frankly applauded -the decision of fate, and in their superstition, derived from this -caprice of accident a favourable augury for the result of the war. The -committee was composed as follows Thunderbolt, Sparrowhawk, Stronghand, -the Whistler, and a renowned Apache chief, whose name was the Peccary. - -When the election was over, just as the chiefs were returning to their -seats, Stronghand approached a trapper, who, ever since his entrance, -had seemed to shun his eye, and conceal himself, as far as possible, -behind the other chiefs. Tapping him on the shoulder, he said in a low -but imperative voice--"Master Kidd, two words, if you please." - -The adventurer, for it was really he, started at the touch, but -immediately recovering himself, he turned his smiling face to the -hunter's, and said, with a respectful bow--"I am quite at your service, -caballero; can I be so happy as to be able to help you in anything?" - -"Yes," the hunter answered, drily. - -"Speak, caballero, speak; and as far as lies in my power--" - -"A truce to these hypocritical protestations," Stronghand rudely -interrupted him, "and let us come to facts." - -"I am listening to you," the other said, trying to hide his anxiety. - -"This is the point--rightly or wrongly, your presence here offends me." - -"What can I do to prevent that, my dear Senor?" - -"A very simple thing." - -"What is it, if you please?" - -"Leave the tower at once, mount your horse, and be off." - -"Oh!" the bandit said, with a forced laugh, "Allow me to remark, my -dear senor, that the idea seems to me a singular one." - -"Do you think so?" the hunter remarked, coldly; "Well, opinions differ. -For my part, I consider it quite natural." - -"Of course you are jesting." - -"Do you fancy me capable of jesting--before all, with a man like you? -I think not. Well, I repeat, be off; be off as quickly as possible. I -advise you for your own good." - -"I must have an excuse for such a flight. What will the Indian chiefs -who did me the honour of summoning me to their grand council, and my -friends the hunters suppose, on seeing me thus abandon them without any -apparent motive, at the very moment when the war is about to begin?" - -"That does not concern me; I want you to be off at once; if not--" - -"Well?" - -"I shall blow out your brains in the presence of all as a traitor and a -spy. You understand me now, my master, I think?" - -The bandit started violently; his face became livid, and for some -minutes he fixed his viper eye on the hunter, who examined him -ironically; then bending down to his ear, he said, in a voice choked -with rage and shame, "Stronghand, you are the stronger, and any -resistance on my part would be mad; I shall go, therefore; but remember -this, I shall be avenged." - -Stronghand shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. "Do so," he said, -"if you can; but, in the meanwhile, be off if you do not wish me to -carry out my threat!" and he turned his back on the bandit. Kidd gave -him a parting look of fury, and without adding a word, left the hall. -Ten minutes later he was galloping on the road to the Real de Minas, -revolving the most sinister schemes. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE COUNCIL OF THE SACHEMS. - - -Although the chiefs had guessed from Stronghand's gestures what was -going on between him and the American bandit, not one of them made the -slightest allusion to Kidd's departure, or even seemed to notice it. -The Canadian trapper, named Whistler, alone went up to the hunter, and -pressing his hand, said, with a coarse laugh-- - -"By heavens! Comrade, you did not miss your game, but brought it down -at the first shot. Receive my sincere congratulations for having freed -us of that skunk, who is neither fish nor flesh, and whose roguish face -did not at all please me." - -"It would please you much less, my good fellow, if you knew him," the -hunter replied, with a smile. - -"I beg you to believe that I have no desire to form a closer -acquaintance with that picaro; only too many like him may be met on the -prairies." - -The chiefs had resumed their seats, and the council which had been -momentarily interrupted, was re-opened by Thunderbolt. The Indians, -though people think proper to regard them as savages, could give -lessons in urbanity and good breeding to the members of parliamentary -assemblies in old Europe. Among them a speaker is never interrupted -by those coarse and inopportune noises for which some M.P.'s seem to -possess a privilege. Each speaks in his turn. The speakers, who are -listened to with a religious silence, have the liberty of expressing -their ideas without fearing personalities, which are frequently -offensive. When the debate is closed, the speaker--that is to say, the -oldest chief, or the one of the highest position either through bravery -or wisdom--sums up the discussion in a few words, takes the opinion of -the other chiefs, who vote by nodding their heads, and the minority -always accepts, without complaint or recrimination of any sort, the -resolution of the majority. - -Before going further, we will explain, in a few words, the cause of -the dissatisfaction which had induced the Indians to revolt once -again against the whites. At the period of the Spanish conquests, -the Indians, in spite of the obstinate assertions to the contrary, -were happy, or at any rate were, through the intelligent care of -the Government, placed in a situation which insured their existence -under very satisfactory conditions. It is indubitable that if Spain -had retained her colonies for fifty or sixty years longer, she would -have gradually succeeded in converting the aborigines of her vast -territories, attaching them to the cultivation of the soil, and making -them give up a nomadic existence, and adopt the far preferable life in -villages. - -All Spanish America, both North and South, was covered with missions; -that is to say, agricultural colonies, established on a large scale; -where monks, in every way respectable, through their complete -abnegation of the enjoyments of the world, and their inexhaustible -charity, taught the Indians not only the paternal precepts of the -Gospel, and their duty to their neighbour, but preaching by example, -they became weavers, labourers, cobblers, and blacksmiths, in order to -make their docile apprentices more easily understand the way to set to -work. These missions contained, at the time of the War of Independence, -several hundred thousand Indians, who had given up their nomadic life -of hunting, and patiently assumed the yoke of civilization. This -magnificent result, obtained by courage and perseverance, and which -would have speedily resulted in the solution of a problem declared -to be insoluble--the emancipation of the red race, and its aptitude -to assume the sedentary condition of a town life, was unhappily not -carried further. - -When the Mexicans had proclaimed their independence, their first care -was to destroy all that the Spaniards had raised, and utterly overthrow -the internal governmental system established by them. Naturally, the -missions were not exempted from this general overthrow; they were -perhaps more kindly treated than the institutions created by the old -oppressors. The philosophic spirit of the eighteenth century, when -it forced its way into Mexico, was naturally misunderstood and ill -appreciated by men who were plunged into the grossest ignorance, and -who believed that they displayed the independence and nobility of -their character by deadly hatred of the clergy, and abolishing their -prerogatives at one stroke. It is true that, by an inevitable reaction, -the Mexicans, whose revolution was almost entirely effected by priests, -and who, at the outset, displayed themselves as such daring skeptics, -ere long fell again, through their superstition, beneath the power of -the same clergy, and became more devoted slaves to them than ever. - -Unfortunately, the death blow had been dealt to the missions or -agricultural colonies, although the Government recognized its mistake, -and sought by all means to palliate it. They never recovered, only -languished, and eventually the majority of them fell into ruin, and -were utterly abandoned by the Indians, who returned to that desert life -from which they had been drawn with such difficulty. Nothing is so -heart-rending as the sight now offered by these missions, which were -once so rich, so full of life, and so flourishing; only a few Indians -can be seen, wandering about like ghosts in the deserted cloisters, led -by an old, white-haired monk, whom they would not leave, and who had -vowed to die among his children. - -The Mexican Government did not stop here. Returning to the old errors -of the conquistadors, it grew accustomed to regard the Indians as -slaves; imposing on them exorbitant tariffs for articles of primary -necessity, which it sold to them through special agents, bowing them -to any Draconian law, and carrying their injustice so far as to deny -them intellect, and brand them with the name of _Gente sin razon_, or -people without reason. The consequences of such a system can be easily -comprehended. The Indians, who, at the outset, contented themselves -with passively withdrawing, and seeking in the desert the liberty that -was refused them, on finding themselves so unjustly treated, and urged -to desperation by such insults, thought about avenging themselves, and -requiting evil for evil. - -Then recommenced those periodical invasions of the Indian borders which -the Spaniards had repressed with such difficulty and such bloodshed. -Murder and pillage were organized on a grand scale, and with such -success, that the Comanches and Apaches, to vex the whites, gave the -ironical name of the "Mexican moon" to the month they selected to -commit their periodical depredations. The subjected Indians--that is to -say, those who, in spite of the constant vexations to which they were -victims, remained attached to their villages--revolted several times, -and on each occasion the Mexican government succeeded in making them -return to their duty by promises and concessions, which were violated -and forgotten so soon as the Redskins had laid down their arms. The -war, consequently, became generalized and permanent in the Border -states of the confederation. - -But with the exception of a few invasions more serious than others, -the Indians had almost entirely confined themselves to keeping the -whites on the alert, when the great insurrection of 1827 broke out, -which all but succeeded in depriving Mexico of her richest provinces. -This insurrection was the more terrible, because on this occasion -the Indians, guided by experienced chiefs, possessing firearms, and -carrying out tactics entirely different from those they had hitherto -employed, waged a serious war, and insisted on retaining the provinces -they had seized. The Redskins elected an emperor and established -a government; they displayed a settled intention of definitively -regaining their independence and reconstituting their nationality. - -The Mexicans, justly terrified by these manifestations, made the -greatest sacrifices in order to quell this formidable revolt, and -succeeded, though rather owing to the treachery and disunion they -managed to sow among the chiefs than by the power of their arms. But -this uprising had caused them to reflect, and they saw that it was high -time to come to an arrangement with these men, whom they had hitherto -been accustomed to regard as irrational beings. Peace was concluded on -conditions very advantageous to the Indians and their forces; and the -Mexicans, owing to the fright they had endured, were compelled to keep -their promises, or, to speak more correctly, pretended to do so. - -For several years the Indians, satisfied with this apparent -amelioration in the relations between them and the whites, remained -peacefully in their villages, and the Mexicans had only to defend -their borders against the attacks of the wild or unsubjected Indians. -This was a task, we are bound to confess, in which they were not very -successful; for the Indians eventually passed the limits the Spaniards -had imposed on them, permanently established themselves on the ruins -of the old Creole villages, and by degrees, and gaining ground each -year, they reduced the territory of the Mexican Government in an -extraordinary way. - -Still, when the remembrance of the great Indian insurrection seemed -to have died out, and the Indios Mansos had apparently accepted the -sovereignty of Mexico, the annoyances recommenced. Though at first -slight, they gradually became more and more frequent, owing to the -apathetic resignation of the Indians, and the patience with which they -uncomplainingly endured the unjust aggressions of which they were made -the systematic victims. The concessions granted under the pressure of -fear were brutally withdrawn, and matters returned to the same state as -before the insurrection. The Indians continued to suffer, apparently -resigned to endure all the insults it might please their oppressors to -make them undergo: but this calm concealed a terrific storm, and the -Mexicans would shortly be aroused by a thunderclap. - -The Redskins behaved, under the circumstances, with rare prudence -and circumspection, in order not to alarm the persons they wished to -surprise. They would certainly have succeeded in deceiving the Mexicans -as to their plans, had it not been for the treachery of the agents of -the Mexican Government, continually kept in their villages to watch -them, among whom was Kidd, whom Stronghand had so suddenly unmasked and -contemptuously turned out. Still these agents, in spite of their lively -desire to make themselves of importance by magnifying facts, had only -been able to give very vague details about the conspiracy the Indians -were secretly forming. They knew that an emperor had been elected, and -that he was a white man, but they did not know who he was or his name. -They also knew that the Confederation of the Papazos had placed itself -at the head of the movement, and intended to deal the first blow, but -no one was aware when or how hostilities would commence. - -This information, however, incomplete though it was, appeared to the -Mexicans, on whose minds at once rushed the sanguinary memories of the -last revolution, sufficiently serious for them to place themselves in -a position to resist the first attack of the Redskins, which is always -so terrible, and to place their frontiers in such a state as would -prevent a surprise--a thing they had never yet succeeded in effecting. -The Mexican Government, warned of what was going on by the commandants -of the States of Sonora and Sinaloa, the two most menaced of the -Confederation, and recognising the gravity of the case, resolved to -send troops from the capital to reinforce the border garrisons. This -plan, unfortunately, could not be carried out, and was the cause of -fresh and very dangerous complications. - -It is only in the old Spanish colonies, which are in the deepest state -of neglect and disorganization, that such acts are possible. The troops -told off to proceed to Sonora, so soon as they learned that they were -intended to oppose the Indians, peremptorily refused to march, alleging -as the reason, that they were not at all desirous of fighting savages -who did not respect the law of nations, and had no scruples about -scalping their prisoners. The President of the republic, strong in his -right and the danger the country ran, tried to insist and force them to -set out. Then a thing that might be easily foreseen occurred: not only -did the troops obstinately remain in revolt, but set the seal on it by -making a pronunciamiento in favour of the general chosen to command the -expedition, and who, we may do him the justice of saying, had been the -first to declare against the departure of the troops from the capital. - -This pronunciamiento was the spark that fired the powder train. In a -few days the whole of Mexico was a prey to the horrors of civil war; -so that the governors of the two States, being reduced to their own -forces, and not knowing whether they would retain their posts under -the new president, were more embarrassed than ever, did not dare -take any initiative, and contented themselves with throwing up such -intrenchments as they could, though they had quite enough to do in -keeping their troops to their duty, and keeping them from deserting. -Such was the state of things at the moment we have now reached. This -information, upon which we have purposely laid a stress, in order -to make the reader understand certain facts which, without this -precaution, would seem to belong rather to the regions of fancy than to -that of history, as they are so strange and incredible, was reported -by Stronghand to the council of the sachems, and listened to in a -religious silence. - -"Now," he added, in conclusion, "I believe that the moment has arrived -to strike the grand blow for which we have so long been preparing. Our -enemies hesitate; they are demoralized; their soldiers tremble; and I -am convinced they will not withstand the attack of our and the great -Beaver's warriors. This is what I wished to say to the council. Still -it was not advisable that such important news should reach the ears of -our enemies. The sachems will judge whether I have acted well, or if my -zeal carried me too far in dismissing from the council a paleface who, -I am convinced, is a traitor sold to the Mexicans. I have spoken." - -A flattering murmur greeted the concluding remarks of the young man, -who sat down, blushing. - -"It appears to me," Whistler then said, "that the debate need not be -a long one. As war is decided on, the council of the Confederation -has only to seek allies among the other Indian nations, in order to -augment the number of our warriors, if that be possible. As regards the -operations, and the period when the Mexican territory is to be invaded, -that will devolve on the military committee, who pledge themselves to -the profoundest secrecy about their discussions, until the hour for -action arrives. I have spoken." - -Thunderbolt rose. - -"Chiefs and sachems of the Confederation of the Papazos," he said in -his sympathetic and sonorous voice, "and you, warriors, our allies, the -moment for dissolving your council has at length arrived. Henceforth -the committee of the five chiefs will alone sit. Each of you will -return to his tribe, arm his warriors, and order the scalp dance to -be performed round the war post; but the eighth sun must see you here -again at the head of your warriors, in order that all may be ready to -act when the invasion is decided on. I have spoken. Have I said well, -powerful men?" - -The chiefs rose in silence, resumed their weapons, and immediately left -the village, starting in different directions at a gallop. Thunderbolt -and Stronghand were left alone. - -"My son," the old man then said, "have you nothing to tell me?" - -"Yes, father," the young man respectfully answered; "I have very -serious news for you." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE RANCHO. - - -Before describing the conversation between Thunderbolt and Stronghand, -we are obliged to go back, and tell the reader certain facts which had -occurred at the Hacienda del Toro, a few days before the majordomo set -out for Hermosillo. Mexican girls, born and bred on the Indian border, -enjoy a liberty which the want of society renders indispensable. Always -on horseback upon these immense estates, which extend for twenty or -five-and-twenty leagues, their life is spent in riding over hill and -dale, visiting the wretched huts of the vaqueros and peons, relieving -their wants, and rendering themselves beloved by their simple graces -and affecting goodness of heart. - -Dona Mariana, who had been exiled for several years at a convent, so -soon as she returned home, eagerly renewed her long rides through -forests and prairies, to see again the persons in her father's employ, -with whom she had sported as a child, and of whom she had such a -pleasant recollection. At times followed by a servant, specially -attached to her, but more usually alone, the maiden had therefore -recommenced her rides, going to visit one and the other, enjoying her -gallop, careless as a bird, pleased with everything--the flowers she -culled as she passed, the reviving breeze she inhaled, and smiling -gaily at the sun which bronzed her complexion; in a word, she revealed -the voluptuous and egotistic apathy of a child in whom the woman is not -yet revealed, and who is ignorant that she possesses a heart. - -Most usually Dona Marianna guided her horse to a rancho situated about -three leagues from the hacienda, in the midst of a majestic forest of -evergreen oaks and larches. This rancho, which was built of adobes, -and whitewashed, stood on the bank of a stream, in the centre of a -field sufficiently cleared to grow the grain required for the support -of the poor inhabitants of the hovel. In the rear of the rancho was -an enclosure, serving as a corral, and containing two cows and four -or five horses, the sole fortune of the master of this rancho, which, -however, internally was not so poverty stricken as the exterior seemed -to forebode. It was divided into three parts, two of which served -as bedrooms, and the third as sitting room, saloon, kitchen, &c. In -the latter, the fowls impudently came to pick up grain and pieces of -tortillas which bad been allowed to fall. - -On the right was a sort of low fireplace, evidently for culinary -purposes; the middle of the room was occupied by a large oak table with -twisted legs; at the end, two doors opened into the bedrooms, and the -walls were covered with those hideous coloured plates which Parisian -trade inundates the New World with, and under which intelligent hawkers -print the names of saints, to render the sale more easy. Among these -engravings was one representing Napoleon crossing the St. Bernard, -accompanied by a guide, holding his horse. It bore the rather too -fanciful title, "The great St. Martin dividing his cloak with a -beggar." A fact which imparts incomparable meaning to this humorous -motto is, that the general, far from wishing to give his cloak to the -guide, who does not want it, seems to be shivering with cold, and -wrapping himself up with extreme care. Lastly, a few _butacas_ and -_equipales_ completed the furniture, which, for many reasons, might -be considered elegant in a country where the science of comfort is -completely ignored, and the wants of material life are reduced to their -simplest expression. - -This rancho had been for many years inhabited by the same family, who -were the last relics of the Indians dwelling here when the country -was discovered by the Spaniards. These Indians, who were mansos, and -long converted to Christianity, had been old and faithful servants of -the Marquises de Moguer, who were always attached to them, and made -it a point of honour to heighten their comforts, and give them their -protection under all circumstances. Hence the devotion of these -worthy people to the Moguer family was affecting, through its simple -self-denial. They had forgotten their Indian name, and were only known -by that of Sanchez. - -At the moment when we introduce this family to the reader, it consisted -of three persons: the father, a blind old man, but upright and hale, -who, in spite of his infirmity, still traversed all the forest tracks -without hesitation or risk of losing himself, merely accompanied by -his dog Bouchaley; the mother, a woman about forty years of age, tall, -robust, and possessing marked features, which, when she was younger, -must have been very handsome; and the son, a young man of about twenty, -well built, and a daring hunter, who held the post of tigrero at the -hacienda. - -Luisa Sanchez had been nurse to Dona Marianna, and the young lady, -deprived at an early age of her mistress, had retained for her not -merely that friendship which children generally have for their nurse, -and which at times renders the mother jealous, but that craving for -affection, so natural in young hearts, and which Dona Marianna, -restrained by her father's apparent sternness, could not indulge. The -maiden's return to the hacienda caused great joy at the rancho; father, -mother, and son at once mounted and proceeded to the Toro to embrace -their child, as they simply called her. Halfway they met Dona Marianna, -who, in her impatience to see them again, was galloping like a mad -girl, followed by her brother, who was teasing her about this love for -her nurse. - -Since then, not a day passed on which the young lady did not carry -the sunshine of her presence to the rancho, and shared the breakfast -of the family--a frugal meal, composed of light cakes, roasted on -an iron plate, boiled beef seasoned with chile Colorado, milk, and -_quesadillas_, or cheesecakes, hard and green and leathery, which the -young lady, however, declared to be excellent, and heartily enjoyed. -Bouchaley, like everybody else at the rancho, entertained a feeling -of adoration for Dona Marianna. He was a long-haired black and white -mastiff, about ten years old, and spiteful and noisy as all his -congeners. In reality, the dog possessed but one good quality--its -well-tried fidelity to its master, whom it never took its eyes off, -and constantly crouched at his feet. Since the young lady's return, -the heart of the worthy quadruped had opened to a new affection; each -morning it took its post on the road by which Dona Marianna came, and -as soon as it saw her, saluted her by leaps and deafening barks. - -Mariano Sanchez, the tigrero, had for his foster sister an affection -heightened by the similarity of name--a similarity which in Spanish -America gives a right to a sort of spiritual relationship. This -touching custom, whose origin is entirely Indian, is intended to draw -closer the relations between _tocayo_ and _tocaya_, and they are almost -brother and sister. Hence the tigrero, in order to be present each -morning at his tocaya's breakfast, often rode eight or ten leagues in -the morning, and found his reward in a smile from the young lady. As -for Father Sanchez, since the return of his child, as he called her, he -only felt one regret. It was that he could not see her and admire her -beauty; but he consoled himself by embracing her. - -It was about eleven o'clock in the morning; the sun illumined the hut; -the birds were singing merrily in the forest. Father Sanchez had taken -up the hand mill, and was grinding the wheat, while his wife, after -sifting the wheat, pounded it, and formed it into light cakes, called -tortillas, which, after being griddled, would form the solid portion of -the breakfast. - -Bouchaley was at his post on the road, watching for the arrival of the -young lady. - -"How is it," the old man asked, "that Mariano is not here yet? I -generally hear the sound of his horse earlier than this." - -"Poor lad! Who knows where he is at this moment?" the mother answered. -"He has for some days been watching a band of jaguars that have bitten -several horses at the hacienda. He is certainly ambushed in some -thicket. I only trust he will not be devoured some day by the terrible -animals." - -"Nonsense, wife," the old man continued, with a shrug of the shoulders. -"Maternal love renders you foolish. Mariano devoured by the tigers!" - -"Well, I see nothing impossible in that." - -"You might just as well say that Bouchaley is capable of chasing a -peccary; one thing is as possible as the other. Besides, you forget -that our son never goes out without his dog Bigote, a cross between a -wolf and a Newfoundland dog, as big as a six months' old colt, and who -is capable of breaking the loins of a coyote at one snap." - -"I do not say no, father; I do not say no," she continued, with a shake -of her head; "that does not prevent his being a dangerous trade, which -may one day or another, cost him his life." - -"Stuff! Mariano is too clever a hunter for that; besides, the trade -is lucrative; each jaguar skin brings him in fourteen piastres--a sum -we cannot afford to despise, since my infirmity has prevented me from -working. It would be better for my old carcass to return to the earth, -as I am no longer good for anything." - -"Do not speak so, father; especially before our daughter, for she would -not forgive you: for what you are saying is unjust; you have worked -enough in your time to rest now, and your son take your place." - -"Well, tell me, wife," the old man said, laughingly, "was I devoured by -the jaguar? And yet I was a tigrero for more than forty years, and the -jaguars were not nearly so polite in my time as they are now." - -"That is all very well; it is true that you have not been devoured, but -your father and your grandfather were. What answer have you to that?" - -"Hem!" the old man went on, in some embarrassment; "I will answer--I -will answer--" - -"Nothing, and that will be the best," she continued; "for you could not -say anything satisfactory." - -"Nonsense! What do you take me for, mother? If my father and -grandfather were devoured, and that is true, it was--" - -"Well, what? I am anxious to hear." - -"Because they were treacherously attacked by the jaguars," he at length -said, with a triumphant air; "the wretches knew whom they had to deal -with, and so played cunning. Otherwise they would never have got the -best of two such clever hunters as my father and grandfather." - -The ranchera shrugged her shoulders with a smile, but she considered it -unnecessary to answer, as she was well aware she would not succeed in -making her husband change his opinion as to her son's dangerous trade. -The old man, satisfied with having reduced his wife to silence, as he -fancied, did not abuse his victory; with a crafty smile he rolled and -lit a cigarette, while Na Luisa laid the table, arranged and dusted -everything in the rancho, and listened anxiously to assure herself that -the footfall of her son's horse was not mingled with the sounds that -incessantly rose from the forest. - -All at once Bouchaley was heard barking furiously. The old man drew -himself up in his butaca, while Na Sanchez rushed to the doorway, in -which Dona Marianna appeared, fresh and smiling. - -"Good morning, father! Good morning, mother!" she exclaimed in her -silvery voice, and kissed the forehead of the old man, who tenderly -pressed her to his heart. "Come, Bouchaley, come, be quiet!" she added, -patting the dog, which still gamboled round her. "Mother, ask my tocayo -to put Negro in the corral, for the good animal has earned its alfalfa." - -"I will go, Querida," the old man said; "for today I take Mariano's -place." And he left the rancho without awaiting an answer. - -"Mother," the young lady continued, with a shade of anxiety, "where is -my foster brother? I do not see him." - -"Has not arrived yet, nina." - -"What! Not arrived?" - -"Oh, I trust he will soon be here," she said, while stifling a sigh. - -The maiden looked at her for a moment sympathetically. - -"What is the matter, mother?" she at length said, as she seized the -poor woman's hand; "Can any accident have happened?" - -"The Lord guard us from it, Querida," Luisa said, clasping her hands. - -"Still, you are anxious, mother. You are hiding something from me. Tell -me at once what it is." - -"Nothing, my child; forgive me. Nothing extraordinary has occurred, and -I am hiding nothing from you; but--" - -"But what?" Dona Marianna interrupted her. - -"Well, since you insist, Querida, I confess to you that I am alarmed. -You know that Mariano is tigrero to the hacienda?" - -"Yes; what then?" - -"I am always frightened lest he should meet with an accident, for that -happens so easily." - -"Come, come, mother; do not have such thoughts as these. Mariano is an -intrepid hunter, and possesses far from common skill and tact." - -"Ah, hija, you are of the same opinion as my old man. Alas! If I lost -my son, what would become of you?" - -"Oh, mother, why talk in that way? Mariano, I hope, runs no danger. The -delay that alarms you means nothing; you will soon see him again." - -"May you be saying the truth, dear child!" - -"I am so convinced of it, mamita, that I will not sit down to table -till he arrives." - -"Well, you will not have to wait long, hijita," the old man said, as he -re-entered the rancho. - -"Is he coming?" the mother joyously exclaimed, as she furtively wiped -away a tear. - -"I knew it," the maiden remarked. - -"There, do you hear his horse?" the old man said. In fact, the furious -gallop of a horse echoed in the forest, and approached with the -rapidity of a hurricane. The two females darted to the door. At this -moment a horseman appeared on the skirt of the clearing, riding at full -speed, with his hair floating in the breeze, and his face animated by -the speed at which he rode. This horseman, who was powerfully and yet -gracefully built, and had a manly, energetic face, was Mariano, the -tigrero. His dog, a black and white Newfoundland, with powerful chest -and enormous head, was running by the side of the horse, and looking up -intelligently every moment. - -"iViva Dios! iQuerida tocaya!" the young man exclaimed, as he leaped -from his horse. "I am glad to see you, for I was afraid that I should -arrive too late. Bigote," he added, addressing his dog and throwing -the bridle to it, which the animal seized with its mouth, "lead Moreno -to the corral." - -The dog immediately proceeded thither, followed by the horse, while -Mariano and the two females returned to the rancho. The young man -kissed his father's forehead, and took his hand, saying, "Good morning, -papa!" and then returned to his mother, whom he embraced several times. - -"Cruel child," she said to him, "why did you delay so long?" - -"Pay no attention to what your mother says, muchacho," the old man -remarked; "she is foolish." - -"Fie! You must not say that!" the young lady exclaimed; "You would do -better in scolding Mariano, for I, too, felt alarmed." - -"Do not be angry with me," the young man replied; "I have been for some -days on the track of a family of jaguars, which is prowling about the -neighbourhood, and I could not possibly come sooner." - -"Are they about here?" - -"No; they are prowlers brought here by the drought; and are the more -dangerous because, as they do not belong to these parts, they rest -where they please--sometimes at one place, sometimes at another, and it -becomes very difficult to follow their trail." - -"I only hope they will not think of coming here," the mother said, -anxiously. - -"I do not believe they will, for wild beasts shun the vicinity of man. -Still, Dona Marianna had better, for some days to come, restrict her -rides, and not venture too far into the forest." - -"What can I have to fear?" - -"Nothing, I hope; still it is better to act prudently. Wild beasts are -animals whose habits it is very difficult to discover, especially when -they are in unknown parts, as these are." - -"Nonsense!" the young lady said, with a laugh; "You are trying to -frighten me, tocayo." - -"Do not believe that; I will accompany you with Bigote to the hacienda." - -The dog, which had returned to its master's side after performing its -duties, wagged its tail, and looked up in her face. - -"I will not allow that, tocayo," the young lady replied, as she passed -her hand through the dog's silky coat, and pulled its ears; "let Bigote -have a rest. I came alone, and will return alone; and mounted on Negro, -I defy the tigers to catch me up, unless they are ambuscaded on my -road." - -"Still, nina--" Mariano objected. - -"Not a word more on the subject, tocayo, I beg; let us breakfast, -for I am literally dying of hunger; and were the tigers here," she -added, with a laugh, "they might frighten me, but not deprive me of my -appetite." - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -LOST! - - -They sat down to table; but the meal, in spite of Dona Marianna's -efforts to enliven it, suffered from the anxiety which two of the party -felt, and tried in vain to conceal. The tigrero was vexed with his -foster sister for not letting him accompany her, for he had not liked -to express his fears, lest the young lady on her return to the hacienda -might meet the ferocious animals he had been pursuing for some days -past, without being able to shoot them. - -The jaguar, which, is very little known in Europe, is one of the -scourges of Mexico, and would figure advantageously in zoological -gardens. There is only one in the Parisian Jardin des Plantes, and -that is a very small specimen. Let us describe this animal, which is -more feared by the Indians and white men of North America, than is the -lion by the Arabs. The jaguar _(Felis onca, or onza)_ is, next to the -tiger and lion, the largest of the animals of its genus; it is the -great wild cat of Cuvier, and is called indiscriminately "the American -tiger," and the "panther of the furriers." It is a quadruped of the -feline race; its total length is about nine feet, and its height about -twenty-seven inches. Its skin is handsome, and in great request; while -of a bright tawny hue on the back, it is marked on the head, neck, and -along the flanks with black spots: the lower part of the body is white, -with irregular black spots. - -But few animals escape the pursuit of the jaguar: it obstinately hunts -horses, bulls, and buffaloes; it does not hesitate to leap into rivers -to catch certain fish it is fond of, fights the alligator, devours -otters and picas, and wages a cruel warfare with the monkeys, owing to -its agility, which enables it to mount to the top of trees, even when -they are devoid of branches, and upwards of eighty feet high. Although, -like all the carnivora of the New World, it shuns the proximity of man, -it does not hesitate to attack him when urged by hunger or tracked by -hunters; in such cases it fights with the utmost bravery, and does not -dream of flight. - -Such were the animals the tigrero had been pursuing for the last few -days, and had not been able to catch up. According to the sign he had -found, the jaguars were four in number--the male, female, and two cubs. -We can now understand what the young man's terror must be on thinking -of the terrible dangers to which his foster sister ran a risk of being -exposed on her return to the hacienda: but he knew Dona Marianna too -well to hope he could make her recall her decision. Hence, he did not -try to bring the conversation back to the subject, but resolved to -follow her at a distance, in order to come to her aid if circumstances -required it. - -As always happens under such circumstances, Dona Marianna, seeing that -no one referred again to the jaguars, was the first to talk about -them, asking her foster brother the details of their appearance in -the country, and the mischief they had done, in what way he meant to -surprise them, and a multitude of other questions; to which the young -man replied most politely, but limiting himself to brief answers, and -without launching into details, which are generally so agreeable to -a hunter. The tigrero displayed such laconism in the information he -gave the young lady, that the latter, vexed in spite of herself at -seeing him so cold upon a subject to which he had seemed to attach -such importance a few moments before, began jeering him, and ended by -saying, with a mocking look, that she was convinced he had only said -what he did to frighten her, and that the jaguars had only existed in -his imagination. Mariano gaily endured the raillery, confessed that he -had perhaps displayed more anxiety than the affair deserved, and taking -down a jarabe that hung on the wall, he began strumming a fandango with -the back of his hand, in order to turn the conversation. - -Several hours passed in laughing, talking, and singing. When the moment -for departure at length arrived, Mariano went to the corral to fetch -the young lady's horse, saddled it with the utmost care, and led it to -the door of the rancho, after saddling his own horse, so that he might -start so soon as Dona Marianna was out of sight of the rancho. - -"You remained a long time in the corral, tocayo," she said with a -laugh; "pray, have you discovered any suspicious sign?" - -"No, Nina; but as I am also going to leave the rancho, after saddling -your horse, I saddled mine." - -"Of course you are going to hunt your strange jaguars again?" - -"Oh, of course," he answered. - -"Well," she said, with feigned terror, "if you do meet them, pray do -not miss them." - -"I will do all in my power to avoid that, because I desire to make you -a present of their skins, in order to prove to you that they really -existed." - -"I thank you for your gallantry, Tocayo," she replied with a laugh; -"but you know the proverb--'A hunter must not sell the skin of -a--jaguar, before--'" - -"Well, well, we shall soon know who is right, and who wrong," he -interrupted her. - -The maiden, still laughing, embraced the ranchero and his wife, lightly -bounded into the saddle, and bending down gracefully offered her hand -to Mariano. - -"We part friends, tocayo," she said to him. "Are you coming my way?" - -"I ought to do so." - -"Then why not accompany me?" - -"Because you would suppose, Nina, that I wished to escort you." - -"Ha! Ha! Ha!" the young lady said, merrily; "I had forgotten your -proposal of this morning. Well, I hope you will be successful in your -bunt; and so, good-bye till tomorrow. Come, Negro." - -After uttering these words, she gave a parting wave of the hand to her -nurse, and started at a gallop. The young man, after watching her for -a while, to be certain of the road she followed, then re-entered the -rancho, took his gun, and loaded it with all the care which hunters -display in this operation, when they believe that life depends on the -accuracy of their aim. - -"Are you really about to start at once?" his mother asked him, -anxiously. - -"At once, mother." - -"Where are you going?" - -"To follow my foster sister to the hacienda, without her seeing me." - -"That is a good idea. Do you fear any danger for her?" - -"Not the slightest. But it is a long distance from here to the -hacienda; the Indians are moving, it is said. We are no great distance -from the border, and, as no one can foresee the future, I do not wish -my sister to be exposed to any chance encounter." - -"Excellently reasoned, muchacho. The nina is wrong in thus crossing the -forest alone." - -"Poor child!" the ranchero said; "An accident happens so easily; lose -no time, muchacho, but be off. On reflection, I think you ought to have -insisted on accompanying her." - -"You know, father, she would not have consented." - -"That is true; it is better that it should be as it is, for she will -be protected without knowing it. The first time I see Don Ruiz, I will -recommend him not to let his sister go out thus alone, for times are -not good." - -But the young man was no longer listening to his father: so soon as his -gun was loaded, he left the rancho, followed by his dog. Two minutes -later he was in the saddle, and riding at full speed in the direction -taken by Dona Marianna. - -So soon as the young lady found herself at a sufficient distance from -the rancho, she had checked her horse's pace, which was now proceeding -at an amble. It was about five in the afternoon; the evening breeze -was rising, and gently waving the tufted crests of the trees; the -sun, now almost level with the ground, only appeared on the horizon in -the shape of a reddish globe; the atmosphere, refreshed by the breeze, -was perfumed by the gentle emanations from the flowers and herbs; the -birds, aroused from the heavy lethargy produced by the heat, were -singing beneath all the branches, and filling the air with their joyous -songs. - -Dona Marianna, whose mind was impressionable, and open to all -sensations, gently yielded to the impressions of this scene, which was -so full of ineffable harmony, and gradually forgetting where she was -and surrounding objects, had fallen into a voluptuous reverie. What was -she meditating? She certainly could not have said; she was yielding -unconsciously to the influence of this lovely evening, and travelling -into that glorious country of fancy of which life is but too often the -nightmare. Dona Marianna was too young, too simple, and too pure yet -to possess any memory either sad or sweet; her life had hitherto been -an uninterrupted succession of sunshiny days; but she was a woman, and -listened for the beatings of her heart, which she was surprised at not -hearing. With that curiosity which is innate in her sex, the maiden -tried with a timid hand to raise a corner of the veil that covered the -future, and to divine mysteries which are incomprehensible, so long as -love has not revealed them by sufferings, joy, or grief. - -Dona Marianna had rather a long ride through the forest before reaching -the plain; but she had so often ridden the road at all hours of the -day, she was so thoroughly persuaded that no danger menaced her, that -she let the bridle hang on her horse's neck, while she plunged deeper -and deeper into the delicious reverie which had seized on her. In the -meanwhile, the shades grew deeper; the birds had concealed themselves -in the foliage, and ceased their songs; the sun had disappeared, and -the hot red beams it had left on the horizon were beginning to die -out; the wind blew with greater force through the branches, which -uttered long murmurs; the sky was assuming deeper tints, and night -was rapidly approaching. Already the shrill cries of the coyotes rose -in the quebradas and in the unexplored depths of the forest; hoarse -yells disturbed the silence, and announced the awakening of the savage -denizens of the forest. - -All at once a long, startling, strident howl, bearing some resemblance -to the miauling of a cat, burst through the air, and fell on the -maiden's ear with an ill-omened echo. Suddenly startled from her -reverie, Dona Marianna looked up, and took an anxious glance around -her. A slight shudder of fear passed over her body, for her horse, so -long left to its own devices, had left the beaten track, and the maiden -found herself in a part of the forest unknown to her--she had lost her -way. A person lost in an American forest is dead! - -These forests are generally entirely composed of trees of the same -family, which render it impossible to guide oneself, unless gifted with -that miraculous intuition which the Indians and hunters possess, and -which enables them to march with certainty in the most inextricable -labyrinths. Wherever the eye may turn, it only perceives immense -arcades of verdure, infinitely prolonged, wearying the eye by their -desperate monotony, and only crossed at intervals by the tracks of -wild beasts, which are mixed strangely together, and eventually lead -to unknown watering places, nameless streams, that run silently and -gloomily beneath the covert, and whose windings cannot possibly be -followed. - -The spot where the maiden was, was one of the most deserted in the -forest; the trees, of prodigious height and size, grew closely -together, and were connected by a network of lianas, which, growing -in every direction, formed an impassable wall; from the end of the -branches hung, in long festoons to the ground, that greyish moss known -as Spanish beard, while the tall straight grass that everywhere covered -the ground, showed that human foot had not trodden the soil here for -a lengthened period. The maiden felt an invincible terror seize upon -her. Night had almost completely set in; then the stories her foster -brother had told her in the morning about the jaguars returned to her -mind in a flood, and were rendered more terrible by the darkness that -surrounded her, and the mournful howling that burst forth on all sides. -She shuddered, and turned pale as death at the thought of the fearful -danger to which she had so imprudently exposed herself. - -Then, collecting all her strength for a last appeal, she uttered a cry; -but her voice died out without raising an echo. She was alone--lost in -the desert by night. What could she do? What would become of her? - -The maiden tried to find the route by which she had come, but the road -followed haphazard through the herbage no longer existed; the grass -trodden by her horse's hoof had sprung up again behind it. Moreover, -the night was so dark that Dona Marianna could not see four paces ahead -of her; and she soon found that her efforts to find the road would -only result in leading her further astray. Under such circumstances, -a man would have been in a comparatively far less dangerous position. -He could have lit a fire to combat the night chill, and keep the wild -beasts at bay; in the event of an attack, his weapons would have -allowed him to defend himself: but Dona Marianna had not the means -to light a fire; she had no weapons, and had she possessed them, -she would not have known how to use them. She was forced to remain -motionless at the spot where she was for the whole night, at the hazard -of dying of cold or terror. - -This position was frightful. How she now regretted her imprudent -confidence, which was the cause of what was now occurring! But it was -too late; neither complaints nor recrimination aught availed. She must -yield to her fate. With energetic natures, however little accustomed -they may be to peril, when that peril proves inevitable, and they -recognise that nothing can protect them from it, a reaction takes -place; their thoughts become clearer, their courage grows with their -will, and they accept, with a proud and resolute resignation, all the -consequences of the danger they are compelled to confront, however -terrible they may be. This was what happened to the maiden when she -perceived that she was really lost. A profound despair seized upon -her--for a moment the weakness natural to her sex gained the upper -hand, and she fell sobbing on the ground; but gradually the reaction -set in, and, pious as all Spanish women are, she clasped her bands, and -addressed a fervent and touching prayer to God, who was her last hope. - -It has been justly said that prayer not only consoles, but strengthens -and restores hope. Prayer, with those who sincerely believe, is the -expression of the real feelings of the soul; only those who have looked -death in the face, either on the battlefield or during a storm at sea, -will understand the sublimity of prayer--the last appeal of the weak -victim to the omnipotent Intelligence which can alone save him. Dona -Marianna prayed, and then rose calmer, and, above all, stronger. She -had placed herself in the hands of Deity, and, in her simple faith, was -convinced that He would not abandon her. - -Her horse, whose bridle she had not let loose, was standing motionless -by her side. The maiden gently patted the noble animal, the only friend -left to her; then, by a sudden inspiration, she began unfastening the -girths, tearing her little hands without knowing it, and lacerating her -fingers with the iron tongues of the buckles. - -"Poor Negro," she said, in a soft voice, as she removed the trappings, -"you must not be the victim of my imprudence; resume your liberty; for -the noble instinct with which your Creator has endowed you will perhaps -enable you to find your road. Go, my poor Negro; you are now free." - -The animal gave a whinnying of delight, made a prodigious leap, and -disappeared in the darkness. Dona Marianna was alone--really alone, now. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -STRONGHAND. - - -It is impossible to imagine what terrors night brings with it under -its thick mantle of mist, when the earth is no longer warmed by the -sparkling sunbeams, and darkness reigns as supreme lord. At that time -everything changes its aspects, and assumes in the flickering rays -of the moon a fantastic appearance; the mountains seem loftier, the -rivers wider and deeper; the trees resemble spectres--gloomy denizens -of the tomb, watching for you to pass, and ready to clutch you in their -fleshless arms. The imagination becomes heated, ideas grow confused, -you tremble at the fall of a leaf, at the moaning of the night breeze, -at the breakage of a branch; and, suffering from a horrible nightmare, -you fancy at every moment that your last hour is at hand. - -In the American forests, night has mysteries still more terrible. -Beneath these immense domes of verdure, which the sun is powerless -to pierce even at midday, and which remain constantly buried in an -undecided clear obscure, the darkness may, so to speak, be felt; -nothing could produce a flash in this chaos, excepting, perhaps, -the luminous eyeballs of the wild beasts, that dart electric sparks -from the thickets. Here Night is truly the mistress; the darkness is -peopled by the sinister denizens of the forest, whom the obscurity -drives from their unknown hiding places, and who begin their mournful -prowling in search of prey. From each clump, from each ravine, issue -confused sounds that have no name in human language; some clear and -sharp, others hoarse and low, and others, again resembling miauling, -or sardonic laughter, are blended in horrible concert. Then come the -heavy footfalls on the ground, and the sullen flapping of birds' wings, -as well as that incessant indistinct murmur, which is nought else but -the continual buzz of the infinitely little, mingled with the hollow -moan always heard in the desert, and which is only the breath of Nature -travailing with her incomprehensible secrets. A night passed in the -forest, without fire or weapons, is a terrible thing for a man; but the -situation becomes far more frightful for a woman--a girl--a frail and -delicate creature, accustomed to all the comforts of life, and unable -to find within herself those thousand resources which a strong man, -habituated to struggle, manages to procure, even in the most desperate -situations. - -Without dwelling further on the subject, the reader can imagine without -difficulty the painful situation in which Dona Marianna found herself. -So long as she could hear the sound of her horse's hoofs, as it fled -at full speed, she stood with her body bent forward and outstretched -ears, attaching herself to life, and, perchance, to hope, through the -sound which was so familiar to her; but when it had died out in the -distance, when a leaden silence once again weighed on her, the maiden -shuddered, and, folding her hands on her chest, sank in a half-fainting -condition at the foot of a tree--no longer thinking or hoping, but -awaiting death. For what succour could she expect in the tomb of -verdure, which, though so spacious, was not the less secure? - -How long did she remain plunged in this state of prostration, which -was only an anticipated death--one hour or five minutes? She could not -have said. For wretched people, whom everything, even hope, abandons, -time seems to stand still--minutes become ages, and an hour seems as -if it would never end. All at once a feeble, almost indistinguishable -sound smote her ear, and she instinctively listened. This sound grew -louder with every second, and ere long she could not be mistaken; it -was a rapid mad gallop through the forest. This sound Dona Marianna -recognised with terror; for it was produced by the return of her -horse. For the noble animal to come back with such velocity, it must -be pursued, and that closely, by ferocious animals, such was Dona -Marianna's idea, and, unfortunately, she only too soon recognised its -correctness. The horse gave a snort of terror, which was immediately -answered by two loud, sharp growls. Then, as if dreaming, Dona Marianna -heard prodigious leaps; she saw ill-omened shadows pass before her with -the rapidity of a lightning flash, and then a fearful struggle, in -which groans of agony were mingled with yells of delight. - -However terrible the maiden's position might be she felt tears slowly -course down her cheeks--her horse, her last comrade, had succumbed--the -liberty she had granted it had only precipitated its destruction. -Strange to say, though, at this supreme moment Dona Marianna did -not think for an instant that the death of her horse probably only -preceded her own by a brief space, and that it was a sinister warning -to her to prepare for being devoured. - -When terror has attained a certain degree, a strange effect is produced -upon the individual; animal life still exists in the sense that the -arteries pulsate, the heart palpitates; but intellectual life is -completely suspended; the brain, struck by a temporary paralysis, no -longer receives the thought; the eyes look without seeing; the voice -itself cannot force its way through the contracted throat; in a word, -terror produces a partial catalepsy, by destroying for a period, longer -or shorter, all the noblest faculties of man. Dona Marianna had reached -such a point that, even had she possessed the means of flight, she -would have been incapable of employing them, so thoroughly was every -feeling extinct in her--even the instinct of self-preservation, which -usually remains when all the others are destroyed. - -Fortunately for the girl, the jaguars--for there were several of -them--were to leeward; moreover, they had tasted blood, and this was a -double reason which temporarily saved her, by depriving their scent of -nearly all its delicacy. No other sound was audible, save that produced -by the crushing of the horse's bones, which the wild beasts were -devouring, mingled with growls of anger, when one of the banqueters -tried to encroach on its neighbour's share of the booty. There could be -no doubt about the fact; the animals enjoying this horrible repast were -the jaguars, so long hunted by the tigrero, and which her evil star had -brought across the maiden's track. - -By degrees, Dona Marianna became--not familiarized with the danger -hanging over her head, for that would have been impossible; but as, -according to the law of nature, anything that reaches its culminating -point must begin to descend, her first terror, though it did not -abandon her, produced a strange phenomenon. She felt involuntarily -attracted towards these horrible animals, whose black outlines she -could distinguish moving in the darkness; suffering from a species of -vertigo with her body bent forward, and her eyes immoderately dilated, -without, even accounting for the strange feeling that urged her to -act thus, she kept her eyes eagerly fixed upon them, following with a -febrile interest their slightest movements, and experiencing at the -sight a feeling of inexplicable pleasure, which produced a mingled -shudder of joy and pain. Let who will try to explain this singular -anomaly of human nature; but the fact is certain, and among our readers -many will, doubtless, bear witness to its truth. - -All at once the jaguars, which had hitherto been greedily engaged with -the corpse of the horse, without thinking of anything beyond making -a hearty meal, raised their heads and began sniffing savagely. Dona -Marianna saw their eyes, sparkling like live coals, fixed upon her; -she understood that she was lost; instinctively she closed her eyes -to escape the fascination of those metallic eyeballs, which seemed in -the darkness to emit electric sparks, and prepared to die. Still the -jaguars did not stir; they were crouching on the remains of the horse, -and, while continuing to gaze at the maiden, gracefully passed their -paws over their ears with a purr of pleasure--in a word, they were -coquettishly performing their toilet, appearing not only most pleased -with the meal they had just ended, but with that which was awaiting -them. - -Still, in spite of the calmness affected by the two animals--for the -cubs were sleeping, rolled up like kittens--it was evident that for -some unknown motive they were restless; they lashed the ground with -their weighty tails, or laid back their ears with a roar of anger, -and, turning their heads in all directions, sniffed the air. They -scented a danger; but of what nature was it? As for Dona Marianna, they -appeared so sure of seizing her whenever they thought proper, and saw -how harmless she was, that they contented themselves with crouching -before her, and did not deign to advance a step. All at once the male, -without stirring, uttered a sharp, quick yell. The female rose, bounded -forward, seized one of her cubs in her mouth, and with one backward -leap disappeared in a thicket; almost immediately she reappeared, -and removed the second in the same way; then she returned calmly and -boldly to place herself by the side of the male, whose anxiety had now -attained formidable proportions. - -At the same instant a flash traversed the air--a shot echoed far and -wide--and the male jaguar writhed on the ground with a roar of agony. -Almost immediately a man dashed from the tree at the foot of which Dona -Mariana was crouching, stood in front of her, and received the shock -of the female, which, at the shot, had instinctively bounded forward. -The man tottered, but for all that kept his feet: there was a frightful -struggle for a few minutes, and then the jaguar fell back with a last -and fearful yell. - -"Come," the hunter said, as he wiped on the grass the long machete with -which he had stabbed the beast, "my arrangements were well made, but I -fancy that I arrived only just in time. Now for the cubs; for I must -not show mercy to any member of this horrible family." - -Then this man, who seemed to possess the faculty of seeing in the -darkness, walked without hesitation towards the spot where the female -had hidden her cubs. He resolutely entered the thicket, and came out -again almost immediately, holding a cub in either hand. He smashed -their heads against the trunk of a tree, and threw the bodies on those -of their father and mother. - -"That is a very tidy butchery," he said; "but what on earth is Don -Hernando's tigrero about, that I am obliged to do his work?" - -While saying this, the hunter had collected all the dry wood within -reach, struck a light, and within a few minutes a bright flame -rose skywards. This duly accomplished, the stranger hurried to the -assistance of Dona Marianna, who had fainted. - -"Poor girl!" he muttered, with an accent of gentle pity, as he lifted -her in his arms, and carried her to the fire; "How is it that the -fright has not killed her?" - -He gently laid her on some firs he had arranged for her bed, and gazed -at her for a moment with a look of delight impossible to describe. But -then he felt considerably embarrassed. Accustomed to the hardships of -a desert life, and a skilful hunter as he had proved himself, this man -was naturally a very poor sick nurse. He knew how, at a pinch, to dress -a wound or extract a bullet, but he was quite ignorant how to bring a -fainting woman round. - -"Still, I cannot leave her in this state, poor girl," gazing on her -sorrowfully; "but what am I to do?--how can I relieve her?" - -At length he knelt down by the young lady's side, gently raised her -lovely head, which he laid on his knee, and, opening with his dagger -point her closed lips, poured in a few drops of Catalonian refino -contained in a gourd. The effect of this remedy was instantaneous. A -nervous tremour passed over the maiden's body; she heaved a sigh, and -opened her lips. At the first moment she looked around her wildly, but -ideas seemed gradually to return to her brain; her contracted features -grew brighter, and fixing her eyes on the hunter, who was still bending -over her, she muttered, with an expression of gratitude which made the -young man's heart beat, "Stronghand!" - -"Have you recognised me, senorita?" he exclaimed, with joyous surprise. - -"Are you not my Providence?" she answered. "Do you not always arrive -when I have to be saved from some fearful danger?" - -"Oh, senorita!" he murmured, in great embarrassment. - -"Thanks! Thanks, my saviour!" she continued, seizing his hand, -and pressing it to her heart; "Thanks for having come to my help, -Stronghand, for this time again. I should have been lost without you." - -"I really believe," he said, with a smile, "that I arrived just in -time." - -"But how is it that you came so opportunely?" she asked, curiously, as -she sat up and wrapped herself in the furs, for the feminine instinct -had regained its power over her. - -At this question, simple though it was, the hunter turned red. - -"Oh," he said, "it is very simple. I have been hunting in these parts -for some days past. I had tracked this family of jaguars, which I -obstinately determined to kill, I know not why; but now I understand -that it was a presentiment. After pursuing them all day, I had lost -them out of sight, and was seeking their trail, when your horse enabled -me to recover it." - -"What!--my horse?" she exclaimed, in amazement. - -"Do you not remember that it was I who gave you this poor Negro on our -first meeting?" - -"That is true," she murmured, as she let her eyes fall beneath the -hunter's ardent glance. - -"I saw you for a moment this morning when you were going to Sanchez' -rancho." - -"Ah!" she remarked. - -"Sanchez is a friend, of mine," he continued, as if to explain his -remark. - -"Go on." - -"On seeing the horse, which I at once recognised, I feared that some -accident had happened to you, and set out after it. But the jaguars had -scented it at the same time, and in spite of my thorough acquaintance -with this forest, it was impossible for me to run as fast as they did. -Luckily, they were hungry, and amused themselves by devouring poor -Negro; otherwise I should not have arrived in time." - -"But how was it that you came by this strange road?" - -"In the first place, I was bound to save your life, as I knew that if -I killed one jaguar, the other would leap upon you, in order to avenge -it." - -"But you ran the risk of being torn in pieces by the horrible animals," -she said, with a shudder of retrospective terror, as she thought of the -frightful dangers from which she had been so miraculously preserved. - -"That is possible," he said, with an unmistakable expression of joy; -"but I should have died to save you, and I desired nothing else." - -The maiden made no reply. Pensive and blushing, she bowed her head -on her chest. The hunter thought that he had offended her, and also -remained silent and constrained. This silence lasted several minutes. -At length Dona Marianna raised her head and offered her hand to the -young man. - -"Thank you again!" she said, with a gentle smile. - -"Your heart is good. You did not hesitate to sacrifice your life for -me, whom you scarce know, and I shall feel eternally grateful to you." - -"I am too amply repaid for my services by these words, senorita," he -replied, with marked hesitation; "still I have a favour to ask you, and -I should be pleased if you would deign to grant it." - -"Oh, speak, speak! Tell me what I can do!" - -"I know not how to explain it; my request will appear to you so -strange, so singular--perhaps so indiscreet." - -"Speak; for I feel convinced that the favour you pretend to ask of me -is merely another service you wish to render me." - -Stronghand bent a searching glance on the maiden, and then seemed to -make up his mind. - -"Well, senorita," he said, "it is this:--should you ever, for any -reason neither you nor I can foresee, need advice, or the help of a -friend, either for yourself or any member of your family, do nothing -till you have seen me, and explained to me unreservedly the motives -that impelled you to come to me." - -Dona Marianna reflected, while the hunter gazed at her attentively. - -"Be it so," she at length said; "I promise to act as you wish. But how -am I to find you?" - -"Your foster brother is my friend, senorita; you will request him to -lead you to me, and he will do so; or, if you prefer it, you can warn -me through him to proceed to any place you may point out." - -"Agreed." - -"I can count on your promise?" - -"Have I not passed my word?" - -All at once a loud noise, resembling the passage of a wild beast, was -heard in the forest glade; the maiden started, and instinctively clung -to the hunter. - -"Fear nothing, senorita," the latter said; "do you not recognise a -friend?" - -At the same moment the tigrero's dog leaped up to fondle her, followed -almost instantaneously by Mariano. - -"Heaven be blessed!" he said, joyfully, "She is saved!" and pressing -the hunter's hand cordially, he added, "Thanks; it is a service I owe -you, brother." - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE RETURN. - - -How was it that the tigrero, whom we saw leave the rancho almost as -soon as Dona Marianna, and follow in her track, arrived so late? We -will explain this in a few sentences. The young man, feeling certain -that his foster sister thoroughly knew the road she had to follow, -which was, moreover, properly traced, had not dreamed of the chance of -her missing her way, and not troubling himself to follow the horse's -footmarks, he pushed straight on, fancying Dona Marianna ahead of him, -crossed the forest, and then entered the plain, without perceiving the -person he fancied he was following. - -Still, on reaching the cultivated land, he looked carefully ahead of -him, for he was surprised at the advance the young lady had gained on -him in so short a time. But, though he examined the horizon all around, -he saw nothing of her. Mariano was beginning to grow anxious; still, -as there was a chaparral some distance ahead, whose tufted trees might -conceal her whom he sought, he became reassured, and pushed onward, -increasing the already rapid pace of his steed. It took him some time -to pass through the chaparral; when he reached its skirt, and again -entered the plain, the sun had set about half an hour previously, and -darkness was invading the earth; the darkness was, indeed, so thick, -that in spite of all his exertions, he could distinguish nothing a few -paces ahead of him. - -The tigrero halted, dismounted, placed his ear on the ground, and -listened. A moment later he heard, or fancied he heard, a distant -sound resembling a horse's gallop; his alarm was at once dissipated. -Convinced that the young lady was in front of him, he mounted again and -pushed on. As he was only two leagues from the Hacienda del Toro, he -soon reached the foot of the rock. Here he stopped, and asked himself -whether he had better go up, or regard his mission as fulfilled, and -turn back. While unable to form any decision, he saw a black outline -gliding along the path, and soon distinguished a horseman coming toward -him. - -"_Buena noche, Caballero_," he said, when the latter crossed him. - -"_Dios le de a usted buena_," the other politely replied, and he passed -on, but suddenly turned round again. The tigrero rode to meet him. - -"Ah!" the horseman said, when they met, "I felt sure that I was not -mistaken. How is No Mariano?" - -"Very well, and at your service," the tigrero answered, recognising the -majordomo; "and you, No Paredes?" - -"The same, thank you; are you going up to the toro, or returning to the -rancho?" - -"Why that question?" - -"Because in the former case I would bid you good night, while in the -latter we would ride together." - -"Are you going to the rancho?" - -"Yes; the Senor Marquis has sent me." - -"Tell me, No Paredes, would there be any indiscretion on my part in -asking you what you are going to do at the rancho at so late an hour?" - -"Not the slightest, compadre. I am simply going to fetch Dona Marianna, -who has remained today later than usual with her nurse. Her father is -anxious about her long absence, and asked me to go and meet her if she -were on her road home, or if not, push on to the rancho." - -This revelation was a thunderclap for the young man, who fancied that -he had misunderstood. - -"What!" he exclaimed, anxiously, "Is not Dona Marianna at the hacienda?" - -"It seems not," the majordomo answered, "since I am going to fetch her." - -"Why, that is impossible!" the other continued, in extreme agitation. - -"Why so?" said Paredes, beginning to grow anxious in his turn. "What do -you mean?" - -"I mean that Dona Marianna left the rancho full three hours ago; that I -followed her without her knowledge to watch over her safety, and that -she must have been at the hacienda for more than half an hour." - -"Are you quite sure of what you assert?" - -"iCaray! I have asserted it." - -"In that case, Heaven have pity on the poor girl! For I apprehend a -frightful misfortune." - -"But she may have entered the hacienda without your seeing her." - -"Nonsense, compadre; that is impossible. But come, we'll convince -ourselves." - -Without losing time in longer argument the two men dashed up the -rock at a gallop, and in a few minutes reached the first gate of the -hacienda. No one had seen Dona Marianna. The alarm was instantly -given; Don Hernando wished to ride off at the head of his people, and -beat up the country in search of his daughter; and it was with great -difficulty that he was induced to abandon the project. Don Ruiz and -the majordomo, followed by some twenty peons, provided with ocote wood -torches, started in two different directions. - -Mariano had an idea of his own. When he was quite certain that his -foster sister had not returned, he presumed the truth--that she was -lost in the forest. He did not consider for a moment that she had been -carried off by Indian marauders, for he had not noticed any trace of a -party of horsemen; and Bigote, whose nose was infallible, had evinced -no anxiety during the ride. Hence Dona Marianna must be lost in the -forest. The tigrero let Don Ruiz, the majordomo, and the peons pass -him, and then bent his steps towards the rancho, closely followed -by his dog, in spite of the exhortations of his young master and No -Paredes, who wanted him to accompany them. When he was in the forest -he stopped for a moment, as if to look round him; then, after most -carefully examining the spot where he was, he dismounted, fastened his -horse's bridle to the pommel, tied the stirrups together to keep them -from clanking, and gave his horse a friendly smack on the crupper. - -"Go along, Moreno," he said to it; "return to the rancho. I shall not -want you again tonight." - -The horse turned its fine intelligent head to its master, gave a -neigh of pleasure, and started at a gallop in the direction of the -rancho. The tigrero carefully examined his gun, the priming of which -he renewed, and began inspecting the ground by the light of a torch. -Bigote, gravely seated on its hind legs, followed its master's every -movement, and was evidently much perplexed. After a very lengthened -search, the tigrero probably found what he was looking for, for he rose -with an air of satisfaction, and whistled his dog, which at once ran up. - -"Bigote," he said, "smell these marks; they were made by the horse of -your mistress, Marianna; do you recognise them?" - -The noble animal did as its master ordered, then fixed its sparkling -eyes upon him with an almost human expression, and wagged its tail with -delight. - -"Good, Bigote! Good, my famous dog!" the tigrero continued, as he -patted it; "And now let us follow the trail; forward, Bigote, pick it -up clean." - -The dog hesitated for a moment, then it set out with its nose to the -ground, closely followed by its master, who had extinguished his torch, -which would henceforth be useless. But all we have narrated occupied -considerable time; and the tigrero would have arrived too late to save -the maiden, had not Heaven sent the hunter across her path. The dog did -not once check its speed through the numberless windings of the course -Negro had followed; and master and dog together reached the spot where -the horrible drama we recently described occurred. - -"When I heard Stronghand's shot," the tigrero added, as he concluded -his narrative, "I experienced a sound of deadly agony, for I understood -that a frightful struggle was going on at the moment, and that the -beast might conquer the man. Well, tocaya, will you now believe in the -jaguars?" - -"Oh, silence, Mariano!" the young lady said, with a shudder; "I almost -went mad with terror when I saw the eyes of the horrible animals fixed -upon me. Oh! Had it not been for this brave and honest hunter, I should -have been lost." - -"Brave and honest, indeed!" the tigrero, said, with frank affection; -"You are right, senorita, for Stronghand might just as fairly be called -Goodheart, for he is ever so ready to assist strangers, and relieve the -unfortunate." - -Dona Marianna listened with lively pleasure to this praise of the man -who had saved her life; but Stronghand felt terribly embarrassed, and -suffered in his heart at a deed which he thought so simple, and which -he was so delighted to have done, being rated so highly. - -"Come, come, Mariano," he said, in order to cut short the young man's -compliments, "we cannot remain here any longer; remember that while -we are quietly resting by the fireside and talking nonsense, this -young lady's father and brother are suffering from deadly anxiety, and -scouring the plain without any hope of finding her. We must arrange how -to get away from here as soon as possible, and return to the hacienda." - -"Caray, master, you are right, as usual; but what is to be done? Both -you and I are on foot, and we cannot dream for a moment that the -senorita could walk such a distance." - -"Oh, I am strong," she said with a smile; "under your escort, my -friends, I fear nothing, and can walk." - -"No, senorita," the hunter said, with an accent of gentle authority, -"your strength would betray your courage; on so dark a night, and -in a forest like this, a man accustomed to desert life could hardly -expect to walk without falling at every step. Put yourself in our -hands, for we know better than you do what is best to be done under the -circumstances." - -"Very good," she answered; "act as you think proper. I have suffered -enough already today, by refusing to listen to the advice of my tocayo, -to prevent me being obstinate now." - -"That is the way to talk," the tigrero said gaily. "What are we going -to do, Stronghand?" - -"While you skin the jaguars--for I suppose you do not wish to leave -them as they are--" - -"What!" the tigrero interrupted him, "Those skins belong to you, and I -have no claim to them, as you killed the beasts." - -"Pooh!" the hunter said with a laugh, "I am not a tigrero, except by -accident; the skins are yours, and fairly so; so you had better take -them." - -"Since that is the case I will not decline; but as for my part, I -promised to give my foster sister the skins to make a rug, I will beg -her to accept them." - -"Very good," she answered, giving the hunter a look which filled him -with joy; "they will remind me of the fearful danger I incurred, and -the way in which I escaped it." - -"That is settled, then," the hunter said; "and I will; cut down with my -machete some branches to form a litter." - -"Caray, that is an idea which would not have occurred to me," Mariano -remarked, with a laugh; "but it is very simple. To work." - -Hunters and trappers are skilful and most expeditious men; in a -few minutes Mariano had skinned the jaguars, and Stronghand formed -the litter; the skins, after being carefully folded, were securely -fastened on the back of Bigote, who did not at all like the burden -imposed on him; but after a while he made up his mind to put up with -it. Stronghand covered the litter with leaves and grass, over which -he laid the saddlecloth of the horse the jaguars had devoured; then -he requested the young lady to seat herself on this soft divan, which -was so suddenly improvised, and the two men, taking it on their strong -shoulders, started in the direction of the hacienda, joined by Bigote, -who trotted in front with glad barks. - -Although the hunters had, from excess of precaution, formed torches -of ocote wood to help them, the darkness was so complete--the trees -were so close together--that it was with extreme difficulty that -they succeeded in advancing in this inextricable labyrinth. Forced -to take continual _detours_--obliged at times to walk in water up to -their waists--deafened by the discordant cries of the birds, which the -flash of the torches aroused--they saw all around them the wild beasts -flying, with hoarse roars and eyes glaring through the darkness. It -was then that Dona Marianna fully comprehended what frightful peril -she had escaped, and how certain her death would have been, had not -the hunter come to her assistance with such noble self-devotion; and -at the remembrance of all that had occurred, and which was now but a -dream, a convulsive tremor passed over her limbs, and she felt as if -she were about to faint. Stronghand, who seemed to guess what was going -on in the maiden's mind, frequently spoke to her, in order to change -the current of her ideas by compelling her to answer him. They had been -marching for a long distance, and the forest seemed as savage as when -they started. - -"Do you believe," Dona Marianna asked, "that we are on the right road?" - -"Even admitting, senora, what might be possible," the hunter answered, -"that Mariano and myself were capable of falling into an error, we have -with us an infallible guide in Bigote, who, you may be quite certain, -will not lead us astray." - -"Within ten minutes, senorita," the tigrero said, "we shall enter the -road that runs from the rancho to the hacienda." - -All at once the two men stopped. At the same moment Dona Marianna heard -shouts that seemed to answer each other in various directions. - -"Forward! Forward!" said Stronghand; "Let us not leave your relatives -and friends in anxiety longer than we can help." - -"Thanks," she answered. - -They continued their march; and, as the tigrero had announced, in -scarce ten minutes they reached the road to the hacienda. - -"What shall we do now?" Marianna asked. - -"I think," Stronghand answered, "that we ought to announce our presence -by a cry for help, and then proceed in the direction of those who -answer us. What is your opinion, senora?" - -"Yes," she said, "I think we ought to do so; for otherwise we run a -risk of reaching the hacienda without meeting any of the persons sent -to seek me, and who might continue their search till morning, which -would be ingratitude on my part." - -"You are right, nina; for all these worthy people are attached to you, -and besides, your brother and Don Paredes are also seeking you." - -"That is a further reason why we should hasten to announce our return," -the young lady answered. - -The two hunters, after consulting for a moment, uttered together that -long shrill yell, which, in the desert as in the mountains, serves as -the rallying cry, and may be heard for an enormous distance. Almost -immediately the whole forest seemed to be aroused; similar cries broke -out in all directions, and the hunters noticed red dots running with -extreme rapidity between the trees, and all converging on the spot -where they stood, as if they radiated from a common centre. Certain -of having been heard, the hunters once again uttered their shout for -help. The reply was not delayed; the galloping of horses soon became -distinct, and then riders, holding torches, appeared from all parts of -the forest coming at full speed, waving their hands, and resembling -the fantastic huntsmen of the old German legends. In a few minutes -all the persons were assembled round the litter on which the young -lady reclined; and Don Ruiz and the majordomo were not long ere they -arrived. We will not describe the joy of brother and sister on seeing -each other again. - -"Brother," Dona Marianna said to Don Ruiz, "if you find me still alive, -you owe it to the man who before saved us both from the pirates of the -prairies; had it not been for him, I should have been lost." - -"You may safely say that, and no mistake," Marianna said, in -confirmation. - -"Where is he?" Don Ruiz asked--"Where is he? that I may express all my -gratitude to him." - -But he was sought for in vain. During the first moment of confusion, -Stronghand had summoned a peon to take his place--had glided unnoticed -into the forest and disappeared--no one being able to say in what -direction he had gone. - -"Why this flight?" Dona Marianna murmured, with a stifled sigh; "Does -this strange man fear lest our gratitude should prove too warm?" - -And she thoughtfully bowed her head on her bosom. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -CHANCE WORK. - - -Although he allowed nothing to be visible, Don Ruiz was vexed at heart -with the affectation the hunter seemed to display in avoiding him, and -escaping from his thanks. This savageness in a man to whom he owed -such serious obligations appeared to him to conceal either a disguised -enmity, or dark schemes whose accomplishment he feared, though he could -not assign any plausible motive for them, especially after the manner -in which the hunter had not hesitated on two occasions to imperil -his life in assisting himself and his sister. These thoughts, which -incessantly thronged to the mind of Don Ruiz, plunged him into deep -trouble for some moments; still, when the peons he had sent off to -seek the hunter all returned one after the other, declaring that they -could not possibly find his trail, the young man shook his head several -times, frowned, and then gave orders for the start. - -Dona Marianna's return to the hacienda was a real triumphal procession. -The peons, delighted at having found their mistress again safe and -sound, gaily bore her on their shoulders, laughing, singing, and -dancing along the road, not knowing how otherwise to express their joy, -and yet desirous to make her comprehend the pleasure they felt. In -spite of the fatigue that crushed her, and the state of exhaustion into -which she had fallen through the terrific emotions she had undergone, -Dona Marianna, sensible of these manifestations of gratitude, made -energetic efforts in order to appear to share their joy, and prove to -them how greatly she was affected by it. But, although she gave them -her sweetest smiles and gentlest words, she could not have endured much -longer the constraint, and she was really exhausted when the little -party at length reached the hacienda. - -The Marquis, who was suffering the most frightful agitation, had gone -to the last gate to meet them, and would possibly have gone further -still, had not Don Ruiz taken the precaution, so soon as his sister was -found, to send off a peon to tranquillize his mind and announce the -successful result. At the first moment the Marquis completely forgot -his aristocratic pride, only to think of the happiness of pressing -to his heart the child he feared he had lost for ever. Don Rufino -Contreras, carried away by the example, shared in the general joy, -and pretended to pump up a tear of sympathy while fixing on the young -lady his huge grey eyes, to which he tried in vain to give a tender -expression. - -The maiden threw herself with an outburst of tears into her father's -arms, and at length, yielding to her feelings, fainted--an accident -which, by arousing the anxiety of the spectators, cut short all the -demonstrations. Dona Marianna was conveyed to her apartments, and the -peons were dismissed after the majordomo had, by the order of the -Marquis, distributed among them _pesetas_ and tragos of refino, which -set the crown of the delight of these worthy fellows. - -In spite of the offer of No Paredes, who invited him to spend the -night at the hacienda, the tigrero would not consent; and after -freeing Bigote from the jaguars' skins, which seemed to cause the dog -considerable pleasure, they both started gaily for the rancho. It was -about two o'clock, a.m., and a splendid night, and the tigrero, with -his gun under his arm and his dog at his heels, was walking at a steady -pace while whistling a merry jarana, when, just as he was entering the -shadow of the forest, Stronghand suddenly emerged from a thicket two -paces ahead of him. - -"Hilloh!" the tigrero said, on recognising him; "Where the deuce did -you get to just now, that it was impossible to find you? What bee was -buzzing in your bonnet?" - -The hunter shrugged his shoulders. - -"Do you fancy," he replied, "that it is so very pleasant to be stared -at by those semi-idiotic peons for performing so simple a deed as mine -was?" - -"Well, opinions are free, compadre, and I will not argue with you on -that score; still, I should not have run off in that way." - -"?Quien sabe? You are more modest than you like to show, brother; and I -feel certain that, under similar circumstances, you would have acted as -I did." - -"That is possible, though I do not believe it; still, I thank you," he -added, with a laugh, "for having discovered in me a quality which I was -not aware I possessed. But where on earth are you going at such an -hour?" - -"I was looking for you." - -"In that case all is for the best, since you have found me; what do you -want of me?" - -"To ask hospitality of you for a few days." - -"Our house is not large, but sufficiently so to contain a guest, -especially when you are he; you can remain with us so long as you -please." - -"I thank you, gossip, but I shall not abuse your complaisance; I am -obliged to remain for a few days in these parts, and, as the nights are -fresh, I will confess that I prefer passing them under a roof instead -of the star spangled arch of heaven." - -"As you please, Stronghand; the door of my humble rancho is ever -open to let you in or out. I do not want to know the reason for your -stay here; but the longer you remain with us, the greater honour and -pleasure you will afford us." - -"Thanks, comrade." - -All was settled in a few words. The two men continued their walk, and -soon reached the rancho. The tigrero led the hunter to his bedroom, -where they lay down side by side, and soon fell asleep. A few days -elapsed, during which the hunter saw Dona Marianna several times, -while careful not to let her notice him, although it was evident to -Stronghand that the young lady would have liked nothing better than -meeting him; perhaps she really desired it, without daring to confess -it to herself. - -One day, about a week after the scene with the jaguars, the hunter was -lying half asleep in a copse whose leafy branches completely hid him -from sight, and quietly enjoying his siesta during the great midday -heat, when he fancied he heard the sound of footsteps not far from the -spot where he was. He instinctively opened his eyes, raised himself -on his elbow, and looked carefully around him; he checked a cry of -surprise on recognising the man, who had stopped close to the thicket -and dismounted, like a man who has reached the spot he desired. This -man was Kidd, the bandit, with whom the reader has already formed -acquaintance. - -"What does that scoundrel want here?" the hunter asked himself. "He is -doubtless plotting some infamy, and I bless the chance that brings him -within earshot, for this demon is one of the men who cannot be watched -too closely." - -In the meanwhile Kidd had removed his horse's bit, in order to let it -graze freely; he himself sat down on a rock, lit a husk cigarette, and -began smoking with all the _nonchalance_ of a man whose conscience -is perfectly at its ease. Stronghand racked his brains in vain to try -and discover the motive for the presence of the bandit in these parts, -so remote from the ordinary scene of his villainy, when chance, which -had already favoured him, gave him the clue to the enigma, which he had -almost despaired of obtaining. A sound made him turn his head, and he -saw a stout horseman, with rubicund face and handsomely dressed, coming -up at an amble. When he reached the adventurer, the latter rose, bowed -respectfully, and assisted him to dismount. - -"Ouf!" the stout man said, with a sigh of relief, "What a confounded -ride!" - -"Well," the bandit replied with a grin, "you must blame yourself, Don -Rufino, for you arranged it. May the fiend twist my neck if I would -damage myself, no matter for what purpose, and ride across the plain at -this hour of the day." - -"Everybody is the best judge of his own business, Master Kidd," Don -Rufino remarked, drily, as he wiped his steaming face, with a fine -cambric handkerchief. - -"That is possible; but if I had the honour to be Don Rufino Contreras, -enormously rich, and senator to boot, hang me if I would put myself -out of my way to run after an adventurer like Master Kidd, whatever -pleasure I might take at other times in the conversation of that worthy -caballero." - -The senator began laughing. - -"Ha! Ha! Scoundrel; you have scented something." - -"Hang it!" the bandit replied, impudently, "I do not deceive myself, -and am well aware that whatever attractions my conversation may offer, -you would not have come this distance expressly to hear it." - -"That is possible, scamp. However, listen to me." - -"I can see from your familiarity that the job will be an expensive one; -well, I do not dislike that way of entering upon the subject, for it -forebodes a good business." - -The senator shrugged his shoulders with ill-disguised contempt. "Enough -of this," he said, "let us come to facts." - -"I ask nothing better." - -"Are you fond of money?" - -"I certainly have a weakness for gold." - -"Good. Would you hesitate about killing a man to earn it?" - -"What do you mean?" - -"I ask you, scoundrel, whether in a case of necessity you would kill a -man for money?" - -"I perfectly understood you." - -"Then why make me repeat it?" - -"Because your doubt is offensive to my feelings." - -"How so?" - -"Hang it, I fancy I speak clearly. Killing a man is nothing when you -are well paid for it." - -"I will pay well." - -"Beforehand?" - -"Yes, if you like." - -"How much?" - -"I warn you that the man I refer to is but a poor fellow." - -"Yes, a poor fellow who is troublesome to you. Well, go on." - -"One thousand piastres. Is that enough?" - -"It is not too much." - -"Confound it, you are expensive." - -"That is possible; but I do my work conscientiously. Well, tell me who -the man is that is in your way." - -"Jose Paredes." - -"The majordomo at the Toro?" - -"Yes." - -"Do you know that he is not an easy man to kill? You must owe him a -sore grudge, I suppose?" - -"I do not know him." - -The bandit looked in amazement at the speaker. - -"You do not know him, and yet offer one thousand piastres for his -death? Nonsense!" - -"It is so." - -"But you must have a reason. Caray, a man is not killed as one twists a -fowl's neck. I know that, bandit though I am." - -"You said it just now. He is in my way." - -"That is different," the adventurer replied, convinced by this -peremptory reason. - -"Listen to me attentively, and engrave my words on your mind." - -"Go on, senor. I will not lose a word." - -"In two or three days the majordomo will leave for Hermosillo, carrying -bills to a considerable amount." - -"Good," the bandit said, rubbing his hands gleefully; "I will kill him -as he passes, and take possession of the bills." - -"No, you will let him go on in peace, and you will kill him on his -return, when he has cashed the bills." - -"That is true. Where the deuce was my head? That will be much better." - -Don Rufino looked at him ironically. - -"You will deliver to me the sum this man is the bearer of," he said. - -The bandit gave a start of alarm, - -"I suppose the sum is large?" - -"Fifty thousand piastres." - -"iViva Dios! Surrender such a fortune? I would sooner be burned alive." - -"You must, though," - -"Never, senor." - -"Nonsense," the senator remarked, contemptuously. "You know you are in -my hands. All the worse for you if you hesitate, for you will then lose -two thousand piastres." - -"You said one thousand." - -"I made a mistake." - -"And when will you give them to me?" - -"At once." - -"Have you the amount about you?" - -"Yes." - -Suddenly the bandit's eye gleamed with a sinister flash; he drew -himself up, and leaped, knife in hand, upon the senator. But the -adventurer had a powerful adversary. Don Rufino had long known the man -he was treating with, and, while conversing, had not once taken his eye -off, and attentively watched all his movements. Hence, though Kidd's -action was so rapid, Don Rufino was before him; he seized his arm with -his left hand, while with the right he placed a pistol to his chest. - -"Hilloh, my master," he said, coldly, and with the most perfect -tranquillity, "are you mad, or has a wasp stung you?" - -Abashed by his failure, the bandit gave him a savage look. - -"Let me loose!" - -"Not before you have thrown your knife away, scoundrel!" - -Kidd opened his hand, the knife fell on the ground, and Don Rufino put -his foot upon it. - -"You are not half clever enough," he said, sarcastically; "you deserve -to have your brains blown out, in order to teach you to take your -measures better another time." - -"I do not always miss my mark," he replied, with a menacing accent. - -There was a moment of silence between the two men. Stronghand still -watched them, not losing one of their words or gestures, which -interested him to the highest degree. At length Don Rufino spoke. - -"Have you reflected?" he asked the bandit. - -"Of what?" the latter remarked, roughly; "Of this proposal?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, I accept." - -"But you understand," the senator continued, laying a stress upon every -word, "you must deal frankly this time. No trickery, eh?" - -"No, no," Kidd answered, with a shake of the head; "you may be sure of -that." - -"I reckon on your honesty. Moreover, profit by what has occurred today. -I am not always so good tempered; and if a misunderstanding, like that -just now, again arose between us, the consequences might be very -serious to you." - -These few words were uttered with an intonation of voice, and -accompanied by a look, that produced a profound impression on the -bandit. - -"All right," he said, shrugging his shoulders savagely; "there is no -need to threaten, as all is settled." - -"Very good." - -"Where shall I come to you after the business?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about that. I shall manage to find you." - -"Ah!" he said, with a side-glance; "then that is your affair?" - -"Yes." - -"Very good. Give me the money." - -"Here it is. But remember, if you deceive me--" - -"Nonsense," the bandit interrupted him. "Did I not tell you that it was -all settled?" - -The senator drew from his pocket a long purse, through whose meshes -gold coins could be seen. He weighed it for an instant in his hand, and -then threw it twenty paces from him. - -"Go and fetch it," he said. - -The bandit dashed at the gold, which as it fell produced a ringing -sound. Don Rufino took advantage of this movement to get into his -saddle. - -"Good-bye," he said to the bandit. "Remember!" and he started at a -gallop. Kidd made no reply, for he was too busy counting the ounces -contained in the purse. - -"All right," he at last said, with a smile upon his features, as he hid -the purse in his bosom. "No matter," he added, as he looked savagely -after the senator, "I allow that I am in your power, demon; but if I -ever had you in my hands as you had me today, and I manage to discover -one of your secrets, I should not be so mad as to show you any mercy." - -After this soliloquy the bandit went up to his horse, tightened the -girths, and set out in his turn, but in a direction opposite to that -which the senator had taken. So soon as he was alone, the hunter rose. - -"Oh, oh!" he muttered, "That is a dark plot. That man cannot want to -kill Paredes merely to rob him; it is plain that the blow is meant for -the Marquis. I will be on my guard." - -We have already seen that the hunter religiously kept his promise. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -FATHER AND SON. - - -Now that we have given the reader all necessary information about -the events accomplished at the Hacienda del Toro, we will resume our -narrative at the point where we were compelled to leave it--that is to -say, we will return to the village of the Papazos, and be present at -the conversation between Thunderbolt and Stronghand in the Pyramid. -The two men, walking side by side, went up to the top of the Pyramid. -They traversed the bridge of lianas thrown over the Quebrada at a great -height, and entered the Pyramid on the right. They descended to the -first floor--the Indians they met bowing respectfully to them--and -stopped before a securely fastened door. On reaching it, Thunderbolt -gave it two slight taps; an inner bolt was drawn, the door opened, -and they went in. They had scarce crossed the threshold ere the young -Indian who had opened the door closed it again after them. A strange -change had taken place in the two men; the Indian stoicism they had -hitherto affected made way for manners that revealed men used to -frequent the highest society of cities. - -"Maria," Thunderbolt said to the girl, "inform your mistress that -her son has returned to the village." In giving this order the old -gentleman employed Spanish, and not the Comanche idiom which he had -used up to the present. - -"The senora was already aware of her son's return, _mi amo_," Maria -answered, with a smile. - -"Ah!" said the old man, "then she has seen somebody." - -"The venerable Padre Fray Serapio came an hour ago to pay the senora a -visit, and he is still with her." - -"Very good; announce us, my child." - -The girl bowed and disappeared, returning a moment after to tell the -two gentlemen that they could enter. They were then introduced into a -rather spacious room, lighted by four glazed windows--an extraordinary -luxury in such a place--in front of which hung heavy red damask -curtains. This room, entirely lined with stamped Cordovan leather, was -furnished in the Spanish style, with that good taste which only the -Castilians of the old race have kept, and was, through its arrangement, -half drawing room, half oratory. In one corner an ebony _prie-dieu_, -surmounted by an ivory crucifix, which time had turned yellow, and -several pictures of saints, signed by Murillo and Zurbaran, would have -caused the apartment to be taken for an oratory, had not comfortable -sofas, tables loaded with books, and butacas, proved it to be a drawing -room. Near a silver brasero two persons were sitting in butacas. - -Of these, one was a lady, the other a Franciscan monk; both had passed -midlife, or, to speak more correctly, were close on fifty years of age. - -The lady wore the Spanish garb fashionable in her youth--that is to -say, some thirty years before. Although her hair was beginning to grow -white, and a few deep wrinkles altered the purity of her features, -still it was easy to see that she must have been very lovely once on a -time. Her skin, of a slightly olive hue, was extremely fine, and in the -firm marked lines of her face, the distinctive character of the purest -Aztec race could be recognised. Her black eyes, shaded by long lashes, -and whose corners rose slightly, like those of the Mongolians, had an -expression of strange gentleness, and her whole face revealed mildness -and intelligence. Although she was below the ordinary height of women, -she still retained the elegance of youth; and her exquisitely modelled -hands and feet were almost of a microscopic smallness. Fray Serapio was -the true type of the Spanish monk--handsome, majestic, and dreamy--and -seemed as if he had stepped out of a picture by Zurbaran. When the two -gentlemen entered, the lady and the Padre rose. - -"You are welcome, my darling child," the old lady said, opening her -arms to her son. - -The latter rushed into them, and for some minutes there was an -uninterrupted series of caresses between mother and son. - -"Forgive me, Padre Serapio," Stronghand at length said, as he freed -himself from the gentle bondage; "but it is so long since I had the -pleasure of embracing my mother, that I cannot leave off." - -"Embrace your mother, my child," the monk answered, with a smile; "a -mother's caresses are the only ones that do not entail regret." - -"What are you about, Padre?" Thunderbolt asked; "Are you going to leave -us already?" - -"Yes; and pray excuse me for going away so soon; but after a lengthened -separation, you must have much to say to one another, and a third -person, however friendly he may be, is always in the way at such a -time. Moreover, my brothers and I have a good deal to do at present, -owing to so many white hunters and trappers being in the village." - -"Are you satisfied with your neophytes?" - -The monk shook his head mournfully. - -"No," he at length answered; "the Indians love and respect us, owing to -the protection you have deigned to afford us, Senor Don--" - -"Silence!" the chief interrupted him, with a smile; "no other name but -that of Thunderbolt." - -"That is true; I always forget that you have surrendered the one -received at your baptism; still it is one of the most noble in the -martyrology. Well," he continued with a sigh, "the will of Heaven be -done! The glorious days of conversion have passed since we have become -Mexicans; the Indians no longer believe in the Spanish good faith, and -sooner than accept our God, persist in their old errors. This makes me -remember that I have a favour to ask of you." - -"Of me? Oh, it is granted beforehand, if it be in my power to satisfy -you." - -"Dona Esperanza, with whom I have spoken about it, leads me to hope -that you will not refuse it." - -"Did you not say to me one day that the senora's name brought you good -luck? It will probably be the same today." - -The monk took a furtive glance at the old lady. - -"This is the matter, my dear," she said, mingling in the conversation; -"the good father wishes your authority to follow, with another monk, -the warriors during the coming expedition." - -"That is a singular idea, father; and what may your object be? For I -presume you do not intend to fight in our ranks." - -"No," the monk answered with a smile, "my tastes are not warlike enough -for that; but if I may judge from the preparations I see you making, -this will be a serious expedition." - -"It will," the old man answered, pensively. - -"I have noticed that generally, during these expeditions, the wounded -are left without assistance. I should like to accompany the Indians, in -order to attend to their wounds, and console those whose hurts are so -serious that they cannot recover; still, if the request appear to you -exorbitant, I will recall it, though I shall do so reluctantly." - -The old gentleman gazed at the monk for a moment with an expression of -admiration and tenderness impossible to describe. - -"I grant your request, Padre," he at length said, affectionately -pressing his hand. "Still, I am bound to make one remark." - -"What is it?" - -"You run a risk of falling into the hands of the Mexicans." - -"Well, what matter? Can they regard it as a crime if I perform on the -battlefield the duties which my religion imposes on me?" - -"Who knows? Perhaps they will regard you as a rebel." - -"And in that case--" - -"Treat you as such." - -"That is to say--" - -"You will run a risk, father, of being shot; and that is worth thinking -about, I suppose." - -"You are mistaken, my friend; between duty and cowardice no hesitation -is possible. I will die, if it be necessary--but with the conviction -that I have fulfilled to the close the sacred mission I have -undertaken. Then you grant my request?" - -"I do so, father, and thank you for having made it." - -"Blessings on your kindness, my son; and now the Lord be with you. I -shall retire." - -In spite of much pressing, the worthy father insisted on going away, -and was conducted to the door of the apartment by the two gentlemen, in -spite of his efforts to escape a mark of honour of which he considered -himself unworthy. When the door closed after him, and the three persons -were really alone, Dona Esperanza, after a long look at her son, gently -drew him towards her, and obliging him to sit down on an equipal, she -lovingly parted off his forehead his clustering locks, and said in -a sweet, harmonious voice, in which all the jealous tenderness of a -mother was revealed-- - -"I find you sad, Diego; your face is pale, your features are worn, and -your eyes sparkle with a gloomy fire. What has happened to you during -your absence?" - -"Nothing extraordinary, mother," he answered, with an embarrassment -he tried in vain to conceal. "As usual, I have hunted a great deal, -travelled a long distance, and consequently, endured great fatigue; -hence, doubtless, comes the pallor you notice upon my face." - -The old lady shook her head with an incredulous air. - -"A mother cannot be deceived, my boy," she said, gently. "Since you -have been a man I have seen you return only too often, alas, from long -and perilous expeditions. You were fatigued--at times ill, but that was -all; while today you are gloomy, restless--" - -"Mother!" - -"Do not argue, for my mind is made up, and nothing will alter it. If -you refuse me your confidence, Heaven grant that you may select a -confidant who understands you so thoroughly." - -"Oh, mother! This is the first time a reproach has passed your lips." - -"Because, Diego, this is the first time you have refused to let me read -your heart." - -The young man sighed and hung his head, without replying. Thunderbolt, -who had hitherto been a silent spectator of the scene, gave Dona -Esperanza a meaning glance, and walked up to her son. - -"Diego," he said to him, as he laid his hand on his shoulder, "you -forget that you have to give me a report of the mission I entrusted to -you." - -Stronghand started, and eagerly sprang up. - -"That is true, father," he replied; "forgive me. I am ready to furnish -you with all the details you desire of what I have been doing during my -absence from the village." - -"Sit down, my son; your mother and I give you permission." - -The young man took a chair, and after reflecting for a few seconds, at -a further remark from his father, he commenced the recital of all he -had been doing while away. The narrative was long, and lasted nearly -two hours; but we will not relate it, because the reader is acquainted -with most of the facts the young man stated. Thunderbolt and Dona -Esperanza listened without interruption, and gave unequivocal signs of -the liveliest interest. When he had concluded his story, his mother -fondly embraced him, while congratulating him on his noble and generous -conduct. But Thunderbolt regarded the matter from another point of view. - -"Then," he asked his son, "the man who arrived with you is the -majordomo of this Don Hernando de Moguer?" - -"Yes, father." - -"Though I am an Indian by adoption, I will not forget that Spanish -blood flows in my veins. You will pay this Paredes, as you call him, -the amount of the bills, and I will send them to Hermosillo to be -cashed hereafter. You did well in bringing him with you, for an honest -man must not fall a victim to a villain. Although this affair does not -in any way concern us, I am not sorry to do a service to an old fellow -countryman. Let the majordomo leave the village this very night; in -order to prevent any accident on the road, you will have him escorted -to the hacienda by Whistler and Peccary, and three or four warriors. -They will be more than sufficient to frighten any scoundrels that may -attempt to stop him; and as, moreover, we are in a direction entirely -opposed to that in which the Hermosillo road runs, no one will think of -stopping him." - -"I can accompany him myself, with your permission, father." - -The old gentleman gave him a piercing glance, which compelled him to -look down. - -"No," he replied; "I want you here." - -"As you please, father," he said, with feigned indifference. - -And he rose. - -"Where are you going?" - -"To carry out your orders, father." - -"There is no hurry; the day is not very advanced yet, and I want to -talk with you; so return to your chair." - -The young man obeyed. Thunderbolt reflected for a moment, and then -said-- - -"How do you call this hacienda?" - -"El Toro." - -"Let me see," the old man continued, as if striving to remember; "it is -not built on the exact site of the ancient Cosala?" - -"So people say, father." - -Dona Esperanza listened to this conversation with considerable anxiety. -In vain did she try to discover her husband's meaning, and ask herself -why he thus obstinately brought the conversation back to so hazardous a -subject. - -"Is it not a strong place?" the sachem continued. - -"Yes, father; substantially built, and crowned with almenas." - -"In truth, I now remember having seen it formerly! It is an excellent -strategical position." - -Dona Esperanza looked at her husband with amazement blended with alarm; -she could neither account for his coldness nor his persistence. He -continued-- - -"Have you ever entered this hacienda." - -"Never, father." - -"That is vexatious; still, I presume you are acquainted with some of -its inhabitants. A man cannot save," he added, ironically, "the life of -such a man as this Don Hernando de Moguer must be, without his trying -to testify his gratitude to the man who did him the service." - -"I know not whether that is Don Hernando's idea, for I never had the -honour of seeing him." - -"That is strange, Don Diego; and I cannot understand why you did not -try to form his acquaintance; however, that is of little consequence, -as far as my plans are concerned." - -"Your plans, father?" the young man asked, in amazement. - -"I will explain to you that we intend to commence the expedition with -a thunder stroke; our first attempt will be to seize the Real de -Minas of Quitovar, where the main body of the Mexican forces is now -collected. The Hacienda del Toro, situated scarce ten leagues from -Arispe, commanding the three roads to Hermosillo, Ures, and Sonora, -and built at a very strong position, is of immense importance to us for -the success of the war. I had thought of appointing you to carry it -by surprise, but as you have no friends in the place, and seem not to -care greatly about it, let us say no more on the subject. I will give -the command of the expedition to Whistler and Peccary; they are two -experienced chiefs, endowed with far from common tact, and will carry -the hacienda by a surprise, because the Spaniards, not anticipating -such an attack, will not be on their guard. As for you, my son, you -will follow me to the Real de Minas. And now, my dear Diego, I have -nothing more to say to you, and you can withdraw." - -The young man had listened in secret horror to this revelation of his -father's plans. He was so full of terror that he did not notice that -Thunderbolt, though he pretended at the beginning not to know the -hacienda even by name, had described its position with a precision that -showed that, on the contrary, he must be perfectly acquainted with it. -He stood for a moment crushed by the thought of the terrible danger -Dona Marianna would incur if the Apaches took the hacienda. His father -took a side-glance at him, and attentively watched the various feelings -reflected in his face. - -"Forgive me, father," the young man at length said, with an effort; -"but I should like to offer an objection." - -"What is it, my son? Speak, I am listening." - -"I do not think it would be prudent to try and surprise, with a band of -savages, a house so far advanced in the interior of the country." - -"That is why I selected you. You would have taken a band of white and -half-breed trappers and hunters, and would have passed unnoticed, -owing to the colour of your skins. Your refusal greatly annoys me, I -confess; but, as I do not wish to force your inclinations--" - -"But I did not refuse, father," the young man exclaimed. - -"What! You did not refuse?" - -"No, father; on the contrary, I ardently wish to be entrusted with this -confidential mission." - -"In that case, I misinterpreted your silence and ambiguous remarks. -Then you accept?" - -"Gladly, father." - -"Very good; that is settled. Now go and send off that Paredes, for it -is time for him to return to his master. As for you, my son, breathe -not a syllable of what we have discussed; you understand the importance -of discretion under such circumstances. Embrace your mother, and leave -us." - -The young man threw himself into his mother's arms, who tenderly -embraced him, and whispered in his ear, "Hope!" - -Then he withdrew, after bowing respectfully to his father. - -"Well, Esperanza," the old gentleman said, rubbing his hands, so soon -as his son had left the room, "do you now begin to guess my plans?" - -"No," she answered with a gentle smile; "but I believe that I -understand them." - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE HATCHET. - - -Stronghand quitted the Pyramid in a state of indescribable agitation. -The word his mother had whispered in his ear at parting incessantly -recurred to his mind, and led him to suppose that Dona Esperanza, with -that miraculous intuition Heaven has given to mothers, that they may -discover the most hidden feelings of their children, had divined the -secret he fancied he had buried in the remotest corner of his heart, -and which he did not dare avow to himself. On the other hand, the -strange conversation he had held with his father, and the proposal -which concluded it, plunged him into extraordinary perplexity. His -father's conduct appeared to him extraordinary, in the sense that he -did not understand how the old gentleman, who justly enjoyed among -the Indians a reputation for stainless honour, could be preparing -treacherously to attack the man to whose succour he came at the same -moment with such noble disinterestedness. All this seemed to him -illogical, incomprehensible, and in direct opposition with the word -"hope," which he fancied he could still hear buzzing in his ear. Still, -as he was obliged to cross the torrent, and go some distance before -reaching his calli, he had time to restore some degree of order in his -ideas, and resume his coolness and self-mastery before he reached his -own door. Two men were standing there--Whistler and Peccary. - -"Come along, Stronghand," the trapper shouted, so soon as he saw him; -"we have been waiting for you a long while." - -"Waiting for me?" he asked, in surprise. - -"Yes. Sparrowhawk warned us, on the part of Thunderbolt, that the chief -and myself were to hold ourselves in readiness to escort the man who -entered the village with you wherever he thinks proper to go." - -"Ah! Whistler has spoken well," Peccary remarked, laconically. - -"What else has happened?" - -"Nothing, except that Thunderbolt has made this man a present of a -mule, laden with rich wares, as Sparrowhawk says. But go on, and he -will tell you about it himself." - -Stronghand entered, and found the majordomo busily engaged in making -his preparations for a start. So soon as he saw the hunter, Paredes -eagerly walked up to him, and shook his hand several times. - -"You are welcome, comrade," he said. "iCaray! you are a man of your -word, so forgive me." - -"Forgive you for what?" the young man asked, with a smile. - -"For having doubted you, caramba." - -"Doubted me?" - -"Yes, on my word. When I saw you leave me this morning in this hole, -like a useless or noxious animal, I doubted your sincerity. In a word, -as you know, anger is an evil counsellor; still, all sorts of stupid -thoughts occurred to me, and I was on the point of running away." - -"You would have done wrong." - -"Caray! I see it now; hence I feel quite confused at my folly, and beg -you once again to forgive me." - -"Nonsense," the hunter said, with a laugh, "it is not worth while to -torment yourself about such a trifle. An escort of resolute men will -accompany you to the hacienda, and as in all probability your master, -on seeing that you have brought the money he sent you to fetch, will -not ask about what may have happened to you on your journey, I think it -unnecessary for you to give him details which would interest him but -very slightly, and give rise to unpleasant comments." - -"That's enough," the majordomo said, with a knowing smile; "I will not -breathe a syllable." - -"That will be the best." - -"Be easy. Ah! that reminds me that, as I have received the money from -you, you must have the bills. Here they are, and once again I thank -you." - -The hunter took the bills and concealed them in his bosom. There was -a moment of silence. The majordomo walked about the calli with an air -of embarrassment, though his purpose was now finished, and the hunter -comprehended that he had something to say, but did not know how to -begin it. - -"Come," he asked him, "what else is there that troubles you, my friend? -Let me hear." - -"On my faith," the Mexican replied, at length forming a resolution. "I -confess that I should be delighted to prove my gratitude to you for the -service you have done me, and I should not like to leave without doing -so; but, unluckily, it embarrasses me more than I can express." - -"What, is that all?" the hunter said, gaily. "Why that is a very easy -matter." - -"Is it?" he remarked, with surprise. "Well, you will not believe that -I have been racking my brains over it for more than half an hour, and -brought nothing out." - -"Because you seek badly, my friend; that is all." - -"Then you have found it?" - -"You shall see." - -"iCaray! You cannot imagine what pleasure you will cause me." - -"You know that I frequently hunt in your parts?" - -"Yes; I am aware of that." - -"Well, the first time I find myself near the hacienda, I will come and -ask hospitality of you." - -"Ah! That is what I call a good idea; and even if you brought ten -comrades with you, you would see how I should receive you. I only say -this much,--I am in a position to treat you well." - -"I take you at your word; so that is settled." - -"You pledge me your word?" - -"I do." - -"Very good. Now I shall start happy. Come by day or night, as you may -think proper, and you will always be welcome." - -"I fancy it would be rather difficult to get into the hacienda by -night." - -"Not at all. You will only have to mention my name." - -"Well, that is settled; and now be off. Only four hours of daylight -remain, so do not delay any longer." - -"You are right; so good-bye. Do not be long ere you remind me of my -promise." - -"I will bear you in mind." - -They left the calli. Seven or eight hunters and Indians were mounted, -and awaiting at the door their guest's good pleasure to start. The -majordomo shook the hunter's hand for the last time, mounted his -horse, gave the signal for departure, and the little band started at -a gallop through a crowd of women and children that had collected -through curiosity. Stronghand looked after them as long as he could -see them, and then thoughtfully returned to the calli. For a very long -time he remained plunged in earnest thought, then he stamped his foot -passionately, and exclaimed, in Spanish--"No; a thousand times no. I -will not take advantage of the man's kindness to abuse his confidence -like a coward. It would be a disgraceful deed." - -These words doubtless contained the result of the hunter's reflections, -and were the expression of the resolutions he had just formed. - -Several days elapsed, and nothing of an interesting nature occurred -in the village. The military committee sat several hours during the -interval. The plan of the coming campaign was definitively arranged and -the collection of the Indian forces was the only thing that delayed the -outbreak of hostilities. Whistler returned to the village four days -after his departure, and reported to the hunter that Paredes reached -the hacienda without any accident, and nothing had disturbed the -tranquillity of the journey. - -In the meanwhile, the different Indian tribes forming the great -confederation of the Papazos began flocking into the village. Ere long -there were no quarters left for them, and they were compelled to camp -on the plain, which, however, was no hardship to men accustomed to -brave all weather. On the twelfth day after Paredes' departure, the -hachesto convened all the chiefs to a general meeting at sunset, in -order to perform the mystic rites of the great medicine before opening -the campaign. At the moment when the sun disappeared below the horizon -in clouds of purple vapour, the amantzin, or first sorcerer of the -nation, mounted the roof of the medicine hut, and by a sign commanded -silence. - -"The sun has withdrawn its vivifying heat from us," he said in a -powerful voice, "the earth is covered with darkness, and this is the -mystic hour when man must prepare for the struggle with the genius of -evil--begin the great medicine." - -At the same instant, animals of every description appeared from all the -lodges, from the corners of the streets, gliding down the ladders of -the pyramids, or coming from the plain; quadrupeds, birds, and reptiles -collected in the village square, with horrible cries, overflowed the -streets on all sides, and spread out over the country for a league -round. These animals were Indian chiefs, clothed in the skins of the -beasts they wished to represent. Not only do the Indians imitate with -rare perfection the different cries of animals, but they have also -made a special study of their manners, habits, mode of progression, -and even of the way in which they eat and sleep. Nothing can furnish -an idea of the horrible concert composed of these cries--hisses, -snapping, and roars, mingled with the furious barking of the dogs. -There was something savage and primitive that powerfully affected the -imagination. At intervals silence was suddenly re-established, and the -sorcerer's voice rose alone in the night. - -"Is the evil principle conquered?" he asked; "Have my brothers trampled -it under foot?" - -The animals responded by horrible yells, and the noise began again -worse than before. This lasted the whole night through. A few minutes -before sunrise the sorcerer repeated the question for the last time, -which had received no other answer but furious yells. This time the -pure and melodious voice of a young girl rose in the silence, and -pronounced these words:--"The Master of Life has pity on his red -children; he sends the sun to their help. The evil principle is -conquered." - -At the same instant the sun appeared in its radiance. The Indians -saluted it with a cry of joy, and throwing off their disguises, they -fell on their knees, with faces turned up to heaven. The sorcerer, -holding in his right hand a calabash full of water, in which was a -sprig of wormwood, sprinkled a few drops to each of the cardinal -points, crying with an inspired air--"Hail, O sun! Visible minister of -the invisible Master of Life! Listen to the prayers of thy red sons. -Their cause is just; give them the scalps of their enemies, that they -may attach them to their waist belts. Hail, O sun! All hail!" - -All the Indians repeated in chorus-- - -"Hail, O Sun! All hail!" - -Then they rose to their feet. The first part of the mysteries of -the great medicine was accomplished, and the sorcerer retired. The -hachesto, or public crier took his place, and invited the principal -chiefs of the confederation to dig up the war hatchet. This -characteristic ceremony consists in going in procession into the -medicine lodge, where the oldest chief digs up the ground with his -scalping knife at a spot the sorcerer indicates, and draws out the -great war hatchet, the emblem of the strife about to commence. When the -hatchet is unburied, the chiefs quit the hut in the same way as they -entered it. At their head marches, with the chief entrusted with the -sacred token of the nation, and the brave of the great calumet, the -chief who has dug up the hatchet, which he holds with both hands to his -breast, with the edge turned outwards. On leaving the lodge, chiefs -silently draw up in front of the ark of the first man, opposite the war -post, and chance decides which chief shall have the honour of dealing -the first blow on the emblematic post with the sacred hatchet. - -The Indians, like all primitive peoples, are extremely superstitious; -hence they attach an immense importance to this ceremony, because they -fancy they can draw a good omen from the way in which the blow has been -dealt, and the depth of the notch made by the edge of the blade. Lots -were drawn, and chance selected Stronghand. A flattering murmur greeted -this name, which was loved by the Indians, and belonged to a man whom -they regarded as one of their greatest heroes. Stronghand quitted the -ranks, walked into the open space in front of the ark of the first man, -and seizing the hatchet which the chief presented to him, he raised -it above his head, whirled it round with extreme dexterity, and then -dealt a terrible stroke at the war post. The blow was dealt with such -violence, the hatchet penetrated the wood so deeply, that when the -sorcerer attempted to withdraw it, according to the usual custom, in -spite of all his efforts he could not succeed, and was obliged to give -up the attempt. - -The warriors uttered a shout of joy, which, spreading along the crowd -assembled to witness the ceremony, was soon converted into a hideous -clamour. The war would be lucky. The omens were excellent. Never, even -by the confession of the oldest sachems, had such a blow been dealt the -post. Stronghand was congratulated by the chiefs and warriors, who were -delighted at the result he had obtained. When the hatchet was at length -removed from the post, the warriors retired to make way for the squaws, -and the scalp dance began. - -This dance is exclusively performed by women, and in this affair -alone the men make way for them. This dance, which is regarded as -sacred by the untamed Indian nations, only takes place under grand -circumstances--at the beginning of an expedition, or at its close, when -it has been successful--that is to say, when the warriors bring back -many scalps and horses, and have suffered no loss themselves. The women -display an excitement in this dance which speedily degenerates into a -frenzy, which fills the minds of the warriors with martial ardour. When -this dance was ended, and the squaws had ceased their insensate cries -and gestures, the final ceremony was proceeded with. This ceremony, of -which we only find vestiges among a few tribes of the Upper Missouri, -and the Aucas, or Pampas Indians, seems peculiar to the Papazos. It -consists in sacrificing a brood mare, which has not yet foaled, and -reading the future in its entrails. - -We can easily understand that the sorcerer who undertakes the -explanation says what He pleases, and must be believed through the -impossibility of contradicting his statements. On this occasion, either -because he wished to share in the general joy, or that, through -deceiving others, he had succeeded in deceiving himself, and putting -faith in his own falsehoods, he announced to the attentive warriors the -most splendid and successful results for the coming expedition. These -prophecies were greeted as they deserved to be--that is to say, with -the greatest favour--and, according to custom, the body of the mare was -given to the sorcerer; and this was, doubtless, the greatest profit he -derived from the whole affair. - -Then, when all the rites were performed, the order was given for each -warrior to prepare his horses, his weapons, and his provisions, for -the expedition might set out at any moment. The Papazos chiefs had -succeeded in collecting beneath their totems 30,000 warriors, all -mounted on excellent horses, and about 4000 armed with guns. It is true -that the Indians, though so skilful in the use of the axe, the lance, -and the bow, are deplorable marksmen, and have an instinctive dread of -firearms, which prevents their taking a proper aim. Still, some of them -succeed in attaining a relative skill, and are dangerous in a fight. -But the greatest strength of the Indian army consisted of the sixty -or eighty white and half-breed hunters, whom the hope of plunder had -induced to join them. - -Thunderbolt, while retaining the supreme command of the army, appointed -three chiefs as generals of division; they were Sparrowhawk, Whistler, -and Peccary. Stronghand took the command of twenty-five white hunters, -whom he selected among the bravest and most honourable, and was -entrusted with a special mission by his father. All being then in -readiness to begin the war, the Indians, according to their invariable -custom, only awaited a moonless night to invade the territory of their -enemies under cover of the darkness. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE WHITE-SKINS. - - -The return of Jose Paredes to the hacienda caused Don Hernando a lively -pleasure. Still, the sum he brought, though considerable, was far from -sufficing for the constant outlay in working the mine, and would hardly -coyer the demands of the moment. Don Rufino did not in any way show the -amazement the sight of the majordomo occasioned him, after the measures -he had taken to get rid of him. Still this surprise was converted into -anxiety, and ere long into terror, when he reflected on the time that -had elapsed since his departure. - -In fact, it would take three weeks to proceed from the hacienda to -Hermosillo and back, even at a good pace, and yet the majordomo had -only been absent for nine days. It was evident to the senator that -Paredes had not been to Hermosillo, and yet he brought back the money -for the bills! What did all this mean? There was something obscure in -the whole affair, which Don Rufino burned to clear up; but, unhappily, -that was very difficult, if not impossible. - -He was supposed to be ignorant of the motive of the majordomo's -journey, and consequently could not interrogate him; and then, again, -even had he ventured to do so, Paredes would probably not have answered -him, or, if he had done so, it would only have been in mockery; for the -worthy majordomo, with the infallible scent which upright and faithful -men possess, had detected the wolf in sheep's clothing, and although -he had no apparent motive, as he was unaware that the senator was the -concoctor of the plot to which he had all but fallen a victim, he -felt an instinctive aversion for that person, and displayed a marked -affectation in trying to avoid any meeting with him. - -In Sonora, as in other countries, it is not easy to meet at a moment's -notice persons who will discount large bills to render you a service. -The man who had given the money for these must be very rich, and most -desirous to assist the Marquis. However much the senator thought of -the subject, he could not call to mind any landowner for fifty leagues -round capable of acting in such a way. Moreover, the discounter -must have been aware of the plot formed against the majordomo, for -otherwise he would not have proposed to take the bills. Could Kidd be -the traitor? In a moment the senator recognised the absurdity of such -a suspicion. It was not probable that the bandit had declined to kill -the majordomo; but that he should have allowed him to escape without -robbing him was an utterly unlikely circumstance. Moreover, Kidd had -everything to fear from the senator, and would not have risked playing -him such a malicious trick. - -As always happens when a man indulges in probabilities without any -settled starting point, and proceeds from one deduction to another, -Don Rufino attained such a monstrous conclusion, that he was really -terrified by it. Still, throughout all his wanderings, a very logical -remark escaped him, which proved that, if he had not discovered the -truth, he was not very far from it. - -"The Redskins are right," he muttered, "and their proverb is true. In -the desert, trees have ears, and leaves have eyes. I remember that -my conversation with that picaro of a Kidd took place near a very -close growing thicket; perhaps it contained a traitor. Henceforward I -will only discuss business at the top of an entirely unwooded hill; -and yet," he added with a sigh, "who knows whether a spy may not be -concealed in a prairie-dog hole?" - -All these reflections the senator made while walking in extreme -agitation up and down the room, when the door opened, and Don Ruiz made -his appearance. - -"Senor Don Rufino," he said to him, after a mutual exchange of -compliments, "will you kindly come to the drawing room? Our majordomo, -who, as you may have noticed, has been absent for some days, has -brought most important news, which my father would like you to hear." - -The senator started imperceptibly, and gave the young man a suspicious -glance; but nothing in Don Ruiz's open face caused him to suppose any -hidden meaning in his words. - -"Is anything extraordinary happening, my dear Don Ruiz?" he asked, in a -mellifluous voice. - -"I have as yet received but very imperfect information about the grave -events that threaten us; but if you will kindly follow me, you will -soon learn all." - -"Be it so, my dear sir--I am at your service;" and he followed Don Ruiz -to the saloon, where Dona Marianna, the Marquis, and Jose Paredes were -already assembled. - -"Why, what can be the matter, my dear senor?" the senator asked, as he -entered; "I confess that Don Ruiz has startled me." - -"You will be more startled when you know the events. But sit down, -pray," the Marquis answered, and then said to the majordomo, "you have -your information from a good source?" - -"I can assert that all I have told you is true, _mi amo_. The Papazos -have allied themselves with I know not how many other tribes of -ferocious pagans, and we may expect to see them burst upon us at any -moment." - -"iCaspita! that is serious," the senator said. - -"Much more than you suppose; for the Indians are this time resolved to -expel the white men for ever from Sonora, and establish themselves in -their place," answered Paredes. - -"Oh, oh," Don Rufino said, "they are undertaking a rude task." - -"Laugh if you like, but it is so." - -"I do not laugh, my worthy friend; still, I do not believe the Indians -capable of attempting so mad an enterprise." - -"In the first place, I am not your friend, senor," the majordomo said, -roughly; "and next, it is probable that when you have seen the Indians -at work, your opinions about them will be considerably modified." - -The senator pretended not to notice the bitterness contained in -this remark, and replied, lightly--"I never saw any wild Redskins, -and Heaven preserve me from doing so. Still, I strongly suspect the -inhabitants of this country of making them more formidable than they -really are." - -"You are wrong to have such an opinion, my friend; and if you remain -any time with us, will soon have proof of it," the Marquis said. - -"Are you going to remain here, exposed to the attacks of the pagans, -papa?" Dona Marianna asked with terror. - -"We have nothing to fear from the Indians," the Marquis replied. "The -rock on which my hacienda is built is too hard for them. They will -break their nails before they can pull out a single stone." - -"Still, father, we cannot be too prudent," Don Ruiz observed. - -"You are right, my son; and as I do not wish your sister to retain even -a shadow of anxiety, we will immediately place ourselves in a position -of defence, though it is unnecessary. During the grand insurrection -of 1827, the Indians did not once attempt to approach El Toro, and I -greatly doubt whether they will attack it this time." - -"_Mi amo_," Paredes replied, "believe me, do not neglect any -precaution; this insurrection will be terrible." - -"Come, come," Don Rufino asked, "tell me, Senor Majordomo, who the -person is that informed you so well?" - -Paredes gave him a side-glance, and replied, with a shrug of his -shoulders--"It is enough that I know it; no matter the name of the man -to whom I owe the information. If you fancy that it is a friend who -warned me, you will be near the truth." - -"Permit me, senor," the senator answered, with a frown, "this is more -important than you fancy. You must not thus create an alarm in a -family, and then refuse to give proofs in support of your assertions." - -"My master knows me, senor; he knows that I am devoted to him, and also -that I am incapable of uttering a falsehood." - -"I do not doubt, senor, either your honesty or your truthfulness; -still, a thing so serious as you announce requires, before being -taken into consideration, to be based on evidence with proofs, or a -respectable name, in default of anything else." - -"Stuff! Stuff! The main point is to be on your guard." - -"Yes, when we know whether we really ought to do so. Consequently, -in my quality as a magistrate--and I ask the Senor Marquis a million -pardons for acting thus in his presence--I command you to reveal to me -at once the name of the man who gave you these alarming news." - -"Nonsense!" The majordomo said, with a shrug of his shoulders; "What -good would it do if I were to tell you the name of an individual you do -not know, and whom you never heard mentioned?" - -"That is not the question. Be good enough to answer me, if you please." - -"It is possible that you may be a magistrate, senor, and I do not care -if you are. I recognise no other masters but the Senor Marquis and his -children here present; they alone have the right to question me, and -them alone I will answer." - -The senator bit his lips, and turned to the Marquis. - -"Come, Paredes, answer," the latter said. "I really do not at all -understand your obstinacy." - -"Since you order me to speak, _mi amo_," the majordomo continued, "you -must know that the person who told me of the insurrection of the pagans -is a white hunter, called Stronghand." - -"Stronghand?" brother and sister exclaimed simultaneously. - -"Is not that," the Marquis asked, "the hunter to whom we already are so -greatly indebted?" - -"Yes, _mi amo_," the majordomo replied, musingly; "and it is probable -that he has not yet finished." - -Although it was the first time the senator heard the hunter's name -mentioned, by a kind of intuition he felt a species of emotion for -which he could not account. - -"Oh," Dona Marianna cried, eagerly, "we must place entire confidence in -Stronghand's statements." - -"Certainly we must," Don Ruiz added. "It is plain that he wished to -warn us, and put us on our guard." - -"But who is this man who inspires you with such profound sympathy?" the -senator asked. - -"A friend," Dona Marianna replied, warmly, "for whom I shall feel an -eternal gratitude." - -"And whom we all love," the Marquis added, with emotion. - -"Then you accept his bail for Paredes?" - -"Yes; and believe me, my friend, that I shall not neglect the advice he -gives me." - -"Very good, senor; you will therefore permit me to remark that Senor -Paredes' obstinacy in not revealing his name must fairly appear to me -extraordinary." - -"Senor Rufino, Paredes is an old servant who enjoys a very pardonable -freedom, and believes that he has acquired the right of being believed -on his word. Now," he added, "let us discuss the means to prevent a -surprise. Paredes, you will at once mount your horse, and order all the -peons and vaqueros to bring the ganado and horses into the hacienda. -You, Don Ruiz, will prepare the necessary corrals and cuartos to lodge -the men and animals; collect as much forage and provisions as you can, -for, in the event of a siege, we must not run the risk of being reduced -by famine. How many peons have you under your orders, Paredes?" - -"Excellency, we have about eighty able to bear arms, and do active -duty, without counting the women, children, and old men, whom we can -always turn to some account." - -"Oh, oh," the Marquis said, "there are many more than we require; I see -that it will be unnecessary to summon our miners from Quitovar." - -"The more so," Paredes objected, "because Captain de Niza, whose -position is far more exposed than ours will already have enlisted them -in his service." - -"That is probable," the Marquis answered, as he rose. "Go and carry out -my orders without delay." - -The majordomo bowed to his master, and went out. - -"Will it please you, senor, to grant me a moment's interview?" the -senator then said. - -"I am at your orders, senor." - -"Oh, do not disturb yourselves," the senator said, addressing Don Ruiz -and his sister, who had risen to leave the room: "I have nothing secret -to say to the Marquis." - -The young people sat down again. - -"I confess to you that what this man has just said," Don Rufino -continued, "has greatly startled me. I never saw any Indian bravos, and -have a horrible fear of them. I should therefore wish, Don Hernando, -however strange so sudden a request may appear to you, to obtain your -permission to leave you so soon as possible." - -"Leave me!" the Marquis replied, with amazement, "At this moment?" - -"Yes; it seems as if coming events will be very serious. I am not a -man of war, nor anything like it, for I am frightened at anything -that bears a likeness to a quarrel; but Congress claims my immediate -presence at Mexico, were it only to inform the Government of the -situation in which this state is, and urge it to assume energetic -measures." - -"Senor Don Rufino, you are at liberty to act as you please. Still, -I fear that the roads are not quite safe, and that you will expose -yourself to serious dangers by obstinately insisting on departing." - -"I have thought of that; but I fancy that when I have once reached -Arispe, which is no great distance from here, I shall have nothing more -to fear. Will you allow Don Senor Ruiz to escort me to that town?" - -"I can refuse you nothing, senor. My son will accompany you, since you -do him the honour of desiring his escort." - -"Yes," the senator continued, taking a side-glance at Dona Marianna, -who had let her head drop on her chest; "I wish to entrust Don Ruiz -with an important letter for you." - -"Why write? It would be far more simple to tell me what you wish in a -couple of words." - -"No! No! That is impossible," Don Rufino answered, with a smile that -resembled a grimace; "that would demand too much time: moreover, dear -sir, you know better than I do that there are certain things which can -only be settled by ambassadors." - -"As you please, senor. When do you propose to start?" - -"I frankly confess that, in spite of the regret I feel at leaving you, -I fancy that the sooner I set out the better." - -"It is only ten o'clock," said Don Ruiz, as he rose; "by hurrying a -little, we can reach Arispe tonight." - -"Famous! That is better. Allow me, Don Hernando, to take leave of you, -as well as of your charming daughter, and pray accept my thanks for the -noble hospitality I have received in your mansion." - -"What! Are you not afraid of travelling in the great heat of the day?" - -"I only fear the sight of the Indians, and that fear is enough to -make me forget all others. Excuse me, therefore, for leaving you so -suddenly, but I feel convinced that I should die of terror if I heard -the war cry of those frightful savages echo in my ears." - -Don Ruiz had left the room to give the requisite orders, and his sister -followed him, after making a silent curtsey to the senator, whose -intention she was far from suspecting. The apprehension expressed by -Don Rufino was greatly exaggerated, if it was not entirely fictitious; -but he instinctively felt that the ground was beginning to burn beneath -his feet at the hacienda, and he wanted to get away, not only to guard -himself against the perils he foresaw from the ill success of his -plot, but also to try and refasten the broken threads of his intrigue, -and carry out his plans with the shortest possible delay. - -The revolt of the Indians, by interrupting the work, paralyzing -commercial transactions, and consequently creating enormous -difficulties for the Marquis, admirably assisted the senator in the -realization of the plans he had long been forming in the dark. Moreover -he desired, during the short ride he was going to take with Don Ruiz, -to obtain in the young man a precious ally, who would serve him the -better because he would do so without any afterthought, and without -seeing Don Rufino's object. He also thought it better to write and -detail his intentions to the Marquis in a letter, rather than discuss -them with him, for the grand diplomatic reason that the man who writes -is the only speaker, must be heard, and consequently does not fear a -refutation till he has completely explained his ideas. - -After a few moments, Don Ruiz returned to state that the escort had -mounted, and that all was ready for a start. Don Rufino repeated his -farewells to the Marquis, but the latter would not let him depart -before he had drunk, according to the hospitable fashion of the -country, the stirrup cup--that is to say, a glass of iced orangeade. -Then all three left the room, for in spite of the entreaties and -objections of the senator, his host insisted on accompanying him to -the patio, and witnessing his departure. Two minutes later, Don Rufino -Contreras, accompanied by Don Ruiz, and followed by six confidential -peons, well armed and mounted, left the hacienda, and took the -direction of Arispe, which they reached at nightfall; after a rather -fatiguing journey, it is true, but which, however, was not troubled -by any accident of an alarming nature. The only thing the travellers -noticed, and which proved to them how thoroughly the news of an -approaching invasion of the Indians had spread along the border, was -the complete solitude of the country, which resembled a desert. - -All the ranchos they passed were deserted; the doors, windows, and -furniture had been removed by the inhabitants, and carried off by them -in their flight; they had burned or destroyed all they were compelled -to leave behind them; their horses and cattle had also disappeared, -which gave a look of indescribable melancholy to the numerous plains -the little party crossed. The crops had been cut in the green, or -burned, in order that the Indians might not profit by them; and thus, -ere the wretched country was ravaged by the Redskins, it had already -been completely ruined by its inhabitants. - -Don Rufino contemplated with stupor the desolate aspect of the -country, for he could not at all understand the strange tactics of the -inhabitants. When they reached the gates of Arispe, they found them -closed, and guarded by powerful detachments of soldiers and civicos--a -species of national militia, paid by the rich inhabitants to repress -the devastation of the marauders who swarm on the Indian border. It -was only after interminable debates and infinite precautions that the -barrier guards at length consented to let the travellers pass. All -the streets in Arispe were defended by strong barricades. The town -resembled one large camp. The soldiers were bivouacked on all the -squares, and sleeping round the bivouac fires, which were lighted as -much to keep off the sharp night cold, as to cook their scanty rations. - -Don Rufino possessed, on the Plaza Mayor of Arispe, a large and -handsome mansion, at which he resided when business summoned him to -Arispe. It took him more than an hour to reach it, owing to the -numberless turnings he was compelled to take, and the barricades he was -forced to scale. The door of the house was open, and a dozen soldiers -were quietly bivouacked in the zaguan and patio; but Don Rufino did not -at all protest against this arbitrary violation of his domicile; on the -contrary, he boasted of his senatorial title, and seemed very pleased -with the liberty the soldiers had taken. Don Rufino would not allow Don -Ruiz and his peons to seek a shelter anywhere but in his own house; -he forced them to accept his hospitality, and they did so without any -excessive pressure, for both men and horses were beginning to feel the -want of a few hours' rest, after an entire day's journey, made in the -stifling heat of the sun. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -SERIOUS EVENTS. - - -Nothing equals the rapidity with which a new fortune is established, -except, perhaps, that with which an old family falls, through the -eternal balancing of accident, which elevates some and lowers others, -thus producing incessant contrasts, which are one of the claims of -existing society, and of the equilibrium that presides over the things -of this world. With a few exceptions, the first and last of a race -are always two powerful men, created by the struggle, endowed with -great and noble qualities, and who are always equal to circumstances. -Unfortunately, of these two men, one, sustained by capricious chance -and the benign influence of his star, sees all obstacles fall before -him, and his rashest combinations succeed. In a word, success -frequently crowns his efforts, contrary to his expectations. The other, -on the contrary, unconsciously yielding through the law of contrast to -the malign influence attaching to his race--having fallen by the fault -of his predecessors from an elevated position--compelled to struggle -on unequal terms with enemies prejudiced against him, and who render -him responsible for the long series of errors of which his ancestors -have been solely culpable--sees himself, so to speak, placed without -the pale of the common law; his most skilful combinations only succeed, -in delaying for a few years an inevitable fall, and frequently render -that fall the more startling and certain. - -What we say here is applicable to all the degrees of the social stage; -not only to royal families, but to the miserable beggar's brood. Each -revolution that changes the face of an empire, by bringing up to the -surface unknown geniuses, at the same time plunges into an abyss of -wretchedness and opprobrium those who for centuries have oppressed -entire generations, and have in their time placed themselves on a level -with the Deity, by believing everything allowed them. - -Time, that impassive leveller, bringing progress in its train, -incessantly passes its inexorable square over all that raises its head -too high--thus pleasing itself by raising some and humiliating others. -It has constituted itself the sole arbiter of human ambitions, and the -real representative of that moral equality which would be an Utopia, -if the great organic law of the harmony of the universe had not thus -proclaimed its astonishing principles. - -On the very day when Don Ruiz, after escorting Don Rufino Contreras -to Arispe, returned to the hacienda, a courier arrived simultaneously -with him. This man, who was mounted on an utterly exhausted steed, had -apparently ridden a great distance, and was in an excessive hurry. -No sooner had he reached the Toro than he was introduced into the -Marquis's study with whom he remained shut up for a long time. Then the -courier, on leaving the study, remounted his horse, and set off again -without speaking to a soul. The almost fantastic apparition of this -man caused the occupiers of the hacienda that instinctive fear which -people generally experience from things they cannot account for. - -The Marquis, whose face was usually imprinted with an expression of -sad and resigned melancholy, had, after this interview, become of -a cadaverous pallor; deep wrinkles furrowed his forehead, and his -eyes stared wildly. He walked up and down the huerta for a long time -in extreme agitation, with his arms crossed on his back, and his -head bowed over his chest. At times he stopped, beat his forehead -furiously, uttered incoherent words, and then resumed his walk -mechanically--obeying an imperious want of locomotion rather than any -other motive. - -Dona Marianna, seated at a window of her boudoir, behind a muslin -curtain, followed her father's movements, for she felt frightened at -his state, and had a foreboding that she would have to share some of -the sorrow which had fallen on him. The Marquis at length stopped, -looked round him like a man who is waking up, and, after a moment of -reflection, returned to his apartments. A few minutes after, a servant -came to inform Dona Marianna that her father was awaiting her in the -red chamber. In spite of herself, the maiden felt her apprehensions -redoubled, but hastened to obey. - -This red chamber, into which we have already had opportunity to -introduce the reader, and which Don Hernando had not entered since the -day when his brother was so inexorably disinherited by their father, -was as cold and gloomy as when we saw it. The sole difference was, -that time, by tarnishing the lustre of the hangings and tapestry, and -blackening the furniture, had imparted to it a tinge of sadness, which -made the visitor shudder as soon as he entered. When Dona Marianna -reached the red chamber, she found her father already there; he gave -her a silent sign to take a seat, and she sank into an armchair in -a state of undisguised alarm. A few minutes after Don Ruiz entered, -followed by Jose Paredes. The Marquis then seated himself in the -spacious armchair that occupied the centre of the dais; he ordered the -majordomo to close the door, and began in a feeble, trembling voice-- - -"My children, I have summoned you hither because we have to discuss -matters of the deepest gravity. I have called to our council Paredes, -as an old servant of the family, whose devotions we have known so long, -and I trust you will not think that I have exceeded my rights in doing -so." - -The young people bowed their assent, Paredes placed himself by their -side, and the Marquis continued--"My children, our family has for -many years been tried by adversity. Hitherto, respecting the happy -carelessness of childhood, I have sought to keep within my own breast -the annoyances and grief with which I was incessantly crushed; for, -after all, of what good would it have proved to lay a portion of the -burden on your shoulders? Misfortune advances with gigantic strides; it -catches us up one after the other, and it was better to let you enjoy -the too short days of your happy youth. I have therefore struggled -for all of us, concealing the grief which at times overwhelmed me, -restraining my tears, and always offering to you the calm brow and -the tranquil appearance of a man, who, if he were not entirely happy, -was satisfied with his share of good and evil Heaven had allotted to -him. Believe me, my children I should have continued this conduct, and -kept to myself all the cares and annoyances of such a life as I lead, -had not a sudden, terrible, and irremediably misfortune, which has -fallen on me today, forced me, against my will, to impart to you the -melancholy, frightful condition we are now in, and acquaint you with -the posture of my affairs, which are yours, for I am only entrusted -with the fortune which will be yours some day if we succeed in saving -it." - -The Marquis stopped for a moment, overcome by the emotion which -contracted his throat. - -"Father," Don Ruiz replied, "you have ever been the best of parents to -my sister and myself. Be assured that we have anxiously awaited this -confidence, which has been so long delayed in the fear of causing us a -temporary sorrow; for we hoped we might be able to assume a portion of -the burden, and thus restore you the courage necessary to support the -gigantic struggle in which you have engaged with adverse fortune." - -"My son," the Marquis said, "I know your heart and your sister's. -I am aware of the respectful affection you feel for me; and in the -misfortune that is now bursting on me, it is a great satisfaction to -have the intimate conviction that my children will heartily combine in -supporting and consoling me." - -"Be kind enough then, father, to tell us what the matter is, without -further delay. The courier with whom you were shut up so long this -morning cannot be a stranger to the determination you have formed. -Doubtless he was the bearer of evil tidings?" - -"Alas! My son," the Marquis answered, "for some years past fortune has -been treating our house with incomprehensible severity; everything -is leagued against us, and our fortune, which was immense under the -Spanish rule, has constantly diminished since the proclamation of -Mexican independence. In vain have I tried to contend against the -torrent which carried us away; in vain have I forgotten all I owe -to my name and rank, and attempted to regain what I had lost by -honourable enterprise. All has been of no avail, and my efforts have -only served to prove the inutility of my attempts. Still, I had hoped a -few days back that I should be able to render fortune more favourable -to me. I foresaw a chance of saving some fragments of our old fortunes; -but today I have attained the melancholy conviction that I am entirely -ruined unless a miracle intervene." - -"Oh, things cannot be so bad as that, father!" Dona Marianna exclaimed. - -"Yes, my children, we are ruined--reduced to utter misery," the -Marquis continued sadly. "We have lost everything; even this hacienda, -built by one of our ancestors, which will be speedily sold--perhaps -tomorrow--for the benefit of our creditors." - -"But how has such a great misfortune occurred?" - -"Alas! in the same way as misfortunes always happen when fate has -resolved on ruining a man. For a long time past business has been -in a state of collapse, owing to the disastrous negligence of the -Government; and the news of the fresh revolt of the Indian mansos and -bravos has raised the alarm of the merchants to the highest pitch. The -panic is general among the bankers and persons whose capital is engaged -in mines; several houses at Hermosillo, Ures, Arispe, Sonora, and even -Mexico, have already suspended payment, and thus everything has been -paralyzed at a single blow. Then, to complicate matters even more, a -pronunciamiento has taken place in Mexico, and at this moment we have -not only an Indian border war, but the interior of the country is -suffering from all the horrors of a civil war." - -"Do you know this officially, father?" - -"Unfortunately, I cannot entertain the slightest doubt on the subject. -For this reason; under such circumstances as the present, one thing -inevitably happens. Creditors insist on the immediate repayment of -their advances, while persons indebted to you, if they do not fail, -defer payment so long that it is practically of no service. Now, the -letters I received this morning, and they are numerous, may be divided -into two classes; my debtors refuse to pay me, while my creditors, -fearing a loss, have taken out writs against me, so that if I have -not paid them within eight days the round sum of 380,000 piastres, I -shall be declared bankrupt, imprisoned, expelled from my estate, and -this hacienda, the last thing left us, will be put up to auction, and -probably purchased for a trifle by one of the ex-vassals of our family, -who has grown rich at our expense, and does not blush to take our -place." - -"Three hundred and eighty thousand piastres!" Don Ruiz muttered with -stupor. - -"That is the amount." - -"How can we possibly get it together?" - -"It is useless to dream of it for the present, my son. This hacienda -alone is worth double. At other times I could have offered a mortgage, -and as I have nearly 300,000 piastres owing to me, you see that I could -have easily confronted this fresh stroke of fortune. But now it cannot -be thought of; it will be better to give way, and allow our creditors -to divide the spoil. I hope you do hot suppose, Ruiz, that I have the -intention of defrauding my creditors of the little that is left me?" - -"Oh no, father; but what do you propose doing?" - -"iCaray!" Paredes then said, "that is easily settled. I possess, -through the liberality of the Moguer family a rancho, which owes -nothing to anybody. It is yours, _mi amo_. My mother and I can easily -find another shelter. Well, if this wretched lodging is not so fine or -handsome as this, it will, at any rate, afford you a shelter, and save -you from applying for it to strangers. Is it so, Excellency? Will you -honour the old house of your servant by your presence?" - -The Marquis seemed to reflect for a moment, and then held out his hand -to Paredes, who kissed it. - -"Be it so, my friend. I accept your offer," he said. "Not that I intend -to inconvenience you for any length of time, but merely during the -few days I shall require to save, if possible, some fragments of my -children's fortune from the general shipwreck." - -"Do not think of us, father," Dona Marianna said, with emotion. "We are -young, and will work." - -Paredes was delighted at the acceptance of his offer. - -"Oh, do not be frightened, _mi amo_," he said; "the old rancho is not -so dilapidated and miserable as might be supposed. I trust, with the -help of Heaven, that you will not be very uncomfortable there, and, at -any rate, you will have no cause to fear the visits of certain parties." - -"You are unjust, Paredes," the Marquis replied. "Don Rufino Contreras, -to whom you allude, is one of my best friends, and I must speak of his -behaviour in the highest terms of praise." - -"That is possible, _mi amo_, that is possible," the majordomo said, -shaking his head with an air of conviction; "but if I may be permitted -to express an opinion about that gentleman, I fancy we had better wait -a while before fully making up our minds about him." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Nothing, _mi amo_, really nothing. I have an idea, that is all." - -"That reminds me, father, that on leaving me, Don Rufino gave me a -letter, which he begged me to deliver to you so soon as I reached the -hacienda." - -"Yes; he informed me of his intention of writing." - -"Hum!" the majordomo said, between his teeth, but loudly enough for -the Marquis to hear him; "I always had a bad idea of men who prefer -blackening paper to explain themselves frankly in words." - -During this aside, the Marquis had opened and read the letter. - -"This time, at any rate," he said, "Don Rufino cannot be accused of -want of frankness, or of not explaining himself clearly. He warns me -of the measures taken against me, and after showing me, in a most -gentlemanly manner, the precarious nature of my position, he ends by -offering me the means of escaping from it in the most honourable way; -in one word, he asks for my daughter's hand, and offers her a dowry of -one and a half million piastres, besides liquidating my debts." - -Dona Marianna was crushed by the blow so suddenly dealt her. -The Marquis continued, with the bitter accent he had hitherto -employed--"Such is the state we have reached, my children; we, the -descendants of a race of worthies noble as the king, and whose -escutcheon is unstained, have so fallen from our lofty social -position, that we are too greatly honoured by the offer of a man whose -grandfather was our vassal. But such is the way of the world, and why -blame it when we live in an age in which everything is possible?" - -"What answer will you give to this strange letter, father?" Don Ruiz -asked, anxiously. - -Don Hernando drew himself up proudly. - -"My son," he replied, "however poor I may be, I do not the less remain -the Marquis de Moguer, the only thing, perhaps, which cannot be taken -from me. I know the obligations I owe to the honour of my name. Your -sister is free to accept or reject the offer made her. I do not wish, -under any pretext, to influence her determination in so serious a -matter. She is young, and has still many years to live; I have no right -to enchain her existence with that of a man she does not love. She -will reflect, and follow the impulse of her own heart. Whatever her -resolution may be, I approve of it beforehand." - -"Thanks, father," the maiden answered, gently. "And now grant me a last -favour." - -"What is it, my child?" - -"I wish for a week before answering this request, for I am so surprised -and confused, that it would be impossible for me to form any resolution -at present." - -"Very good, my child; in eight days you will give me your answer. And -now withdraw: but do you remain, Paredes; before leaving the hacienda -for ever, I wish to make some arrangements in which your help will be -necessary." - -Brother and sister, after bowing respectfully to their father, slowly -quitted this fatal chamber, which persons never entered save through a -misfortune. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE TIGRERO. - - -Don Ruiz and his sister left the red chamber together, gloomy, sad, -and despairing, and not daring to communicate their impressions, -because they knew that they had nothing to hope from an exchange of -conventional consolation. When they reached the hall whence ran the -stairs leading to their different suites of rooms, Don Ruiz let loose -his sister's arm, and kissed her on the forehead. - -"Courage, Marianna," he said, gently. - -"Are you leaving me, brother?" she remarked, with a slight tinge of -reproach in her voice. - -"Are you not going to your own rooms?" he asked her. - -"And what do you intend doing?" - -"To tell you the honest truth, sister," he replied, "after what has -occurred in the red chamber, I feel in such a state of excitement, that -I want to breathe the fresh air; did I not, I fancy I should be ill." - -"Do you propose going out, then?" - -"In leaving you, my dear sister, it is my firm intention to saddle -Santiago, and ride about the country for two or three hours." - -"If that be the case, Ruiz, I will ask you to do me a service." - -"What is it?" - -"Saddle Madrina at the same time." - -"Your mare?" - -"Yes." - -"Are you going out too?" - -"I want to pay a visit to my nurse, whom I have not seen for a long -time. I am anxious to speak a few words with her." - -"Will you go alone to the rancho?" - -"Unless you give me the pleasure of your company." - -"Do you doubt it, sister?" - -"Yes and no, Ruiz." - -"Why this reticence?" - -"I will explain it to you, brother. To be frank with you, I want to -see my nurse, and I may spend the night at the rancho; in the event of -that happening, I do not wish you to make an attempt to dissuade me by -entreaty or otherwise." - -"Reflect, sister, that the country is not tranquil, and that you may -incur danger in a wretched rancho, where any resistance would be -impossible." - -"I have thought of that, and calculated all the chances. But I repeat -to you, I must go to the rancho, and may be obliged to pass there not -only a night, but a day or two." - -Don Ruiz reflected for a moment. - -"Sister," he then said, "you are no ordinary woman, and everything you -do is carefully calculated. Although you do not tell me the motives -for this visit, I guess that they are serious, and hence will make no -attempt to thwart your wishes. Act as you please, and I will do all you -wish." - -"Thank you, Ruiz," she answered, warmly; "I anticipated you would say -that, for you understand me: my visit has a serious motive, as you have -divined." - -"Then I will go and saddle the horses," he remarked, with a smile. - -"Do so, brother," she replied, as she gently pressed his hand. "I will -wait for you here." - -"I only require five minutes." - -The young man went out. Dona Marianna leant on the balustrade, and -fell into deep thought. Don Ruiz returned, leading the horses by the -bridle: brother and sister mounted, and at once left the hacienda. It -was about four in the afternoon; the great heat of the day was spent, -the birds were singing gaily beneath the foliage; the sun, now level -with the lowest branches, had lost much of its heat; and the coming -breeze, which was beginning to rise, refreshed the atmosphere, and bore -far away the clouds of mosquitoes which had for several hours darkened -the air. The young people galloped silently side by side, absorbed in -their thoughts, and only taking absent glances at the splendid scenery -unfolded around them as they advanced further into the country. They -thus reached the rancho without exchanging a word. - -Bouchaley, faithful to his friendship for Dona Marianna, had long -before announced her arrival to the inhabitants of the rancho, who had -hurried out to welcome her. With a hurried glance, Marianna assured -herself of the presence of her foster brother, which seemed to cause -her great satisfaction. - -"Goodness! You here so late, nina?" the ranchero said, in his delight; -"What blessed wind has blown you?" - -"The desire of seeing you, madresita," the young lady answered, with a -smile; "it is so long since I embraced you, that I could not wait any -longer." - -"It is a good idea, nina," the ranchero said; "unfortunately it is -late, and we shall only be able to converse with you for a few moments." - -"How do you know, old father?" she replied, as she leaped off her -horse, and threw her arms round his neck; "Who told you I should not -spend the night at the rancho?" - -"Oh, oh, you would not do us that honour, nina," the old man answered. - -"You are mistaken, father, and the proof is that I ask my brother to -leave me here, and return alone to the hacienda." - -"Then I am discharged," Don Ruiz said, laughingly. - -"Yes, brother; but you have no cause of complaint, for I warned you." - -"That is true; hence I do not complain, little sister; still, before we -part, tell me at what hour I am to come and fetch you tomorrow?" - -"Do not trouble yourself about that, Ruiz; Mariano will bring me home." - -"And this time I shall not behave as the last, nina: may the Lord -confound me if I lose sight of you even for a moment," the tigrero -said, as he took the horse's bridle to lead it to the corral. - -"Will you be so cruel, Marianna," Ruiz observed, "as to force me thus -to return at once?" - -"No; I grant you an hour to rest and refresh yourself, but when that -time has elapsed you will start." - -"Agreed, little sister." - -They entered the rancho: No Sanchez, with that hospitable speed all -Mexican rancheros display, had already covered the table with pulque, -mezcal, Catalonian refino, orangeade, and infusion of tamarinds. The -young people, thirsty from their long ride, and not wishing to grieve -the worthy persons who received them so kindly, did honour to the -refreshments thus profusely offered them. Don Ruiz, while teasing his -sister about her strange fancy for spending the night at the rancho, -though he felt convinced that she must have a very serious reason for -it, conversed gaily according to his fashion, and displayed a dazzling -wit which is easier in Mexico than elsewhere; for, owing to the natural -intelligence of the people, no matter their rank, they are certain to -understand. When day began to fall, the young gentleman took leave of -the rancheros, mounted his horse, and started for the hacienda. - -In Mexico, as in all intertropical countries, evening is the -pleasantest part of the day: at that time the inhabitants are all -in the open air. At night they sit in front of the rancho doors, -conversing, singing, or dancing; two or three in the morning arrives -before they dream of going to bed. But on this day, contrary to her -habit when she paid her nurse a visit, Dona Marianna seemed fatigued: -at times she had difficulty in checking a yawn, and her desire for rest -was so evident that the nurse was the first to invite her to retire. -The young lady required no pressing, and after bidding the old folks -good night, entered the rancho, and the room prepared for her. So soon -as Marianna had left them, the old couple also retired to rest. As for -Mariano, after making his usual tour of inspection round the rancho, -he hung up a hammock under the portico, as he preferred sleeping in -the open air to being shut up within walls which the sun's heat had -rendered stifling. An hour later all the inhabitants of the rancho were -plunged into the deepest sleep. - -Suddenly the tigrero felt a hand gently laid on his shoulder; he opened -his eyes, and by the light of the stars, which was as brilliant as day, -recognised Dona Marianna. The young man who had thrown himself fully -dressed upon the hammock, started up, and looked at his foster sister -anxiously. - -"What is the matter with you, nina?" he asked, in evident alarm. - -"Silence, Mariano!" she answered in a low voice, and laying her finger -on her lips; "All is quiet, at least I suppose so, but I wish to speak -with you." - -"Go on, tocaya," he replied, as he leaped from the hammock and folded -it up. - -"Yes, but I am sorry at having woken you; you were sleeping so soundly, -that I looked at you for nearly a quarter of an hour ere I dared to -disturb your rest; for sleep is such a blessed thing." - -"Nonsense," he answered with a laugh; "you were wrong, nina; we wood -rangers sleep so quickly that an hour is sufficient to rest us, and -if I am not mistaken, I have been lying down for more than two. Hence -speak, nina; I am attentive, and shall not miss a word of what you say -to me." - -The young lady reflected for a moment. - -"You love me, I think, Mariano?" she at length said, with a certain -hesitation in her voice. - -"Like a sister, nina," he said, warmly; "in truth, are we not tocayo -and tocaya? Why ask such a question?" - -"Because I want you to do me an important service." - -"Me, nina? iCaray! Do not be alarmed; I am devoted to you body and -soul, and whatever you may ask--" - -"Do not pledge yourself too hastily, tocayo," she interrupted him, with -a meaning laugh. - -"A man cannot do that when he firmly intends to keep his promise." - -"That is true; still there are things from which a man at times -recoils." - -"There may be such, nina, but I do not know them; however, explain your -wishes to me, frankly." - -"I think, Mariano, that you are on friendly terms with the hunter, -called Stronghand?" - -"Very intimate, nina; but why do you ask the question?" - -"Is he an honest man?" - -The tigrero looked at her. - -"What do you mean by that?" he asked her. - -"Why," she said, with considerable embarrassment, "I mean a man of -heart--a man, in short, whose word may be taken." - -Mariano became serious. - -"Senorita," he said, "Stronghand saved my life under circumstances -when my only hope was in Heaven. I have seen this man perform deeds of -incredible courage and audacity, for the sole object of serving people -who frequently did not feel the slightest gratitude to him. To me he is -more than a friend--more than a brother; whatever he bade me I would -do, even if I had to lay down the life he saved, and which belongs to -him. Such, nina, is my opinion about the hunter called Stronghand." - -The young lady gave a glance of pleasure. - -"You are deeply attached to him?" she murmured. - -"As I told you, he is more to me than a brother." - -"And you often see him?" - -"When I want him, or he wants me." - -"Does he live in the neighbourhood, then?" - -"A short time back he stayed several days at the rancho." - -"And will he return?" - -"Who knows?" - -"What did he during his stay here?" - -"I am not aware; I believe that he hunted, though I did not see a -single head of game he had killed whilst he was here." - -"Ah!" she said, pensively. - -There was a silence. Mariano looked at her, somewhat surprised that -she should have woke him for the sake of asking him such unimportant -questions. - -"Well," she continued, presently; "if you wanted to see Stronghand, do -you know where to find him?" - -"I think so." - -"You are not certain?" - -"Forgive me, nina, I am certain; we have a spot where we are safe to -meet." - -"But he might not be there." - -"That might happen." - -"What would you do in that case?" - -"Go and seek him at another place, where I should be sure of finding -him." - -"Ah! And where is that?" - -"At the village he inhabits." - -"What village is that? I know of none in the vicinity." - -"Pardon me, nina; there is one." - -"A long way from here, I presume?" - -"Only a few leagues." - -"And what is this pueblo?" - -"A village of the Papazos." - -"What?" - -"Yes, I have forgotten to tell you that. Although he is a white man, -Stronghand has, for reasons I am ignorant of, joined the Indians, and -been adopted by one of their most powerful tribes." - -"That is singular," the young lady murmured. - -"Is it not?" the tigrero replied; understanding less than ever the -object of the conversation. - -The maiden shook her head coquettishly, and seemed to form a sudden -resolution. - -"Mariano," she said, "I asked you to do me a service." - -"Yes, nina, and I answered that I was ready to do it." - -"That is true; are you still of the same mind?" - -"Why should I have altered it?" - -"This is what I want of you." - -"Speak." - -"I wish to see Stronghand." - -"Very good; when?" - -"At once." - -"What?" he asked, in amazement. - -"Do you refuse?" - -"I do not say that, but--" - -"There is a but, then?" - -"There always is one." - -"Let me hear yours." - -"It is long past midnight." - -"What matter is that?" - -"Not much, I allow." - -"Well, what next?" - -"It is a long journey." - -"Our horses are good." - -"We risk not finding the hunter at our usual meeting place." - -"We will push on to his village." - -The tigrero looked at her attentively. - -"You have a great need to see Stronghand in that case?" he asked. - -"Most extreme." - -"It is more serious than you suppose, senorita." - -"Why so?" - -"Hang it! It is not so easy to enter an Indian village." - -"But you do so." - -"That is true; but I am alone and well known." - -"Well, I will go on after you; that is all." - -"Are you aware that the Indians have revolted?" - -"That does not concern you, as you are a friend of theirs." - -Mariano shook his head. - -"You ask a very difficult thing again, tocaya," he said, "in which you -run a great risk." - -"Yes, if I fail; but I shall succeed." - -"It would be better to give up this excursion." - -"Confess at once," she said, impatiently, "that you do not wish to keep -the promise you made me." - -"You are unjust to me; I am only trying to dissuade you from an -enterprise which you will repent when it is too late." - -"That is my business, I repeat, Mariano," she continued, with a marked -stress in her words; "it is not to gratify a caprice that I wish to -see the hunter. I have reasons of the utmost importance for wishing to -speak with him; and, to tell you all, he urged me to summon him under -certain circumstances, and told me I need only apply to you in order to -find him. Are you satisfied now? will you adhere to your doubts, and -still refuse to accompany me?" - -The young man had listened to Dona Marianna with earnest attention. -When she had ended, he replied--"I no longer hesitate, nina; as -things are so, I am bound to obey you. Still, I beg you not to make me -responsible for any events that may happen." - -"Whatever may occur, my kind Mariano, be assured that I shall be -grateful to you for the immense service you have rendered me." - -"And you wish to start at once?" - -"How far have we to ride?" - -"Some ten or twelve leagues." - -"Oh, that is nothing." - -"Not on a regular road; but I warn you that we shall be compelled to -follow hardly visible wild beast tracks." - -"The night is clear; we shall have sufficient light to guide us, so let -us start." - -"If you wish it," the young man answered. - -A few minutes later they left the rancho at a gallop. It was about -two in the morning; and the moon, which was at its full, lit up the -landscape as in bright day. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE EXCURSION. - - -As we have already said, Dona Marianna, although still so young, was -gifted with an ardent soul and an energetic character, which the -unusual dangers of a border life had, so to speak, unconsciously -ripened. In life these select organizations do not know themselves; -events alone, by exciting their living strength, reveal to them what -they are capable of at a given moment, by urging them bravely to endure -the attack of malignant fortune, and to contend resolutely with their -adversary. When the Marquis, forced by the necessities of his unhappy -condition, had a frank explanation with his children, and confessed to -them into what difficulties he was suddenly thrown, Dona Marianna had -listened to him with the most sustained attention. Then, by degrees, a -species of revolution took place in her. Stronghand's words reverted to -her mind, and she had a vague idea that he could avert the danger that -was suspended over her father's head. - -On recapitulating all that had occurred to her since her departure from -Rosario--the help the hunter had rendered her on various occasions with -unexampled devotion--the conversation she had held with him a few days -previously, and the promise she had made him--it appeared evident to -her that Stronghand, better informed than perhaps the Marquis himself -was about the machinations of his enemies, held in his hands the means -of saving the Moguer family, and parrying the blows which were about to -be dealt them in the dark. - -Then, full of hope, and confiding in the promises of this man, who had -never made his appearance except to prove his devotion to her, her -resolution was spontaneously formed, and without informing anyone of -the project she had conceived, for fear lest an effort might be made -to dissuade her, she went to her nurse's rancho, in order to obtain -an interview with the hunter by the agency of her foster mother. -Under existing circumstances, the step taken by Dona Marianna was -not at all easy, or without dangers. The daughter of the Marquis de -Moguer galloping at night along the Indian border, only accompanied by -one man--devoted, it is true, but who, in spite of all his courage, -would be powerless to defend her against an attack--displayed more -than temerity in this action; and however great her bravery was, and -the confidence she had in the honesty of the enterprise she was thus -blindly undertaking, still she could not refrain from an internal -shudder on thinking of her isolated position, and the ease with which -she might be surprised, carried off, or even massacred by the revolted -Indians. Too proud, however, to allow any of the secret fears that -agitated her to be seen, Dona Marianna affected a tranquillity and -freedom of mind she was far from feeling. She conversed in a low voice -with her foster brother, teasing and scolding him about the difficulty -he had made in granting her request, and describing her delight at a -ride through such exquisite scenery on so magnificent a night. - -Mariano did not think, and consequently did not understand what he -supposed was a girl's fancy. Accustomed since childhood to yield to -all the wishes of his foster sister, and obey her as a slave, he had -on this occasion done what she desired without trying to account for -such an unusual excursion, so happy did he feel at obliging her. At -the same time, he felt a lively pleasure at accompanying her, and thus -passing a few hours in her company. We must not mistake the feelings -that animated the tigrero for Dona Marianna. He loved his foster sister -with his whole soul, and would have gladly died for her; but this -feeling, lively as it was, had nothing personal or interested about -it; it was merely friendship, but a friendship elevated to the most -complete self-denial and the most entire devotion--in a word, to the -most sublime degree which this feeling can attain in the human heart. -Hence the tigrero, comprehending the responsibility weighing on him, -rode on, as is commonly said, with his beard on his shoulder, carefully -examining the bushes, listening to the desert sounds, and ready, on -the slightest alarm, bravely to defend the girl who had placed herself -under his guard. The country they were traversing, though rather -varied, was not, however, completely wooded: owing to the transparent -brightness of the night, the view extended for a great distance, which -removed all fears of a surprise, and gave a certain security to the -travellers; still, they at times, fancied they saw great shadows moving -on the riverbank, and flying at their approach. The young lady looked -round her curiously, and then asked the tigrero whether they would -soon reach the spot where Stronghand was. Mariano pointed out to her a -gentle eminence forming a bend of the river, on the top of which the -fugitive gleams of an expiring fire could be seen at intervals. - -"That is where we are going," he said. - -"Then we have only a few minutes' ride, and it is useless to hurry our -horses." - -"You are mistaken, nina. Not only is the track we are following very -winding, and will detain us, but, through an optical illusion easy to -be understood, this hill which you fancy so near to us is at least two -leagues distant as the crow flies; so that, taking into account the -windings, the distance is nearly doubled." - -"Can we not cut across country, and thus shorten the distance?" - -"Heaven forbid, nina! We should get into trembling prairies, in which -we should be swallowed up in a few minutes." - -"I trust to you in that case, Mariano; besides, now that, thanks to -that fire, I am certain of meeting the hunter, my anxiety is less -lively, and I will await patiently." - -"Permit me to remark, my dear tocaya, that I did not say certainly that -we should find Stronghand at this bivouac." - -"What did you tell me, then?" - -"Simply that we might hope to meet him here, because it is the spot -where he generally encamps when hunting in these parts." - -"Still, as we can perceive the flame of that watch fire--for that is -really a flame, is it not?" - -"Certainly; still, we have yet to learn whether this fire has been -kindled by Stronghand or some other hunter. This mound is one of the -most suitable places of encampment, owing to the height of the hill, -which allows the country to be surveyed, and thus avoid a surprise." - -"Then probably we shall not find the hunter at the encampment?" - -"I do not say that either, nina," Mariano answered, with a laugh. - -"But what do you mean?" the young lady said, impatiently patting the -pommel of her saddle with her little hand; "you are really unendurable." - -"Do not be angry, tocaya; I may be mistaken. If Stronghand is not here, -perhaps we may find a hunter who will tell us where he is." - -"Why not an Indian?" - -"Because there are no Indians at that campfire." - -"Tocayo, I must really ask this time how you can possibly know that?" - -"Very easily, nina; I do not require to be a sorcerer to guess so -simple a thing." - -"Do you consider it so simple?" - -"Certainly; nothing can be more so." - -"In that case I will ask you to explain, for it is always worth while -learning." - -"You fancy you are joking, nina; and yet there is always something to -be learned in the desert." - -"Good, good, tocayo; I know that; but I am waiting for your -explanation." - -"Listen then. This fire, as I told you, is not an Indian fire." - -"That is not exactly what you said to me. Go on, however." - -"The Indians, when they camp on the white man's border, never light a -fire, for fear of revealing their presence; or if compelled to light -one in order to cook their food, they are most careful to diminish the -flame, in the first place by digging a deep hole in the ground, and -next by only using extremely dry wood, which burns without crackling, -flaming, or producing smoke, and which they carry with them for long -distances, in case they might not find it on their road." - -"But, my friend, that fire is scarce visible." - -"That is true; but still it is sufficiently so for us to have perceived -it a long distance off, and thus discovered the existence of a bivouac -at this spot which, under present circumstances, would entail the -surprise and consequent death of the imprudent men who lit it, if they -were Indians instead of hunters." - -"Excellently reasoned, companero, and like a man accustomed to a desert -life!" A rough, though good-humoured voice suddenly said, a few yards -from them. - -The travellers started and pulled up sharply, while anxiously -investigating the surrounding thickets. Mariano, however, did not lose -his head under these critical circumstances; but with a movement swift -as thought raised his rifle, and covered a man who was standing by the -side of a thicket, with his hands crossed on the muzzle of a long gun. - -"Hold, compadre!" the stranger continued, not at all disturbed by the -tigrero's hostile demonstration; "Pay attention to what you are about. -A thousand fiends! Do you know that you run a risk of killing a friend?" - -Mariano hesitated for a moment; and then, without raising his rifle, -remarked-- - -"I fancy I recognise that voice." - -"By Jove!" the other said, "It would be a fine joke if you did not." - -"Wait a minute; are you not Whistler?" - -"All right, you remember now," the Canadian said with a laugh; for the -person was really the hunter whom the reader saw for a moment at the -village of the Papazos. - -The tigrero uncocked his rifle, which he threw over his shoulder, and -said to Marianna--"It is a friend." - -"Are you quite sure of this man?" she asked in a low, quick voice. - -"As of myself." - -"Who is he?" - -"A Canadian hunter or trapper. He has all the defects of the race, but -at the same time all its qualities." - -"I will believe you, for his countrymen are generally regarded as -honest men. Ask him what he was doing on the skirt of the track." - -Mariano obeyed. - -"I was attending to my business," Whistler replied with a grin; "and -pray what may you be doing, so poorly accompanied at this hour of the -night, when the Indians have taken the field?" - -"I am travelling, as you see." - -"Yes, but every journey has an object, I suppose." - -"It has." - -"Well, I do not see what end yours can achieve by continuing in that -direction." - -"Still, we are going to do so till we have found the man we are in -search of." - -"I will not ask you any questions, although I may perhaps have a right -to do so; still, I fancy you would act more wisely in turning back than -in obstinately going on." - -"I am not able to do so." - -"Why not?" - -"Because I have not the command of the expedition, and I cannot -undertake such a responsibility." - -"Ah, who is the chief, then? I only see two persons." - -"You seem to forget, senor," Dona Marianna said, joining in the -conversation for the first time, "that one of these two persons is a -female." - -"Of course she must command," the trapper answered with a courteous -bow; "pray excuse me, madam." - -"I the more willingly do so, because I hope to obtain from you -important information about the object of the journey we have -undertaken, perhaps somewhat too carelessly, in these desolate -regions." - -"I shall be too happy to be agreeable to you, my lady, if it be in my -power." - -"Permit me, in that case, to ask you a few questions." - -"Pray do so." - -"I wish to know what the camp is whose watch fires I perceive a short -distance off." - -"A hunter's bivouac." - -"Only hunters?" - -"Yes, they are all white hunters or trappers." - -"I thank you, senor. Do you know these men?" - -"Very well, considering I am a member of the band." Dona Marianna -hesitated for a moment. - -"Forgive me, sir," she continued, "I am in search of a hunter with whom -grave reasons force me to desire an immediate interview; perhaps he is -among your comrades." - -"Do you know him personally, madam?" - -"Yes, and am under great obligations to him. He is called Stronghand." - -The trapper eagerly walked up to the young lady, and attentively -examined her. - -"You wish to have an immediate interview with Stronghand?" - -"Yes, I repeat, senor, for reasons of the highest importance." - -"In case you are Dona Marianna de Moguer." - -"What!" she exclaimed, in surprise, "You know my name?" - -"That needs not astonish you, madam," he said, with the most exquisite -politeness; "I am the intimate friend of Stronghand. Without entering -into any details that might justly offend you, my friend told me that -you might perchance come and ask for him at our campfire." - -"He knew it, then," she murmured, in a trembling voice; "but how did he -learn it?" - -Though these words were uttered in a whisper, Whistler heard them. - -"He doubtless hoped it would be so, without daring to credit it, -madam," he answered. - -"Good heavens!" she continued, "What does this mean?" - -"That my friend, in his eager desire to be agreeable to you, and -foreseeing the chance of your coming during his absence, warned me, -in order to spare you a very difficult search, and thus induce you to -grant me a little of that confidence you deign to honour him with." - -"I thank you, sir. Now that you know me, would it be taxing your -courtesy too greatly to ask you to guide my companion and myself to -your bivouac?" - -"I am at your orders, madam, and believe me that you will receive a -proper reception, even though my friend does not happen to be there at -the moment." - -"What!" she said, suddenly checking her horse, "Can he be absent?" - -"Yes, but do not let that cause you any anxiety; he will soon return. - -"Good heavens!" she murmured, clasping her hands in grief. - -"Madam," Whistler again continued, "I understand that the reasons -which urged you to undertake such a journey must be of the utmost -importance; let me, therefore, go on ahead to the camp, and make all -the preparations for your reception." - -"But Stronghand, senor?" - -"Warned through me, madam, he will be back by daybreak." - -"You promise me that, senor." - -"On my honour." - -"Go, then, and may Heaven requite you for the goodwill and courtesy you -show me." - -Whistler bowed respectfully to the young lady, took his rifle under his -arm, and soon disappeared in the forest. - -"We can now go on without fear," said Mariano; "I know Whistler to be -an honest, worthy fellow, and he will do what he has promised." - -"Heaven grant I may see the man whom I have come so far to meet." - -"You will see him, be assured; moreover, all precautions were taken in -the event of your visit." - -"Yes," she murmured, pausing; "and it is this which renders me alarmed. -Well, I put my trust in the Virgin." - -And flogging her horse, she went on her way, followed by the tigrero, -who, according to his habit, could not at all comprehend this remark, -after the desire the young lady had evinced to see the hunter. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE HUNTER'S CAMP. - - -It was no great distance to the bivouac, and the travellers reached it -about half an hour after Whistler. Still, though this period was so -short, the worthy Canadian had profited by it to erect for the young -lady, who thanked him by a smile, a jacal of branches, under which she -found a shelter as comfortable as desert life permits. The hunters' -camp had a military look, which greatly perplexed Dona Marianna. Strong -wooden palisades defended all the approaches; the horses, which were -ready saddled, were fastened to pickets; several watch fires, lighted -at regular distances, sufficiently illumined the plain to prevent -the approach of an enemy, whether man or beast; and four sentinels, -standing rifle in hand on the entrenchments, followed with a vigilant -eye the slightest undulations of the lofty pass. Some thirty men, -with harsh and irregular features, clothed after the fashion of wood -rangers, in fur caps, cotton shirts, and leather calzoneras, were lying -in front of the fires, rifle in hand, in order to be ready for the -first alarm. - -Orders had probably been given beforehand by Whistler, for the -sentinels allowed the two travellers to pass unquestioned through a -breach in the entrenchments, which was immediately closed after them -again. The Canadian was awaiting them in front of the jacal; he helped -Dona Marianna to dismount, and the horses were led to join the others, -and supplied with a copious meal of alfalfa. - -"You are welcome among us, senora," he said with a respectful bow; -"in this jacal, which no one will enter save yourself, there is a -bed of skins, on which you can take a few hours' rest while awaiting -Stronghand's arrival." - -"I thank you, senor, for this graceful attention, by which I cannot -profit, however, till you have reiterated your promise." - -"Senorita, two horsemen have already set out to fetch Stronghand, but I -repeat, that he cannot be here for some hours; now, if you will accept -the humble refreshment prepared for you--" - -"I only require rest, senor; still I am not the less obliged to you for -your offer. With your permission, I will retire." - -"You are the mistress here, madam." - -The young lady smiled, pressed her foster brother's hand, and entered -the jacal. So soon as Dona Marianna had let fall after her the blanket -which formed the doorway, the tigrero quietly removed his zarape from -his shoulders, and laid it on the ground. - -"What is that for, comrade?" Whistler asked, astonished at the -performance. - -"You see, compadre, I am making my bed." - -"Do you mean to sleep there?" - -"Why not?" - -"As you please; still, you will be cold, that is all." - -"Nonsense! A night is soon spent, especially when so far advanced as -this one is." - -"I trust that you do not doubt us." - -"No, Whistler, no; but Dona Marianna is my foster sister, and I am -bound to watch over her." - -"That care concerns me at the moment; so do not be at all alarmed." - -"Two sentries are better than one; besides, you know me, do you not? -Although I place the utmost confidence in you, I will not surrender -the guardianship of my tocaya to another man; that is my idea, whether -right or wrong, and I shall not give it up." - -"As you please," the trapper said, with a laugh. - -And he left him at liberty to make his arrangements as he pleased. The -tigrero, though he knew most of the hunters, or, perhaps, because he -knew them, did not wish to leave his foster sister unprotected among -these reckless men, who, accustomed to the utter license of a desert -life, might, under the influence of strong liquors, forget the sacred -duties of hospitality, and insult Dona Marianna. In this the young man, -in spite of his desert experience, was completely mistaken. - -We have no intention to attempt the rehabilitation of these men, who, -generally endowed with evil instincts, and who do not wish to yield to -the demands of civilization, retire into the desert in order to live as -they like, and seek liberty in license; still, we will mention in their -honour, that a nomadic life, after a certain lapse of time, completely -modifies their character, curbs their passions, and so subjects them -that they gradually become purified by constant danger and privations, -by getting rid of all that was bad in them, and retaining beneath their -rough bark and coarse manners principles of honesty and devotion of -which they would have been considered incapable at an earlier period. -What we say here is scrupulously true of about two-thirds at least of -the bold pioneers who traverse in all directions the vast savannahs of -the New World; the others are incorrigible, and within a given time -end by becoming real bandits, and carry their contingent of crime to -those formidable bands of pirates of the prairies, who ambush like -hideous birds of prey to await the passage of caravans, and plunder and -massacre the travellers. - -But, whether good or bad, the dwellers on the prairie--no matter if -whites, half-breeds, or Redskins, trappers, pirates, or Indians--have -one virtue in common, and whose duties they carry out with remarkable -punctuality and generosity, and that is hospitality. A traveller -surprised by night, and wearied by a long journey, may, if he see a -campfire in the huts of an Indian village, present himself without -fear, and claim hospitality. From that moment he is sacred to the men -he applies to, no matter if they be Indians, bravos, hunters, or even -pirates. These individuals, who would not have scrupled to assassinate -him by the side of a ditch, treat him like a brother, show him the most -delicate attentions, and will never make any insulting allusions to -the length of his stay among them; on the contrary, he is at liberty -to remain as long as he pleases, and when he takes leave his hosts say -good-bye regretfully. At the same time it is true that, if they meet -him a week after in the forest, they will kill him without mercy to -raise his hair and take his weapons; but this need only be apprehended -with the pirates and some Indian tribes of the far west. As for the -hunters, when a stranger has once slept by their side and shared their -food, he is for ever sacred to them. - -The tigrero, therefore, was completely mistaken when he feared lest -Dona Marianna might be insulted by these men, who, although coarse, -were honest and loyal in the main; and who, flattered by the confidence -this lovely, innocent girl placed in them, would, on the contrary, have -gladly defended her had it been necessary. - -Whistler went off with a laugh, and lay down by the side of his -comrades. As we have already said, the night was far advanced when Dona -Marianna and her travelling companion reached the camp of the hunters; -a few hours at the most separated them from sunrise: and the young -lady, who at first resolved to spend these hours awake, overcome by -fatigue, had yielded to sleep, and enjoyed a calm and refreshing rest. -So soon as day began to appear, Dona Marianna repaired as well as she -could the disorder produced in her dress by her lengthened journey, -rose and went to the door of the jacal. The camp was still plunged in -the deepest silence: with the exceptions of the sentries still on the -watch, the hunters were fast asleep. - -The dawn was just breaking, and striping the horizon with wide -vermillion bands; the sharp and rather cold morning breeze rustled -softly through the branches; the flowers that enamelled the prairie -raised themselves, and expanded the corollas to receive the first -sunbeams; the numberless streams, whose silvery waters made their way -through the tall grass, murmured over the white and grey pebbles as -they bore their tribute to the Rio Bravo del Norte, whose capricious -windings could be guessed in the distance, owing to the thick cloud -of vapour that constantly rose from it and brooded over its bed. -The birds, still hidden beneath the foliage, were timidly preluding -their harmonious concert; the glad earth, the bright sky, the serene -atmosphere, the pure light--all, in a word, revealed that the day -which had now entirely appeared was about to be tranquil and lovely. - -The maiden, refreshed by the rest she had enjoyed, felt herself newborn -as she breathed the first exhalations of the flowers and the sharp -odour which is found in the desert alone. Without venturing to quit -the jacal, in front of which the tigrero was lying, she surveyed the -surrounding landscape, which, thanks to the elevation she stood at, -lay expanded at her feet for a long distance. The profound calmness -of reawakening nature, the powerful harmonies of the desert, filled -the maiden's heart with a gentle melancholy; she pensively indulged -in those thoughts which the great spectacles of nature ever arouse in -minds unaffected by human passions. In the meanwhile the sun ascended -the horizon, and the last shadows melted away in the dazzling beams -propelled by the daystar. Suddenly the girl uttered an exclamation of -delight, for she noticed a band of horsemen fording the stream, and -apparently coming in the direction of the hill. At the cry his foster -sister uttered, the tigrero bounded to his feet and stood by her side, -rifle in hand, ready to defend her if necessary. - -"Good morning, tocayo," she said to him. - -"Heaven keep you, nina!" he replied, with a shade of anxiety. "Have you -slept well?" - -"I could not have done so better, Mariano." - -"All right then; but why did you utter that cry?" - -"I cried out, my friend, and scarce know why." - -"Ah, yes--stay; look at those horsemen coming up at full speed." - -"Caray! How they gallop! They will be here within half an hour." - -"Do you think that Stronghand is among them?" - -"I suppose so, nina." - -"And I am sure of it," said Whistler, with a respectful bow to the -young lady; "I have recognised him, senorita; so will you allow that I -have kept my promise?" - -"Most fully, senor; and I know not how to express my thanks for the -hearty hospitality you have given me." - -"I have no claim to any thanks from you, senorita, as I have only -carried out my friend's intention; nina, it is to him alone you should -offer thanks, if you consider that you ought to make them." - -In the meanwhile the camp was aroused; the hunters were yawning, and -turned to their daily avocations; some led their horses to the watering -place, others kindled the fires; some cut the wood requisite to keep -them up, while two or three of the older men acted as cooks, and got -breakfast ready for the party. The camp changed its appearance in a -minute; it lived the nervous, agitated life of the desert, in which -each man performs his task with the feverish speed of persons who are -aware of the value of time, and do not wish to lose it. The young lady, -at first surprised by the cries, laughter, and unaccustomed movement -that prevailed around her, began to grow used to it, and eagerly -watched the occupations of the men she had beneath her eyes. A sharp -challenge of "Who goes there?" suddenly made her raise her head. - -"A friend!" a voice she at once recognised answered from without. - -Suddenly a band of horsemen entered the camp, at their head being -Stronghand. The young man dismounted, and after exchanging a few words -with Whistler, he went straight up to the maiden, who was standing -motionless in the doorway of the jacal, and watching his approach -with amazement. In fact, as we have said, Stronghand was not alone; -several persons accompanied him, among them being Thunderbolt and Dona -Esperanza; the rest were confidential Indian servants. When Stronghand -came in front of the young lady, he bowed to her respectfully, and then -turned to the persons who accompanied him. - -"Permit me, senorita," he said to her, "to present to you my mother, -Dona Esperanza, and my father; both love you, though they do not know -you, and insisted on accompanying me." - -The maiden, blushing with joy at this delicate attention on the part -of the hunter, who thus placed their interview beneath the safeguard -of his father and mother, replied with emotion--"I am delighted, -senor, with this kind inspiration of your heart; it augments, were it -possible, the confidence I have placed in you, and the gratitude I felt -for the eminent services you have rendered me." - -Dona Esperanza and the sachem embraced the girl, who, at once ashamed -and joyous at the friendship of these persons, whose exterior was at -once so imposing and so venerable, knew not how to respond to their -caresses and the kindness they evinced to her. In the meanwhile the -hunters had raised, with great skill and speed, a tent, under which -the four persons were at once protected from the curious glances of -the persons who surrounded them. Through that innate feeling of women, -which makes them love or detest each other at the first glance, Dona -Esperanza and the young lady at once felt attracted to each other by -a natural movement of sympathy, and leaving the gentlemen to their -occupations, they withdrew on one side, and began an animated and -friendly conversation. Dona Marianna, subjugated by Dona Esperanza's -seductive manner, and drawn toward her by a feeling of attraction for -which she did not attempt to account, as she felt so happy with her, -spoke to her open-heartedly; but then she was greatly surprised to see -that this lady, whom she was bound to suppose an entire stranger, was -perfectly acquainted with all that related to her family, and knew her -father's affairs better than she did herself; her amazement increased -when Dona Esperanza explained in the fullest details the reasons that -occasioned her presence in the hunter's camp, and the precarious -position to which the Marquis de Moguer was reduced. - -"I could add many more surprising things, my dear girl," Dona Esperanza -continued with a smile, "but I do not wish to fatigue you at present; -sufficient for you to know that we really take an interest in your -family, and that it will not be our fault if your father is not soon -freed from all his cares." - -"Oh, how good you are, madam!" the young lady exclaimed, warmly; "How -can I have merited such lively interest on your part?" - -"That must not trouble you at all, my dear girl; the step you have -taken today to come to your father's assistance, and the confidence -you have placed in my son, are for us proofs of the loftiness of your -feelings and the purity of your heart. Although we are almost Indians," -she added with a smile, "we have white blood enough in our veins to -remember what we owe to persons of that race." - -The conversation went on thus between the two ladies on a footing of -frank friendliness, until the moment when Stronghand came to interrupt -it, by stating that breakfast was ready, and that they were only -waiting for them to sit down. The tigrero and the Canadian had both -been invited to share the meal, but they declined the invitation under -the pretext that they did not like to eat with persons so high above -them in rank, but in reality, because the worthy wood rangers preferred -breakfasting without ceremony. Stronghand did not press them, and -allowed them to do as they pleased. Dona Marianna bit her lips in order -to suppress a smile when the hunter informed her that they were about -to sit down to table; for, owing to her recent journey and her life on -the Indian border, the young lady was well aware that such meals were -extremely simple, and eaten on the grass. Hence her surprise was at its -height when, after passing into a separate compartment of the tent, -she perceived a table laid with a luxury which would have been justly -admired even in Mexico: nothing was wanting, even to massive plate -and valuable crystal. The dishes, it is true, were simple, and merely -consisted of venison and fruit; but all had a stamp of true grandeur, -which it was impossible not to appreciate at the first glance. The -contrast offered by this table, so elegantly and comfortably laid, was -the greater, because, behind the canvas of the tent, desert life could -be seen in all its simplicity. - -The young lady seated herself between Thunderbolt and Dona Esperanza, -Stronghand sat down opposite to her, and two menservants waited. In -spite of the agreeable surprise which the impromptu comfort of this -repast, prepared for her alone, caused her, the young lady did not at -all display her surprise, but she ate heartily and gaily, thus thanking -her hosts for the delicate attentions they showed her. When the -dainties were placed on the table, and the meal was drawing to a close, -Stronghand bowed to Dona Marianna. - -"Senorita," he said, with a smile, "before we begin a serious -conversation, which might, at this moment, appear to you untimely, be -kind enough to permit my mother to tell us one of the charming Indian -legends with which she generally enlivens the close of our meals." - -Dona Marianna was at first surprised by this proposition, made, -without any apparent motive, at the close of a lively conversation; -but imagining that the hunter's remarks concealed a serious purpose, -and that the legend, under its frivolous aspect, would entail valuable -results for her, she answered with her sweetest smile--"I shall listen -with the greatest pleasure to the narrative the senora is about to tell -us, because my nurse, who is of Indian origin, was wont to lull me to -sleep with these legends, which have left a deep and most agreeable -impression on my mind." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -THE LEGEND. - - -Dona Esperanza exchanged a look with the sachem, and after reflecting -a moment, as if recalling her ideas, she said to Dona Marianna, in -her gentle, sympathising voice--"My dear girl, before beginning my -narrative, I must inform you that I belong to the Aztec race, and am -descended in a direct line from the kings of that people. Hence, the -story you are about to hear, though simple in its form, is completely -exact, and has dwelt among us intact for generations. I trust," she -added, with a stress, "that it will interest you." - -Then turning to one of the criados who stood motionless behind the -guests, she said--"The quipos." - -The criado went out, and almost immediately returned with a bag of -perfumed tapir skin, which he handed his mistress with a bow. The -latter opened it, and drew out several cords plaited of different -coloured threads, divided at regular distances by knots mingled with -shells and beads. These cords are called quipos, and are employed by -the Indians to keep up the memory of events that have occurred during -a long course of years, and thus represent books. Still, it requires -a special study to understand these quipos, and few people are capable -of deciphering them, the more so as the Indians, who are very jealous -about keeping their historical secrets, only permit a small number -of adepts to learn the explanation, which renders any knowledge of -Indian history almost impossible for white men. Dona Esperanza, after -attentively examining the quipos, selected one, replaced the others in -the bag, and letting the knots of the rope glide through her fingers, -much as a monk does with his beads when telling his rosary, she began -her narrative. - -For fear of injuring this story, whose truth cannot be doubted, -and which we ourselves heard told in an atepetl of the Papazos, we -will leave it in all its native rudeness, without attempting to -adorn it with flowers of European metaphors, which, in our opinion, -would deprive it of its peculiar character. Dona Esperanza spoke as -follows:--"At a certain period of the year," she said, while beginning -to feel the quipos, which served her, as it were, as a book, "long -before the appearance of white men on the red territory, a numerous -band of Chichimeques and Toltequez, who originally dwelt at the lakes, -becoming dissatisfied, resolved to emigrate to the south-west in -pursuit of the buffaloes, and carried out their resolve." - -"At Salt Lake they divided, and those who remained continued to -bear their primitive name; while the others, for an unknown motive, -assumed that of Comanches. These Comanches, more enterprising than -their brothers, continued their journey till they reached the banks -of the Rio Gila, where they encamped and divided again. One band, -which resolved not to go farther, was christened by the others, who -determined to press on, the 'Great Ears;' but the whites who first -discovered them called them 'Opatas.' The remainder of the band -continued to march in the same direction, and found the Rio Bravo -del Norte at the mouth of the Rio Puerco. They had only two principal -chiefs left, and gave themselves the name of Neu-ta-che, which means, -'those who reach the river's mouth.' One of the chiefs had an only son, -and the other a lovely daughter, and the young people loved each other. -But this raised the anger of the father of the unhappy girl to such a -height, that he made his band arm and prepare to fight. But the father -and the young man crossed the Rio Gila, and buried themselves with -their band in the territory afterwards called by the white man Senora -or Sonora, where they settled, and continued to reside peacefully -until the period when the whites, ever in search of new lands, arrived -there in their turn, and after many cruel wars, succeeded in gaining -possession of the country." - -"The Comanches had founded several towns in Sonora, and, in accordance -with their constant habit, in the neighbourhood of the gold and -silver mines they discovered, and begun to work. One of their towns, -perhaps the richest and most populous, had for its chief a warrior -justly renowned for his wisdom in council, and valour in the combat. -This chief was called Quetzalmalin--that is to say, the 'Twisted -Feather.' His nobility was great, and very ancient; he justly declared -that he was descended in a direct line from Acamapichtzin, first -king of Mexico, whose hieroglyphic he retained on the totem of his -tribe, through that veneration which our fathers displayed for their -ancestors. This hieroglyphic, which his descendants have preciously -retained, is composed of a hand grasping a number of reeds, which is -the literal translation of the name of the noble chief of the race. -Twisted Feather had a daughter, eighteen summers old, lovely and -graceful: her name was Ova, and she ran over the prairie grass without -bending it; gentle, pensive, and timid as the virgin of the first -loves, her black eyes had not yet been fixed on one of the warriors of -the tribe, who all sought to please her." - -"Ova wore a tunic of water-green colour, fastened round her waist by -a wampum belt, with a large golden buckle. When she danced before her -father, the old man's forehead became unwrinkled, and a sunbeam passed -into his eyes. Her father had often told her that it was time for her -to marry, but Ova shook her head with a smile; she was happy, and the -little bird that speaks to the heart of maidens had not yet sung to her -the gentle strains of love." - -"Still a moment arrived when Ova lost all her careless gaiety. The -young girl, so laughing and so wild, became suddenly pensive and -dreamy--she loved." - -"Ova went to find her father. The chief at this moment was presiding -over the great council of the nation in the great medicine calli. The -maiden advanced, and knelt respectfully before her father." - -"'What is it, my daughter?' the chief said, as he passed his hand -gently through her long hair, which was fine as aloe threads." - -"'My father,' she replied, looking down modestly, 'I love, and am -beloved.'" - -"'My daughter, what is the name of the chief who is so happy that your -choice should have fallen on him?'" - -"'He is not a chief, my father; he is, perchance, one of the most -obscure warriors of the tribe, although he is one of the bravest. He -works in the gold mine that belongs to you.'" - -"The chief frowned, and a flash of anger sparkled in his glance." - -"'My father,' the maiden continued, as she embraced his legs, 'if I did -not marry him, I should die.'" - -"The chief gazed at his daughter for a moment, and saw her so sad and -resigned, that pity entered his heart. He, too, loved his daughter--his -only child; for the Master of Life had called away the others to the -happy hunting grounds. The aged man did not wish his daughter to die." - -"'You shall marry the man you love,' he said to her." - -"'Do you promise it to me on the sacred totem of the nation, father?'" - -"'On the sacred totem of the nation I promise it; speak, therefore, -without fear. What is the name of the man you love?'" - -"'He is called the Clouded Snake, father.'" - -"The old man sighed." - -"'He is very poor,' he muttered." - -"'I am rich enough for both.'" - -"'Be it so. You shall marry him, my daughter.'" - -"Ova rose, sparkling with joy and happiness, bowed to the assembly, and -left the medicine lodge." - -"Clouded Snake was poor, it is true--even very poor, since he was -constrained to work in the gold mine; but he was young, he was brave, -and was considered the handsomest of all the warriors of his age." - -"Tall, robust, and muscular, Clouded Snake formed as complete a -contrast with Ova, who was pale and frail, as a noble buffalo does with -a graceful antelope. Perhaps their love emanated from this contrast." - -"The young man, though he was so poor, found means to give his -betrothed perfumes of grizzly bears' grease, necklaces of alligators' -teeth, and wampum girdles." - -"The young people Were happy. On the eve of the marriage, Clouded Snake -laid at Ova's feet buckles of gold and two bracelets of shells, mingled -with beads of pure gold." - -"Ova accepted these presents with a smile, and said to her betrothed, -as she left him,--" - -"'Farewell; we part today to see each other tomorrow, and tomorrow we -shall be united for ever.'" - -"On the next day Clouded Snake did not come. Ova waited for several -months; Clouded Snake did not reappear." - -"In vain, by the chief's orders, was the young man sought for -throughout the country; no one had seen him, no one had heard speak of -him." - -"Clouded Snake no longer existed, except in the heart of Ova." - -"She wept for him, and people tried to make her believe that he had -gone to fight the white men; but Ova shook her head, and wiped away her -tears." - -"Forty times did the snow cover the summit of the mountains, and yet -it had been impossible to clear up the mystery of Clouded Snake's -disappearance." - -"One day some labourers at work in the gold mine, which had belonged -to Ova's father, and was now her property, while going far down an old -gallery which had been abandoned for a long time, exhumed a corpse as -miraculously preserved as the mummies of the _teocallis_ are in their -bandages." - -"The warriors flocked up to see this strange corpse, clothed in a dress -belonging to another age, and no one recognised it." - -"Ova, who was then old, and who, to please her father had married -the great chief of his nation when her last hope expired, went with -her husband to the spot where the corpse was exposed to the sight of -visitors." - -"Suddenly she started, and tears darted from her eyes; she had -recognised Clouded Snake, as handsome as on the day when she left him -with the hope of a speedy reunion. She, on the other hand, aged and -bowed down more by grief than years, was weak and tottering." - -"Ova wished that the corpse of the man whom she had been on the point -of marrying, and whom the evil spirit had torn from her, should be -restored to the mine from which it had been removed after forty years. -The mine, by the orders of the chief's wife, although extremely rich, -was abandoned and shut up." - -"Ova ordered a hieroglyphic to be carved on the stone that covers the -body of her betrothed, which may be thus translated:--'This sepulchre -is without a body; this body is without a sepulchre; but by itself it -is a sepulchre and a body.'" - -"Such," Dona Esperanza added, as she finished the legend, and laid -down the quipos, "is the story of the lovely Ova, daughter of the -great chief Twisted Feather, and of Clouded Snake the miner, just as -it occurred, and just as Ova herself ordered it to be preserved by a -special quipos for future ages." - -Dona Esperanza stopped, and there was a moment's silence. - -"Well, senorita," the sachem asked, "has the legend interested you?" - -"Through its simplicity it is most touching, senor," the young lady -answered; "still, there is something vague and unsettled about the -whole story, which impairs its effect." - -Thunderbolt smiled gently. - -"You find, do you not, that we are not told the precise spot where -the events of the narrative occurred, that Sonora is very large, and -that the town in which Twisted Feather commanded is not sufficiently -indicated?" - -"Pardon me, senor," the young lady remarked, with a blush, "such -geographical notions, though doubtless very useful in settling the spot -where events have occurred, interest me personally very slightly. What -I find incomplete is the story itself; the rest does not concern me." - -"More so than you suppose, perhaps, senorita," the sachem remarked; -"but pray be good enough to state your objections more fully." - -"Excuse me, senor, but I have not yet recovered from the surprise which -the events that have occurred during the last few hours have occasioned -me, and I explain myself badly, in spite of my efforts." - -"What do you mean, senorita, and to what events are you referring?" - -"To those which are taking place at this very moment. Having started -from home to ask an interview of a wood ranger, whom I naturally -supposed encamped in the open air, and shared the life of privations -of his fellows, I meet, on the contrary, persons who overwhelm me -with attentions, and, under an Indian appearance, conceal all the -refinements of the most advanced civilization. You can understand how -this strange contrast with what surrounds me must surprise, almost -frighten me, who am a young girl, ignorant of the world, and have -undertaken a step which many persons would disapprove if they knew it." - -"You are going too far, my dear child," Dona Esperanza replied, as -she tenderly embraced her; "what you have seen here ought not to -surprise you. My husband is one of the principal chiefs of the great -Confederation of the Papazos; but he and I, in other times, lived the -life of white men. When we withdrew to the desert, we took with us our -civilized habits, and that is the entire mystery. As for the step you -have taken, it has nothing that is not most honourable to you." - -"I thank you for these kind remarks, and the interpretation you are -pleased to give to a step conceived, perhaps, a little too giddily, -and executed more giddily still." - -"Do not regret it, senorita," said Thunderbolt; "perhaps it has helped -your father's affairs more than you suppose." - -"As for the story of Ova," Dona Esperanza continued, with a gentle -smile, "this is how it ended:--the poor woman died of despair a few -days after the discovery of the man she ought to have married, and whom -she had held in such tender memory for so long a time. At her last hour -she expressed a desire to be united in death to the man from whom she -had been separated in life. This last wish was carried out. The two -betrothed repose side by side in the mine, which was at once closed -again, and no one has dreamed of opening it up to the present day." - -"I thank you, senora, for completing your narrative. Still," Marianna -said, with a sigh, "this gold mine must, in my opinion, be very poor, -since the Spaniards, when they seized the country, did not attempt to -work it." - -"Not at all, my dear child; on the contrary, it is excessively rich. -But Ova's secret has been so well kept that the Spaniards remained in -ignorance of its existence." - -The two ladies were by this time alone, as the sachem and his son had -left the tent. - -"It is strange," the maiden murmured, answering her own thoughts rather -than Dona Esperanza's remark. - -The earnestness with which the lady insisted on referring to the legend -astounded and interested her. A secret foreboding warned her that the -story had a hidden object, whose importance still escaped her, though -she was burning to discover it. Dona Esperanza attentively followed in -her face the various feelings that agitated her, and were reflected -in her expressive face as in a mirror. She continued--"This is why -the mine was not discovered when the Spaniards seized the town where -it was situated. It had been stopped up for a very long time. The old -inhabitants were killed or expelled by the conquerors; and those who -escaped were careful not to reveal this secret to their oppressors. -The latter destroyed the town, and built an immense hacienda over its -mines." - -"But--pardon me for questioning you thus, senora--how have all these -facts come to your knowledge?" - -"For a very simple reason, my dear child. Ova was my ancestress, and -the knowledge of this mine is consequently a family secret for us. I -am, perhaps, the only person in the world who at the present day knows -its exact position." - -"Yes, I understand you," the young lady said, becoming very pensive. - -"Still you are trying to discover, are you not, my dear child?" the old -lady continued, kindly interrogating her, "Why, instead of letting you -speak of the important matters that brought you here, my son urged you -to ask this story of me; and why, without pity for your filial sorrow, -I consented to do so; and why, now that it is ended, I am anxious for -you to learn the minutest details." - -The girl hid her face in the old lady's bosom, and burst into tears. - -"Yes," she said, "you have understood me, madam, and pray pardon me." - -"Pardon you for what, my dear child? For loving your father? On the -contrary, you are quite right. But yours is no common nature, my -child; though we have only been acquainted for a few hours, you have -sufficiently appreciated my character, I think, to recognise the -interest I take in you." - -"Yes, yes, I believe you, madam; I must believe you." - -"Well, console yourself, my dear girl; do not weep thus, or I shall be -forced to follow your example; and I have still some details to add to -this interminable story." - -The maiden smiled through her tears. "Oh, you are so kind, madam," she -answered. - -"No, I love you, that is all, and," she added, with a sigh, "I have -done so for a long time." - -Dona Marianna gazed at her with amazement. - -"Yes, that surprises you," she continued, "and I can well understand -it. But enough of this subject for the present, my darling, and let us -return to what I wanted to say to you." - -"Oh, I am listening to you, madam." - -"I will now tell you where Ova's town stood, and its name. It was -called Cibola." - -"Cibola!" the girl exclaimed. - -"Yes, dear child, the very spot where the Hacienda del Toro was -afterwards built by your ancestor, the Marquis de Moguer. Now do you -understand me?" - -Without replying, Dona Marianna threw herself into the old lady's arms, -who pressed her tenderly to her bosom. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -KIDD REAPPEARS. - - -Kidd had left the atepetl of the Papazos with rage in his heart, and -revolved in his mind the most terrible schemes of vengeance. Not -that the bandit had in his gangrened heart any sensitive chord which -noble sentiment could cause to vibrate; to him it was a matter of the -slightest importance that he had been publicly branded and expelled -like the lowest scoundrel; humiliation glided over him without -affecting him, and what most enraged him was to see the fortune dried -up which Don Marcos de Niza had momentarily flashed before his greedy -eyes, and which he hoped, by dissimulation and treachery, to invest -in his capacious pocket in the shape of gold ounces. Now he could no -longer dream of it; the slightest information he could henceforth -accidentally pick up would not be sufficiently important to be paid for -at the price given for the first. - -There was something desperate in such an alternative for a man like -the bandit; but what should he do? With all his other qualities, the -adventurer combined the rather strange one, for him, of only being -brave like the Coyotes, which only attack in pairs, and when they are -certain of conquering; that is to say, he was an utter coward when -compelled to meet an enemy face to face, although he would not hesitate -to kill him from behind a bush. The adventurer did not deceive himself -about this peculiarity of his character, and the mere idea of picking -a quarrel with Stronghand caused him an instinctive terror, externally -revealed by a general trembling. - -He therefore very sadly and despairingly proceeded, along the road to -the Real de Minas, not knowing yet whether he should enter the pueblo, -or push further on and seek fortune elsewhere, when his attention was -attracted to the left hand of the road he was following by an unusual -and continuous undulation of the tall grass. The bandit's first impulse -was to stop, dismount, and conceal himself and his horse behind an -aloe tree, which afforded a temporary shelter. It is extraordinary to -see how villains, who care nothing for the life of others, display -remarkable instinct of self-preservation, and what tricks they employ -to escape an often imaginary danger. When the bandit believed himself -in safety, at least for the moment, he began watching most carefully -the undulation of the grass, which incessantly drew nearer to him. - -A quarter of an hour passed thus; then the grass parted, and the bandit -perceived three horsemen coming towards him, entirely dressed in black. -With that peculiar scent scoundrels have for detecting policemen, -Kidd did not deceive himself; he at once recognised the three persons -as belonging to the noble corporation of Alguaciles. A fourth, also -dressed in black, in whose ugly features an expression of bestial craft -and wickedness seemed to be reflected, was evidently the leader of the -party,--an Alguacil mayor, a race of rapacious vultures, without heart -or entrails; a manso Indian, dressed in torn trousers, and with bare -head, arms, and legs, was running in front of the others, and evidently -acting as guide. - -"Hold, Jose!" the most important of the men shouted to the Indian, -employing the general nickname of these poor fellows. "Hold, Jose! -Mind you do not lead us astray, scoundrel, if you do not want to have -your ribs broken; we must arrive this night at the Real de Minas of -Quitovar, whither important business summons us." - -"You would arrive there before two o'clock, Excellency," the Indian -answered, with a crafty laugh, "if instead of riding at a foot pace -you would consent to give your mule the spurs; if not we shall not get -there till after sunset." - -"_iValgame dios!_" the first speaker said, angrily; "What will my -honourable client, El Senor Senator Don Rufino Contreras say, who -must have been awaiting my arrival for several days with the utmost -impatience?" - -"Nonsense, Excellency! You will arrive soon enough to torture honest -people." - -"What do you dare to say, scoundrel?" the bailiff exclaimed, raising -the chicote he held in his hand. - -The Indian parried with a stick the blow which would have otherwise -fallen on his loins, and answered drily, as he seized the mule by the -bridle, and made it rear, to the great alarm of the rider,-- - -"Take care, senor; though you call me Jose, and treat me no better nor -worse than a brute, we are no longer in one of your civilized towns, -but on the prairie; here I have my foot on my native heath, and will -not put up with the slightest insult from you. Treat me as an idiot, -if you like, and I shall not care for it, as it comes from one whom I -utterly despise; but bear this in mind,--on the slightest threatening -gesture you make, I will immediately thrust my knife into your heart." - -And while saying this, the man flashed in the bailiffs terrified face a -long knife, whose blue blade had a sinister lustre. - -"You are mad, Jose--quite mad," the other answered, affecting a -tranquillity he was far from feeling at the announcement; "I never -intended to insult you, and I shall never do so; so let go my mule's -bridle, pray, and we will continue our journey in peace." - -"That will do," the Indian said, with his eternal grin; "that is the -way you must speak for us to remain good friends during the period we -shall have to pass together." - -And after letting go the mule, he began trotting in front with that -swinging pace of which Indians alone possess the secret, and which -enables them to follow a trotting horse for several days, without -becoming tired. - -The conversation had taken place sufficiently near to Kidd's lurking -place for him to overhear every syllable. Suddenly he started. An idea -doubtless crossed his mind, for after allowing the horsemen to go on, -but not too far for him to catch them up, he left his thicket, and -went after them, growling between his teeth,--"What the deuce relations -can these birds of night have with Don Rufino Contreras? Well, we shall -soon see." - -On turning into the track he saw the party a short distance ahead of -him. The latter, whom the sound of his horse's hoofs stamping on the -dry ground, had already warned, looked back rather anxiously, the more -so because the bandit, in spite of the ease he tried to effect, had -nothing very prepossessing about his appearance or face. Policemen -could form no mistake about him. Hence they did not do so, and at the -first glance recognised him as what he really was--that is to say, -a bandit. But in Mexico, as in many other countries which pretend, -rightly or wrongly, to be civilized, policemen and ruffians have the -best possible reasons for living on friendly terms; and had it not -been for the solitary spot where he was, Don Parfindo Purro (such was -the Alguacil's name) saw nothing very disagreeable in meeting the -adventurer. The latter continued to advance, talking to his horse, -tickling its flanks with his spur, galloping, with his fist proudly -placed on his hip, and his hat pulled impudently over his right ear. - -"_Santas tardes, caballeros_," he said, as he joined the party of men -in black, and slightly checked his horse, so that it should keep pace -with the others, "by what fortunate accident do I meet you so late on -this desolate road?" - -"Fortune is with us, caballero," Don Parfindo answered, politely; -"this accursed Indian has led us a roundabout road; I really believe, -whatever he may say, that we have lost our way, or shall soon do so." - -"That is possible," Kidd observed; "and without being too curious, will -you allow me to ask whither you are going? Moreover, to set you at your -ease by displaying confidence, I will inform you that I am going to -Quitovar." - -"Ah!" said the bailiff, "That is very lucky." - -"Why so?" - -"Because I am going there too, in the first instance. Are we still a -great distance from the pueblo?" - -"Only a few leagues; we shall arrive before two o'clock, and if you -will allow me to take your guide's place, I shall be delighted to show -you the way, which, I confess, is not very easy to find." - -"Your proposal delights me, caballero, and I most heartily accept it." - -"That is agreed; if you do not know the pueblo, I will take you to a -capital house, where you will be excellently treated." - -"I thank you, caballero; it is the first time I have been to Real de -Minas. I am a bailiff at Hermosillo." - -"A bailiff!" the bandit said; "iCaray! That is a famous profession." - -"At your service, were I competent for it," Don Parfindo said, puffing -himself out. - -"I do not say no," Kidd continued, giving himself an air of importance. -"When a man carries on a large business, as I do, the acquaintance -of a caballero so distinguished as you appear to be can only be most -advantageous." - -"You confound me, senor." - -"Oh, do not thank me, for what I say I really think; I was speaking -about it only a few days back to Don Rufino Contreras, who is also very -rich, and consequently has numerous trials." - -"Do you know Don Rufino?" the bailiff asked, with rising respect. - -"Which one?--The illustrious senator?" - -"Himself." - -"He is one of my most intimate friends. Are you acquainted with him -too?" - -"He has instructed me to proceed in his name against certain debtors of -his." - -"_iViva Dios!_ This is a strange meeting," the adventurer exclaimed, -with a radiant face. - -"What a worthy senor!" the bailiff remarked, "And so honourable!" - -The two scoundrels understood each other. The acquaintance was formed, -and confidence sprang up quite naturally. The conversation was -continued on the best possible terms; Kidd adroitly led the other to -make a general confession, and the latter, believing that he had to do -with an intimate of Don Rufino, told him the secret of the negotiations -he was intrusted with, without any visible pressure. Altogether this is -what the adventurer learned:--Don Rufino Contreras, impelled by some -motive unknown, had secretly bought up the claims of all the persons to -whom the Marquis de Moguer was indebted. So soon as he held them, he -had taken out writs, through a third party, against the Marquis, so as -to dispossess him of the small property left him--among other things, -the Hacienda del Toro, which he evinced a great desire to possess. His -proposal to marry Dona Marianna was only a bait offered to the good -faith of Don Hernando, in order to lull his prudence and remove his -suspicions. What he wanted was to become, at any price, proprietor of -the hacienda. But still, wishing to retain the mask of friendship, by -the aid of which he had hitherto deceived the Marquis, he had put the -matter in the hands of a man of his own, who had orders to push matters -to extremities, and accept no arrangement. Don Parfindo Purro was the -bailiff selected: he was the bearer of the most perverse instructions -and strictest orders, and was resolved to accomplish to the letter -what he emphatically called his duty. - -In Mexico, we are compelled to allow that justice is the most derisive -buffoon and horrible thing imaginable. The judges, most of whom are -utterly ignorant, and who act _gratis_, as their salaries are never -paid, requite themselves for this annoyance on the contending parties, -whom they plunder without pity or shame; and this is carried to such -an extent, that, so soon as the trial is begun, it is known who will -win and who lose. It is little consequence whether the trial be -criminal or civil. Money decides everything. To give only one instance: -A man commits a murder, the fact is confirmed--known by all; the -assassination has been performed in bright day, in the open street, and -in the presence of a hundred persons. The relations of the victim go -before the _juez de lettras_--that is to say, the criminal judge; he -lets them explain the affair in its fullest details, and gives no signs -of approval or disapproval; but when they have finished, he asks them -the simple question-- - -"Have you any witnesses?" - -"Yes," the relatives answer. - -"Very good; and these witnesses are doubtless men of good position and -of a certain value?" - -"Certainly. Each of them is worth a thousand piastres." - -"Well," says the judge, "and how many may there be?" - -"Ten." - -"What a pity!" he then continues, in his mildest accents; "Your -adversary, who between ourselves, appears to me a highly distinguished -caballero, has exactly the same number of witnesses as you; but his are -far more important people, for each is worth two thousand piastres." - -The matter is settled. If the relatives of the murdered man are not -rich enough to make a higher bid, the assassin is not only acquitted, -but discharged without a stain on his character, and is at perfect -liberty, if he think proper, to kill another of his enemies on the -same day and the same terms. Such is the way in which the Mexicans -understand justice. We can therefore understand how an enormously rich -man like Don Rufino Contreras could defeat the Marquis, the state of -whose fortune did not allow him to buy the judges. - -The adventurer listened with the most earnest attention to the -revelations the bailiff made with a certain degree of complacency. -Kidd, who was accustomed to fish in troubled waters, had found an -opportunity for a famous haul in these revelations. His plan was -at once formed, and so soon as he came in sight of the pueblos his -arrangements were made. It was late when the travellers reached the -barriers of the Real de Minas; the sun had set long before, and the -sentries, although they recognised the adventurer as one of their side, -made some difficulty about letting him and his companions into the -town. They were engaged for nearly an hour in parleying outside, and -it was only by the express orders of the commandant that they obtained -permission at last to enter the pueblo, which had been converted into a -regular fortress. - -Kidd, still continuing to act as guide to his comrades, led them -straight to a meson, where he left them at liberty to rest themselves, -after warmly recommending them to the landlord. Then the bandit, after -placing his horse in the corral, and carefully wrapping himself up in -his zarape, and pulling the brim of his hat over his eyes to escape -recognition, glided through the darkness to the house of Don Marcos de -Niza, which he entered. The captain, as we said, was accessible at all -hours of the day or night, to any person who had news to communicate. -At this moment he was in the same study where he had already held a -conversation with Master Kidd. On noticing the adventurer, the captain -raised his eyes, and without leaving his chair, he said--"Ah, is that -you, Master Kidd? Your absence has been long; but for all that, you are -welcome, if you bring good news." - -The bandit gave a meaning smile. - -"My news is excellent, captain," he said, laying a marked stress on the -words, "especially for you." - -"_iCuerpo de Cristo!_ I hope so, for am I not commandant of the town?" - -"Yes; but I am not going to talk with you about politics at present, -Excellency." - -"In that case, go to the deuce, scoundrel," the captain said, shrugging -his shoulders angrily; "do you think I have nothing more important to -do than listen to the rubbish you may please to invent and tire my ears -with?" - -"I invent nothing, Excellency. Fortune has this very day granted me -the opportunity of catching a secret it is most important for you to -know--that is all." - -"Well, tell me what this mighty secret is." - -"It relates to your private affairs, Excellency." - -"My affairs!" the captain repeated, bursting into a laugh; "Hang it -all! Have I any?" - -"If the secret does not relate directly to you, it interests in a most -eminent degree one of your nearest relatives?" - -"Ah! who is he?" - -"The Marquis de Moguer." - -The captain became serious; he frowned with a menacing expression, -which made Kidd tremble in spite of his well-bred effrontery. - -"Speak, and be brief," he said to him. - -"Nothing will suit me better." - -The captain took several ounces from the table drawer, which he threw -to the bandit, who caught them in their flight, and stowed them away -with a grin of satisfaction in his huge pockets. - -"You will not regret your money, Excellency," he said. - -"I hope not; and now go on, scoundrel, as you are paid." - -Kidd, without further pressing, related in its fullest details all that -had occurred between himself and the bailiff on the road. The captain -listened with the most earnest attention. - -"Is that all?" he asked, when the other stopped. - -"Yes, Excellency." - -"Good; now be off. You will continue to watch this man, and report to -me all he does." - -And he dismissed him with a wave of the hand. The adventurer bowed, and -went away. When alone, the captain reflected for a few minutes, and -then wrote a letter, sealed it, and summoned his orderly, who at once -made his appearance. - -"Isidro," the captain said to him, "at all risks this letter must be in -the hands of the Marquis de Moguer within six hours at the most. You -understand me? --at all risks?" - -"It shall be done, captain." - -"Take this for yourself,"--and he handed him some gold coins,--"and -this pass, which will enable you to go in and out. You must be off at -once." - -Without replying, the soldier withdrew, after concealing the letter in -the breast of his uniform. - -"And now," the captain muttered to himself; "let them come on." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -COMPLICATIONS. - - -After leaving the captain's study, Kidd halted in the anteroom, not -because he had any plan formed, but through that instinct which urges -villains of his species not to leave a good place till compelled. He -had heard the captain summon his asistente. The latter, after a few -moments' absence, returned to the anteroom with a look of importance -which at once caused the adventurer to reflect, and suggested to him -the idea of knowing what the conversation was the soldier had held -with his chief. Isidro, the captain's asistente, was an Opatas Indian, -of tried bravery and fidelity. Unluckily, though he did his duty in -the battlefield, his intellect was rather restricted, and, like all -Indians, he had a propensity for strong liquors, which had several -times brought him to great grief. Kidd was familiar with the soldier, -and knew his weakness; hence his plan was formed in a moment. - -"Since you remain here," he said to him, "I shall be off: when I came -to speak to the captain, I left a nearly full bottle of mezcal at the -tocanda of Master Cospeto, and on my word I feel inclined to go and -finish it. I will not invite you to accompany me, for your duty keeps -you here; otherwise you may be assured that I should be delighted to -empty it with you." - -"My duty does not keep me here," the Indian answered; "on the contrary, -I have a long ride to make this very night." - -"A long ride!" the adventurer exclaimed; "iCaray! It is the same case -with me, and as I know no better preservative against the night cold -than mezcal, that is why I meant to empty the bottle before mounting. -If your inclinations lie the same way, it is at your service." - -We will allow that the asistente hesitated. - -"Have you also a ride to take?" he asked. - -"Yes, and I suspect that yours is as long as mine: well, I am going a -long distance; what direction do you follow?" - -"The captain sends me to Arispe," the bandit answered, boldly. - -"Why, how singular that is! We shall follow the same road." - -"That is indeed strange. Well, is it settled?--Will you drink the -stirrup-cup with me?" - -"Upon due reflection, I see no harm in it." - -"Let us make haste, then," the brigand continued, for he feared lest -the captain might catch him with his asistente; "we have no time to -lose." - -For reasons best known to himself, the adventurer left the Indian at -the house door, bidding him bring his horse to Cospeto's rancho, where -he would join him in a few minutes, and they would set out on their -journey together. Kidd merely wanted to warn the mesonero, with whom he -had lodged the bailiff, not to let him go away on any excuse--"Watch -him closely, and at the slightest suspicious movement go and inform -Captain Don Marcos Niza"--who, for reasons connected with the public -safety, did not wish to let these strangers out of sight. The mesonero -promised to carry out his instructions faithfully; and, re-assured on -this point, the adventurer fetched his horse from the corral, and went -to join the Opatas at Senor Cospeto's rancho, as had been agreed on. -On reaching the inn by one street, to his great satisfaction he saw -the orderly arriving by another, mounted, and ready to start. The two -friends entered the rookery to which we have already conducted the -reader. - -The adventurer honourably kept his word: not only did he order a bottle -of mezcal, but at the same time one of excellent Catalonian refino. -The Indian's prudence was entirely routed by such generosity; the -more so because he had no reason to distrust the bandit, with whom he -had already made several excursions, and regarded him as an excellent -comrade. Kidd, in order to avoid any doubts on the part of his comrade, -was careful not to ask him any questions; he merely poured him out -glass after glass, and when the bottles were empty, the Indian had -drunk the greater part of their contents, as Kidd desired to retain his -coolness. When they had finished, the bandit rose, paid the score, and -called for another bottle of refino. - -"This is for the road," he said. - -"An excellent idea," remarked the asistente, whose eyes flashed like -carbuncles, and who was beginning to have a very vague notion of the -state of affairs. They left the rancho, and mounted their horses. -Kidd was rather anxious as to how he should get out of the rancho, as -he had no pass of any sort; for if it were difficult to get into the -Real de Minas, it was quite as much to get out of it. Luckily, for the -adventurer, Isidro's pass was in perfect order, and when he showed it -at the gate, where he was perfectly well known to all the soldiers on -duty, he said, pointing to Kidd, "This caballero goes with me." The -soldiers, aware that Isidro was the confidential man of the captain, -did not offer the slightest difficulty, but allowed them to pass, and -wished them a lucky journey. When the adventurer found himself in -the open country he drew a deep breath of relief, as he gave his too -confiding comrade a sarcastic glance. - -"Now," he said, "we must take the shortest road, in order to arrive -sooner." - -"What, are there two roads?" Isidro asked. - -"There are ten," Kidd replied coolly; "but the shortest runs almost in -a right line, and passes close to the Hacienda del Toro." - -"Let us take that, then." - -"Why that more than another?" - -"Because I am going to the hacienda." - -"Ah," the adventurer said, pleasantly, "let us take a drink, and -start." Uncorking the bottle, he took a pull, and then handed it to his -companion, who imitated him, with an evident expression of pleasure. - -"You say, then," Kidd resumed, as he smacked his lips, "That you are -going to the Hacienda del Toro?" - -"Yes, I am." - -"It is a good house, and most hospitable." - -"Do you know it?" - -"iCaray! I should think so. The majordomo is my intimate friend. What -happy days I have spent with that excellent Senor Paredes!" - -"Since it is your road, why not call there with me as you are certain -of a kind reception?" - -"I do not say I will not; I suppose you are going to ask the Marquis -for some men, as soldiers are scarce at the pueblo?" - -"I do not think that is the case. Don Hernando has already authorized -the captain to enlist his miners, and the peons left him he will need -to defend the hacienda in the event of an attack." - -"That is true; besides, it is no business of mine. Let every man have -his own secrets." - -"Oh, I do not think there is any great secret in the matter: the -captain is a near relation of the Marquis; they often write to each -other, and the letter I am ordered to deliver will only refer, I -expect, to family matters and private interests." - -"That is probable; the more so, because it is said that the Marquis's -affairs are in a very bad state at present." - -"So it is said; but I have heard that they are about to be settled." - -"iCaray! I wish it with all my heart, for it is a pity to see one of -the oldest families of the province reduced. Suppose we drink the -health of the Marquis?" - -"With pleasure." - -The bottle was hugged for the second time by the two companions. A -man may be an Opatas Indian, that is to say, of herculean stature, -with a breast arched like a tortoiseshell; but he cannot swallow with -impunity such a prodigious quantity of alcohol as Isidro had absorbed -without beginning to feel intoxicated. The asistente, strong though he -was, tottered on his horse: his eyes began to close, and his tongue to -grow thick. But, excited as he was by liquor, the more difficulty he -experienced in speaking the more he wanted to do so. The adventurer -eagerly followed the progress of his comrade's intoxication, while -careful not to let him see that he was aware of his condition. - -"Yes, yes," the Indian continued, "the affairs of the Marquis might -easily be arranged sooner than is supposed, comrade." - -"With his name it cannot be difficult for him to procure money." - -"Nonsense! That is not the point, and I know what I know." - -"Exactly, Senor Isidro; and as what you know may be a secret, I will -not urge you to tell it me." - -"Did I say that it was a secret?" the Indian objected. - -"No, but I suppose so." - -"You are wrong to suppose so; and, besides, you are my friend, are you -not?" - -"I believe so," the adventurer answered, modestly. - -"Well, if you are my friend, I have nothing to conceal from you." - -"That is true; still, if you consider it your duty to hold your -tongue--" - -"Hold my tongue! Why so? Have you any pretence to silence me?" - -"I? Heaven forbid, and the proof is, here's your health." - -The Indian began laughing. - -"That is what is called an unanswerable argument," he said, as -he placed the bottle to his lips and threw back his head, as if -contemplating the stars. - -He remained in this position till all the remaining liquor had passed -down his throat. - -"Ah!" he said, with an accent of regret, "It was good." - -"What do you mean?" Kidd exclaimed, with pretended surprise; "Is there -none left?" - -"I do not think so," the Indian remarked, with a drunkard's gravity; -"it is a pity that these bottles are so small." - -And with that he threw it into the road. - -"I agree with you that the rancheros are robbers." - -"Yes," said the asistente, with a hiccough, "robbers; but soon--we -shall drink as much as we like." - -"Eh, eh, that will not be unpleasant; but where will it be?" - -"Where? Why, at the Hacienda del Toro." - -"Yes, they never refuse a draught of mezcal to an honest man in that -house." - -"Nonsense, a draught! You are jesting, comrade; whole bottles would -be nearer the truth. Besides, do you fancy the Marquis will look into -matters so closely at his daughter's marriage." - -"What?" - -"Where on earth do you come from, that you are ignorant of that? -Nothing else is spoken of in the country." - -"It is the first I have heard of it." - -"Well, all the better; I will tell you. Dona Marianna, a pretty girl, -caray, is going to marry a senator, no one less." - -The adventurer suddenly pricked up his ears. - -"A senator?" he repeated. - -"This seems to surprise you. Why should not a pretty girl marry a -senator? I consider you a curious comrade to doubt my word." - -"I do not doubt it." - -"Yes, you do; ugly brute that you are." - -The intoxication of the Opatas was at its height. Excited even more by -the horse's gallop and the adventurer's artfully managed contradiction, -Isidro felt passion mount to his head. The intoxication of Indians is -horrible: they become raving madmen; their heated brain gives birth -to the strangest hallucinations, and under the influence of spirits -they are capable of the greatest crimes. The bandit was aware of all -these peculiarities, by which he hoped to profit; he had drawn from -the Indian all that he wanted to learn from him; he had squeezed him -like a lemon, and now only wanted to throw away the peel. We need -hardly say that at this hour of the night the road the two travellers -were following was completely deserted, and that Kidd did not fear -any overlookers of what he intended doing. They were riding at this -moment along the course of a small stream, a confluent of the Rio Bravo -del Norte, whose wooded banks afforded sufficient concealment. The -adventurer made his horse bound on one side, and drawing his machete, -exclaimed-- - -"Brute yourself, you drunken Opatas!" At the same moment he dealt the -poor follow such a sudden blow that he fell off his horse like a log. -But he rose to his feet tottering, and though stunned by the attack, -and seriously wounded, he drew his sabre, and rushed on the bandit with -a yell of fury. But the latter was on his guard; he attentively watched -his enemy's movements, and urged his horse forwards. The Indian, thrown -down by the animal's chest, rolled on the ground where he lay without -stirring. Was he dead? Kidd supposed so; but the bandit was a very -prudent man, Indians are crafty, and this death might be a feint. Kidd -therefore watched quietly a few paces from his victim, for he was in no -hurry. - -A quarter of an hour elapsed, and the Indian had not made a movement. -Reassured by this complete immobility, the bandit resolved to dismount -and go up to him. All at once the Opatas rose; with a tiger leap he -bounded on the adventurer, twined his arms round him, and the two -men rolled on the ground, uttering savage yells, and trying to take -each other's life. It was a short but horrible struggle. The Opatas, -in spite of his wounds, derived a factitious strength from the fury -that animated him and the excitement produced by intoxication, which -was heightened by his ardent desire to take revenge for the cowardly -treachery of which he was the victim. - -Unhappily, the efforts he was compelled to make opened his wounds, -and his blood flowed in streams; and with his blood he felt his -life departing. He made a supreme effort to strangle the miserable -adventurer in his clenched fingers; but the latter, by a sudden and -cleverly calculated movement, succeeded in liberating himself from -the Indian's iron grasp. He rose quickly, and at the moment when the -asistente recovered from his surprise, and prepared to renew the fight, -Kidd; raised his machete, and cleft the poor fellow's head. - -"Dog! Accursed dog!" he yelled. - -The Indian remained on his feet for a moment, tottering from right to -left; he took a step forward with outstretched arms, and then fell with -his face to the ground and the death rattle in his throat. This time he -was really dead. - -"Well," Kidd muttered, as he thrust his machete several times into -the ground, in order to remove the blood, "that was tough work; these -demons of Indians must be killed twice to make sure they do not -recover. What is to be done now?" - -He reflected for a few moments; then walked up to the corpse, turned -it over, and opened the breast of the uniform to obtain the letter. -He had no difficulty in finding it; he placed it in his own pocket, -and then stripped his victim, on the chance that he might want to use -his uniform. But two things troubled him: the first was the soldier's -horse; the second, his bag. The horse he made no attempt to seize; so -soon as its master was wounded, the animal started off at a gallop into -the wood; and as it would have been madness to try and find it on so -dark a night, the adventurer did not attempt it. Still the flight of -the horse alarmed him. Any person who found it would take it back to -the pueblo, and then suspicions would be aroused which might soon be -fixed on him, although he felt almost certain that the soldiers who saw -him leave the town with the asistente had not recognized him; but his -absence from the pueblo would appear suspicious to the captain, who was -acute, and as he knew Kidd so well, would not hesitate to accuse him. - -The affair was embarrassing; but luckily for him, the adventurer was a -man of resources. Any other person would have fastened a stone to the -body, and thrown it into the stream, but the bandit carefully avoided -that. Such an expeditious method, while getting rid of the victim, -would only have increased the suspicions; besides water is not a good -keeper of secrets; one day or another the body would rise perhaps to -the surface, and then the nature of the wounds would reveal the hand -that dealt them. Kidd hit upon a more simple or sure plan, or at least -he thought so. With horrible coolness he scalped the corpse, and threw -the scalp into the stream, after rolling it round a large stone; this -first profanation accomplished, he made a cross cut on the victim's -chest, plucked out his heart, which he also threw into the river, and -then plaiting together a few flexible lianas, he formed a cord, which -he fastened to the feet of the corpse, and hung it from the main branch -of a tree. - -"There!" he said, with satisfaction, when the horrible task was -completed, "That is all right, caray! I am ready to wager my share of -paradise with the first comer that the cleverest people will be taken -in. The Indians are in the field at this very moment, and hang me if -everyone will not be convinced that this drunken scoundrel was scalped -by the Apaches." - -In fact, all the hideous mutilating which this villain has made his -victim undergo is employed by the Indian bravos upon their enemies. -Frightful though the deed was, Kidd consequently, in the impossibility -he found of disposing of the body, had employed the best mode in which -to divert suspicion. - -Before leaving the scene of the murder, the bandit carefully washed the -soldier's clothes, and removed any blood stains from his own; then, -after assuring himself by a searching glance that there was nothing -to denounce the crime of which he had been guilty, he whistled up his -horse, and mounted, after carefully fastening the soldier's uniform -behind him. He rolled a cigarette, lit it, and set out again, with -the satisfaction of a man who had just succeeded in a most important -affair, which had caused him great anxiety. - -It was somewhat by chance that Kidd originally told the asistente that -he was proceeding to Arispe; but the discovery of the letter, and -the soldier's confidential remarks, had converted this chance into -certainty. The bandit had discovered, amid all poor Isidro's drunken -maundering, one leading idea, and scented a profitable stroke of -business. He comprehended of what importance it would be to Don Rufino -to be informed of all that was going on at the pueblo at the Hacienda -del Toro, that he might be able to arrange his plans with certainty. -Consequently, the adventurer resolved to ride at full speed to Arispe, -determined to make the senator pay dearly for the news he brought, -while making a mental reservation, with that adventurous logic he was -so skilful in, to betray Don Rufino on the first opportunity, if his -own interests demanded that painful sacrifice of him. All this being -thoroughly settled in his mind, the bandit started at full speed in the -direction of Arispe, which city he reached by sunrise. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -TWO VILLAINS. - - -As Kidd was well known, he easily obtained admission to the town; -but when he had passed the gates, he reflected that it was too early -for him to call on the senator, who would still be asleep. Hence he -proceeded straight to a rancho he knew, a suspicious den, the usual -gathering place of fellows of his sort, where he was certain of a -hearty welcome by payment. In fact, the ranchero, who on first seeing -him assumed an ill-omened grimace, greeted him with the most agreeable -smile when he flashed before his eyes some piastres and gold coins. - -The adventurer entered the rancho, left his horse in the corral, and -immediately began to arrange his toilette, which was as a general rule -neglected, but which his struggle with the asistente and his hurried -ride had rendered more disorderly than usual; and then waited, smoking -and drinking, for the hour to arrive when he should pay his respects to -Don Rufino. - -The ranchero, who was thoroughly acquainted with his man and his -habits, prowled round him in vain to try and sound him and learn the -causes of his appearance in Arispe, where, for certain reasons the -police did not care to see him. This rendered his journeys to that town -rather few and far between; for the police there, as elsewhere, are -very troublesome to a certain class of citizens. But vainly did the -ranchero try all his cleverest ruses, his most delicate insinuations; -Kidd only answered his questions by insignificant phrases, crafty -smiles and winks; but in the end he remained perfectly impenetrable, a -want of confidence by which the ranchero was greatly insulted, and he -swore to himself to be avenged on the bandit for it some day. - -When the Cabildo clock struck nine, Kidd thought it was time to be off; -he rose, majestically threw a piastre on the table in payment of his -score, wrapped his zarape round him, and left the house. - -"Whom can he have assassinated to be so rich?" the ranchero asked -himself, as he cunningly watched him depart. - -A reflection which proved that the worthy ranchero was well acquainted -with his man. - -Kidd felt he was watched, and hence carefully avoided going straight to -the senator's house; on the contrary, affecting the careless demeanour -of a lounger, he set out in the diametrically opposite direction. The -adventurer then walked about the town for half an hour, while carefully -avoiding the more frequented streets, for fear of attracting attention -on himself; thus he gradually approached the senator's mansion, and -hurriedly slipped under the zaguan, after assuring himself by a glance -all around that no one had seen him enter. - -"Halloa, you fellow!" a voice suddenly shouted to him, making him start -and stop; "Where the deuce are you going like that? And what do you -want here?" The adventurer raised his eyes, and saw an individual of a -certain age, easily to be recognized as a domestic by his clothing, who -was standing in the hall door, and resolutely barring his way. - -"What do I want?" the bandit repeated, to give himself time to seek an -answer. - -"Yes, what do you want? That is clear enough, I suppose?" - -"iCaray! It is clear; what can I want except to see his Excellency, -Senator Don Rufino Contreras?" - -"Excellent," the other said, derisively; "and do you suppose his -Excellency will receive you without knowing who you are?" - -"And why not, if you please, senor?" - -"Because you do not look like drawing room company." - -"Do you think so?" the bandit said, haughtily. - -"Why, that is plain enough; you much more resemble a lepero than a -caballero." - -"You are not polite, my good fellow; what you say may be correct, -but the remark is uncalled for; patched clothes often conceal very -honourable caballeros, and if I have been ill treated by fortune, that -is no reason why you should throw it in my teeth so sharply." - -"Enough of this, and be off." - -"I shall not stir till I have seen the senator." - -The manservant gave him a side look, which the other endured with -imperturbable coolness. - -"Do you mean that?" he asked him. - -"I really do." - -"For the last time, I order you to be gone," the valet went on, -menacingly. - -"Take care of what you are doing, comrade; I have to talk with the -senor, and he is expecting me." - -"Expecting you?" - -"Yes, me!" the scoundrel answered, majestically. The servant shrugged -his shoulders contemptuously: still he reflected, and asked with a more -conciliatory tone than he had yet employed--"Your name?" - -"You do not want to know it; merely tell your master that I have just -come from the Hacienda del Toro." - -"If that is the case, why did you not tell me so before?" - -"Probably because you did not ask me. Go and announce me to your -master; you have kept me waiting too long already." - -The domestic went off without replying, and Kidd took advantage of his -departure to instal himself in the vestibule. For a hundred reasons -he did not like the vicinity of the street, and he was glad to be no -longer exposed to the curious glances of passers-by. The absence of the -servant was not long, and when he returned, his manner was entirely -changed. - -"Caballero," he said, with a bow, "if you will do me the honour of -following me, his Excellency is waiting for you." - -"Fellow! Too insolent before, too humble now," the adventurer said, -crushing him with a contemptuous glance; "show the way." - -And, laughing in his beard, he followed the footman, who was red with -anger and shame at this haughty reprimand. - -Mexican houses, except in the great cities, are ordinarily built but -one story high; they are generally very slightly constructed, owing -to the earthquakes, which are extremely frequent in intertropical -countries, and destroy in a few seconds towns, and entirely ruin them. -The result of this mode of building is that nearly all the apartments -are on the ground floor; and then there are no staircases to ascend -or descend, which, in our opinion, is very agreeable. The adventurer -remarked with some degree of pleasure that the valet led him through -several rooms before reaching the one in which the senator was sitting; -at length he turned the handle of the door, threw it open, and stepped -aside to let the bandit pass. The latter walked in boldly, like a man -certain of a hearty reception. - -"Ah!" said the senator, starting slightly at seeing him, "It is you." - -"Yes," he replied, with a graceful bow. - -"Retire," Don Rufino said to the valet; "I am not at home to anyone, -and do not come in till I call you." The valet bowed, went out, and -closed the door behind him. As if by common accord, the two stood -silently listening till the valet's footsteps died away in the -distance; then, without saying a word, Kidd threw open the folding -doors. - -"Why do you do that?" Don Rufino asked him. - -"Because we have to talk about serious matters; the _tapetes_ spread -over the floors of your rooms deaden footsteps, and your servant has an -excellent spy's face." - -The senator made no remark; he doubtless recognised the correctness of -his singular visitor's argument. - -"It is you then, bandit," he said at last. - -"I fancy I can notice that you did not expect me?" - -"I confess it; I will even add that I did not in the slightest desire -your visit." - -"You are very forgetful of your friends, Don Rufino, and it makes me -feel sorry for you," the bandit answered, with a contrite air. - -"What do you mean, scoundrel, by daring to use such language to me?" - -Kidd shrugged his shoulders, drew up a butaca, and fell into it with a -sigh of relief. - -"I must observe," he said, with the most imperturbable coolness, "that -you forgot to offer me a chair." - -Then, crossing one leg over the other, he began rolling a cigarette, -a task to which he gave the most serious attention. The senator -frowningly examined the adventurer; for this bandit to dare assume such -a tone with him, he must have very powerful weapons in his hands, or be -the bearer of news of the highest importance. In either case he must be -humoured. Don Rufino immediately softened the expression of his face, -and handed the adventurer a beautifully chased gold mechero. - -"Pray, light your cigarette, my dear Kidd," he said, with a pleasant -smile. - -The bandit took the mechero, and examined it with admiration. - -"Ah!" he exclaimed, with a splendidly feigned regret, "I have dreamed -for years that I possessed such a toy, but, unluckily, fortune has ever -thwarted me." - -"If it please you so much," Don Rufino answered, with a mighty effort, -"I shall be delighted to make you a present of it." - -"You are really most generous. Believe me, senor, that any present -coming from you will always be most precious in my eyes." - -And, after lighting his cigarette, he unceremoniously placed the -mechero in his pocket. - -"Of course your visit Has an object?" the senator said, after a -moment's interval. - -"They always have, senor," the other answered, as he enveloped himself -in a cloud of blue smoke, which issued from his nose and mouth; "the -first was to see you." - -"I thank you for the politeness; but I do not think that is sufficient -reason for forcing your way in here." - -"Forcing is rather a harsh word, senor," the bandit said, sorrowfully; -but he suddenly changed his tone, and assumed his usual sharp, quick -way. "Come, Don Rufino, let us deal fairly, and not waste our time in -compliments which neither of us believes." - -"I wish nothing better; speak, then, and the plague take you." - -"Thank you. I prefer that mode of speech, for at least I recognise you. -I am about to give you an example of frankness; I have come, not to -propose a bargain, but to sell you certain information, and a letter of -the utmost importance to you, which I obtained--no matter how--solely -on your account." - -"Good; let us see whether I can accept the bargain." - -"In the first place, allow me to say two words, so as to thoroughly -establish our reciprocal position. Our situation has greatly changed -during the last few days; I no longer fear you, but you, on the -contrary, are afraid of me." - -"I afraid of you?" - -"Yes, senor, because I hold your secret, and you can no longer threaten -to kill me, as you did at our last interview." - -"Oh! Oh! And why not, if you please?" the senator asked. - -"Because we are alone, you are unarmed, I am stronger than you, and -at your slightest movement would blow out your brains like those of -a wild beast. Do you now comprehend me, my dear sir?" he added, as he -drew a brace of pistols from under his zarape; "what do you think of -these playthings?" - -"They are tolerably good, I should fancy," the senator replied, coldly; -"and what do you say to these?" he added, as he uncovered a brace of -magnificent pistols hidden under the papers scattered over the table at -which he was seated. - -"They are detestable." - -"Why so?" - -"Because you would not dare use them." - -The senator smiled ironically. - -"Laugh, if you like, my master; I like best to see you treat the -matter in that way; but I repeat that you are in my power this time, -instead of my being in yours. I have delivered to Captain Don Marcos -Niza certain papers, which, were they opened by him, might, I fear, -gravely compromise you: there is one among them, the tenor of which -is as follows:--'I, the undersigned, declare that my valet, Lupino -Contrarias, has treacherously assassinated and deserted me in a -frightful desert, and there plundered me of everything I possessed, -consisting of two mules laden with gold dust, and two thousand three -hundred gold ounces in current money. On the point of appearing before -my God, and not hoping to survive my wounds, I denounce this wretch, -etc. etc. Signed--.' Shall I tell the name of the signer? But what is -the matter with you, my dear sir? Do you feel ill? You are as pale as a -corpse." - -In truth, on hearing the narrative, which the bandit told with a -species of complacency, the senator was seized with such a violent fit -of terror, that for a moment he was on the point of fainting. - -"It is extraordinary," the bandit continued, "how nothing can be -trusted to in this world. Just take the case of this excellent Lupino, -who had arranged a most delicious trap in the adroitest manner: for -more surety, he waited till they were on the other side of the Indian -border, at a spot where not a soul passes once in two years; he fires -his pistols point blank into his master's back, and goes off, of course -taking with him the fortune so honourably acquired. Well, fatality -decrees that the master whom he had every reason for believing dead is -not quite so; he has time to take out his tablets, and write in pencil -a perfectly regular denunciation, and then this demon of a fatality, -which never does things by halves, brings to these parts a hunter, -who picks up the tablets. It is enough to make a man turn honest, -deuce take me if it is not, had he not quite made up his mind to the -contrary." - -During this long harangue the senator had time to recover from the -shock, and regain his coolness. By a supreme effort of the will he had -restored calmness to his face, and forced his lips to smile. - -"iCaray!" he said, with a laugh that resembled gnashing of teeth, "that -is a wonderful story, and admirably arranged. Permit me, dear senor, to -congratulate you on your inventive faculty; it is charming, on my word. -But who on earth do you expect to believe such a story?" - -"You, first of all, senor, for you know the truth of the story better -than anybody." - -"Nonsense! You are mad, upon my honour." - -"Not quite so mad as you fancy, for the proofs are in my hands." - -"I do not say they are not; but admitting the reality of the facts you -allege, they took place a long time ago; this Lupino Contrarias has -disappeared; he is dead, perhaps: as for his master, the pistols were -too well loaded to give him a chance of escape. Who takes any interest -in a dead man--especially in our country?" - -"How do you know that the weapons were so carefully loaded?" - -"I suppose so." - -"Suppositions are always the plague in business matters. Between -ourselves, do you think it would be so difficult to find this Lupino -Contrarias in Rufino Contreras? I think not." - -The senator felt his face flush involuntarily. - -"Senor," he said, "such an insinuation--" - -"Has nothing that needs offend you," Kidd interrupted him, calmly; "it -is a supposition, nothing more; now, continuing our suppositions, let -us admit for a moment that this master, whom his valet is persuaded he -killed, should be, on the contrary, alive and--" - -"Oh, that is quite impossible." - -"Do not interrupt me so, senor. And, I say, were to lay his hand on -his valet's shoulder, as I lay mine on yours, and assert, 'This is my -assassin!' what answer would you give to that?" - -"I--I!" the senator exclaimed, wildly; "What answer should I give?" - -"You would give none," the bandit continued, as he took and thrust into -his belt the pistols which the senator, in his trouble, had let fall; -"overcome by the evidence, and crushed by the very presence of your -victim, you would be irretrievably lost." - -There was a second of horrible silence between these two men, who -looked at each other as if about to have a frightful contest. At length -the senator's emotion was calmed by its very violence; he passed his -hand over his damp forehead, and, drawing himself up to his full -height, said, sharply-- - -"After this, what would you of me?" - -"I am waiting to hear your resolution before I offer any conditions." - -Don Rufino Contreras remained for some minutes plunged in deep thought. -Kidd watched him attentively, ready to make use of his weapons if -he saw the senator attempt any suspicious movement; but the latter -did not even dream of it. Annihilated by the adventurer's staggering -revelation, he looked round him wildly, racking his mind in vain to -discover some way of escape from the terrible dilemma in which he was -placed. At length he raised his head, and looked the bandit fiercely in -the face. - -"Well, yes," he said to him resolutely, "all that you have narrated -is true. I cowardly assassinated, to rob him of his fortune, the man -who offered me a helping hand in my misery, and treated me as a friend -rather than a servant. But this fortune, however badly it may have -been acquired, I possess; by its means I have acquired a position in -the world; by roguery and falsehood I have succeeded in imposing on -everybody; I have rank and a name; and death alone could make me resign -this position, so hardly attained. Now that I have spoken frankly -with you, it is your turn to do the same. Tell me the conditions you -intend to impose on me, and if they are fair, I will accept them; if -not, whatever the consequences may be, I shall refuse them. Take care, -for I am not the man to remain at the mercy of a villain like you; -sooner than accept so horrible a situation I would denounce myself, and -drag you down in my fall. Reflect carefully, then, before answering -me, comrade, for my proposition is in earnest. Once the bargain is -concluded between us, we will say no more about it. I give you ten -minutes to answer me." - -This clear and categorical proposal affected the bandit more than he -liked to show. He understood that he had to do with one of those -indomitable men who, once they have made their mind up, never alter -it. The adventurer had nothing to gain by ruining Don Rufino, on the -contrary; moreover, that never entered into his plan: he hoped to -terrify him, and had succeeded; and now the only thing to be done by -these two men, so well suited to understand each other, since they had -frankly settled facts, was to attack the pecuniary question, and treat -it as skilfully as they could; Kidd, therefore prepared to begin the -assault. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -A FRIENDLY BARGAIN. - - -Don Rufino, with his head resting on his right hand, was carelessly -playing with a paper knife, and patiently waiting till his visitor -thought proper to speak. This affected indifference perplexed the -adventurer: men of Kidd's species instinctively distrust all that does -not appear to them natural, and he felt embarrassed by this coolness, -for which he could not account, and which he feared might contain a -snare. At length he suddenly broke the silence. - -"Before all, Don Rufino," he said, "I must tell you the motives of my -visit." - -"I do not at all care about them," the senator answered, negligently; -"still, if you think my knowledge of them may be useful, pray let me -hear them." - -"I think that when you have heard me, you will change your opinion, -senor, and recognise the importance of the service I propose to do you." - -"That is possible, and I do not deny it," the senator said, ironically; -"but you will allow, my dear Senor Kidd, that you interfere so -thoroughly in my affairs, that it is difficult for me to decide, among -all the combinations your mind takes pleasure in forming, whether your -intentions are good or bad." - -"You shall judge." - -"Pray speak, then." - -"I will tell you, in the first place, that a certain Alguacil, Don -Parfindo Purro by name, arrived yesterday at the pueblo of Quitovar." - -"Very good," the senator answered, looking fixedly at the bandit. - -"Now, I do not know how it is, but the bailiff had scarce reached the -pueblo ere by some strange fatality, Captain de Niza was informed of -his arrival." - -"Only think of that," the senator remarked, ironically; "ever that -fatality of which you now spoke to me; it is really being the plaything -of misfortune." - -In spite of the strong dose of effrontery with which nature had endowed -him, the adventurer felt involuntarily troubled. - -Don Rufino continued, with a light laugh-- - -"And still, through this implacable fatality, the captain was not only -informed of the arrival of this worthy Don Parfindo, but also of the -reasons that brought him." - -"How do you know that?" Kidd exclaimed, with pretended surprise. - -"Oh, I guess it, that is all," the senator replied, with a slight shrug -of his shoulders; "but go on, pray; what you tell me is beginning to -become most interesting." - -The bandit went on with imperturbable coolness. - -"As you are aware, the captain is a relation of the Marquis de Moguer." - -"Yes, and a very near relation." - -"Hence he did not hesitate, but at once sent off a messenger to the -Hacienda del Toro, carrying a letter in which he probably gave the -most circumstantial details about the bailiff, and the mission he is -charged with." - -At this revelation, Don Rufino suddenly doffed the mask of indifference -he had assumed, and smote the table fiercely with his fist. - -"Ah, that letter!" he exclaimed, "That letter! I would give its weight -in gold for it." - -"Very well, senor," the bandit remarked, with a smile; "as I am anxious -to prove to you the honesty of my intentions, I give it you for -nothing." - -He took the letter from his pocket, and handed it to the senator; the -latter bounded on it like a tiger on its prey, and tore it from Kidd's -hands. - -"Gently, gently; be good enough to remark that the seal is not broken, -and that, as the letter has not yet been opened, I am naturally -ignorant of its contents." - -"That is true," the senator muttered, as he turned it over and over; "I -thank you for your discretion, senor." - -"You are most kind," Kidd replied, with a bow. - -"But," the senator continued, "how did this letter, addressed to Don -Hernando de Moguer, fall into your hands?" - -"Oh, very simply," the other replied, lightly; "just fancy that the man -the captain selected to carry his missive was a friend of mine. As I -intended to pay you a visit at Arispe, and as I felt grieved at seeing -this man traverse such a dangerous road alone by night, I offered to -accompany him, and he consented. I do not know how it occurred, but on -the road we began quarrelling. In short, without any evil intentions -on my part, I declare to you, in the heat of the argument I gave him a -blow on the head with my machete, so well dealt that he was compelled -to die. It grieved me deeply, but there was no remedy; and as I was -afraid lest the letter might get into bad hands, I carried it off. That -is the whole story." - -"It is really most simple," Don Rufino remarked, with a smile, and -broke the seal. - -Kidd discreetly sat down again in his butaca, in order to leave the -senator at liberty to peruse this despatch, which seemed to interest -him greatly. He read it through with the utmost attention, and then let -his head hang on his chest, and fell into deep thought. - -"Well," the adventurer at length asked, "is the news that letter -conveys so very bad, that it must entirely absorb you?" - -"The news is of the utmost importance to me, senor; still, I ask myself -for what purpose you seized it?" - -"Why, to do you a service, it strikes me." - -"That is all very well; but, between ourselves, you had another object." - -The bandit burst into a laugh. - -"Did I not tell you that I wish to make a bargain?" - -"That is true; but I am awaiting a full explanation from you." - -"That is very difficult, senor." - -"I admit that it is; well, I will put you at your ease." - -"I wish for nothing better." - -"I will offer you the bargain you do not like to propose." - -"I see that you are beginning to understand me, and that, between the -pair of us, we shall come to something." - -"You are not rich," the senator remarked, frankly approaching the point. - -"I am forced to confess that I am not actually rolling in wealth," he -answered, with an ironical glance at his more than ragged attire. - -"Well, if you like I will make you a rich man at one stroke." - -"What do you mean by rich, senor?" the bandit asked, distrustfully. - -"I mean to put you in possession of a sum which will not only protect -you from want, but also allow you to indulge your fancy, while living -honestly." - -"Honesty is a virtue only within reach of those who can spend money -without wanting it," the adventurer remarked sententiously. - -"Be it so; I will render you rich, to use your language." - -"It will cost a good deal," Kidd answered, impudently, "for I have very -peculiar tastes." - -"I dare say; but no matter. I have in Upper California a hacienda, of -which I will hand you the title deeds this very day." - -"Hum!" said Kidd, thrusting out his upper lip contemptuously; "Is the -hacienda a fine one?" - -"Immense; covered with ganado and manadas of wild horses; it is -situated near the sea." - -"That is something, I allow; but that is not wealth." - -"Wait a minute." - -"I am waiting." - -"I will add to this hacienda a round sum of one hundred thousand -piastres in gold." - -The bandit's eyes were dazzled. - -"What," he said, rising as if moved by a spring, and turning pale with -joy, "did you say--one hundred thousand?" - -"Yes, I repeat," the senator continued, internally satisfied with the -effect he had produced; "do you think that with such a sum as that it -is possible to be honest?" - -"_iViva Cristo!_ I should think so!" he exclaimed, gleefully. - -"It only depends on yourself to possess it within a week." - -"Oh, yes, I understand; there is a condition. iCaray! It must be very -hard for me to refuse it." - -"This is the condition; listen to me, and, above all, understand me -thoroughly." - -"iCaray! I should think I would listen; a hacienda and one hundred -thousand piastres--I should be a fool to refuse them." - -"You must not impede my prospects in any way; allow me to espouse Dona -Marianna, and on the day of the marriage hand me the tablets which you -took from the gentleman so unhappily assassinated by his valet." - -"Very well. Is that all?" - -"Not yet." - -"Very good; go on." - -"I insist that when you deliver me the tablets, you will supply proof -that the writer is really dead." - -"iCaray! That will be difficult." - -"That does not concern me; it is your business." - -"That is true; and how long will you give me for that?" - -"Eight days." - -"_iCuerpo de Cristo!_ It is not enough; the man is not so easily to be -taken unawares." - -"Yes; but once that he is dead, you will be rich." - -"I know that, and it is a consideration. No matter; caray! It will be a -tough job, and I shall risk my hide." - -"You can take it or leave it." - -"I take it, _viva Cristo!_ I take it. Never shall I find again such a -chance to become an honest man." - -"Then that matter is quite settled between us?" - -"Most thoroughly; you can set your mind at rest." - -"Very good; but as you may change your mind someday, and feel an -inclination to betray me--" - -"Oh, senor, what an idea!" - -"No one knows what may happen. You will at once sign a paper on which -these conditions will be fully detailed." - -"iCaray! What you ask is most compromising." - -"For both of us, as my proposals will be equally recorded." - -"But, in that case, what is the good of writing such a paper, as it -will compromise you as much as me?" - -"For the simple reason that if some day you feel inclined to betray -me, you cannot ruin me without ruining yourself, which will render you -prudent, and oblige you to reflect whenever a bad thought crosses your -brain." - -"Do you distrust me, senor?" - -"Have you any excessive confidence in me?" - -"That is different; I am only a poor scamp." - -"In one word, you will either accept the conditions I offer, or any -bargain between us will be impossible." - -"Still, supposing, senor, I were to use the paper I hold, as you employ -such language to me?" - -"You would not dare." - -"Not dare!" he exclaimed; "And pray why not?" - -"I do not know the motive; but I feel sure that if you could have used -that document, you would have done so long ago. I know you too well to -doubt it, Senor Kidd; it would be an insult to your intellect, whose -acuteness, on the contrary, it affords me pleasure to bear witness to. -Hence, believe me, senor, do not try to terrify me further with this -paper, or hold it to my chest like a loaded pistol, for you will do no -good. Your simplest plan will be to accept the magnificent offer I make -you." - -"Well, be it so, since you are so pressing," he replied; "I will do -what you ask, but you will agree with me that it is very hard." - -"Not at all; that is just where you make the mistake; I simply take a -guarantee against yourself, that is all." - -The adventurer was not convinced; still, the bait conquered him, and, -with a sigh of regret, he offered no further resistance. Don Rufino -immediately wrote down the conditions agreed on between the two men ---a sword of Damocles, which the senator wished to hold constantly in -suspense over the head of his accomplice, and which, if produced in -a court of justice, would irretrievably destroy them both. While the -senator was writing, the bandit sought for the means to escape this -formidable compromise, and destroy the man who forced it on him when he -had received the money. We should not like to assert that Don Rufino -had not the same idea. When the senator had concluded this strange deed -of partnership, which rendered them mutually responsible, and riveted -them more closely together than a chain would have done, he read in a -loud voice what he had written. - -"Now," he said, after reading, "have you any remark to offer?" - -"Deuce take the remarks!" the bandit exclaimed, roughly; "Whatever I -might say, you would make no alteration, so it is better to leave it as -it is." - -"That is my opinion, too--so sign; and to soften any painful effect it -may produce on you, I will give you one hundred ounces." - -"Very good," he replied, with a smile; and taking the pen from Don -Rufino's hand, he boldly placed his signature at the foot of this -document, which might cost him his life. But the promise of the -hundred ounces made him forget everything; and besides, Kidd was a -bit of a fatalist, and reckoned on chance to liberate him from his -accomplice ere long. - -When Kidd had signed with the greatest assurance, the senator sprinkled -gold dust over the paper, folded it, and placed it in his bosom. - -"And here," he said, as he thrust his hand into a coffer, "is the -promised sum." - -He piled the ounces on the table, and Kidd pocketed them with a smile -of pleasure. - -"You know that I am at your orders, and ready to obey you," he said; -"and, as a beginning, I restore you the pistols, which I no longer -require." - -"Thanks. Have you anything to detain you at Arispe?" - -"Not the slightest." - -"Then you would offer no objection to leaving the town?" - -"On the contrary, I intend to do so as soon as possible." - -"That is most fortunate; I will give you a letter for Senor Parfindo, -to whom I will ask you to deliver it immediately on your arrival." - -"Then you want to send me to the pueblo?" - -"Have you any repugnance to return there?" - -"Not the slightest; still, I shall not remain there on account of that -night's business." - -"Ah, yes, that is true, the soldier's death--take care." - -"Oh, I shall only remain at the pueblo just long enough to perform the -duty you entrust to me, and then leave it immediately." - -"That will be most prudent. But no, stay; upon reflection, I think it -will be better for you not to return to the Real de Minas. I will send -my letter by another person." - -"I prefer that. Have you any other order to give me?" - -"None; so you can do what you think proper: but remember that I expect -you in a week, and so act accordingly." - -"I shall not forget it, caray!" - -"In that case, I will not detain you. Good-bye." - -"Till we meet again, senor." - -The senator struck a gong, and the manservant appeared almost -immediately. Don Rufino and Kidd exchanged a side-glance. It was -evident that the criado, curious, like all servants, had listened at -the door, and tried to learn for what reason his master remained so -long shut up with a man of the adventurer's appearance; but, thanks to -the precautions Kidd had taken, even the sound of the voices, which -were purposely suppressed, did not reach him. - -"Show this caballero out," the senator said. - -The two men bowed for the last time, as if they were the best friends -in the world, and then separated. - -"Villain!" Don Rufino exclaimed, so soon as he was alone; "if ever I -can make you pay me for all the suffering you have forced on me today, -I will not spare you." - -And he passionately dashed down a splendid vase, which was unluckily -within his reach. - -For his part, the adventurer, while following the servant through -the apartment, indulged in reflections which were anything but rosy -coloured. - -"Hang it all!" he said to himself; "The affair has been hot. I believe -that I shall act wisely in distrusting my friend: the dear senor is far -from being tender-hearted, and if he has a chance of playing me an ill -turn he will not let it slip. I did act wrong to sign that accursed -paper; but, after all, what have I to fear? He is too much in danger to -try and set a trap for me; but for all, I will be prudent, for that can -do me no harm." - -When he had ended this soliloquy he found himself under the zaguan, -where the manservant took leave of him with a respectful bow. The -adventurer pulled his wide hat brim over his eyes, and departed. In -returning to the rancho he employed the same precautions he had used -in going to the senator's house, for he was not at all anxious to be -recognised and arrested by the Alguaciles; for, as we know, the streets -of the town, for certain reasons, were not at all healthy for him. -Kidd found the ranchero standing in his doorway, with straddled legs, -attentively surveying the approaches to his house. - -"Eh!" the host said, with a bow, "Back already?" - -"As you see, compadre; but let me have my breakfast at once, for I have -a deal to do." - -"Are you going to leave us already?" - -"I do not know; come, pray make haste." - -The ranchero served him without further questioning. The adventurer -made a hearty meal, paid liberally to appease his host's ill temper, -saddled his horse, and set out, without saying whether he should return -or not. A quarter of an hour later he was in the open country, and -inhaling with infinite pleasure the fresh, fragrant breeze that reached -him from the desert. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -THE HACIENDA DEL TORO. - - -We will now leap over an interval of a fortnight, and return to the -Hacienda del Toro; but before resuming our story we will cursorily -describe the events that occurred during this fortnight, in order to -make the reader thoroughly understand by what a strange concourse of -events accident brought all our characters face to face, and produced a -collision among them, from which an unforeseen _denouement_ issued. - -Dona Marianna, persuaded by Dona Esperanza, or, perhaps, unconsciously -attracted by the secret longings of her heart, had consented to remain -a couple of days with her. These days were occupied with pleasant -conversation, in which the maiden at length disclosed the secret which -she imagined to be buried in the remotest nook of her heart. Dona -Esperanza smiled with delight at this simple revelation of a love which -she already suspected, and which everything led her to encourage. - -Stronghand, for his part, had yielded to the magical fascination the -maiden exercised over him. Feeling himself beloved, his restraint and -coldness melted away to make room for an honest admiration. Carried -away by the feelings that agitated him, he displayed all the true -prudence and goodness contained in his character, which was, perhaps, -rather savage, but it was that loyal and powerful savageness which -pleases women, by creating in them a secret desire to conquer these -rebellious natures, and dominate them by their delicious seductions. -Women, as a general rule, owing to their very weakness, have always -liked to subdue energetic men, and those who are reputed indomitable; -for a woman is proud to be protected, and blushes when she is compelled -to defend the man whose name she bears. Contempt kills love. A woman -will never love a man except when she has the right to be proud of him, -and can say to him, "Spare foes too weak for you, and unworthy of your -anger." - -During the two days the young couple did not once utter the word love, -and yet they clearly explained it and no longer entertained a doubt as -to their mutual attachment. - -Still it was time to think about returning to the hacienda. It was -settled that Dona Marianna should inform her father about what she had -learned from Dona Esperanza, that she should not positively refuse Don -Rufino's hand, and quietly await events. - -"Take care," the maiden said, as she held out her hand to the hunter; -"my only hope is in you: if you fail in your plans I shall be left -alone defenceless, and death alone will remain to me, for I shall not -survive the loss of all my hopes." - -"Trust to me, Dona Marianna; I have staked my happiness and my life on -the terrible game I am preparing to play, and I feel convinced that I -shall win it." - -"I will pray to Heaven for both you and myself with such fervour, that -I feel confident my prayers will be granted." - -These words, with which the young people parted, were equivalent to a -mutual engagement. Dona Esperanza tenderly embraced the maiden. - -"Remember the legend," she said to her, and Dona Marianna replied with -a smile. - -The tigrero held the horses by the bridle. Stronghand and ten hunters -prepared to follow the travellers at a distance, in order to help them, -should it be necessary. The journey was performed in silence. Dona -Marianna was too much engaged in restoring some degree of order to her -thoughts, which were upset by what had happened during the two days she -spent among the hunters, to dream of saying a word to her companion; -while he, for his part, confounded by the way in which he had been -treated in camp, tried to explain the luxury and comfort which he had -never before witnessed in the desert, and which plunged him into a -state of amazement from which he could not recover. - -As Dona Marianna had expressed a wish to reach their journey's end as -quickly as possible, Mariano took a different road from that which he -had previously followed, and which ran to El Toro without passing by -the rancho. - -At about 3 p.m. they came in sight of the rock, and began scaling the -path, and then noticed the hunters, commanded by Stronghand, drawn up -in good order on the skirt of the forest. When the young lady reached -the first gate of the hacienda, the sound of a shot reached her ear, -and a white puff of smoke floating over the horsemen made her guess who -it was that had fired it. Dona Marianna waved her handkerchief in the -air. A second shot was fired, as if to show her that the signal was -seen, and then the hunters turned round and disappeared in the forest. -Dona Marianna entered the hacienda, and the first person she met was -Paredes. - -"_iValgame dios!_ nina," the worthy majordomo exclaimed; "Where have -you come from? The Marquis has been excessively anxious about you." - -"Does not my father know that I have been to pay a visit to my nurse?" - -"Your brother told him so, nina; but as your absence was so prolonged, -the Marquis was afraid that some accident had happened to you." - -"You see that it was not so, my good Paredes; so set your mind at rest, -and go and re-assure my father, to whom I shall be delighted to pay my -respects." - -"Don Hernando will be pleased at your return, nina; he is at this -moment engaged with Don Ruiz in inspecting the walls on the side of the -huerta, in order to make certain that they are in a sound condition for -we fear more and more an attack from the Indians." - -"In that case do not disturb my father, and I will go and rest in the -drawing room, for I am exhausted with fatigue; and when my father has -completed his inspection, you will inform him of my return. It is -unnecessary to importune him now." - -"Importune him!" exclaimed the honest majordomo, "Excuse me, senorita, -if I am not of your opinion on that head. _iViva dios!_ the Marquis -would not forgive me if I did not immediately inform him of your -return." - -"In that case, act as you think proper, my worthy Paredes." - -The majordomo, who had probably only been waiting for this permission, -ran off. - -"My dear Mariano," the young lady then said, addressing her foster -brother, "it is not necessary to tell what we have been doing during -our absence. Everybody must suppose that I have not quitted my nurse's -rancho; you understand, and I count on your discretion. When the time -arrives, I intend myself to inform my father of all that has occurred." - -"Enough, nina; you know that your wishes are orders for me. I will not -say a word--besides, it is no business of mine." - -"Very well, Mariano; now receive my sincere thanks for the services you -have rendered me." - -"You know that I am devoted to you, nina; I have merely done my duty, -and you have no occasion to thank me for that." - -The young lady offered him her hand with a smile, and entered her -apartments. The tigrero, when left alone, took the bridles of the two -horses, and led them to the corral, through the crowd of rancheros, -who, by the Marquis's orders, had sought refuge in the hacienda, and -had erected their jacales in all the courtyards. Dona Marianna was not -sorry to be alone for a few minutes, in order to have time to prepare -the conversation she intended to have with her father and brother, -whose difficulties she did not at all conceal from herself. - -The hacienda was very large, and hence, in spite of all his diligence, -it was not till he had spent half an hour in sterile search, that the -majordomo succeeded in finding his master. Don Hernando heard, with -a lively feeling of joy, of his daughter's return, and immediately -gave up his inspection in order to hurry to her. The more heavily -misfortune pressed upon the Marquis, the greater became the affection -he entertained for his children; he felt a necessity for resting on -them, and drawing more closely the family ties. When he entered, with -Don Ruiz, the room in which Dona Marianna was awaiting him, he opened -his arms and embraced her tenderly. - -"Naughty girl!" he exclaimed; "What mortal anxiety you have caused me! -Why did you remain so long absent in these troublous times?" - -"Forgive me, my dear father," the girl answered, as she returned his -caresses; "I incurred no danger." - -"Heaven be praised! But why did you stay away from us for three days." - -The young lady blushed. - -"Father," she answered, as she lavished on her parent those tender -blandishments of which girls so thoroughly possess the secret, "during -my entire absence I was only thinking of you." - -"Alas!" the Marquis murmured, with a choking sigh, "I know your heart, -my poor child; unhappily my position is so desperate that nothing can -save me." - -"Perhaps you may be saved, father," she said, with a toss of her head. - -"Do not attempt to lead me astray by false hopes, which, in the end, -would render our frightful situation even more cruel than it is." - -"I do not wish to do so, father," she said, earnestly, "but I bring you -a certainty." - -"A certainty, child! That is a very serious word in the mouth of a -girl. Where do you suppose it possible to find the means to conjure ill -fortune?" - -"Not very far off, father; at this very place, if you like." - -Don Hernando made no reply, but let his head drop on his chest -mournfully. - -"Listen to Marianna, father," Don Ruiz then said; "she is the angel of -our home. I believe in her, for I am certain that she would not make a -jest of our misfortunes." - -"Thanks, Ruiz. Oh, you are right; I would sooner die than dream of -increasing my father's grief." - -"I know it, child," the Marquis answered, with sad impatience; "but you -are young, inexperienced, and doubtless accept the wishes of your heart -as certainties." - -"Why not listen to what my sister has to say, father?" Don Ruiz said. -"If she is deceiving herself--if what she wishes to tell us does not -produce on you the effect she expects from it, at any rate she will -have given an undeniable proof of the lively interest she takes in -your affairs; and were it only for that reason, both you and I owe her -thanks." - -"Of what good is it, children?" - -"Good heavens, father! In our fearful situation we should neglect -nothing. Who knows? Very frequently the weakest persons bring the -greatest help. Listen to my sister first, and then you will judge -whether her remarks deserve to be taken into consideration." - -"As you press it, Ruiz, I will hear her." - -"I do not press, father--I entreat. Come, speak, little sister; speak -without fear, for we shall listen--at least I shall--with the liveliest -interest." - -Dona Marianna smiled sweetly, threw her arms round her father's neck, -and laid her head on his shoulder with a charming gesture. - -"How I love you, my dear father!" she said; "How I should like to see -you happy! I have nothing to tell you, for you will not believe me; and -what I might have to say is so strange and improbable, that you would -not put faith in it." - -"You see, child, that I was right." - -"Wait a moment, father," she continued; "if I have nothing to tell you, -I have a favour to ask." - -"A favour!--yes, my dear." - -"Yes, father, a favour; but what I desire is so singular--coming from -a girl--that I really do not know how to make my request, although the -thought is perfectly clear in my mind." - -"Oh, oh, little maid," the Marquis said, with a smile, though he -was much affected, "what is this thing which requires such mighty -preparations? It must be very terrible for you to hesitate so in -revealing it to me." - -"No, father, it is not terrible; but, I repeat, it will appear to you -wild." - -"Oh, my child," he continued, as he shrugged his shoulders with an -air of resignation, "I have seen so many wild things for some time -past, that I shall not attach any importance to one now; hence you can -explain yourself fully, without fearing any blame from me." - -"Listen to me, father; the favour I have to ask of you is this--and, in -the first place, you must promise to grant it to me." - -"iCaramba!" he said, good-humouredly, "you are taking your -precautions, senorita. And suppose that I refuse?" - -"In that case, father, all would be at an end," she replied, -sorrowfully. - -"Come, my child, re-assure yourself: I pledge you my word, which you -ask for so peremptorily. Are you satisfied now?" - -"Oh, father, how kind you are! You really mean it now. You pledge your -word to grant me what I ask of you?" - -"Yes, yes, little obstinate, I do pledge my word." - -The girl danced with delight, as she clapped her pretty little hands, -and warmly embraced her father. - -"On my word, this little girl is mad!" the Marquis said, with a smile. - -"Yes, father, mad with delight; for I hope soon to prove to you that -your fortune has never been more flourishing than it now is." - -"Why, her mind is wandering now." - -"No, father," said Don Ruiz, who, with his eyes fixed on his sister, -was listening with sustained interest, and was attentively following -the play of her flexible face, on which the varied emotions that -agitated her were reflected; "I believe, on the contrary, that Marianna -is at this moment revolving in her mind some strange scheme, for -carrying out which she requires full and entire liberty." - -"You have read the truth, Ruiz. Yes, I have a great project in my head; -but in order that it may be thoroughly successful, I must be mistress -of my actions, without control or remarks, from eight o'clock this -evening till midnight. Do you grant me this power, father?" - -"I have promised it," Don Hernando replied, with a smile. "A gentleman -has only his word; as you desire, from eight o'clock till midnight you -will be sole mistress of the hacienda: no one, not even myself, will -have the right to make a remark about your conduct. Must I announce -this officially to our people?" he added, sportively. - -"It is unnecessary, father: only two persons need be told." - -"And who are these two privileged persons, if you please?" - -"My foster brother Mariano, the tigrero, and Jose Paredes." - -"Come, I see you know where to place your confidence. Those two men are -entirely devoted to us, and this gives me trust in the future. Go on, -my child; what must be done further?" - -"These men must be provided with picks, spades, crowbars, and lanterns." - -"I see you are thinking about digging." - -"Possibly," she said, with a smile. - -"Stories about buried treasure are thoroughly worn out in this country, -my child," he said, with a dubious shake of his head; "all those that -have been buried were dug up long ago." - -"I can offer you no explanation, father. You are ignorant of my plan, -and hence cannot argue upon a matter you do not know: moreover, you -must make no remarks, and be the first to obey me," she said, with an -exquisite smile. "You ought not to give an example of rebellion to my -new subjects." - -"That is perfectly true, my dear child; I am in the wrong, and offer -you an ample apology. Be good enough to go on with your instructions." - -"I have only a word to add, father. You and Ruiz must also provide -yourselves with tools, for I expect you all four to work." - -"Oh, oh, that is rather hard--not on me who am young," Don Ruiz -exclaimed, laughingly, "but on our father. Come, little sister, do not -expect such toil from him." - -"I may have to lend a hand myself," Dona Marianna replied. "Believe -me, Don Ruiz, you should not treat this affair lightly; it is far more -serious than you suppose, and the consequence will be of incalculable -importance for my father and the honour of our name. In my turn I will -take an oath, since you refuse to believe my word." - -"Not I, sister." - -"Yes, Ruiz, you doubt it, although you do not like to allow it. Well, I -swear to you and my father, by all I hold dearest in the world--that is -to say, you two--that I am perfectly well aware of what I am doing, and -am certain of success." - -Such enthusiasm sparkled in the girl's brilliant eyes, there was such -an expression of sincerity in her accent, that the two gentlemen at -length confessed themselves vanquished; her conviction had entered -their minds, and they were persuaded. - -"What you desire shall be done, daughter," Don Hernando said; "and, -whatever the result may be, I shall feel grateful to you for the -efforts you are making." - -Don Ruiz, by his father's orders, warned the majordomo and the tigrero, -who was already preparing to return to the rancho. But so soon as -the young man knew that his presence was necessary at the hacienda, -he remained without the slightest remark, and delighted at having an -opportunity to prove to his masters how greatly he was devoted to them. -Then what always happens under similar circumstances occurred: while -Dona Marianna was calmly awaiting the hour she had herself fixed for -action, the Marquis and his son, on the other hand, suffered from a -feverish curiosity, which did not allow them a moment's rest, and made -them regard the delay as interminable. At length eight o'clock struck. - -"It is time!" said Dona Marianna. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -THE HUERTA. - - -All southern nations are fond of shade, flowers, and birds; and as the -heat of the climate compels them, so to speak, to live in the open air, -they have arranged their gardens with a degree of comfort unknown among -us. The Italians and Spaniards, whose houses, during the greater part -of the year, are only inhabitable for a few hours a day, have striven -to make their gardens veritable oases, where they can breathe the fresh -evening air without being annoyed by those myriads of mosquitoes and -gnats unknown in temperate climates, but which in tropical latitudes -are a real plague. At midday they may be seen wheeling in countless -myriads in every sunbeam. The Hispano-Americans especially have raised -the gardening art to a science, being always engaged in trying to solve -the problem of procuring fresh air during the hottest hours of the -day--that is to say, between midday and three p.m., during which time -the earth, which has been heated since dawn by the burning heat of a -torrid sun, exhales deadly effluvia, and so decomposes the air that it -is impossible to breathe it. - -The Spanish language, which is so rich in expressions of every -description, has two words to signify a garden. There is the word -_jardin_, by which is meant the parterre properly so called--the garden -in which flowers are cultivated that in those countries grow in the -open air, but with us only in hothouses, where they are stunted and -decrepit; and, secondly, the _huerta_, which means the kitchen-garden, -the vineyard, and their clumps of trees, wide avenues, cascades, -streams, and lakes--in a word, all that we, very improperly in my -opinion, have agreed to call a park. The Hacienda del Toro possessed a -huerta, which the Marquises de Moguer had in turn sought to embellish. -This huerta, which in Europe would have seemed very large--for life -among us has been reduced to the conditions of a mean and shabby -comfort--was considered small in that country. It contained in all -only thirty acres--that is to say, a surface of about twelve square -miles; but this relative smallness was made up for by an admirable -disposition of the ground, and an extent of shade, which had made a -great reputation for the Huerta del Toro throughout Sonora. - -At eight o'clock precisely the curfew was rung, as was the custom -at the hacienda. At the sound of the chapel bell all the peons and -vaqueros retired to their jacales in order to sleep. Paredes had placed -sentinels at night on the walls ever since an attack from the Indians -had been apprehended, and the precaution was the more necessary at -this time, as there was no moon, and it is that period of the month -which the Redskins always select to begin their invasions. When the -majordomo had assured himself that the sentries were at their posts, -he made a general inspection of the whole hacienda to have the lights -extinguished, and then proceeded, accompanied by the tigrero, to the -Blue Room, where Don Hernando and his son and daughter were assembled. - -"All is in order, _mi amo_," he said; "everybody has retired to his -jacal, the hacienda gates are closed, and the sentries placed on the -walls." - -"You are quite certain, Paredes, that no one is walking about the -corals or huerta?" - -"No one; I made my rounds with the greatest strictness." - -"Very good; now, daughter, you can give your orders, and we are ready -to obey you." - -Dona Marianna bowed to her father with a smile. - -"Paredes," she said, "have you procured the tools my brother ordered -you to provide?" - -"Nina," he answered, "I have placed six picks, six crowbars, and six -spades in a clump of carob trees at the entrance of the large flower -garden." - -"Why such a number of tools?" she asked, laughingly. - -"Because, senorita, some may break; the work we have to do must be -performed quickly, and had I not taken this precaution, we might have -met with delay." - -"You are right. Follow me, senora." - -"And the lanterns?" Don Ruiz observed. - -"We will take them with us, but not light them till we reach the -spot whither I am taking you. Although the night is dark, with your -knowledge of localities we shall be able to guide ourselves without -difficulty through the darkness. Our lights might be seen and arouse -suspicions, and that is what we must avoid most of all." - -"Excellently reasoned, daughter." - -Dona Marianna rose, and the four men followed her in silence. They -crossed the apartments instead of passing through the _patios_, which -were thronged with sleepers, and entered the huerta by large double -doors, from which the garden was reached by a flight of steps. On -leaving the Blue Room Dona Marianna took the precaution to blow out the -candles, so that the hacienda was plunged into complete darkness, and -all appeared asleep. The night was very dark; the sky, in which not -a single star twinkled, seemed an immense pall; the breeze whistled -hoarsely through the trees, whose branches rustled with an ill-omened -murmur. In the distance could be heard the snapping bark of the -coyotes, and at times the melancholy hoot of the owl arose in the dark, -and broke the mournful silence which brooded over nature. This night -was excellently chosen for a mysterious expedition of such a nature as -Dona Marianna was about to attempt. - -After an instant--not of hesitation, for the maiden, although her heart -was beating loudly, was firm and resolute--but of reflection, Dona -Marianna rapidly descended the steps and entered the garden, closely -followed by the four men, who also experienced an internal emotion for -which they could not account. They had gone but a few yards when they -halted; they had reached the thicket in which the tools were concealed. -The majordomo and the tigrero took them on their shoulders, while the -Marquis and his son carried the lanterns. In spite of the darkness, -which was rendered even more intense by the dense shadow cast by the -old trees in the huerta, the young lady rapidly advanced, scarce making -the sand creak beneath her little feet, and following the winding walks -with as much ease as if she were traversing them in the bright sunshine. - -The Marquis and his son felt their curiosity increase from moment to -moment. They saw the girl so gay, and so sure of herself, that they -involuntarily began to hope, although they found it impossible to -explain the nature of their hopes to themselves. Paredes and Mariano -were also greatly puzzled about the purpose of the expedition in which -they were taking part; but their thoughts did not travel beyond this: -they supposed that there was some work for them to do, and that was all. - -The young lady still walked on, stopping at times and muttering a -few words in a low voice, as if trying to remember the instructions -she had previously received, but never hesitating, or taking one walk -for another; in a word, she did not once retrace her steps when she -had selected her course. Night, especially when it is dark, imparts -to scenery a peculiar hue, which completely changes the appearance of -the most familiar spots; it gives the smallest object a formidable -aspect; all is confounded in one mass, without graduated tints, -from which nothing stands out: a spot which is very cheerful in the -sunshine becomes gloomy and mournful when enveloped in darkness. The -huerta, which was so pretty and bright by day, assumed on this night -the gloomy and majestic proportions of a forest; the fall of a leaf, -the accidental breaking of a branch, the dull murmur of invisible -waters--things so unimportant in themselves--made these men start -involuntarily, although they were endowed with great energy, and any -real danger would not have made them blench. - -But darkness possesses the fatal influence over the human organization -of lessening its faculties, and rendering it small and paltry. A man -who, in the midst of a battle, electrified by the sound of the cannon, -intoxicated by the smell of powder, and excited by the example of his -comrades, performs prodigies of valour, will tremble like a child on -finding himself alone in the shadow of night, and in the presence of an -unknown object, which causes him to apprehend a danger which frequently -only exists in his sickly imagination. Hence our friends involuntarily -underwent the formidable influence of darkness, and felt a certain -uneasiness, which they tried in vain to combat, and which they could -not succeed in entirely dispelling, in spite of all their efforts. They -walked on silent and gloomy, pressing against each other, looking -around them timidly, and in their hearts wishing to reach as speedily -as possible the end of this long walk. At length Dona Marianna halted. - -"Light the lanterns," she said. - -This was the first remark made since they left the Blue Room. The -lanterns were instantly lighted. Dona Marianna took one, and handed -another to her brother. - -"Show me a light, Ruiz," she said to him. - -The spot where they found themselves was situated at nearly the centre -of the huerta; it was a species of grass plot, on which only stubbly, -stunted grass grew. In the centre rose a sort of tumulus, formed of -several rocks piled on one another without any apparent symmetry, and -which the owners of the hacienda had always respected in consequence -of its barbarous singularity. An old tradition asserted that one of -the old kings of Cibola, on the ruins of which town the hacienda was -built, had been buried at the spot, which was called "The Tomb of the -Cacique" after the tradition, whether it were true or false. The first -Marquis de Moguer, who was a very pious man, like all the Spanish -conquistadors, had to some extent authorized this belief, by having the -mound blessed by a priest, under the pretext--a very plausible one at -that time--that the tomb of a pagan attracted demons, who would at once -retire when it was consecrated. - -With the exception of the name it bore, this mound had never been held -in bad repute, and no suspicious legend was attached to it. It was -remote from the buildings of the hacienda, and surrounded on all sides -by dense and almost impenetrable clumps of trees. Persons very rarely -visited it, because, as it stood in the centre of an open patch of -grass, it offered no shelter against the sun; hence the place was only -known to the family and their oldest servants. - -"Ah! Ah!" said the Marquis, "So you have brought us to the cacique's -tomb, my girl?" - -"Yes, father; we can now begin operations without fear of being seen." - -"I greatly fear that your hopes have led you astray." - -"You promised, father, to make no remarks." - -"That is true, and so I will hold my tongue." - -"Very good, father," she said, with a smile; "be assured that this -exemplary docility will soon be duly rewarded." - -And the young lady continued her investigations. She looked attentively -at every stone, seeming to study its position carefully, while -comparing it with a point of the compass. - -"In which direction does the clump of old aloes lie?" she at length -asked. - -"That I cannot tell you," said Don Ruiz. - -"With your permission, I will do so," Paredes observed. - -"Yes, yes," she said, eagerly. - -The majordomo looked about for a moment, and then, placing himself in -a certain direction, said,--"The aloes of Cibola, as we call them, are -just facing me." - -"Are you certain of it, Paredes?" - -"Yes, nina, I am." - -The young lady immediately placed herself by the majordomo's side, -and bending down over the stones, examined them with extreme care and -attention. At length she drew herself up with a start of joy. - -"My father," she said, with emotion, "the honour of dealing the first -stroke belongs to you." - -"Very good, my child; where am I to strike?" - -"There!" she said, pointing to a rather large gap between two stones. - -Don Hernando drove in the pick, and, pressing on it forcibly, detached -a stone, which rolled on the grass. - -"Very good," said the girl. "Now stop, father, and let these young men -work; you can join them presently, should it prove necessary. Come, -Ruiz--come tocayo--come, Paredes--to work, my friends! Enlarge this -hole, and make it large enough for us to pass through." - -The three men set to work ardently, excited by Dona Marianna's -words, and soon the stones, leaping from their bed of earth, began -to strew the ground around in large numbers. Not one of the three -men suspected the nature of the task he was performing, and yet -such is the attraction of a secret, that they drove in their picks -with extraordinary ardour. Ruiz alone possibly foresaw an important -discovery behind the task, but could not have explained what its nature -was. The work, in the meanwhile, progressed; the hole became with every -moment larger. The stones, which had been apparently thrown upon each -other, were not bound by any mortal, and hence, so soon as the first -was removed, the others came out with extreme facility. Now and then -the labourers stopped to draw breath; but this interruption lasted -only a short time, so anxious were they to obtain the solution of the -problem. All at once they stopped in discouragement, for an enormous -mass of rock resisted their efforts. This rock, which was about six -feet square, was exactly under the stones they had previously removed, -and as no solution of continuity could be perceived, everything led to -the supposition that this rock was really very much larger, and that -only a portion of it was laid bare. - -"Why are you stopping, brother?" Dona Marianna asked. - -"Because we have reached the rock, and should break our picks, without -getting any further." - -"What! Reached the rock? Impossible!" - -The Marquis leant over the excavation. - -"It would be madness to try and get any further," he said; "it is plain -that we have reached the rock." Dona Marianna gave an angry start. - -"I tell you again that it is impossible," she continued. - -"Look for yourself, sister." - -The young lady took a lantern and looked; then, without answering her -brother, she turned to Paredes and the tigrero. - -"You," she said, "are old servants of the family, and I can order you -without any fear of being contradicted; so obey me. Remove, as rapidly -as possible, all the stones round that supposed rock, and when that is -done, I fancy I shall convince the most incredulous." - -The two men resumed work; and Don Ruiz, piqued by his sister's remark, -imitated them. The Marquis with folded arms and head bowed on his -chest, was overcome by such persistency, and began to hope again. Ere -long the stones were removed, and the mass of rock stood solitary. - -The young lady turned to the Marquis. - -"Father," she said to him, "you dealt the first blow, and must deal the -last; help these three men in removing this block." - -Without replying, the Marquis seized a pick, and placed himself -by the side of the workers. The four men dug their tools into the -friable earth which adhered to the rock; then, with a common and -gradual effort, they began raising the stone until it suddenly lost -its balance, toppled over, and fell on the ground, revealing a deep -excavation. At the sight of this, all uttered a cry of surprise. - -"Burn some wood to purify the air," the young lady said. - -They obeyed with that feverish activity which, in great circumstances, -seizes on apparently the slowest natures. - -"Now come, father," Dona Marianna said, as she seized a lantern and -boldly entered the excavation. - -The Marquis went in, and the rest followed him. After proceeding for -about one hundred yards along a species of gallery, they perceived the -body of a man, lying on a sort of clumsy dais, in a perfect state of -preservation, and rather resembling a sleeping person than a corpse. -Near the body the fleshless bones of another person were scattered on -the ground. - -"Look!" said the maiden. - -"Yes," the Marquis answered, "it is the body interred under the -tumulus." - -"You are mistaken, father; it is the body of a miner, and the fancied -tumulus is nothing but a very rich gold mine, which has remained for -ages under the guard of this insensate body, and which it has pleased -Heaven to make known to you, in order that you may recover the fortune -which you were on the point of losing. Look around you," she said, -raising the lantern. - -The Marquis uttered a cry of delight and admiration, doubt was no -longer possible. All around he saw enormous veins of gold, easy of -extraction almost without labour. The Marquis was dazzled; weaker in -joy than in suffering, he fell unconscious on the floor of this mine, -whose produce was about to restore him all that he had lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -THE ASSAULT ON QUITOVAR. - - -While these events were taking place at the Hacienda del Toro, others -of an even more important nature were being carried out at the Real -de Minas. Kidd the adventurer, had scarce left Don Rufino Contreras, -after the interesting conversations we have recorded, ere the senator -made his preparations for departure, and at once set out for the Real -de Minas, though careful to be accompanied by a respectable escort, -which protected him from the insults of marauders. At eight a.m. of the -following day the senator entered the pueblo, and his first business -was to present himself to the town commandant, Don Marcos de Niza. The -captain not only received him coldly, but with a certain amount of -constraint. This did not escape the senator's quick eye, but he was not -at all affected by it. - -"My dear captain," he said, after the usual compliments, "I am -pleased at having been selected by the Presidential Government as its -delegate to the military authorities of the State of Sonora for two -reasons, apart from the honour I shall acquire by accomplishing this -confidential duty." - -The captain bowed, but said nothing. - -"The first of these reasons," the senator continued with his eternal -smile, "is that I make the acquaintance of an excellent caballero in -yourself; the second, that before being joined in the command with -you, and desiring to make myself as agreeable to you as I could, I -asked for the rank of lieutenant-colonel for you, a step which, between -ourselves, you have long deserved, and I was so fortunate as to obtain -it for you. Permit me to hand you the commission with my own hands." - -And drawing from his pocketbook a large folded paper, he laid it in the -hand which the captain mechanically held out. The senator had justly -counted on the skilfully managed surprise. The captain, confounded -by the tardy justice done him, could not find a word to answer, but -from this moment Don Rufino's cause was gained in his mind; and unless -some unforeseen event occurred, the senator was convinced that he had -nothing now to fear from this man, whom he had cleverly managed to lay -under an obligation, without it costing him anything. The truth was, -that a few days previously the captain's nomination had reached the -Governor of Arispe from Mexico; the senator accidentally heard of it, -and offered to deliver it to the captain. As the governor had no reason -to refuse, he entrusted the nomination to the senator, and he turned it -to the good purpose we have seen. - -"And now," he continued, cutting short the thanks which the new -colonel thought himself bound to offer him, "permit me to change the -conversation, my dear colonel, and speak to you about things which -interest me privately." - -"I am listening to you caballero," Don Marcos answered; "and if I can -be of any service to you--" - -"Oh, merely to give me some information," the senator interrupted him; -"I will explain the matter in two words. I am, as you are probably -aware, very intimate with a relative of yours, the Marquis de Moguer, -and an alliance between us is being arranged at this moment." - -Don Marcos gave a deep bow. - -"Now," the senator continued, "the Marquis, as you of course know, -has been seriously tried of late; in a word, between ourselves, he -is almost ruined. Several times already I have been so fortunate as -to render him important services; but, as you know, where misfortune -is pressing a family, the best intentions often can only succeed in -retarding an inevitable downfall. Being most desirous to save a man -with whom I shall be probably closely connected within a few days, -not merely by the ties of friendship, but also by the closer links -of relationship, I have bought up all his debts; in a word, I have -become his sole creditor, and that is as much as telling you that the -Marquis does not owe a farthing now. The man whom I entrusted with this -difficult negotiation will arrive immediately in this town, where I -gave him the meeting." - -"He arrived some days ago," the colonel remarked. - -"Indeed!" Don Rufino exclaimed, affecting surprise, "It seems in that -case that he has worked quicker than I expected. But that is a thousand -times better, as I will claim a service at your hands." - -"A service!" Don Marcos exclaimed, with instinctive distrust. - -"Yes," the senator continued, tranquilly; "I hardly know how to explain -it to you, for it is so difficult, however friendly you may be with -a man whose daughter you are about to marry, to say to him 'You owed -enormous sums; I have bought up your debts, here are the receipts; burn -them, for you owe nothing now;' it would be looking so much like trying -to impose conditions to act thus--in a word, to make a bargain--that -I feel a repugnance from it; and if a common friend does not consent -to come to my assistance in the matter, I confess to you that I am -completely ignorant how I shall get out of the difficulty." - -"What!" the colonel exclaimed, in admiration, "Would you do that?" - -"I never had any other thought," the senator replied simply. - -"Oh, it is a great and generous action, caballero." - -"Not at all; on the contrary, it is quite natural. Don Hernando is my -intimate friend; I am going to marry his daughter, and my line of duty -is plain. I only did what anyone else in my place would have done." - -"No, no," Don Marcos said, shaking his head with an air of conviction; -"no, senor, no one would have acted as you have done, I feel certain. -Alas! Hearts like yours are rare." - -"All the worse, all the worse, and I feel sorry for humanity," Don -Rufino said, as he raised his eyes piously to the ceiling. - -"What is the service you expect from me, senor?" - -"A very simple thing. I will give you in a few moments those unlucky -receipts, which I will ask you to be kind enough to hand to the -Marquis. You can make him understand better than I can the purity of my -intentions in this affair; and, above all, pray assure him that I have -not done it for the purpose of forcing him to give me his daughter's -hand." - -The senator went away, leaving the colonel completely under the charm. -He proceeded hastily to the meson where Don Parfindo was lodged; he -took the receipts from him, rewarded him handsomely, and did not leave -him till he saw him and his bailiff out of the pueblo; then he walked -slowly back to the colonel's house, rubbing his hands, and muttering, -with an ironical smile-- - -"I fancy that I shall soon have no cause to fear that worthy Senor -Kidd's denunciations. By the bye, where can he be? His absence from -Quitovar is not natural, and I must free myself from him at our next -interview." - -The senator's conversation with his agent had occupied some time, and -when Don Rufino returned to the colonel's house, he found the latter -busy in making known his new rank to his officers. The colonel eagerly -took advantage of the opportunity to introduce the senator to them, and -to tell them that Don Rufino was delegated by the Government to watch -the operations of the army, and that hence they must obey him like -himself. The officers bowed respectfully to the senator, made their -bows, and retired. When the two gentlemen were alone again, the ice -was completely broken between them, and they were the best friends in -the world. - -"Well," the colonel asked. - -"All is settled," the senator replied, as he produced the vouchers. - -"iCaramba! You have lost no time." - -"The best things are those done quickly. Take all these documents, and -make what use of them you think proper. I am delighted at having got -rid of them." While saying this, Don Rufino threw the papers on the -table with an excellent affectation of delight. - -"With your leave, caballero," the colonel said, with a laugh, "I will -take these papers, since you insist on it, but I will give you a -receipt." - -"Oh, no," the senator exclaimed, "that would spoil the whole business." - -"Still--" - -"Not a word," he interrupted him, quickly; "I do not wish to have in my -possession the shadow of a claim upon Don Hernando." - -The colonel would have probably pressed the point, had not a great -noise been heard in the anteroom, and a man rushed into the colonel's -sanctum, shouting at the top of his lungs, "The Indians! The Indians!" - -The colonel and the senator rose. The man was Kidd; his clothes were -torn and disordered; his face and hands were covered with blood and -dust, and all apparently proved that he had just escaped from a sharp -pursuit. A strange uproar outside the house, which soon assumed -formidable proportions, corroborated his statement. - -"Is that you, Kidd?" the colonel exclaimed. - -"Yes," he replied; "but lose no time, captain; here are the pagans! -They are at my heels, and I am scarce half an hour ahead of them." - -Without waiting to hear anything more, the colonel dashed out of the -room. - -"Where have you come from?" Don Rufino asked the bandit, so soon as he -was alone with him. - -The latter gave a start of disappointment on recognising the senator, -whom he had not noticed at the first moment. This start did not escape -Don Rufino. - -"How does that concern you?" the adventurer answered, roughly. - -"I want to know." - -Kidd made a meaning grimace. - -"Every man has his own business," he said. - -"Some treachery you have been preparing, of course." - -"That is possible," he replied, with a knowing grin. - -"Against me, perhaps." - -"Who knows?" - -"Will you speak?" - -"What is the use of speaking, since you have guessed it?" - -"Then you are still trying to deceive me?" - -"I mean to take my precautions, that is all." - -"Scoundrel!" the senator exclaimed, with a menacing gesture. - -"Nonsense!" the other said, with a shrug of his shoulders; "I am not -afraid of you, for you would not dare kill me." - -"Why not?" - -"In the first place, because it would cause a row, and because I do not -think you such a friend of the captain that you would venture to take -such a liberty in his house." - -"You are mistaken, villain, and you shall have a proof of it." - -"Holloa!" the adventurer exclaimed, as he retired precipitately to the -door. - -But, with a gesture rapid as thought, Don Rufino seized one of Don -Marcos's pistols, cocked it, and ere Kidd could effect the retreat he -was meditating, he fired, and the adventurer lay on the ground with a -bullet in his chest. - -"Die, brigand!" the senator shouted, as he threw down the weapon he had -used. - -"Yes," the bandit muttered, "but not unavenged. It was well played, -master; but your turn will soon arrive--" - -And stiffening with a final convulsion, the ruffian expired, retaining -on his features even after death an expression of mocking defiance, -which caused the senator an involuntary tremor. - -"What is the matter here?" the colonel asked, suddenly entering. - -"Nothing very important," Don Rufino said, carelessly. "I was carried -away by my passion, and settled this scoundrel." - -"_iViva Dios!_ You were right, senor; I only regret that you have -anticipated me, for I have proofs of his treachery.--Ho, there! Remove -this carrion, and throw it out," he shouted to some soldiers who -accompanied him, and had remained in the anteroom. - -The soldiers obeyed, and the adventurer's body was thrown -unceremoniously into the street. - -"Are the Indians really coming up?" - -"The dust raised by their horses' hoofs can already be perceived. We -have not a moment to lose in preparing for defence. I suppose I can -reckon on you?" - -"_iRayo de Dios!_! I should hope so." - -"Come, then, for time presses." - -Kidd had in reality prepared, with his usual Machiavelism, a new -treachery, of which, unluckily for him, he was destined to be the first -victim. The whole pueblo was in an uproar: the streets were crowded -with soldiers proceeding to their posts; with women, children, and -aged persons flying in terror; with rancheros, who arrived at a gallop -to find shelter in the town, and heightened the general alarm by the -terror depicted on their faces; cattle were dashing madly about the -streets, deserted by their herds, who were compelled to proceed to the -intrenchments; and on the distant plain the body of Indians could be -seen through the dust clouds, coming up at headlong speed. - -"They are numerous," the senator whispered to the colonel. - -"Too many," the latter answered; "but silence! Let us look cheerful." - -There were twenty minutes of indescribable anxiety, during which the -defenders of the pueblo were enabled to examine their enemies, and form -an idea of the terrible danger that menaced them. - -Unhappily, the sun was on the point of setting, and it was evident that -the Redskins had calculated their march so as to arrive exactly at -that moment, and continue the attack through the night. The colonel, -foreseeing that he might possibly be compelled to have recourse to -flight, collected a band of fifty resolute horsemen, whom he gave -orders not to leave the Plaza Major, and be ready for any eventuality. -After their first charge the Indians retired out of musket range, and -did not renew their attack. A few horsemen, better mounted than the -rest, were scattered over the plain, picking up the dead and wounded, -and capturing the straggling horses; but the colonel gave orders that -they should not be fired at--not through humanity, but in order to -spare his ammunition, of which he possessed a very small stock. - -Night set in, and a deep gloom covered the earth; but the redskins -lit no fires. This circumstance alarmed the colonel; but several -hours passed, and nothing led to the possibility of an attack -being suspected. Profound silence brooded over the pueblo and the -surrounding plains, and the Indians seemed to have disappeared as if by -enchantment. The Mexicans tried in vain to distinguish any suspicious -forms in the darkness; they saw and heard nothing. This expectation of -a danger, which all felt to be imminent and terrible, had something -frightful for the besieged. - -Suddenly an immense light lit up the plain; the black outlines of the -Indians rose like diabolical apparitions, galloping in all directions; -a horrible, discordant, and shrill yell echoed in the ears of the -Mexicans, and clouds of blazing arrows fell upon them from all sides -at once, while the hideous heads of the Redskins appeared on the crest -of the entrenchments. Then, in the light of a forest, kindled by the -Indians to serve them as a beacon, an obstinate hand-to-hand fight -began between the white men and redskins. - -The pueblo was captured; any further resistance became not only -impossible, but insensate. Several houses were already ablaze, and in -a few minutes the Real de Minas would only be one immense furnace. The -senator and the colonel had fought bravely so long as a gleam of hope -was left them and the struggle appeared possible. At this moment they -thought of saving the few wretches who still existed, and had escaped -the frightful massacre by a miracle. Collecting around them all the men -they possessed, they dashed to the Plaza Major, where, in spite of the -fight raging round them, the squadron picked by Don Marcos had remained -motionless, and leaping on their horses, they gave the order to start. -Then the little band rushed forward like a hurricane, overthrowing and -crushing all the obstacles that stood in their way; and after losing -one-third their number, the rest succeeded in leaving the pueblo, -traversing the enemy's lines, and taking the road to the Hacienda del -Toro, without any close pursuit. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE VENGEANCE OF HEAVEN. - - -The Marquis's faint lasted but a short time, thanks to the attentions -his son and daughter paid him. He had scarce regained his senses ere he -drew Dona Marianna gently to him. - -"My dear child," he muttered, as he pressed her to his heart, "you are -our saviour." - -The girl, delighted with this praise, freed herself, with a blush, from -her father's embrace. - -"Then," she said, with a pretty toss of her head, "you now allow, I -think, father, that I have really kept my word." - -"Oh, my child," he said, with much emotion, as he looked around him in -delight, "there are here fifty fortunes equal to the one I have lost." - -The girl clapped her hands in delight. - -"Ah, how happy I am! I felt certain that she would not deceive me." - -This remark, which escaped from the fullness of Dona Marianna's heart, -struck Don Hernando. - -"To whom are you alluding, daughter? And who is this person who -inspires you with such confidence?" - -"The one who revealed the existence of this treasure to me, father," -she answered. - -The Marquis did not press her. - -"Mariano," he said to the tigrero, "you will pass the night here; allow -no one to approach this excavation, for it would be imprudent to let -strangers know of the existence of such a treasure before we have time -to take certain precautions indispensable for its safety." - -"You can go without fear, _mi amo_," the brave lad answered; "no one -shall approach the mine while I am alive." - -"Besides," Don Hernando continued, "your watch will cease at sunrise." - -"As long as you please, _mi amo_." - -And the tigrero, collecting the tools and lanterns, installed himself -in the excavation itself, a few yards from the body still lying on the -dais. - -The other four slowly returned to the hacienda, conversing about this -marvellous discovery, which, at the moment when all seemed desperate, -saved the family. In fact, the gold veins were so rich, that it would -be possible to detach in a single day enough nearly to cover all the -debts contracted by the Marquis. They re-entered the blue room; and -though it was very late, not one of them felt the slightest inclination -to sleep; on the contrary, they wanted still to converse about the mine. - -"Well," the Marquis said, "you did not dream that so rich a mine -existed on the estate; you allowed as much just now." - -"In truth, father, someone was kind enough to give me the information -by which I found it." - -"But who can this person be, who is better acquainted than myself -with a property which has been in the hands of the family more than -three hundred years, and yet nobody suspected that it contained this -treasure?" - -"The probability is that the secret was well kept, father." - -"Of course; but by whom?" - -"By the old owners of the soil, of course." - -"Nonsense! You are jesting, daughter. Those poor Indians disappeared -long ago from the face of the earth." - -"I am not of that opinion, father," Don Ruiz observed. - -"The more so," Paredes struck in, "because I know for a fact that the -tribe to which you allude still exists; it is one of the most powerful -in the great confederation of the Papazos." - -"And you know, father, with what religious exactitude the Indians -preserve secrets confided to their conscience." - -"That is true; but in that case some man must have spoken." - -"Or some woman," Dona Marianna said, smilingly. - -"Well, be it so--a woman," the Marquis continued; "that is already a -valuable piece of news. I know that you have obtained your information -about the mine from a woman, my child." - -"Unhappily, father, I am prohibited from saying any more." - -"Humph! Prohibited!" - -"Yes, father. However, re-assure yourself: this mine is really -yours--your lawful property. Its owner has freely surrendered it in -your favour." - -Don Hernando frowned with an air of dissatisfaction. - -"Charity!" he muttered. - -"Oh, no, but a gift you can accept, father, I swear to you. Besides, -the person to whom you are indebted for it promised me to make herself -known to you ere long." - -On the next morning, by the orders of the Marquis, the majordomo -selected ten confidential rancheros and peons from those who had sought -shelter at the hacienda, and the work commenced at once. The mine had -been abandoned exactly in the state in which it was when the body of -the miner was found by the Indians; hence the mere sweepings formed a -considerable amount, and at the expiration of four or five days the -sum collected was sufficient, not only to pay off all the debts, but -also to leave at the disposal of the Marquis a sum thrice as large as -he owed. With the exception of the legitimate anxiety caused by the -apprehension of an Indian attack, joy had returned to the hacienda; -the Marquis had begun to smile again, and seemed younger--so great is -the privilege of wealth to alter men. The first thought that occurred -to the Marquis was to settle with his creditors, and determine his -position. - -"My dear child," he said one evening to Dona Marianna, at the moment -when she was about to retire for the night, "you have not yet given -me an answer on the subject of Don Rufino Contrera's request for -your hand; but the week has long since passed. Tomorrow, Paredes is -going to start to place in his hands certain letters of importance -for the settlement of my affairs, and I wish to take advantage of the -opportunity. What answer shall I give Don Rufino?" - -The young lady blushed; but at length, subduing the trouble that -agitated her, she said, with a slight tremour in her voice,-- - -"Father, I am doubtless highly honoured by this Caballero's demand; but -do you not think as I do, that the moment is badly chosen for such a -thing, menaced as we incessantly are by terrible dangers?" - -"Very good, daughter; I do not at all wish to force your inclinations. -I will answer the senator in that sense; but if he come himself to seek -his answer, what shall we do?" - -"It will be time enough to think of it then," she replied, with a laugh. - -"Well, well, that is true, and I was wrong to dwell on the matter so. -Good night, my child, and sleep soundly. As for me, I shall probably -spend the whole night in my study with your brother, engaged with my -accounts." - -The young lady withdrew. - -"Senor Marquis," said Paredes, suddenly opening the door, "excuse my -disturbing you so late; but Mariano, the tigrero, has just arrived at -the hacienda with his whole family; he is the bearer of such strange -and terrible news, that you will perhaps sooner hear it from his lips -than from mine." - -"What does he say?" Don Ruiz asked, who entered the room at this moment. - -"He says that the Indians have risen, that they have surprised -the Mineral of Quitovar, fired the pueblo, and massacred all the -inhabitants." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" the Marquis exclaimed. - -"Our poor cousin!" the young man added. - -"That is true; our unhappy cousin commanded at the pueblo. What a -horrible disaster! Send the tigrero in to me, Paredes; go and fetch him -at once." - -Mariano was shown in, and related in their fullest details, though with -some exaggeration, the events recorded in our last chapter, which threw -his hearers into a profound stupor. Among all the incomprehensible -things which daily occur, there is one which will never be explained; -it is the rapidity with which all news spreads even for considerable -distances. Thus, the capture of Quitovar was unhappily only too true, -and the details furnished by Mariano were substantially correct; but -how could the tigrero have become acquainted with a fact that had -happened scarce three hours previously, and at more than ten leagues -from the hacienda? He could not have explained this himself; he had -heard it from somebody, but could not remember whom. - -This terrible news caused the Marquis to reflect deeply. Now that -the roads were probably infested with marauders, and communication -intercepted by the Indians, he could not think of sending Paredes -to Hermosillo, and the journey had become literally impossible. He -must busy himself without delay in organizing the defence of the -hacienda, in order vigorously to repulse the attack which would, in -all probability, not be long delayed. In spite of the advanced hour, -all were at work in an instant at the Toro; the walls were lined with -defenders, and reserves established in all parts of the hacienda. - -The whole night was spent in preparations. About two hours after -sunrise, at the moment when the Marquis, wearied by a long watch, was -preparing to take a little repose, the sentries signalled the approach -of a body of horsemen, coming at full gallop towards the hacienda. -The Marquis went up on the walls, took a telescope, and had a look at -them. After a short examination, he perceived that these horsemen were -Mexicans, although, owing to the distance, he could not distinguish -whether they were soldiers or rancheros. Still, he had all preparations -made to give them a hearty reception, if they evinced a desire to -halt at the hacienda, as the direction they were following seemed to -indicate. - -Some time elapsed ere these horsemen, who were climbing the hill, -reached the hacienda gates. Then all doubts were removed: they were -soldiers, and a few paces ahead of the troop rode Don Rufino Contreras -and Colonel Don Marcos de Niza. But both leaders and soldiers were in -such disorder, so blackened with gunpowder, so covered with dust and -blood, that it was plain they had come from a recent fight, from which -they had escaped as fugitives. Men and horses were utterly exhausted, -not alone by the extraordinary fatigue they had undergone, but also by -the gigantic struggle they had sustained ere they dreamed of flight. -It was unnecessary to ask them any questions. The Marquis ordered -refreshments to be served them, and beds got ready. - -Don Marcos de Niza and the senator had hardly the strength to say a few -words explanatory of the wretched condition in which they presented -themselves, and yielding to fatigue and want of sleep, they fell down -in a state of complete insensibility, from which no attempt was made -to rouse them, but they were both carried to bed. The Marquis then -withdrew to his room, leaving his son to watch over the safety of the -hacienda in his stead, for in all probability it would be speedily -invested by the Redskins. - -At three in the afternoon a fresh band of horsemen was signalled in -the plain. This considerable party was composed entirely of hunters -and wood rangers. Don Ruiz gave orders to let them advance, for the -arrival of these hunters, nearly one hundred in number, was a piece -of good fortune for the hacienda, as the number of its defenders was -augmented by so many. Still, when Don Ruiz saw them enter the track, -he noticed such a regularity in their movements, that a doubt crossed -his mind like a flash of lightning, and a thought of treachery rose to -his brain. Hence he rushed to the outer gate of the hacienda to give -Paredes orders not to open; but the majordomo checked him at the first -word. - -"You cannot have looked, nino," he said, "when you order such a thing." - -"On the contrary, I do so because I have looked," he replied. - -"Then you must have seen badly," the majordomo said; "otherwise you -would have perceived that the horseman at their head is one of your -most devoted friends." - -"Whom do you mean?" - -"Who else than Stronghand?" - -"Is Stronghand coming with those horsemen?" - -"He is at the head of the column, nino." - -"Oh, in that case let them enter." - -"Ah, I felt certain of it." - -The hunters had no necessity even of parleying; they found the hacienda -gates wide open, and rode straight in without drawing rein. Don Ruiz -recognised Stronghand, who, on his side, rode up to him and held out -his hand. - -"Grant me one favour, Don Ruiz," he said. - -"Speak," the young man answered. - -"Two words of conversation in your sister's presence; but wait a -moment, another person must accompany me, for reasons you will soon -appreciate; this person desires temporarily to maintain the most -inviolable incognito. Do you consent?" - -Don Ruiz hesitated. - -"What do you fear?" the hunter continued; "Do you not put faith in me? -Do you believe me capable of abusing your confidence?" - -"No; I do not wish even to suppose it, I pledge you my word." - -"And I mine, Don Ruiz." - -"Act as you think proper." - -The hunter gave a signal, and a horseman dismounted and came up to -them. A long cloak entirely covered him, and the broad brim of his hat -was pulled down over his eyes. He bowed silently to the young man, who, -though greatly perplexed by this mystery, made no remark; and after -requesting the majordomo to take care of the newcomers, he led his -guests to the room in which Dona Marianna was seated, engaged with her -tambour-work. The young lady, on hearing the door open, mechanically -raised her eyes. - -"Oh!" she exclaimed, joyfully, "Stronghand!" - -"Myself, senorita," the young man replied, with a respectful bow; "I -have come to ask the fulfilment of your promise." - -"I shall keep it, no matter what may happen." - -"Thanks, senorita." - -"Ruiz," she said to her brother, eagerly; "until further orders, my -father must not know of the presence of these caballeros here." - -"What you ask of me is very difficult, sister; think of the immense -responsibility I assume in acting thus." - -"I know it, Ruiz; but it must be, my dear brother, for my happiness is -at stake," she continued, clasping her hands imploringly; "and besides, -what have you to fear? Do you not know this hunter?" - -"Yes, I know him; I am even under great obligations to him; but his -companion?" - -"I answer for him, Ruiz." - -"You know, then, who he is?" - -"No matter what I know, brother; I only beg you to grant what I ask." - -"Well, for your sake I will be silent." - -"Oh! Thanks, thanks, brother!" - -At this moment a sound of footsteps was heard in the adjoining room. - -"What is to be done?" the maiden murmured. - -Stronghand laid his finger on his lips, and, leading away his -companion--who, through the thick cloak he wore, resembled a phantom -rather than a man--disappeared behind a curtain. At the same instant -a door opened, and two persons entered. They were Don Marcos and the -senator. They had scarce exchanged the first compliments with Don Ruiz -and Dona Marianna, when the Marquis entered the room. - -"You are up at last, I am happy to see," he said, cheerfully. "_iViva -Dios!_ You were in a most deplorable state on your arrival; I am glad -to see you so fully recovered." - -"A thousand thanks, cousin, for your hospitality, of which we stood in -great need." - -"No more about that; I am the more pleased at the chance which has -brought us together, Don Rufino, because I intended to write to you -immediately." - -"My dear sir," the senator said, with a bow. - -"Are you not expecting an answer from me?" - -"It is so, but I did not dare to hope." - -The Marquis cut him short. - -"Let us come to the most important point first," he continued, with -a smile. "Don Rufino, you have behaved to me like a real friend. By -a miracle--for I can only attribute to a miracle the good fortune -that has befallen me--I am in a position to arrange my affairs, -and discharge my debt to you, although, be assured, I shall never -forget the services you have rendered me, and the obligations I have -contracted toward you." - -The senator was so surprised, that he turned pale, and took a -side-glance at the colonel. - -"Obligations far greater than you suppose," the latter said, warmly. - -"What do you mean, cousin?" the Marquis asked, in surprise. - -"I mean that Don Rufino, unaware of the happy change in your fortunes, -and wishing to save you from the frightful position in which you were, -had bought up all your liabilities, and so soon as he had all the -vouchers in his possession, he hurried with them to me, and implored me -to destroy them. Here they are, cousin," he added, as he drew a bundle -of papers from his pocket. - -The various actors in this singular scene were affected by strange -feelings. Don Ruiz and his sister exchanged a look of despair, for -they understood that the Marquis would now be unable to refuse his -consent to his daughter's marriage. - -"Oh!" the Marquis exclaimed, "I cannot accept such an act of -generosity." - -"From a stranger, certainly not," Don Rufino remarked, in an -insinuating voice; "but I flattered myself that I was not such to you, -my dear sir." - -There was a silence. - -"What is going on at this moment is so strange; I feel taken so -unawares," the Marquis presently continued; "my thoughts are so -confused, that I must beg you, Don Rufino, to defer till tomorrow the -remainder of this conversation. By that time I shall have been able to -regain my coolness, and then, believe me, I will answer you in the way -that I ought to do." - -"My dear sir, I understand the delicacy of your remarks, and will wait -as long as you think proper," the senator replied, with a bow, and an -impassioned glance at Dona Marianna, who was pale and trembling. - -"Yes," said the colonel, "let us put off serious matters till tomorrow; -the shock we have suffered has been too rough for us to be fit for any -discussion just at present." - -"What has happened to you? The pagans have not seized the Mineral de -Quitovar? Or at least I hope not." - -"Yes, they have, cousin; the pueblo has been captured by the Redskins, -sacked, and burnt. We had great difficulty in making our escape, and -passed through extraordinary dangers ere we were so lucky as to reach -your hacienda." - -"That is disastrous news, cousin; I had been told of it, but was -unwilling to believe it." - -"It is unhappily but too true." - -"Well, thank Heaven, cousin, you are in safety here. As for you, Don -Rufino, I am happy that you escaped from the horrible massacre; you are -not a soldier, you are--" - -"An assassin!" a sepulchral voice suddenly exclaimed, and a hand was -laid heavily on the senator's shoulder. - -The company turned with horror. Stronghand's companion had let fall the -hat and cloak that disguised him, and was standing, stern and menacing, -behind the senator. - -"Oh!" the latter exclaimed, as he recoiled with terror, "Rodolfo! Don -Rodolfo!" - -"Brother, do I see you again after so many years?" the Marquis said, -joyfully, as he advanced towards the stranger. - -"The great sachem," Dona Marianna murmured. - -The sachem thrust back with a gesture of sovereign contempt the -startled senator, and walked into the centre of the group. - -"Yes, it is I, brother; I, the proscript, the disinherited, who enter -the house of my father after an absence of twenty years, in order to -save the last representative of my family." - -"Oh, brother! Brother!" the Marquis exclaimed, sorrowfully. - -"Recover yourself, Hernando! I entertain no feelings of hatred or -rancour for you; on the contrary, I have always loved you, and though -I was far away from you I have never lost you out of sight. Come to -my arms, brother; let us forget the past, only to think of the joy of -being reunited." - -The Marquis threw himself into his brother's arms; Don Ruiz and Dona -Marianna imitated him, and for some minutes there was an uninterrupted -interchange of embraces among the members of this family, who had so -long been separated. - -"It was through me that you received the sum which Paredes was to -receive at Hermosillo", Don Rodolfo continued; "to me you also owe -the discovery of the gold mine which has saved you. But I have not -come here solely to embrace you and yours, brother; I have come to -punish a villain! This man," he said, pointing to the senator, who was -trembling with rage and terror--"this man was my valet; in order to -rob me, he attempted to assassinate me cowardly, treacherously, and -behind my back. Such is the man whose dark machinations had succeeded -in deceiving you, and to whom you were on the point of giving your -daughter: let him contradict me if he dare!" - -"Oh!" the senator muttered, with a furious gesture. - -"Villain!" the Marquis exclaimed; "Help! Help! seize the monster!" - -Several servants rushed into the room, but before they could reach -Don Rufino the latter had bounded with a tiger leap upon Don Rodolfo, -and buried a dagger in his chest. The sachem fell back with a cry of -pain into the arms of his brother and his son. After the crime was -committed, the assassin threw down his weapon, and said to the startled -spectators, with an air of defiance and satisfied hatred,-- - -"Now you can do whatever you like to me, for I am avenged." - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -FUNERAL OF A SACHEM. - - -Two days had elapsed since the atrocious attack made by Don Rufino on -Don Rodolfo de Moguer. The Papazos had captured the hacienda without a -blow, as the gates were opened to them; for the stupor and terror of -the Mexicans at this horrible crime were so great, that they forgot all -precautions. But we must do the Redskins the justice of stating that, -contrary to their habits, they committed no excesses in the hacienda, -either by virtue of superior orders, or in consequence of the sorrow -which the wound of their great sachem caused them. Dona Esperanza had -arrived with Padre Serapio at the same time as the Indian warriors, and -she and Dona Marianna did not leave the wounded man's bed. - -Don Hernando was inconsolable, and the colonel could not forgive -himself for having supposed for a moment that the senator was an honest -man. The whole hacienda was plunged into sorrow, and Don Rodolfo -alone watched death approach with a calm brow. Fray Serapio dressed -his wound: his night was tolerably quiet, and in the morning the monk -entered the wounded man's room. At a sign from Don Rodolfo his wife and -niece, who had watched the whole night through by his bedside, withdrew. - -"Now, padre," he said, when they left the room, "it is our turn." - -And he helped him to remove the bandages. The monk frowned. - -"I am condemned, am I not?" said Don Rodolfo, who attentively followed -in the monk's face the feelings that agitated him. - -"God can perform a miracle," the Franciscan stammered, in a faint voice. - -The sachem smiled softly. - -"I understand you," he replied; "answer me, therefore, frankly and -sincerely. How many hours have I still to live?" - -"What good is that, my dear, good master?" the monk murmured. - -"Padre Serapio," the chief interrupted him, in a firm voice, "I want to -know, in order that I may settle my affairs on earth, before I appear -in the presence of God." - -"Do you insist on my telling you the truth?" - -"Pray do so--the entire truth." - -The poor man stifled a sigh, and answered, in a voice broken by -emotion--"Unless a miracle occur, you will give back your soul to your -Creator at sunset." - -"I thank you, my friend," the sachem said, his austere face not -displaying the slightest trace of emotion. "Ask my brother to come -here, for I have to talk with him. Keep back my wife and niece until I -ask for them. Go, father; I will see you again before I die." - -The worthy monk withdrew, choked with sobs. The interview of the two -brothers was long, for Don Hernando had many faults to ask pardon for -at the hands of him whose place he had taken. But Don Rodolfo, far from -reproaching him, tried on the contrary to console him, by talking to -him in a cheerful voice, and reminding him of the happy days of their -childhood. He also thanked his brother warmly for having freed him from -the heavy burden of supporting the family honour, and allowing him to -live in accordance with his tastes and humour. Many other things were -talked of, after which the Marquis retired, with pale brow and eyes -swollen with tears, which he tried in vain to repress, that he might -not sadden the last moments of the man whose great soul was revealed -to him at this supreme moment--of the brother whom he had so cruelly -misunderstood, and who had even sacrificed his life to insure his -brother's happiness. - -Dona Marianna and Dona Esperanza then returned to the dying man's room, -followed by Padre Serapio, and a few moments after the Marquis came -back, accompanied by Stronghand. The young man, in spite of his Indian -education and affected stoicism, knelt down sobbing by his father's -side. For some moments father and son talked together in a low voice; -no one save God knew what words were uttered by these two men during -the solemn interview. - -"Come here, niece," Don Rodolfo at length said, addressing Dona -Marianna. - -The maiden knelt down sobbing by the hunter's side. The aged man looked -for a moment tenderly at their two young faces, pale with sorrow, which -were piously leaning over him; then making an effort to sit up, and -supported on one side by his brother, on the other by Dona Esperanza, -he said, in a voice that trembled with emotion--"Niece, answer me as -you would answer God; for the dying, you know, no longer belong to this -world. Do you love my son?" - -"Yes, uncle," the maiden answered through her tears--"yes, I love him." - -"And you, Diego, my son, do you love your cousin?" - -"Father, I love her," the young man answered, in a voice crushed by -emotion. - -Don Rodolfo turned to his brother, who understood his glance. - -"Bless our children, brother," he said, "according to the wish you -expressed to me; Padre Serapio will unite them in your presence." - -The wounded man stretched out his trembling hands over the two young -people. - -"Children," he said, in a powerful voice, though with an accent of -ineffable tenderness, "I bless you; be happy." - -And, crushed by the efforts he had been forced to make, he fell back -in a half-fainting state on his bed. When he regained consciousness, -through the attention of Don Esperanza and his niece, he perceived -an altar by the side of his bed. On his expressing a desire that the -ceremony should take place at once, Padre Serapio, assisted by Jose -Paredes, who was weeping bitterly, read the marriage mass. After the -nuptial benediction, Don Rodolfo received the last sacraments, amid the -tears and sobs of all present. - -"And, now, my friends," he said, "that I have accomplished my duties -as a Christian and Spanish gentleman, it is time for me to perform my -duties as an Indian chief; so allow the Papazo warriors to enter." - -The doors opened, and the warriors entered: they were sad, gloomy, -and thoughtful. The sachem had sat up to receive them, supported by -his son Stronghand. The warriors silently surrounded the bed on which -their venerated chief lay, among them being Sparrowhawk and Peccary. -The sachem looked calmly round the circle, and then spoke in a calm and -deeply accentuated voice:-- - -"The Master of Life has suddenly recalled me to Him. I did not fall -in action, but beneath the dagger of a cowardly assassin. I regret -leaving my nation before I had completed the task which I undertook -for their happiness. What I had not time to do, another will doubtless -terminate. My brothers must continue the war they have so happily -and gloriously commenced; and though I am leaving them, my mind will -remain among them. The warriors of my nation must never forget that -the Master of Life created them free, and that they must live and die -free. The Papazos are brave men, invincible warriors, and slavery is -not made for them. On the point of appearing before the Master of Life, -I implore the chiefs not to forget that the white persons who surround -me form part of my family. If my brothers retain after my death any -recollection of the good which I have continually sought to do them, -they will be kind to the palefaces whom I love. I have only one more -word to add: I desire to give back my soul to the Master of Life -beneath the buffalo hide cabin of the warriors of my nation, and in -the midst of my nation. I desire also that all the rites customary at -the death of the chiefs should be performed for me." - -A tremor of joy ran along the ranks of the redskin warriors on hearing -the last words; for they had feared in their hearts that the sachem -would wish to be interred after the fashion of the white men. The -Peccary then replied, in the name of all-- - -"My father's wishes are orders for his children; never, so long as -the powerful confederation of the Papazos exists, shall an insult be -offered to the palefaces whom he loves. Our father can die in peace; -all his wishes will be religiously carried out by his children." - -A flash of joy sparkled in the sachem's eye at this promise, which he -knew would be strictly kept. The Peccary continued-- - -"The Papazos chiefs are sad; their hearts are swollen by the thought of -losing their father: they fear lest his death may be the cause of great -disorder in their confederation, and injure the success of the war -which had scarce begun." - -"I belong to my sons till the last moment of my existence; what can I -do for them?" - -"My father can do a great deal," the chief answered. - -"My ears are open; I am waiting for my son to explain himself." - -"The chiefs," continued Peccary, "and the great braves of the -confederation, assembled at sunrise round the council fire: they -desire, in order that no discord may spring up among them, that our -father, the great sachem, should himself appoint his successor; for -they feel persuaded that our father's choice will fall on a brave and -wise chief, worthy to command men." - -The sachem reflected for a moment. - -"Be it so," he said at length; "the determination of the sachems is -wise, and I approve of it. Sparrowhawk will command in my place when -I am called away by the Great Spirit; no one is more worthy to be the -first sachem of the nation." - -Sparrowhawk quitted the ranks, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully -to the dying man. - -"I thank my father," he said, "for the signal honour he has done me; -but I am very young to command chiefs and renowned warriors, and I fear -that I shall break down in the heavy task imposed on me. My father -leaves a son; Stronghand is one of the great braves of our nation, and -his wisdom is renowned." - -"My son is a paleface; he does not know the wants of the Papazos so -well as Sparrowhawk. Sparrowhawk will command." - -"I obey my father since he insists; but Stronghand will ever be one of -the great chiefs of my nation." - -A flattering murmur greeted these clever remarks. - -"I thank my son Sparrowhawk in the name of Stronghand. Modesty becomes -a chief so celebrated as is my son," the sachem continued; "the Great -Spirit will inspire him, and he will do great things. I have spoken. Do -the chiefs approve my choice?" - -"We could not have chosen better," Peccary answered. "We sincerely -thank our father for having anticipated our dearest wishes by choosing -Sparrowhawk." - -This scene so simple in its grandeur, and so truly patriarchal, -affected all the spectators, who felt their hearts swollen by sorrow. -The sachem continued-- - -"I feel my strength rapidly leaving me, and life is abandoning me; the -Great Spirit will soon call me to Him. My sons will carry me beneath a -tent of my nation, in order that I may breathe my last sigh in their -midst." - -Stronghand, the Marquis, Peccary, and Sparrowhawk gently lifted the -wounded man on their shoulders, and carried him to the front yard -of the hacienda, followed by all the rest, who walked silently and -thoughtfully in the rear. A lodge, formed of stakes covered with -buffalo hides, had been prepared to receive the great chief; the bed -on which he was lying was softly put down, and the chief's eyes were -turned toward the setting sun. Then all the warriors and their squaws, -whom messengers had informed of the sachem's wound, and who had hurried -to the hacienda, surrounded the tent. The Mexicans themselves mingled -with the crowd, and a deadly silence brooded over the hacienda, in -which, however, more than six thousand persons were assembled at this -moment. - -All eyes were turned toward the dying sachem, by whose side were -standing the members of his family, Padre Serapio, and the principal -chiefs of the Papazos. Now and then the aged man uttered a few words, -which he addressed at times to the monk, at others to his brother, -or to the Indian chiefs. When the sun was beginning to sink on the -horizon, the wounded man's breathing began to grow panting, his eyes -gradually became covered by a mist, and he did not speak; but he -tightly grasped his son's and wife's hands in his right hand, and -Sparrowhawk's in his left. - -All at once a nervous tremor passed over the dying man's body; his -cheeks were tinged; his half closed eyes opened again; he sat up -without any extraneous help, and shouted, in a strong, clear voice, -which was heard by all--"I come, Lord! Papazos, farewell! Esperanza! -Esperanza! We shall meet again!" - -His eyes closed; a livid pallor spread over his face; his limbs -stiffened, and he fell back heavily as he exhaled his last sigh. He was -dead. His last thought was for his wife, whom he had so dearly loved. -The sobs, hitherto restrained, burst forth suddenly and violently -among the crowd. - -"Our father is dead!" Sparrowhawk shouted, in a thundering voice. - -"Vengeance!" the Redskins yelled. - -In fact the murderer of the chief was still alive. The white men who -did not wish to witness the horrible scene that was about to take -place, withdrew. Stronghand, the colonel, Paredes, and Mariano alone -remained. The body of the defunct sachem was at once surrounded by the -squaws: they painted it with several bright colours, dressed it in a -buffalo robe, formed his hair into a tuft as a sign of his rank, and -stretched him out on a dais. The assassin, who was pale but resolute, -was then brought up. - -Sparrowhawk placed himself at the head of the corpse, and began a long -funeral oration, which was frequently interrupted by the sobs of his -audience; then, pointing with an expressive gesture to the murderer, -who was still standing motionless in the midst of the Indians who -guarded him, he said-- - -"Commence the punishment." - -We will not describe the frightful punishment which was inflicted on -the senator; such horrible details are repulsive to our pen. We will -restrict ourselves to stating that he was flayed alive, and that all -his joints were cut in succession. He suffered indescribable agony for -three long hours ere he died. Night had set in during this interval. -When the wretched assassin was dead, chosen warriors took their chief's -body on their shoulders, and proceeded by the light of torches to the -huerta, at the spot where the hacienda hung over the precipice. On -reaching this spot the chief's magnificent steed was brought up. On -his back his master's corpse was securely tied with deerskin thongs, -holding his totem in one hand and his gun in the other; the scalps of -his foes were fastened to his saddle-bow, and on his neck and arms were -his bead necklaces and copper ornaments. Then, amid the sobs of the -squaws, the horse was led to the plateau, where the Papago warriors, -mounted and dressed in their war paint, formed a semicircle, whose ends -reached the precipice. - -Then took place a scene whose savage grandeur could only be compared to -the funeral rites performed at the death of the barbarous chiefs during -those great national migrations which produced the overthrow of the -Roman Empire. By the glare of the torches--whose flames, agitated by -the wind, imparted a fantastic aspect to the gloomy and stern landscape -in this part of the huerta--the horse was placed in the midst of the -semicircle, and the horsemen, brandishing their weapons, struck up -their war song with a savage energy. The startled horse bounded on to -the plateau, bearing the corpse, to which each of its bounds imparted -such an oscillating movement that the rider appeared to be restored to -life. On reaching the brink of the precipice the horse recoiled with -terror, with flaming nostrils; then, suddenly turning round, it tried -to burst the living rampart, which was constantly contracted behind -it. Several times the animal renewed the same exertions; but at last, -attacked by a paroxysm of terror, pursued by the yells of the Indians, -and wounded by their long lances, it rose on its hind legs, uttered a -terrible snort, and leaped into the gulf with its burden. At the same -moment all the torches were extinguished, the tumult was followed by a -mournful silence, and the warriors retired. - -On the morrow, at sunrise, the Redskins left the hacienda, to which -they did not once return during the whole of the war, which lasted -three years. We may possibly some day tell what was the termination of -this grand uprising of the Indians, who on several occasions all but -deprived the Mexican republic of its finest and richest, provinces. - - -THE END - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Stronghand, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONGHAND *** - -***** This file should be named 44672.txt or 44672.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/6/7/44672/ - -Produced by Camille Bernard & Marc D'Hooghe at -http://www.freeliterature.org (Images generously made -available by the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/44672.zip b/old/44672.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a1be715..0000000 --- a/old/44672.zip +++ /dev/null |